Community-based Healthcare Organizations : Ethical Innovation for Accessible Care

Abstract

This article examines how ethical innovations of community-based organizations (CBOs) contrast with profit-maximizing healthcare models. Through a multiple case study approach analysing Health in Harmony (Indonesia), Buurtzorg India and Health Center Cecosesola (Venezuela), we identify four key characteristics enabling these organizations to prioritize healthcare access and quality: (a) prioritization of needs, (b) organizational openness and participatory governance, (c) creation of autonomy-supportive environments and (d) trust-building and relationship development. The featured organizations demonstrate how ethical innovation can drive access to quality healthcare. The CBO models provide tested patterns applicable across economic sectors for organizations seeking to become socially responsible agents.