Equity of access to health care services in Korea

Abstract

This article defines equity in health and health care from a Korean`s view. In doing so, the first section explores the reason why an individual`s or a group`s health care need should be satisfied in a society. This is followed by discussion of contemporary theories of social justice whose concepts of equity are applicable to health and health care. Then, two very important questions are addressed: how should we interpret the notion of social justice into equity in health care and which philosophical notion is most appropriate for the health care sector in a society. The criteria for equity defined thus are used to elucidate those concepts of equity that underpin the Korean health care system. Finally an operational definition of equity in health care is outlined.