EVALUATING HEALTHCARE ACCESSIBILITY IN URBAN AND RURAL MALAYSIA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58676/sjmas.v4i5.169Keywords:
Malaysia, health equity, primary healthcare, urban–rural disparities, healthcare accessibilityAbstract
Background: Healthcare accessibility remains a critical determinant of health equity in Malaysia, where a dual public–private healthcare system coexists with significant urban–rural disparities. While Malaysia has achieved near-universal health coverage, differences in infrastructure, workforce distribution, and service availability continue to affect equitable access, particularly among rural and underserved populations.
Methods and Materials: This study employs a systematic review of literature published between 2015 and 2024, drawing from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and official reports from the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization. The analysis focuses on identifying key determinants of healthcare accessibility, including geographical, economic, and socio-cultural factors, and compares healthcare access between urban and rural settings in Malaysia.
Results: Findings reveal that urban areas benefit from greater healthcare facility density, higher provider availability, and improved service quality, largely driven by private sector concentration. In contrast, rural populations face significant barriers, including longer travel times, limited healthcare workforce, and inadequate infrastructure. Indirect costs and lower health literacy further restrict access among disadvantaged groups. These disparities contribute to delayed care-seeking, higher unmet healthcare needs, and poorer health outcomes in rural communities.
Conclusion: Despite substantial progress toward universal health coverage, healthcare accessibility in Malaysia remains uneven. Addressing these disparities requires targeted policy interventions, including strengthening rural healthcare infrastructure, improving workforce distribution, expanding telemedicine, and enhancing health financing mechanisms to ensure equitable access for all populations.
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