The outbreak of COVID-19 has upended people’s lives globally, and people had no choice but to change their lifestyles. Many countries stayed put during the lockdown for over three months, and while many are opening up, strict SOPs are mandatory to follow.
Scientists are working on a vaccine, and it looks like it will take a few more months to develop. Healthcare professionals worldwide emphasize the importance of SOPs as it is the only way to prevent yourself and others.
Injustice happens all across the world, and despite media raising awareness about the rights and strict laws, some people continue to deprive weak people of their rights. Inequality is the worst kind of injustice, and unfortunately, it is prevalent in many sectors. Inequity in healthcare has seeped its roots deep, as it happens in various health settings. The COVID-19 pandemic brought many discrepancies and unethical practices to the forefront.
Below we are giving a comprehensive guide to social justice and public health in 2020:
- FAVORITISM
One of the prevalent injustices in various professions is favoritism, which gives undeserving people specific designations and privileges. People in power often tend to promote their chosen ones, and the worthy professionals become victims of injustice. When there is no accountability, these practices become a norm, and in healthcare settings, officials often get away with their wrongdoings. Inequality has made matters worse, as public health and social justice do not seem to deal with the same rules.
- COST
The cost of healthcare services and the justice system are rising at the speed of light. Public officials do not seem to be willing to help everyone and prefer one ethnicity over others. When these people try to use law, many a time, they face the same behavior.
- CORRUPTION
When we talk about public health, social justice is its foundation, and the system that fails to treat all people with fairness cannot sustain for a longer duration. Unfortunately, corruption in healthcare is prevalent, and the injustice limits professionals associated with health settings, but it often expands to the patients. Double-dealing with patients can lead to severe ramifications, as it may result in deterioration of health or, the worst-case-scenario, loss of life.
TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE
Unjust societies do not succeed, and people have to pay the price. By giving an unfair advantage to one person is snatching away someone else’s rightful due. The following are some practices which will help in providing justice in the healthcare system this year:
- TRAINING MEDICAL STAFF
Healthcare staff lands a job after acquiring some degree and training, but there is always room for improvement. Giving staff opportunities to groom and have some workshops on regular dealings with the patients will eliminate unjust practices.
- COMPLAINT CENTER
A functional complaint center where officials’ job is to listen and file a complaint and solve the matter should be in place. Many systems have complaint centers, but they are not practical and least bothered about unfairness. When some officials ascertain about justice being served, the inequity will minimize.
- GIVING HEALTHCARE WORKERS MORE EXPOSURE
Several healthcare workers have lived only in one place and thus have limited exposure. They should receive insight into different communities that will help in broadening their horizons. Traveling will help them learn tolerance, and they will see another side of the world.
CONCLUSION
Access to quality healthcare services is everyone’s birthright, but many people are deprived of it. Injustice does not only happen in rural areas, but it occurs in civilized societies as well. When it comes to health, injustice can cost someone’s life. Laws are always in the victim’s favor, and someone who faces injustice in medical facilities should pursue the matter, and chances are he will get the rightful due.
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