The problems of social justice in health care

Abstract

In this bachelor's thesis, I focus on the problems of social justice in health care. This thesis gives an overview of the main theories and principles of distributive justice - especially highlighting the various problems and aspects relating to health care. The statement of this thesis is that none of the theories can solve the problems of justice entirely by itself because each of the theories faces some challenges. Therefore it would seem plausible to apply different theories on different levels and areas of health care simultaneously. Nevertheless, on moral grounds, some theories seem to be better aligned and more coherent with the various requirements and needs of health care and justice in general, and can better cope with the main task of the health care system – which is to protect people against the failure to enjoy the species-typical normal functioning and to guarantee the fair equality of opportunity in society. Some medical conditions can often cause the inequalities in opportunities. Additionally, levelling the issues of social justice in health care can be determined by the health-related needs and preferences, which of course vary significantly among people, and also by the formal definitions and societal norms that underlie the notions of health and disease – which can therefore also have a crucial influence in determining at which point some conditions of ill health turns out to be a dangerous disease instead. For example, in contemporary highly competitive societies, depression is a widespread condition that is often left unnoticed and untreated. Depression can also cause significant unfairness in opportunities in society as a result of cumulative stress and burnout.