The Impact of Poor-Quality Healthcare on Access, Health Outcomes, and Societal Well-being

Access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right that should be available to all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographic location. Unfortunately, suspicions about the quality and effectiveness of government health services, coupled with various systemic challenges, hinder access to proper care. In this article, we will explore the consequences of poor-quality healthcare, highlighting the need for improvement in healthcare systems worldwide. By examining the impact on health outcomes, accessibility, and societal well-being, we can better understand the importance of addressing these critical issues.

The Toll of Poor-Quality Care in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Research conducted by the Health and Medicine Division of The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, Medicine indicates that between 5.7 million and 8.4 million deaths occur annually in low- and middle-income countries due to poor-quality care. Shockingly, this represents approximately 10–15 percent of total deaths in these regions.[1] The blame for this crisis primarily lies with poorly managed and under-resourced healthcare systems.

Studies have found alarming deficiencies in basic facilities, such as water, sanitation, and sterilization equipment. In many poorer nations, approximately one-third of health facilities lack access to water and soap for hand-washing, while three-quarters lack proper sterilization equipment. These shortcomings severely compromise the delivery of quality care, resulting in adverse health outcomes for individuals and communities.

The Link Between Inadequate Infrastructure and Infections

Merely increasing the number of births in health facilities does not guarantee a reduction in infant mortality rates.[2] The Lancet highlights the critical role of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in healthcare facilities. Inadequate access to WASH facilities can contribute to health-care-associated infections, undermining efforts to improve health outcomes. Without proper infrastructure and resources, health facilities become sources of infection, endangering patients and healthcare workers alike.

The Social and National Impact of Poor-Quality Healthcare

The human cost of unnecessary deaths due to poor-quality healthcare is immeasurable. The Lancet’s report on High-Quality Health Systems in the Sustainable Development Goals Era underscores the magnitude of the crisis, especially when governments strive to expand health insurance and universal health coverage.[3] If the quality of services does not save lives, the value of expanding insurance and achieving universal access becomes questionable.

Beyond the personal toll, poor-quality healthcare also has significant economic repercussions. Unnecessary deaths due to inadequate care result in substantial productivity losses, estimated to amount to around $1.5 trillion annually. This economic burden hinders social and national development, perpetuating the cycle of poverty and inequality.

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