Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 28, 2026
09:00
Author Spotlight: Quantifying Pain Experience – An Illustrative Approach Using the Pain Body Diagram
Published on: July 7, 2023
4.6K
Measuring universal health coverage: a three-dimensional composite approach from Bhutan
Jayendra Sharma1, Kado Zangpo1, John Grundy2
1Policy and Planning Division, Ministry of Health, Bhutan.
WHO South-East Asia Journal of Public Health
|June 15, 2017
Summary
Bhutan has achieved significant progress in child survival and life expectancy through its universal health coverage system. Sustaining these gains requires addressing utilization gaps and socioeconomic barriers to healthcare access.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Systems Research
- Health Economics
Background:
- Bhutan's health system development began in the 1960s, establishing an extensive network by the 1990s.
- Progress in child survival and life expectancy is linked to health system development and the Gross National Happiness concept.
- A constitutional and health policy mandate exists for universal access to health services.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess universal health coverage in Bhutan.
- To identify challenges in measuring, monitoring, and sustaining universal health coverage.
Main Methods:
- Literature analysis.
- Qualitative and quantitative health data analysis.
- Case study approach.
Main Results:
- High population coverage, availability, and accessibility of care, with financial protection, due to sustained state investment.
- Gaps in health service utilization exist, linked to socioeconomic variables.
- Supply- and demand-side barriers to healthcare access require further investigation.
Conclusions:
- Improved subnational measurements of service availability and determinants of low utilization are needed.
- More rigorous monitoring of financial protection, public investment, and out-of-pocket costs is essential.
- Enhancing quality and equity in universal health coverage requires addressing ongoing transitions.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:26Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System
4.2K
At the different levels of the healthcare system, we see varying methods of healthcare used. These methods include managed care systems, case management, and primary healthcare.
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is...
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is...
4.2K
01:30Primary Healthcare Services
2.5K
Primary care promotes wellness and prevents disease. This care includes health promotion, education, protection (such as immunizations), early disease screening, and environmental considerations. Settings providing this type of healthcare include physician offices, public health clinics, school nursing, and community health nursing.
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...
2.5K
01:21Dimensions of Health and Illness
11.7K
The factors influencing the health-illness continuum can be internal or external and may or may not be under conscious control. They are related to the following eight human dimensions, and each dimension is interrelated to one other.
11.7K
01:11Secondary Healthcare System
2.1K
Secondary healthcare is offered by a specialist, generally in hospitals or clinics for patients referred by primary healthcare providers. It occurs when a person has an illness or injury that requires specific medical care. Secondary care is often referred to as acute care. Secondary care can range from uncomplicated care to repair a minor laceration or treat a strep throat infection to more complicated emergent care, such as treating a head injury sustained in an automobile accident. Whatever...
2.1K
01:26Traditional Level Of Health Care System
3.5K
The levels of care describe the services provided in the healthcare system. Accordingly, there are six levels of the traditional healthcare system in the US: preventive, primary, secondary, tertiary, restorative, and continuing healthcare. A nurse must understand how the healthcare industry organizes and provides services within these levels of care.
The preventive healthcare service includes tests for screening. Preventive health care services include identifying and reducing disease risk...
The preventive healthcare service includes tests for screening. Preventive health care services include identifying and reducing disease risk...
3.5K
01:26Principles of Disease Surveillance
713
Disease surveillance is the systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of health data essential to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of public health practice. This process integrates data dissemination to entities responsible for preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability. Surveillance systems provide crucial information for action, helping public health authorities make informed decisions to manage and prevent outbreaks, ensure public safety, optimize...
713