scholarly journals Universal Health Coverage- A Case Study of Indian Healthcare System during COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Rashika Nandwani
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare System ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Health Systems Strengthening ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
The World ◽  
The Government ◽  
Universal Health

Aim: The main purpose of this paper is to look at the Indian healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic and how COVID-19 acts as barrier and also presents some opportunities towards the road of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Background: COVID-19 has exposed the vulnerability of health systems across the world and India is no exception. The World Health Organization (WHO) has kept the definition of UHC very flexible and has left on the country which is implementing it as to how much of the population and which services should be included in the scheme.  Discussion: India already has a unique flagship program Ayushman Bharat where it is trying to cover her most vulnerable population against catastrophic expenditure of health. This paper further investigates the progress of India towards UHC and how COVID-19 is acting as an impediment for India to progress towards it. On the other hand, it also poses some opportunities which had not been explored in the past. Health Systems Strengthening is the path towards the achievement of UHC and due to COVID-19, India has touched upon all the six building blocks which are needed to strengthen our system towards the achievement of UHC. Recommendations and Conclusion: It recommends that Indian system should be more proactive than reactive; it also suggests following a systems-based approach and to not target the problem in silos. It also suggests increasing the government funding as well as establishment of proper public health cadre. To conclude, this paper also suggests that the government should include outpatient expenses into their scheme, and they should also concentrate towards building adequate infrastructure in order to face future pandemics like COVID-19.

scholarly journals “Health Technology Assessment in High, Middle and Low-income Countries: New Systematic and Interdisciplinary Approach for Sound Informed-policymaking”

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed AlKhaldi ◽  
Sara Ahmed ◽  
Aisha Al Basuoni ◽  
Marcel Tanner
Keyword(s):  
Health Technology Assessment ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
Technology Assessment ◽  
Social Systems ◽  
Health Technology ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
The World ◽  
Universal Health

Abstract Technological innovation has a significant role in improving health systems (HSs) and achieving universal health coverage. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared resolutions on Health Technology Assessment (HTA) and other global organizations emphasized on HTA systems to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). HTA is a modern multidisciplinary decision-making framework linking knowledge and policymaking in order to provide evidence to leaders and ensuring the value of resources by evaluating properties, effects, and/or impacts. The scope of HTA focuses on conducting assessments and analyses to investigate the medical, social, economic, organizational and ethical issues within health and social systems for generating management and technical solutions. HTA is important as it is rapidly growing and is seen as an essential development approach to tackle existing challenges, particularly in developing countries as they share most of the health burdens worldwide. The research aims to comprehensively evaluate HTA within the health and social systems and understand HTA within the national health system with regards to the level of knowledge about HTA, current HTA practices, application, capacity, gaps, and solutions by investigating the perceptions of health systems’ stakeholders in five countries, Canada, Switzerland, Lebanon, Palestine, and Tanzania selected according to the World Bank income classification. The project will last 12 months starts in January 2021 and ends in January 2022. A mixed-methods, quantitative and qualitative, along with a scoping review will be applied. In each country, fifty semi-structured questionnaires, twenty in-depth interviews, and one national focus group discussion will be conducted with health experts, managers, and policymakers selected purposively from the 1st and 2nd levels of the HS structure. Excel, IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), and MAXQDA 12 (VERBI GmbH, Berlin) software programs will be used for data management and analysis. The research will form cutting-edge evidence and reference not only for the six countries, but also for the global, regional, and national endeavors with regards to opening a room for HTA best application and optimization based on the produced knowledge from this research. It will reveal lessons learned, determine gaps, and set an applicable strengthening framework for HTA. This framework will eventually aid the decision and policymakers in these countries, and other similar countries and international organizations to build a well-enabled and institutionalized HTA for better universal health coverage, health systems, and multi-sectoral development.

scholarly journals Making fair choices on the path to universal health coverage: a précis

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Voorhoeve ◽  
Trygve Ottersen ◽  
Ole F. Norheim
Keyword(s):  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Ability To Pay ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
The World ◽  
Extra Weight ◽  
Universal Health

AbstractWe outline key conclusions of the World Health Organisation's report 'Making Fair Choices on the Path to Universal Health Coverage (UHC)'. The Report argues that three principles should inform choices on the path to UHC: I. Coverage should be based on need, with extra weight given to the needs of the worse off; II. One aim should be to generate the greatest total improvement in health; III. Contributions should be based on ability to pay and not need. We describe how these principles determine which trade-offs are (un)acceptable. We also discuss which institutions contribute to fair and accountable choices.

scholarly journals Achieving universal health coverage by 2030: The role of parliaments in ensuring right to health

