Bridging the gap: Inclusive laws and policies for equitable health access

June 29, 2025
A group of people at a podium, with a man speaking and women in formal attire.

Tunyawaj Kamolwongwat, Member of Parliament from Thailand, speaks following the historic passage of the Marriage Equality Act, a landmark step toward inclusive governance and equal access to health and social protections.

People's Party

Across Asia and the Pacific, many people continue to face barriers to essential health services, not solely due to geography or cost, but because of the laws and policies that shape their daily lives. Outdated laws, weak implementation and structural barriers restrict access to care, particularly for those whose identities, work or health status are criminalized.

These legal and policy environments do not operate in isolation. They intersect with discrimination and social exclusion, reinforcing mistrust and deterring engagement with health services. The effects are far-reaching: preventable illnesses progress, care is disrupted and entire communities are left behind by systems that are meant to serve them.

These are not just challenges of service delivery – they reflect deeper gaps in legal and governance systems that shape who can access care and who is left behind. When legal systems do not reflect the lived realities of the people they are meant to protect, they undermine public health and human dignity.

But there is progress.

Thailand’s historic passage of the Marriage Equality Act in 2024 signalled what is possible when parliaments work alongside communities to drive meaningful reform.

“The successful passage of the Marriage Equality Bill by the Thai Parliament in 2024 stands as a powerful testament to a functioning democracy – one that makes space for the voices of the people and draws strength from over 13 years of tireless advocacy by civil society,” said Tunyawaj Kamolwongwat, Member of Parliament, The People's Party. “Parliament is not merely a forum for the majority, but a space where long-silenced voices must be heard. The law belongs to everyone – and it must uphold the human rights of all people, equally and without exception.”

Such marriage equality laws provide access to health insurance and benefits, social support and legal protection in healthcare settings, helping to guarantee non-discriminatory access to health services.

Progress in improving access to health services extends beyond national legislatures. In towns, cities and provinces across the region, local and sub-national assemblies are crafting by-laws and ordinances that respond directly to community needs. In Cebu, Philippines, the Anti-Discrimination Ordinance was co-developed by local officials and community groups like CURLS, a grassroots advocate for inclusive health services.

“True equality is forged in the details of implementation, in the essential activities to be conducted, in the training of enforcers, in the accessibility of complaint mechanisms, and the consistent application of consequences,” said Magdalena Robinson, Executive Director at CURLS. “Our advocacy ensures that the hard-won words of the Anti-Discrimination Ordinance are not just ink on paper, but active shields protecting the dignity and rights of all citizens.”

Group of people smiling and holding documents at a formal meeting, with a wooden backdrop.

Mandaue City Mayor Hon. Jonas Cortes, CURLS Executive Director Ms. Magdalena Robinson and other civil society representatives at the signing of the Implementation of Rules and Regulation of the Mandaue City Anti-Discrimination Ordinance.

UNDP Philippines

Still, laws alone are not enough. Even the most inclusive legal frameworks will falter without sustained efforts to implement them. Across the region, too many communities continue to face barriers despite legal protections being in place, often due to a lack of resources, low awareness or inadequate enforcement systems. In India, efforts supported by UNDP have focused on bridging this gap – training officials, engaging communities and translating complex laws into actionable policies and practices.

“UNDP has been a proud partner in India’s journey to strengthen inclusive governance – from supporting the rollout of the Right to Information Act, to advancing the legal recognition of the third gender and supporting the development of rights-based frameworks such as the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017, which was among the first globally to prohibit discrimination against people living with HIV,” said Angela Lusigi, Resident Representative, UNDP India. “Similarly, the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, marked a significant step toward legal inclusion. However, gaps remain between the law and its implementation, with communities particularly affected. That’s why UNDP continues to work closely with national and state governments to translate these progressive laws into practice – through capacity-building, community engagement and stronger systems that ensure no one is left behind.” 

A person with short dark hair looks back while another person in traditional attire stands nearby.

Transgender persons access vital welfare and rights services at a community help desk in Bihar, India. These inclusive initiatives are steps toward dignity, visibility and equal rights.

UNDP India

Across all levels of governance, lawmakers must be empowered to turn commitments into action. This means allocating budgets, building partnerships, listening to those affected and adapting to emerging needs. Civil society remains central, not only in advocating for reform but also in ensuring laws are implemented and monitored effectively.

Looking ahead, emerging technologies are set to reshape health systems and governance in unprecedented ways. Rapid developments in Artificial Intelligence and digital technologies present both opportunities and risks. While these technologies hold promise for improving service delivery and health outcomes, their potential misuse could deepen exclusion and mistrust. To ensure these tools support rather than undermine public health and access to health services, their use must be governed by legal safeguards that uphold transparency, accountability and the protection of rights.

As we observe the International Day of Parliamentarism, the message is clear: effective, people-centered governance begins with laws that serve everyone. From national legislation to local ordinances and bylaws, parliaments and all legislative bodies play a vital role in creating systems that respond to real needs, reduce barriers and enable all people to live healthier, safer lives. In an era of increasing climate shocks, digital disruption and health emergencies, investing in strong legal frameworks is not only a matter of good governance – it is essential for building a more resilient and equitable future.