Universal Health Care: Reaching out to the Vulnerable and Poor Communities

Abstract

Universal Health Care (UHC) has been recognized all over the world as an unparalleled standard for the provision of extensive health services particularly to the impoverished and economically poor sectors of the community.  Through appropriate affordable and acceptable technology UHC demands the delivery of essential health care to the community with equity and participation. Immunization tremendously improving overall health globally as one of the vital components of UHC that aids to eliminate major infectious diseases. Government of Pakistan instituted Pakistan Nursing Council that registers and regulates Lady Health Visitors (LHVs) in order to provide essential health services and accomplish health for all in the urban and rural slum areas. Family Planning and Immunization are the two main subjects of Lady Health Visitors duty since 1951. After diploma of two-year, role of LHVs is to manage normal labor and delivery cases, administer vaccines, counsel and educate regarding family planning, treat common diseases in children and women, identify disease complications and carry out an efficient referral to concerned specialist. For the provision of UHC, it is essential to properly train the community health workers all over the world. Attainment of adequate training of Lady Health Visitors directly influence the provision of preventive, curative and rehabilitative services to the community.