Access and Equity in Health and Healthcare
摘要
The aim of this chapter is to identify the challenges of, and opportunities for, improving access and equity to healthcare in complexity. The chapter critically examines the multifaceted challenges of global healthcare access and equity, emphasizing the imperative of fair distribution. It navigates through factors such as socioeconomic status, systemic biases, and cultural influences, all contributing to persistent inequalities in healthcare accessibility worldwide, especially in developing countries. Strategies to enhance access and equity are explored, highlighting the health access framework’s five crucial dimensions: availability, accessibility, accommodation, affordability, and acceptability. The authors advocate for a patient-centered perspective, acknowledging the hurdles posed by conflicting definitions in policy development. Diverse theories and frameworks, ranging from social justice to individual health behavior models, are introduced. This comprehensive approach identifies key dimensions influencing healthcare access. The chapter also delves into evolving healthcare landscapes in developing countries, discussing initiatives while recognizing the vital role played by informal healthcare providers in addressing access barriers. It emphasizes the necessity for cohesive, well-rounded strategies to overcome challenges in the global pursuit of equitable healthcare.