Abstract
The rapid economic growth in low and middle-income countries provides the opportunity of translating political commitment into action for achieving Universal Health Coverage. However, this is not straightforward. High donor dependence in low income countries; the lack of fiscal space; the inadequacy of attention to primary health care and under-developed pre-payment systems all pose challenges. Windows of political opportunity open up and ensuring that Universal Health Coverage makes it into the agenda of parties and subsequent holding them accountable by citizens can address political inertia. Not only is more money for health needed, but governments also need to gain more health for money through effective strategic purchasing and addressing the main drivers of inefficiency. Moving Universal Health Coverage from political aspiration to reality requires approaching it as a citizen’s rights and entitlement to health, through full subsidies for the poor and vulnerable.
Highlights
The rapid economic growth in low and middle-income countries provides the opportunity of translating political commitment into action for achieving universal health coverage
Windows of political opportunity open up and ensuring that universal health coverage makes it into the agenda of parties and subsequent holding them accountable by citizens can address political inertia
Enacting universal health coverage (UHC) legislation or making a political statement at global forums is not enough to bring about access to health services without financial hardship for all citizens
Summary
The rapid economic growth in low and middle-income countries provides the opportunity of translating political commitment into action for achieving universal health coverage. High donor dependence in low income countries; the lack of fiscal space; the inadequacy of attention to primary health care and under-developed pre-payment systems all pose challenges. This provides increased domestic resources for health which can support progressive realization of universal health coverage (UHC) and the achievement of other health-related SDGs [3].
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