Japan’s Hospitals Face Financial Hardships Under COVID-19
Since November 2020, when the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic started in earnest, Japanese hospitals are finding it harder to get by financially. Compared to the previous year, the number of inpatients and outpatients had decreased and although...
New $2,000 payout for those who need hospitalisation after Covid-19 vaccine shot
Those who suffer from serious side effects related to their Covid-19 vaccination can apply for financial assistance from Wednesday (March 17). Their applications under the Vaccine Injury Financial Assistance Programme for Covid-19 vaccination (Vifap) will...
Malaysia sets up compensation fund for COVID-19 vaccinations
Malaysia announced it had established a US$2.4 million compensation fund to provide cash assistance for any COVID-19 vaccine recipients who suffer severe reactions due to inoculations. Under the new fund, individuals requiring extended hospitalisation due to a...
Rohingya refugees and local Bangladeshis benefit from inclusive COVID-19 response
At the beginning of 2021, the Bangladesh government began the rollout of a national COVID-19 vaccination plan, with the first vaccinations taking place in the capital at the end of January. Over the next month, more than three million Bangladeshis received their first...
Additional Fund Approved by the Cabinet to Acquire COVID-19 Vaccine
The 'Thai' Cabinet has approved an additional fund of 6,387.29 million baht from the central fund of the 2021 national expenditure to acquire 35 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine from AstraZeneca, so that the people of Thailand will have access to the vaccine. Out of...
Indonesia approves free COVID-19 vaccine drive by private companies
The Indonesian government said it would allow private companies to run coronavirus vaccination programs for workers and families alongside a nationwide drive to expedite efforts in achieving herd immunity. “The companies will provide the vaccines for free for...
Validation of the results of the health accounts in Niger, fiscal year 2019
In February 2021, Niger organized the national virtual workshop to validate the results of its twelfth health accounts report dedicated to fiscal year 2019. The main results from the health accounts are summarized below: - National healthcare spending has risen over...
Validation of the results of the health accounts in Niger, fiscal year 2019
In February 2021, Niger organized the national virtual workshop to validate the results of its twelfth health accounts report dedicated to fiscal year 2019. The main results from the health accounts are summarized below: - National healthcare spending has risen over...
The Philippines to Suspend Social Security and Healthcare Premium Hikes for 2021
The Philippines House of Representatives passed House Bill’s No. 8461 and 8512 which authorizes the President to suspend the premium contribution hikes for social security programs. The contribution rate for the SSS was supposed to increase from the current 12...
Japan to raise medical fees for people over 75 based on income
To address the rapidly graying population coupled with low birth rates in Japan, the Japanese Parliament is hiking out of pocket health expenditure for those aged 75 and above subject to a minimum income of 2 million yen. The plan will require people over 75...
Government accepts Medishield Life Council’sRecommendations and commits S$2.2 Billion for premium subsidies and support
Singapore offers healthcare coverage to its entire population through Medisave, a personal savings account and MediShield Life, a low-cost medical insurance to help Singaporeans pay for large hospitalisation bills. To ensure continued healthcare...
Universal Coverage Scheme: 10 outstanding accomplishments in 2020
The National Health Security Office (NHSO), Thai government’s independent agency overseeing Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) despite the COVID 19 crisis initiated new health programs, health system response and social innovations that strengthen health system in...
Public–private partnerships for universal health coverage? The future of “free health” in Sri Lanka
With less than 5% spending ion health, the Sri Lankan Government runs public hospitals that offer ‘free’ healthcare on a walk-in basis with no extra cost. While this is an achievement of no ordinary means and has impressive geographical reach even though...
Budget debate: Healthcare subsidies to be revamped so those who need them will get more
The Health Ministry is looking to reorganize the system of hospital care subsidies to benefit those that need financial help with their medical bills. This essentially means a switch from basing subsidies on an individual’s income to per capita household income (PCHI)...
Flexi-MediSave rules to be eased to allow seniors to withdraw up to $300 for outpatient treatment
The Flexi-Medisave scheme allows patients aged 60 and above to tap their own or their spouse's Medisave funds to pay for outpatient expenses at polyclinics, specialist outpatient clinics and GP clinics under the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS). Annual...