AbstractContrary to the hopes created by globalization, most observers report a substantial degradation of living standards, social protection, and basic social services, such as education, employment and health. This paper discusses the social dimensions of globalization with special focus on its impact on health services. Six main issues are addressed, namely, commercial exploitation of health plants, monopoly of health commodities, new food hazards, unfair implementation of intellectual property rights, marketing of tobacco and similar health threatening items, and the brain drain from developing countries. Specific recommended actions are presented, aiming for globalization that is more favorable to the poor.