Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026
23:56
Comprehensive & Cost Effective Laboratory Monitoring of HIV/AIDS: an African Role Model
Published on: October 31, 2010
Making health systems more equitable
Davidson R Gwatkin1, Abbas Bhuiya, Cesar G Victora
1dgwatkin@comcast.net
Lancet (London, England)
|October 7, 2004
Summary
Health systems often neglect the poor, widening health disparities. Targeted interventions and empowering disadvantaged communities can create more equitable healthcare access for all.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Public Health Policy
- Health Equity Studies
Background:
- Healthcare systems globally exhibit persistent inequities, disproportionately benefiting affluent populations while disadvantaging the poor.
- These disparities are likely to persist without deliberate strategies to improve healthcare access for vulnerable groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and propose actionable strategies for mitigating health inequities within healthcare systems.
- To advocate for a shift in focus towards improving healthcare coverage and quality for disadvantaged populations.
Main Methods:
- The study reviews existing literature and proposes a framework for equitable health system design.
- It emphasizes goal-setting for the poor, targeted interventions, and community empowerment.
Main Results:
- Establishing specific coverage goals for impoverished populations can redirect planning efforts.
- Implementing proven, context-specific interventions can enhance service delivery to the disadvantaged.
- Empowering marginalized communities in health system design fosters greater equity and responsiveness.
Conclusions:
- Addressing health inequities requires a proactive approach focused on the needs of the poor.
- Empowerment of disadvantaged groups and targeted strategies are crucial for achieving equitable healthcare.
- Health systems can be reshaped to provide more effective and equitable services to all populations.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Introduction To Health Care Delivery System
The healthcare system is constantly changing and complex. Various services are available from different healthcare providers, but gaining access to these services has become challenging for people with limited healthcare insurance. Uninsured people present a challenge to healthcare because they frequently postpone or forego treatment.
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) advocates for a patient-centered, effective, safe, timely, equitable, and effective healthcare system. The National Priorities...
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) advocates for a patient-centered, effective, safe, timely, equitable, and effective healthcare system. The National Priorities...
01:26Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System
At the different levels of the healthcare system, we see varying methods of healthcare used. These methods include managed care systems, case management, and primary healthcare.
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is limited...
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is limited...
01:21Tertiary Healthcare System
Specialized care provided over an extended period is called tertiary care. Usually, a primary or secondary care physician will refer a patient to tertiary care. A patient's maximum physical and mental function is restored in tertiary care, which is caused due to the impact of a chronic illness or condition. Tertiary care aims to achieve the highest level of functioning possible while managing chronic illness. For example, a patient who falls and fractures their hip will need secondary care to...
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
Essential infection prevention measures are based on the knowledge of the infection chain, the modes of transmission in healthcare settings, and the use of the best practices in all healthcare settings. Compulsory public reporting of healthcare-associated infection rates is needed to allow individuals and the community to make informed choices regarding selecting a healthcare facility.
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:26Standard Precaution
Standard precautions are the minimum infection control safeguards used while caring for all patients, irrespective of their disease condition. They help prevent the spread of common infectious microorganisms to healthcare workers, patients, and visitors in all healthcare settings.
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
01:26Principles of Disease Surveillance
Disease surveillance is the systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of health data essential to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of public health practice. This process integrates data dissemination to entities responsible for preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability. Surveillance systems provide crucial information for action, helping public health authorities make informed decisions to manage and prevent outbreaks, ensure public safety, optimize...