40 The Medical System
Working
for Change
Millions of people throughout the world suffer and die from
illnesses that could have been prevented or treated if they had
access to good medical care. And even where health services
do exist, there are many barriers that keep women, especially
poor women, from using them.
But together, health workers and groups of women can
change the medical system. They can make it a resource—
rather than a barrier—for women as they try to solve their
health problems. The medical system will not change on its own,
though. It will change only when people demand it, and when
they offer creative ways to bring the health care that people
need within the reach of all.
A good place to begin changing the medical system is by
discussing the health care problems that affect people in your
community—including lack of access to good care—with other
women and men.
I live very far away.
If there were a health
worker close by, it would
save my family the
2 weeks’ wages I spend
every time I have to come.
I wish they didn’t run out of
family planning supplies. I got
pregnant last year because the
clinic ran out, and I can’t afford
to buy a lot all at once when they
do have them.
These city
doctors look
down on us.
I would feel
better if
people from
the village
helped run
the clinic.
I wish they
explained what
was wrong. This
is the 4th time
this year I’ve
had pain when I
passed urine. Why
does this keep
happening?
I wish they
could give
us Pap
tests here.
I’ve heard
they are
important,
but I can’t
afford to go
to the city.
I want there to be
separate rooms
where we could be
examined without
everyone listening.
I would like the clinic
to be open in the
evenings, after I have
finished my work.
I don’t like
having a man
examine me. I
wish there were
women health
workers.
There is always
such a long wait.
If someone asked
right away what
each person
needed then the
really sick people
could be treated
sooner.
Where Women Have No Doctor 2012