Description: The medical scheme approach adopted by several African countries has failed to meet the needs of those in informal employment and rural communities. This is partly due to affordability amongst these individuals as well as a lack of awareness of how healthcare financing products work. Community based healthcare organisations have achieved greater levels of success in this regard by carefully incorporating the peculiarities of communities in benefit design and involving community members in the management of these healthcare solutions. There are lessons to be garnered from the countries where these have been implemented with some level of success. Even as countries aim towards universal health coverage, observing the unique needs of different communities within a country is essential to ensure resources are utilised efficiently and that healthcare needs are targeted effectively.

Description: Discussion of Ley 100/Law 100 in Colombia, which was ratified in 1993 and linked the government pension plan with a government-sponsored and controlled yet, privatized health plan.

Description: An overview of health care history and privatization developments in four Latin American countries: Mexico, Chile, Colombia, and Brazil.

Description: Evaluation of Taiwan's National Health insurance program and a discussion of a managed competition model to reform it.

Description: The author provides an overview of the Chinese health care system from its beginnings in in 1949 to the present day launching of the most comprehensive reform ever.