Influence and Hurdles: Muslimah Healthcare Professionals and Universal Health Coverage

Abstract

Background: The global health landscape has been increasingly recognizing the pivotal role of sociocultural paradigms in shaping healthcare access and delivery. Within this framework, Muslimah healthcare professionals emerge as emblematic figures, intertwining religious and cultural ethos with the aspirations of health equity.

Methods: A comprehensive review of literature was undertaken using desk review of hard copy published manuscripts and online databases of google scholar and AJOL. This review focus on studies and reports that highlighted the experiences, challenges, and contributions of Muslimah healthcare professionals in the realm of healthcare. Particular emphasis was given to studies detailing overt prejudices, such as religious intolerance, and the nuanced challenges of universal health coverage (UHC) implementation in diverse cultural contexts.

Results: Muslimah healthcare professionals consistently face both overt challenges, like religious intolerance tied to practices such as wearing the hijab, and subtler challenges related to the realization of UHC in varied cultural settings. Despite these barriers, their resilience and adaptability are noteworthy, offering significant insights into the interplay of faith and medicine. Additionally, economic considerations, particularly the alignment of indigenous financial models like the Islamic principle of Zakaat with broader healthcare financing strategies, emerged as promising avenues to enhance both cultural alignment and financial sustainability in health systems.

Conclusion: The journey of Muslimah healthcare professionals underscores the critical importance of integrating sociocultural perspectives within global health strategies. Their experiences not only enrich our understanding of the complex interplay between religious identity and professional obligations but also illuminate potential pathways for crafting inclusive, resilient, and culturally attuned healthcare systems.

Keywords: Muslimah healthcare professionals; Universal Health Coverage; Sociocultural paradigms; Religious intolerance; Healthcare financing.