Year: 2024 | Month: July-September | Volume: 9 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 99-108
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/gijhsr.20240311
Protecting the Vulnerable: The Right to Health Companionship in International Law
Pankaj Shivaji Shingare1
1Ph. D. Research Scholar, ILS Law College, Pune.
ABSTRACT
This article examines the pivotal role of health companionship in supporting vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illnesses. Health companionship is defined as providing comprehensive support, including physical, emotional, and social assistance, as well as advocacy within healthcare systems. The article underscores how international human rights frameworks like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) implicitly endorse the right to health and special care, highlighting the need for formal recognition of health companionship.
Key challenges facing the implementation of health companionship include legal and policy barriers, resource limitations, and accessibility issues. The article calls for comprehensive legal reforms to address these barriers, including the establishment of clear standards for health companions and the integration of their roles into national health policies. Advocacy and public awareness are deemed essential for advancing the recognition and support of health companionship. Recommendations include enacting specific laws, integrating health companions into healthcare policies, and raising awareness through campaigns and success stories.
Looking ahead, the article highlights how technological advancements, including telehealth and wearable devices, are transforming health companionship. International organizations are crucial in developing global standards and supporting research to enhance the effectiveness of health companionship. Strengthening legal frameworks, promoting awareness, and leveraging technological innovations are key to improving health outcomes and ensuring that health companionship is fully integrated into healthcare systems.
Keywords: Health Companionship, Right to Health, Ethical Responsibilities, Patient Care