WHO launches plan for free child cancer medicines in Nepal
WHO has launched a platform to provide free cancer medicines to children in low- and middle-income countries, aiming to improve survival rates. The initiative, supported by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, plans to benefit around 5,000 children this year and...
PhilHealth urges hospitals to support ‘no balance billing’ policy
The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) is urging private hospitals to support its No Balance Billing (NBB) policy, which provides equitable healthcare access for patients without out-of-pocket expenses. Hospital leaders emphasize their commitment to...
Ministry of Health and Stakeholders Discuss Financial Sustainability of Liberia’s Healthcare System
The Ministry of Health in Liberia has launched a workshop to assess the financial sustainability of the health system, focusing on the Liberia Health Equity Fund and the Liberia Social Health Insurance Scheme, with insights from various stakeholders on the need for...
Singapore: New Digital Tool Simplifies Health Insurance Decisions
The Health Insurance Planner (HIP), introduced by Singapore's CPF Board and Ministry of Health, is a digital tool that helps citizens navigate and make informed decisions about their health insurance coverage by providing personalized insights into costs, benefits,...
Turkish Social Security Institution’s healthcare spending surged by 77 pct in 2024
In 2024, Turkey's Social Security Institution (SGK) experienced a 77% increase in healthcare expenditures. The report also highlighted limited oversight, with only a small number of hospitals audited and investigations into thousands of individuals suspected of...
Indians are quitting the safety net of health insurance; GST and high premiums are only part of the problem
In India, rising health insurance premiums and increased claim rejections are driving individuals to opt out of policies. Many feel overcharged and frustrated with inadequate coverage, exacerbated by taxes on premiums, leading to distrust in insurers and a search for...
Scotland faces ‘significant challenges’ in funding future health care, warns fiscal watchdog
Scotland faces a £1bn yearly funding gap as health costs rise with an ageing, unhealthy population, warns fiscal body. Without improved public health, taxes may rise or services face cuts. The Scottish Fiscal Commission (SFC) has issued a stark warning about the...
Will Jamaica’s National Health Fund be transformed into a national insurance scheme?
The Minister for Health in Jamaica hints that the National Health Fund may be changed to a national insurance scheme. This evolution was proposed in the 2019 Green Paper on the subject.In August 2023, Dr Tufton (Jamaican Minister for Health) suggested that, in an...
What Kenya should do to address healthcare funding challenges
The recent suspension of US foreign assistance poses a significant threat to Kenya's health sector, jeopardizing access to vital services. However, this challenge also presents an opportunity for Kenya to enhance its healthcare resilience.The recent suspension of...
Bulgaria’s new policy: Free medication for children to combat health disparities
Bulgaria's parliament has approved free medication for children under seven, aiming to reduce hospitalisations and financial strain. Experts also call for free flu vaccinations to further improve child health. The Bulgarian parliament has approved a new law providing...
More Americans Can’t Afford Health Care, Prescriptions
A recent study reveals that over one-third of Americans, approximately 91 million people, cannot afford quality health care, with significantly higher rates among Black (46%) and Hispanic (52%) populations. Access to health care has remained stable for wealthier...
Update on Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY)
The Economic Survey 2024-25 highlights the effectiveness of the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme in reducing Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) by saving over ₹1.25 lakh crore and significantly increasing government health spending, which rose from 29.0% to 48.0% between...
Thailand to launch Climate Fund to accelerate low-carbon economy
Thailand is in the process of establishing a Climate Fund to provide loans and financial support for greenhouse gas reduction, climate change adaptation, research and innovation, and related initiatives. Thailand’s Climate Change Act is intended to support the...
Over 90% of China’s village clinics covered by basic medical insurance
Over 90% of village clinics in China are covered by basic medical insurance, with the government investing in upgrades and aiming to enhance grassroots healthcare by 2027 through integration and the use of artificial intelligence. More than 90% of village clinics in...
Use of PhilHealth’s excess funds legal, economically sound
Finance Secretary Ralph Recto defended the transfer of PHP 89.9 billion in excess funds from PhilHealth to the national treasury, asserting that it is legal, moral, and necessary to address the growing needs of the nation, while ensuring that no member contributions...