Importation of Non-US Health Care Concept
Unique health care needs of special populations
Poor access to health care is a problem for many special populations, and the reasons spans across the global community. According to Anderson, Rice and Kominski (2001) access to care is often assessed by existence of regular medical care and coverage of services, as well as by an absence of delays and barriers to care. Having a regular source of medical care is recognize as important for the general population, as well as for those with various chronic diseases (Anderson, Rice & Kominski, 2001 p.236). The poor, elderly, women, children and HIV/AIDS group are the most vulnerable groups in the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) indicate the next two decades will see dramatic changes in the health needs of the world’s populations with non-communicable diseases, mental illness, infectious diseases and chronic illness as leading causes of disability. Increases in the older population by up to 300% are expected in many developing countries; in addition, HIV/AIDS will continue to be a major cause of disability and death. These changes require a very different approach to health sector policy and health care services among the special populations of the world (WHO, 2006)
Special population needs