Health is a right, not a privilege!
Imagine a world where healthcare is for everyone, not just a few. That’s the vision behind Universal Health Coverage Day, celebrated each year on December 12. In India, with a growing population of over 1.4 billion people, the pressure on our healthcare system is increasing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw how important it is to have accessible healthcare. Many people couldn’t get the help they needed, showing why universal health coverage is so critical.
India’s efforts align with the objectives of universal health coverage, which aim to ensure that everyone gets affordable and quality care. This is also a key part of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, pushing for health equality across the globe. This year, the theme is "Health: It’s on the Government," reminding us to work towards lasting, accessible solutions. Let’s explore how Universal health coverage in India can transform lives for the better!
Table of Contents
- Why Is Universal Health Coverage Day Celebrated, And What Are The Objectives of Universal Health Coverage?
- What Is The Theme For Universal Health Coverage Day 2024, And What Are The Benefits?
- What Is Universal Health Coverage In India?
- Expert’s Advice
- The Final Say
- FAQs
- References
Why Is Universal Health Coverage Day Celebrated, And What Are The Objectives of Universal Health Coverage?
International Universal Health Coverage Day is celebrated annually on December 12 to call on activists and advocates to raise their voices and convey the stories of the several million people still waiting for health so that leaders can invest more strategically in health and for the world to remember the importance of universal health insurance (UHC). UHC aims to provide everyone, everywhere, access to quality healthcare services without facing financial hardship.
Over the past 2 decades, financial protection has eroded: 2 billion people worldwide face financial distress, and 1.3 billion people have fallen into poverty due to out-of-pocket health care costs.
Individuals also delay or refuse life-saving treatments, which leads to poorer health outcomes and loops of disease and poverty. UHC promises to provide quality healthcare services to all groups across castes and religions without having to fear financial hardship; it includes a full spectrum of services from health promotion to rehabilitation so that every person can access the treatment they need.
This requires understanding the causes of health problems for living well, and UHC addresses these needs efficiently. It also promotes good child health and better maternal health, which enables families to come out of poverty and make significant contributions to long-term economic development. In this context, it is also important to learn how to build strong immunity in order to maintain health and well-being.
Universal Health Coverage Day is marked by the United Nations to commemorate the resolution of UHC as a universal global priority in 2012. The objective is to ensure that all, regardless of their background, can access quality health services without financial burden. This initiative helps to lift people out of poverty and promote community wellbeing, especially in light of challenges such as seasonal depression and the lingering impacts of pandemic. Political leaders should take decisions that set the course for achieving UHC by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals.
As the world continues to get richer, achieving UHC is more feasible in making health services and health technologies better accessible. In its definition, UHC targets offering affordable healthcare treatment, from simple treatment to special care for every individual.
Other important aspects of this coverage include;
1. Reduction of Financial Burden
According to the World Economic Forum, global healthcare spending will reach $9.8 trillion in 2021, representing 10.3% of global GDP. With the increase in unwanted health problems especially in urbanised countries and rising healthcare costs, UHC acts as a savior from unwanted financial burden. It protects individuals and families from catastrophic healthcare expenses and keeps them from falling into poverty due to medical bills.
2. Promotes Global Health Security
UHC not only helps people get rid of some unwanted financial burdens but also acts like a protective shield that is meant to prevent diseases from reaching worse levels and allows early diagnosis and treatment for better health and safety worldwide.
3. Numerous Coverage Options
Universal health insurance covers individual and family health care costs. These costs include pre-hospitalisation, post-hospitalization, annual check-ups, mental health services, and surgical procedures. This can work successfully for the benefit of middle-class families living in urban countries and makes healthcare easily accessible without burning a hole in their pockets.
Also Read: National Cancer Awareness Day 2024: Significance, Importance And Cancer Prevention Strategies
What Is The Theme For Universal Health Coverage Day 2024, And What Are The Benefits?
Health: It’s On the House Government!
This year 2024, the theme of the International Universal Health Coverage Day is "Health: It's up to the government". It focuses on the pivotal role of governments in the attainment of universal health care for all, with regard to financial protection and tackling the global health inequity. On UHC Day 2024, WHO urges governments to respond to the pressing call to ensure financial protection.
Investments in universal health coverage (UHC) strengthen equity and social cohesion while benefiting the national economy by improving health and well-being, increasing labour force participation and productivity, and building the resilience of individuals, families and communities.
By adopting the Sustainable Development Agenda in 2015, heads of state and governments of all countries pledged to ensure healthy living situations for all citizens.
Benefits of Universal Health Coverage:
Here are some of the main benefits of achieving the objectives of universal health coverage:
1. Better Access To Health Care For All
One of the most fundamental advantages of universal health insurance is equal access to medical facilities for everyone, regardless of their social and economic statuses. This not only lifts financial pressure upon limited-access health care groups but also removes the need to buy health insurance or splurge.
2. Increased Economic Growth And Development
UHC aims to create equal healthcare facilities for everyone, everyone regardless of their economic status. Eliminating out-of-pocket health care expenses prevents families from falling into poverty due to health care debt.
