The Case against India Achieving Universal Health Coverage by 2030

Abstract

Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is one of basic requirements of achieving optimal health and equity in any nation.1 The goals of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), which has been defined as “all people receiving quality health services that meet their needs without exposing them to financial hardship in paying for them.â€2 Nevertheless, UHC definition in any country is associated with its economic, social, political and cultural status.3 The commitment to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030 is a mandate set by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) of the UN and signed up to by India in September 2015. It is very evident that two tracks on which Central Government will be moving to achieve this are ‘Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana - Ayushman Bharat’ and ‘National Health Mission’ with contributions from the state governments.