In a recent survey by the World Health Organization (WHO), more than half the world’s population, that’s 4.5 billion people, lack full access to healthcare, and unfortunately, these digits are rising every quarter. Furthermore, among them, around 1.3 billion people are being pushed deeper into poverty, or extreme poverty, by financially devastating payments for health services.

Therefore, to ensure that every individual has access to healthcare services, government officials and medical professionals need to explore ways to improve healthcare in rural areas and promote healthcare equity. In today’s blog, we will review the three common challenges concerning access to health care and discuss possible solutions. 

Table of Contents
1. Challenges in Receiving Health Care for Rural Residents
Uninsured Residents
Health Literacy
Shortage of Specialized Health Care
2. Possible Solutions
Mobile Healthcare
Collaborating with Larger Healthcare Networks

1. Challenges in Receiving Health Care for Rural Residents

The issues residents in remote areas face are scarcity of resources and personnel. People have to travel long distances to get to the right medical facilities and post-reach. The long-standing shortage of healthcare professionals and low rates of health literacy are just a few obstacles rural residents face when seeking access to healthcare.

• Uninsured Residents

One of the most common problems that people face is whether they can afford medical treatment. According to a report by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, it is claimed that more than 14.4% of rural residents are under 65, and over five percent of children under 17 are uninsured. The reason rural residents are uninsured is that the health insurance marketplace provides fewer options to them, and these services are generally at a higher price.

• Health Literacy

Rural communities have decreased access to health education and higher rates of poverty, which can mean lower levels of health literacy. Therefore, low health literacy often limits access to health information that might prove vital to a patient’s well-being. To curb the issue, governments of respective countries are expanding the reach of broadband internet access in rural areas.

• Shortage of Specialized Health Care

Rural communities face significant healthcare disparities as they have limited access to vital services such as home health, mental health care, hospice, substance abuse treatment, reproductive healthcare, and oral health. The issues raised due to shortages of healthcare workers, limited infrastructure, and inadequate reimbursement contribute to these disparities, impacting the health and well-being of rural residents.

2. Possible Solutions

Given rural communities’ lack of healthcare resources, many have found new ways to use the technology and expand access to mental and physical health care. Let us understand the possibility that will aid rural communities. 

• Mobile Healthcare

In remote areas, healthcare professionals can opt for mobile health clinics that will improve healthcare in rural communities. These clinics are on the wheels that can help solve the issue of transportation many rural citizens face. Mobile health clinics are less expensive for both patients and providers as the infrastructure costs are dramatically reduced. 

• Collaborating with Larger Healthcare Networks

By affiliating with larger healthcare systems healthcare providers can change the rural healthcare facilities. This shift will improve the healthcare standard by offering patients enhanced infrastructure and resources that are more financially viable. 

Conclusion

In the 21st century, doctors, nurses, physicians, and other medical professionals are the foundation of the healthcare system in both urban and rural communities; however, what is lacking in the rural setup is infrastructure and financial constraints. By implementing the above solutions, you can easily eliminate the challenges and create a healthy environment for every individual.

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