Yes, universal healthcare is considered a fundamental human right by many international bodies, including the World Health Organization and the United Nations, which state that it is a right that all governments should provide. This right is based on the principle that every person is entitled to the highest attainable standard of health, regardless of their background, and that governments have a responsibility to ensure access to quality health services without discrimination or financial hardship.

Arguments for healthcare as a fundamental right 

• International law: The right to health is enshrined in international human rights instruments like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
• Government responsibility: The WHO Constitution states that “Governments have a responsibility for the health of their peoples which can be fulfilled only by the provision of adequate health and social measures.”
• Equality and opportunity: Proponents argue that access to healthcare is essential for equal opportunity and that a lack of healthcare creates significant disadvantages, especially for children, leading to cycles of poverty.
• Economic benefits: Providing universal healthcare can be seen as a social and economic investment. For instance, a study estimated that universal healthcare in the US could have saved 212,000 lives in 2020 alone.

How it is implemented 

• Universal health coverage: This is considered a practical expression of the right to health, meaning all individuals can access quality health services without facing financial hardship.
• Government action: To achieve universal healthcare, governments can implement policies like strengthening primary health care, reforming health financing, and investing in health technologies and infrastructure.
• Enshrining it in law: Some argue that to make the right to health truly justiciable and to compel government action, it must be specifically mentioned as a fundamental right in national constitutions. 

The role of the government 

• Provide care: Governments are responsible for creating systems that provide universal, equitable, and non discriminatory healthcare for all. 
• Protect rights: The government has a duty to protect the right to health by preventing third parties from violating it.
• Fulfill rights: Governments must actively work to ensure the highest attainable standard of health is available to all.