Pharmacists role crucial in roll-out of Universal Health Coverage

Achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) stands as a primary objective set forth by nations worldwide when they adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015. At the UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on UHC in 2019, countries reiterated that health serves as both a precondition for and an indicator of the social, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. The World Health Organisation’s 13th General Programme of Work aims to extend UHC benefits to an additional one billion people by 2025, concurrently advancing the goal of ensuring improved health and well-being for all.

UHC ensures that every individual has access to comprehensive, high-quality health services without facing financial difficulties. This includes all essential health services from health promotion and disease prevention to treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care, addressing healthcare needs across every stage of life.

Despite the importance of UHC, the World Health Organisation reports lack of significant progress towards achieving this by the year 2030 in majority of countries. The delivery of these services necessitates a well-rounded mix of healthcare workers at all levels.

It is well known that medication access is a challenge in developing countries and a large percentage of health spending goes towards medications and healthcare products. In the ongoing UHC discourse, pharmacists have emerged as key players in ensuring equitable access to healthcare services and improving health outcomes for populations worldwide. Beyond their traditional role of dispensing medications, pharmacists are increasingly recognised for their expertise in medication management, patient education and preventive care, all of which are crucial components of UHC implementation.

Pharmacists contribute significantly to achieving UHC in various roles. Beyond dispensing prescriptions, pharmacists play a critical role in managing medications for patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and asthma. They provide counselling on proper medication use, potential side effects, and the importance of adhering to treatment regimens, which is essential for maintaining health and preventing complications.

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Pharmacists are well-positioned to educate patients and caregivers about disease prevention, lifestyle modifications, and the importance of vaccinations. Their accessibility and expertise make them effective advocates for health promotion and disease prevention initiatives under UHC frameworks.

Pharmacists also contribute to UHC by advocating policies that improve medication access, affordability and quality. They participate in policy discussions, research initiatives, and community outreach programmes aimed at addressing healthcare disparities and enhancing public health.

As countries around the world continue to expand their UHC initiatives, the role of pharmacists is expected to evolve further. Pharmacists hold a distinctive position in healthcare, serving as crucial intermediaries between patients and the broader healthcare system. Expanding their role within UHC initiatives offers a promising avenue to enhance health outcomes, mitigate healthcare expenditures, and advance health equity.

Moreover, pharmacists play a pivotal role in reducing healthcare costs through medication therapy management programmes that optimise drug regimens, thereby minimising adverse effects and hospitalisations. Their interventions contribute to more efficient use of healthcare resources and promote cost-effective practices.

Expanding the role of pharmacists within UHC frameworks represents a strategic investment in improving healthcare quality, reducing costs, and advancing health equity. Leveraging pharmacists’ expertise and accessibility is essential to achieving the ambitious goals of UHC, ultimately benefiting communities worldwide.