Hindu Editorial Analysis : 27-March-2024

Universal health coverage (UHC) means that every person should have access to a wide range of quality health services whenever they need them, without suffering financial hardship. This coverage includes essential services such as health promotion, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care throughout a person’s life.

Importance of UHC

Achieving UHC is one of the key goals outlined in the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that all countries committed to in 2015. For India, this goal is pursued mainly through the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), a significant public health insurance scheme.

Challenges Facing UHC

Despite the efforts, progress toward UHC is lagging globally. Here are some key challenges:

  • Stagnation: Improvements in health service coverage have plateaued since 2015. The number of people facing high out-of-pocket health expenses has steadily increased.
  • Manpower Shortages: Many regions, particularly in Western and Central Asia, face severe shortages of healthcare workers.
  • Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic disrupted essential health services in 92% of countries during its peak and continues to affect 84% of countries.
  • Economic Disparities: Poor households are disproportionately affected by health costs, often forcing them to sell assets or withdraw from jobs when they need money the most. According to the WHO, 55 million people fall into deeper poverty each year due to healthcare expenses.

Health Spending in India

India spends about ₹8 lakh crore on health, which is approximately 3.2% of its GDP. This is lower than the 5.2% average of lower and middle-income countries. The Indian government spends only about 1.1% of its GDP on health, compared to countries like China (3%) and Thailand (2.7%).

The Role of Digital Health

To overcome these challenges, digital health can play a significant role. Under India’s G20 presidency, a Global Initiative on Digital Health was launched by the WHO. This initiative aims to enhance investments in digital health and facilitate better reporting and exchanges in health data.

Advantages of Digital Health

  • Efficient Management: Digital tools can help in managing contracts and reimbursements efficiently.
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI can improve diagnostic accuracy, predict disease outbreaks, and personalize treatment plans.

Learning from India’s Journey

India’s digital health initiatives, like the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, are gaining traction. These efforts can serve as a model for other low- and middle-income countries working to expand UHC.

Private Sector Involvement

The public sector alone cannot ensure UHC in India. Collaborating with the private sector is essential to expand healthcare coverage effectively. A multifaceted approach is needed to tackle modern health challenges.

WHO’s Recommendations

The WHO suggests reorienting health systems towards a primary health care (PHC) approach. Most UHC interventions (90%) can be delivered through PHC, potentially saving millions of lives and increasing life expectancy globally.

Why In News

The expansion of Universal Health Coverage will be complex, but leveraging data and digital technology can significantly smoothen the path, making healthcare more accessible and efficient for everyone involved.

MCQs about Universal Health Coverage in India

  1. What is the primary goal of Universal Health Coverage (UHC)?
    A. To provide free healthcare services to all
    B. To ensure access to quality health services without financial hardship
    C. To reduce the overall cost of healthcare
    D. To promote alternative medicine
    Correct Answer: B. To ensure access to quality health services without financial hardship
    Explanation: Universal Health Coverage aims to ensure that all individuals can access the health services they need without facing financial difficulties.
  2. Which initiative does India currently focus on to achieve UHC?
    A. Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission
    B. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana
    C. Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)
    D. National Health Mission
    Correct Answer: C. Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)
    Explanation: The AB-PMJAY is India’s flagship public health insurance scheme aimed at expanding health coverage and achieving Universal Health Coverage.
  3. What has contributed to the stagnation in health service coverage since 2015?
    A. Increased government spending on health
    B. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
    C. Improved healthcare technologies
    D. Rising healthcare costs
    Correct Answer: B. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
    Explanation: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted essential health services worldwide, leading to stagnation in health service coverage in many countries.
  4. How can digital health initiatives assist in the expansion of UHC?
    A. By increasing hospital infrastructure
    B. By providing free medication to all citizens
    C. By improving the management of health data and services
    D. By focusing solely on urban health services
    Correct Answer: C. By improving the management of health data and services
    Explanation: Digital health initiatives can enhance the efficiency of health service management, facilitate data sharing, and improve access to healthcare, thus supporting the expansion of Universal Health Coverage.

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