Catastrophic health care expenditure in Myanmar: policy implications in leading progress towards universal health coverage.

Background: Around the world, millions of people are impoverished due to health care spending. The highest catastrophic health expenditures are found in countries in transition. Our study analyzes the extent of financial protection by estimating the incidence of catastrophic health care expenditure in Myanmar and its association with sociodemographic factors.

A systematic review of the health-financing mechanisms in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations countries and the People's Republic of China: Lessons for the move towards universal health coverage.

We systematically review the health-financing mechanisms, revenue rising, pooling, purchasing, and benefits, in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the People's Republic of China, and their impact on universal health coverage (UHC) goals in terms of universal financial protection, utilization/equity and quality. Two kinds of sources are reviewed: 1) academic articles, and 2) countries' health system reports. We synthesize the findings from ASEAN countries and China reporting on studies that are in the scope of our objective, and studies that focus on the system (macro level) rather than treatment/technology specific studies (micro level).

Patterns of health care use and out-of-pocket payments among general population and social security beneficiaries in Myanmar.

Background: As a consequence of the low government expenditure and limited access to health insurance offered by the Social Security Scheme (SSS), out-of-pocket payments (OOPPs) have become the main source of payment for health care in Myanmar. This study aims to provide evidence on the patterns of health care use and OOPPs by the general population and SSS beneficiaries in Myanmar.

Method: Face-to-face interviews were conducted among two samples drawn independently of each other.

Health insurance in Myanmar: Knowledge, perceptions, and preferences of Social Security Scheme members and general adult population.

Objective: Our study explores the knowledge, perceptions, willingness to pay, and preferences of potential health insurance beneficiaries about health insurance in Myanmar.

Methods: Cross-sectional survey data were collected among two samples: the general population and Social Security Scheme (SSS) member. Mann-Whitney U test and independent sample t test were applied to compare the two samples.

Assessing the accuracy and feasibility of a refractive error screening program conducted by school teachers in pre-primary and primary schools in Thailand.

Introduction: As part of the development of a system for the screening of refractive error in Thai children, this study describes the accuracy and feasibility of establishing a program conducted by teachers.

Objective: To assess the accuracy and feasibility of screening by teachers.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study was conducted in 17 schools in four provinces representing four geographic regions in Thailand.

Health technology assessments as a mechanism for increased value for money: recommendations to the Global Fund.

The Global Fund is experiencing increased pressure to optimize results and improve its impact per dollar spent. It is also in transition from a provider of emergency funding, to a long-term, sustainable financing mechanism. This paper assesses the efficacy of current Global Fund investment and examines how health technology assessments (HTAs) can be used to provide guidance on the relative priority of health interventions currently subsidized by the Global Fund.

Advanced health biotechnologies in Thailand: redefining policy directions.

Background: Thailand faces a significant burden in terms of treating and managing degenerative and chronic diseases. Moreover, incidences of rare diseases are rising. Many of these-such as diabetes, cancer, and inherited inborn metabolic diseases-have no definite treatments or cure.