Dr. Sameer Suhail Discusses Why Some Groups Fail to Receive Healthcare
Among the most essential aspects of healthcare is ensuring that all patients receive quality care, regardless of their vulnerability. According to Dr. Sameer Suhail, some populations are more susceptible to failing to receive quality medical care than others. These vulnerable populations include the elderly, minorities, and low-income individuals. While there are many reasons why these groups may not receive adequate healthcare, one major factor is the lack of access to healthcare facilities and providers.
Facing Barriers To Quality Healthcare
Patients with chronic conditions, for example, are more likely to have difficulty accessing quality healthcare. They often require more expensive and time-consuming treatments than healthy patients. In addition, they are more likely to have comorbidities, which means that they suffer from more than one chronic condition. Similarly, people with disabilities are considered as vulnerable as the chronically ill because their physical impairments make it problematic to access medical care. Unfortunately, these patients tend to have numerous interactions with the health system because of their conditions.
A study conducted by the National Institutes of Health determined that people who live in poverty are more likely to experience chronic health problems. Dr. Sameer Suhail explains that they cannot afford basic necessities, let alone quality medical care. Moreover, homeless individuals often have difficulty finding a place to stay, making it even more challenging to access Healthcare.
Other vulnerable populations often face barriers to healthcare access. For many of these groups, such as pregnant women, children, the elderly, and minorities, poverty or language barriers can be a major obstacle. In addition, these individuals may lack access to transportation or healthcare facilities, making it difficult for them to seek treatment promptly. Regardless of the cause, healthcare deserts often result in damaging outcomes for patients. Fortunately, there are many strategies that healthcare providers and policymakers can implement in order to increase healthcare access for these vulnerable populations. One approach is to encourage telemedicine services that allow patients to connect remotely with healthcare providers via phone or video conferences. This ensures that patients who otherwise would not be able to leave their home will still be able to receive essential care. Additionally, improving education around preventative measures such as exercise and nutritional habits can help individuals better manage chronic conditions before they become more severe.
For similar reasons, certain geographical communities, such as those living in rural areas, tend to have worse health than the general population. This is because they often have less access to quality medical care due to their relative geographic isolation. Also, people living in these regions typically have a lower socioeconomic status, have limited job and educational opportunities, and are usually older. One of the most pressing issues facing rural communities today is the lack of access to healthcare. In recent years, numerous rural hospitals have been forced to close their doors, leaving residents with few options for medical care. This problem has been exacerbated by the fact that many rural residents cannot afford healthcare insurance. As a result, they are often forced to choose between paying for medical treatment and other essentials like food and housing. This dilemma has had a profound impact on the health of rural communities, and it is one that must be addressed urgently.
