Assessing the Impact of Health Policy Reforms on Vulnerable Populations: A Social Science Perspective

Authors

  • Uddhav T. Kumbhar Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine ,Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth, Karad, Maharashtra, India
  • G Shaber Ali Principal (Offg), Associate Professor, V. M. Salgaocar College of Law, Goa, India
  • Ajinkya Bahulekar Assistant Professor Department of General Medicine Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth Deemed To Be University, Karad, Maharashtra, India
  • D.B. Bhoyar Assistant Professor, Department of Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering, Yeshwantrao Chavan College of Engineering, Nagpur, India
  • Dhairyashil Patil Assistant Professor Department of General Medicine Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth Deemed To Be University, Karad, Maharashtra, India
  • Dipika R. Birari Army Institute of Technology Dighi, Pune, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70135/seejph.vi.446

Keywords:

Health Policy Reforms, Vulnerable Populations, Social Science Perspective, Healthcare Disparities

Abstract

Through the view of social science, this study takes a critical look at how changes to health policy affect people who are already at risk. As countries around the world make big changes to their health care systems, it's important to figure out how these changes affect weak and marginalised groups. Our study uses a social science approach to look into how changing health policies affect the lives of disadvantaged groups by exploring the complex web of social, economic, and cultural factors that affect them. The method uses a mix of quantitative and qualitative data analysis, with conversations and focus group talks with people from a range of disadvantaged groups to get more in-depth ideas. Through a broad lens, we want to find out the complex ways that changes in health policy interact with social factors that affect health, affecting the availability, cost, and quality of healthcare for weak groups. Early results show that vulnerable groups bear an unfair amount of the load, showing differences in healthcare outcomes, hurdles to entry, and differences in healthcare service. The study also explores the role of social support networks, community engagement, and cultural competence in mitigating or exacerbating the effects of health policy reforms on vulnerable populations.The implications of this research extend beyond academia, offering practical insights for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and advocacy groups to formulate inclusive policies that address the unique needs of vulnerable populations. By fostering a deeper understanding of the social dynamics at play, this study contributes to the ongoing discourse on health equity and informs evidence-based interventions aimed at safeguarding the health and well-being of society's most marginalized members.

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Published

2023-12-31

How to Cite

Kumbhar, U. T., Ali, G. S., Bahulekar, A., Bhoyar, D., Patil, D., & Birari, D. R. (2023). Assessing the Impact of Health Policy Reforms on Vulnerable Populations: A Social Science Perspective. South Eastern European Journal of Public Health, 126–137. https://doi.org/10.70135/seejph.vi.446

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