The achievement of an equitable health service has a number of
dimensions. Access to health care should be determined by actual need for
services rather than ability to pay or geographic location. Formal entitlement
to services is not enough; those needing services must have them available
within a reasonable period. Furthermore, the pursuit of equity must extend
beyond the question of access to treatment and care, and must examine
variations in the health status of different groups in society and how these
might be addressed