[AVAILABILITY OF MEDICAL CARE TO THE RURAL POPULATION AS A GLOBAL MEDICAL AND SOCIAL PROBLEM]

In the context of contemporary globalization, rural residents frequently encounter multiple barriers when attempting to access timely and high-quality healthcare. This article analyzes factors influencing the accessibility and quality of medical services for rural populations, including geographical isolation, limitations in material, human, and technological resources, and specific features of the socio-economic environment. Special attention is given to vulnerable groups within the rural population-such as women, children and adolescents, persons with disabilities, older adults, and inhabitants of areas prone to natural disasters - for whom restricted access to healthcare has cumulative and long-term effects, adversely impacting both physical and mental health indicators. Based on a systematic review of domestic and international publications from recent years, the study identifies key barriers and enabling factors that can improve access to healthcare in rural settings, including the development of primary healthcare services.