Health is more than the absence of illness; it is a state of physical, mental and social well-being. It underpins the ability of every human being to live a life of dignity, productivity and freedom. The right to health is not a luxury or a privilege; it is a fundamental human right, recognized in numerous international declarations and treaties. This right demands not only that people have access to medical care but that the broader conditions necessary for good health—clean water, nutritious food, safe housing, education and a healthy environment—are respected, protected and fulfilled.

The right to health is enshrined in Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and more explicitly in Article 12 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. These documents affirm that everyone has the right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. This includes timely and appropriate healthcare, as well as the underlying social determinants of health that enable individuals and communities to thrive.

Yet in practice, millions of people around the world are denied this right. In many countries, health services are unavailable, unaffordable or inaccessible, especially for those living in poverty, rural areas, conflict zones or under systems of discrimination. Women and girls may be denied sexual and reproductive healthcare. People with disabilities may face physical or social barriers to care. Migrants, minorities and Indigenous communities may encounter stigma, neglect or outright exclusion. These disparities are not just failures of policy, they are violations of human rights.

A rights-based approach to health challenges the idea that access to healthcare depends on ability to pay, nationality or social status. It affirms that governments have a legal and moral obligation to ensure that health systems are equitable, inclusive and responsive to the needs of all, particularly the most vulnerable. This means building strong public health infrastructure, investing in primary care and eliminating discrimination in service delivery. It also means involving communities in the design and monitoring of health services that affect them.

The availability of healthcare is the first step. This refers to having enough hospitals, clinics, trained medical personnel, medicines and equipment to meet the population’s needs. But availability alone is not enough. Services must also be accessible—physically, geographically, financially and linguistically. People should not have to walk for days, face humiliation or go into debt just to receive basic care. Accessibility must also be paired with acceptability; healthcare must be respectful of cultural differences and sensitive to gender and age. Finally, it must be of good quality, providing safe and effective treatment backed by sound medical science.

The right to health also includes freedom from harmful practices. This means protection from medical neglect or discrimination in health settings.

Health systems around the world have long shown signs of strain, even before any global crisis. In many countries, underfunded public healthcare, shortages of trained personnel and the rising costs of essential medicines have exposed deep inequalities in access and outcomes. Rural communities are often left without clinics or doctors, while urban centers may suffer from overcrowded hospitals and long wait times. These persistent gaps highlight the urgent need for healthcare systems that prioritize equity, preparedness and the dignity of all patients, not just those who can afford care or live in well-resourced areas.

Another critical aspect of the right to health is mental health. For too long, mental well-being has been stigmatized, neglected or treated as secondary. But the right to health includes the right to live free from emotional and psychological suffering. Mental health services must be integrated into general healthcare and made accessible without shame or discrimination. Emotional support, trauma counseling and community care are essential for building healthy, resilient societies.

International solidarity also plays a role. Wealthier nations have a responsibility to support global health systems, especially in low-income countries facing infectious disease outbreaks, malnutrition or the health impacts of climate change. Trade and patent laws must not block access to affordable medicines. Health must be treated as a global public good, not a commodity for the few.

Realizing the right to health is not just about spending more money, it is about political will and social justice. It means treating healthcare as a public service, not a private privilege. It means ensuring that no one dies, suffers or goes untreated simply because of where they were born or how much they earn. It means recognizing that health is not a reward for productivity, but a foundation for human dignity.

The right to health is about creating a world where everyone has the chance to live fully, thrive and contribute. It is about building systems that care for people rather than abandon them. And it is a reminder that health is not just a personal concern, it is a human right that must be defended for all.