Universal Health Coverage for ASEAN: Is it possible?

Abstract

Geography, society, economic development, and health outcomes vary much among the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The health systems, structure and services
vary considerably. As a consequence, the develpment for a Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
in these countries also diverges. The objective of this article is to study the development toward
the UHC in ASEAN countries and the barriers that hinder the progress. Online and manual
search methods were used to gather the information and ‘snowball’ further data. It is found
that, in general, ASEAN countries have made good progress toward UHC. However, there are
major barriers to all the countries in achieving UHC, namely 1) financial restrictions; 2) supply
side limitations: and 3) the increasing problems of non-communicable diseases, continuing
infectious diseases, and recurrence of potentially pandemic infectious illnesses. Whereas the
minor obstacles are the divergence of 1) language; and 2) cultures. The ASEAN Economic
Community’s (AEC) aim of regional economic incorporation and a single market by 2015
grants both prospects and tasks for UHC. Healthcare services have become more accessible
but health and healthcare inequities will likely go downhill as better-off citizens of member
countries might have more benefits from the liberalization of trade plan in health. ASEAN has
noteworthy prospective to become a power for better health in the region. It is hoped that all
ASEAN populations can enjoy greater health and safety standards, complete social security,
and enhanced health status.