New research from the research and development organization Chatham House shows that universal health coverage can be achieved during and following crises. It can also be a popular policy for political leaders while improving public health.

This research was conducted by the Universal Health Coverage Commission, Chatham House, which is chaired by the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Helen Clark, and the former president of Tanzania, Jakaya Kikwete.

Gathering data on how political leaders initiate health care reforms in response to a national crisis took two years.

The Committee found that health reforms were taking place in countries from all regions and at all income levels, with the UK, France, Japan and Ukraine implementing reforms in response to the devastation of war.

In Turkey, health reforms were prompted by natural disasters, while in China, they were driven by the health crisis following the SARS outbreak.

Health reform also occurred following political changes in several Latin American countries, as democratic governments replaced authoritarian governments in the 1970s.

Examples can also be found in New Zealand, Thailand, Uruguay, and Cyprus, which introduced universal health coverage following the economic and financial crisis. This occurred despite these countries having limited public budgets at the time.

While these countries have different contexts and have experienced various crises, they share a common lesson: health system reform to create universal health coverage is possible even following a national crisis and can be successful.

Political leaders utilize strategies to rapidly expand access to health services for all segments of the population. They use government funding as the primary source of financing.

Governments allocate an additional budget of approximately 1% of GDP to the health system to expand service delivery and quality. They also stimulate demand for health services by reducing financial barriers to access.

While this budget appears sufficient to start universal health coverage, additional budget allocations are needed in the long run to meet growing health needs, particularly among the aging population.

Research indicates that governments that successfully achieve universal health coverage tend to focus their budgets on improving primary health care services first. They also strengthen the health system’s capacity in areas such as human resources, medicine and medical supplies, infrastructure, information systems, and governance.

Furthermore, leaders in many countries have eliminated or reduced patient fees at the point of care to reduce barriers to access. People can receive services free of charge under their benefits.

It is no surprise that these leaders are often very popular with the public. They promote health reform as a key policy and use it to secure votes in the next election.

Universal health coverage is also popular among the public because it reduces concerns regarding healthcare costs.

Universal health coverage has therefore received continuous support and is unlikely to be overturned even with a change in government. It has become a lasting political legacy.

The Commission noted that There is an interesting case in China, where health reforms can take place even in non-democratic countries. However, these reforms help mitigate the political pressures that have increased since the SARS outbreak.

The most notable aspect of this research is the cost of initiating universal health care reform, which is only regarding 1% of GDP.

Therefore, this research aims to signal to today’s international leaders, who are facing multiple crises, from climate change to the cost of living crisis. It suggests that starting to achieve universal health coverage is possible and does not create a fiscal burden.

This finding is reflected in the statement of Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, who said, “Universal health coverage is a political decision.”

The Commission therefore calls on leaders who have not yet initiated health reform to begin now. This includes those campaigning for re-election, such as in the United States, where the healthcare system is far from universal, or those who received fewer votes in the last elections, such as in India and South Africa. This will not only improve the health and well-being of its citizens but also stimulate economic growth, creating enormous social and political benefits, especially in times of crisis and political turmoil when leaders are seeking to win over the people.

The research concluded that History has shown that universal healthcare is a powerful tool for those who are willing to use it to move the country forward. Given global trends, many countries are on track to achieve universal health coverage in the near future. The current crisis should motivate leaders to not wait and start health reform today.

Read the original article:
https://www.chathamhouse.org/2024/06/universal-health-reforms-are-affordable-even-period-crisis

Universal Health Coverage: A Powerful Tool for Political Leaders in Times of Crisis

New research by the Universal Health Coverage Commission at Chatham House, led by former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark and former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, offers compelling evidence that universal health coverage can be achieved even during and following crises. This research, based on a two-year study of various countries, reveals that health reforms can be implemented across different regions and income levels, with significant political and social benefits.

Case Studies in Crisis and Reform

The research unearthed numerous examples where countries implemented universal health reforms in response to national crises:

War: The UK, France, Japan, and Ukraine all saw significant healthcare reform efforts following wartime devastation.
Natural Disasters: Turkey’s healthcare system underwent change following experiencing natural disasters.
Health Crises: China implemented health reforms in response to the SARS outbreak.
Political Changes: Several Latin American countries witnessed healthcare reform following transitioning from authoritarian to democratic governments in the 1970s.
Economic and Financial Crises: New Zealand, Thailand, Uruguay, and Cyprus successfully introduced universal health coverage despite limited budgets in the wake of economic downturns.

Despite these diverse contexts, a common thread emerged: these countries effectively tackled healthcare challenges through a commitment to universal health coverage.

Strategies for Success

The research highlights key strategies employed by these countries:

Increased Budget Allocation: Governments dedicated additional funding, often around 1% of GDP, to expand healthcare service delivery and quality, while simultaneously reducing financial barriers to access.
Focus on Primary Healthcare: Prioritizing the improvement of primary healthcare services was a common tactic, ensuring accessible and affordable care for the majority.
Strengthening Health Systems: Investments in human resources, medicine and medical supplies, infrastructure, information systems, and governance were crucial to building a robust healthcare ecosystem.
Elimination of Fees: Many countries eliminated or reduced patient fees at the point of care, making healthcare accessible to all.

Political Popularity and Public Support

These reforms proved to be a popular move among both political leaders and the public:

Political Gain: Leaders often found that implementing universal health coverage boosted their popularity and secured votes in subsequent elections.
Public Acceptance: Universal health coverage was well-received by the public, alleviating concerns regarding healthcare costs and fostering a sense of security.
Long-Term Political Legacy: The enduring benefits of universal health coverage often ensured its continuation even with shifts in government, establishing a lasting political legacy.

Affordability and the International Call to Action

The research highlights a particularly significant finding: the initial cost of implementing universal healthcare reform is remarkably low, often around 1% of GDP. This discovery makes a strong case for global leaders facing multiple crises, such as climate change and the cost-of-living crisis, to prioritize universal healthcare reform.

The Commission strongly advocates for leaders who have yet to initiate healthcare reform to take action immediately, especially those seeking re-election or who have experienced recent electoral setbacks. This includes countries like the United States, where the healthcare system is far from universal, and India and South Africa, which have faced electoral challenges.

Universal health coverage not only improves the health and well-being of citizens but also stimulates economic growth, creating significant social and political benefits, particularly in times of crisis and political instability. By putting people at the heart of their policies, leaders can foster stability, economic growth, and lasting prosperity.

Key Takeaways and Moving Forward

Universal health coverage is attainable even amid crises.
Implementing universal health reforms is not a costly endeavor, often requiring just 1% of GDP.
Universal health coverage is a politically popular measure, benefiting both leaders and the public.
Leaders facing crises should prioritize the implementation of universal healthcare reforms.

The research underscores the powerful potential of universal healthcare in driving positive social and economic change. As the world faces new challenges, this powerful tool holds promise for a healthier, more equitable future.

**Read the original article:** https://www.chathamhouse.org/2024/06/universal-health-reforms-are-affordable-even-period-crisis

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