Malaysia’s basic affordable health insurance scheme concept to be completed by December 2025, with rollout targeted for end-2026
Malaysia plans to launch a basic Medical and Health Insurance/Takaful (MHIT) product by end-2026, ensuring affordability and long-term sustainability. Buying will be voluntary, with EPF Account 2 savings likely allowed via the i-Lindung facility once the policy design...
German Chancellor Merz announces massive cuts to social welfare benefits
Germany expedites cuts to social welfare, pensions, and healthcare to cover military spending, deepening poverty for workers and pensioners while sparing the wealthy. Rising deficits fuel class tensions, prompting calls for socialist reorganization.Germany is moving...
Philippine healthcare: Families drowning in out-of-pocket expenses
Out-of-pocket health spending in the Philippines hit ₱615B in 2024, 42.7% of total healthcare costs, exposing families to debt as government schemes lag behind rising expenses. Experts urge reforms and new financing tools like sin taxes to ease the unsustainable...
Bulgarian drug procurement bill blocked, defying EU infringement process
Bulgaria faces EU sanctions as private hospitals, exempt from public procurement, overcharge for medicines. Reformers’ attempts to reintroduce tenders are blocked by political resistance and lobbying, costing the state millions annually and breaching EU rules.Since...
Belgian reform package targets excessive medical fees
Belgium’s summer agreement reforms healthcare by limiting excessive doctor surcharges, ensuring fair billing and equal reimbursements, curbing pharmaceutical overspending, and promoting sustainable care while preserving provider autonomy. This marks a historic step...
In 2025, the Cuban government allocates 24% of the general budget for health care
The Cuban government shows the importance of health, with 24% of the national budget in 2025 allocated to the sector. Of the health budget, 30% of spending is earmarked for the population over 60 years of age. In 2025, health remains a priority for the Cuban...
Tobacco tax in EU budget: What if Europe goes smoke-free?
The EU plans a 15% levy on member states’ tobacco tax revenues, channeling €11.2B a year into its budget. Dramatic new tax hikes aim to curb smoking and expand funds, with measures factoring in declining tobacco use and anticipated cuts to healthcare costs.The...
Ethiopia Takes Bold Strides on Health Taxes to Drive Universal Health Coverage
Ethiopia’s excise tax reforms on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks showcase political and multisectoral leadership, generating revenue and reducing NCDs while advancing Universal Health Coverage and health system resilience.Ethiopia is emerging as a leader in health...
One in five women in WHO Southeast Asia region covered under health insurance
In WHO Southeast Asia, only 1 in 5 women and 1 in 4 men have health insurance, with major gaps due to cultural, economic, and systemic factors. Tailored policies, stronger financing, and community education are needed to boost coverage and achieve Universal Health...
Sweden rejects EU plan to fund budget with tobacco tax
The EU is weighing major tobacco tax hikes and new levies for its 2028–2034 budget, but Sweden and others oppose high taxes on nicotine pouches, citing harm reduction. Critics warn pouches may lead to youth addiction and note limited research.A recent proposal from...
The impact of conditional cash transfers: The Lancet Public Health July 2025 issue
A new Lancet Public Health editorial highlights the wide-reaching impact of conditional cash transfers on health, equity, and economic resilience—especially in times of fiscal strain.In its July 2025 issue, The Lancet Public Health spotlights the transformative role...
Shastha Chorcha Forum: Advancing Universal Health Coverage in Bangladesh
The second “Shastha Chorcha” by WHO Bangladesh gathered global and local health leaders to address challenges in achieving Universal Health Coverage. Emphasis was placed on innovation, leadership, community engagement, and collaboration for sustainable health...
Nepal Health Minister announces doubling of insurance support for patients with severe illnesses
Nepal will double health insurance support for eight critical illnesses to Rs 200,000 from July, also expanding enrollment, funding, and including compulsory insurance for government employees for greater program sustainabilityNepal’s Minister for Health and...
Hungary Freezes Prices on Dozens of Medicines to Protect Families and Pensioners
Hungary’s government and pharmaceutical sector agreed to freeze prices on 44 common medicines at end-2024 levels until June 2026, aiming to curb inflation and protect families and pensioners from unjustified price hikesHungary has entered a voluntary agreement with...
Africa CDC launches digital portal to boost NTD elimination efforts across 50 countries
Africa CDC and partners launch a digital portal to help 50 AU countries plan and finance efforts to eliminate NTDs by 2030, aligning with AU’s Agenda 2063 and national health strategies.Fifty African Union Member States have endorsed a new digital micro-planning...