Bulgaria’s free heart disease drug scheme significantly reduces hospitalisations
Bulgaria has significantly reduced hospitalisations by providing fully reimbursed medicines for cardiovascular diseases, according to new data from the National Health Insurance Fund.In April 2024, Bulgaria took significant steps to address the high burden of...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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...
How Japan is building a resilient society through equitable healthcare
Japan's universal health insurance system, established in 1961, ensures equitable access to healthcare for all citizens, particularly as the country grapples with an aging population and rising healthcare costs. Recent policy updates aim to enhance efficiency and...
Prevention over cure: Three strategies to make Africa’s healthcare future sustainable
With foreign aid dwindling, African countries must prioritise disease prevention, vaccine production, and improved community healthcare to manage rising health costs and deadly disease burdens.As foreign aid to Africa declines, countries across the continent are being...
Renewing New Zealand’s Primary Care System
The report "The Heart of Healthcare: Renewing New Zealand's Primary Care System" highlights the economic benefits of investing in general practice, showing potential cost savings and improved patient care compared to emergency department visits.The report "The Heart...
Africa CDC to Pilot New Health Financing Options
Africa’s Centres for Disease Control and Prevention is launching innovative financing solutions to boost domestic health funding among member states, encouraging them to allocate at least 15% of their national budgets to health. This strategy includes piloting new...
Medical care in Honduras is confirmed to be free of charge in public services
Free medical care in Honduran public facilities is confirmed by the Ministry of Health. It also points out that there is an ongoing process of revision of texts to facilitate their application and transparency. In December 2024, the Honduran Ministry of Health...
WHO launches plan for free child cancer medicines in Nepal
WHO has launched a platform to provide free cancer medicines to children in low- and middle-income countries, aiming to improve survival rates. The initiative, supported by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, plans to benefit around 5,000 children this year and...
PhilHealth urges hospitals to support ‘no balance billing’ policy
The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) is urging private hospitals to support its No Balance Billing (NBB) policy, which provides equitable healthcare access for patients without out-of-pocket expenses. Hospital leaders emphasize their commitment to...