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Explore the significance of universal health coverage (UHC) in achieving equitable access to healthcare. Learn how free movement of health workers in the EU plays a vital role in UHC and discover the global implications of UHC. Follow @yates_rob for daily updates on UHC.
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Freedom of movement and the right to an equitable access to healthcare within the EU EIN Seminar European Parliament 20th February 2019 Robert Yates Senior Fellow and Head of UHC Policy Forum Chatham House
“The right to an equitable access to healthcare = Universal Health Coverage” A simple definition on UHC: All people receive the quality health services they need without suffering financial hardship
UHC is Driving the Global Health Agenda • UNGA Resolution on UHC December 2012 • Designated UN UHC Day from Dec 12th 2018 • UNGA UHC Summit 2019 • SDG Target 3.8 • WHO, World Bank and other agencies promoting UHC as best way to reach SDG 3
UHC is fundamentally about EQUITY • Universal = Everybody. Nobody left behind • Health services allocated according to need • Health financing contributions according to one’s ability to pay • Healthy-wealthy cross-subsidise the sick and the poor • UHC can only be achieved through public financing and switching to a public system is inherently political
Europe is the birthplace of UHC Otto von Bismarck Architect of Social Health Insurance Aneurin Bevan Founder of the NHS
Freedom of Movement facilitates UHC and Vice Versa • Human Resources are one of the core health systems building blocks required for UHC • Free movement improves the working of the EU healthcare labour market and helps reduce recruitment from developing nations • Transferable rights to access good quality healthcare facilitates labour mobility
India: At last healthcare is climbing the political agenda but will it follow the US or Europe?
Concluding thoughts • Universal Health Coverage is driving the global health agenda and is the best way to reach the health SDG • UHC in Europe is facilitated by free movement and vice versa • Europe is the birthplace of UHC and we should be doing more to help other countries reach and retain UHC – including the US and the UK!