GCAP’s side event at Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD) 2025

The Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP), in collaboration with its member organisations and allies, convened a side event titled “What Makes Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Truly Inclusive? Advocating UHC in Asian Countries” during the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD) 2025. Held at the ESCAP Building in Bangkok, the event brought together 40 health rights advocates, civil society leaders and development practitioners from across Asia to spotlight gaps in healthcare systems and push for equitable, accessible, and inclusive UHC in the region.

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Watch GCAP’s side event at APFSD 2025.

Framing the Challenge: Access, Investment, and Equity

In his opening remarks, Pradeep Baisakh, Asia Coordinator of GCAP, emphasized that while the Alma-Ata Declaration and SDG 3 frame health as a fundamental right, millions in Asia continue to face catastrophic health expenditures. “Increased government spending is a start, but without strategic investments in primary healthcare and infrastructure, people will continue to be pushed into poverty,” he warned.

Ingo Ritz, GCAP Director, offered a global perspective, highlighting that only 52% of the global population has access to social protection and even fewer to adequate health coverage. He called for nationally owned, financed and regularly reviewed UHC programmes. He pointed to the 2025 World Social Summit in Qatar as a pivotal moment to push for global commitments on Universal Social Protection Floors (USPF).

“UHC and social protection aren’t costs—they’re investments that drive economic resilience and social cohesion,” Ritz stated.

Uneven Progress Across the Region

Jeffry Acaba from APCASO noted the regional disparity in UHC progress. While Thailand, China, Korea, and Japan report over 80% health coverage, countries like Bangladesh and Lao PDR remain below 50%. High out-of-pocket costs remain a problem across the board, disproportionately affecting marginalised groups, including people living with HIV, sex workers, LGBTIQ communities, and migrants.

Country Perspectives: Ground Realities and Recommendations

Cambodia:
Prak Kongkea of the Cooperation Committee of Cambodia highlighted that rural communities suffer most from inadequate infrastructure and workforce shortages. She recommended scaling up free healthcare schemes and increasing the national health budget to address inequities.

Philippines:
Beckie Malay from the Philippines Rural Reconstruction Movement explained how the decentralised health system poses financial and administrative hurdles. She urged the government to streamline PhilHealth processes and ensure universal financial risk protection.

Japan:
Masaki Inaba of the Africa Japan Forum raised concerns about elderly care and the exclusion of undocumented migrants from the health system. He proposed policy reforms and investment in the long-term care workforce to meet future challenges.

Pakistan:
Mahnoor Khan from Awaz Foundation reported that nearly 50% of Pakistanis lack access to essential healthcare, especially in rural areas. With only 2% of GDP spent on health, she called for a raise to 5%, and for expanding infrastructure and equity-focused reforms.

India:
Adrian D’Cruz from Wada Na Todo Abhiyan noted that 31% of India’s population—around 400 million—remains uninsured, and the PM-JAY scheme excludes outpatient care, which is the majority of health spending. He recommended expanding insurance coverage and increasing public health investment, especially in rural areas where 72% of hospital beds are lacking.

Nepal:
Abhisekh Shah from the NGO Federation of Nepal acknowledged progress in vaccination and TB treatment but criticised the urban-centric health approach. He suggested offering competitive incentives for rural health professionals and inclusive policy reforms.

Bangladesh:
Abdul Awal of Noakhali Rural Development Society said Bangladesh’s underfunded health system suffers from high out-of-pocket costs and urban-rural disparities. He called on APFSD to press governments to increase public health funding and support citizen-led monitoring.

Spotlight on Dalit Communities: Structural Exclusion in Healthcare

Dr Aita Bishowkarma from the Asia Dalit Rights Forum presented harrowing data on healthcare exclusion faced by Dalits across India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. For example, in Nepal, only 17% of Dalits are enrolled in health insurance, below the national average of 23%. In Bangladesh, while 82% of Dalit mothers are aware of maternity schemes, only 33% receive the benefits.

“Discrimination and poor targeting leave Dalits, especially women, behind. Community health workers, legal safeguards, and dedicated funding are essential to close the gap,” said Dr Bishowkarma.

Bridging Gaps in UHC

The session concluded with a strong call to action: UHC in Asia must not only expand coverage but also dismantle systemic barriers faced by rural, marginalised and poor populations. Participants underscored that true progress lies in increased public investment, better governance, inclusive policy design and regional solidarity.

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