The impact of high treatment costs on public health can be profound:
1. Limited Access to Care: High costs can prevent individuals from seeking timely medical attention, leading to worsened health outcomes and potentially more expensive emergency care in the future. 2. Health Inequities: Low-income populations are disproportionately affected by high treatment costs, exacerbating existing health disparities and contributing to a cycle of poor health and financial instability. 3. Economic Burden: Public health systems may face financial strain due to the high costs of treating prevalent diseases, potentially leading to reduced funding for other critical health programs and services.