Dutch health and social care spending rose 8.9% in 2024 to 155 billion euros, increasing to 13.8% of GDP. Per capita costs reached 8,610 euros, up 654 euros from 2023, driven by higher charges, increased youth care demand, and faster growth of home assistance. In...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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,...
Nigeria will host a National Health Financing Dialogue in September to tackle low health investment, with households paying 76% of costs. The forum will push NHIA Act implementation, insurance expansion, and innovative financing, aiming to cut out-of-pocket spending...
At TICAD in Japan, UHC took center stage as Africa’s young, fast-growing population underscores the need for stronger health systems. Despite funding gaps and persistent risks, the World Bank and partners aim to expand access, boost resilience, and create jobs, with...
Marking 25 years, Bhutan’s Health Trust Fund reaffirmed its role in financing free healthcare, having ensured Nu. 3.7B for drugs and vaccines. Despite sustainability challenges, it targets innovation, digital tools, and wider investments to secure resilience and...
The Accra Initiative, launched at the Africa Health Sovereignty Summit on 5 August, sets a new framework for global health, prioritising resilience, equity, and sustainable financing while advancing Africa’s leadership in health governance. African leaders and...
In this article from 2023, Salem Al Mustanyir explores the effect of a fall in oil prices on healthcare financing in eight Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). The analysis shows that in three of the eight countries, health financing did shift...
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...
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...
