Hindu Editorial Analysis : 12-September-2024

Universal health coverage (UHC) is a vital goal that ensures everyone has access to quality health services when they need them, without facing financial difficulties. It includes a wide range of essential health services, from promoting good health and preventing illnesses to treating, rehabilitating, and providing palliative care throughout life. Achieving UHC is one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by countries in 2015, emphasizing its global importance.

UHC in India

In India, the government is working towards UHC through the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). This program aims to provide health insurance to millions, but challenges remain significant.

Challenges to UHC

  • Off-track Progress: The world is not on track to achieve UHC by the 2030 deadline, with stagnation in health service improvements since 2015.
  • Increased Financial Burden: The number of people facing catastrophic health expenses has risen since 2000, disproportionately affecting poorer households. If a family member falls ill, the financial strain can lead to selling or mortgaging assets, making recovery harder.
  • Healthcare Workforce Shortages: Many regions, especially in Western and Central Asia, face critical healthcare worker shortages. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this issue, disrupting services in 92% of countries during its peak and 84% in 2022.
  • Lower Health Spending: India currently spends around 3.2% of its GDP on health, significantly lower than the average of 5.2% for lower and middle-income countries.

Solutions for Improvement

Emphasizing Digital Health

India’s leadership in digital health is crucial. The Global Initiative on Digital Health, launched under India’s G20 presidency, aims to boost investments and enhance cooperation in health. India’s own digital health mission, Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, serves as a foundation for this initiative.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI is transforming healthcare, and India can lead this change. Key benefits include:

  • Improved Diagnostics: AI tools enhance diagnostic accuracy, leading to quicker treatments.
  • Predictive Capabilities: AI can analyze healthcare data, predict disease outbreaks, and optimize treatment plans, making healthcare more personalized.

Collaboration and Future Directions

India’s journey can provide valuable lessons for other low- and middle-income countries seeking to expand UHC. However, the public sector alone cannot meet all health coverage needs.

Importance of Private Sector Involvement

To achieve UHC, it is essential to involve the private sector in health initiatives. The complexity of modern health challenges requires collaboration between public and private sectors.

Recommendations from the WHO

To improve health systems, the WHO suggests a primary healthcare (PHC) approach. This strategy can effectively deliver 90% of essential UHC interventions, potentially saving 60 million lives and increasing global life expectancy by 3.7 years by 2030.

Why In News

The expansion of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) will be complex, but leveraging data and digital technology can smoothen the way, enabling more efficient healthcare delivery and better resource allocation.

MCQs about Expanding Universal Health Coverage

  1. What does Universal Health Coverage (UHC) ensure for individuals?
    A. Access to healthcare only during emergencies
    B. Full access to quality health services without financial hardship
    C. Health services only for the wealthy
    D. Limited access to preventive care
    Correct Answer: B. Full access to quality health services without financial hardship
    Explanation: UHC aims to provide all individuals with access to essential health services when they need them, ensuring they do not face financial difficulties in doing so.
  2. Which program in India is primarily aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage?
    A. Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)
    B. National Health Mission
    C. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
    D. Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana
    Correct Answer: A. Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)
    Explanation: AB-PMJAY is the flagship health insurance scheme in India, designed to provide coverage to millions and advance the goal of UHC.
  3. What is a significant challenge faced by countries in achieving UHC?
    A. Increased health service coverage since 2015
    B. A surplus of healthcare workers
    C. Catastrophic health expenses pushing people into poverty
    D. High spending on health in all countries
    Correct Answer: C. Catastrophic health expenses pushing people into poverty
    Explanation: Many households face severe financial strain due to unexpected health expenses, leading to poverty, which is a major challenge in achieving UHC.
  4. How can digital health contribute to the expansion of UHC?
    A. By limiting access to healthcare services
    B. By increasing the cost of health services
    C. By enhancing the efficiency of healthcare delivery and improving resource allocation
    D. By replacing healthcare workers entirely
    Correct Answer: C. By enhancing the efficiency of healthcare delivery and improving resource allocation
    Explanation: Digital health technologies can streamline healthcare processes, making them more efficient and ensuring better allocation of resources, which is crucial for expanding UHC.

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