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Healthcare Access

Meaning

Healthcare Access is a complex, multifaceted public health concept that describes the ease with which individuals and populations can obtain necessary medical services, including prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management, without encountering undue financial, geographical, or structural barriers. This concept is typically assessed across four dimensions: the availability of services, the physical and geographical accessibility, the affordability (cost barriers), and the cultural and professional acceptability (patient-provider trust). Ensuring equitable access is a fundamental goal of all effective public health and clinical systems.