Public health insurance plays a pivotal role in ensuring equitable access to healthcare, particularly in developing nations. India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, being South Asian neighbours with shared socio-economic challenges, have formulated distinct health insurance laws and policies in response to their population needs and economic constraints. This chapter presents a comparative analysis of the public health insurance frameworks in these three countries, focusing on their legal structures, policy approaches, and implementation challenges. The study examines the evolution of public health insurance in each nation, highlighting the influence of constitutional provisions, international obligations, and regional health crises. India’s ambitious Ayushman Bharat scheme, Pakistan’s Sehat Sahulat Programme, and Bangladesh’s National Health Protection Scheme are critically evaluated, with attention to their inclusivity, funding mechanisms, and impact on marginalized populations. The research further explores the role of governance, institutional capacity, and political will in shaping the effectiveness of these programmes. Through a cross-country comparison, the chapter identifies key similarities and divergences in public health insurance laws and policies, assessing the degree to which each system promotes universal health coverage (UHC). It also addresses the gaps in coverage, the legal enforcement of health entitlements, and the socio-economic factors that influence access to healthcare services. The findings underscore the need for stronger regional cooperation and knowledge exchange to improve health outcomes across South Asia.

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A Comparative Analysis of Public Health Insurance Laws and Policies in Developing Countries

  • Manoj Kumar

摘要

Public health insurance plays a pivotal role in ensuring equitable access to healthcare, particularly in developing nations. India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, being South Asian neighbours with shared socio-economic challenges, have formulated distinct health insurance laws and policies in response to their population needs and economic constraints. This chapter presents a comparative analysis of the public health insurance frameworks in these three countries, focusing on their legal structures, policy approaches, and implementation challenges. The study examines the evolution of public health insurance in each nation, highlighting the influence of constitutional provisions, international obligations, and regional health crises. India’s ambitious Ayushman Bharat scheme, Pakistan’s Sehat Sahulat Programme, and Bangladesh’s National Health Protection Scheme are critically evaluated, with attention to their inclusivity, funding mechanisms, and impact on marginalized populations. The research further explores the role of governance, institutional capacity, and political will in shaping the effectiveness of these programmes. Through a cross-country comparison, the chapter identifies key similarities and divergences in public health insurance laws and policies, assessing the degree to which each system promotes universal health coverage (UHC). It also addresses the gaps in coverage, the legal enforcement of health entitlements, and the socio-economic factors that influence access to healthcare services. The findings underscore the need for stronger regional cooperation and knowledge exchange to improve health outcomes across South Asia.