Book Title: Advanced Studies in Multidisciplinary Research and Innovation (ASMRI)
Chief Editors: Dr. Jagdish Kumar Sahu and Dr. Krishna Ashutoshbhai Vyas
Associate Editors: Dr. N. Ramesh Chandra Srikanth and Dr. Lourdu Vesna J
Co-Editors: Dr. Aarti Sharma and Dr. Pushpa Mamoria
ISBN: 978-93-7183-010-2
Chapter: 19
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59646/745/19
Authors: Ms. Prarthana Mahapatra, and Mrs. Sneha Dixit
Abstract
Despite advances in rural health care, structural, economic, and geographic factors persist as barriers to timely and quality health care access in rural communities, which continue to be a global public health problem. Healthcare funding and the implementation of policies is unevenly distributed, exacerbating these differences even further in remote areas. In this research paper, the researcher takes a look at the main barriers for the use of services by rural residents and considers sustainability options to minimize disparities in health service provision. The study employs a two-pronged approach, combining quantitative data on the indicators of healthcare access and the trends in healthcare service utilization with qualitative data derived from published literature, policy documents and the views of healthcare stakeholders. The results reveal significant differences between the rural and urban healthcare system in terms of healthcare workforce availability, infrastructure development, transportation access and digital connectivity. Yet, new initiatives like telehealth, mobile clinics, community health worker initiatives and health care policy that allocate funding for rural health care services are showing positive results in terms of access and prevention. In rural areas, where services are integrated and accessible via digital health and backed by government efforts, outcomes for patients significantly improve. But digital illiteracy, poor broadband network and financial constraints are still affecting the widespread adoption of such solutions. The paper also explores sustainable policy frameworks that can bolster rural healthcare systems, including incentivizing workforce distribution and bolstering the telemedicine ecosystem and making investments in infrastructure. In conclusion, the study highlights that a multi-faceted and systems-oriented health equity approach is needed to tackle rural health inequities, include equities as a core component of health systems, and ensure long-term sustainability. The results add to the current debates in public health policy, rural development and health services innovation, offering evidence-based approaches to overcome the rural-urban health service dichotomy.
Keywords: Rural healthcare, health inequities, healthcare access, rural-urban disparity, telemedicine, healthcare infrastructure, public health policy, community health, healthcare barriers, sustainable healthcare solutions