Better Health System: Int'l Universal Health Coverage Day To Organize Across Myanmar

The 1st edition of International Universal Health Coverage Day (UHC Day) will be held on 12th December across the country.

Universal Health Coverage (UHC) means that all people have access to the health services they need, when and where they need them, without financial hardship. It includes the full range of essential health services, from health promotion to prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care.

The United Nations proclaimed 12th December as International Universal Health Coverage day in 2017 to provide affordable, quality health care to all people and commemoration of this day was celebrated around the world. The Myanmar government has also committed to attainment of Universal Health Coverage by 2030.

Dr. Phyo Thiha said “It is 1st edition in Myanmar and the purpose of the celebration of the day is to raise awareness the information of Universal Health Coverage. Health care service systems are very weak in Myanmar and most people are facing problems to take health care such as financial and transportation. So, Universal Health Coverage system must be needed to implement effective health care services.”

International Universal Health Coverage Day aims to raise awareness of the need for strong and resilient health systems and universal health coverage and to make bigger and smarter investments in health.

Senior Program Manager, Community Partners International (CPI), Dr. Nay Nyi Nyi Lwin said “We participated to implement the Universal Health Coverage in Myanmar in cooperation with Ministry of Health and Sports and NGOs. The Universal Health Coverage is very important for grassroots because 1.7 million population of Myanmar are facing annually financial problems for health care.”

The commemoration ceremonies will be held at People's Square in Yangon on 12th December, Pathein on 14th December, Mandalay on 15th December and Hpa-an on 17th December under the theme of "Health For All: Keep The Promise". The local artists will also entertain with their performances at the ceremonies.