Healthcare disparities are widening among various socio economic groups despite advancements in medical technology. Medical technologies have undoubtedly improved the health outcomes among the population but they have also added in the disparities to access, affordability, and availability of healthcare services. These challenges need to be addressed for achieving Sustainable Development-Goals (SDGs) and Universal-Health Coverage (UHC). SDG-3 aims for universal access to essential healthcare services without financial hardship, yet significant gaps remain across socio-economic strata due to affordability and access to healthcare technologies. Addressing these inequities requires leveraging emerging healthcare technologies to ensure equitable access to personalized and advanced healthcare-services. This approach not only enhances wellbeing but also promotes a more inclusive healthcare system responsive to diverse needs of the population. Efforts should prioritize the equitable access and effective use of healthcare-technologies like telemedicine and AI. Strengthening healthcare-systems through infrastructure development, workforce training, and financial support is crucial for advancing towards equitable healthcare. This proactive approach not only addresses the existing disparities but also lays foundation for resilient healthcare-system capable of meeting the evolving.

The objective of this Research Topic is to compile a series of
papers that collectively illuminate the role of equitable healthcare technologies in addressing the global healthcare challenges. Through these insights, the collection aims to identify prevalent issues and obstacles within healthcare systems globally. It also seeks to explore how leveraging equitable
healthcare technologies can resolve the 3A challenges i.e. availability, accessibility and affordability
to propel progress towards achieving the SDGs. Each paper within this collection contributes its unique perspectives and empirical evidence regarding the implementation and impact of healthcare technologies on the sustainable health outcomes. By synthesizing these findings, the research topic aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with integrating advanced healthcare technologies on a global scale. This proposal can contribute effectively in fostering dialogue and innovation which can lead to more inclusive and effective healthcare systems, capable of meeting the diverse needs of populations globally while advancing
towards UHC and SDGs more equitably.

We welcome the submission of manuscripts including, but not limited to, the following topics:

Special focus will be given (but is not restricted) to:
1. Understanding Healthcare Disparities
o Overview of global healthcare disparities: access, affordability, and quality of care.
o Impact of disparities on health outcomes and societal well-being.
2. Role of Equitable Healthcare Technologies
o Exploration of emerging technologies in improving healthcare access and delivery.
o Empirical and case based studies on successful implementations and benefits in diverse healthcare settings.
3. Barriers, enablers, and promoters of equitable healthcare
o Analysis of financial barriers to healthcare access, including out-of-pocket expenditure and disparities in social protection mechanism.
o Strategies for improving healthcare affordability through innovative financing models and government policies.
4. Recent advance in medical technologies and Policy/Regulatory Frameworks
o Assessing the penetration of medical technologies in resource constrained countries with roadmap for adaption and diffusion
o Analysing existing policies and regulations to support the harmonious adoption and integration of healthcare technologies.
o Ethical considerations, privacy concerns, and regulatory challenges.
5. Overcoming Challenges and Barriers
o Documentation through evidence based studies for obstacles and challenges encountered for the adaptation and scalability of medical technologies such as infrastructure, funding and resistance to change.
o Strategies for overcoming challenges through innovation, collaboration, and capacity
building.
6. Future Directions for scalability at global scale
o Future trends in healthcare technologies and their potential to address global healthcare challenges.
o Fostering partnerships, advancing research, and scaling equitable healthcare Technologies globally

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Mind the Gap: Addressing global healthcare challenges through equitable Healthcare technologies