Farewell to David Legge: People's Health Dispatch
This fortnight at the People's Health Dispatch
People's Health Movement founding member David Legge passed away in early February. Through his academic work and as a member of the global health movement, Legge made enormous contributions to the understanding of the political economy of health. PHM bids David farewell, promising to continue the struggle for health.
Health cooperation between Cuba and Venezuela exemplifies exchange models promoted by Health for All advocates, showing how the foundations of healthcare can be built on respect and solidarity rather than commodified structures promoted by the Global North.
In Germany, militarization is advancing at full speed through all sectors, including healthcare. The Association of Democratic Doctors (vdää*) warns of plans to build underground military hospitals and mainstream medical associations' enthusiasm for war and profit, calling for urgent action to halt this process and focus on peace.
Indonesia's new patent legislation has raised concerns among patient associations and health rights groups, who warn that safeguards against patent evergreening have been removed. As a result, thousands are at risk of losing access to essential treatments as Big Pharma prioritizes profits.
In India, PHM’s national circle – Jan Swasthya Abhiyan – supported the historic February 12 general strike involving 300 million workers and farmers. Echoing trade union and farmer association demands, JSA called for labor legislation that guarantees essential rights to all health workers – as well as protections for all workers’ health.
Featured articles
Remembering David Legge: a tribute
The People’s Health Movement reflects on the work and legacy of founding member David Legge, who passed away at the beginning of February 2026.
Venezuela and Cuba: a socialist alliance for Health for All
Revolutionary medicine and medical cooperation with Cuba – based also on exchange of oil and health workers – helped Venezuela secure essential healthcare services for thousands of people.
Militarization is spreading through Germany’s health sector
Militarization is advancing across the health sector in Germany, yet the impact of these plans is not yet fully grasped by the public, warn activists from the Association of Democratic Doctors.
Indonesian health coalition demands return of protections against patent evergreening
The Coalition for Patient Rights Advocacy for Access to Medicines is pursuing a judicial review of the 2024 Indonesian Patent Law, calling for the return of crucial protections against patent evergreening.
Cartoon: Global North proposals to share pathogen data
Short reads
Jan Swasthya Abhiyan backs historic strike in India
Jan Swasthya Abhiyan has expressed solidarity with India’s February 12 national strike, warning that proposed labor reforms threaten workers’ health and rights.
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