| Man's health and well-being are not just one goal of economic development, but are actually its foundation. Some countries, like Colombia, have recognized this interrelationship in health policies. Only a health team can solve problems common to developing areas. Universities need to be active in teamwork for community health. Medical and health education is a powerful instrument of national development, but first medical education must be reoriented; it must familiarize itself with important social and economic factors. Research is needed to help develop services related to field problems. Developing countries need to create programmes based not on models used in industrial countries but on their own needs. University efforts and government programmes should be coordinated. Ways in which Colombia is reorienting medical education are discussed. |