Universal Health Coverage Day Marked in Kosovo
On 12 December 2024, Kosovo marked Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day. The event, organized by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Patient Rights Association in Kosovo (PRAK) and supported by the Integrated Health Services (IHS) Project, focused on the global UHC theme for this year, “Health: A Government Responsibility.”
Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Dafina Gexha Bunjaku, emphasized the importance of universal health coverage in improving access to healthcare for all citizens of Kosovo. “”Let us mark together Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day, an issue of great importance for a better future that lies at the heart of our vision. UHC is not just a health policy but also a cornerstone of social justice; it is not a destination but an ongoing journey. Achieving UHC is our responsibility, and together we can create a world where health is not a luxury but a fulfilled promise for everyone. Let us all commit to this noble goal, ensuring no one is left behind for a healthier future for all,” she stated.
Peter Sidler, from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation Office in Kosovo, highlighted that Switzerland remains a reliable partner of Kosovo, supporting the country’s efforts to strengthen its healthcare system. “Our commitment is exemplified by the IHS and AQH projects, which support Kosovo’s healthcare institutions to provide inclusive, integrated, and accessible care with a focus on patients. We believe that health is a fundamental prerequisite for every country to fully utilize its potential. We highly appreciate that the Government and, just last week, the Assembly of Kosovo have taken significant steps toward achieving the goal of ensuring that all people have access to the quality healthcare services they need without facing financial hardships when paying for them.”
On the other hand, Agron Bytyqi, Executive Director of PRAK, emphasized the importance of involving patient organizations in shaping health policies that enable Universal Health Coverage (UHC). “This is the ninth year we are marking UHC Day, and this year, inspired by the motto, it is everyone’s responsibility to contribute to better filling the universal health coverage box. I hope that this meeting will generate ideas for greater collaboration to impact UHC,” Mr. Bytyqi highlighted.
The CEO of the International Alliance of Patient Organizations Ms. Daniela Motchi gave a presentation on “The Role of Organizations in Advancing UHC”. The event then continued with in-depth discussions through two panels. The first panel, with representatives from the Ministry of Health, the Kosovo Health Insurance Fund, the Ombudsperson Institution, and the Ministry of Finance, Labor, and Transfers, addressed the topic, “Government Commitment and Support for UHC.” In the second panel, representatives from UNICEF, UNFPA, LuxDev, IAPO, and the AQH project discussed “Support for UHC from UN Entities and Other Organizations,” focusing on UHC from the perspectives of UN agencies and other international organizations.
The event reaffirmed the commitment to acting together – institutions, civil society organizations, and international organizations, to achieve better health for all in Kosovo.