Italy experiences higher catastrophic health spending than many EU countries, predominantly affecting low-income, southern-region, and pensioner-headed households, driven by outpatient medicines and care for poorer groups and dental care for wealthier ones....
Southern Cross CEO says 70% of New Zealand’s health insurance premium rises over 20 years stem from increased service use, not cost hikes. The society returns 93% of premiums to care, uses age-based pricing, offers excesses to reduce costs, and holds 70% market share....
The report published by the NCD Alliance addresses one of the most pressing global health challenges of our time. Chronic illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, along with mental health conditions, now account for the majority of...
A Fraser Institute study reveals Canadian families pay up to $19,060 yearly for public health care, costs rising faster than income. Despite high spending, Canada ranks poorly in access and outcomes. Reforms like modest user fees and private sector roles could improve...
Canada’s universal healthcare is challenged by overcrowded hospitals, long waits, and preventable deaths. Business leader Op-ed argues Canada’s health system is failing, citing long waits, ER overcrowding, and calling for reforms to allow private options alongside...
A rural China policy waiving copayments for essential medicines in primary care (PC) significantly increased PC visits by 44% and outpatient spending at PC facilities by 40%. At the same time, outpatient hospital visits fell by 26%, though hospital spending and...
In May 2025, reform of the Central African Republic's healthcare system gathered pace. At a workshop attended by 100 people, several documents were drawn up to provide a framework for investment in human resources for health (HRH). As part of the drive to strengthen...
Bulgaria’s doctors’ union warns a rural health project funded by EU money will fail, as practices are staffed by nurses unable to use planned equipment. Nearly 800,000 lack GP access, while low pay drives staff shortages. Protests loom as doctors and nurses demand...
ADB approved $106.9M to boost Sri Lanka’s secondary care, disease control, and governance. A $100M loan and $6.9M grant will fund hospital upgrades, integrated referral systems, a disease control center, lab accreditation, digital procurement, and pharma logistics,...
Nigeria boosted health spending from ₦434B (2018) to ₦2.4T (2024), now 5.18% of federal budget. New insurance reforms aim to enroll 4M citizens by 2030, reducing household health costs from 70%. Government targets universal coverage through innovative financing and...
Greece’s health system has faced mounting strain from ageing populations, chronic diseases, financial pressures, and shocks like COVID-19 and climate change, which have exposed deep structural weaknesses. Although multiple reforms have aimed to improve funding,...
Germany's statutory health insurance expenditure has consistently outpaced member contribution revenues by about 1% annually for nearly 25 years, necessitating further contribution rate increases unless policy changes occur. A proposed spending moratorium aims to...
Iran’s health system faces collapse as rising costs, insurer debts, and an aging population strain financing. Pharmacies warn of drug shortages within months, with 80% near bankruptcy. Families pay 70% of health costs, while workers lack coverage, leaving system...
Obesity is straining Germany’s health system, costing up to €90B yearly. With half of adults overweight, politics remain divided: conservatives trust markets, while Greens push sugar taxes and VAT reform. Experts say real change needs political courage, not just...
Egypt’s Universal Health Insurance System in Luxor has enrolled over 90% of residents, with state support for low‑income citizens. Backed by digital systems, quality standards, and expanded services, it delivered 5.6M treatments in 2024/25, making Luxor a model of...
