The economic case for increasing investment in health has never been stronger. Financial contributions from governments, civil society, and industry have proven vital in rapidly responding to the pandemic. Yet, sustainable healthcare financing is the long-term solution for establishing a baseline in health systems that enhances access to healthcare, which is especially important during public health crises. The work of the LSIF to increase access to healthcare by expanding the role of the business sector, improving health system efficiency, and exploring the use of innovative and alternative financing models will be more important than ever after the pandemic.
This year the LSIF will expand virtual cooperation to expand the use of the APEC Checklist of Enablers for Alternative Health Financing to help APEC economies improve their policy and regulatory environment for enabling the adoption and deployment of alternative financing mechanisms to help maintain and expand healthcare coverage. Health financing policies that strengthen health system resilience, health security, and expand universal health coverage will enable us respond to the current COVID-19 crisis as well as future challenges.
