Document

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) for good health and wellbeing (Goal 3) outlines targets across various aspects of healthy living and healthcare systems. A key component of SDG3, specifically Goal 3.8, is the target for universal health coverage (UHC), which emphasizes on ensuring access to healthcare when needed, without causing financial hardship. Overcoming serious health financing challenges are required to achieve SDG3 target. This study aims to identify key health financing challenges faced by ASEAN-6 countries – Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam. It also explores both traditional and innovative health financing methods that may be beneficial for ASEAN health systems to achieve SDG3 and UHC. Policy options for increasing fiscal space for healthcare have been addressed.