Malaysia’s healthcare system a ticking bomb
Malaysia's healthcare system is facing significant challenges due to a growing non-communicable disease epidemic, an ageing population, chronic underfunding, and a demoralised workforce, all of which threaten the quality and accessibility of care. Malaysia's...
Thailand to implement carbon tax in 2025
The Thai cabinet has approved the implementation of a carbon tax in 2025 to promote environmental sustainability and address climate change challenges. The levy will be incorporated into the oil tax without impacting retail fuel prices.The Thai cabinet has approved a...
High Medical Bills Pose Threat to China’s Economy and Consumer Spending
Globally, China’s rate of catastrophic health spending is among the highest, far exceeding the 13.2% average recorded in 2017. By comparison, Russia and Malaysia, two countries with similar per-capita GDP, reported rates of 7.7% and 1.5%, respectively.Across China,...
Egypt, Armenia explore cooperation opportunities in health sector
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population Khaled Abdel Ghaffar met with Armenian Ambassador Armen Sarkissian to enhance collaboration in the health sector, focusing on pharmaceuticals, training, and health insurance. Deputy Prime Minister and...
Iran advances health equity by addressing the social determinants of health through PHC
MoH&ME in Iran, in collaboration with WHO, organized a workshop focused on integrating social determinants of health into primary health care to address health inequities in the country. The event brought together stakeholders to develop actionable strategies and...
Pathways to solving Nigeria’s out-of-pocket healthcare emergency crisis
Nigeria faces severe public healthcare challenges, with over 90% of the population relying on out-of-pocket payments, leading to substantial financial hardship and high rates of preventable illnesses and deaths. Despite the establishment of the National Health...
Training workshop on measuring financial protection for UHC in Nepal
The Ministry of Health and Population (MOHP) in Nepal, with support from WHO, held a three-day workshop on financial protection for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) from February 17-19, involving various health officials and development partners. The Ministry of Health...
Global health financing must prioritise gender equity to achieve universal coverage
Amref Health Africa’s blog emphasises the need for gender-responsive health financing to achieve universal coverage, showcasing global examples of successful models and highlighting the upcoming AHAIC 2025. Ensuring gender equity in health financing is crucial for...
Webinar: How does population ageing affect health system financial sustainability and affordable access to health care?
The WHO Barcelona Office for Health Systems Financing is hosting a webinar on 19 March 2025, from 10:00 to 11:30 CET, to explore how population ageing affects health system financial sustainability.The WHO Barcelona Office for Health Systems Financing is hosting a...
Montreux Collaborative blog explores strategies for sustainable health financing
The Montreux Collaborative’s latest blog examines how low- and middle-income countries can navigate aid transitions and strengthen domestic health financing for long-term sustainability. The Montreux Collaborative has released a new blog, Precipitated aid transition...
Drees publishes a panorama of healthcare expenditure in 2023
In 2023, healthcare expenditure in France will reach €325 billion, up 3.5%, driven by hospital care and drugs. Outpatient care continues to lag behind. Out-of-pocket expenses will fall to 7.5%, thanks to the 100% health plan and increased support from the French...
2025 health budget in the Bahamas will strengthen National Health Insurance
Previously under the Ministry of Finance a new line item - Social Assistance Benefits - is added to the 2024-2025 health budget in the Bahamas. This strengthens the momentum toward the National Health Insurance and moves closer to the implementation of catastrophic...
Hybrid seminar – Healthcare climate transformation: From tools to investments for sustainable funding
A hybrid seminar on healthcare climate transformation on 5 March 2025 will explore tools and funding strategies for sustainable, low-carbon healthcare. The Climate Action Accelerator is set to host a hybrid seminar on Healthcare Climate Transformation: From Tools to...
Belgium’s 2025 Health Insurance Budget Approved
The overall budget for healthcare insurance in Belgium for the year 2025, adopted by the Council of Ministers at the end of February, amounts to over 45.222 billion euros. The overall Belgian budget for healthcare insurance in 2025 is over 45.222 billion euros. The...
Social security for gig workers: to be included in PMJAY
The Indian government is developing a social security scheme for gig workers, which will require them to contribute 1% to 2% of their daily earnings and provide benefits like provident funds and pensions. This initiative aims to support the growing gig workforce by...