1 research outputs found
Unique health identifiers for universal health coverage
Identifying everyone residing in a country, especially the poor, is an
indispensable part of pursuing universal health coverage (UHC). Having
information on an individuals\u2019 financial protection is also
imperative for measuring the progress of UHC. This paper examines
different ways of instituting a system of unique health identifiers
that can lead toward achieving UHC, particularly in relation to
utilizing universal civil registration and national unique
identification number systems. Civil registration is a fundamental
function of the government that establishes a legal identity for
individuals and enables them to access essential public services.
National unique identification numbers assigned at birth registration
can further link their vital event information with data collected in
different sectors, including in finance and health. Some countries use
the national unique identification number as the unique health
identifier, such as is done in South Korea and Thailand. In other
countries, a unique health identifier is created in addition to the
national unique identification number, but the two numbers are linked;
Slovenia offers an example of this arrangement. The advantages and
disadvantages of the system types are discussed in the paper. In either
approach, linking the health system with the civil registration and
national identity management systems contributed to advancing effective
and efficient UHC programs in those countries