Healthcare, in sociology, refers to the social institution and complex system of organisations, professionals, and practices dedicated to maintaining and improving the physical, mental, and social well-being of individuals and populations. This domain encompasses a wide range of services, including medical diagnosis and treatment, disease prevention, health promotion, rehabilitation, and palliative care. Sociologists examine the social determinants of health and illness, investigating how factors like socioeconomic status, race, gender, and geographic location influence health disparities and access to care. The study of healthcare also analyses the social organisation of medical practices, the roles of healthcare providers and patients, the social construction of health and illness (e.g., the sick role), and the impact of health maintenance organisations (HMOs) and holistic medicine approaches. It critically assesses healthcare policies, inequalities in health outcomes, and the broader societal implications of health and disease.