Social inclusion and the role of the health care system

This chapter outlines the impact of the health system on social inclusion. It has been clearly suggested that there are established links between ill-health and disadvantage that accompany social exclusion. Access to the health services and the influences on service delivery played by the health system through funding, delivery, and innovation directly impact on social inclusion. The health system plays an active role in social inclusion through addressing usage disparities, decreasing discrimination and ostracism, and by increasing universal access. Additionally, government roles and responsibilities in addressing social inclusion are central to the impact of social inclusion of health. This chapter will focus on the Australian health care system. This health care system consists of two separate structures: the mainstream health care system and the Aboriginal community-controlled health care system, who in partnership aims to serve the diverse populations and especially reduce the persisting disadvantage in the health of First Nations Peoples of Australia.