Equity in health care; experiences from Sweden

Mortality figures for Sweden, and for expectation of life, match and in many cases better those of other developed countries of the world. At the same time, there is no doubt that there are many inequalities existing in Sweden which such figures disguise. The ideals of achieving good health, and care on equal terms, for the whole population are fine, but the realities are some distance from their achievement. Care on equal terms must be a urgent political goal: but, the contents of that goal must be specified more clearly. Despite all the good already achieved, the article suggests some of the key areas in which political action and rethinking are now necessary.