Five years later, the United Nations proclaimed 12 December as International Universal Health Coverage Day (UHC Day).
The day is set aside to demand action on universal health coverage and call on leaders to invest in health systems and primary healthcare for all that leaves no one behind.
It was against this backdrop that The Gambia on Monday joined the rest of the globe in commemorating the day. Thus, this is the first time the country is celebrating such an important event, which is aimed at ensuring everyone has access to quality health care without financial hardship irrespective of tribe, colour and nationality.
Therefore, this day is worth celebrating in view of the fact that the country, despite challenges, has made considerable gains as far as ensuring quality health for all is concerned.
Health care is a part of life and an entitlement that everyone should have the right to have access to healthcare whenever needed. Health care service is expensive even in the West, though. But these developed countries made significant gains in ensuring that their citizens have the highest health they deserve.
While those living in developing countries are still grappling with challenges in accessing health care service due to limited budget constraints and limited funding from donor partners among a host of others.
This has made life difficult for many and even resulted in many casualties that could have been prevented with timely intervention. In some areas even accessing most basic medical supplies are out of reach for many vulnerable people.
However, The Gambia over the last five years has successfully expanded and developed health care services, through improved infrastructure, personnel and supplies, on a reformed health financing landscape.
Though challenges persist with the political will demonstrated by the government, there is hope that the country is not only strengthening but expanding its health care services to the doorstep of all.
This is visibly noticeable; as key health indicators have improved, while child mortality has declined, skilled birth attendants, postnatal care, and nutrition have considerably improved.
People should understand that high-quality health care helps prevent diseases and improve quality of life.
We therefore call on the government to priorities and invest more in health to help ensure UHC in the not too distant future. We all have a stake in the development of the country’s health care service. The Gambia can do it with support from all.