Overcoming Public Sector Inefficiencies toward Universal Health Coverage: The Case for National Health Insurance Systems in Asia and the Pacific

Abstract

As governments in Asia and the Pacific invest more on health, unmasking inefficiencies in spending is a priority to achieve Universal Health Coverage. This paper looks at inefficiencies in the public sector, and how they affect the way health systems’ functions are performed. Countries in the region are making efficiency gains in the health sector. National Health Insurances, whereby a single payer is providing financial protection for an entire national population, are increasingly being used as an instrument to move toward Universal Health Coverage in Asia and the Pacific. Such systems offer a potential for efficiency gains and better performing health systems functions, from stewardship to pooling and delivering services.