What does "universal access" mean?

"Universal access" refers to the principle that every individual can utilize healthcare services without barriers, ensuring that all people, regardless of their socioeconomic status, geographic location, or other potential obstacles, can receive necessary medical care. This concept emphasizes that healthcare should be available to everyone in society, promoting equity and inclusiveness within health systems.

In a truly universal access model, factors such as financial means, location, or time constraints would not prevent people from seeking and receiving healthcare services. This principle is fundamental to public health efforts aimed at improving health outcomes across populations, as it seeks to eliminate disparities and ensure that care is available to all.

The other options describe restricted access scenarios, which contradict the idea of universal access. For example, limiting access to high-income individuals focuses on exclusivity rather than inclusivity, while restricting services to specific times or emergencies denies continuous and equitable care to all individuals.