A New Year Resolution

The political atmosphere of the day demands clarity as we enter the new year. The world in 2023 will be preoccupied with many regional and international problems. In Europe, the Russia/Ukraine war shock of 2022 reverberates. Many European countries looking to the US for answers, are disillusioned by our polarized and distrusting political parties. The ongoing chaos in Brazil is troubling at the least. And in the far-east, resource-rich China is quietly filling the economic void created by western infighting, adding more uncertainties for people of all nationalities. As though these calamities were not enough, mother nature is on her own rampage, further confounding the challenges. 

In the middle of this chaos, live millions of homeless and refugees that, due to no fault of their own, have lost everything and are looking for hope and a chance to begin anew. Yet the protectionism of many is drowning that hope. As the United Nations Secretary-General; Antonio Guterres said; "I remember the times when most borders would be open and now, we see borders closed, now people do not even have the right to be a refugee in many parts of the world."

In these times of uncertainties, psychological as well as physical hardships sicken people. Not to mention the deplorable conditions they live under. Moreover, the recent epidemics are further isolating many. The only hope for them is a visit to a healthcare provider – if there are any among them.  The challenge for us healthcare providers is to be able to treat our patients without prejudice and bias of our own.

Fortunately, our new technologies help us reach more of the needy near and far. It even allows us to care for our enemies, without jeopardizing safety. Let us all get out, communicate with more people and spread hope! It’s a resolution worth having.