Are you curious about the difficulties people face in getting healthcare when they live far from cities? At SIXT.VN, we understand these challenges and want to shed light on them while also showcasing how we can make your travel to Vietnam easier. Access to timely and quality healthcare is essential, but it’s often a struggle in remote areas, from transportation to workforce shortages. Discover how SIXT.VN’s convenient services can alleviate travel burdens, ensuring a smoother experience as you explore Vietnam and its healthcare landscape.
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1. How Does Lack of Healthcare Access Impact Health and Well-being in Remote Areas?
Lack of healthcare access in remote areas significantly impacts population health and patient well-being. Travel to a primary care provider may be costly and burdensome for patients living in remote rural areas, with subspecialty care often even farther away, according to Supply and Distribution of the Primary Care Workforce in Rural America: 2019. Patients may substitute local primary care providers for subspecialists or they may decide to postpone or forego care. If patients do not have access to primary care or subspecialty care, they may use emergency department (ED) services for their healthcare needs.
According to the 2014 RUPRI Health Panel report, “Access to Rural Health Care – A Literature Review and New Synthesis,” barriers to healthcare result in unmet healthcare needs, a lack of preventive and screening services, challenges in the treatment of chronic diseases, and even a reduced lifespan. While access to medical care does not guarantee good health, access to healthcare is critical for a population’s well-being and optimal health.
SIXT.VN understands the importance of accessible healthcare for your well-being and we are committed to providing safe and reliable transportation services that can help alleviate these issues during your travel in Vietnam.
2. What Are The Key Obstacles to Healthcare Access in Rural Locations?
Key obstacles to healthcare access in rural locations include distance and transportation, workforce shortages, health insurance coverage and cost, broadband access, health literacy, and social stigma and privacy issues.
2.1. Distance and Transportation
Rural populations are more likely to have to travel long distances to access healthcare services, particularly subspecialist services. This can be a significant burden in terms of travel time, cost, and time away from the workplace. In addition, the lack of reliable transportation is a barrier to care. In urban areas, public transit is generally an option for patients to get to medical appointments; however, these transportation services are often lacking in rural areas.
