UK, THAILAND & CANADA

Why these 3 are frequently sited by the WHO and other health policy institutions as successful models of UHC?

Because they provide high-quality, equitable health services to their population at low or no cost at the point of care

THAILAND

The low cost success

Thailand Key Features

1. Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) launched in 2002

2. Covers over 99% of the population Funded mainly by general taxation

3. Services are free at the point of use, including outpatient, inpatient, maternity, and essential dental care

4. Health care as a right foe every citizen, regardless of income or status

Thailand Why It’s A Model

1. Proved that low- to middle-income countries (LMICs) can implement UHC with limited resources

2. Achieved major improvements in health equity, infant mortality, and financial protection

3. Strong primary care network and capitation-based financing model (budget per patient)

4. Robust Health Technology Assessment (HTA) system to ensure cost-effective use of funds

Thailand Relevance To Philippines

1. Similar economic and demographic setting

2. Shows that political commitment and efficient public financing can make UHC sustainable even in developing countries

CANADA

The Decentralized and Provincial Model

Canada Key Features

1. Health system called Medicare, established in the 1960s Publicly funded through federal and provincial taxes

2. Services are free at the point of care, including hospital stays, surgeries, and doctor visits

3. Each province or territory administers its own health insurance plan, following federal standards

Canada Why It’s A Model

1. Combines national standards with local autonomy

2. Ensures that all Canadians receive equal access to medically necessary care, regardless of income

3. Reduces out-of-pocket spending and health-related bankruptcies High public satisfaction and health outcomes

4. High public satisfaction and health outcomes

Canada Relevance To The Philippines

1. Mirrors the decentralized setup under the Philippine Local Government Code

2. Shows how national coordination with local execution can still achieve UHC

UK

The Oldest UHC System

UK Key Features

1. Home to the National Health Service (NHS), founded in 1948 Funded primarily through general taxes

2. Provides comprehensive health services free at the point of care, including: General practitioners (GPs) Hospitals Mental health Dental services (some co-pays for adults)

UK Why It’s A Model

1. Long history of universal access and equity

2. Strong emphasis on primary care and preventive services Centralized system with clear government accountability

3. Effective gatekeeping through general practitioners to manage costs and efficiency

UK Relevance To Philippines

1. Demonstrates the effectiveness of a tax-funded, publicly provided health system

2. Influences the structure of public hospitals and the PhilHealth primary care provider network (PCPN)