Socioeconomic disparities in healthcare access remain a pressing global issue, manifesting starkly in diverse regions and varying socio-economic strata. Despite advancements in medical technology and healthcare delivery systems, access to healthcare services is significantly influenced by socioeconomic status, creating profound inequalities. Globally, this disparity is evident in the access to essential health services, which the World Health Organization (WHO) notes are less accessible to lower-income populations, leading to higher mortality rates and poorer health outcomes (WHO 2020).
At a global level, the correlation between income inequality and health disparities is well-documented. Lower-income groups face significant barriers to accessing healthcare, including financial constraints, lack of insurance coverage, and geographical limitations. In contrast, higher-income individuals enjoy better health outcomes due to their ability to afford comprehensive health services and preventative care. The Global Burden of Disease Study (2019) emphasizes that low-income countries have substantially higher rates of preventable diseases and deaths compared to high-income countries, underscoring the critical role of economic resources in healthcare access (Vos et al. 2020).
In Asia, the economic boom experienced by many countries has not uniformly translated into equitable healthcare access. The rapid urbanization and economic growth have often exacerbated disparities, leaving the lower-income groups with limited access to quality healthcare. A study by Kim et al. (2019) highlights that while middle and upper-class populations in South Korea benefit from advanced healthcare facilities, the lower class still struggles with inadequate access, largely due to economic constraints and social stigma.
In India, for example, the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) data reveals that only 20% of the rural population has health insurance, compared to 75% of urban residents, reflecting a significant disparity based on economic status and geographic location (NSSO 2021). Furthermore, studies indicate that lower-income families are more likely to delay or forgo necessary medical treatment due to cost, whereas the middle and upper classes can access advanced healthcare services with relative ease (Patel et al. 2019).
In China, despite efforts to expand healthcare coverage through reforms, rural and lower-income populations still struggle with inadequate access to healthcare.
The urban-rural divide exacerbates these disparities, with rural residents experiencing limited availability of healthcare professionals and facilities (Zhang et al. 2021). Consequently, the middle and upper classes, primarily residing in urban areas, benefit from higher-quality healthcare services, perpetuating socioeconomic inequities.
Sheikh Mehzabin Chitra is a University Correspondent of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST), Bangladesh Post and a final year honours student of Anthropology Department of the institution
