Sociological diagnosis of the accessibility of medical care

Abstract

The present paper is devoted to the problem of medical care accessibility in relation to Russian society. The World Health Organization considers the provision of universal access to medical care system as an obligatory demand at the contemporary stage of social development. However sociological and statistical data suggest that there are significant social differences in possibilities to get an adequate and timely medical help in Russia. The theoretical purpose of article is to create a universal approach to assess the accessibility of medical care system. The second (practical) point is an empirical sociological diagnosis of the true accessibility level of medical care in modern Russia. The concept of access to medical care is analyzed as dynamic interaction of different variables, the interaction of actors in the medical system in a changing social context. Given this we built a theoretical model of sociological diagnosis of the Russian medical care accessibility. Particular attention is given to the possibility of integrating of economic, organizational. socio-cultural dimensions for better sociological understanding of accessibility factors. Figures show, that pathognomonic factors in access to medical care in Russia are: increasing a private health sector, dysfunction of health institute (ineffective regulations and ineffective financing policy), low level of medical culture of the society. Despite considerable efforts by the health authorities to promote legislative and regulatory innovations, achievements in this field are minor. Organizational and financial barriers produce an alternative medical practice behavior, primarily in, the treatment without help of doctors. The data are presented by sociologists of ``Russian Public Opinion Research Center{''} (OAO ``VCIOM{''}), and other scientists, confirm this fact. In conclusion is argued about impossibility of sustainable transition the Russian health care to self-regulation in the medium term.