Health Inequities

What are health inequities?

Health inequities are the observable differences in people’s health across the population and between specific population groups. It is common for the term “health inequalities” to be used inter-changeably with “health inequities”. In this plan we use the term inequities.   

Health inequities are unjust and go against the principles of social justice because they are avoidable. They do not occur randomly or by chance. They are socially determined by circumstances largely beyond an individual’s control. These circumstances disadvantage people and limit their chance to live longer, healthier and fulfilled lives. The existence of health inequities in Grampian, and in Scotland, means that the right of everyone to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health is not being enjoyed equally across the population.

Health inequities are fundamentally caused by an unequal distribution of power, income and wealth due to wider global, political and societal influences. These then impact on the wider environment in which people live, work, grow and play, which shapes their experiences and consequently their health. Action needs to focus on undoing the fundamental causes, preventing harmful environmental influences and mitigating negative individual experiences.  

You can find out more about NHS Grampian's Health Equity Plan 2024-2029 here.