Discrimination In Healthcare Access
- IJLLR Journal
- Dec 31, 2024
- 2 min read
Garima Jain, Geeta Institute of Law - Kurukshetra University
Introduction
The right to health or the right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standards of physical and mental health was first introduced in the 1946 constitution of the World Health Organization (WHO). International conventions and treaties all over the world aim to provide equitable access to healthcare to every human in every country, this means that healthcare organizations and personnel are not to discriminate between patients on grounds of gender, sex, religion, race, sexual preference, economic status, and the like. However, the reality when compared to textbook statutes is quite appalling. Pre-existent stereotypes in the medical industry prove to be dreadful to the ones already at a disadvantage in society. This paper aims to understand the stereotypes prevalent against various communities and how this stereotype proves fatal in them receiving medical treatment. Further, the paper ends by providing some possible solutions to combat stereotypes in access to healthcare facilities.
Stereotypes against women
Stereotypes are understood as generalized preconceptions that define individuals into group categories. Stereotypes can be oppressive, unethical, and immoral when they prescribe what individuals must be permitted to do or not to do. The purpose of identifying stereotypes is so they can be dismantled and eliminated. To illustrate the same with an example, women have come to be stereotyped as homemakers and mothers which precludes them from prioritizing other roles and functions. Another stereotype in society is regarding chastity in women, especially in unmarried young girls. History shows that some stereotypes are so tenacious and can survive in society despite their accuracy. In some countries, the suspicion of sexual impropriety in young adolescent women embodying “family honor” has resulted in “honor killings” by the male members of the family.
