Health Service Quality Must Be A Priority, Not An Afterthought: New Collection on Quality of Care

The article emphasizes the critical importance of prioritizing healthcare service quality, especially during emergencies, as highlighted in a new collection released in the British Medical Journal (BMJ). It advocates for sustained focus on quality, beyond mere access, in achieving universal health coverage. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed disruptions in healthcare quality, stressing the need for comprehensive emergency plans addressing quality concerns. It urges healthcare systems to incorporate quality considerations into emergency responses to safeguard people's health and rights. The collaboration between BMJ, WHO, and the World Bank examines ways to improve care quality in low- and middle-income countries, focusing on maternal, newborn, and child health, addressing key aspects like workforce engagement, measurement, and innovative solutions for quality care. The editorial emphasizes the necessity of consistent, universally delivered quality health services at all levels.