In spite of some improvements in health care coverage across the world, hundreds of millions of people still lack adequate access to health care and protection from the costs of illness, disease and injury. Health systems are being commercialised and marketised, resulting in greater inefficiency and inequity. Clinical research and health policy have been captured by corporate actors and bent to serve commercial interests. Prisoners and detainees are subjected to abuse and torture, often with the complicity of health professionals.

Medact does not provide frontline clinical care or humanitarian relief. But it exists to promote a vision of human rights medicine. It works to restore the function of the health system as a foundation for societal well-being and a platform for the expression of ethical behaviour. It acts to restore public interest to the heart of health policy.