Tanzania’s government significantly increased primary health care (PHC) spending between 2021/22 and 2022/23, raising per capita expenditure and spending per outpatient visit. Despite this progress, current PHC spending remains well below global standards and the...

NHS Continuing Healthcare: deepening inequality and the ‘Postcode Lottery’ in access to vital care across England
NHS Continuing Healthcare in England is marked by stark regional inequalities, with eligibility and funding varying dramatically by postcode. Despite rising demand and spending, fewer people are deemed eligible, and inconsistent processes mean many miss out on vital...
Regional action framework for health financing to achieve universal health coverage and sustainable development in the Western Pacific
Universal health coverage (UHC) aims to ensure equitable access to quality health services without financial hardship, requiring adequate and sustainable public financing. In the WHO Western Pacific Region, economic growth has improved public health spending, yet many...

Malaysian think tank renews call for health and social insurance, removal of sugar subsidies
The Galen Centre urges a national health and social insurance scheme with employer-employee contributions, removal of sugar subsidies, and scrapping of outpatient/specialist charges at public facilities to better fund health, aged care, and combat diabetes. The Galen...

Philhealth explores data-driven overhaul of hospital payments for universal healthcare
Philippine health officials, with support from Thailand’s NHSO and the World Bank, are studying global budgets, DRG systems, and electronic claims to cut out-of-pocket costs and advance universal health care. Lessons from Thai hospitals aim to guide PhilHealth’s DRG...

All citizens in Vietnam to receive basic medical care free of charge by 2030
Vietnam’s Resolution 72 charts major healthcare reforms, shifting focus to prevention and primary care. By 2030, commune stations will be fully staffed, essential costs covered by insurance, and digital health expanded. Incentives, training, and ethics aim to build a...

Study Calls for Overhaul of Provider Payment Systems to Strengthen Tanzania’s Universal Health Insurance
A 2023–25 IHI–LSHTM study urges reform of Tanzania’s provider payment mechanisms as UHI rolls out. NHIF’s fee-for-service is reliable but paperwork-heavy, while capitation faces delays and low rates. Researchers call for fair, timely, and simple systems to boost...

More Investment Is Needed In New Zealand Health System
New Zealand’s tax-based health financing has remained stable but historically underfunded, with spending below OECD peers. OECD data is unreliable due to lack of updates and GST distortions. Adjusted 2023 figures show ~10.2–10.4% of GDP, close to averages; shifting to...
Smart health spending: How to make every peso count
In this document published by the Inter-American Development Bank in 2023, the question of how to guarantee health for the populations of Latin America at a time of global crisis is addressed. The authors propose an approach where not only should health spending be...

Panama’s National Assembly discusses 2026 health budget
Summary: The Budget Commission of the National Assembly of Panama met on September 16, 2025 to discuss the draft health budget for the year 2026.El 16 de septiembre 2025, la Comisión del Presupuesto de la Asamblea Nacional de Panamá se reunió para discutir el...
Saving lives, spending less: the global investment case for noncommunicable diseases
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, and chronic respiratory illnesses are the leading causes of death worldwide, claiming millions of lives each year and placing immense strain on health systems. The World Health...

Kenya SHA to raise Sh90 billion annually to support Universal Health Coverage
Kenya will generate Sh90 billion yearly through the Social Health Authority to fund Universal Health Coverage, reducing reliance on loans. The government has also leased Sh200 billion worth of medical equipment and mobilized Sh300 billion for healthcare upgrades to...

Egypt to begin second phase of universal health insurance in Minya
Egypt has begun phase two of its universal health insurance, starting in Minya and assessing Alexandria’s inclusion. Five governorates will be covered, serving 12 million people. Alexandria’s participation depends on financial review. Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa...

National Health Development Plan 2026-2030 validated in Benin
Benin's council of ministers on September 3, 2025 validated the national health development plan 2026-2030. It is planned to spend 1,000 billion FCFA on health during this period. In early September 2025, the Council of Ministers validated Benin's National Health...

Financing for NCDs in Trinidad and Tobago could be improved
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are placing an increasing burden on the health system in Trinidad and Tobago. While public budgets for combating NCDs have been on the rise, some argue that there could be changes in health financing to improve outcomes.This 2024...
