The Role of Decentralisation in Modern Healthcare
Decentralisation in healthcare refers to the distribution of authority, resources, and decision-making from centralised national or regional bodies to local entities, such as community health centres, hospitals, or even individual healthcare providers and patients. This shift has become increasingly relevant in modern healthcare systems, driven by the need for greater accessibility, efficiency, and responsiveness to local needs. As healthcare faces mounting challenges—such as rising costs, unequal access, and the demand for personalised care—decentralisation offers a promising framework for addressing these issues. However, it also presents significant challenges, including the risk of fragmentation, resource disparities, and regulatory complexities. This article explores the role of decentralisation in modern healthcare, examining its benefits, challenges, technological enablers, policy implications, and future directions. --- ## 1. Introduction In traditional healthcare systems, deci...