Health services are the interventions that individuals and communities use to improve their health and well-being. They include preventive, therapeutic and rehabilitation services. Services are provided in a variety of settings, including hospitals and community health centers. They can be delivered by physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, therapists, and other allied health professionals.
Professionals looking to advance in the field of health services can do so by returning to school for a graduate degree, earning certification and licensure, pursuing continuing education courses, and engaging in networking and joining a professional organization. Each of these methods has its own pros and cons, so it’s important for working professionals to weigh the options carefully before choosing a path forward.
A person’s access to healthcare may be limited by many factors, such as financial limitations, geographic and logistical barriers, personal preferences and beliefs, and the availability of quality care in their area. These limitations can lead to inequalities in the delivery of essential health services. For example, some people are unable to receive recommended cancer screenings because they cannot afford them or they don’t have a primary care provider who offers these services. Other people don’t seek needed care because it is too far away or not easily accessible.
Providing accessible, high-quality health care requires a complex system of support services that includes financing mechanisms and well-trained and motivated staff. These systems must also be able to provide reliable information and meet the needs of a diverse population.
Increasing access to essential health services is one of the most pressing global challenges facing humanity. Achieving universal health coverage (UHC) will require more funding, a comprehensive policy framework that addresses all health-related needs, and innovative approaches to service delivery that are both patient-centred and economically efficient. UHC should also address social determinants of health, such as poverty, discrimination, and inequality, to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to achieve optimal health and wellbeing.