How Universal Health Coverage Can Save Lives

The World Health Organization(WHO) defines Universal Health Coverage(UHC) as all people

having access to the full range of quality health services they need, when and where they need them, without financial hardship.

In 2024, 73 of the 195 countries worldwide had UHC, resulting in around 69% of the world's population having some form of universal healthcare.

Universal Health Coverage is important as it ensures that vulnerable individuals that may not have the funds to access quality health care services are given an opportunity to receive such

care. Universal Health Coverage leads to improved health outcomes by promoting early detection and continuous management of diseases. When individuals have access to health care which is accessible to them they are able to go in for monthly check ups without having to worry about the financial burden. For example, in the United States, the absence of Universal Health Coverage means individuals who feel unwell must pay high out-of-pocket costs for medical assistance. This often discourages them from seeking care due to fear of accumulating medical debt. As a result, they may delay or avoid necessary checkups, potentially leading to worsening health conditions or even death due to lack of timely medical intervention.

In 2002, Thailand implemented the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS), aiming to provide

health services to all its citizens free of charge. Since its implementation it has expanded access to different vaccinations, made healthcare accessible to marginalized communities, reduced out of pocket costs for health care, decreased the mortality rate and increased life expectancy. In comparison with the United States where there is no Universal Health Coverage, there is limited access to healthcare for everyone, high out of pocket costs, high medical bills and medical debt as well as higher mortality rate.

Using the Covid 19 Pandemic in both the United States and Germany as a case study on how

Universal Health Coverage can save lives; the USA with no UHC in the early stages had limited access to testing for citizens and it was often expensive. In comparison to Germany with UHC, regardless of economic status all citizens had access to Covid 19 health services. Similarly in the USA, due to no UHC a lot of uninsured citizens suffered tremendously - some getting sick and others dying due to disparities in health care provision. Now compare this to Germany where programs were implemented for at risk groups to get priority in receiving vaccines and care. Universal Health Coverage saves lives by removing financial barriers to healthcare access, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their economic status receive medical treatment. This is crucial during health crises like the Covid-19 pandemic, where access to testing, treatment, and vaccines significantly reduced transmission rates and mortality.

References:

Lewis, T. (2021, March 11). How the U.S. Pandemic Response Went Wrong—and What Went Right—during a Year of COVID. Scientific American; Scientific American. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-the-u-s-pandemic-response-went-wrong-and-what-went-right-during-a-year-of-covid/

Germany. (n.d.). Www.exemplars.health. https://www.exemplars.health/emerging-topics/epidemic-preparedness-and-response/covid-19/germany

Universal Health-care Coverage Scheme Thailand. (n.d.). https://www.social-protection.org/gimi/gess/Media.action?id=15747

World Health Organization. (2023, October 5). Universal health coverage (UHC). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/universal-health-coverage-(uhc)