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International Universal Health Coverage Day 2023 highlights persistent challenges faced by millions in Europe as a WHO report exposes the grim reality of unaffordable health care.
The World Health Organization’s latest report, “Can people afford to pay for health care? Evidence on financial protection in 40 countries in Europe,” brings to light the staggering impact of out-of-pocket payments on households. Even in Europe’s wealthiest nations, between 1% and 12% of households are pushed into poverty due to health-related expenditures, with figures rising drastically for the poorest fifth of the population, affecting between 2% and 69% of households.
Key Findings: Catastrophic Health Spending and Gaps in Coverage
Out-of-pocket payments for essential health services such as medicines, medical products, and dental care are leading to catastrophic health spending for a significant portion of households, leaving them unable to meet other basic needs like food and housing.
The report underscores critical gaps in primary-care coverage, indicating deficiencies in the health care system that disproportionately burden vulnerable populations. This financial strain existed even before the pandemic, painting a dire picture of health care accessibility.
Call for Immediate System Transformation
Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, emphasizes the urgency for health system transformation to ensure equitable access to care without financial hardship. Kluge stresses the need for the right care, at the right time, and in the right place for everyone.
Policy Solutions and Redesigning Health Coverage
The report not only identifies issues but proposes actionable solutions. It highlights policy choices that hinder progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC), emphasizing the need to redesign health coverage policies to mitigate out-of-pocket payments. Recommendations include de-linking entitlement to health care from social health insurance contributions, sparingly applying user charges, and expanding primary-care coverage to include treatment, not just consultation and diagnosis.
EU Support and UHC Watch
The European Commission, through the EU4Health program, has supported this critical report, acknowledging the necessity for improved access to health care for vulnerable populations. The report’s findings and the newly launched UHC watch—an online platform tracking progress on affordable health care in Europe and Central Asia—serve as crucial resources for policymakers and stakeholders.
Looking Ahead
The report offers a baseline analysis of financial protection for 40 countries in Europe, providing essential insights and comparative data on health financing policy. It serves as a call to action for immediate policy reforms and systemic changes to ensure equitable and affordable health care for all, regardless of socioeconomic status.
The European Union’s financial assistance towards this endeavor underscores the collective commitment to addressing these pressing health care challenges across the continent.
