Czechia mulls merging health insurers amid persistent financial struggles
The Czech government is considering merging health insurance funds to enhance efficiency and address financial challenges within the public healthcare system, but stakeholders warn that this approach may not resolve deeper structural issues, such as ongoing deficits...
A delegation from Madagascar shares and learns at the 7th AfHEA conference
The African Association of Health Economics and Policy held its 7th biennial scientific conference from March 10 to 15, 2025 in Kigali, Rwanda. The Malagasy delegation made substantial contributions and benefited from field visits. The Madagascar team, under the...
Why So Many Cambodians Travel Abroad For Medical Care
The author highlights the challenges and misdiagnoses faced in the Cambodian healthcare system that push many to seek medical treatment abroad. It underscores the rising trend of medical tourism due to inadequate domestic options, the financial burden of healthcare,...
Iran’s Escalating Drug Prices Push Cancer Patients to Desperation
The drastic increase in drug prices in Iran has left many cancer patients unable to afford essential treatments. Amidst growing public outcry, the Iranian regime prioritizes military and foreign interventions over addressing the healthcare crisis, exacerbating the...
Inaugural lecture: Nathalie Bajos explores the social production of health inequalities
Nathalie Bajos explores the social production of health inequalities, analysing their connection with social structures and power relations—inaugural lecture at the Collège de France, 3 April 2025. The Collège de France will host the inaugural lecture of Nathalie...
Countries strategize to sustain health coverage amid global health financing challenges
Global policymakers and partners convened to address health financing challenges, exploring strategies to sustain health services amid aid withdrawal and shaping a resilient, adaptive global health financing system. Last week, the Alliance for Health Policy and...
Mexico strengthens its healthcare system by integrating public health and medical care
In order to achieve universal access to health care, the Mexican government knows that public health is a key element of the health system. This way the attention to the population is done in a more efficient way, thus improving the quality of service and waiting...
The Unfulfilled Promises of Narendra Modi’s Ayushman Bharat, the World’s Largest Health Scheme
Ayushman Bharat has faced criticism for its inadequate funding, low hospital bed availability, and insufficient support for the most marginalized communities. Despite government claims of success, many beneficiaries experience high out-of-pocket expenses and financial...
Afghanistan’s new National Health Policy (2025–2030): a roadmap to a healthier future
The Afghanistan Ministry of Public Health and WHO launched the National Health Policy (NHP) 2025–2030 to provide quality health care access for all Afghans. The policy emphasizes governance, financing, and workforce development, aiming for a resilient health system...
Addressing Africa’s health financing gap: Insights from the AHAIC Conference
Experts at AHAIC 2025 emphasised domestic resource mobilisation, prevention, and public-private partnerships to close Africa’s health financing gap, with only $40 per capita for healthcare in many nations. At the Sixth Africa Health Agenda International Conference...
Changing global health landscape affects the Caribbean
The Caribbean countries, small island nations and the region in general must adapt to changing financing for global health. Increased South-South collaboration and enhancing regional cooperation are the future of resilient and sustainable Universal Health Coverage.The...
Malaysia’s healthcare system a ticking bomb
Malaysia's healthcare system is facing significant challenges due to a growing non-communicable disease epidemic, an ageing population, chronic underfunding, and a demoralised workforce, all of which threaten the quality and accessibility of care. Malaysia's...
Thailand to implement carbon tax in 2025
The Thai cabinet has approved the implementation of a carbon tax in 2025 to promote environmental sustainability and address climate change challenges. The levy will be incorporated into the oil tax without impacting retail fuel prices.The Thai cabinet has approved a...
High Medical Bills Pose Threat to China’s Economy and Consumer Spending
Globally, China’s rate of catastrophic health spending is among the highest, far exceeding the 13.2% average recorded in 2017. By comparison, Russia and Malaysia, two countries with similar per-capita GDP, reported rates of 7.7% and 1.5%, respectively.Across China,...
Egypt, Armenia explore cooperation opportunities in health sector
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population Khaled Abdel Ghaffar met with Armenian Ambassador Armen Sarkissian to enhance collaboration in the health sector, focusing on pharmaceuticals, training, and health insurance. Deputy Prime Minister and...