Research Shows Integrating Self-Care into Health Systems Boosts Access and Reduces Medical Burden

Recent research by Economist Enterprise reveals that integrating self-care into formal health systems has the potential to improve public health quality, broaden access to services, and simultaneously reduce the burden on medical systems. The report, titled ‘Making Self-Care Work: Integrating Self-Care into Health Systems’ and supported by Bayer, estimates that self-care practices could provide economic benefits of approximately US$179 billion per year and support the achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in various countries. The research assesses that global health systems are currently facing increasing pressure due to ageing populations, the rise of chronic diseases, shortages of healthcare workers, and unequal access to services. In this context, self-care is seen as a potential solution to improve health outcomes, expand access, and create more sustainable health systems. However, Economist Enterprise stresses that the effectiveness of self-care can only be achieved if it becomes part of the formal health system, supported by affordable access, reliable health information, and clear referral mechanisms to professional medical care. Dr. Manjulaa Narasimhan, Scientist at the WHO Department of Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health, stated that self-care is the frontline of healthcare. She noted that with clinical evidence, supportive policies, and trained health and care workers, self-care can contribute significantly to improving health and well-being for all. According to the WHO definition, self-care is the ability of individuals, families, and communities to maintain health and manage illness, encompassing healthy behaviours, disease prevention, use of digital technology, self-monitoring of health conditions, and the appropriate use of over-the-counter medicines. The report identifies three priorities for strengthening self-care implementation: turning policy commitments into concrete action through clear governance and stakeholder coordination; expanding access via affordable products and services, reliable information, appropriate financing mechanisms, and culturally sensitive support; and strengthening measurement systems, patient safety, and accountability to allow for continuous evaluation. Several countries have already integrated self-care into their health systems. Germany, for instance, has implemented ‘green prescription’ policies allowing doctors to prescribe over-the-counter medicines as part of supervised self-therapy. In Indonesia, the Healthy Living Community Movement (GERMAS) promotes healthy lifestyles, sanitation, health education, and the wise use of medicines in schools, workplaces, and communities. Greg Perry, Director General of the Global Self-Care Federation, affirmed that self-care is not intended to replace health systems but to complement them. He explained that evidence-based self-care products and services, along with accurate information, create capacity within referral systems, ensuring patients can receive timely medical care at health facilities when truly needed. Economist Enterprise concluded that strengthening governance, financing, accountability, and support systems will make self-care an effective and efficient entry point for healthcare, supporting a more preventive and proactive health system.