Universal Health Coverage Assessment: South Africa
Title | Universal Health Coverage Assessment: South Africa |
Year | 2014 |
Author | D. McIntyre, J. Doherty and J. Ataguba |
DOI | |
URL | Click here |
Journal | Global Network for Health Equity (GNHE) |
Document Type | Journal Article |
Document Availability | Full Text |
Classification | Access |
Abstract | In South Africa under apartheid resources for healthcare were allocated along racial lines. Grappling with the resulting health inequities, and distortions in health care provision and financing, has been a pre-occupation of the post-apartheid government since 1994. This document provides a preliminary assessment of aspects of the South African health system relative to the goal of universal health coverage, with a particular focus on the financing system. In the 2010 World Health Report, universal health coverage is defined as providing everyone in a country with financial protection from the costs of using health care and ensuring access to the health services they need (World Health Organisation 2010). These services should be of sufficient quality to be effective. This document presents data that provide insights into the extent of financial protection and access to needed health services in South Africa. |