Journal of Primary Care and General Practice

All submissions of the EM system will be redirected to Online Manuscript Submission System. Authors are requested to submit articles directly to Online Manuscript Submission System of respective journal.
Reach Us +44-1518-081136

Commentary - Journal of Primary Care and General Practice (2023) Volume 6, Issue 4

Healthcare Access and Universal Health Coverage: A Global Imperative

Sue Tissot*

Department of Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada

Corresponding Author:
Sue Tissot
Department of Health
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Canada
E-mail: tissotsue@ualberta.ca

Received: 07-July-2023, Manuscript No. AAPCGP-23-105292; Editor assigned: 08-July-2023, PreQC No. AAPCGP-23-105292 (PQ); Reviewed: 22-July-2023, QC No. AAPCGP-23-105292; Revised: 24-July-2023, Manuscript No. AAPCGP-23-105292 (R); Published: 31-July-2023, DOI: 10.35841/aapcgp-6.4.160

Citation: Tissot S. Healthcare Access and Universal Health Coverage: A Global Imperative. J Prim Care Gen Pract. 2023;6(4):160

Visit for more related articles at Journal of Primary Care and General Practice

Introduction

Access to healthcare is a fundamental human right, yet millions of people around the world still lack access to essential health services. Universal Health Coverage (UHC) aims to address this disparity by ensuring that everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status, can access quality healthcare without experiencing financial hardship. This article explores the significance of healthcare access and the importance of implementing UHC as a vital step toward achieving health equity and improving overall well-being [1].

Healthcare access plays a pivotal role in the well-being of individuals and communities. When people have access to timely, affordable, and quality healthcare services, they are more likely to prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases effectively. Access to healthcare enables early detection and intervention, reducing the burden of diseases and preventing long-term complications. Additionally, it enhances maternal and child health, reduces infant mortality rates, and promotes overall population health [2].

Unfortunately, access to healthcare remains unequal, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Many individuals face barriers such as high out-of-pocket costs, lack of healthcare infrastructure, limited availability of healthcare professionals, and geographical remoteness. These barriers disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including women, children, the elderly, and marginalized communities. Achieving healthcare access for all requires a comprehensive approach that addresses these barriers and ensures that no one is left behind [3].

Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is a powerful mechanism to bridge the gap in healthcare access. UHC ensures that all individuals and communities can access essential health services without suffering financial hardship. It encompasses a broad range of services, including preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative care, as well as access to essential medicines. UHC is based on the principles of equity and solidarity, aiming to provide everyone with the healthcare they need, when they need it, and without discrimination. It offers financial protection by reducing or eliminating out-of-pocket expenses and reducing the risk of catastrophic health expenditures that can push individuals and families into poverty [4].

Countries that have implemented UHC have witnessed significant improvements in health outcomes and greater health equity. UHC not only saves lives but also contributes to economic growth and development. By ensuring a healthy workforce, UHC improves productivity and reduces the burden on social welfare systems. Implementing UHC requires a multi-faceted approach involving several key strategies. First, countries need to prioritize health financing reforms, such as increasing public spending on healthcare, expanding health insurance coverage, and exploring innovative financing mechanisms. Second, strengthening healthcare systems is crucial. This involves building robust primary healthcare networks, ensuring an adequate supply of skilled healthcare professionals, improving healthcare infrastructure, and enhancing health information systems. Third, proactive measures should be taken to address social determinants of health, including poverty, education, gender inequality, and access to clean water and sanitation. UHC should be complemented with efforts to promote health literacy and disease prevention, focusing on early intervention and health promotion [5].

Conclusion

Healthcare access is a basic human right that should be universally available. Universal Health Coverage is a critical step toward achieving health equity and improving overall well-being. By prioritizing healthcare access and implementing UHC, nations can make significant strides toward a healthier and more inclusive future for all.

References

  1. Ifeagwu SC, Yang JC, Parkes-Ratanshi R. Health financing for universal health coverage in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review. Glob. Health Res. Policy. 2021;6:1-9.

    2. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  2. Guinto RL, Curran UZ, Suphanchaimat R. Universal health coverage in ‘One ASEAN’: are migrants included?. Glob. Health Action. 2015;8(1):25749.

    3. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  3. Achoki T, Lesego A. The imperative for systems thinking to promote access to medicines, efficient delivery, and cost-effectiveness when implementing health financing reforms: a qualitative study. Int. J. Equity Health. 2017;16(1):1-3.

    4. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  4. van Staden D. The universal eye health imperative for Canada: an inescapable reality of unmet need. Can. J. Public Health. 2020;111(4):627-30.

    5. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  5. Luyckx VA, Miljeteig I, Ejigu AM. Ethical challenges in the provision of dialysis in resource-constrained environments. Semin. Nephrol. 2017(Vol. 37, No. 3, pp. 273-286).

    6. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

Get the App