DOHA: A new report calling on universal health coverage (UHC) to be implemented across the globe was released and debated yesterday at World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH).
UHC is the basic concept that every person everywhere should have access to healthcare without suffering financial hardship. This essential human right is a cornerstone of sustainable development and global security.
The policy report, based on a review of available evidence, highlights substantial benefits UHC can deliver for individuals, countries and politicians and provides a solid framework to support policymakers in transitioning their nations’ health services to UHC.
Lead author, Sir David Nicholson, former chief executive of National Health Service in England, launched the report ‘The Next Billion: How to Deliver Universal Health Coverage’.
“Evidence shows that in any country it’s important that the whole population is covered with a priority health package providing good quality primary, community and some general hospital services.
“When it comes to financing, our research suggests that the most effective mechanism is a publicly governed compulsory financing system.
“Above all, strong political leadership, careful monitoring and strong institutions are needed to see successful implementation of health reforms.
“No one is pretending that improving health systems is easy but case studies from around the world show it is possible. Complex issues need to be discussed and difficult decisions made at the highest level. My message to policymakers is to be brave and bold,” Sir David added.
Experts and policymakers, including Dr Muhammad Khoshaim, Saudi Minister of Health, Professor Srinath Reddy, President, Public Health Foundation, India, Sir Julian Le Grand, Professor of Social Policy, London School of Economic, Professor Li Ling, Professor of Economics, China Centre for Economic Research, and Hussein Reka, Manager, Health Insurance, Supreme Council of Health, took part in a panel discussion held universal health coverage.
They shared experience and public insurance policies implemented in their countries. They also discussed about the ‘Cost Challenge’ faced in implementing public insurance schemes.
“Even the rich countries have challenges, because the expenses are high. We are not looking at the burden of the disease. Unless we do early diagnosis, burden of the disease will increase,” said Khoshaim.
Speaking about the National Health Insurance Scheme in Qatar, Reka said that Qatar has actually made public health services available for people at very low coast since 1980.
However he said, “That’s not good enough, so that why we decided to improve the system, and introducing a mechanism to give an increased choice of provider, more transparency and by improving by quality.”
The Peninsula
