Locking Horns: Healthcare in the Age of Overpopulation

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Mr. Muhammad Talha Habib, a passionate medical student, is a distinguished valedictorian in both his school and college, Pakistan. He is affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), cordial partner of The Sting. The opinions expressed in this piece belong strictly to the writer and do not necessarily reflect IFMSA’s view on the topic, nor The European Sting’s one.

Time after time, we have been warned against the impending tragedies of overpopulation. It has not just influenced how we plan and map out our activities on a grand scale but has also made us better prepared against the uncertainties it may entail. Today, unfortunately, health care also stands against the far-reaching tides of overpopulation. Historically, healthcare has lived through its dark ages ad nauseam, the most recent being the Outbreak of COVID-19. It did not just wreak physical havoc on healthcare providers but existential too.

With the increase in population, the threshold wall of healthcare for supporting a flux of patients is prone to be penetrated. With the walls breached, it would only be natural to welcome new hazards to fatten the peril awaiting us in an economic crisis. The dam will thereby overflow as populations turn to migrate and fracture the resources, mainly for the health, of other societies. Underprivileged societies of underdeveloped or developing countries will be the main prey of this wave of crisis. As the resources get wiped out, the health affordability of these societies would be in jeopardy, making them prone to exploitation.

Framing and tackling the acute need for healthcare supplies with the increase in population in the face of increasing infectious diseases requires a strong effort, monetarily and productively, to keep up with the pace of these challenges. Failure to meet these demands would lead to a difficult journey. Preparing to combat these challenges from today can minimize the chaos awaiting us. National policymakers should plan, budget, and devise programs intelligently. Of course, the gap is there in the field of epidemiology awaits quality research, especially in poverty-stricken areas. The burden lies on the World Health Organization, integrating critical patient care and quality policy-making with the increasing population demands.

Cost-effective methods are to be pursued with an equitable health distribution addressing disparities. However, cost-effectiveness as a trade-off for quality should be avoided by striking a happy medium. Caught amidst this storm, the environmental factors need to be accounted for, like rapid urbanization and its negative effects on our environment. It has had devastating effects on our environment, and if ignored, the case for climate change only grows stronger. Furthermore, adjustments to these changes welcome new forms of diseases. Strategies for innovative healthcare models and technological advancements are required in making the healthcare infrastructure competent in the face of these problems.

As we confront the challenges of overpopulation in the healthcare sector, proactive planning, innovative solutions, and collaboration among policymakers and international organizations are essential for building a resilient healthcare system. Therefore, navigating the uncharted waters of overpopulation, it is crucial to strike a balance between cost-effective methods and maintaining high-quality healthcare services. Prioritizing the well-being of both patients and healthcare providers is paramount in this journey. Together, we can rise to the challenges posed by overpopulation, ensuring that healthcare remains a cornerstone of societal well-being and that no one is left behind in the pursuit of a healthier, more sustainable future.

About the author

Muhammad Talha Habib, a passionate medical student, is a distinguished valedictorian in both his school and college. From Crescent Model Higher Secondary School to Forman Christian College, his dedication to academic excellence and leadership qualities earned him this prestigious title. Currently studying in Quaid e Azam Medical College, and as an active member of the IFMSA Pakistan, he contributes to the medical community and collaborates with peers to impact global healthcare positively. Driven by his exceptional abilities, his thirst for knowledge and his passion for making a difference, he is poised to become a trailblazer and future leader in the medical field. 

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