Equitable Healthcare Access for Type 2 Diabetes Patients Under a Low-Income Group Health Care Scheme: A Sustainable Development Goal Perspective

Sin Wei Tey, Kingston Rajiah (), Mari Kannan Maharajan, Norasila Binti Zakaria and Nor Haslinda Binti Ishak
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Sin Wei Tey: School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57200, Malaysia
Kingston Rajiah: School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine BTS2 1SA, UK
Mari Kannan Maharajan: School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Semenyih 43500, Malaysia
Norasila Binti Zakaria: Klinik Kesihatan Ayer Molek, Melaka Tengah Health District Office, Melaka 75460, Malaysia
Nor Haslinda Binti Ishak: Klinik Kesihatan Batu Berendam, Melaka Tengah Health District Office, Melaka 75350, Malaysia

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 6, 1-12

Abstract: Objective: The purpose of this study is to explore the factors influencing access to healthcare services among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients enrolled in the PEKA B40 programme at a public health clinic in Melaka, Malaysia. It aims to examine how key dimensions—availability, accessibility, accommodation, and acceptance—affect patients’ experiences and the utilisation of diabetes-related healthcare services. This study also seeks to identify gaps and challenges within the current healthcare delivery system, particularly for low-income populations, to inform strategies for improving equitable and sustainable access to care. Methods: This study was conducted in a public health clinic in Melaka, Malaysia. Purposive sampling was used among T2DM patients under the “Health Care Scheme for Group B40” programme in a public health clinic in Melaka, Malaysia. The study included participants with at least a 6-month history of T2DM to ensure substantial experience in accessing healthcare services. Results: Fifteen patients participated in this study. Elderly individuals, retirees, and those with average incomes demonstrated higher healthcare service utilisation. Ethnic diversity was crucial, revealing its impact on health behaviours and healthcare-seeking patterns. Primary or secondary education levels among participants highlighted the necessity for targeted health literacy efforts. Conclusions: This study highlighted notable awareness and satisfaction among patients concerning the availability, accessibility, and accommodation of services, particularly emphasising the importance of geographical proximity in healthcare services. However, challenges faced by elderly individuals in accessing social support are also highlighted. The potential of enhancing the amenities of healthcare facilities to improve patient experiences is also reflected in our results. These insights provide evidence for the effectiveness of the Malaysian healthcare system in catering to a diverse demographic and can also be helpful in refining healthcare strategies and further optimising patient-centred care in Malaysia.

Keywords: access to care; diabetes; primary care; health equity; Malaysia (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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