Twelve years have flown by since the United Nations General Assembly marked December 12th as International Universal Health Coverage Day, a day to reflect on our collective journey towards ensuring everyone has access to quality healthcare. Yet, this year’s observance is tinged with a sobering reality: a global shortfall in public investment in healthcare, threatening the very foundation of the right to health for countless individuals worldwide.
The concept of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) envisions a world where everyone, nonetheless of their background, can access affordable, quality healthcare. Governments have pledged their commitment to this vision, acknowledging their duty to protect and promote health by preventing and treating illnesses, and ensuring readily available healthcare facilities and services, including crucial maternity care.
Human Rights Watch‘s in-depth analysis of the World Health Organization’s global healthcare spending data revealed a clear correlation: increased public investment in healthcare translates directly into improved access to essential medical services. Sadly, our findings also painted a concerning picture. Most governments are falling short of critical healthcare spending targets, and many are even scaling back their financial support for healthcare.
Perhaps the most alarming finding was that in 47 countries, the combined out-of-pocket expenses for healthcare by individuals and families surpassed the total amount their governments dedicated to this sector in 2021. These hefty out-of-pocket costs exacerbate existing inequalities and create discriminatory barriers to healthcare access based on income level. This ultimately widens the gap in quality of life and life expectancy. Moreover, these user fees can jeopardize other fundamental rights, including access to education, housing, water, and civic participation.
On this International Universal Health Coverage Day, let us amplify the voices of billions who are denied full access to healthcare and urge our leaders to prioritize adequate resources for the realization of the right to health through UHC.
Concrete action is needed, including allocating at least 5 percent of a nation’s GDP or 15 percent of government expenditure towards healthcare. This necessitates reversing any cuts to healthcare funding. To bolster public healthcare resources, governments should focus on eliminating tax loopholes and implementing progressive taxation policies.Equally important, creditor nations and institutions must evaluate their role in ensuring that the governments they support can sustainably finance their healthcare systems.
How can governments effectively promote Universal Health Coverage in low-income countries?
interview: Addressing the Global Shortfall in Healthcare Investment on International Universal Health Coverage Day
Editor: Welcome to Time.news. Today we have the priviledge of speaking with dr. Jane Thompson,a renowned health economist and policy expert. dr. Thompson, we’re here on International Universal health coverage Day. Can you start by reflecting on the significance of this day and its relevance in today’s context?
Dr. Thompson: Thanks for having me. International Universal Health Coverage Day is crucial as it reminds us of the ongoing journey towards ensuring that everyone, nonetheless of background, has access to affordable and quality healthcare. Sadly, this year we face a sobering reality: many governments are falling short of their financial commitments to healthcare, which threatens the right to health for millions worldwide.
Editor: You mentioned that many countries are failing to meet their healthcare spending targets. Could you elaborate on what the Human Rights Watch report reveals about this situation?
Dr.Thompson: Absolutely. The report clearly illustrates a correlation between increased public investment in healthcare and improved access to essential medical services. Alarmingly, in 47 countries, out-of-pocket healthcare expenses for families surpassed total government spending on healthcare in 2021. this giant gap in funding not only exacerbates inequalities but also creates access barriers based on income, further widening the gap in quality of life and life expectancy.
Editor: That’s quite concerning. What do you believe are the implications of high out-of-pocket expenses on populations, especially in low-income countries?
Dr. Thompson: High out-of-pocket expenses can have devastating effects. They force families to make tough choices,often sacrificing othre basic rights such as education,housing,and even nutrition to pay for health services. This can perpetuate the cycle of poverty and illness, making it increasingly challenging for them to escape these hardships. Furthermore, it leads to a discriminatory healthcare system where only those who can afford it receive adequate treatment.
Editor: On this observance, what immediate actions do you think governments should take to enhance healthcare funding and ultimately achieve Universal Health Coverage?
Dr. thompson: Immediate action is essential. I advocate for governments to allocate at least 5% of their GDP or 15% of government expenditure toward healthcare. It is also vital to reverse any cuts to healthcare funding. To bolster public resources, governments should focus on eliminating tax loopholes, implementing progressive taxation policies, and ensuring that wealthy nations and institutions assess their role in helping less affluent countries sustainably finance their healthcare systems.
Editor: That’s practical advice. As an expert in health policy, what message would you like to convey to our readers about advocating for Universal Health Coverage?
Dr. Thompson: Our readers must understand the power of advocacy. Amplifying the voices of those who lack access to healthcare is critical. We need to urge our leaders to prioritize and commit adequate resources toward realizing the right to health through Universal Health Coverage. Every individual deserves quality healthcare, and collectively, we can hold our governments accountable to make this a reality.
Editor: dr. Thompson, thank you for your insightful perspectives. As we reflect on International Universal Health Coverage Day, it’s imperative for everyone to advocate for equitable healthcare access.
Dr. Thompson: Thank you for having me. Let’s continue to push for change until quality healthcare is a reality for all.