2019 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 208-213
Author(s):  
Md. Habibe Millat ◽  
Mr. Christian Lohr ◽  
Ms. Mariana Carvalho
Keyword(s):  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
Right To Health ◽  
World Health ◽  
Director General ◽  
National Council ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
The World ◽  
The Right ◽  
Universal Health

In October 2018, on behalf of the Bangladesh Parliament, I proposed to the 139th Assembly of the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU) to adopt a resolution on “Achieving universal health coverage by 2030: The role of parliaments in ensuring the right to health” (Annex-1). After the acceptance of my proposal, I worked as a co-rapporteur along with Mr. Christian Lohr, Member of the National Council, Switzerland and Ms. Mariana Carvalho, Member of the Chamber of Deputies, Brazil for a year to consult with and gather inputs from the parliaments and parliamentarians across the world. After several intensive discussions, debates and consultations in different parts of the world, we presented a draft proposal to the IPU member parliaments before presented it to the IPU assembly. Later, following the final debate and discussion, 141st IPU assembly 2019 in Belgrade, Serbia approved this resolution. I believe this global tool will enable parliaments and parliamentarians to contribute in ensuring the highest attainable standard of health and global health targets by 2030. I am grateful to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh Jononetry Sheikh Hasina MP and the Hon’ble Speaker of Bangladesh Parliament Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury MP for their encouragement. I am also thankful to IPU President Ms Gabriela Cuevas Barron, IPU Secretary General Mr Martin Chungong and World Health Organization Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus for their regular guidance towards this initiative. My sincere appreciation goes to the colleagues from the Bangladesh Parliament, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of Bangladesh, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, IPU Secretariat and WHO Secretariat for their contribution in the process. I hope our parliaments and parliamentarians will take full advantage of this resolution in their work to make the right decisions when it’s come to those health issues. I am now looking forward to working together with my fellow parliamentarians from home and abroad to deliver the commitment we have made through the IPU resolution on universal health coverage. I would appreciate your comment, suggestion and advice in this regard.

scholarly journals A Health Systems Strengthening Approach to Female Genital Fistula in Kenya

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Wala ◽  
Meggie Mwoka ◽  
Dan Okoro
Keyword(s):  
Health Systems ◽  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
Social Impact ◽  
Health Systems Strengthening ◽  
Entry Point ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Insurance Cover ◽  
Genital Fistula ◽  
Universal Health ◽  
Female Genital

Aims: To contribute to Universal Health Coverage by strengthening the capacity of the health system in Kenya to address female genital fistula using NHIF as an entry point. Methods: This involves a revolving fund model using NHIF rebates from an initial donor funded payment of NHIF premiums for 3 years for as part of FGF management. USD 180 will be paid for NHIF subscription per patient. This will cover the woman and her dependents for 3 years. NHIF in return will pay a rebate of USD 600 per patient. The rebates will be used by County Governments for facility improvement especially on reproductive health services. This will be done with support from UNFPA who will provide technical guidance, capacity building, support of repair services and resource materials. Results: The expected results of this innovative approach include: Contribution to Universal Health Coverage through increased uptake of NHIF; increased knowledge of health workers on RMNCH and FGF management; insurance cover for fistula champion and her dependents; and strengthening policies and legislation around facility improvement funds. Conclusions: Addressing FGF will require a concentrated and coordinated effort at the national and local levels of different stakeholders under the leadership of the Ministry of Health (MOH) and county government to provide centralized coordination to ensure that quality services are available. Using NHIF as an entry point, the domino effect is health systems strengthening around FGF management and social health protection for household. This is a shift from the previous patient-focused management of fistula that had individual and not social impact.

scholarly journals The road to universal health coverage: an overview of global and Indian scenarios

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 2601
Author(s):  
Anugraha John ◽  
Hari Teja Avirneni ◽  
Sinthu Sarathamani Swaminathan
Keyword(s):  
Health Insurance ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
Universal Coverage ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Health Care Workforce ◽  
The Road ◽  
Global Movement ◽  
Universal Health

The declaration of World Health Assembly in the year 2005 paved the way for all the member states to plan for the transition towards universal coverage to their respective citizens. This was underpinned by the notion that access to quality basic and essential health services has to be made available for everyone to combat poverty and to achieve the developmental goals worldwide. This global movement towards universal coverage is considered as one of the greatest transitions in health, the other being the demographic transition and epidemiological transition. Since the adoption of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), the road taken by each country to achieve UHC is diverse and unique to its culture, needs of people and health systems in the respective country. However, all these approaches have a commonality of promoting and providing health insurance as an important mechanism to achieve UHC. Providing health insurance to ensure health coverage for all the citizens has been well tested and proved to be a viable option. But, addressing other needs and requirements of health systems such as expansion of health infrastructure, reinforcement of the health care workforce and reorganization of the existing health systems in line with newer policies is also extremely important.

