The Necessity of Social Solidarity and Sustainability Principles in Health System Programs

Seif-Farshad, Mehran

Volume 17 - Supplement of 11th Annual Iranian Congress of Medical Ethics IJMEHM 2024, 17 - Supplement of 11th Annual Iranian Congress of Medical Ethics : 1-2 | Back to browse issues page

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Seif-Farshad M. The Necessity of Social Solidarity and Sustainability Principles in Health System Programs. IJMEHM 2024; 17 (S1) :1-2
URL: http://ijme.tums.ac.ir/article-1-7042-en.html

The Necessity of Social Solidarity and Sustainability Principles in Health System Programs

Mehran Seif-Farshad ^*

Medical Education Research Center, Health Management and Safety Promotion Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran

Abstract: (853 Views)

Health care services, in addition to being recognized as fundamental rights in various global human rights declarations, play a crucial role in advancing the development of human societies. The four principles of biomedical ethics introduced by Beauchamp and Childress—autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence, and justice—are pivotal for ethical analysis and decision-making. However, certain other dimensions, which may not be explicitly addressed within these principles, are essential for policymaking at both macro and micro levels in health care. Two such important principles are social solidarity and sustainability, both of which hold a prominent position in health systems planning. The principle of social solidarity refers to the ways in which unity, cohesion, and collaboration are fostered within a community. A socially cohesive society embraces cultural diversity, respects human rights and the rule of law, and demonstrates a shared commitment to social order and collective responsibility. Social solidarity can significantly reduce health risks by creating a strong societal framework where cooperative efforts foster conditions for well-being, minimizing disability and disease. On the other hand, a health care system is fundamentally responsible for establishing and maintaining a sustainable and high-quality care environment. Sustainability in health services is achieved when ethical obligations—such as maximizing possible benefits, balancing risks against benefits, ensuring fairness (including for future generations), and respecting public rights—are prioritized. Continuity of health care ensures better coordination and improved delivery of services. Disruptions in health policies or intermittent provision of health services can severely undermine public trust. A conceptual understanding of sustainability and continuity in public health ethics is crucial, as these principles ensure that health policies, programs, and services enable access to the highest attainable standard of health, free from economic, social, or political instability. However, sustainability should not imply stagnation; services must remain responsive to the evolving needs of populations and societies. Ignoring these two principles in health policymaking and program design can seriously erode public trust and ultimately harm individual and Health system planning, should be changed to Health care programs.

Keywords: Social Solidarity, Sustainability in Health Care, Health System Planning, Public Health Ethics, Continuity of Care, Health Policy

Full-Text [PDF 365 kb] (201 Downloads)

Type of Study: Oral Presentation | Subject: Health Ethics Congress (11th) - Oral Presentation
Received: 2025/08/17 | Revised: 2026/01/12 | Accepted: 2024/12/22 | Published: 2024/12/22