This study examines the renewed push for a Universal Health Coverage (UHC) bill in Lebanon, analyzing its emergence on the policy agenda through Kingdon’s framework. Findings show that public pressure, a dedicated parliamentary committee, and political receptiveness...

The social insurance regulations for foreign workers in Vietnam
From 1 July 2025, foreign nationals in Vietnam on labour contracts of at least 12 months must join compulsory social insurance, unless exempt. They get the same benefits as locals. Contributions total 25% of salary: 8% by the worker and 17% by the employer, split...

NHI Implementation in South Africa: Key Risks and Challenges
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...

Belgian reform package targets excessive medical fees
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...

Ethiopia Takes Bold Strides on Health Taxes to Drive Universal Health Coverage
Ethiopia’s excise tax reforms on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks showcase political and multisectoral leadership, generating revenue and reducing NCDs while advancing Universal Health Coverage and health system resilience.Ethiopia is emerging as a leader in health...

Bulgarian National Assembly Amends Health Insurance Act to Enhance NHIF Management Amid Deficit Concerns
Bulgaria’s National Assembly amended the Health Insurance Act to add a second NHIF deputy governor for better management amid growing fund deficits. Controversy arose over reinstating spending limits on medical care, with critics warning of financial strain on...

Sierra Leone advances towards universal health coverage with key bill discussion
Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health, supported by the WHO, held a high-level dialogue on the draft bill to establish the Sierra Leone Agency for Universal Health Coverage (SLAUHC), aiming to unify and streamline national health financing through integration of the Free...

Croatian Parliament amends Mandatory Health Insurance Act
Croatia expanded health insurance exemptions, raised sickness benefits, reformed healthcare staff rules by abolishing internships, tightened misconduct standards, and passed a law requiring a master’s degree for speech therapists, with two years to comply. The...

Parliament approves Ghana Medical Trust Fund Bill
Ghana approved the MahamaCares Fund to support chronic disease patients outside NHIS coverage, funded by levies and contributions. Despite delays and political concerns over funding and branding, it aims to ease care costs. Further talks with Finance will address...
Statutory Health Insurance Modernization Act 2003
The following extract, written in German and translated into English using Google Translate, from the website of AOK, the German public health insurance provider, provides some details about the Statutory Health Insurance Modernization Act of 2003. With the GKV...
SHI Competition Strengthening Act 2007
The following extract from the CESifo Dice Report: Journal for Institutional Comparisons describes the Social Health Insurance Pro Competition Act of 2007. On 1 April 2007 an act became effective which will radically change the German system of health care: the...

Qatar’s Healthcare Revolution: How Strategic Partnerships Are Shaping the Future of Middle Eastern Healthcare Infrastructure
The 2025 partnership between Al-Ahli Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), and other private providers is reshaping Qatar’s healthcare sector by enabling public-private collaboration to reduce wait times and improve equitable access, in alignment with Vision...

Morocco Overhauls Health Insurance System with New Unified Structure
Morocco has passed major reforms to unify its basic health insurance system under the National Social Security Fund (CNSS), aiming to improve efficiency, transparency, and access to healthcare as part of King Mohammed VI’s broader vision for universal social...

Nation’s Healing Promise: Tanzania’s Bold Push Towards Universal Health Insurance
Tanzania’s Universal Health Insurance Act, 2023, aims to provide mandatory health coverage for all citizens, addressing low insurance rates and high out-of-pocket costs. Success hinges on trust, political will, and inclusive financing to ensure equitable, accessible...
National Health Policy 2015-2030, Moving towards Universal Health Access and Coverage in Paraguay
Decree 4541 of the Presidency of the Republic of Paraguay approved the National Health Policy of Paraguay in December 2015. It is the roadmap to follow in terms of public health, for universal access to health in the country for the period from 2015 to 2030. Strategy...
