31-Aug-16 The Brazilian economic crisis could see universal healthcare replaced by US-style compulsory health insurance. The Government has new plans for healthcare as part of plans to slash expenditure. The proposed cuts could have a catastrophic effect both for the 19 mn Brazilians living under USD3.10 per day and for the rapidly expanding middle class who rely on public healthcare. [image: IMTJ]

25-Aug-16 As incomes rise, many China residents are seeking out better quality care than that provided by public hospitals. They want easier ways to book appointments, shorter waits and greater individual attention from doctors. The demand is expected to drive the private health insurance market to USD165 bn in 2020 from USD36 bn in 2015. [image: South China Morning Post]

19-Aug-16 China’s ageing population has attracted foreign elderly-care services providers but they are struggling to make profits despite the market offering the largest number of senior citizens in the world. Haitong Securities said in a research report that “surging demand and limited affordability” was the major problem facing China’s elderly-care industry today. [image: South China Morning Post]

10-Aug-16 Medibank Health Solutions, the Australian health management and telehealth services arm of privatised health insurer Medibank Private, is set to be sold off. Likely interested buyers would be healthcare service provider Aspen Medical or another insurer such as Bupa. [image: Medibank]

04-Aug-16 AXA Singapore has launched a health app that provides users with access to medical advice from GPs via live chat or secure “face-to-face” video call. This is the first time an insurer is offering such a service in Asia. The mobile app will also allow customers to manage their healthcare experience by submitting and tracking their health claims online. [image: AXA]