ANTHROPOLOGY: Varied Opinions

For several years Edith Coliver was Asia Foundation representative in Manila. She writes:

"There are some problems related to international humanitarian assistance. The Asia Foundation fielded a number of Luce Scholars, brilliant American graduate students on their way to illustrious careers , who needed to become acquainted with local Asian thinking and customs.I hosted a Luce Scholar, a young medical student, who wanted to be assigned to a rural hospital. A young, idealistic woman, she became disillusioned when her medical colleagues sold their free samples rather than using them as much-needed relief for their patients. Another instance: Project Hope, while laudable, carried with it some inherent problems. Young American doctors brought their medical equipment as part of their sea cargo and trained indigenous practitioners in their use. When they left they took their equipment with them, having raised expectations among the local practitioners that could no longer be met: the revolution of rising expectations."

My comment: By "medical colleagues," Edith means the local doctors. American donors try to stop such abuses. There are innumerable examples of American organizations donating expensive medical equipment to poor countries.

Ronald Hilton - 9/06/00