HEALTH CARE AS A HUMAN RIGHT: ACCESS AND INQUALITY WORLDWIDE

ABSTRACT
The recognition of health care as a fundamental human right represents a significant milestone
in the evolution of international human rights law and public policy. This study examines the
concept of the right to health, its legal foundations, and the persistent challenges in its
realization across different regions of the world. While global frameworks such as the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social
and Cultural Rights have firmly established health as an essential component of human dignity,
the actual implementation of this right remains uneven and inconsistent. The research
highlights the AAAQ framework—Availability, Accessibility, Acceptability, and Quality—as
a guiding principle for assessing health systems. It further explores the multidimensional nature
of health care inequality, emphasizing the role of economic disparities, social and cultural
determinants, and political and governance-related factors in shaping access to health services.
The study also provides a comparative analysis of different health care models, including
public, insurance-based, and mixed systems, identifying their strengths and limitations in
promoting equitable access.
In addition, the paper underscores the importance of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) as a
key strategy for achieving health equity. It stresses the need for strong public health
infrastructure, effective policy reforms, and international cooperation to bridge the gap between
legal recognition and practical implementation. The findings reveal that health care inequality
is not merely a health issue but a broader concern of social justice, economic development, and
human rights. The study concludes that achieving the right to health requires a comprehensive
and coordinated approach involving governments, international organizations, and society as a
whole. Sustained commitment, inclusive policies, and equitable resource distribution are
essential for ensuring that health care becomes truly accessible to all individuals, irrespective
of their socio-economic background.