The United Nations (UN)’s International Universal Health Coverage Day is annually observed across the globe on 12th December to create awareness about the need for strong and resilient health systems and universal health coverage with multi-stakeholder partners.
- The theme of International UHC Day is “Build the world we want: A healthy future for all”.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic with the increased inequities and financial hardship, The goal of universal health coverage (UHC) became more urgent.
Background:
i.The Universal Health Coverage Day was first organised on 12th December 2014 by the Universal Health Coverage Coalition.
ii.On 12th December 2017, The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/72/138 and proclaimed the 12th December of every year as “International Universal Health Coverage Day (UHC Day) “.
iii.The first-ever UN’s International UHC Day was observed on 12th December 2018.
Why December 12?
12th December marks the anniversary of the United Nations’ historic and unanimous endorsement of universal health coverage in 2012.
Road to UHC:
i.UHC and health security are two intertwined goals to protect everyone, everywhere, that we achieve through the same health system – in crisis and calm.
ii.UHC means that everyone, everywhere, should have access to the health services they need without the risk of financial hardship. It is embedded in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG target 3.8).
iii.It also includes the full range of essential health services, spanning health promotion, prevention, and treatment.
iv.The 3 dimensions of UHC are,
- population coverage (who receives services, linked to equity)
- service coverage (what health services are available)
- financial protection (ensuring health services do not lead to financial hardship)
Ayushman Bharat
i.Ayushman Bharat(AB), a flagship scheme of the Government of India, was launched as recommended by the National Health Policy 2017, to achieve the vision of UHC.
ii.AB is an attempt to move from a selective approach to health care to deliver a comprehensive range of services spanning preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative and palliative care.
iii.Ayushman Bharat adopts a continuum of care approach, comprising of two inter-related components, which are
- Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs)
- Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)
J&K won 1st Prize under Ayushman Bharat health account ID generation category:
Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) was awarded the 1st Prize under the Ayushman Bharat Health Account(ABHA) ID generation category and 2nd Prize under the Teleconsultation category during a two-day conclave of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) at Rudraksh Convention Centre, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh(UP) held on 10th & 11th December 2022.
- The conclave was organised as a part of the observance of International Universal Health Coverage Day.
- The conclave was inaugurated by Anandiben Patel, Governor of UP. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare also graced the event.
During the event, awards were presented for best performance under the following categories:
- Achievement of HWCs Operationalization against a target.
- Teleconsultation
- ABHA ID Generation.
Highlights:
i.A Ministeral Session on implementation of PM- Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) and 15th Financial Commission; Disease Elimination – (TB, Kala Azar, Lymphatic Filariasis, Malaria, Leprosy and TB); and Implementation of Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojna (PMJAY) and distribution of PMJAY cards was also held during the event.
ii.Dr Mansukh Mandaviya launched the operational guidelines for AB-HWCs, Tele-MANAS along with training modules for CHOs and SASHAKT portal.
Side event:
i.1st Regional Community Health Officers (CHO) Conference for Northern India was held as a side event of the conclave.
ii.The four main themes of the regional CHO conference are focused on the following areas:
- Clinical & Public Health Functions – Roll out of an expanded package of services, organizing wellness activities and annual health calendar days etc.
- Managerial Functions – Leadership of HWC team, Management of HWC, Data-driven planning & monitoring
- Community Connect &AYUSH Integration- Working with Jan Arogya Samiti, Convergent actions with other departments, AYUSH services in HWC.
- IT initiatives – Telemedicine through E-Sanjeevani and continuum of care, TeleManasABHA-ID
