Counsel #11 — Health Systems

Picture: Counsel #11 — Health SystemsCSI 139.1

Healthcare systems in developing countries are often fragmented, meaning that they are made up of a variety of different providers, payers, and financing mechanisms. These healthcare systems may be underfunded with limited resources to provide comprehensive care to everyone who needs it.CSI 139.2

Colonialism has left a legacy of healthcare systems designed to serve distinct populations. For example, in India, there is a public healthcare system that was designed to serve the poor, a private healthcare system that is used by the wealthy, and a traditional healthcare system that is used by rural communities.CSI 139.3

For many years, Seventh-day Adventists have built new clinics and hospitals in rural areas, particularly in developing countries, and provided medical staffing as well as transportation subsidies to help all populations reach healthcare facilities.^{[192]https://adventistreview.org/feature/adventist-health-international/}CSI 139.4

“He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given.” Proverbs 19:17 NKJVCSI 139.5

“Christ tests His professed followers by placing among them the helpless and the poor, to be dependent upon their care. Our love and service for His needy children prove the genuineness of our love for Him. To neglect them is to declare ourselves false disciples, strangers to Christ and His love.” Ellen White in The Ministry of Health and Healing, pp. 109, 110CSI 139.6

Reflect: Would you consider it a privilege or a sacrifice to help meet the needs of a low-resourced community?CSI 139.7