Health Policies

Health Policies

Health policies refer to decisions and actions meant to implement certain standards of health within society. The right to health is internationally recognized and considered to be the central right. The World Health Organization advocates for all states to use maximum resources for the attainability of this objective.  Governments have cooperated various health policies aiming especially at those in marginalized areas where health services are scarce.  Many governments are trying to issue medical insurance to every citizen, and these insurance policies provide free services in public hospitals with the option of affordable annual payments (Rudolph et al., 2013). Key components in health administration include availability, accessibility, acceptability and good quality.

Health policies may restrict certain actions in public to prevent harmful practices that could jeopardize the life of other individuals. Policies may prohibit the use of tobacco in a public environment. Passive smoking is the act of a non-smoker inhaling tobacco. According to researchers, the secondhand smoke contains higher chemical levels. Long-term effects include heart disease and cancer among healthy individuals (Freiler et al., 2013). The policy stipulates that every organization should have a reserved area where smokers can relieve themselves. The policy protects the right to health of the non-smoking population.

Health policy may require organizations, institutions to provide programs for physical exercise.  The allotted period may amount to thirty minutes, which is enough provided; it’s done on a regular basis.

Statistics show exercise strengthens the immunity system and helps to combat cardiovascular disease.  Exercise also provides stress relief and act as self-therapy. This has the effects of improving focus and concentration span of the employees leading to better results.

In conclusion, health policies play a fundamental role in upholding basic human rights to health. Various policies, such as restricting public smoking and mandatory exercise programs in the organization has led to improved health care on national scales.

References

Freiler A, Muntaner C, Shankardass K, et glossary for the implementation of Health in All Policies (HiAP)J Epidemiol Community Health 2013;67:1068-1072.

Rudolph, L., Caplan, J., Ben-Moshe, K., & Dillon, L. (2013). Health in all policies: a guide for state and local governments. Washington, DC: American Public Health Association.