Dear Mr.

Becerra,

I am writing to you today to emphasize the importance of universal healthcare and its

implications for society. Universal healthcare is not only a fundamental human right, but also a

crucial component of an equitable society.

“Equitable access to healthcare according to need, regardless of demographic, ability to

pay, or social background, is an important goal for healthcare service systems worldwide and is a

critical component of achieving Universal Health Coverage” (Nunes, 2023). Building a model of

healthcare that meets the needs of all patients is one of the main challenges we face. The World

Health Organization defines an efficient health system as one that provides access to healthcare

everywhere and for everyone, without any financial barriers (Kehr et al., 2023. A effective health

system requires qualified human resources, a supply system, efficient health information

systems, educated administrators, and proper resource distribution. The inadequate dispense of

health resources between urban and rural areas diminish the chances of reaching the underserved

populations in developing countries. Expanding access to healthcare to underserved populations

requires a holistic approach that addresses these inequalities (Nunes, 2023). To achieve universal

health coverage, it is crucial to reinforce primary care with qualified health workers and focus on

community health in high poverty areas.

Moreover, financial protection is an essential aspect of an effective healthcare system.

There is a significant impact on healthcare and poverty. Countries should aspire to develop

healthcare financing systems that provide coverage of health promotion, prevention, treatment,

and rehabilitation services at an affordable cost. To achieve this, it is important to address the

existing inequalities in access and use of healthcare services. As highlighted in one of the
sources, systematic disparities in access to healthcare such as cost contribute to inequities in

healthcare (Nunes, 2023). Therefore, health policy makers need to prioritize the measurement of

equity in healthcare systems.

In addition, sustainable and adequate financing plays a crucial role in achieving universal

health coverage. Many low-income and even middle-income countries struggle with limited and

inequitably distributed resources, making it difficult to provide adequate and sustainable

financing for their public health systems. Without sufficient financing, healthcare systems may

face challenges in delivering quality services and ensuring access for all. To address this issue,

countries must explore different strategies for healthcare financing that align with their national

objectives.

One effective approach is to mobilize revenues through taxation or social health

insurance, as suggested by the sources provided. These financing mechanisms not only promote

equity and access to healthcare, but also contribute to the availability and affordability of health

services. By pooling resources and purchasing services through these mechanisms, countries can

ensure a more efficient allocation of healthcare resources. Furthermore, the availability of a well-

functioning health organization is necessary for achieving universal health coverage. This is

where the concept of universal health coverage comes into play.

The concept of universal health coverage aims to ensure that all individuals have access

to the healthcare services they need without facing financial hardship. By implementing a well-

functioning healthcare financing system, countries can address the disparities in access and use

of healthcare services, ultimately working towards achieving universal health coverage.

 Thank you for your time and consideration,

Makenna Grieco

m.grieco@setonhill.edu

Sources

Kehr, J., Muinde, J. V., & Prince, R. J. (2023). Health for all? pasts, presents and futures of
aspirations for Universal Healthcare. Social Science & Medicine, 319, 115660.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.115660

Nunes, R. (2023). Healthcare as a universal human right: Sustainability in global health.

Routledge.