It is easy to become indulged in utopian day-dreaming. The universal health coverage seems to be part of what could be called an idealist wish. However, it really isn’t. I have met several experts in my short career as a public health specialist who shoot down any talk about implementation of the universal health coverage the world over even before the discussion sets in with questions like-where has it ever worked? Due to several failed attempts at curbing simple curable illnesses such as malaria and tuberculosis and the recalcitrant battle that the world is still engaged in with polio, one cannot blame these pessimists who believe that we would never achieve universal health care coverage. Instead of casting a dark cloud over this universal agreement, it brings to light the fact that we must all work together so that every human has access to healthcare that is dignifying. This is not impossible. In fact, we have surplus resources in globally; from machines and tools to human resources to make this seemingly utopian dream become our reality.
The reasons why this is far from happening are many but I will speak about the one I am familiar with: living in societies where the both health literacy and health care is easily accessible for little cost makes us oblivious to the fact that the rest of our kindred in the human family do not have access to simple tools and health systems that would make their lives much more dignifying.
Many people travelling from up global north to south recount stories of that seems like crossing through a translucent a time wall once they reach the global south and come to terms with the salad of a health system that exists there.
What we should bear in our minds is that behind every human face is rests immense potential that is radiating for our collective enjoyment and benefit and of which sickness can easily rob not just this person of this but all of us from enjoying the role(s) that this individual would have played in the beautiful human story that is unfolding on earth. Elon Musk for instance almost lost his life to a bout of malaria during a vacation to South Africa. We would have lost not just a great man but our possibility of soon colonizing Mars will be set back several paces behind.
Wherever you are reading this piece from; and no matter what profession you might be exercising, I call on you to spare a thought on how to call on your government and responsible authorities in order to ensure that healthcare is made a priority not just for you but for the humans that will come after you-for this is the only way that we can make this world a more beautiful place to live in. If we possess the means to make all these possible, let’s do it! Participate and be active.