[Comments from Cicely Thomas, a senior program officer at R4D, are featured in this wrap-up of a Q&A on how to make universal health coverage a reality.]
What is the best model to bring healthcare to all? Our experts offer 11 ideas for increasing access to health services around the world
1 | Accept there’s no such thing as a ‘perfect healthcare model’
All healthcare models have their challenges in terms of systems capacity, fiscal space and good governance. I think the progress of countries like Thailand and Sri Lanka towards universal health is certainly laudable, but they each have different approaches to getting there. Thailand’s journey began incrementally and over the years through consistent investment in Primary Health Care (PHC). Meanwhile, India is more focused on achieving Universal Health Care (UHC) through mixed health markets featuring both public and private sector players. Priya Balasubramaniam, senior public health scientist and director, PHFI-RNE Universal Health Initiative, Public Health Foundation of India, New Delhi, India
2 | Have the same healthcare provider for the rich and the poor
If we have dual systems with the “national service” caring for the poor and the private sector caring for the rich, quality will be an afterthought. We need the rich and poor to be cared for by the same provider – this ensures that high quality will be a political priority as those with voting influence are directly affected by the quality of services provided. Jolene Skordis, director, UCL Centre for Global Health Economics, London, UK @JSkordis
3 | Give public-private partnerships serious consideration
The PPP model needs to be taken to scale in PHC in order to achieve UHC in a planned time frame. I have worked in many parts of the developing world and in general governments have not been able to step up. Now is the time to test new models as the old system is not working. We need a blended service delivery mechanism. We have to open up the insurance space and governments must push for universal insurance cover for all citizens. This is what we’re trying to do in Kenya. Siddharth Chatterjee, resident coordinator to Kenya, United Nations, Nairobi, Kenya @sidchat1 @UNDPKenya
