The right to health is universally recognized as fundamental to human dignity, freedom and well-being. There are many factors that influence our state of health and well-being including housing, workplace safety, environmental conditions, access to a safe and sustainable food supply and our own genetics. However, access to comprehensive medical care is fundamental to our health and well-being. Without that, it is impossible for a person to realize their full potential and dignity as a human being
In order to meet human rights standards, a health care system must be:
- Universal
- Accessible and available to all
- High quality standards of care for all
- Comprehensive and appropriate to all health needs
- Financed and delivered in a non-discriminatory way that enables the participation of all individuals and communities
- Provides access to information
- Ensures transparency and
- Has effective mechanisms to hold both the public and private sector accountable to the citizens
- Is affordable for patients, providers, and systems
Declaring Healthcare as a Right
"Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate to the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services....." Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 25, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948, signed and ratified by the United States of America.
Healthcare For All Ohioans (501-C3) and SPAN Ohio (501C4) are dedicated to achieving a health care system that fulfills the human right to health care and that ensures every person will receive the care they need in a manner that affords them the dignity they deserve.
For further information on the human right to health care, read the following articles:
National Healthcare 2023 Quality and Disparities Report
The Human Right to Health Care
Fact Sheet: National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality
The Equity Effect of Universal Healthcare
Key Data on Health and Health Care by Race and Ethnicity