scholarly journals Education, leadership and partnerships: nursing potential for Universal Health Coverage

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabel Amélia Costa Mendes ◽  
Carla Aparecida Arena Ventura ◽  
Maria Auxiliadora Trevizan ◽  
Leila Maria Marchi-Alves ◽  
Valtuir Duarte de Souza-Junior
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
Education Leadership ◽  
Document Analysis ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Partnership Development ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Universal Health

Objective: to discuss possibilities of nursing contribution for universal health coverage. Method: a qualitative study, performed by means of document analysis of the World Health Organization publications highlighting Nursing and Midwifery within universal health coverage. Results: documents published by nursing and midwifery leaders point to the need for coordinated and integrated actions in education, leadership and partnership development. Final Considerations: this article represents a call for nurses, in order to foster reflection and understanding of the relevance of their work on the consolidation of the principles of universal health coverage.

scholarly journals Towards universal health coverage: what are the system requirements for effective large-scale community health worker programmes?

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (Suppl 9) ◽  
pp. e001046 ◽  
Author(s):  
Uta Lehmann ◽  
Nana A Y Twum-Danso ◽  
Jennifer Nyoni
Keyword(s):  
Community Health ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Health Systems Strengthening ◽  
Local Context ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Universal Health

Against the background of efforts to strengthen health systems for universal health coverage and health equity, many African countries have been relying on lay members of the community, often referred to as community health workers (CHWs), to deliver primary healthcare services. Growing demand and great variability in definitions, roles, governance and funding of CHWs have prompted the need to revisit CHW programmes and provide guidance on the implementation of successful programmes at scale. Drawing on the synthesised evidence from two extensive literature reviews, this article determines foundational elements of functioning CHW programmes, focusing in particular on the systems requirements of large-scale programmes. It makes recommendations for the effective development of large-scale CHW programmes. The key foundational elements of successful CHW programmes identified are (1) embeddedness, connectivity and integration into the larger system of healthcare service delivery; (2) cadre differentiation and role clarity in order to maintain clear scopes of work and accountability; (3) sound programme design based on local contextual factors and effective people management; and (4) ongoing monitoring, learning and adapting based on accurate and timely local data in order to ensure optimal fit to local context since one size does not fit all. We conclude that CHWs are an investment in health systems strengthening and community resilience with enormous potential for contributing to universal health coverage and the sustainable development goals if well designed and managed. While the evidence base is uneven and mixed, it provides extensive insight and knowledge to strengthen, scale up and sustain CHW programmes throughout Africa.

scholarly journals ‘Connecting the dots’ for generating a momentum for Universal Health Coverage in Bangladesh: findings from a cross-sectional descriptive study

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. e024509
Author(s):  
Syed Masud Ahmed ◽  
Lal B Rawal ◽  
Nahitun Naher ◽  
Tarek Hossain
Keyword(s):  
Health Systems ◽  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
Descriptive Study ◽  
Early Years ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Low Resource ◽  
Entry Points ◽  
The Government ◽  
Universal Health

ObjectiveThis study was conducted to explore how and whether, the strategic grants made by the Rockefeller Foundation (RF) in different sectors of health systems in the inception phase were able to ‘connect the dots’ for ‘generating a momentum for Universal Health Coverage (UHC)’ in the country.DesignCross-sectional descriptive study, using document review and qualitative methods.SettingBangladesh, 17 UHC-related projects funded by the RF Transforming Health Systems (THS) initiative during 2010–2013.DataAvailable reports of the completed and on-going UHC projects, policy documents of the government relevant to UHC, key-informant interviews and feedback from grant recipients and relevant stakeholders in the policy and practice.Outcome measuresKey policy initiatives undertaken for implementing UHC activities by the government post grants disbursement.ResultsThe RF THS grants simultaneously targeted and connected the academia, the public and non-profit development sectors and news media for awareness-building and advocacy on UHC, develop relevant policies and capacity for implementation including evidence generation. This strategy helped relevant stakeholders to come together to discuss and debate the core concepts, scopes and modalities of UHC in an attempt to reach a consensus. Additionally, experiences gained from implementation of the pilot projects helped in identifying possible entry points for initiating UHC activities in a low resource setting like Bangladesh.ConclusionsDuring early years of UHC-related activities in Bangladesh, strategic investments of the RF THS initiative played a catalytic role in sensitising and mobilising different constituencies for concerted activities and undertaking necessary first steps. Learnings from this strategy may be of help to countries under similar conditions of ‘low resource, apparent commitment, but poor governance,’ on their journey towards UHC.

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