The economic development trap

[lumberjack_jeff]

After reading Mika's really excellent post on Cuba, I realized that the reason for improvement in the health of their citizens isn't despite their miniscule economy, but precisely because of it.

The differences between Cuba and the United States are vast, but the nature and size of our economies are the most obvious. Cuba's GDP per capita is $11,000. The USA's GDP per capita is $48,000.

As the article pointed out, the generally accepted belief is that public health requires a robust economy which in turn causes wealth inequality. I think the reverse is true; Healthcare professionals have the highest level of training, and have the biggest responsibilities of any individuals in an economy. Because of that, they command the highest incomes. Their incomes should rival those of CEO's, Lawyers, Investment bankers and star entertainers.

So long as incomes are so disproportionate, those who need healthcare services will be unable to afford it. Looking at WHO data shows that lasseiz-faire capitalism is inconsistent with adequate public health.

Fix income inequality, and you'll fix most of this country's ills - including our health.