What does accessibility in health care refer to?

Accessibility in health care refers to the ease of obtaining medical services, which encompasses various factors such as geographical location, availability of care providers, appointment wait times, and the ability to navigate the healthcare system. High accessibility means that individuals can obtain the healthcare services they need without significant barriers, making it easier for them to receive timely and appropriate care.

This definition highlights that simply having a variety of treatment options, qualified medical staff, or affordable costs does not necessarily mean that individuals can easily access those services. For instance, a community might have a range of services available, but if people have to travel long distances or face long wait times to access them, their overall accessibility remains low. Thus, the focus on ease of obtaining medical services is central to understanding accessibility in health care.