What can health services contribute to the reduction of inequalities in health?

From:: Department for International Development
Published: 1 January 2002

Document Type:: Journal Article
Theme:: Health
Authors:: McKee, M.

Abstract

Policies to reduce inequalities in health are needed in many different settings, one of which is the healthcare setting. This paper, drawing on the conclusions of the Copenhagen conference, explores the contribution that such policies can make within the healthcare system. In doing so it examines four themes. It begins by exploring the contribution that healthcare makes to health. It challenges the widely held view that this contribution is small, arguing that there have been major advances in the effectiveness of medical care and the use of evidence-based healthcare, so that interventions of proven effectiveness are increasingly delivered to those who will benefit. Unfortunately, there is growing evidence that the benefits of modern healthcare do not benefit all groups equally.

Citation

McKee, M. What can health services contribute to the reduction of inequalities in health? Scandinavian Journal of Public Health (2002) 30 (59 suppl) 54-58. [DOI: 10.1177/14034948020300030901]