VIEWPOINT: How UK trade policies could help heal global healthcare inequalities

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Theresa May’s recent visit to India, during which discussions about cooperation over trade in health services were a priority, is a reminder that trade and investment cannot be isolated from other areas of policy.

Key among these is universal health coverage – the provision of quality medical services to all people when they need them, without causing financial hardship. This is a concept that is having its moment: it is championed by everyone from health activists to the World Bank, and is one of the targets in the sustainable development goals.

What is obvious, but perhaps less palatable to some of its advocates, is that achieving universal health coverage requires addressing polices far beyond the health sector. Policies that need to work for universal health coverage include those on water and sanitation, nutrition and education, but also global policies and practices that impede the right to health.

Source: The Guardian (link opens in a new window)

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Health Care
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public health