Baramulla, Dec 12: The Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College Baramulla, observed Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day 2025 with a meaningful and engaging programme aligned with this year’s global campaign theme: “Unaffordable health costs? We’re sick of it!.”
The 2025 UHC Day theme highlights a stark global reality: over half of the world’s population still lacks access to essential health services, and one in four people experience financial hardship when paying for healthcare out of pocket, often compromising basic needs such as food, housing, or education.
This year’s theme brings attention to these lived experiences, urging policymakers to recognise how unaffordable health costs are making communities poorer, sicker, and slowing progress on the Sustainable Development Goals.
The programme at GMC Baramulla commenced with a warm Welcome Address by the Organising Chairperson, Dr. Uruj, who emphasised the relevance of UHC in strengthening equitable healthcare delivery.
The gathering was then addressed by the Honourable Principal, Prof. (Dr.) Majid Jahangir, who spoke about the importance of Universal Health Coverage and highlighted the shared responsibility of healthcare professionals in achieving “Health for All.”
A special virtual message was delivered by Dr Grace Achungura, Team Lead for Universal Health Coverage at WHO India. She works closely with national and state governments on health financing and system strengthening. In her address, Dr Grace underscored the urgency of this year’s theme and reiterated WHO’s commitment to supporting countries in building resilient and equitable health systems.
Prof. (Dr.) Abdul Majeed Ganaie, Former Head of the Department of community medicine, reflected on the critical need for equity in healthcare, stressing that true progress is only possible when no individual is left behind.
The district level perspective was shared by the District Health Officer, Dr. Bajan Kour, who highlighted the ongoing district efforts, strategies, and community-level initiatives aimed at achieving UHC.
The programme also featured remarks by the Medical Superintendent, Dr. Parvaiz Masoodi, who spoke about the various initiatives under Ayushman Bharat and other flagship programmes, reaffirming their role in ensuring accessible, affordable, and available healthcare for all sections of society.
The event reaffirmed GMC Baramulla’s continued commitment to advancing Universal Health Coverage and contributing to a healthier, more equitable future for all.
