Georgia’s move toward universal health coverage is challenged by a largely private health sector and weak governance. Insufficient regulatory detail, purchasing gaps, and poor stakeholder dialogue undermine care quality and equity. Strengthening governance requires...

ADB to help Uzbekistan establish public-private partnerships to manage 5 specialized hospitals
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will support Uzbekistan's Ministry of Health and Ministry of Economy and Finance in implementing a public-private partnership program to manage five specialized hospitals in Tashkent, aiming to enhance healthcare quality and...

Reforming Bangladesh health systems for the future
Bangladesh's health sector faces urgent challenges as it approaches the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in achieving Universal Health Coverage. The Health Sector Reform Commission Report 2025 proposes significant constitutional amendments and systemic...

Brazil to increase specialized care by strengthening public-private relations
Brazil’s Ministry of Health announces initiatives to strengthen provision of specialized care by strengthening public-private relations in the health sector.The Brazilian Ministry of Health announced in May 2025, a series of initiatives to promote the availability of...

Healthcare financing in Singapore: Interview with DPM Gan and Health Minister Ong
Singapore’s healthcare system balances government subsidies, individual savings, and insurance to ensure affordability and discourage overuse, rather than offering free healthcare funded entirely by taxpayers. Rising costs prompt ongoing efforts to expand capacity,...

Philanthropic coalition launches $500 million maternal and newborn health fund for sub-Saharan Africa
Philanthropies launch $500M fund to improve maternal and newborn health in sub-Saharan Africa, aiming to save 300,000 lives by 2030 amid global aid cuts. A coalition of philanthropic organisations—including the Gates Foundation, the Mohamed Bin Zayed Foundation for...
Purchasing health care from the private sector: a primer for middle-income countries in the WHO European Region
In response to growing interest among middle-income countries in the WHO European Region to engage private health-care providers (PHPs) within publicly funded health systems, the WHO Barcelona Office for Health Systems Financing has developed this primer to support...

PhilHealth urges hospitals to support ‘no balance billing’ policy
The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) is urging private hospitals to support its No Balance Billing (NBB) policy, which provides equitable healthcare access for patients without out-of-pocket expenses. Hospital leaders emphasize their commitment to...

Indians are quitting the safety net of health insurance; GST and high premiums are only part of the problem
In India, rising health insurance premiums and increased claim rejections are driving individuals to opt out of policies. Many feel overcharged and frustrated with inadequate coverage, exacerbated by taxes on premiums, leading to distrust in insurers and a search for...

What Kenya should do to address healthcare funding challenges
The recent suspension of US foreign assistance poses a significant threat to Kenya's health sector, jeopardizing access to vital services. However, this challenge also presents an opportunity for Kenya to enhance its healthcare resilience.The recent suspension of...

Private health funds in Australia are gouging prices on insurance premiums despite warning from minister
Health Minister Mark Butler is urging an investigation into private health insurers for "product phoenixing," which involves closing existing policies and reopening similar ones at higher prices, thereby raising premiums without regulatory approval. Despite previous...

Cabinet meeting: major advances for the health of all Burkinabes
The Minister of Health, Dr Robert Kargougou, chaired a meeting on key reforms: a monthly payment for free care and a digital platform for licenses. These initiatives aim to improve payment regularity and access to healthcare in Burkina Faso. The Minister of Health, Dr...

Ecuador experiences high growth in medical costs
According to the WTW Global Medical Trends Survey 2025, Ecuador is among the six Latin American countries where medical costs have grown the fastest this past year. Going to a doctor's appointment, buying medicines or taking out health insurance will be more expensive...

Kenya unveils health financing initiative to boost primary healthcare
The Kisumu Medical and Education Trust (KMET) has launched Tiba Mashinani, a health financing initiative providing loans to private primary healthcare facilities in the Lake Region Economic Bloc, aiming to improve access to quality medical care. The Kisumu Medical and...
Financing healthcare services: a qualitative assessment of private health insurance schemes in Ghana
The study evaluates the operations and performance of Private Health Insurance Schemes (PHIS) in Ghana, highlighting their diverse benefit packages and flexible payment structures that enhance healthcare access and quality. It emphasizes the need for PHIS to establish...