Healthcare and Social Issue
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Healthcare Coverage for Undocumented Immigrants: The Intersection of Social Issues and the Healthcare Industry
Healthcare is a multifaceted field that intertwines with various social issues. One prominent social issue is healthcare coverage for undocumented immigrants (Onarheim et al., 2018). This essay will discuss the interaction between the healthcare sector and this disadvantaged population in order to examine how healthcare contributes to this problem. It will also explore the ethical and moral obligations of the healthcare sector with regard to undocumented immigrants’ access to healthcare and whether the sector acts as an advocate for this cause.
Healthcare Coverage for Undocumented Immigrants
When trying to obtain healthcare, undocumented immigrants frequently encounter considerable obstacles. They may lack health insurance, be financially strapped, and fear repercussions because of their immigration status. As a result, there is less preventative care provided, treatment is delayed, and the demand on emergency services is exacerbated (Onarheim et al., 2018). As a result, both the population of undocumented immigrants and the larger community see an overall decline in health and well-being.
Being an undocumented immigrant has a number of effects, one of which is restricted access to primary healthcare. Due to their frequent reliance on emergency rooms as their main healthcare facilities, undocumented immigrants contribute to hospital overcrowding and higher healthcare expenses (Hacker et al., 2015). Lack of regular checkups and preventative care might result in undetected diseases, which can worsen long-term health problems.
Undocumented immigrants continue to be at great risk for contracting infectious diseases. Infectious illness risk might rise when availability to immunizations and preventive measures is inadequate. Due to the ease with which diseases can spread among communities, this poses a hazard to public health in addition to endangering the health of unauthorized immigrants.
In other cases, undocumented immigrants impose barriers to the reproductive healthcare. Undocumented women may face obstacles in accessing reproductive healthcare services, such as family planning, prenatal care, and maternal healthcare (Hasstedt et al., 2018). This can lead to adverse maternal and child health outcomes.
Ethical and Moral Responsibility of the Healthcare Industry
The healthcare sector has an ethical and moral obligation to provide everyone’s healthcare needs, regardless of immigration status. Healthcare practitioners must work to give care in the patients’ best interests, according to the medical ethics principle of beneficence and non-maleficence. Denying undocumented immigrants access to healthcare services goes against these ideals, prolonging health inequities and endangering public health (Brenner et al., 2021).
In addition to their moral responsibility, the healthcare industry also has a broader societal obligation. By providing comprehensive healthcare coverage to undocumented immigrants, the industry can contribute to a healthier population overall. Accessible healthcare services for all individuals, regardless of their immigration status, promote early disease detection, timely interventions, and better management of chronic conditions. This approach not only improves individual health outcomes but also reduces the burden on emergency departments and public health resources.
Healthcare as an Advocate for the Issue
While the alignment between the healthcare industry and healthcare coverage for undocumented immigrants may vary, there are instances where the industry acts as an advocate for this social issue.
First, clinics and charitable groups have been in the forefront in addressing the issues of undocumented immigrants in terms of healthcare. These initiatives have evolved to close the healthcare gap and offer necessary services in recognition of the particular issues this population faces (Beck et al., 2017). These groups frequently have a small budget and rely on volunteers and motivated healthcare workers who are committed to helping the neglected.
These clinics and charitable institutions provide a selection of medical services that are especially suited to the requirements of undocumented immigrants. They offer affordable or free medical treatment, including primary care, preventive services, and the management of chronic illnesses. These programs make sure that undocumented immigrants can get essential healthcare services that would otherwise be inaccessible to them by reducing financial barriers (Beck et al., 2017). Additionally, outreach programs and health education campaigns are put into place to increase people’s awareness of the healthcare services that are available, give them the power to take charge of their own health, and encourage preventive measures.
Secondly, physician activism has played a significant role in advocating for equitable healthcare access for undocumented immigrants. Individual healthcare professionals, driven by their commitment to patient care and social justice, leverage their expertise, knowledge, and platforms to raise awareness about the barriers faced by this marginalized population (Guerrero, 2021). They recognize the fundamental right to healthcare and the detrimental consequences of denying access based on immigration status.
According to Guerrero (2021), the healthcare professionals actively engage in public discourse, policy advocacy, and community outreach to drive meaningful change. They collaborate with advocacy groups, participate in legislative efforts, and use their professional networks to push for policy changes that promote inclusivity and compassionate care. By sharing their first-hand experiences and expertise, they provide valuable insights into the specific healthcare needs and challenges faced by undocumented immigrants.
Conclusion
Healthcare coverage for undocumented immigrants exemplifies the complex interplay between social issues and the healthcare industry. Despite these obstacles, there are cases where the healthcare sector acts to resolve the problem and advance fair access to care. To ensure the welfare of all people, including undocumented immigrants, the healthcare sector must be aware of its moral and ethical obligations. The healthcare sector may help address the current societal challenge and advance healthcare equity for everyone by pushing for regulatory changes, offering specialized healthcare services, and increasing awareness.
References
Beck, T. L., Le, T. K., Henry-Okafor, Q., & Shah, M. K. (2017). Medical care for undocumented immigrants: national and international issues. Primary care: Clinics in office practice, 44(1), e1-e13.
Brenner, J. M., Blutinger, E., Ricke, B., Vearrier, L., Kluesner, N. H., & Moskop, J. C. (2021). Ethical issues in the access to emergency care for undocumented immigrants. Journal of the American College of Emergency Physicians Open, 2(3), e12461.
Guerrero, N. A. (2021). A Defense of physician advocacy: Advocating for the health of undocumented immigrants in the United States and Colombia (Doctoral dissertation, University of Pittsburgh).
Hacker, K., Anies, M., Folb, B. L., & Zallman, L. (2015). Barriers to health care for undocumented immigrants: a literature review. Risk management and healthcare policy, 175-183.
Hasstedt, K., Desai, S., & Ansari-Thomas, Z. (2018). Immigrant women’s access to sexual and reproductive health coverage and care in the United States. Issue Brief (Commonw Fund), 2018, 1-10.
Onarheim, K. H., Melberg, A., Meier, B. M., & Miljeteig, I. (2018). Towards universal health coverage: including undocumented migrants. BMJ global health, 3(5), e001031.
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