India, Oct. 28 -- Low-income countries had 21% lower overall health service coverage scores than high-income countries.

Infectious disease services showed the widest income gap, at 31%.

A study of 194 countries found that higher human development was linked to better healthcare coverage.

Researchers said development beyond the health sector was important for improving access to healthcare.

Countries with higher levels of human development generally had better universal health coverage (UHC), with disparities between income groups often greater than differences between world regions, according to a new study published in the journal PLOS Global Public Health.

Universal health coverage means that everyone can access the quality health ...