Abstract
In this chapter, MacGregor contextualizes the issue of universal health coverage. She summarizes moves towards the adoption of universal health coverage as a goal of international policy. Arguments for universal health coverage are reviewed, noting references to human rights, social justice, security and social integration. Competing ideas are considered—universalism versus selectivism, welfare state versus neoliberalism and social investment. The chapter looks at the political mobilization of ideas in high-income and middle-income countries. Issues of implementation, variations in financing mechanisms and state capacity are noted. The conclusion is that politics matters—even more so as new challenges appear.
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MacGregor, S. (2017). Universalism and Health: The Battle of Ideas. In: Yi, I. (eds) Towards Universal Health Care in Emerging Economies. Social Policy in a Development Context. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-53377-7_3
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