An examination of the concept of equity and the implications for health policy if equity is re-asserted as one of the key government objectives for the National Health Service.

AIM: To gain a full understanding of the concept of equity and means of promoting and monitoring a more equitable healthservice.
BACKGROUND: With previous policy decisions having sidelined equity, a new government is likely to wish to reverse this trend. ORIGINS OF INFORMATION: Government and expert opinion. DATA ANALYSIS: A critical approach to previous literature. KEY ISSUES: Equity is not a unitary concept and so it is explored and dissected using the framework of: Distribution of Resources, Access and Uptake of Healthcare, Standards and Outcomes of Healthcare, Health Status. Means of improving and monitoring equity in these four areas are suggested.
CONCLUSIONS: There are a number of ways of considering the concept of equity and for any fruitful discussion to occur there needs to be an agreed working definition. Specific topics are discussed where equity is lacking and a plan of action is suggested which is likely to improve equity in the areas identified.