This enables them to invest their valuable money in their economic activities such as education or investment. It also ensures that children grow up to be healthy and educated individuals who can contribute to the growth and development of their country.
3. Better Overall Population Health And Well-Being
A healthy and educated population effectively contributes to the overall economic growth and development of its nation. Because UHC provides affordable healthcare options for all, seeking timely medical care is easier for individuals and families. This prevents diseases from becoming serious and chronic diseases that need to be treated in time. Therefore, it promotes better health and well-being of the population.
What Is Universal Health Coverage In India?
Good health should never come with a price tag; let’s break down the barriers together.
The Constitution of India obliges the government to ensure the "right to health" for all. Every state is obliged to provide free universal access to health care services. However, healthcare in India is chronically underfunded.
Historically, there have been several government-sponsored health insurance programs designed to improve coverage for specific population groups, with variations among states. The following are the initiatives for UHC in India:-
Initiatives for UHC in India
Key Initiatives and Goals | Details |
| National Health Policy 2017 | Aims to achieve the highest possible level of health without financial hardship. |
| Vaccination Coverage | The Government of India is committed to improving vaccination coverage to reach 90% full vaccination. |
| Routine Immunisation Campaigns | Launch of Mission Indradhanush (MI) and Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) to reduce child mortality and morbidity. |
| Intensified Mission Indradhanush 3.0 | Launched to increase routine immunisation coverage, targeting children and pregnant women in specific districts. |
| New Vaccines Introduced | Since 2014, vaccines such as the rotavirus, pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), measles-rubella (MR), and Japanese Encephalitis (JE) for adults have been launched. |
| Pradhan Mantri Dialysis Program | Provides free dialysis services through units under the Free Medicines and Diagnostics Scheme. |
| AMRIT Outlets | Set up to offer subsidised medicines to the public. |
| Ayushman Bharat – Health and Wellness Centers (AB-HWCs) | Over 1.33 lakh centres were commissioned to provide comprehensive primary care and teleconsultation services. |
| e-Sanjeevani Initiative | A digital health initiative that has saved significant costs per patient visit, totalling savings of ₹7,522 crore across the country. |
| Universal Screening for NCDs | Screening for common non-communicable diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and cancers is initiated at sub-centres and primary health centres. |
| Affordable Healthcare Access | Through Ayushman Bharat's two wings, AB-HWCs and Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (PMJAY), quality healthcare is made affordable and accessible to millions in India. |
Expert’s Advice
Universal Health Insurance (UHC) lifts people out of poverty and promotes the well-being of families and communities.WHO calls on governments to take immediate action to ensure that health services are available and accessible to all.
The government framework for monitoring UHC progress was developed by WHO and monitored both categories, including the overall level and extent to which UHC is equitable, offering service coverage and financial protection to all people in the population, such as the poor or those living in remote areas.
However, the path to achieving UHC is fraught with challenges, such as the unequal distribution of health workers and health facilities, poor governance and lack of adequate funding.
Health Expert
Lavina Chauhan
The Final Say
Universal Health Coverage Day reminds us that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare. As we work towards this goal, we must remember that “health is a human right,” and together, we can ensure that no one is left behind. Let's help families thrive, and communities grow stronger by promoting accessible healthcare for all. Together, let's inspire hope and change and know that a healthier future is possible when we stand united in our efforts!
FAQs
1. Why is Universal Health Coverage Day on 12 December?
Universal Health Coverage Day is celebrated annually on December 12 to raise awareness about the need for accessible and affordable healthcare for everyone. It emphasises the importance of robust health systems and encourages governments to invest in health equity.
2. When did universal health coverage start?
International attention toward universal health coverage started to pick up in 2012, when the United Nations adopted a resolution encouraging nations to ensure that universal health coverage was implemented in all nations. It ensured that people would receive quality healthcare without incurring any form of financial loss.
3. Can we measure universal health coverage (UHC)?
Yes, we can measure UHC. Monitoring UHC progress focuses on two things:
- The part of the population that has access to basic quality health services.
- The part of the population that spends a large amount of household income on health.
References
- https://www.commonwealthfund.org/international-health-policy-center/system-features/how-does-universal-health-coverage-work
- https://www.un.org/en/observances/universal-health-coverage-day#:~:text=On%2012%20December%202012%2C%20the,to%20quality%2C%20affordable%20health%20care.
- https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/universal-health-coverage-day-1576069107-1
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6057252/
- https://health.vikaspedia.in/viewcontent/health/health-campaigns/important-days/universal-health-coverage-day?lgn=en#section3
- https://www.pacehospital.com/international-universal-health-coverage-day
- https://www.careinsurance.com/blog/health-insurance-articles/international-universal-health-coverage-day
- https://www.emro.who.int/media/news/universal-health-coverage-day-2024-governments-urged-to-prioritize-financial-protection-for-health.html#:~:text=UHC%20Day%20provides%20an%20opportunity,a%20financial%20burden%20for%20anyone.
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