International Universal Health Coverage Day 2023: All you need to know
Every year on December 12, the world observes International Universal Health Coverage Day, urging nations to hasten their progress toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). This global initiative emphasises the belief that access to affordable and high-quality healthcare is a fundamental human right.
UNDERSTANDING UNIVERSAL HEALTH COVERAGE
Universal health coverage is a comprehensive system designed to deliver quality medical care to every citizen, irrespective of their financial means.
While the concept of universal health coverage is laudable, it comes with challenges.
These include prolonged wait times for medical services, healthcare costs straining government budgets, and the financial burden on healthy individuals who contribute to the care of the sickest.
GLOBAL ADVOCACY FOR UNIVERSAL HEALTH COVERAGE
Despite the drawbacks, influential organisations such as the United Nations (UN) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) strongly advocate for universal health coverage.
According to WHO, UHC ensures that individuals and communities can access the necessary health services without facing financial hardship.
The foundation of UHC is rooted in the WHO constitution of 1948, which declares health as a fundamental human right.
Additionally, WHO contends that UHC holds the promise of improved health and protection for the world’s most impoverished populations.
INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSAL HEALTH COVERAGE DAY: HISTORY
On December 12, 2012, the UN General Assembly prioritised expediting progress toward achieving Universal Health Coverage.
Subsequently, in 2015, the UN set a goal for universal health coverage by 2030, encompassing access to high-quality essential healthcare services, as well as safe and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.
Another milestone occurred on December 12, 2017, when the UN adopted a resolution on global health and foreign policy, specifically addressing the health needs of the most vulnerable populations.
Concurrently, the UN officially designated December 12 as International Universal Health Coverage Day.
Published By:
vaishnavi parashar
Published On:
Dec 12, 2023
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