We celebrate Universal Health Coverage Day on December 12 every year, a day marked by the United Nations to spotlight the critical importance of universal health coverage (UHC) worldwide. It serves as a powerful reminder that everyone, regardless of their background or financial standing, should have access to quality healthcare. The endorsement of this concept by the United Nations General Assembly reflects a global commitment to building resilient health systems that leave no one behind.
“Universal Health Coverage Day serves as a global call to action, urging us to reflect on the progress we’ve made as individuals and organisations towards facilitating access to healthcare for all,” says Chandra Shekhar Gowda, Chief Operating Officer of Adani Foundation.
On this International Universal Health Coverage Day, we come together to advocate for stronger health systems, increased access to essential care, and greater investments in health infrastructure.
“The pandemic underscored the utmost importance of universal access to health and well-being and the necessity of robust and adaptable healthcare systems, awakening a global realisation of their profound significance,” notes Shaina Ganapathy, Head of Community Outreach at Embassy Group. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), half of the global population lacks the necessary healthcare access.
The Urgency for Universal Health Coverage in India
India, with its vast and diverse population, faces unique challenges in ensuring universal health coverage. Despite progress in recent years, a substantial portion of the population still lacks access to essential healthcare services. The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the existing gaps in the healthcare system and emphasised the critical need for comprehensive coverage.
One of the primary barriers to universal health coverage in India is the uneven distribution of healthcare facilities. Rural areas often face a shortage of medical infrastructure and skilled healthcare professionals, making it difficult for residents to access timely and quality healthcare services. This disparity disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including women and children, who are often left without the necessary care.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives play a pivotal role in bridging these gaps and contributing to the enhancement of healthcare infrastructure in the country. Companies, such as Embassy Group and Adani Foundation, are taking proactive steps to address health disparities and promote universal health coverage.
The Collaborative Approach to Achieving UHC
The urgency for universal health coverage requires a collective and collaborative effort from government bodies, private enterprises, and non-profit organisations. CSR initiatives, driven by a shared commitment to societal well-being, can create a significant ripple effect by addressing immediate health needs and fostering long-term resilience.
As Chandra Shekhar Gowda, COO of Adani Foundation, emphasises, Universal Health Coverage Day serves as a global call to action. It prompts organisations to reflect on their progress and encourages them to further facilitate access to healthcare for all. The collaborative CSR approach ensures that the impact is not only widespread but also sustainable, contributing to the overall socio-economic development of the nation. It is through collaborative efforts, guided by a commitment to health as a fundamental human right, that we can build resilient health systems and move closer to the vision of universal health coverage by 2030. Our collective action today will determine the health and well-being of generations to come
