Current status of policy developments in tackling health inequalities and the next steps to be taken in Korea.
10.5124/jkma.2013.56.3.206
- Author:
Myoung Hee KIM
1
;
Joohee LEE
Author Information
1. People's Health Institute, Seoul, Korea. mhkim1871@gmail.com
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Health impact assessment;
Health promotion;
Policy;
Republic of Korea;
Socioeconomic factors
- MeSH:
Health Care Sector;
Health Impact Assessment;
Health Promotion;
Health Services;
Korea;
Policy Making;
Republic of Korea;
Socioeconomic Factors
- From:Journal of the Korean Medical Association
2013;56(3):206-212
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Considering that health inequalities derive from socioeconomic inequalities, fair policies and strategies to tackle health inequalities must focus on socioeconomic conditions. What is needed here is Health in All Policies, a comprehensive and intersectoral approach beyond health and healthcare sectors. However, based on a review of policies and programs of the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the 3rd National Health Promotion Strategies (Health Plan 2020) in Korea, we conclude that they totally lacked in perspective on health equity and social determinants of health. In fact, even most programs under the name of health equity include only supplementary health services targeted for low-income groups. As socioeconomic inequalities are worsening in Korea, health inequalities are more likely to be further aggravated if timely actions are not taken.
