12 December
On 12 December 2012, the United Nations unanimously endorsed universal health coverage as a pillar of sustainable development and global security. The first Universal Health Coverage Day was celebrated in 2014.
The principle behind thus is that no one should fall into poverty because they get sick and need healthcare. Universal health coverage (UHC) means that every person, everywhere, has access to quality healthcare without suffering financial hardship.
Each year 1 billion people cannot afford a doctor, cannot pay for medicine or cannot access other essential care without risking impoverishment.
South Africa is in the process of introducing an innovative system of healthcare financing. The National Health Insurance commonly referred to as NHI will ensure that everyone has access to appropriate, efficient and quality health services.
