PHM-Exch> Oxfam new report - UHC: why health insurance schemes are leaving the poor behind

[Anna Marriott]

I am writing to share with you Oxfam’s new report Universal Health Coverage: why health insurance schemes are leaving the poor behind. 

The report celebrates the growing momentum for Universal Health Coverage which has the potential to transform millions of lives. Unfortunately, in the name of UHC, some donors and developing country governments are promoting health insurance schemes that exclude the majority of people and leave the poor behind. Oxfam presents evidence to show that while social health insurance has worked to achieve UHC in a number of high-income countries, attempts to replicate the same kind of employment-based models in developing countries have proved unsuccessful. 

Rather than focus efforts on collecting contributions from people who are too poor to pay, Oxfam calls on governments and donors to prioritise general government spending for health – on its own or pooled with formal sector payroll taxes – to successfully scale up UHC. National and international tax reform, as well as development aid, can help generate significant resources for UHC and should be prioritised.

At its core, UHC is about the right to health. This means moving away from the idea of an employment or contributory basis for entitlement. People must be entitled to receive benefits by virtue of their citizenship and/or residency and not because they are formally employed or have paid to join a scheme. Women and men living in poverty must benefit at least as much as the better off every step of the way.

We hope you enjoy reading our new report. Please share your views on the report and join the debate by visiting www.globalhealthcheck.org.



If you would like to tweet about our report please find some suggestions below:

In sickness and in wealth, why insurance schemes are bad for poor nations’ health. New Oxfam report launched today:http://oxf.am/UHC #UHC

Health insurance schemes driving up inequality in developing countries. New Oxfam Report looks at the evidence.http://oxf.am/UHC #UHC

Funding from progressive tax key for Universal Health Coverage. Donors should abandon unworkable insurance schemes http://oxf.am/UHC #UHC  

Health care a right. Access shouldn’t be based on whether you can afford to join a health insurance scheme.http://oxf.am/UHC #UHC  #Oxfam

Oxfam: health insurance schemes don’t work in developing countries. More attention needed on improving tax systems  http://oxf.am/UHC #UHC

Improving tax collection in 32 developing countries could raise up to $269bn a year, enough to double their health budgets http://oxf.am/UHC



Best wishes,

Anna

Anna Marriott
Health Policy Advisor
Oxfam GB 
Tel: +44 7789397666
Please note I work Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays - please contact Ceri Averill if your request is urgent caverill at oxfam.org.uk

Challenge the debate on health care financing and delivery www.globalhealthcheck.org


Oxfam works with others to overcome poverty and suffering.

Oxfam GB is a member of Oxfam International and a company limited by guarantee registered in England No. 612172.
Registered office: Oxfam House, John Smith Drive, Cowley, Oxford, OX4 2JY.
A registered charity in England and Wales (no 202918) and Scotland (SC 039042)
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