The move to UHC was a bold political decision. It had become one of the main issues for
political campaigning in the 2000 general election, and the new government decided to move
from 71 percent to full population coverage in 2002. Around that time GDP per capita was less
than $2,000, and only a few years after the Asian financial crisis. The UCS was introduced and
has been run sustainably not only because of economic feasibility but also the application of
suitable strategies like the "Triangle that Moves the Mountain". This refers to the interaction of the power of wisdom—creation and management of relevant knowledge; social power—strong
social engagement, ownership, and movements; and political power—political involvement.
Beyond high-level political leadership, evidence-based policy making, and a budget design that
ensured the government financial affordability at the start and ensured long-term financial
sustainability, helped to gain widespread support among the public for UCS.