What aspect does health service coverage primarily measure in the context of UHC?

Health service coverage primarily measures access to necessary healthcare services for the population. This concept is central to Universal Health Coverage (UHC), which aims to ensure that all individuals have access to the healthcare they need without experiencing financial hardship. Effective health service coverage means that essential services, including preventative care, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care, are available and accessible to everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographic location.

Having access is crucial because it encompasses not just the presence of healthcare facilities or the variety of services offered, but it specifically addresses whether individuals can obtain the health services they require when they need them. This access influences health outcomes and overall wellbeing, making it a primary metric used to assess health service coverage.

While factors like the availability of healthcare facilities in remote areas and patient wait times are important components of the healthcare system, they are more specific aspects that can impact overall access. However, they do not capture the broad measure of coverage that UHC advocates for—ensuring that necessary services are available and accessible to the population at large.