International Universal Health Coverage Day – 12 December, 2022

The United Nations (UN) observes International Universal Health Coverage Day on December 12th each year to raise awareness about the importance of strong and resilient health systems and universal health coverage with multi-stakeholder partners.

"Build the world we want: A healthy future for all," is the theme of International UHC Day.

The goal is to provide everyone access to high-quality, affordable healthcare regardless of where they live. With increased inequities and financial hardship in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the goal of universal health coverage (UHC) became more pressing.

The Path to UHC:

i.UHC and health security are two intertwined goals that we achieve through the same health system - in crisis and in calm.

ii. UHC means that everyone, everywhere, should be able to access the health care they require without fear of financial hardship. It is incorporated into the Sustainable Development Goals.

iii. It also covers the entire spectrum of essential health services, including health promotion, prevention, and treatment.

iv. The three dimensions of UHC are as follows:

« Population distribution (who receives services, linked to equity)

« Service availability (what health services are available)

« Financial security (ensuring health services do not lead to financial hardship)

Bharat Ayushman Bharat

●Ayushman Bharat (AB), a flagship scheme of the Government of India, was launched to achieve the vision of UHC, as recommended by the National Health Policy 2017.
●AB is an attempt to move away from a selective approach to health care and instead provide a comprehensive range of services including preventive, promotional, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative care.
●Ayushman. Bharat uses a continuum-of-care approach that consists of two interconnected components, which are
1.Health and Wellness Facilities (HWCs)
2.Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) (PM-JAY)

In the last decade, India's healthcare sector has advanced dramatically. The advancement of medical technology and the expansion of health insurance schemes to cover nearly 70% of the population have been major contributors. Individuals, families, societies, and nations can all benefit from universal health coverage in terms of breaking the cycle of poverty and deprivation, as well as promoting physical and mental health well-being.