Journal of the Korean Medical Association (대한의사협회지)

Korean Medical Association (대한의사협회)
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Current status of policy developments in tackling health inequalities and the next steps to be taken in Korea

한국의 건강형평정책의 현황과 과제

Kim, Myoung-Hee;Lee, Joohee
김명희;이주희

  • Published : 20130300
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Abstract

Considering that health inequalities derive from socioeconomic inequalities, fair policies and strategies to tackle health inequalities must focus on socioeconomic conditions. What is needed here is Health in All Policies, a comprehensive and intersectoral approach beyond health and healthcare sectors. However, based on a review of policies and programs of the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the 3rd National Health Promotion Strategies (Health Plan 2020) in Korea, we conclude that they totally lacked in perspective on health equity and social determinants of health. In fact, even most programs under the name of health equity include only supplementary health services targeted for low-income groups. As socioeconomic inequalities are worsening in Korea, health inequalities are more likely to be further aggravated if timely actions are not taken.

Keywords

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