A week ago, world leaders gathered at the
United Nations and approved a new declaration on universal health
coverage, committing themselves to achieving universal access to care
by 2030 and reaffirming the right to health for everyone, without
distinction.
While many countries have made the important step of including the
right to health in their national constitutions already, too many people
around the world are still unable to access high quality and affordable
care.The American tech giant Cisco Systems recently partnered with the Southeast Asia office of ACCESS Health International to explore how policymakers can use digital technologies to deliver on their promise to provide access to quality care for all. For many countries the challenge isn’t one of intention, but rather implementation. Lifestyle changes, aging populations, and the related increases in chronic diseases mean that countries trying to achieve universal health coverage must provide an increasing amount of care with the same overall pool of resources.
In the Southeast Asia region, for example, there is a remarkable level of political commitment to universal health coverage. Yet, despite this commitment, only two ASEAN countries have achieved the goal. Digital technology offers new opportunities to overcome the challenges in achieving high quality, affordable and accessible care.
Based on our research, we developed a ten-point action plan governments can follow to leverage digital technologies to achieve universal health coverage. After reading them, I encourage you all to download the full report and share widely. Universal health coverage is attainable if we and our leaders demonstrate the commitment and make good on our actions.
Establish head of state mandate. A head of state mandates the necessary funding and cross-ministry coordination for eHealth in national development plans.
Build the national digital infrastructure. Governments must invest in the necessary telecommunications infrastructure that underlies an eHealth strategy.
Invest in human capital. Governments and the private sector share a mutual interest in and responsibility for training medical personnel and civil servants in technology capabilities and applications.
Develop a regulatory and legal framework. Parliament or the national assembly cements a mandate for digitizing healthcare in national legislation, protecting patients and enabling innovation.
Appoint an eHealth government agency. A centralized agency is best positioned to coordinate national eHealth projects across ministries; across district, provincial, and federal levels of government; and with patient associations, medical associations, and businesses.
Define an impact measurement framework. Quality, affordability, and cost-savings metrics should be built into every digital health intervention from the early stages of planning and extending to an assessment of health outcomes.
Lead a multi-sectoral strategy. An effective eHealth strategy requires a Ministry of Health-led approach that is transparent and multi-sectoral, including a clear vision for how the government will work with the private sector and a willingness to work with non-traditional partners.
Enable private sector innovation. The government should work with and empower the private sector to innovate, share knowledge, and deliver efficient healthcare services.
Adopt a lens of equity. Technology investments and policies should strive to create equality and not focus primarily on urban areas or high-income groups.
Design for user experience. Innovators must engage and collaborate with users early on, aiding seamless clinical adoption and ensuring digital health interventions meet patients’ habits, lifestyles, and needs.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/williamhaseltine/2019/10/01/ten-steps-to-make-healthcare-available-to-everyone/#21a23a5d6d14
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