Gatekeeping in Public Health

Gatekeeping in public health refers to the process of controlling access to healthcare services, information, or resources to ensure they are used appropriately and effectively. It involves professionals, such as doctors or health authorities, deciding who receives certain interventions based on need or priority. This helps allocate limited resources fairly, prevent overuse, and protect public health. While it can sometimes create barriers to care, gatekeeping aims to balance individual needs with the overall well-being of the community.