Public–private partnerships for universal health coverage? The future of “free health” in Sri Lanka

Globalization and Health

Ramya Kumar¹ 

[1] Department of Community and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna;

关键词: Sri Lanka;    Healthcare access;    Universal health coverage;    Health systems;    Health reform;    Healthcare privatization;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12992-019-0522-6

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abstract Sri Lanka reports impressive health indicators compared to its peers in the South Asian region. Maternal and infant mortality are relatively low, and several intractable communicable diseases have been eliminated. The publicly financed and delivered “free” healthcare system has been critical to these health achievements. Placing the country’s healthcare system in historical context, this commentary analyses the contradictions and political tensions surrounding Sri Lanka’s 2018 Universal Health Coverage (UHC) policy, with attention to the Ministry of Health’s plans for public–private partnerships (PPP). As economic exigencies and private interests increasingly erode the 1951 “Free Health” policy, this commentary calls for a re-envisioning of UHC that can meet people’s aspirations for health and social justice.

【 授权许可】

Unknown