A Review of Recent Developments and Future Challenges in the Implementation of Universal Health Coverage Policy Framework in Some Countries

Abstract

Global attention has recently converged on the need for countries to achieve universal health coverage (UHC), which aims to guarantee that all persons are able to access needed and effective healthcare without facing financial ruin by using services. In the attempt to move towards UHC, several low- and middle-income countries are developing more sustainable revenue sources, expanding pooling arrangements and employing more efficient and sustainable purchasing strategies. Their experiences represent a growing evidence of the application of mandatory (social), private and community-based health insurance in low- and middle-income countries and their potential contribution to UHC. UHC reforms are an inherently political process, and public health advocates will need to do more to promote not only the health benefits of public health interventions but also the economic and political benefits too. Crucially, as UHC continues to be championed and rolled out globally, all people working in global health need to reinforce the importance of including the full scope of public health in health system reforms; only then can the full potential of UHC be realized—a true reduction in health inequities. However, implementation of a UHC is not an easy phenomenon, rather it needs proper design of a good health insurance system by integrating both the public and private health care providers. The influence of good governance and a sustainable health financing system is fundamental to establish UHC in the developing countries. This review Paper encompasses recent developments and future challenges in the implementation of Universal Health Coverage Policy framework in some countries.