Why in news?

• Every year Universal Health Coverage is observed on December 12 to raise awareness about having strong and resilient world-class health systems across the globe with multi-stakeholder partners.

About Universal Health Coverage Day

• The reason behind the day is to have access to quality, affordable health care for international development. The inequalities among the various sections are promoted on this day in the health care system that threatens social and economic development worldwide. The Covid-19 pandemic has more emphasized the health inequalities everywhere. Therefore, health equity should be high on the agenda in working for universal health coverage.

Significance

• The day plays a significant role in reviewing the progress and identifying loopholes of the health care system. So that it is ensured to help the needy with an accessible health care system without failing the financial hardship. The idea is to achieve continuous, concrete progress towards a fairer and healthier world.

History

• On December 12, 2012, the United Nations General Assembly established a resolution to urge nations to fasten the progress of universal health coverage (UHC). Finally, in the year 2017, the United Nations proclaimed Universal Health Coverage Day.

Theme

• This year’s theme for Universal Health Coverage Day 2021 is ‘Leave No One Behind When It Comes to Health: Invest in Health Systems for All.’