Official development assistance for health: an expected 40% reduction
Decisions by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Development Assistance Committee (DAC) members to freeze or cut aid disrupt health services in low- and middle-income countries, risking a 40% drop in health aid by 2025 and worsening workforce...
New Zealanders prioritise health, but costs hold many back
New Zealand is experiencing a rise in health screening engagement, with 72% of adults prioritizing check-ups, although affordability remains a significant barrier for 36% of the population. Medical inflation has surged to 14.5%, impacting access to preventative care,...
How to Create a Public Health Insurance Plan: Lessons from States in USA
Health coverage rates in the U.S. have reached a record high since the Affordable Care Act was enacted, yet many insured individuals still struggle with high healthcare costs, particularly among marginalized racial and ethnic groups. Surveys indicate that a...
Analysis the status and spatio-temporal characteristics of the synergistic development of China’s multi-level medical insurance system
The study examines the development and spatio-temporal evolution of China's multi-level medical insurance system (MMIS) from 2011 to 2020, highlighting improvements in the coupling coordination index (CCI) which rose from a moderate disorder to a well-coordinated...
Egypt on right track to build universal health insurance system to its people
The French Development Agency (AFD) has applauded Egypt's progress in its universal health insurance system, which now serves nearly 5 million beneficiaries across six governorates, highlighting significant improvements in care quality and healthcare governance. Since...
The role of demographic and epidemiologic transitions on growing health expenditures in LAC
Countries across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) are facing rising healthcare costs as populations age and chronic diseases become more common. A new study published in The Lancet Regional Health – Americas by Yvonne N. Flores, Timothy Roberton, Marisol Torres...
Health insurance type, healthcare utilization and out-of-pocket expenditure in the face of COVID-19: Evidence from Thai national survey data
This study investigates whether the type of public health insurance affects outpatient healthcare utilization and out-of-pocket expenditure in Thailand before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings suggest that health insurance type primarily affects provider...
Health Board contributes to the reform of the CSS organic law
In October 2024 in Panama, the health roundtable presented its summary of proposals for the reform of the organic law of the Social Security Fund. This same law was sanctioned on March 18, 2025. In Panama, a consultation process has been carried out to inform the...
Austrian Medical Chamber Unveils Ten-Point Plan for ÖGK Reform
The Austrian Medical Chamber has proposed a ten-point reform plan to address the ÖGK’s significant financial challenges, emphasizing the need to improve healthcare services rather than cutting them, as projected deficits exceed one billion euros. The Austrian Medical...
The rising income gradient in life expectancy in Sweden over six decades
This study investigates the relationship between income and life expectancy in Sweden from 1960 to 2021, revealing a widening gap in life expectancy between different income levels. The disparity increased significantly, with men’s life expectancy gap growing from 3.5...
Analysing global immunisation expenditure
The Office of Health Economics (OHE) published the research paper "Analysing Global Immunisation Expenditure" on April 15, 2025. This comprehensive study examines immunisation spending trends from 2016 to 2022 across ten countries: Australia, Brazil, Canada, France,...
Pakistan proposes 20% health tax on ultra-processed foods, beverages in FY2025-26 budget
Pakistan's Ministry of Health has proposed a 20% health tax on processed and ultra-processed food and beverages as part of a public health strategy to reduce unhealthy consumption and generate revenue for healthcare spending. Pakistan’s Ministry of Health has proposed...
Consumer choice and control within a highly regulated, market-based system in Australia
Australia’s long-term care system operates within a tightly regulated, market-based framework that emphasises consumer choice and control. In this country report, published by the WHO Centre for Health Development, authors Sarah Wise, Michael Woods, and Kees van Gool...
Poland’s Sejm Passes Bill To Lower Health Insurance Contributions
On April 4, 2025, the Sejm passed a bill to reduce health insurance contributions for approximately 2.5 million entrepreneurs in Poland, introducing a two-tier system that adjusts fees based on income levels. While the reform is expected to provide financial relief...
Australia’s health system in need of genuine reforms
Australia's healthcare system faces significant challenges, including financial barriers to accessing care, inadequate support for chronic conditions, and underfunded mental health and dental services. Urgent reforms are needed to ensure the system can effectively...