Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is about Inclusivity and Equality

Access to basic services such as healthcare is one of the public health issues I am passionate about. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is about ensuring that all people and communities have access to the health care (promotive, preventive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative) they need without suffering financial hardship [1]. Which simply means irrespective of your finances, everyone should have access to healthcare services. UHC cuts across all of the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and brings hope of better health and protection for the world’s poorest [1].

In Africa, we grew up paying for healthcare services out of our own pockets. This puts a lot of burdens on most families who cannot even afford a meal at home. And for families who cannot pay for any healthcare services, they are simply asked to leave. This is why I am a huge fan and supporter of the UHC program for Africans. UHC has been heavily promoted in various African countries, and most citizens want to see UHC program implemented. However, it is important to note here that UHC does not mean free coverage for all health services [1]. I repeat, it is not all free. If you are based in any African country, you all know this will not sit well with African leaders and their governments. Most countries in Africa have limited public funds to finance programs like UHC. To tell you the truth, even if funds were donated to finance the UHC programs in Africa, the funds will be mismanaged and embezzled.

Even though UHC has received great support, some are worried about the quality of care they shall receive. And their concerns are valid. Under UHC, health workers must see everyone who walks through any healthcare facility for medical attention. Depending on the number of patients they receive per day, the health workers might eventually become overwhelmed and tired. This all leads to poor quality of care. As stated by WHO, improving health service coverage and health outcomes depends on the availability, accessibility, and capacity of health workers to deliver quality people-centered integrated care [1].

At the end of the day, UHC is all about inclusivity and equality. No one will be or should be left out from receiving quality health care services they need.

References

1. Universal health coverage (UHC). (2020). Retrieved 17 September 2020, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/universal-health-coverage-(uhc)