A decade-long study in Kenya found cash transfers reduced child deaths by nearly half. Results, reported by The New York Times, highlight new evidence on poverty reduction and health outcomes.A new study reported by The New York Times shows that unconditional cash...
Published by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the brief (authors: Clara Van Panhuys, Lou Tessier, and Lucrezia Roero di Monticello) examines how social protection systems can support the health and well-being of refugees and forcibly displaced populations...
India’s flagship health insurance scheme, PM-JAY, is under strain as 650 Haryana hospitals suspend services over ₹490 crore unpaid dues, cutting off 18 million people. In J&K, limited hospitals and delayed payments worsen access gaps. Patients face debt, delays,...
Vietnam has expanded health insurance to 94% of its population, with free care targeted by 2035. But out-of-pocket costs remain high at 40%. WHO’s Dr. Pratt stresses stronger financing, efficiency reforms, primary care, and innovation to achieve universal health...
Estonia’s Health Insurance Fund faces a deficit, rising healthcare costs, and criticism after lavish spending exposed governance gaps. Experts and officials urge reforms to improve efficiency, avoid worsening inequalities, and ensure sustainable financing without...
Access to essential medicines, as defined by the World Health Organization, is a cornerstone of universal health coverage. Yet, many people worldwide face high out-of-pocket costs or limited availability, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Understanding...
Uganda’s health sector faces funding gaps after donor cuts, forcing higher out-of-pocket costs and disrupting HIV, TB, and maternal health services. Stakeholders urge domestic financing, innovative taxes, and a national insurance scheme to protect vulnerable groups...
This study examined catastrophic health expenditures (CHEs) among low-income households in South Korea using machine learning methods on 2019 Korea Health Panel data. Results showed a 26.2% incidence of CHE, with AdaBoost performing best in prediction, highlighting...
In BMJ Open, Edy Quizhpe Ordóñez, Miguel San Sebastian, Enrique Teran, and Anni-Maria Pulkki-Brännström present a socio-economic inequality assessment of Ecuador’s health reforms from 2006 to 2014. The study evaluates whether the reforms—which made public health...
South Africa’s NHI aims for universal healthcare but risks higher costs, reduced access, overburdened public hospitals, provider exits, rising lawsuits, and costly transitions. Without viable alternatives, it could destabilise both public and private healthcare...
Germany expedites cuts to social welfare, pensions, and healthcare to cover military spending, deepening poverty for workers and pensioners while sparing the wealthy. Rising deficits fuel class tensions, prompting calls for socialist reorganization.Germany is moving...
Out-of-pocket health spending in the Philippines hit ₱615B in 2024, 42.7% of total healthcare costs, exposing families to debt as government schemes lag behind rising expenses. Experts urge reforms and new financing tools like sin taxes to ease the unsustainable...
Belgium’s summer agreement reforms healthcare by limiting excessive doctor surcharges, ensuring fair billing and equal reimbursements, curbing pharmaceutical overspending, and promoting sustainable care while preserving provider autonomy. This marks a historic step...
This peer review journal article published in 2023 analyses catastrophic health expenditures and effects on household impoverishment in Togo. Since 2015, Togo has been committed to working towards ensuring access to quality health care without its citizens incurring...
This study compared health financing schemes for low-income populations across six East Asian societies, analyzing eligibility, coverage, and benefits. Results showed Taiwan, Hong Kong, and South Korea provide stronger financial protection, while mainland China lags...
