Japan’s Aging Crisis Pushes Health Insurance Premiums to Record Highs
Japan’s aging population is driving up medical costs, with elderly care subsidies hitting 3.86 trillion yen and premiums at a record 9.34%. Nearly half of health insurance funds go to seniors, straining company associations and the state, prompting reforms to make...
Philhealth explores data-driven overhaul of hospital payments for universal healthcare
Philippine health officials, with support from Thailand’s NHSO and the World Bank, are studying global budgets, DRG systems, and electronic claims to cut out-of-pocket costs and advance universal health care. Lessons from Thai hospitals aim to guide PhilHealth’s DRG...
All citizens in Vietnam to receive basic medical care free of charge by 2030
Vietnam’s Resolution 72 charts major healthcare reforms, shifting focus to prevention and primary care. By 2030, commune stations will be fully staffed, essential costs covered by insurance, and digital health expanded. Incentives, training, and ethics aim to build a...
Study Calls for Overhaul of Provider Payment Systems to Strengthen Tanzania’s Universal Health Insurance
A 2023–25 IHI–LSHTM study urges reform of Tanzania’s provider payment mechanisms as UHI rolls out. NHIF’s fee-for-service is reliable but paperwork-heavy, while capitation faces delays and low rates. Researchers call for fair, timely, and simple systems to boost...
More Investment Is Needed In New Zealand Health System
New Zealand’s tax-based health financing has remained stable but historically underfunded, with spending below OECD peers. OECD data is unreliable due to lack of updates and GST distortions. Adjusted 2023 figures show ~10.2–10.4% of GDP, close to averages; shifting to...
Health taxes, an option for tackling Cameroon’s health budget deficit
Cameroonians are wondering whether health taxes could be part of the answer to tackling the challenge of the health budget deficit. These taxes can have a dual action, generating financial resources and reducing costly non-transmissible diseases. In September 2025,...
Strengthening Drug Reimbursement in Uzbekistan
GIZ BACKUP Health supports Uzbekistan’s State Health Insurance Fund in scaling up its drug reimbursement system — advancing universal health coverage and improving access to essential medicines.In June and September 2025, consultant Nataliia Hnatyuk provided targeted...
Panama’s National Assembly discusses 2026 health budget
Summary: The Budget Commission of the National Assembly of Panama met on September 16, 2025 to discuss the draft health budget for the year 2026.El 16 de septiembre 2025, la Comisión del Presupuesto de la Asamblea Nacional de Panamá se reunió para discutir el...
Pilot phase of health insurance in Comoros
The experimental phase of generalized health insurance in the Comoros was launched in June 2025. This is a concrete step towards universal health coverage in the country. In June 2025, the pilot phase of generalized health insurance in the Comoros was agreed between...
Results of the free mother-child care policy in Burkina Faso
Since 2016 there has been a national policy of free healthcare for mothers and children in Burkina Faso. The government returned the fairly positive results of evaluation missions of this policy in Ouagadougou in June 2025, with some recommendations to improve...
Vietnam planning to implement the universal hospital fee exemption policy
Vietnam’s Resolution 72 sets a roadmap to exempt basic hospital fees by 2030 through health insurance. Starting 2026, citizens get free annual check-ups and digital health records. Funded by the state and insurance, the reform reduces out-of-pocket costs, prioritizes...
Kenya SHA to raise Sh90 billion annually to support Universal Health Coverage
Kenya will generate Sh90 billion yearly through the Social Health Authority to fund Universal Health Coverage, reducing reliance on loans. The government has also leased Sh200 billion worth of medical equipment and mobilized Sh300 billion for healthcare upgrades to...
Egypt to begin second phase of universal health insurance in Minya
Egypt has begun phase two of its universal health insurance, starting in Minya and assessing Alexandria’s inclusion. Five governorates will be covered, serving 12 million people. Alexandria’s participation depends on financial review. Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa...
Cabinet set to review National Health Insurance Bill as Zimbabwe targets universal health coverage
Zimbabwe has finalised its National Health Insurance Bill, set for Cabinet approval and rollout by 2026. Funded through earmarked taxes, it guarantees full primary care coverage and scales up at higher levels, aiming to reduce out-of-pocket costs and ensure equitable,...
National Health Development Plan 2026-2030 validated in Benin
Benin's council of ministers on September 3, 2025 validated the national health development plan 2026-2030. It is planned to spend 1,000 billion FCFA on health during this period. In early September 2025, the Council of Ministers validated Benin's National Health...