Overcoming coordination challenges between health and social services in the Republic of Korea
This policy brief, published by the WHO Centre for Health Development, explores the Republic of Korea’s long-term care (LTC) insurance system and the coordination challenges it faces between health and social services. Authored by Professor Soonman Kwon of Seoul...
Sustainable and gender equitable capacity building for health financing in Africa
Across nine African countries, a Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) assessment reveals critical gaps in the health financing workforce. These challenges stem from systemic issues in training and institutional structures. As global funding shifts and domestic...
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...
Protecting global health partnerships in the era of destructive nationalism
In an opinion piece published by PLOS Global Public Health, Adam et al. (2025) examine the growing threat that rising nationalism poses to global health partnerships. The authors—Maya Adam, Desiree LaBeaud, Nokwanele Mbewu, and colleagues—highlight how shifts in the...
The global landscape of country-level health technology assessment processes
The global landscape of Health Technology Assessment (HTA) processes is evolving as countries strive to implement evidence-based decision-making for healthcare services. This survey, covering 104 countries, offers an insightful analysis of the current state of HTA...
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...
Purchasing primary care services for quality chronic care: Capitation with performance payments in four countries
Published in The International Journal of Health Planning and Management, the open-access short communication “Purchasing Primary Care Services for Quality Chronic Care: Capitation With Performance Payments in Four Countries” examines how provider payment reforms can...
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...
Protective role of health insurance coverage in reducing under-five mortality in Ethiopia: Gompertz inverse-Gaussian shared frailty modelling
This study found a significant association between health insurance coverage and under-five mortality, revealing that children of uninsured mothers had a notably higher risk of mortality. Specifically, 96.46% of the children assessed were born to mothers without...
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...