Universal health coverage (UHC) signifies universal accessibility to comprehensive, high-quality health services, without financial hardship.
India lacks a constitutional provision for the fundamental right to basic health. However, the Directive Principles of State Policy in Part IV of the Constitution provides a basis for the right to health.
Article 39 (e) of the Constitution directs the state to secure the health of workers; Article 42 emphasises just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief.
Also, Article 47 casts a duty on the state to raise the nutrition levels and standard of living, and to improve public health.
The Constitution not only mandates the state to enhance public health but also endows the panchayats and municipalities to strengthen public health under Article 243G.