Universal Health Coverage Awareness PDF

UNIVERSAL HEALTH COVERAGE Universal health coverage (UHC) means that all people have access to the full range of quality health services they need, when and where they need them, without financial hardship. It covers the full continuum of essential health services, from h...

UNIVERSAL HEALTH COVERAGE Universal health coverage (UHC) means that all people have access to the full range of quality health services they need, when and where they need them, without financial hardship. It covers the full continuum of essential health services, from health promotion to prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care across the life course. THE ROLE OF DIFFERENT STAKEHOLDERS IN UHC Clients (Individuals and Households):  Embrace healthy behaviours and health-seeking practices for your well-being.  Commit to your health by contributing to the achievement of primary healthcare and community health goals.  Actively engage in managing your local health services for better healthcare outcomes. Community:  Encourage community members to adopt healthier lifestyles and seek appropriate healthcare.  Foster a sense of ownership and commitment to local health, contributing to primary healthcare goals. State Actors (National and County Levels):  Provide leadership and stewardship within the healthcare sector and across other sectors and partners.  Formulate policies, develop strategic plans, set sector priorities, regulate, and set standards.  Support capacity building at the county level and provide national health referral services. Non-State Actors:  Play a crucial role in promoting primary healthcare, licensing, and enforcement of health-related regulations.  Contribute to the provision of primary and specialized health services. FAQS ON UNIVERSAL HEALTH COVERAGE (UHC) 1. Why is UHC important to Kenyans? UHC aims at ensuring that all Kenyans access and receive essential quality health services without suffering financial hardship. These services include promotive, preventive, curative, rehabilitative and palliative health services. 2. What is the role of individuals and households in achieving UHC? Individuals and households are key stakeholders in UHC. They should adopt healthy behaviours, seek appropriate healthcare, and actively participate in managing local health services. 3. What functions do state actors perform at the national level for UHC? At the national level, state actors formulate policies, develop strategic plans, set sector priorities, regulate, set standards, and provide technical support to the county level. They also engage in capacity building and oversee national health referral services. 4. How can non-state actors contribute to UHC at the county level? Non-state actors, particularly at the county level, play a vital role in promoting primary healthcare, licensing health facilities, controlling food sales, and enforcing waste management policies. 5. What is the role of implementing partners like NGOs in UHC? Implementing partners, including NGOs, complement the provision of both primary and specialized health services. They support the health sector's expansion, quality care, and underserved populations while also providing non-health services. 6. How does the private sector contribute to UHC? The private sector participates in UHC by engaging in corporate social responsibilit ies, manufacturing health commodities, and offering complementary health insurance services. 7. What role do development partners play in UHC? Development partners, both bilateral and multilateral, provide significant financial and technical support based on the country's policies and strategies. They collaborate with the government to achieve the country's health agenda. 8. How do external actors contribute to UHC? External actors, including philanthropists, adhere to international initiatives emphasizing government ownership, alignment, harmonization, mutual accountability, and results-oriented program management in the health sector. They provide substantial financial and technical investment in contexts of limited domestic resources. 9. How is UHC related with NHIF? Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) presents an opportunity to ensure that the people of Kenya have access to the health services they need without suffering financial hardship. The spirit of UHC is that every Kenyan, regardless of who they are or what they have, can access a hospital and get treatment without suffering financial hardship. However, this means that Kenyans need to equip themselves with health insurance to avoid paying out of pocket, which would lead to poverty. THE THREE FUNDS TO DRIVE UHC The government plans to set up three funds to drive Universal Health Coverage delivery plan. The three funds are:  Social Health Insurance Fund  Primary Health Care Fund  Emergency Chronic and Critical Illness Fund FAQs on Three Funds Drive Universal Health Coverage (UHC) 1. Will I contribute to three funds separately? No. You will only contribute to the Social Health Insurance Fund. Its mandatory for all Kenyans aged above 18 years to contribute to this Fund. 2. What are the sources of funds for the Primary Health Care Fund? Allocation by the National government as well as grants, gifts and donations. 3. What are the sources of funds for Emergency Chronic and Critical Illness Fund? Allocation by the National government as well as grants, gifts and donations. 4. What happens if I fail to contribute to the social Health Insurance Fund. You will pay a fine which will be 10% of the amount due for contributions.