- Published: September 13, 2022
- Updated: September 13, 2022
- University / College: Georgetown University
- Language: English
- Downloads: 29
Inequalities in Public Health Centers occur when services and resources in such centers are not being distributed equally among the populations. Public health enters are expected to offer their services at very low prices or even for free. Mostly the government and the non-governmental organizations finance such institutions.
Resources such funding, personnel, medical equipment, drugs among others are supposed to be shared equally to ensure that each region or center receives a fair share. When the individuals charged with the responsibility of distributing these resources is biased then he or she will also be biased in allocation. Leaders elected to distribute resources will always allocate more resources and services their regions. A health care officer from Ventura for instance, will tend to allocate recommend more health care centers to be established in his or her area and would channel more resources to people from his or her region (Hofrichter, 2010).
Unequality in resource and service distribution normally leads to inequality in health. Those regions which receive less becomes more prevalent to disease than those which receive more. There is also the likelihood of high mortality rates among the client populations which receives less resources and few services. A health center for example, that serves a large number of clients and there are few maternity services and low funding for availing such services may lead to loss of mothers while giving birth. Clients normally feel offended when they realize that they are not being treated equally. Organizations which offer health services also loses reputation and client’s trust when it is unable to offer enough services. On the other hand, clients who attend Public Health Centers with enough services and receive enough resources will always have good health and the organizations they attend usually have a good name (Hofrichter, 2010).
In conclusion, inequality in Public Health Centers is a negative vice in the society that must be discouraged by all means in order to realize the dream of health for all. Though resources may be limited at times, it is important to share whatever few available resources and services equally.
References
Hofrichter, R., Bhatia, R., & National Association of County & City Health Officials (U. S.) (2010). Tackling health inequities through public health practice: Theory to action. Oxford: Oxford University Press.