Global Health Care and Insurance Reforms
AD1098: South Africans lament government performance on improving basic health care
23 Dec 2025
A recent Afrobarometer survey shows that most South Africans are concerned about accessing or affording medical care, with fewer than 20% having private medical aid due to cost. Public health services face chronic issues, including staff shortages, medicine stockouts, long wait times, and corruption, which disproportionately affect vulnerable groups. Despite the 2024 National Health Insurance Bill aiming for universal coverage, many fear it could exacerbate corruption and require a significantly higher share of the national budget. Half of citizens reported that someone in their household went without needed care in the past year. Overall, while most believe the government is performing poorly in improving basic health care, around 60% still trust the Ministry of Health.
Egypt’s Prime Minister orders faster health insurance rollout and new mining investment push
22 Dec 2025
Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has ordered an accelerated rollout of the Universal Health Insurance (UHI) system, targeting five provinces in its second phase and potentially including Alexandria. The expansion aims to serve 13 million beneficiaries with 69 hospitals, 11,427 beds, and 669 healthcare units, with 30–40% of beds provided by the private sector. As of November 2025, the first phase already reached 5.2 million beneficiaries across six provinces, with strong private sector participation. Madbouly also directed a long-term study through 2030 to ensure financial sustainability and service quality. Separately, he urged investment promotion in the Golden Triangle Economic Zone, focusing on mining and petroleum, highlighting the region’s 95 mineral occurrences.
House passes health care bill to boost access to workplace insurance
17 Dec 2025
The U.S. House of Representatives approved a Republican-backed health care bill aimed at reducing costs and expanding employer-provided insurance options. However, the bill does not extend Affordable Care Act premium tax credits, which were the focus of an earlier bipartisan push. Moderate Republicans joined Democrats to force a vote on extending the credits, but GOP leadership blocked an amendment addressing them. As a result, four Republicans supported a Democratic-led petition for a clean three-year extension of the ACA subsidies.
Armenia to introduce universal health insurance from 2026: what you need to know
17 Dec 2025
Armenia will introduce a universal health insurance system starting 1 January 2026, following parliamentary approval. The reform will be implemented gradually over three years, beginning with state-funded coverage for vulnerable groups, while higher-income earners will contribute through subsidized monthly payments. The insurance package will be uniform for all citizens and will cover a defined list of medical services, illnesses, and medications, though not all healthcare needs. Full population coverage is expected by 2029, with the reform aiming to improve public health outcomes and reduce premature mortality. The government plans to review the system six months after launch and adjust the legislation if needed.
