Inequality in health care services in urban and rural settings in South Africa.

Abstract

In low- and middle-income countries, urban and rural settings are distinct communities with the latter being more likely to have limited resources, particularly in health care services. We assessed the inequality in health care services in urban and rural settings in South Africa, highlighting the disparities between public and private health services, given that the latter are located mainly in urban settings. Rural settings suffer the highest inequality in the availability of drugs and supplies, overcrowding of health care facilities, delays in transporting patients, inadequate emergency medical services, and lack of experienced health care professionals. Rural settings also preferentially have a shortage of various levels of health care services, and increased security threats by criminals. In addition to specific remedies, the overarching key to solving these challenges is socio-economic growth, as well as visionary and compassionate leadership with integrity and accountability, which ensures policy development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.