“Of all forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane,” said a Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Universal health coverage (UHC) means that all people and communities can use the promotional, preventive, curative, rehabilitative and palliative health services they need, of sufficient quality to be effective, while ensuring that The use of these services will not expose the user to financial difficulties. UHC is firmly based on the 1948 WHO Constitution declaring health as a fundamental human right and on the health for all agenda established by the Alma Ata Declaration in 1978. UHC cuts across all development goals (SDGs) linked to health and brings hope. better health and better protection for the world's poorest. All countries should consider implementing universal health care as their primary health system. Universal health care could significantly improve public health. Better and equal access to health care and health services is one way to improve public health. “Access to health care has an impact on overall physical, social and mental health status and quality of life.” Universal health care could help solve the problem of lack of access to appropriate health care or services. Universal health care provides health care and services to people who cannot afford it. “Access to care often varies based on race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender identity, and location.” Universal health care eliminates the problem of unequal access to health care and services by making it affordable for all and not discriminating against anyone. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Japan is a great example of a universal healthcare system. Officials say Japan's healthcare system is one of the best, affordable and helps extend life expectancy. Japan has the highest life expectancy rate at 83.7 years. The country launched its universal health care system in 1961; few changes have been made since then. Regardless of age, gender and income, citizens are allowed to choose any hospital in the country; high-level care at low cost. “In the Japanese system, everyone must join a public insurance program through their employer or municipality and pay a monthly premium determined according to their income.” In exchange, citizens receive equal access to approved medical services, procedures and medications, for which they pay 30 percent of the cost or less. Japan spent a total of 11.2% of its GDP per capita in 2015. The United States spent 16.9% of its GDP per capita, 5.7% more than Japan. 4.4% of Americans, or approximately 142.16 million people, have been unable to obtain health care or health services due to cost. Japan is an excellent example for everyone to follow. Universal health care could provide better, continuous care. Seven in ten Americans die each year from chronic illness. A chronic illness is an illness that lasts a long time and occurs over time. “Minority groups have higher disease rates, fewer options, and reduced access to health care for the poor only makes things worse.” With appropriate health care and health services, the number of people whodie each year from chronic diseases could decrease. Diseases cannot be eliminated, but they reduce chronic diseases by ensuring that everyone has the health care and health services needed to prevent and treat these diseases. Not only can universal health care improve public health, it can also boost a country's economy. In 2007, about 62 percent of all U.S. bankruptcies in one way or another were related to medical expenses, even for people with health insurance. With a universal healthcare system, medical bankruptcy will be a thing of the past and lead to a healthier, wealthier nation. Most individuals avoid starting their own business for fear of losing their health insurance benefits from their current employer. “With the implementation of a universal health care system, self-employment in the United States could increase by 2 to 3.5%.” The high cost associated with paying for employee health insurance places U.S. private companies at a competitive disadvantage in the international marketplace. Thus, through universal health care, private companies can free up the use of funds intended for health insurance to invest in other areas of their business. This could reduce employers' labor costs by more than 12%. With advanced, proven tools, the world has the opportunity for the poor to be as healthy as the rich. The people who need health care the most are often those who are least able to pay. “Each year, nearly one in five people in low- and middle-income countries are pushed or deepened into poverty by paying for their health.” Some current health systems prevent the poor from progressing and earning some money. The universal healthcare system makes health care and health services affordable for everyone. When people are healthier and in school, or working families are more financially stable. The introduction of universal healthcare in South Africa in 2011 has so far exceeded the costs associated with introducing the system and financing it through increased taxes. “The KPMG study shows that spending R13 billion on healthcare this year could create an additional R650 million in economic activity nationally.” The R is the currency of South Africa. This positive effect is likely due to increased productivity through a healthier workforce and higher life expectancy. For middle-income countries that have implemented national health insurance or universal health care, the benefits come from a healthier population. “Average life expectancy has increased by one year and could potentially increase the country's per capita GDP by four percent.” International studies have shown a 20 to 45 percent increase in labor productivity. Since universal health care leads to improved worker health and reduced sick leave, it will have a positive impact on productivity levels. Universal health care could provide a better working environment for doctors and a better place for patients to rest. With a universal healthcare system, it is easier to bring everyone under one system. Doctors can focus on patients and not on insurance issues or other factors. “With the establishment of a universal healthcare system, doctors and other healthcare professionals can finally focus on treating patients without.”