Since children are the future of every economy and nation, it is imperative that they have access to quality healthcare for their own benefit as well as the benefit of their families, community, and nation. Ensuring that children receive enough healthcare and, in turn, maintain good health can have a significant impact on their growth and development, physical and mental well-being, and ability to realize their full potential as adults. Growing children are particularly vulnerable to an increased risk of diseases and genetic disorders that could be passed on to their offspring.
The Government, hospitals and many a childrens charity have been working together to ensure that more and more children living across the country have better access to healthcare.
According to studies and research conducted by the National Centre for Health Statistics (NCHS), almost one in ten children, or over 7.3 million children, have experienced at least one unmet medical need throughout their lives. These consist of mental health services, prescription drugs, dental care, and eyewear. Care was apparently delayed for each of the 2.7 million youngsters due to expense. The likelihood of children not having health insurance being six times higher than that of children with insurance being six times higher than that of children with private insurance.
Every child has the right to prompt access to quality medical care. This necessitates the creation of a health protection system that provides access to necessary medical interventions. The realisation of the right to health requires that every nation establish universal health care that is high-quality, satisfactory, and available under all conditions (i.e., that respects individual biological and cultural diversity and adheres to medical ethics). Many NGOs have been doing exemplary work in this area and are in turn dependent on donation for children that they receive from individuals and corporates.
One of the most important aspects of accessible healthcare, especially for children’s health, is disease prevention. Infectious disease is kept at bay by immunisations and healthcare education. Immunisations are effective because they are affordable and shield kids from diseases like measles, TB, tetanus, diphtheria, and leprosy, which can be fatal or severely crippling.
There can be a considerable increase in health hazards associated with childhood vaccinations and awareness programmes. Furthermore, it is quite effective to disseminate basic knowledge about nutrition, hygiene, and other topics, as well as simple pictures that serve as a reminder of the fundamentals.
The existence of a regular source of care is one commonly used indicator of access to care. Families and children with a consistent carer have greater access to medical services when they need them, and they use those services more frequently than families without a consistent carer. The continuity of care can also be improved by having a regular source of care because familiar physicians are better able to keep track of treatment progress through follow-up visits and are more familiar with the medical histories of the children and their families. Children without insurance are seven or eight times more likely to not have a consistent source of medical care. Of the kids without insurance.
Children depend on their parents, family members and other caretakers to determine when they need care and to seek care on their behalf. Studies have shown that several characteristics of parents and families can reduce children’s access to care. These include low levels of parental education, an inability to read outreach and other health-related materials, and a lack of skills related to care taking, including a lack of knowledge about prevention and health care needs. Routine preventive services are sometimes neglected for children with chronic health problems and special health care needs.
Parents with low incomes might be more likely to run into practical problems when trying to make care arrangements, like not having a phone to make appointments or transportation. Illnesses and injuries that go untreated can have long-term, permanent effects. For example, deafness or hearing loss may result from untreated ear infections. Youngsters with hearing impairments may struggle academically as well as to engage in regular social interactions with their friends and family. Normal social development can also be hampered by language or other developmental delays brought on by untreated neurological issues.
Thus, this year as we celebrate children’s day. Let us also take a moment to ensure that all children get access to life saving health interventions that they need. One can do this by supporting a childrens charity or through donation for children to an organisation that works to ensure that the lesser privileged children get equal access to healthcare facilities.