Implementing universal health coverage

Universal Health Coverage (UHC) aims to provide universal access to comprehensive, high-quality health services without financial hardship. Endorsed by the UN General Assembly in 2012, UHC is crucial for India, as outlined in the high-level expert group report to the Planning Commission and the National Health Policy 2017. Despite lacking a constitutional right to health, India's constitution and policies support the advancement of public health. Implementing UHC, especially considering India's diverse and mobile population, requires focused attention on primary healthcare, reducing out-of-pocket expenses, and ensuring inclusivity in health systems.

Key Points:

• UHC ensures access to essential health services for all, based on strong health systems and equitable healthcare workforce.

• The UN's endorsement and India's policy frameworks, including increasing public financing for health to 2.5% of GDP, support UHC's goals.

• Constitutional provisions and policies provide a foundation for the right to health in India, emphasizing the improvement of public health.

• UHC implementation needs to address urban migration, simplify reimbursement processes, create inclusive health systems, and implement community-based primary healthcare.

Additional Insights:

• UHC is not just about healthcare access but also about health equity, ensuring everyone can attain their highest health potential regardless of socio-economic status.

• Isaiah Berlin's concept of positive freedom underscores the discourse on health as a human right, where access to health services enables individuals to achieve health and wellness.

• Addressing health needs of urban migrants and the informal sector is crucial due to India's significant internal migration and urban slum population.

• Political commitment and substantial investment are vital for the effective implementation of UHC, highlighting the importance of health in electoral agendas.

Keywords Explained:

• Universal Health Coverage (UHC): A healthcare system ensuring all individuals have access to needed health services (preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative) without suffering financial hardship.

• Primary Healthcare: The most basic package of essential health services and products needed to prevent disease, promote health, and manage chronic health conditions effectively.

• Out-of-Pocket Expenditure: Direct payments made by individuals to healthcare providers at the time of service use, which can lead to financial hardship.

• Isaiah Berlin : Isaiah Berlin described two freedoms: 'freedom from' as the lack of constraints, and 'freedom to' as the ability to achieve goals, framing health as a human right within the latter, emphasizing access to healthcare as essential for wellness.
  

Published in : The Hindu

Date appeared in newspaper : 08 April 2024

Link to the article (might require a paid subscription) : https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/2024-04-08/th_international/articleGAJCL25P4-6390530.ece

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