Strengthening primary health care (PHC) is crucial for universal health coverage in South-East Asia, but sustainable public financing remains a challenge in Bangladesh, Indonesia, Maldives, and Nepal. This study, based on extensive document review and interviews, reveals diverse but often problematic PHC financing arrangements, with persistent common and country-specific issues. Despite rising policy attention, entrenched health financing models hinder progress, highlighting the need for targeted reforms in these countries.
