The Right to Development and disparities in healthcare access: Qualitative study from rural Ontario, Canada

The Right to Development is the UN-recognised principle that frames development as a human right, emphasising equitable access to resources and opportunities. As enshrined in the UN Declaration on Human Rights, it affirms that all individuals should be able to participate in, contribute to, and benefit from development processes, including healthcare. This study examines how ethnic minorities in Oxford County, rural Ontario, perceive their healthcare access and identify barriers to their right to development. Using a qualitative interpretive approach, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 participants, 16 men and 9 women, between January and April 2025. Data were analysed through Braun and Clarke’s six-step method for thematic analysis, revealing two central themes: constraints on social support and equity and inclusion policy. The first theme highlights compounded challenges, including ethnoracial stratification, social isolation, and limited social support. The second theme reflects participants’ views on accessibility, resource allocation, and inclusivity of healthcare, pointing to the need for targeted policy interventions. Findings demonstrate that while participation is critical, meaningful healthcare equity requires more substantial commitments to universality and accessibility. Applying the right to development framework advances understanding of healthcare disparities by linking inclusive participation with the practical delivery of equitable services. This study carries significant policy implications, underscoring the importance of addressing structural and cultural barriers, strengthening community support systems, and ensuring fair distribution of healthcare resources. Situating the rural Ontario case within broader global debates, the research offers insights applicable to rural and underserved populations worldwide.