Human Rights And The Right To Health Care

Abstract

• Apply an HRBA in your organisation and directly in the work you do. • Help embed an HRBA in practical ways in all public policy and practice in Scotland. NHS Health Scotland is a national Health Board working with and through public, private and third sector organisations to reduce health inequalities and improve health. We are committed to working with others and we provide a range of services to help our stakeholders take the action required to reduce health inequalities and improve health. Key messages • The delivery of health and social care services is at the core of protecting human rights. • All services that impact on health and wellbeing should be available, accessible, acceptable, scientifically appropriate and of good quality. • Reducing health inequalities is essential to protect the right to health. • Applying a human rights-based approach (HRBA) will strengthen work to address health inequalities and improve health. • An HRBA approach helps to focus on the people who need the most support to participate in society and lead a fulfilling life. It also places a greater emphasis on the duty of public services to do this. Inequality Briefing 7 Dec 2016 A series of briefings to promote action to reduce health inequalities. Human rights and the right to health Inequality Briefing 7 2 What is this briefing about? This briefing is about the right to enjoy the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. It sets out what the right to health is, what a human rights-based approach (HRBA) to health looks like and gives some suggestions as to how the approach can be used. What are health inequalities? Health inequalities are the unfair differences in people's health across social groups and between different population groups. They are caused by an unequal distribution of income, power and wealth and can mean that factors that promote good health and well-being are not equally available, acceptable, appropriate or of good quality. Reducing health inequalities is essential to protect the right to health. Although the overall health of Scotland is continuing to improve, health inequalities persist.Health inequalities are not inevitable – they can be reduced through the political and social decisions we make.