The role of national medical associations in the formulation and implementation of national population policies and programmes

ABSTRACT

Lord Caradon in one of his speeches said that "if dealing with the problems of population are left too late, then all our economic and political achievements would be swept away like sand castles before an advancing tide". And so, our message to everyone must denote and connote some urgency because the turn of the country is just around the corner or at the bend. We all recognize and accept the role of the citizen tne volunteer, the employed. In fact, a place in the scheme of things for each. But getting commitment and pursue with increasing interest and vigor, the work momentum of all, through persistent and contained sharing, should keep us moving forward and progressing relentlessly and force-fully towards our principal aim and primordial objective, avowed intention, and desired purpose which is to enhance the quality of lifeExecutive Director Rafael Salas of the UN Fund for Population Activities reminds us that existing difficulties in providing food, training, education, medical attention and employment are going to compound themselves in accelerated ratio to population increase, unless rational solutions are sought and action taken, not when swollen populations are a reality, but now. This is the real objective of WPY, "Action Now". National medical associations by virtue of their organization constitute influential channels through which physicians can exert collective leadership, and action must be now.(Conclusions)