Leaders, experts, and policymakers from across South and Southeast Asia convened for a pivotal Regional Consultation to advance Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The discussions centred on tackling challenges such as financing gaps, equitable access, and leveraging technology to strengthen healthcare systems. With representatives from international organisations, national health bodies, and academic institutions, the event highlighted the importance of regional collaboration and shared learning to overcome systemic healthcare disparities and improve outcomes for marginalised populations.
In this context, a session titled ‘Regional cooperation and knowledge sharing in Universal Health Care system’ was organised. This was a part of Regional Consultation on Innovative Ideas and Knowledge Sharing held on Saturday, 14 December 2024. The event brought together policymakers, researchers, and practitioners from across the region for an open and candid discussion aimed at identifying innovative ideas and actionable solutions.
The one-day programme featured three interconnected thematic sessions covering climate change adaptation and mitigation, regional cooperation on healthcare, and employment creation through technology.
Dr Ravindra P. Rannan-Eliya, Executive Director and Fellow of the Institute of Health Policy (IHP), Sri Lanka, addressed the political challenges surrounding UHC. He stated, ‘UHC is not just a technical challenge but a political one. It requires a commitment to redistributing resources to serve the poorest segments of society’.
Dr Budhi Setiawan, Chief Health, UNICEF, Nepal, underscored the importance of equity, particularly for vulnerable groups. ‘To truly advance UHC, we must ensure that the poorest and most vulnerable populations are prioritised, particularly in maternal, newborn, and child health services’, he noted.
Dr Pulasthi Amarasinghe, Research Fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS), emphasised the role of collaboration and regional learning. He remarked, ‘Regional cooperation and shared learning can propel UHC forward. We must build resilient health systems that integrate public and private sectors effectively’.
Mr Kamal Chaulagain, Research Associate at the Nepal Development Research Institute (NDRI), highlighted the need for targeted interventions to address disparities. He commented, ‘The barriers to UHC in South Asia, especially in rural areas, require targeted interventions, greater investment, and innovative approaches to ensure equitable access to essential health services’.
The moderator of the session, Professor Md. Shahidul Haque, faculty member at the South Asian Institute of Policy and Governance (SIPG), North South University, and Former Foreign Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Bangladesh, reflected on the critical role of political systems in advancing UHC. He observed, ‘Health systems do not exist in isolation. The effectiveness of universal health coverage depends on robust political frameworks and governance that prioritise the needs of all citizens, particularly the most vulnerable’.
The event also explored innovative approaches from countries such as Thailand, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, focusing on models that blend public and private healthcare delivery, the use of digital health systems for greater efficiency, and strategies to address rural and underserved populations. The consultation laid a strong foundation for actionable commitments to ensure no one is left behind in accessing essential healthcare services.