Thailand celebrated International Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day 2023, with experts remarking on the country's success of the country in establishing UHC two decades ago. However, the country's health system must constantly be upgraded to cope with rising challenges.
On 8 December, representatives from various agencies, both within Thailand and abroad, international organizations, and diplomatic envoys, participated in the commemoration ceremony of UHC Day 2023 held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thailand.
The event was jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), and National Health Security Office (NHSO) under the theme "Health for All: Time for Action."
It marked the UHC Day on 12 December, when countries adopted the first unanimous United Nations resolution urging all nations to provide affordable, quality healthcare to their citizens.
During the opening ceremony, Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that UHC Day aimed to raise global awareness about establishing universal health coverage that ensures equitable access to healthcare services for the population.
In September, world leaders reaffirmed their commitment to UHC during the 78th  United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78) by adopting a political declaration on UHC 2023  to redouble their efforts towards UHC by 2030. One of the key commitments is to ensure that an additional 523 million people in the global population get access to quality, essential health services by 2025 to reach the 1 billion coverage goal.
The upcoming High-level Meeting next year will be another crucial opportunity to foster global cooperation in UHC as a vital element propelling human development, sustainable development goals, and health as human rights,” said Parnpree.
"As Thailand will be the chair of the Foreign Policy and Global Health next year and a candidate for the United Nations Human Rights Council, the country will continue supporting the promotion and protection of human rights,” said the minister.
“This includes the rights to have good physical and mental health, which links to our goal to improve UHC coverage for all population protection.”

Thailand’s push for UHC Day
NHSO Secretary-General Dr Jadej Thammatacharee noted during the ceremony that Thailand's achievement of UHC two decades ago had served as an exemplary model for protecting citizens' healthcare rights and ensuring access to essential healthcare services.
“Despite being a middle-income country, Thailand has successfully implemented UHC and garnered international recognition. Our country contributed to the resolution of the UHC Day in 2017,” he said.
Thailand played a significant role in advocating for UHC Day during the 72nd United Nations General Assembly in New York by leading the conversation among ministers and representatives of member states, including Brazil, France, Indonesia, Norway, Senegal, and South Africa.
Minister of Public Health, Dr Cholnan Srikaew, said during the UHC Day ceremony that the Thai government has always kept elevating the healthcare schemes despite the achievement of UHC.
Currently, the government is upgrading the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS), one of the three government healthcare schemes that cover healthcare for 99.9% of the population combined.
The upgrade includes expanding primary care, cancer treatment, mental healthcare, substance abuse treatment, and digital health services.
"The Thai government is committed to developing UHC and urges everyone, every sector, and every nation to come together to realize the importance of accessible healthcare," said Dr Cholnan.
"UHC is a human right and is essential for every country, especially during health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic."


Improving coverage must continue
Géraldine Ansart, Chief of Mission of the International Organization for Migration Thailand, emphasized the role of UHC in providing consistent health services to migrants and vulnerable groups.
Access to health services will ensure decent living and good health, prevent people from falling into poverty, boost the productivity of migrant workers who are crucial for the country's economy, control pandemics, and promote health security.
She added that UHC for migrants was highlighted as one of the primary goals of 'leaving no one behind' during the Foreign Policy and Global Health meeting in New York in 2022.
Despite significant progress of UHC in the global agenda, migrants still face social and economic challenges that hinder their access to healthcare — a persistent issue that needs attention and solution.
"The UHC Day reminds us that health and well-being are not privileges for some but rights for everyone. Promoting the health and well-being of migrants is a vital investment, not a burden,” said Ansart.
“Through collective efforts of governments, international agencies, and civil society, we aim to substantiate our commitment to achieving genuine UHC for migrants by 2030.”
Dr Jos Vandelaer, World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Thailand, expressed that the world had heard promises from country leaders, and now is the time for action.
Half of the global population still lacks access to essential health services, and about one in four faces financial burdens related to healthcare — urging for the urgent need to establish UHC for the global population.
He highlighted that Thailand's health outcome was significant, thanks to the UHC. Thai people have increased their life expectancy from 1.5 to 2.4 years since the achievement of UHC. Household health expenditures have dropped from 6% to less than 2%.
Despite this success, Dr Vandelaer said that the country's progress in improving comprehensive health coverage needs to continue.
Numerous health challenges persist, such as an aging population, increasing healthcare costs, rising environmental pollution, urban migration, and the disruption of health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Strengthening the health system is crucial to address these challenges,” he said.
"WHO is pleased to collaborate with governments and various organizations in every country to build UHC as a critical foundation for sustainable development.”