Urbanization and Its implications for health services

Abstract

This paper examines how demographic trends, specifically those related to urbanization and rural-urban migration, potentially impact upon the delivery and quality of health services. The geographic focus is on Southeast Asia, with detailed analysis focusing on Thailand. Migrants are selected on characteristics that are conductive to good health, although certain groups of migrants, especially temporary migrants, need special targeting for the delivery of health services. Because the demographic and economic processes associated with urbanization result in urban and rural populations with very different compositions, the health service needs of the populations will vary. Special efforts will need to be directed towards rural areas and other segments of the population to ensure that traditionally disadvantaged groups share in the opportunities that urbanization has the potential to create. At the same time, services directed towards the young, and especially young females, need to be strengthened in urban areas where there is a high concentration of this group.