Healthcare has been an essential component of any functioning society since the dawn of civilization. This vast discipline, with all its diverse specializations, supports the health of the population, enabling a better quality of life and sustainable development. In this regard, healthcare remains in a state of constant development, as it is tightly connected to the general evolution patterns of society. In other words, as humanity relies on new values and goals, the field of healthcare is to adjust accordingly. Another factor determining the evolution of the sphere is related to the development of technology and new methods of medical procedures. However, in the 21st century, globalization remains one of the key trends, the effect of which permeates most areas of human activity. In the case of healthcare, this idea is often perceived as the necessity to provide equal medical opportunities on a universal, worldwide basis. Nevertheless, the question of whether such a level can be attained remains a subject of intense discussions.
On the global scale, the matter at hand is primarily embedded in the work of the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO is an international alliance of experts in the field of healthcare and adjacent disciplines that unites over 8,000 professionals (WHO, 2021). The primary goal of the organization is to coordinate the world’s efforts in terms of disease prevention, emergency response, and public health initiatives. The authority of the alliance is generally recognized by most governments of the globe, which take into consideration the WHO’s stance on health-related affairs worldwide. Furthermore, the role of the organization has been strengthened by the recent outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, which showed the importance of a coordinated response. However, such efforts are associated with the inherent challenges of globalization that are the product of different perspectives on topical matters, as well as the variations in living standards, values, and traditions across different countries.
In the new age of societal development, the views of healthcare as a basic human right have become the leading paradigm. In this regard, such principles align with the modern values upon which the civilization of the 21st century is built. From an ethical perspective, people have become the central element of any functioning society of today. The world is driven not by politics or the economy but by all individuals whose collective efforts enable progress and development. As such, it is society’s obligation to provide these people with access to better living standards and medical services in return. International law supports this perspective, as suggested by the global experience. More specifically, Bloom et al. (2019) report that universal health coverage has been prioritized by all members of the G20, as well as the United Nations and the WHO. These are the key organizations that unite the world’s leading nations and minds. Such an agenda reflects the stance of the global community on the necessity of universal healthcare as a basic human right in the 21st century.
In this regard, modern healthcare leaders are to play a crucial role in developing the new, inclusive landscape of the field on a global level. Regardless of the scope of a leader’s work, each of them represents an integral element of the worldwide system. The changes, even at the smallest levels, create a foundation upon which global transformations are built. The leaders’ role is to ensure that these changes are profound and not limited by a single organization or community. They are to communicate on all levels, including their colleagues, subordinates, communities, and policy-makers. This will bring a sense of unity that will ensure the transition to a new paradigm of universal care. Considering the scope of the objectives, the transformation leadership style will be the most suitable for the goal. It relies on a shared vision and common values to instill a sense of purpose and aim at long-term, sustained improvements that align with the discussed agenda. This way, quality healthcare as a universal human right can become a global reality, improving the quality of life worldwide.
References
Bloom, G., Katsuma, Y., Rao, K. D., Makimoto, S., Yin, J. D. C., & Leung, G. M. (2019). Next steps towards universal health coverage call for global leadership. BMJ, 365. Web.
World Health Organization (WHO). (2021). Who we are. Web.