Improving the implementation of universal health coverage

What is it about?

Universal health coverage aims to provide healthcare to all, but simply creating a list of urgent health services is not enough. The health services must reach the people who need them the most. Many countries face challenges in making health services effectively accessible to their people. This study explores how countries can strategically choose to design essential packages of health services for improved delivery and impact. The researchers in the study highlight three details to develop such packages suited for implementation in the real world: how are the health services provided, where are these services available, and how do these services match up with the diseases affecting people? This approach ensures that countries move beyond just listing services to delivering them where they are needed the most.

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Photo by TopSphere Media on Unsplash

Photo by TopSphere Media on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Translating healthcare package designs into practical implementation is necessary. This study is vital because many essential health services can remain out of reach for those who need them most, especially when there is less focus on implementation. Countries can tailor health services to specific contexts by combining service delivery considerations into package development, ensuring everyone can access the healthcare they need. KEY TAKEAWAY: Carefully designing packages of health services with delivery in mind can help countries bridge the gap between intention and action. Countries should organize the health services in a logical way, make sure they are easy to understand and access, and match them to the specific health needs of the population. Such strategic changes can help countries make healthcare more accessible and improve the well-being of their people. This research relates to the following Sustainable Development Goals: • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities • SDG17: Partnership for the Goals