Revising SDG indicator 3.8.2: A new approach to measuring financial protection in health
SDG indicator 3.8.2 has been revised to better capture financial hardship from health costs, now measuring out-of-pocket spending over 40% of discretionary income to reflect poverty impact. SDG indicator 3.8.2 is designed to measure financial protection in health—an...
Belize Prime Minister announces nationwide Health Insurance rollout
The Prime Minister of Belize announces full National Health Insurance (NHI) rollout by the end of 2025. The NHI has been implemented in phases and now will reach the entire population with the goal of bringing affordable quality health care to all Belizeans.In May...
Health ¬financing challenges and institutional options to move towards universal coverage in Nicaragua
This paper, published by the World Health Organization in 2010, provides an analysis of the Nicaraguan health financing system. Country performance was assessed using selected health financing performance indicators. The analysis revealed health financing system...
Healthcare financing in Singapore: Interview with DPM Gan and Health Minister Ong
Singapore’s healthcare system balances government subsidies, individual savings, and insurance to ensure affordability and discourage overuse, rather than offering free healthcare funded entirely by taxpayers. Rising costs prompt ongoing efforts to expand capacity,...
Saving Australia’s universal healthcare system?
Australian healthcare is in a crisis where inadequate funding and a shortage of professionals have led to rising costs and difficulty accessing essential services. As the nation approaches elections, debates about the future of universal healthcare intensify,...
Public Health Financing in Latin America
The set of articles that make up this publication from the University of São Paulo (Brazil) aims to investigate the economic aspects of health service provision in six Latin American countries. The book, published in 2044, contains quantitative and qualitative...
Underinsured? 75% in India have health policies below Rs 1 million cover
A recent study indicates that 75% of health insurance buyers in India have coverage of Rs 10 lakh or less, with many underestimating healthcare costs and a significant portion unaware of term insurance benefits. Despite an 18% growth in term insurance in FY24, a lack...
Budget allocation for Brazil’s Unified Health System to increase by 6.2% in 2025
Summary: Recent budget discussions in Brazil indicate that the allocation to the Unified Health System (SUS) will increase by 6.2% compared to 2024. The major areas for growth are for primary health care as well as for specialized care.Brazil’s Unified Health System...
Universal health coverage in fragile and conflict-affected States: insights from Somalia
A new open-access research article published in the International Journal for Equity in Health examines Somalia’s progress toward achieving universal health coverage (UHC) in the context of ongoing fragility and conflict. Titled "Universal health coverage in fragile...
Experts call for health taxes, double spending to reform Pakistan’s primary healthcare system
Experts have proposed comprehensive reforms to Pakistan’s primary healthcare system, advocating for health taxes, a shift to prepayment financing, and increased public health spending to improve access and reduce financial burdens on households. The symposium...
Financing the cost of health care in Jamaica
The Jamaican Ministry of Health and Wellness published a discussion paper on health financing for UHC in July, 2023. The paper aimed to stimulate broad public discussion on sustainable financing of the health sector as the country strives towards achieving Universal...
Belize National Health Insurance Authority Bill -2024
On November 12, 2024 the government of Belize passed an important bill to establish a National Health Insurance Authority (NHI). The bill includes details on NHI functions, management and financing as well as associated health care providers.
Budget reform increases resources for health in El Salvador
Members of El Salvador's Legislative Assembly approved a budget increase to support the Salud Inteligente Integral (PROSIN) program at the national level. Components include digital health, strengthening health resilience and strengthening the network. On February 19,...
Global health experts call for accountability in private sector influence
Experts at a UNU-IIGH symposium urged stronger regulation of private sector influence to protect public health and ensure equity in global health governance. The United Nations University International Institute for Global Health (UNU-IIGH) and Third World Network...
Kazakhstan’s Primary Health Care Reform Saves Millions, Offers Model for Global Health Systems
Kazakhstan has successfully strengthened its primary health care system, achieving significant cost savings and improving health outcomes by integrating mental health services and adopting a multidisciplinary approach to community care. Kazakhstan has made significant...