Universal health care moves closer with a wish

The group is proud to commit its support for the first Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day on 12 December 2014. The global day of recognition is the first time the importance of UHC has been given a platform to galvanize support across the world. It is proud to stand alongside over 270 partner organisations from 64 countries, including World Health Organization, Oxfam and Save the Children.

UHC is the basic concept that every person, everywhere, should have access to health care without suffering financial hardship. This essential human right is a cornerstone of sustainable development and global security. Yet currently, one billion people lack access to basic health care and a further 100 million struggle financially to access it.

In response to this challenge, the group has established a forum on UHC, chaired by Sir David Nicholson KCE CBE, former chief executive of the National Health Service in England, which has grown to become one of the world's largest publicly funded health services since its launch in 1948.

Professor the Lord Darzi of Denham, Executive Chair of WISH, said, "It is unacceptable that over one billion people currently live without access to quality healthcare. This basic human right should not be dependent on where you were born or what you do for a living. To ensure real impact, it is vital that organisations across the globe work together to address this urgent health challenge. As part of WISH, our UHC Forum will look to deliver practical, evidence based methods for extending quality healthcare provision to the world's poorest and most vulnerable people."

WISH is in line with Qatar Foundation's mission of launching initiatives as part of a drive towards fundamental healthcare development and reform. It remains closely aligned to the vision and mission of QF to unlock human potential and serve to underscore its pioneering role as an emerging centre for healthcare innovation. For more information, go to www.wish.org.qa.