Worldwide strategy for skin health care in a financial strait-jacket

In consideration of the year 2000, dermatologists must take up the challenge of "Health for All." This paper draws attention to the scope of dermatology, the nature of its work force, the qualifications that are desirable, and the deficiencies and impediments that characterize dermatologic solutions worldwide. It suggests that the future of dermatology depends on achieving appropriate and essential staffing, technology, drugs, and learning materials, within available financial resources. To achieve this, dermatologists must talk more persuasively to those who govern and some centralization of resources into regional training centers may be desirable. Delegation of skin care to purpose-trained auxiliaries, nurses, or medical assistants is essential if costs are to be contained while enlarging the work force.