Gender Sensitivity in Accessing Healthcare Services: Evidence from Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Good health and reduced inequality are factors of sustainable development. Healthcare systems are considered on68e of the most important activities of the creative economy that arise from research and development activities. Therefore, facilitating access to healthcare is one of the most important challenges guiding the development of the healthcare systems. Access is a complex concept and requires at least four aspects of evaluation. These include whether services are available, whether there is an adequate supply of services, whether people could obtain healthcare, and finally, evaluating whether a population may have access to services. Most countries are working hard to explore the means of providing better healthcare services to their population, especially in the pandemic age of crisis. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is one such country that is continuously trying to enhance healthcare access to its citizens by adopting different means and policy interventions. The primary objective of this study is to assess whether gender differences exist with unmet healthcare needs among the citizens of the KSA. In this study, we examined the factors affecting the healthcare system in the Kingdom through access to and use of primary healthcare centres in urban and rural areas and whether there is a gender gap in access to healthcare services. In addition, we have tried to explore the current challenges faced by the healthcare system and key points about immediate measures to overcome the crisis in this sector. A well-structured questionnaire was designed covering different dimensions of the study objectives. The population of the study includes both male and female citizens of Makkah city of the KSA. In a survey of 529 respondents, it was found that people’s access to the healthcare service system in the area is good. Test statistics confirm the significant difference in healthcare access across the gender categories of respondents. The availability of services, as well as the barriers to access, must be evaluated in the context of varied groups in society’s differing perspectives, health requirements, and material and cultural surroundings. Some theoretical and managerial implications, limitations, and scope of future research are also presented in the study.