UHC Forward: Towards Universal Health Coverage

There are sufficient experiences that have been documented in the world to advance with the implementation of universal health coverage. The first tries will necessarily need adjustments based on the difficulties that are faced, but this must not slow down action. As such, it is necessary to organize the monitoring and evaluation of the measures taken in order to improve the implementation of the actions taken.

Morocco is already a leader in the region and in the world in regards to research of universal health coverage, as evidenced by the organization of this workshop and the participation of several countries in the region and experts from across the world.

In order for Morocco to continue to make the most of its experience, it seems very important to document the experience of the RAMED, including both its positive outcomes as well as the difficulties encountered, and to continue exchanges with other countries involved in the implementation of universal health coverage.

India is committed to achieving universal health coverage (UHC). As part of this commitment, the Government of India has set up a High Level Expert Group to propose reworking on physical and financial norms needed to ensure equitable access to healthcare services. Though the Group has come up with its report on several recommendations on UHC, its implementation remains unclear. India offers a specific challenge to UHC due to its wide inequity across region, caste, class and gender lines to access quality health care.

The National conference on ‘Bringing Evidence into Public Health Policy’ (EPHP) offers a common platform for researchers, policy makers and public health practitioners to come together to deliberate on strengthening health system to achieve UHC in India.

(Institute for Healthcare Improvement) - At IHI, as part of my work on the Quality Track for the Joint Learning Network for Universal Health Coverage, I bridge connections and enable dialogue among physicians, policymakers, and researchers across the globe who are trying to tackle one of the most exciting and important challenges of our generation: providing universal health coverage to people of all income levels. Sounds sexy, huh?

Last week, I put this grand idea to the test for our monthly JLN webinar series with colleagues in Asia and Africa. The topic: What indicators should you use to measure the quality of care? How do you know that your health system has improved? How do you compare yourself to other countries, or to your past performance?

Seconds before we started, I scanned the list of participants – India, Malaysia, Thailand, Nigeria, Indonesia, Vietnam – the list was growing. But missing was our moderator – what!?

The Lancet has just launched a special series on universal health coverage (UHC). As we have seen at events this year – and as we have highlighted in previous blogs – UHC is gaining traction as a major global health priority.

The right to health

UHC refers to all people having access to quality, essential healthcare without financial hardship.

Rooted in the right to health, The Lancet re-states this priority and contributes to the growing evidence for investing in health and identifying key lessons on how to do so.

Acknowledge past mistakes

A major part of achieving UHC is health financing policy and making it more equitable and efficient so that adequate resources are raised progressively.