What is a major challenge in achieving universal health coverage?

Achieving universal health coverage significantly involves balancing cost, quality, and access to services for all individuals. This balance is crucial because, while expanding access to healthcare services is essential, it must be done sustainably to avoid overwhelming resources or compromising the quality of care.

When trying to make healthcare accessible to everyone, policymakers must consider how to finance these services without imposing excessive costs on the healthcare system or taxpayers. Quality must not be sacrificed in the pursuit of access; ensuring that services are both available and effective is paramount. This complexity is compounded by varying population needs, geographical disparities, and differing economic capabilities across regions or countries.

The other challenges listed, such as the availability of healthcare providers or the increase in insured citizens, while important in their own right, are often interrelated with the larger issue of balancing these three elements. If access is increased without sufficient funding or concern for quality, it could lead to overcrowded facilities, longer wait times, or diminished care quality. Therefore, achieving the right equilibrium is a major challenge on the path to universal health coverage.