According to the principle of justice, healthcare resources must be allocated equitably for all people regardless of social and economic status. In the United States, however, it is hotly debated whether health care should be considered as a priviledge or right.
Others argue that healthcare should be considered a privilege, available only to those who can afford it. This is because the government does not have a responsibility to provide health care for its citizens. Others argue that healthcare should be considered a privilege, available only to those who can afford to pay for it, as it is not the government’s responsibility to provide healthcare for its citizens.
The reality is that the uninsured and the insured are indeed “unequals” in terms of their access to healthcare. In reality, the uninsured may delay or skip necessary medical attention. This can lead to more expensive healthcare and worse health outcomes. The type of health insurance that one has also creates a system of “unequals,” as individuals with better insurance coverage may have greater access to specialized services and higher quality care than those with more limited coverage.
By advocating policies to promote greater accessibility to healthcare for everyone, providers of healthcare can contribute positively to the creation of a healthier community. Also, healthcare providers can reduce disparities in health by working to address social determinants, like poverty, racism, and lack of education. Healthcare providers should also strive to offer high-quality patient-centered healthcare to everyone, regardless of ability to pay. They can reduce healthcare costs through evidence-based practice and by eliminating unnecessary treatments.
As a conclusion, it is the responsibility of healthcare providers to strive for a just system which provides equitable access to health services to all. It is important to address the systemic issues that lead to disparities in health and to strive to deliver high-quality patient-centered healthcare to everyone, regardless of social or economic standing.