Comprehensive health care! Where do women stand? � A policy analysis

Senthil Arasi. D; Vijaiyalakshimi Praveen; Shalini. A; Subhashini. R; Rajkamal. R; Kalyan Kanti Duttagupta

Volume : V, Issue : XI, November - 2016

Comprehensive health care! Where do women stand? � A policy analysis

Senthil Arasi. D, Vijaiyalakshimi Praveen, Shalini. A, Subhashini. R, Rajkamal. R, Kalyan Kanti Duttagupta

Abstract :

Background: It is well known that men and women have different kind of illness not only because of their biological t difference but also because of the relative environment they live in, social and cultural practices, activities and role they play in the society. Men and women have different health outcomes for same illness and one of the major reasons is restriction to access formal health care. Health policies have evolved for the better, still there are some issues that are to be addressed to and this paper tries to take a second look at the health policy planning in the country since independence and to analyse the encumance in accessing health care for women in our country. Methodology: Review of health policy and planning and Application of Gender analysis using Liverpool framework Result: the major limitations in acess to health care for women were found to be timing of health centers, non availability of services near the residence with gender insensitive health care providers at all levels, high cost of health care Discussion: Socio-economic status combined with lack of access and control over resource plays a major role in accessing formal health care for women; hence we need a mechanism in the community to help women help themselves. Conclusion: Government needs to make health system reforms in financing and regulatory mechanism of health care. These reforms have to be gender sensitive and need more women representatives at the policy making level and all policy maker need to be gender sensitive on the decisions they make