Universal health coverage is a human right that guarantees that people and communities in a country have access to the health services they need without financial crisis.
The United Nations General Assembly declared December 12 as World Universal Health Coverage Day in 2017. (Photo: Shutterstock)
International Universal Health Coverage Day (UHC Day) is observed every year on 12 December to raise awareness about Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The observation provides a common focus for governments, organizations and individuals to validate their work to ensure that no one is left behind in basic health care.
International Universal Health Coverage Day 2024 theme
The theme of UHC Day 2024 is “Health: It’s up to the government!” This theme underscores the fact that now is the time for governments to develop policies and systems that ensure access, affordability and equity in health care. The campaign calls for greater accountability from governments in policy decisions for health investment and full health coverage for all citizens.
Universal Health Coverage Day: Date
It was first launched on 12 December 2012, when the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) unanimously endorsed a resolution making UHC an integral and essential country priority for the fulfillment of human rights and international development. .
In 2014, it was declared as UHC Day by the Universal Health Coverage Coalition. Thus, the UNGA declared 12 December in 2017 as the World Universal Health Coverage Day.
Importance of Universal Health Coverage
Universal health coverage is a human right that guarantees that people and communities in a country have access to the health services they need without financial crisis. Some of the key benefits of UHC include:
- Equal access: Ensures that all people have access to essential health care regardless of economic status.
- Financial security: Reduces out-of-pocket costs for health care, which prevents families from falling into poverty as a result of medical bills.
- Improved health outcomes: Prevents diseases from progressing to critical stages or prevents people from developing them in the first place.
Types of Government Health Insurance Schemes in India
India has promoted UHC through various government schemes that have intervened in offering affordable healthcare. Some of the notable schemes include:
- Ayushman India: Implemented in 2018, the scheme provides up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year for admission to secondary and tertiary care hospitals for economically disadvantaged families.
- National Health Mission (NHM): Established in 2013, NHM aims to provide equitable access to healthcare, especially in rural and deprived areas. It supports the development of health infrastructure and human resources.
- Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janu Shudhi Prayojana (PMBJP): The objective of the scheme is to make quality medicines available at affordable prices through a network of dispensaries, which will help reduce healthcare costs.
- Employees State Insurance (ESI): It targets workers in the organized sector, provides social security and health insurance, including comprehensive medical care for sickness and maternity.