Political Constitution of the Republic of Costa Rica
Article 73 "establishes social insurance for the benefit of manual and intellectual workers, regulated by the system of compulsory contribution of the State, employers and workers, in order to protect them against the risks of illness, disability, maternity, old age,...
Strengthening health financing reform capacity in Pakistan
In 2024, an estimated 11 million Pakistanis, or 4.4% of the population, are projected to face impoverishment due to out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. To combat this trend and advance universal health coverage, increasing government health spending is essential....
Congress approves Law on Free and Voluntary Access to Vaccinations
The Vaccination Law was approved by the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala through Decree 25-2024, guaranteeing access to immunization against different diseases.The objective of the Vaccination Law is to guarantee protection against immuno-preventable diseases...
Can Debt Relief Transform Somalia’s Health Sector? COVID-19’s Role in Shaping Health Financing
This Amnesty International report critically examines Somalia's fragile healthcare system, highlighting the severe impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the urgent need for health financing reform. It underscores how decades of conflict and limited resources have left...
Switzerland’s Federal Law on Health Insurance (KVG)
The Federal Law on Health Insurance (KVG) was first published on March 18, 1994 and came into effect on January 1, 1996. It was introduced as part of a major reform to provide universal healthcare coverage in Switzerland and regulate both health insurance and...
Government announced funding for drugs against three types of cancer
Drugs for the treatment of head and neck, ovarian and cervical cancer will be included in the free coverage of the National Resources Fund.The incorporation of new drugs to the benefits of the National Resources Fund was announced. The authorities of the Ministry of...
Hungarian hospitals beat an alarm on rising debt
Hospitals in Hungary are sounding alarm as rising debts restrict operations. Past due debt of hospitals reached €300 million in March 2024, caused by the lack of financing reform, amortisation, and rising energy prices, while inflation rates, wage increases, and...
Health insurance in Bangladesh: Challenges, prospects and action plan
In 2022, healthcare spending in Bangladesh pushed 6.3 million people below the poverty line, with 61% of hospitalized patients experiencing financial trauma. To cope with medical expenses, many individuals resort to selling assets or taking high-interest loans. Health...
Japan health system review
This document is the first edition of Japan’s Health System Review (HiT). It provides a detailed description of Japan’s health system, and policy and reform developments as well as achievements and remaining challenges. The document has been divided into 7 sections...
New Zealand health system review
This document is the second edition of New Zealand’s Health System Review (HiT). It provides a detailed description of New Zealand’s health system, and policy and reform developments as well as achievements and remaining challenges. The document has been divided into...
Georgian Government introduces co-payments into its UHC scheme
The Georgian government is introducing co-payments in the universal health coverage system to allow patient choice and flexibly. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said patients who could not choose a preferred provider or certain comfort level during medical care would...
Moving Forward on National Health Insurance in Antigua and Barbuda
Plans for establishing national health insurance in Antigua and Barbuda were put on hold due to the COVID19 pandemic. The Minister of Health confirms that these plans will now go ahead.Establishing a National Health Insurance was a strategic intervention in the...
Performance-Based Financing (PBF) Procedures Manual for Health Facilities
This manual provides comprehensive guidelines for implementing Performance-Based Financing (PBF) in Rwandan health facilities, including hospitals and health centers. It outlines the principles, structures, and operational procedures of the PBF system, designed to...
Australia’s health expenditure 2021–2022
This report provides the overview of Australia's health expenditure 2021–2022. It was the third year (and the second full year) of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. During 2021-2022, governments funded around 72.9% of total health spending. In addition, the ratio of...
Czech government passes a law allowing health insurance companies invest in disease prevention
As reported by Expats.cz, the Czech government has approved an amendment to the Public Health Insurance Act that could be a game changer for Czech healthcare. The law will enable health insurance companies to allocate significantly more funds toward disease...