Inequities in rheumatologic care: the impact of geography and socioeconomic status

  • Nauman Ismat But
  • Barak Waris
  • Muhammad Sohail Ajmal Ghoauri
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35975/apic.v29i9.3042
Keywords: Inequity, Rheumatology, Geography, Socioeconomic Status, Pakistan, Rheumatologists

Abstract

Geography and socioeconomic status profoundly shape access to rheumatologic care, particularly in resource-limited settings such as Pakistan. Specialist shortages, urban-centered services, financial barriers and limited health literacy contribute to delayed diagnoses and poorer outcomes, especially for rheumatologic conditions requiring early intervention. Rural and low-income communities face the greatest disadvantages, reflecting broader structural inequities in global health systems. Addressing these gaps requires workforce expansion, policy reform, equitable telemedicine implementation and community-engaged approaches. Embedding equity into rheumatology is essential to ensure that advances in diagnostics and therapeutics benefit all patients, regardless of where they live or what they earn.

Keywords: Inequity, Rheumatology, Geography, Socioeconomic Status, Rheumatologists, Pakistan.

Citation: Butt NI, Waris B, Ghoauri MSA. Inequities in rheumatologic care: the impact of geography and socioeconomic status (Editorial). Anaesth. pain intensive care 2025;29(9):1158-60. DOI: 10.35975/apic.v29i9.3042

Received: November 25, 2025; Revised: November 26, 2025; Accepted: November 30, 2025

Published
01-12-2025
Issue
Vol 29 No 9 (2025): Anaesthesia, Pain & Intensive Care
Section
Editorial Views

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