Social innovations as a way to overcome health inequalities

The paper deals with the problem of health inequality and ways of overcoming it in the modern society. The authors note the ambiguous definitions of the concept of health inequality as a complex social phenomenon. Based on the analysis of the majority of theoretical approaches, it can be regarded as the persistent health disparities between different social groups which are determined by the social conditions. The global nature of health inequalities raises the issue of finding effective ways to reduce and overcome it. Social innovations, in particular ICTs, can solve this problem. The paper analyzes their impact on the development of medical industry and health care system. The authors note that ICTs have introduced the new forms of interaction between health care providers and consumers. They include e-document management, electronic medical records, mobile medical apps, online consultation, interactive medical manipulations, e-prescriptions. However, despite the advantages and positive effects of providing medical care to the general public, the new technologies can be restricted and carry some risks which are primarily caused by their ethical and legal application.