Highlights:
- If disease is to become a cash cow, how can good health be the goal?
- WHO uses propaganda instead of science to push the HPV vaccine?
- Genetic crops, genetic vaccines, and now genetic babies: AI to play God!
Website: https://uho.org.in
In a highly critical address delivered this week, Dr. Amitav Banerjee, Chairperson of the Universal Health Organisation (UHO), issued a stark warning regarding the global health system, asserting that the sector has transitioned from providing public interest care to becoming a profit-driven “disease care” economy.
Dr. Amitav’s comments, detailed in the UHO’s latest newsletter, focused on three major areas of concern: the massive financialization of healthcare, the politicization of global health messaging, and the alarming ethical implications of accelerating genetic manipulation, including the concept of “designer babies.”
1. Health Care as a Business
- Dr. Amitav pointed out that health care, traditionally viewed as a means to promote wellness, has shifted towards a profit-driven model. This change means that hospitals and clinics may benefit financially when people become sick, which is counterproductive for public health.
- There has been a surge in investments in the health sector, with private companies and the government pouring vast resources into health care. This sector is projected to become a $22 trillion industry by 2030, driven largely by artificial intelligence (AI) and treatments for lifestyle diseases like obesity.
2. WHO Accused of Becoming a ‘Propaganda Machine’
- Cervical Cancer Awareness: The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared a Cervical Cancer Day, which Dr. Amitav critiques as a misplaced focus. He argued that while cervical cancer is a significant issue, there are other pressing health concerns, such as maternal mortality rates during childbirth, that need more attention.
- Questionable Vaccine Evidence: Dr. Amitav raised concerns about the HPV vaccine promoted by WHO, stating that there are no comprehensive studies to confirm its long-term effectiveness against cervical cancer. He argued that current trials lack the necessary evidence, particularly because they depend on intermediate measures instead of long-term outcomes.
3. Genetic Manipulation: From Crops to ‘Designer Babies’
- Gene Editing Concerns: One of the most alarming points was the introduction of “designer babies,” where genes could be edited before birth. Dr. Amitav expressed ethical concerns about manipulating life at such a fundamental level, driven by profit motives instead of a focus on public health.
- Role of Influencers: Prominent figures in technology, like Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, are pushing for these gene-editing technologies, raising worries about the implications of placing genetic choices in the hands of corporations rather than keeping it a matter of personal and ethical consideration.
Dr. Amitav wrapped up by emphasizing that while advancements in medical technology and treatments appear beneficial on the surface, they often drive a cycle that profits from sickness rather than promoting genuine health solutions. He urged a reevaluation of priorities in health care, toward a model that focuses on prevention and public well-being rather than profit.
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