Medical technology: figuring in the equity factor.

The theme of this issue of MEDICC Review-Medical Technology and Health Equity-mirrors that of the previous one-Medical Education for Health Equity. This is no coincidence. As Charles Boelen's Viewpoint in the earlier issue suggests, socially accountable medical training programs are essential to achieving health equity but are not enough; it takes a whole health system built around a shared commitment to providing quality care for all. This implies integrating people and tools, with policies that encourage communication and knowledge sharing among researchers, practitioners and the public at large and that facilitate technology transfer across borders and institutions.