Public Health Day (English): Universal Health Coverage Day

Sangyaan Podcast – Universal Health Coverage | English Conversational Version

Dr. Nikita: Hello everyone, and welcome back to the Sangyaan Podcast — an initiative by the Foundation of Healthcare Technologies Society. I’m Dr. Nikita, and today we’re discussing a term we hear very often but don’t always fully understand — Universal Health Coverage, or UHC. It sounds big and technical, but what does it actually mean for people like you and me?

Ritika: Hi everyone, I’m Ritika. And that’s so true, Nikita — UHC is a buzzword in the health sector. But at its core, it’s actually very human and very simple: everyone should get the health services they need, and no one should face financial hardship because of it. WHO says healthcare should be available, accessible, and affordable — three words that capture the whole vision.

Dr. Nikita: Exactly. And when we say “health services,” we’re not just referring to hospitals. It includes prevention, vaccinations, regular screenings, pregnancy care, treatment of diseases, long-term care for chronic conditions, rehabilitation, and even end-of-life or palliative care. It’s truly a full journey of health.

Ritika: And the heart of UHC is fairness. It isn’t just a policy or a scheme; it’s a commitment to equity. WHO keeps reminding us — health is a human right, not a privilege only for those who can afford private care or live in urban areas.

Dr. Nikita: That brings us to the foundation of UHC — primary healthcare. Strengthening primary healthcare automatically strengthens the entire system. When people can get early diagnosis, routine care, and timely treatment through local clinics or community health workers, hospitals don’t get overwhelmed.

Ritika: Exactly! And WHO Europe often emphasizes that trust grows when primary healthcare is strong. People feel that the system understands them because it’s rooted in their community — familiar faces, accessible spaces, and care that feels personal.

Dr. Nikita: But one of the biggest reasons UHC is important is because of financial barriers. Even today, many families hesitate to visit a doctor because they’re afraid of high medical bills.

Ritika: Yes — and this is where financial protection becomes essential. WHO clearly states that no one should be pushed into poverty because of healthcare expenses. When people feel financially secure, they seek care earlier, diseases are caught sooner, and overall health outcomes improve. Early care also reduces long-term burden on health systems.

Dr. Nikita: But the journey toward achieving UHC isn’t simple. Countries around the world face similar challenges.

Ritika: True. Major barriers include shortages of trained health workers, medicine stock-outs, weak supply chains, unequal coverage of services, and sometimes low political commitment. WHO highlights that without a strong and motivated health workforce, UHC remains an aspiration instead of a reality.

Dr. Nikita: And there’s another thing we often forget — community trust. Even the most well-designed policies fail when people don’t feel connected to the system.

Ritika: Absolutely. WHO makes a powerful point — when communities are engaged and their voices matter, services become more culturally appropriate, more trusted, and more sustainable. People seek care more confidently. And we know trust is one of the biggest drivers of health-seeking behaviour.

Dr. Nikita: Another major factor transforming UHC is digital health — telemedicine, electronic health records, health apps, AI tools… all of these are reshaping how care is delivered.

Ritika: Yes, but WHO always reminds us that digital health must be equitable. Technology should close gaps, not widen them. People with limited digital access — especially in rural areas or older populations — must not be left behind. Digital solutions work best when they reach everyone, not just the tech-savvy.

Dr. Nikita: And despite the challenges, the global movement for UHC is getting stronger. More countries are realizing that strong health systems are essential — not optional.

Ritika: Exactly. Through the UHC2030 movement, countries are committing to higher public spending on health, stronger primary care, increased financial protection, reducing out-of-pocket spending, and aligning national strategies with the Sustainable Development Goals. It’s truly a collective global effort.

Dr. Nikita: And when we look closely, UHC isn’t only about hospitals or insurance schemes — it’s about people. It’s about dignity, fairness, equal opportunity, and ensuring that no one is left behind.

Ritika: I completely agree. At the core of UHC is one powerful idea: every human being deserves quality healthcare, regardless of income, gender, age, location, or background. It creates healthier societies and a more equitable world.

Dr. Nikita: And with that, we come to the end of today’s episode. We hope today’s conversation helped you understand UHC beyond the technical definitions — as something that truly shapes our everyday lives.

Ritika: Thank you so much for joining us. Stay curious, stay informed, and let’s work together toward a world where healthcare is not just available — but truly a right for all.