Universal health coverage is a challenge for governments. Even more so, when geography, accessibility and population distribution become real obstacles. Hence, the medical limitations to care for people located in rural areas are diverse. Leading to put at risk the fulfillment of the urgent duty of caring for the health of the population.
Above all, because fully satisfying the health services in the rural population and improving the quality of life of its inhabitants depends on many factors that are difficult to measure, avoid and control. However, the commitment of health professionals leads them to seek mechanisms to cross boundaries and improve health conditions.
Therefore, the health institutions, in agreement with the governments, establish action plans, in which it is possible to provide, in a coordinated and articulated manner, the essential services to favor the economic and social development of the most isolated communities. Above all, because the inhabitants have had to face and adapt to an inhospitable environment.
Where, in many cases, the houses are unhealthy, there is low cultural evolution, the economic conditions are scarce and they do not have access to health, education and communication services. What generates an increase in the birth rate, but at the same time, an increase in maternal mortality. At the same time, the region’s own vector infections make the task more difficult, affecting children and the elderly.
Medical limitations start with topography
In reality, the study, diagnosis and treatment, to preserve the health of the inhabitants of rural areas, is made difficult by the access roads and distances. Therefore, in reality, patients are the ones who must find a way to reach health centers. For this reason, many times, they prefer to alleviate the symptoms of diseases with ancestral recipes, passed from generation to generation or choose to replicate formulas from someone they know. Without thinking, that self-medication can generate major complications.
Likewise, medical limitations are noted when trying to link the most vulnerable population to promotion and prevention programs. Basically, because the displacement entails an extra expense of money, at the same time, that it takes them away from the tasks that provide them with their livelihood. Hence, the importance of taking the programs to the communities and raising awareness about self-care, risks and health. Also, training and forming a base group with members of the same community is a very useful strategy.
Strategic plans that involve the community
We can see that the commitment of health professionals must be accompanied by the intentions of the rulers and the nation’s budget. Because, jointly, they must seek to improve sanitation conditions. Likewise, it is necessary to facilitate access to medical care, implement universal coverage and make the health system more efficient. For which will and resources are required.
In addition, when seeking to improve the living conditions of the population, it is necessary to take a critical look at the differences in population groups, education, nutrition and social organization. Therefore, we realize that medical limitations in rural areas are many and need processes of inclusion, equity and solidarity, where we all must contribute.