The Asian Development Bank (ADB) explores the transformative potential of digital technologies in strengthening health financing systems in its report, Evolving Arena of Adopting Innovative Digital Technologies to Enhance Health Financing Systems. Achieving universal health coverage (UHC) requires efficient revenue generation, resource pooling, and strategic purchasing, all of which can be optimised through digital solutions. Countries like Indonesia and India have successfully implemented mobile applications and integrated health information systems to streamline public health insurance programs, improve beneficiary identification, and enhance service delivery. However, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, governance gaps, and limited digital literacy continue to hinder progress.
To address these barriers, the report introduces a detailed evaluation matrix to help policymakers assess digital health financing capabilities and identify areas for improvement. By adopting best practices from countries with mature digital health systems, nations can develop tailored strategies to strengthen their healthcare infrastructure. Investing in digital reforms will not only improve financial efficiency but also enhance accessibility and service quality, ultimately ensuring equitable healthcare for all.