Universal health coverage (UHC) has the potential to transform the lives of
millions of people by bringing life
-
saving health care to those who need it mos
t.
UHC means that all people get the treatment they need without fear of falling into
poverty. Unfortunately, in the name of UHC, some donors and developing country
governments are promoting health insurance schemes that exclude the majority
of people and
leave the poor behind.
T
hese schemes prioritize advantaged groups
in the formal sector and drive up inequality. Rather than collecting contributions
from people who are too poor to pay, the countries making most progress towards
UHC have prioritized spendi
ng on health from general taxation
–
either on its own
or pooled with formal sector payroll taxes and international aid. Donors and
governments should abandon unworkable insurance schemes and focus on
financing that works to deliver universal and equitable
health care for all.