scholarly journals Achieving high-quality universal health coverage: a perspective from the National Health Service in England

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (6) ◽  
pp. e000944 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rocco Friebel ◽  
Aoife Molloy ◽  
Sheila Leatherman ◽  
Jennifer Dixon ◽  
Sebastian Bauhoff ◽  
...  

Governments across low-income and middle-income countries have pledged to achieve universal health coverage by 2030, which comes at a time where healthcare systems are subjected to multiple and persistent pressures, such as poor access to care services and insufficient medical supplies. While the political willingness to provide universal health coverage is a step into the right direction, the benefits of it will depend on the quality of healthcare services provided. In this analysis paper, we ask whether there are any lessons that could be learnt from the English National Health Service, a healthcare system that has been providing comprehensive and high-quality universal health coverage for over 70 years. The key areas identified relate to the development of a coherent strategy to improve quality, to boost public health as a measure to reduce disease burden, to adopt evidence-based priority setting methods that ensure efficient spending of financial resources, to introduce an independent way of inspecting and regulating providers, and to allow for task-shifting, specifically in regions where staff retention is low.

Author(s):  
Muhammad Arief Hasan ◽  
Puput Oktamianti ◽  
Dumilah Ayuningtyas

Abstract. JKN (National Health Insurance) is a government program that aims to provide health assurance for all Indonesian citizens for a healthy, productive, and prosperous life. In the two years after JKN was implemented, various problems occurred. This research used the qualitative approach with the Edward II implementation theory. Results of the research indicated that there were problems in communication, stemming from the lack of socialization and inharmonic regulations, there was also the problem of the lack of healthcare resources. From the disposition side, the policy makers often obstructs the implementation preparation, this is evident from the information on determining the premium size. From the organization structure, all the stakeholders have been well coordinated. We conclude that we are not ready to implement the JKN. We recommend that mass and effective socialization program to be performed using various methods of communication and involve the community. To reduce the disparity of healthcare services, we recommend that the regional government to establish various healthcare facilities to accelerate health development. There should also be regulations that allocates healthcare staff in every corner of the country to achieve Universal Health Coverage in 2019, as stated in the National Health Insurance Road Map. Keywords: policy analysis, national health insurance, universal health coverage


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hasbullah Thabrany ◽  
Ryan R. Nugraha ◽  
Ery Setiawan ◽  
Farah Purwaningrum

Abstract Background. Indonesia is nearing its 7-year implementation of its national health insurance scheme, or the Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional (JKN), as a facilitator for achieving universal health coverage (UHC). Despite its long-running system, it is contentious as to whether JKN has been narrowing the gap of inequity in its delivery. This paper aims to explore on whether the national health insurance scheme in Indonesia have been promoting equity of access towards health services.Methods. This study analyzes findings from JKN statistic data of 2014-2018 published by Government of Indonesia. Using a retrospective design, this study identified membership and utilization of health services within JKN, based on different membership enrollment groups as proxy for income.Results. JKN has been expanding its enrollment significantly within 5 years, during year 2014 to 2018. Moreover, the study concludes that there was increased access for outpatient in all membership groups. Inpatient care was increased in low-income group, but not in high-income group. Result also showed inpatient access was correlated with adequate supply side intervention, particularly hospital beds.Conclusion. JKN has been successful in narrowing the inequity gap, particularly by serving the low-income group better in terms of access. Going forward, equity needs to be incorporated into JKN achievement indicator, particularly to accelerate Indonesia’s effort to realize universal health coverage.


