The Five Health Frontiers: A New Radical Blueprint

Covid-19 has exposed the limits of a neoliberal public health orthodoxy, but the left is stuck in a rearguard action. Christopher Thomas argues for a bold, new vision for health and care, including a redesign of the economy, a universal public health service, and a recalibration in the efforts against pandemics.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 20 January 2022
Publisher: Pluto Press

Covid-19 has brought to light the limitations of a neoliberal public health ideology. However, rather than envisioning a radical transformation, the left seems confined to a defensive stance, primarily focused on safeguarding the NHS from the impending threat of privatization. In an insightful essay, public health expert Christopher Thomas advocates for a proactive approach in emerging from Covid-19. He proposes a bold and innovative vision for our health and care, outlining five new frontiers for public health. Thomas envisions a transformative shift, moving beyond the mere preservation of our existing healthcare system to a radical expansion of the principles championed by Aneurin Bevan, the visionary founder of the NHS, over seven decades ago.

Beyond reevaluating our approach to healthcare services, Thomas' blueprint encompasses a comprehensive redesign of our economy through Public Health Net Zero. This entails a transformative shift towards a sustainable and environmentally friendly model, aimed at mitigating the root causes of ill health. Additionally, he advocates for the establishment of a robust and universal public health service that is equipped to address the underlying determinants of health, rather than merely treating symptoms.

Furthermore, Thomas proposes a significant recalibration in our efforts to combat the epidemiological realities of an era characterized by pandemics. This includes investing in robust public health infrastructure, enhancing disease surveillance systems, and developing rapid response capabilities to address emerging health threats promptly and effectively. By embracing these visionary ideas, we can strive for a healthier, more equitable, and resilient society that is better prepared to face the challenges of the future.

Weight: 250g
Dimension: 136 x 215 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780745343921