Healthcare: meaning, definitions and examples

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healthcare

 

[ ˈhelθˌker ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

medical services

Healthcare refers to the maintenance and improvement of physical and mental health through the provision of medical services. It includes prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of illness and injuries.

Synonyms

health services, medical care, medical treatment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
healthcare

General discussions about the system and industry providing medical services to the population, and when describing the overarching infrastructure related to health services.

  • The country's healthcare system requires significant reforms to improve accessibility
  • Advances in technology are transforming healthcare globally
medical care

Highlighting the treatment and attention provided to individuals when they are sick or need medical assistance, often in healthcare facilities like hospitals.

  • She received excellent medical care during her stay at the hospital
  • Immediate medical care is essential for serious injuries
health services

Referring to the specific actions or services provided to maintain and improve health. Common in professional and clinical settings.

  • The local clinic offers comprehensive health services including screenings and vaccinations
  • Health services in rural areas have been improved drastically
medical treatment

Discussing the specific procedures, medications, and therapies administered to treat illnesses or medical conditions.

  • The patient underwent medical treatment for his chronic condition
  • New advances in medical treatments have increased survival rates for many diseases

Examples of usage

  • Access to healthcare is a fundamental human right.
  • The healthcare system in this country is in need of reform.
Context #2 | Noun

industry

Healthcare also refers to the industry that provides medical services, including hospitals, clinics, pharmaceutical companies, and other healthcare organizations.

Synonyms

health sector, medical field, medical industry.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
healthcare

Used to refer to systems and services that provide medical care and treatments to individuals. It's often used in broad discussions about the quality or accessibility of medical services.

  • Investments in healthcare are crucial for a healthy society.
  • The report highlighted the challenges facing rural healthcare.
medical industry

Often refers to the commercial aspect of healthcare, including pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, and other businesses related to medicine. Can have a slightly negative connotation when discussing profit-driven motives.

  • The medical industry is constantly evolving with new technologies.
  • There are concerns about the profit motives within the medical industry.
health sector

Focused on the specific segment of the economy related to health services, including public health organizations, hospitals, and pharmaceuticals.

  • The health sector is a major employer in our region.
  • Reforms in the health sector are necessary to improve patient care.
medical field

Typically refers to the professional realm that includes doctors, nurses, and other medical practitioners. Used when talking about careers, advancements, or research in medicine.

  • She has dedicated her life to the medical field.
  • Recent advancements in the medical field have improved patient outcomes.

Examples of usage

  • She works in the healthcare industry.
  • The healthcare sector is a significant contributor to the economy.

Translations

Translations of the word "healthcare" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cuidados de saúde

🇮🇳 स्वास्थ्य सेवा

🇩🇪 Gesundheitsversorgung

🇮🇩 perawatan kesehatan

🇺🇦 охорона здоров'я

🇵🇱 opieka zdrowotna

🇯🇵 医療

🇫🇷 soins de santé

🇪🇸 atención médica

🇹🇷 sağlık hizmeti

🇰🇷 건강 관리

🇸🇦 الرعاية الصحية

🇨🇿 zdravotní péče

🇸🇰 zdravotná starostlivosť

🇨🇳 医疗保健

🇸🇮 zdravstvena oskrba

🇮🇸 heilbrigðisþjónusta

🇰🇿 денсаулық сақтау

🇬🇪 ჯანმრთელობის დაცვის

🇦🇿 səhiyyə

🇲🇽 atención médica

Etymology

The term 'healthcare' originated in the mid-20th century, combining 'health' and 'care' to emphasize the importance of caring for one's health. The concept of healthcare has evolved over time to encompass a wide range of medical services and the industry that provides them.

See also: healthful, healthiness, healthy, unhealthfully.