In recent news, the launch of the Lancet Citizens’ Commission on Reimagining India’s Health System has created ripples in the healthcare sector. This initiative, a first in its sphere, is aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in India.
The Lancet Citizens’ commission involves collaboration with globally renowned health journal The Lancet and the Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute at Harvard University. The primary objective of this landmark initiative is to facilitate participatory public engagement in developing a ladder to implement UHC.
Mission and Focus of the Lancet Citizens Commission
The mission of the commission revolves around defining a pathway towards UHC within the forthcoming decade, accompanied by cooperative work with all relevant stakeholders. The commission aims to create a concrete roadmap for establishing a resilient healthcare infrastructure that offers comprehensive, accountable, accessible, inclusive, and affordable high-quality care to the entire populace.
The focus of the initiative lies in understanding and revamping the structure of the Indian healthcare system. To this end, it endeavors to garner insights from across the nation via grassroots surveys, public discussions, and online dialogue. The initiative also aims to cultivate partnerships and collaborate closely with academic institutions, civil society, and other stakeholders to stimulate dialogue and knowledge sharing.
Guiding Principles of the Commission
The principles guiding the Commission are fourfold: UHC must address all health concerns; prevention and long-term care are crucial; financial protection must cover all health costs; and an ideal health system should ensure equitable access to quality care.
Understanding Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
UHC entails that all individuals and communities availing health services should not face financial distress. It covers the gamut of essential, quality health services, right from health promotion and prevention to treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care.
The aim of UHC, as stated in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG3), is to provide equitable and quality healthcare for all. It allows everyone to access services addressing most significant health issues effectively and protects people from financial hardships arising from out-of-pocket payments for health services.
Related Initiatives to Advance UHC in India
Several initiatives aim to bolster UHC in India. These include Ayushman Bharat, a flagship initiative that promotes comprehensive, need-based healthcare service delivery instead of a segmented approach. Also, POSHAN Abhiyaan, which leverages technology to ensure service delivery and interventions and sets definitive targets across various monitoring parameters.
The Way Forward
For effective advance towards UHC, government-funded programs must ensure that financial barriers do not obstruct access to necessary advanced care. A sustainable model would entail full cost coverage for the poor and near-poor, while others can use employer-funded schemes or private insurance. Balancing cost, quality, and access to healthcare services is a crucial aspect of this model.
Overcoming the challenge of rapidly building human capacity can be achieved through innovative public-private partnerships, including developing and adopting e-learning models. A collaborative approach involving patients, payers, and providers, along with novel partnerships, would expedite efforts to mitigate risks and achieve sustainable UHC goals.
