The notion of universal health care as all people having access to the health services needed, when needed, and without any imposed financial hardships is a provident idea. This edition looks at universal health care through discussion surrounding the attainability of health due to a positive interdependence with health and the economy, international cooperation for universal health care as an impetus to a better global economy, the feasibility of essential surgery in impoverished settings, and the lessons drawn through attempts to implement universal health care in Asia.

~ Catherine Tsasis, Associate Editor, HPHR