How to make global universal healthcare a reality

Monday, July 10, 2017

1 | Accept there’s no such thing as a ‘perfect healthcare model’

All healthcare models have their challenges in terms of systems capacity, fiscal space and good governance. I think the progress of countries like Thailand and Sri Lanka towards universal health is certainly laudable, but they each have different approaches to getting there. Thailand’s journey began incrementally and over the years through consistent investment in Primary Health Care (PHC). Meanwhile, India is more focused on achieving Universal Health Care (UHC) through mixed health markets featuring both public and private sector players. Priya Balasubramaniam, senior public health scientist and director, PHFI-RNE Universal Health Initiative, Public Health Foundation of India, New Delhi, India

2 | Have the same healthcare provider for the rich and the poor

If we have dual systems with the “national service” caring for the poor and the private sector caring for the rich, quality will be an afterthought. We need the rich and poor to be cared for by the same provider – this ensures that high quality will be a political priority as those with voting influence are directly affected by the quality of services provided. Jolene Skordis, director, UCL Centre for Global Health Economics, London, UK

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

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Health Care
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public health