At its traditional cabinet meeting, the Burkinabe government approved a significant reduction in the fees for CT scans, MRIs and haemodialysis. These cost reductions range from 50 to 60% and are scheduled to take effect from the end of April 2024."The Council (of...
Out-of-pocket fees for health care in Australia: implications for equity
Despite the presence of universal health care in Australia, out-of-pocket (OOP) expenses remains a concern, particularly among vulnerable groups, including socio-economically disadvantaged people and older Australians with high healthcare needs. This article examines...
Health equity in Ireland
The implementation of the government of Ireland’s 10 year health reform (SlainteCare) moves the country towards universal, single-tiered healthcare, where patients are treated on medical need rather than ability to pay.In 2022, public funds covered 77% of total...
Achieving universal social protection for people with tuberculosis
New Lancet article says that while a global commitment was made to provide social protection for people with tuberculosis, there is a lack of concrete actions and investment plans to achieve this goal.This article discusses social protection for people with...
EU, Africa partner on stronger health systems and social protection
The European Union (EU) and African Union (AU) launched four new initiatives to improve health systems and social protection in Africa. These initiatives are part of the EU's Global Gateway investment strategy.Three health-focused initiatives aim to: Strengthen health...
Bolivia: 7.4 million people enrolled in the Unified Health System
Children, women, young people and adults in Bolivia who do not have health insurance can register with their identity card and receive the benefits of the Unified Health System.According to statements made by the Deputy Minister of Health Insurance and Management of...
Extending financial protection by tackling non-financial barriers: A case study from Senegal
The case study focuses on health equity to identify promising approaches and strategies drawn from Senegal's experience to ensure more equitable financial protection, particularly for underserved and socially excluded populations.The aim of this case study in Senegal...
The economic effect of financial compensation in China’s healthcare system: comprehensive insights regarding supply and demand factors
In China, government funding affects healthcare costs differently depending on whether it's directed towards supply or demand, with regional variations in effectiveness. This study examines the impact of government subsidies on residents' health and healthcare...
Financing Solutions for NCDs and Mental Health
This policy brief outlines the NCD Alliance's key priorities for the 2nd Global Dialogue on Sustainable Financing for NCDs and Mental Health (GFD2) organised by the WHO and the World Bank. The GFD2 aims to incorporate NCDs and mental health responses into national...
Challenges for Medicare and universal health care in Australia since 2000
This review aims to identify the financing and policy challenges for Medicare and universal health care in Australia, as well as opportunities for whole-of-system strengthening.More than 70 articles were identified and classified challenges into seven major themes...
Effect of a case-capped, fee-for-service payment mechanism on accessibility and affordability of health care in Philippines
The article discusses the adverse effects from changing of provider payment policy on health care accessibility and affordability in the Philippines.The Philippine health insurance system is transitioning from case-based payment back into a fee-for-service model...
Progress towards universal health coverage in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic: monitoring financial protection 2007-2019
The report conducted by the government of Lao PDR with support from WHO presents key results of the analysis of progress on financial protection during 2007-2019 and policy options.Lao PDR has integrated other social health protection schemes into National Health...
Laos’ social health insurance program’s impact on older people’s accessibility and financial security against catastrophic health expense
This study assesses the impact of social health insurance schemes on accessibility and financial catastrophe against catastrophic health expenditures for older people in Lao PDR.Findings shows that despite the existence of various social health insurance schemes,...
Confronting the elephants in the room: reigniting momentum for universal health coverage
A Lancet publication by UHC2030 highlights barriers to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), including political commitment, insufficient financing, global health fragmentation, and communication challenges. Authors call for collective action to address these...
Public servants’ willingness to pay for social health insurance in Ethiopia
A study in Ethiopia shows public servants' willingness to pay for social health insurance linked to income, education, and awareness.A recent systematic review and meta-analysis conducted in Ethiopia has revealed crucial insights into the willingness of public...