Veenavarthini A, BBA LLB (Hons.), VIT Chennai
K Chaitanya, BBA LLB (Hons.), VIT Chennai
Jesventhi S D, BBA LLB (Hons.), VIT Chennai
ABSTRACT
This research paper explores disparities in the healthcare sector, access to medicines and availability for human populations, assessing how pandemic situations paved the way for affordable healthcare. With a strong focus on life-saving drugs, this study pioneers a combination of empirical and non- empirical research methodology, also adhering to the constitutional mandates. For the non-empirical part of the research, narratives of literature reviews, research articles, case studies, landmark cases and government databases have been effectively scrutinised. This study included a survey- based approach, ensuring stakeholder participation in collecting empirical data. The stakeholder inclusive approach involved people from urban and rural populations, varying age groups, and ed. Throughout the research paper, various issues are met, such as the availability of healthcare access, treatment facilities, and areas of improvement among racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. The idea is to provide recommendations to policymakers and government institutions in improving healthcare. The paper opposes the notion that fluctuations in physical and mental health among high-risk groups are solely the result of individual life choices. Rather, it draws attention to how stigma, discrimination, one-sided legislation, inadequate laws and government policies negatively affect the mental health of people doomed in such situations. This point of view underlines the importance of recognising ways to overcome hurdles in ensuring equity in healthcare. The requirement for community involvement and a commitment to addressing issues in hand, calls for combined efforts of all stakeholders, policymakers and the government. Thus, the urgent need to address the accessibility of life-saving drugs to the public must ensure that no individual is left behind.
Keywords: healthcare disparities, pandemic, life-saving drugs, access to healthcare, survey methodology, legal framework, constitution, disparities, equity.
