Answer:
c) Focusing resources on addressing the unique needs of disadvantaged groups.
Step-by-step explanation:
When making health policy decisions, it is important to consider equity, which means ensuring fairness and equal access to healthcare resources for all individuals in a community. Focusing resources on addressing the unique needs of disadvantaged groups helps to reduce health disparities and promote equity.
By identifying and addressing the specific needs of disadvantaged groups, policymakers can allocate resources to areas that require additional support. This can involve targeting interventions, services, and programs towards improving access to healthcare, reducing barriers, and addressing social determinants of health that disproportionately affect these groups.
For example, if a community has higher rates of poverty, policymakers may allocate resources to increase access to affordable healthcare services, improve transportation options for healthcare appointments, or provide health education programs that are tailored to the needs of disadvantaged populations.
In contrast, the other options provided do not enhance equity across populations:
a) Providing specialized healthcare services to the wealthiest individuals would exacerbate existing inequalities and further disadvantage those who are already disadvantaged.
b) Allocating healthcare resources solely based on age could lead to age-based discrimination and neglect the needs of other vulnerable populations.
d) Ignoring social determinants of health in policy decision-making would fail to address the root causes of health disparities and hinder efforts to promote equity.
In summary, focusing resources on addressing the unique needs of disadvantaged groups is the practice that enhances equity across populations when making health policy decisions in a community