Ensuring universal access to effective, quality and safe health care services, without the fear of financial hardship, is a basic human right.
Universal Health Coverage Day, commemorated each 12 December, is the anniversary of the first unanimous United Nations resolution calling for countries to provide affordable, quality health care to every person, everywhere.
The United Nations has adopted 17 sustainable development goals for eliminating poverty and building a more resilient planet. One of those goals includes providing universal health coverage.
Universal health coverage improves how health care is financed and delivered – so it is more accessible, more equitable and more effective.
In our new 4 part video series, Sir David Nicholson, former CEO of the NHS and Adjunct Professor here at IGHI, outlines the importance of Universal Health Coverage Day.
About Sir David
Sir David retired from the NHS in March 2014 following a career spanning over 35 years. He held senior leadership positions in acute and mental health services, and at four regional health authorities, including London. He was awarded the CBE in 2004 and was knighted in 2010, both for his services to the NHS. In 2014 he was appointed as an Adjunct Professor at IGHI and also Chair of Universal Health Coverage Forum at the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH).