A paper by Dr. Mizanur Rahman, Dr. Masako Ii, and Dr. Motohiro Sato titled “Progress towards universal health coverage in South Asia, 2000–2030: an examination of the twin elements of primary healthcare provision and financial protection” has just published in “BMJ Global Health”
 
Rahman MM, Ii M, Lohan M, Kassai R, Awan R, Pempa P, Motohiro Sato.  Progress towards universal health coverage in South Asia, 2000–2030: an examination of the twin elements of primary healthcare provision and financial protection. BMJ Global Health. 2025;10:e020052. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2025-020052
 
Key message from Dr. Mizanur Rahman :
Our study looked at how countries in South Asia are moving toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) — meaning everyone can get the health services they need without suffering financial hardship.
We found that primary healthcare coverage has improved and is projected to rise from 53.5% in 2000 to 81.5% by 2030, led by Bhutan and Sri Lanka.
However, financial protection is still lagging — the share of households facing catastrophic health spending (when medical bills exceed 10% of total household expenses) is projected to increase from 7.2% in 2000 to 18.6% by 2030.
To truly achieve UHC, countries need to invest more in strong primary healthcare systems, expand public health financing, and strengthen risk-pooling mechanisms that protect families from financial shocks.
Grateful to my co-authors — Prof. Masako Ii, Prof. Maria Lohan, Prof. Ryuki Kassai, Rabia Awan, Pempa Pempa, and Prof. Motohiro Sato — for this wonderful collaboration.