U.N. General Assembly votes in favor of draft resolution supporting universal health coverage

The U.N. General Assembly on Wednesday "voted in favor of a draft resolution supporting universal health coverage, signaling the importance of universal health care to the international development agenda," the Washington Post's "World Views" blog reports (Khazan, 12/12). "The U.N. resolution calls on its members to ensure they have health systems that avoid significant direct payments at the point of delivery and a mechanism to pool risks among the population to avoid catastrophic health care spending and impoverishment as a result of seeking care," the Guardian notes (Tran, 12/12).

The United States has backed the draft resolution, according to The Hill's "Healthwatch" blog, which adds, "Health insurance for all promotes 'sustained, inclusive and equitable growth, social cohesion and well-being of the population,' the U.N. said" (Viebeck, 12/12). According to a U.N. press release, "Member States were encouraged to recognize the links between the promotion of universal health coverage and other foreign policy issues, such as the social dimension of globalization, inclusive and equitable growth, and sustainable development" (12/12).