Health policy and inequalities in access to health care

  Health policy has a fundamental impact on inequalities in access to health care. Health policy decisions can both contribute to existing inequalities and help combat them.

   Health policy and inequality

  Inequalities in access to health care are widespread around the world, and their causes are complex. Factors such as socioeconomic status, gender, age, race and nationality, place of residence and even sexual orientation can affect access to and quality of health care.

  Health policy, through decisions about resource allocation, regulation, and health strategies and programs, can significantly affect these inequities.

   Health policy strategies

Health policy can affect inequalities in access to health care in a variety of ways:

• Financing: Health policy has a key impact on how resources are distributed in the health care system. Funding decisions can decide which groups are prioritized for services and which health conditions are considered a priority.

• Regulations: Regulations on access to health services, such as eligibility criteria for health programs, can also affect inequities in access to health care.

• Programs and initiatives: Health policies can also introduce specific programs and initiatives to target resources to specific social groups or health conditions.

  
  
  

   Examples of health policy activities

  Examples of health policy actions to reduce inequalities in access to health care include: health programs targeting people of lower socioeconomic status, initiatives to increase access to health care in areas with low access to health services, and policies to increase minority representation in the health professions.

   Summary

  Health policy has a key impact on inequalities in access to health care. By making informed and effective policy decisions, it is possible to improve access to health care for all members of society, thereby reducing health inequalities.