New Delhi: Good health is possibly the main prerogative of leading a happy and peaceful life. To maintain good health, coverage is important to afford quality treatment and other related necessities. Every year on December 12, Universal Health Coverage Day is observed and it has been recognised by the United Nations and the World Health Organization. But why is it celebrated? In this article, let us take a look at the history and importance of this day.
The Origin of Universal Health Coverage Day
On December 12, 2012, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) unanimously endorsed a resolution that urged all nations in the world to speed up progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) as an essential priority for international development. In 2014, the Universal Health Coverage Coalition began to celebrate December 12 as Universal Health Coverage Day as it was on that date that the UN General Assembly recognised the UHC’s importance officially. In 2017, the UNGA proclaimed December 12 as International Universal Health Coverage Day (UHC Day).
The Significance of Universal Health Coverage
The Universal Health Coverage Day aims to make everyone aware of the need for a health system that is strong and resilient. The day also raises the importance of universal health coverage and every year on this day, the advocates of the Universal Health Coverage Day strive to share the stories of the millions of people who want healthcare coverage. The day is an appeal to all the global leaders to invest more in health so that the world moves closer to UHC by 2030.
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that health security and the UHC are intertwined goals to protect everyone and it can be done through proper health systems. Health systems must work for every person on this planet irrespective of who they are and where they are. Thanks to the UHC, everyone can access health services without facing financial hardships including essential health services.
UHC has three dimensions: population coverage, service coverage, and financial protection. UHC functions on the principles of non-discrimination and the right to health, ensuring that even the most marginalised people will get health benefits. Over the last 20 years, financial protection has worsened, with 2 billion people going through financial trouble and 1.3 billion people being pushed into poverty due to health expenses. The Universal Health Coverage Day aims to solve the financial hardship when it comes to health and help every person on this planet.
Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day, observed annually on December 12, highlights the importance of accessible, affordable healthcare for all. Established following a UN resolution, the day advocates for stronger, more resilient health systems. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
