Reflections on the Access of Roma to Health Care
Reflections on the Access of Roma to Health Care

Summary/Abstract: [...] Social exclusion of Roma in Central and Eastern Europe is a major factor which conditions their lack of access to the prerequisites for good health as defined by the WHO. Moreover, widespread prejudice and discriminatory treatment by medical practitioners and health authorities has a significant role in depriving Roma of access to adequate health care. Access to health care should not be seen as something which Roma should apply for or something which depends on the good will of the health authorities. Access to health care is a basic human right and a key element in ensuring better health. Ensuring an equal standard of health for Roma is a process which cannot be separated from eliminating the barriers to access to adequate housing, social protection, education and employment. This process is achievable only through a multi-sectoral approach to the issue of Roma health, meaning that access to all other basic human rights should be ensured as well.[...]

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