The IELTS Reading test is designed to assess a wide range of reading skills, from understanding the gist of a passage to grasping specific details. One frequently occurring topic is healthcare, particularly the challenges in implementing universal health coverage (UHC). This topic is highly relevant due to ongoing global discussions and efforts to improve healthcare access. Understanding this topic not only helps in preparing for the IELTS Reading test but also broadens your knowledge of global issues. Here’s a detailed reading practice based on “What are the challenges of implementing universal health coverage?”
IELTS Reading Practice Test: Universal Health Coverage
Passage: The Challenges of Implementing Universal Health Coverage
Text Type: Medium
In recent years, universal health coverage (UHC) has become a significant agenda for many countries. UHC ensures that all individuals and communities receive the health services they need without suffering financial hardship. Despite its noble goals, implementing UHC comes with numerous challenges.
One of the primary challenges is funding. Many low and middle-income countries struggle with inadequate financial resources to support such a comprehensive healthcare system. Even high-income countries must deal with pressures on their budgets while attempting to integrate UHC.
Another significant issue is healthcare infrastructure. A robust infrastructure is vital to support the widespread provision of healthcare services. In many developing nations, the lack of hospitals, clinics, and modern medical equipment presents a substantial barrier.
Moreover, human resources pose a considerable challenge. There is a global shortage of healthcare professionals, exacerbated by migration from low-income to high-income countries. This brain drain leaves developing countries with a dilapidated healthcare workforce, making the provision of quality healthcare services daunting.
Political stability is also a key factor. The successful implementation of UHC requires stable governance and robust political commitment. Political turmoil and weak governance structures can delay, or even derail, UHC initiatives.
Cultural barriers and public awareness further complicate the issue. In some regions, cultural beliefs and lack of understanding about the benefits of UHC can lead to resistance from the public. Effective communication and education strategies are needed to ensure community engagement and support for UHC policies.
Lastly, policy coherence and coordination among various sectors are essential. Implementing UHC requires a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach involving the health, finance, education, transportation, and other sectors. Lack of coordination and conflicting policies can impair the holistic execution of UHC.
Addressing these challenges demands a concerted effort from governments, international organizations, and communities. Only through collective action can the vision of universal health coverage become a reality.
Questions
Multiple Choice
-
What is the main purpose of universal health coverage (UHC)?
- a. To reduce healthcare costs
- b. To ensure everyone receives necessary health services without financial hardship
- c. To promote the construction of new hospitals
- d. To encourage medical tourism
-
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a fundamental challenge in implementing UHC?
- a. Funding
- b. Climate change
- c. Infrastructure
- d. Human resources
Identifying Information (True/False/Not Given)
-
The text suggests that even high-income countries experience financial pressures in implementing UHC.
- True
- False
- Not Given
-
There is currently no global shortage of healthcare professionals.
- True
- False
- Not Given
Matching Information
-
Match the challenge with the corresponding description:
- a. Funding
- b. Infrastructure
- c. Human resources
- d. Political stability
i. Essential for supporting the provision of widespread healthcare services.
ii. Lack of financial resources in low and middle-income countries.
iii. Shortage of healthcare professionals due to migration.
iv. Necessary for stable governance and robust commitment.
Answers and Explanations
Multiple Choice
-
b. To ensure everyone receives necessary health services without financial hardship
- The passage clearly states that UHC ensures all individuals and communities receive the health services they need without suffering financial hardship.
-
b. Climate change
- Climate change is not mentioned as a challenge in the passage.
Identifying Information
-
True
- The passage notes that even high-income countries must deal with budget pressures while attempting to integrate UHC.
-
False
- The passage states that there is a global shortage of healthcare professionals.
Matching Information
-
- a. ii. Lack of financial resources in low and middle-income countries.
- b. i. Essential for supporting the provision of widespread healthcare services.
- c. iii. Shortage of healthcare professionals due to migration.
- d. iv. Necessary for stable governance and robust commitment.
Common Mistakes
- Misinterpreting the main purpose of UHC.
- Confusing similar terms or concepts (e.g., financial hardship and healthcare costs).
- Missed details about comprehensive challenges such as funding and infrastructure.
Vocabulary
-
Universal Health Coverage (UHC) (noun): healthcare services provided to all individuals without financial hardship.
- /ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsəl hɛlθ ˈkʌvərɪdʒ/
- E.g., Implementing UHC remains a goal for many countries.
-
Infrastructure (noun): the fundamental facilities and systems serving a country, city, or area.
- /ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌktʃər/
- E.g., A strong healthcare infrastructure is essential for UHC.
-
Brain drain (noun): the emigration of highly trained or intelligent people from a particular country.
- /breɪn dreɪn/
- E.g., The brain drain exacerbates healthcare challenges in developing countries.
Grammar Focus
Relative Clauses: Relative clauses provide additional information about a noun.
- Example: “UHC ensures that all individuals, who might otherwise struggle to afford healthcare, receive necessary services.”
- Usage: “who” introduces additional information about “individuals.”
Advice for IELTS Reading Success
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice improves comprehension skills.
- Focus on Synonyms: Often, the IELTS test uses synonyms rather than repeating words from the passage.
- Time Management: Practice under timed conditions to get accustomed to the pressure.
- Skimming and Scanning: Learn to quickly identify the main idea and locate key information without reading every word.
By understanding the challenges of implementing universal health coverage, you not only enhance your reading skills for the IELTS test but also gain valuable insights into real-world issues. Best of luck with your IELTS preparation!