In the context of UHC, what is meant by "equity" in healthcare access?

In the context of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), "equity" in healthcare access refers to the fair distribution of healthcare opportunities based on individuals' needs rather than their ability to pay. This means that individuals who require more medical care or have greater health needs are prioritized in accessing services, regardless of their financial situation.

Equity focuses on removing barriers that prevent people from receiving the healthcare they require, ensuring that vulnerable populations are adequately supported. It acknowledges that different individuals have different health needs and aims to create a healthcare system where everyone has the opportunity to attain their highest possible standard of health.

In contrast to this, an equal distribution based solely on the principle of fairness, irrespective of need, would not adequately address the disparities that exist in healthcare access. Furthermore, ensuring that all providers are privately owned or maintaining uniform pricing does not necessarily relate to the fair access of healthcare services based on medical need, which is the core of the equity concept in UHC.