Universal Health for All | Healthy Communities

UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE FOR ALL

Good health is essential for the ability of all people to realise their human rights. That is why the Foundation is a member of the global Universal Health Coverage Coalition and Allies Improving Primary Health Care.

HEALTH FOR ALL

Universal health coverage means everyone can access quality health services without financial hardship regardless of where they live, who they are or their circumstances. It is an inherently political goal rooted in the human right to health. Improving access to primary health care has been proven to be the cheapest and most effective way to maintain and improve health that is fair for everyone.

UNIVERSAL HEALTH COVERAGE

There is growing global consensus that universal health coverage is a smart investment and an achievable goal everywhere. World leaders have affirmed that health is a human right and that universal health coverage underpins our collective security and prosperity. Universal health coverage improves the affordability of health care and the quality of service that are delivered – so it is more accessible, more equitable and more effective.

AUSTRALIA

In Australia, all tiers of government have agreed that all Australians have the right to access health care regardless of where they live in the country. In 1984, the Australian government introduced Medicare to enable the delivery of universal health care for all by ensuring all Australians could get fair access to free primary health care and hospital services. Medicare has provided significantly improved access to health and hospital care in major cities. The focus now is on how to extend universal health coverage to the most disadvantaged people in Australia.