| In this paper, the author discusses social medicine as it is applied in developing countries, pointing out its deficiencies and shortcomings in meeting the needs of these populations and suggesting some alternative approaches. The outdated view that spec application of specific techniques has resulted in disease treatment rather than treatment of the human being as a whole and the family as a unit. Too great a reliance on statistics has resulted in the focusing of effort on the epidemics and endemic dise of life in childhood are overlooked. A fragmented "specialist" approach to disease has precluded a perception of illness within the context of the community, i.e., a "total" health picture. It is suggested that the area where medical attention is most ne far-reaching effect, is that of maternal and child health. It is recommended that more attention be paid to pediatrics in medical schools where physicians are being trained for work in developing countries. |