Global Health Expenditure Report: Average Per Capita Spending on Health Sees Decline in 2022
GENEVA, Dec 12 (Alarian). The World Health Organization's (WHO) annual report on global health expenditure, "Global spending on health Emerging from the pandemic," has been published today ahead of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day. According to the report, the average per capita government spending on health in all country income groups decreased in 2022 compared to 2021.
This decline marks a turnaround for countries that experienced high increases in healthcare expenditure during the early years of the pandemic due to the rapid spread of COVID-19. The report highlights the importance of continued financial protection for people everywhere to access essential health services they need.
A key finding from the report is that out-of-pocket spending remained the main source of health financing in 30 low- and lower middle-income countries, with more than half of total health spending paid by patients. This trend contributes to the cycle of poverty and vulnerability.
The WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, emphasized that protecting people from financial hardship due to healthcare costs is fundamental to achieving "health for all." He urged leaders worldwide to prioritize Universal Health Coverage (UHC) as a national priority by 2030, aiming to eliminate impoverishment due to health-related expenses.
"UHC day is an opportunity to redouble our commitments to putting the power back in the hands of individuals, families and communities," Dr. Tedros said. "It calls for increased investment in healthcare systems, protecting access to essential services without financial hardship."
To strengthen financial protection, WHO recommends adopting legislation to shield people from impoverishing health costs and establishing mechanisms through public funding to cover affordable care packages.
In a recent analysis of national health accounts data, the OECD reported that out-of-pocket payments continue to be a major challenge worldwide – even in high-income countries. The report points to effective strategies such as minimizing or removing user charges for those most in need, adopting legislations and establishing mechanisms to protect people from financial hardship due to healthcare.
A milestone discussion on WHO's efforts to support collaborations and international cooperation towards UHC, has scheduled during October; national health representatives will discuss new strategies to reorient national and regional health systems towards the Universal Health Coverage objectives in upcoming projects