Author(s):  
Kipo-Sunyehzi ◽  
Amogre Ayanore ◽  
Dzidzonu ◽  
Ayalsuma Yakubu

: Background: the main aim of the study is to find if the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in Ghana is achieving universal health coverage (UHC) or not. The study gives the trajectories of health policies in Ghana and their implications on long term health financing. NHIS in Ghana was implemented in 2004, with the aim of increasing subscribers’ access to health care services and reduce financial barriers to health care. On equity access to healthcare, it addresses two core concerns: (1) enrolling particular groups (persons exempted from annual premium payments) and (2) achieving UHC for all citizens and persons with legal residence. It utilizes a multifactor approach to the conceptualization of UHC. The research question: is Ghana’s NHIS on course to deliver or achieve universal health coverage? Methods: we used qualitative methods. In doing so, the study engaged participants in in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and direct observations of participants in their natural settings, like hospitals, clinics, offices and homes, with purposive and snowball techniques. This data triangulation approach aims to increase the reliability and validity of findings. Results: the empirical evidence shows NHIS performed relatively well in enrolling more exempt groups (particular groups) than enrolling all persons in Ghana (UHC). The biggest challenge for the implementation of NHIS from the perspectives of health insurance officials is inadequate funding. The health insurance beneficiaries complained of delays during registrations and renewals. They also complained of poor attitude of some health insurance officials and health workers at facilities. Conclusions: both health insurance officials and beneficiaries emphasized the need for increased public education and for implementers to adopt a friendly attitude towards clients. To move towards achieving UHC, there is a need to redesign the policy, to move it from current voluntary contributions, to adopt a broad tax-based approach to cover all citizens and persons with legal residence in Ghana. Also, to adopt a flexible premium payment system (specifically ‘payments by installation’ or ‘part payments’) and widen the scope of exempt groups as a way of enrolling more into the NHIS.


1995 ◽  
Vol 166 (3) ◽  
pp. 306-310 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tony Jaffa

BackgroundThe way in which psychiatric services for adolescents in the UK are developing will be affected by recent changes in the organisation of the National Health Service.MethodThe history of these services, and the different opportunities for development are reviewed.ResultsWays in which high-quality clinical care can still be provided are indicated.ConclusionAdolescent psychiatric services should be judged on their ability to provide such care, not merely on their ability to survive.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenhui Mao ◽  
Yuchen Tang ◽  
Tra Tran ◽  
Michelle Pender ◽  
Phuong Nguyen Khanh ◽  
...  

Abstract Background China and Vietnam have made impressive progress towards universal health coverage (UHC) through government-led health insurance reforms. We compared the different pathways used to achieve UHC, to identify the lessons other countries can learn from China and Vietnam. Methods This was a mixed method study which included a literature review, in-depth interviews and secondary data analysis. We conducted a literature search in English and Chinese databases, and reviewed policy documents from internal contacts. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 16 policy makers, government bureaucrats, health insurance scholars in China and Vietnam. Secondary data was collected from National Health Statistics Reports, Health Insurance Statistical Reports and National Health Household Surveys carried out in both countries. We used population insurance coverage, insurance policies, reimbursement rates, number of households experiencing catastrophic heath expenditure (CHE) and incidence of impoverishment due to health expenditure (IHE) to measure the World Health Organization’s three dimensions of UHC: population coverage, service coverage, and financial coverage. Results China has increased population coverage through strong political commitment and extensive government financial subsidies to expand coverage. Vietnam expanded population coverage gradually, by prioritizing the poor and the near-poor in an incremental way. In China, insurance service packages varied across regions and schemes and were greatly determined by financial contributions, resulting in limited service coverage in less developed areas. Vietnam focused on providing a comprehensive and universal service packages for all enrollees thereby approaching UHC in a more equitable manner. CHE rate decreased in Vietnam but increased in China between 2003 and 2008. While Vietnam has decreased the CHE gap between urban and rural populations, China suffers from persistent disparities among population income levels and geographic location. CHE and CHE rates were still high in lower income groups. Conclusion Political commitment, sustainable financial sources and administrative capacity are strong driving factors in achieving UHC through health insurance reform. Health insurance schemes need to consider covering essential health services for all beneficiaries and providing government subsidies for vulnerable populations’ in order to help achieve health for all.


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