Experts call for reforms to achieve UHC

By Violet Nabatanzi
 
Health experts have called for urgent reforms if Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is to be achieved.
 
The goal of UHC is to ensure that all people obtain the health services they need, without suffering financial hardship when paying for them.
 
Universal health coverage has a direct impact on a population's health. Access to health services enables people to be more productive and active contributors to their families and communities. It also ensures that children can go to school.

(L-R) Professor Freddie Ssengooba;  Secretary European Union, Dr Stefan Lock and deputy vice chancellor Makerere University, Okello Ogwang, discussing during the National Symposium on Universal health coverage at Silver springs on 26/08/2015.  Photo by Nancy Nanyonga         

  Speaking at a three-day national symposium on UHC at the Silver Springs hotel, the director of the platform on Human resources for health at the African Centre for Global health and social transformation, Dr Patrick Kadama, called for reforms for human resources for health policies in order to attract committed people.
 
He expressed concern that currently the best students are no longer doing medicine or nursing, adding that this is a big problem which needs to be addressed.

Director health services (clinical and community health) Anthony K. Mbonye discussing during the National Symposium on Universal health coverage at Silver springs on 26/08/2015.  Photo by Nancy Nanyonga         

  Others reforms include introduction of patient centered based health care services and reforms to strengthen health governance and management.
 
He also said, the whole purpose of moving towards Universal health coverage is to manage the disparities in health outcomes. "Effective health coverage should be able to eliminate the health inequalities," he added.
 
Universal coverage is firmly based on the World health organisation (WHO) constitution of 1948 declaring health a fundamental human right and on the Health for all agenda set by the Alma-Ata declaration in 1978. 
 
This year's theme is "Towards Universal Health Coverage in Uganda, building on successes and ensuring health systems resilience' 
 
The acting head of cooperation, Delegation of the European Union, Dr. Stefan Lock, said health system in Uganda still has a long way to go to provide assurance to Ugandans of adequate social protection.
 
"Death related to pregnancy and child birth remains unacceptably high with an estimated 20 women dying daily while giving birth," he said.