Scaling up family practice: Progressing towards universal health coverage in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

Abstract

1. Provision of integrated health services is an integral dimension of universal health coverage. The 60th session of the Regional Committee in 2013 in resolution EM/RC60/R.2 on universal health coverage urged Member States and WHO to expand the provision of integrated health services based on primary health care. Access to quality essential health care is part of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 3.8 to achieve universal health coverage to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. Experience shows that integrated primary health care services can be best provided through the family practice approach.