Policy implications for the rest of the world
Many factors contributed to the successful implementation of the UCS policy,
including political and financial commitments, a strong civil service acting in the
public interest, active civil society organizations, technical capacity to generate
and use research evidence, economic growth, and policies to increase fiscal
space. While some countries may find this list daunting it is important to realize
that all these elements can be developed over time. Countries must find their
own path to universal coverage — while no blueprint emerges from this work, the
Thai reform experience provides valuable lessons.
Managing the process
As important as it is to bring different stakeholders together to listen, consult,
negotiate and compromise, it is essential that the leaders of the reform have
the power to resolve conflicts and to drive through the necessary changes.
Otherwise countries risk getting stuck in the design stage, stalled by interest groups
that feel threatened and are resisting change. Countries need a concrete plan
to manage the reform process. It is also important to build capacity, not just to