Health: Universal Health Coverage

Definition: Universal Health Coverage (UHC) ensures everyone has access to comprehensive, high-quality health services without financial hardship.
Components: UHC covers prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care delivered by strong and equitable health systems.
Importance: UHC strengthens primary healthcare to address all health needs and relies on a well-equipped workforce.

The UN General Assembly resolution (2012) urges countries to accelerate progress towards UHC.
International recognition: Themes of International UHC Day and World Health Day highlight health as a right.

Policy – National Health Policy (2017) aims for UHC and aligns with the UN target.
Constitutional Provisions –
- The Directive Principles of State Policy in Part IV of the Constitution provides a basis for the right to health under
  - Article 39 (e) – Directs the state to secure the health of workers.
  - Article 42 – Emphasises just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief.
  - Article 47 – Duty on the state to raise the nutrition levels and standard of living, and to improve public health.
- The Constitution not only mandates the state to enhance public health but also endows the panchayats and municipalities to strengthen public health under Article 243G.
Challenges Faced by India-
- Lack of a constitutional right to health.
- High out-of-pocket expenditure.
- Needs of migrant populations and urban slum dwellers.

Focus: Availability and accessibility of primary healthcare services, especially for migrants and slum dwellers.
Freedom and Health: UHC should be seen as a “freedom to” – enabling individuals to achieve health and well-being.
Breaking the Cycle: A constitutional right to health is crucial to break the poverty-ill health cycle.

Urban Migrants: Address their health needs through reforms in informal sectors and portable healthcare access.
Out-of-Pocket Expenditure: Simplify reimbursement processes for migrants and marginalised communities.
Inclusive Health Systems: Integrate public and private health information systems, considering language barriers.
Community-Based Primary Care: Implement systems with seamless referral in urban and peri-urban areas.

Empowered Population: A healthy population leads to better social and economic well-being.
Election Focus: UHC can be a transformative policy offered by political parties.

Financial constraints hinder adequate funding for healthcare.
Accessibility and equity issues persist, especially in rural and marginalised communities.
Shortages of healthcare professionals pose a significant barrier to quality care.
Inadequate health infrastructure and technology impede service delivery.
Weak health information systems hinder effective planning and monitoring.
High out-of-pocket expenditure leads to financial hardship for many.
Ensuring high-quality care remains a challenge in many settings.
Emphasising preventive services is crucial for long-term health outcomes.
Political commitment and effective governance are essential for progress.