Discussion on quality of care and the Universal Health Coverage agenda

Health planners often encounter this dilemma: Do we try to achieve universal health coverage (UHC), or try to improve quality?

Kris, in this discussion, has highlighted a contrasting risk: that UHC might lead to the dangers of “too much, too soon”. We see this for example in maternity hospitals, where the provision of free care has meant more women come to hospital very early in labour. These women receive more interventions and have much higher levels of caesarean sections than those who present later in labour. Yet arguably, the risks of receiving too much care are outweighed by the advantages of all women having access to skilled care during childbirth.

What other risks to quality of care from UHC can you identify?

Share your response in the comments section below.