Well 2008 is here and it's been a turbulent start to the year, with disruption in Kenya after the elections and the fall out from Benazir Bhutto's assansination in Pakistan at the end of last year threatening to continue well into the new year. But, this is medical, and after spending the holidays catching up on some other reading, I thought that I would start with a medical wish list for 2008. Wish number one: Some progress towards an HIV vaccine - at the moment we are no-where near it. Wish number two: Government intervention in South Africa that will lead to drastic improvements in the public health system. Wish number three: Some positive results from current government investigations into the ever-rising costs of private health care - currently rising far faster than inflation. Wish number three: On the back of reductions in increases in costs of private health care, some rationalisation of the costs of medical aid schemes - these are fast becoming unaffordable for all but the top income earners. Wish number four: That those who oppose embryonic stem cell research will finally start taking the rights of sick people more seriously than the rights of a bundle of blastocycst cells. Wish number five: That "Big pharma" will start putting money and time into developing new drugs for neglected diseases like TB. Wish number five: That a pill is developed that makes people want to exercise regularly and eat sensibly - and to stop looking for a pill for every ill (but then we wouldn't need big pharma - whoops!). Any further medical wishes from readers are most welcome. The printable ones will be published next Monday. Have a wonderful, healthy 2008.
Bridget Farham, https://www.bizcommunity.com