Editorial: The political challenge of realizing the right to health
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2015
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Global Challenges
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Wiley
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University of Cape Town
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Abstract
In recent years, global governance institutions have operationalized their commitment to the right to health by advocating for universal health coverage (UHC) – particularly in the Global South. UHC aims to develop health systems that are efficient, well-staffed, and capable of providing affordable and appropriate medical care and essential medicines to rich and poor alike (World Health Organisation, 2014). The political priority afforded to this goal is driven by an acknowledgement that people in wealthy and poor countries alike are priced out of the “market” for health care. This has caused concern because of the negative economic effects associated with inadequate access to care. Academic research and scholarly rhetoric often justifies UHC on the grounds that it will strengthen the economic position of households (particularly households living below or just above the poverty line) and contributes to the growth prospects of national economies (World Health Organisation Commission on Macroeconomics and Health, n.d.). UHC is thus framed as an investment in human capital: Healthier citizens are more productive citizens. They are more capable of investing in their own well-being, and that of their dependents, through participation in the labor market rather than relying on public assistance.
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Reference:
Paremoer, L. (2015). Editorial: The political challenge of realizing the right to health. Global Challenges, DOI: 10.1002/gch2.1009, 1-2.