What is the definition of horizontal equity in the context of healthcare?

Horizontal equity in healthcare refers to the principle that individuals with similar health needs should receive equal treatment and care. This concept emphasizes fairness and justice in health service provision, ensuring that everyone who requires the same level of healthcare has access to comparable resources and treatments.

The idea is grounded in the belief that health outcomes should not be influenced by factors unrelated to medical necessity, such as socioeconomic status, geographic location, or other distinguishing characteristics. By focusing on equal treatment for equal health needs, healthcare systems aim to minimize disparities and promote access to necessary services for all individuals facing similar health challenges.

This principle plays a critical role in developing policies and frameworks that prioritize fairness in health outcomes, leading to a more equitable healthcare system. Other options, while they may pertain to aspects of healthcare delivery, do not align with the concept of horizontal equity. For example, different treatments for different needs cater to the idea of personalized medicine, but do not address the fairness aspect that horizontal equity emphasizes. Higher funding for specialized services can create inequalities between different groups, rather than ensuring equal treatment. Lastly, access limitations based on location can lead to inequities and does not align with the definition of horizontal equity, which advocates for equal treatment for those in comparable situations.