Policy recommendations for sustainable Universal Health Coverage implementation in Jammu and Kashmir: A scoping review

BACKGROUND: Universal Health Coverage (UHC) means that all individuals receive the healthcare services they need without incurring financial hardships. Jammu and Kashmir encounters significant healthcare challenges due to its difficult terrain, occasionally resulting in disruptions in the functionality of the healthcare delivery system. At present, the hospital-centric model is contributing to increased healthcare costs. The greatest challenge to improve healthcare outcomes and achieve UHC lies in the adoption of integrated primary care services. This article presents policy recommendations specific to Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) that are required to develop comprehensive healthcare policy framework and facilitate integration in primary healthcare services. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A scoping review was conducted utilizing the framework established by Arksey and O’Malley (2005), which included six steps: (1) formulating the research question; (2) locating pertinent studies; (3) choosing a study; (4) creating data charts; (5) analyzing and summarizing the data; and (6) conducting a consultation exercise. Data analysis was done using framework analysis. RESULTS: The recommendations span multiple dimensions of UHC, including service coverage, financial coverage, and population coverage. By prioritizing primary care and preventive healthcare measures, J&K can effectively address the rising burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and enhance the health of its people. NOVELTY: This study explores the features of a comprehensive healthcare system that encompasses all the three dimensions of UHC such as financial coverage, service coverage, and population coverage. The integrated healthcare system has the potential to transform the healthcare landscape by promoting holistic and integrated care, personalized medicine, and evidence-based insights for preventive care and disease management. Together, these steps would improve healthcare outcomes, enhance patient experience, reduce cost of care, and increase efficiency and evidence-based decision making.