| Abstract |
The aim of this postgraduate dissertation was the study of bioethical aspects of the economic crisis, through the study of the crisis health effects. As bioethical aspects are considered the restriction of the right to health as an individual and social right and the consequent violation of human dignity. In the study of bioethical aspects solidarity is added, as a concept and practice associated with the activities performed by the Social Solidarity Clinic and Pharmacy.
Specifically, in the first chapter, the paper refers to dignity as a source that supplies the content of human rights. It explains that the deterioration of the right to health is a blow to human dignity and that the decline of the right to health and other social rights, due to the unitary character of human rights, finally leads to the retreat of civil and political rights.
Next, it refers to the European welfare state which was established after World War II, based on the values of equality and solidarity, and its decline in the last decades of the 20th century. It refers to the actions of civil society, emerging in our country and places the ethical questions raised by them.
At the end of the first chapter there is a detailed reference to the concept of solidarity. Solidarity is comeback to the forefront in the conditions of crisis. The study answers positively to the question whether solidarity can be considered as a duty, arguing that solidarity can be reconstructed as a positive aspect of the categorical imperative and the happiness of others can be represented as a moral duty for the social subjects. The rule of solidarity, in this sense, passes successfully the principle of universality, suggesting that everyone should understand each other in practice as an end in itself, as a body of equal autonomy and dignity rightfully. The concept of solidarity is contrasted with the concepts of charity, mercy, compassion and generosity which the guiding principle is the paternalism of beneficence and not the principle of equality, which is peculiar to all rational subjects as equal decent bodies. Reference is made to the concept of self-reliance with regard to resources of individuals, as a prerequisite to be able to enjoy their freedom to set and pursue objectives independently and without compulsion. It is argued that people acting in solidarity contribute in the self-reliance of others. Finally it is argued that the existence of the Social Solidarity Clinic and Pharmacy in crisis conditions is an effort to protect human rights, human dignity and self-reliance for everyone.
The second chapter addresses the issue of the economic crisis and its impact on health. It is shown the impact of unemployment and poverty on health, and the impact of the crisis on children and the suicide rate. As well as, the consequences of major financial crises of the last century on the health of the affected countries and the different effects of the economic crisis on human health, depending on the policies pursued. Reference is made to the economic crisis in Greece, the effects of the implementation of austerity policies and its effects on the health of the Greek people.
The third chapter is about the right to health and its constitutional protection as a social and individual right and about the principle of the welfare state in the Constitution. It presents the welfare state and the right to health in Greece during crisis. It refers to the human rights approach and how this may be another approach to the policy during the crisis.
The fourth chapter refers to the concept of solidarity and its development during time. The working definition of B. Prainsack and A. Buyx, about solidarity is presented, as a commitment to take the cost to help others with whom we recognize similarity. Based on the definition of B. Prainsack and A. Buyx, it distinguishes the solidarity of the related concepts of empathy, charity and altruism. It shows the relationship of solidarity and bioethics and how solidarity is emerging in Greece in response to the crisis. In this chapter particular reference to solidarity in the health sector is done, through the case of the Social Solidarity Clinic and Pharmacy that occurred and operated from 2011 to 2015. A critical approach to the activity of Social Solidarity Clinic and Pharmacy is attempted. The work concludes with the presentation of the conclusions in the fifth chapter.
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Οικονομική κρίση και κρίση στην υγεία : βιοηθικές προεκτάσεις
