Which populations are often at risk of being excluded from UHC?

Low-income groups, marginalized communities, and rural residents are often at risk of being excluded from Universal Health Coverage (UHC) due to several factors. These populations typically face barriers to access such as financial constraints, geographic isolation, and a lack of healthcare infrastructure or services.

Low-income groups may struggle to afford out-of-pocket expenses, which can prevent them from seeking necessary care, even when services are supposedly available. Marginalized communities might also experience discrimination or cultural barriers that further hinder their access to healthcare services. Additionally, rural residents often have to travel long distances to reach healthcare facilities, which can be a significant obstacle, especially if transportation is scarce or costly.

In contrast, wealthy individuals and urban residents generally have better access to healthcare services and are less likely to face the significant barriers that some vulnerable populations encounter. Similarly, healthcare workers and professionals are typically well-integrated within the healthcare system, and middle-income families generally have more resources and options available to them than lower-income groups. Thus, the unique challenges faced by low-income, marginalized, and rural populations put them at a higher risk of exclusion from UHC.