01490nas a2200301   4500000000100000008004100001260001300042653001200055653002800067653002400095653004200119653003400161653001100195653002100206653001600227653002400243653003500267653001800302653001900320100001600339245007800355856007900433300001200512490000700524050001700531520062600548022001401174       2012                            d  c2012 Dec10aCulture10aDelivery of Health Care10aHealth Expenditures10aHealth Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice10aHealth Services Accessibility10aHumans10aMental Disorders10aMiddle East10aMobility Limitation10aProfessional-Patient Relations10aSocial stigma10aTransportation1 aKronfol N M00aHealth services to groups with special needs in the Arab world: a review.  uhttp://applications.emro.who.int/emhj/v18/12/EMHJ_2012_18_12_1247_1253.pdf  a1247-530 v18  aKRONFOL 20123 a<p>This paper examines the health services provided to the older population (especially those with physical limitations) and the people with mental illnesses in Arab countries and their evolution over the past 3 decades. The paper reviews utilization issues related to morbidity, transportation, patient-provider relationship, cost, stigma and organizational barriers that often impede access and compliance with the care provided or recommended. Health systems in the region need to acknowledge the specific needs of these patients in their national programmes. Raising awareness is an important step in this regard.</p>  a1020-3397