ealth is a fundamental human right. Universal health coverage is a critical tool for achieving health for all. Half of the world’s population still does not have full coverage of essential health services. 100 million people are still being pushed into extreme poverty due to healthcare costs. Non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and chronic respiratory disease, are leading causes of death and disability worldwide and account for 71 percent of deaths globally. A shocking 85 percent of premature deaths from NCDs occur in low- and middle-income countries.

On December 12, 2012, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution calling on member countries to intensify their initiatives in attaining universal health coverage for their people. The key aim of this developmental initiative was to guarantee that individuals, irrespective of their geographical location, could avail themselves of quality and cost-effective healthcare. The observance of the Universal Health Coverage Day on December 12 every year serves as a reminder to all 191 UN member states, who agreed to try to achieve 17 sustainable development goals by the year 2030. The Goal-3 asks countries to “ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.”

This year, the commemoration presents an opportunity to refresh commitments towards accelerating UHC as countries recover from the overwhelming economic and social impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. The theme for this year’s UHC Day is Health for All: Time for Action. It emphasises the need for immediate and tangible steps to create the world we want. It calls for reflection on a decade of progress, challenges and opportunities in advancing healthcare facilities to a maximum number of people. This campaign urges our leaders to enact policies that guarantee equitable access to essential health services for their citizens. UHC is based on the principles of equity, non-discrimination and the right to health, ensuring that the most marginalised populations are also reached and covered and that no one is left behind.

Despite efforts to improve access to healthcare services for all populations, health inequalities persist, particularly for marginalised groups and those with low socioeconomic status. These individuals have a higher risk of dying from non-communicable diseases due to lack of access to health services and exposure to risk factors. Further, more than 18 million additional health workers will be needed by 2030 to meet the health workforce requirements in low- and lower-middle-income countries.

Pakistan’s healthcare system faces significant challenges in providing effective and equitable healthcare to its citizens. However, these challenges can be addressed by strategic planning, the allocation of adequate funds and the government’s keen interest in improving the current conditions. The political unrest in Pakistan has played a huge role as the rapid change in management and leadership interrupts the continuity of health policies. A typical example is the Sehat Sahulat Programme that supported under-privileged citizens across the country get access to entitled medical healthcare through Sehat Cards. Prioritising healthcare as a fundamental pillar of national development is crucial for progress towards developing effective healthcare which serves its citizens in all capacities.

Investing in resilient health systems based on strong primary healthcare is the most inclusive, equitable and cost-effective path towards universal health coverage.

Right from The Public Health (Emergency Provisions) Ordinance, 1944, to the Punjab Healthcare Commission Act 2010, more than 26 health governance and administrative programmes, laws, ordinances, rules and acts have been framed in Pakistan to deal with health issues. Yet 50 percent of the population in Pakistan does not have access to primary healthcare services. Approximately 42 percent of the population does not have health insurance.

In 2000, the infant mortality rate was 83 per 1,000 live births. The estimated overall mortality rate was 9 per 1,000 people in the same year.

Poverty and lack of education, along with other social determinants, are proven barriers to providing healthcare services in Pakistan. People living in poverty usually have not been educated about their health and have poor health behaviours. Factors such as travel distance and the supply of primary care providers also limit people’s ability to get primary healthcare. Expanding the reach of basic primary healthcare services is vital to improving health.

Another obstacle to seeking primary healthcare in Pakistan is the lack of primary healthcare providers. Rural communities in Pakistan have fewer providers than urban communities. This relative shortage of healthcare providers makes it harder for rural people to access primary healthcare. Women and girls have limited access to health services, especially in rural areas.

The deficiencies in Pakistan’s healthcare system have been identified numerous times throughout the decades. It is imperative that new policies be made and all stakeholders take steps to minimise and address these deficiencies.

The rising population pressure on state health institutions has allowed the private sector to bridge the gap between rising demand and limited public health facilities. The number of private hospitals, clinics and diagnostic labs has increased considerably and is contributing to health services in the country.

The World Health Organisation supports the national health authorities’ vision and aim of reaching universal health coverage through the delivery of equitable and sustainable health services. 70 percent of the population is being served by the private sector health institutions.

The UNICEF supports the government in its routine immunisation efforts through procurement of vaccines and vaccine supply chain management, capacity building of staff and interpersonal communication/ social mobilisation skills and increasing awareness among communities through the Expanded Program on Immunisation to reach every child by targeting urban slums.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO director general, said in his message on the occasion, “The WHO was born 75 years ago on the conviction that health is a human right. The best way to realise that right is through universal health coverage. Investing in resilient health systems based on strong primary health care is the most inclusive, equitable and cost-effective path towards universal health coverage.”

The writer is a playwright and a freelance journalist. He can be reached at pashajaved1@gmail.com and his blogging site: soulandland.com