As NCDs surge, Nepal’s health budget falls
Nepal faces a critical rise in non-communicable diseases, now causing over 70% of deaths. Health funding remains below 5% of the national budget, far from the WHO-recommended 10%. Inadequate, infrastructure-focused spending hampers quality care, prevention, and...
Egypt becomes the regional hub for health investment, innovation
Egypt’s Health Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar announced that Egypt is becoming a regional hub for healthcare investment through major reforms, digital transformation, and pharmaceutical localisation. Over 1,300 projects worth EGP 177 billion are under way alongside new...
Details of the RIZIV care budget for 2026 in Belgium
The healthcare budget for 2026 was approved on Monday by the General Council of the National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (INAMI). The budget includes an increase of 1.566 billion euros over the previous year, reflecting changes in the supply and...
Nigerian senate moves to double Basic Health Care Fund to 2% of national revenue
The Nigerian Senate advanced a bill to amend the National Health Act, doubling the Basic Health Care Provision Fund from one to two percent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund. Sponsored by Senator Ipalibo Harry, it aims to boost primary healthcare, reduce out-of-pocket...
Bridging the Health Finance Gap in India: A Call for an IRDAI-RBI Affordability Pact
India’s healthcare financing is plagued by high out-of-pocket spending and inefficient claim settlements, forcing many into debt. A coordinated IRDAI-RBI “Affordability Pact” is needed to integrate digital payments, cashless networks, and financing solutions, making...
Mobilizing resources for care: A holistic approach for financing Albania’s universal care services
Albania’s gender gap in employment stems largely from women’s unpaid care responsibilities, despite gains in education and equality. Expanding and formalizing the care economy could boost growth, jobs, and revenues. Financing this requires tax reforms, reduced...
Over 5B USD for primary healthcare to 1M rural residents
Kazakhstan will open 655 new health facilities in 2025, expanding primary care access to 1 million rural residents. The government allocated 3 trillion tenge to strengthen and digitise healthcare. Kazakhstan is set to significantly expand access to healthcare for its...
Morocco’s Health Insurance Scheme Benefits 32 Million Citizens in 2025
In 2025, Morocco’s compulsory health insurance (AMO) covered over 32 million people, or 88% of the population. Reforms advanced unified system management, financial sustainability, and cost control ahead of transferring public-sector AMO oversight to CNSS in 2026. In...
Global leaders launch coalition to boost health investment and economic growth
The World Bank, Japan & WHO launched the Health Works Leaders Coalition to boost health investments, job creation & resilience, aiming to reach 1.5B people with affordable care by 2030.The World Bank Group, Government of Japan, and World Health Organisation...
VietNam and World Bank strengthen cooperation to expand social security coverage
VSS and the World Bank discussed expanding social security coverage, especially for informal workers. The Bank proposed raising voluntary insurance subsidies to 50 percent and introducing Monotax and flexible insurance models. Both sides agreed to enhance digital...
Sweden’s Cost-Driven COVID-19 Policy Sparks Debate Over Protection for Seniors
Sweden’s autumn 2025 COVID-19 plan offers free shots only to those aged 75+ and vulnerable adults 18–74, excluding healthy 65–74-year-olds. Officials cite low cost-effectiveness and stronger immunity. Experts warn this could raise risks. Denmark and several EU states...
Africa after USAID: who will pay the health bill?
The U.S. and European retreat from health aid has exposed Africa’s reliance on external donors, prompting a push for health sovereignty. Through fiscal reforms, regional manufacturing, and initiatives like Africa CDC and the Accra Summit, nations are redefining...
Private hospitals dominate Ayushman Bharat utilisation despite government majority
Despite most Ayushman Bharat hospitals being government-run, over half of treatments and two-thirds of costs occur in private hospitals. Since 2018, 9 crore treatments worth Rs 1.29 lakh crore have been provided. The scheme’s digital mission has linked 50 crore health...
Unmet needs among children in Europe
New data shows 3.2% of EU children missed medical care in 2024, rising to 4.2% among poorer families. Finland leads with highest unmet needs; Malta and Croatia have the lowest rates. New Eurostat data reveals that while most children in Europe receive necessary...
Togo Integrates Private Insurers into Universal Health Coverage Governance
Togo’s CNSS and INAM partnered with private insurers to expand the Universal Health Insurance (AMU) program on October 14, 2025. This collaboration links public and private sectors to offer complementary coverages, enhancing health protection and inclusive governance...