Procedural fairness to recalibrate the power imbalance in health decision-making: comment on the report: 'Open and inclusive: Fair processes for financing universal health coverage'

Abstract

The policy-making process for health financing in most places lacks equity, failing to adequately consider the voices of ordinary citizens, residents, and especially those facing significant disadvantage. Procedural fairness is about addressing this imbalance, which requires a recalibration of power dynamics, ensuring that decision-making incorporates a more diverse range of perspectives. In this comment, we highlight the important contributions made by the report 'Open and inclusive: Fair processes for financing universal health coverage' in furthering the understanding and importance of procedural fairness in health financing decision-making especially as it relates to the three sub-functions of financing - revenue raising, pooling, and purchasing. We also argue for the importance of conceptual clarity - especially as to the added value of procedural fairness vis-à-vis accountability - and critically review the proposed framework for procedural fairness, emphasising the role of voice as the linchpin to advancing equity in influence.