the health strategist
institute & knowledge portal
for continuous health transformation
and digital health — for all
Joaquim Cardoso MSc.
Founder and Servant Leader
Chief Research & Strategy Officer (CRSO), Editor in Chief and
Senior Advisor
January 2, 2024
As reported by Economist Intelligence – EIU, here are the key insights:
1.Spending and Sustainability: Despite a return to growth in healthcare spending, concerns persist regarding the long-term sustainability of healthcare systems. Healthcare expenditure is expected to rise by 6.1% in US-dollar terms but only 1.1% in real terms due to continued fiscal constraints.
2.Health Spending vs. Inflation: Healthcare spending is anticipated to surpass inflation rates for the first time since 2021, reflecting increased investment in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, these funds may still fall short in addressing ongoing COVID waves, non-COVID care backlogs, and inflationary pressures.
3.Challenges for Drugmakers: Pharmaceutical companies face mounting challenges, including pricing regulations and competition hurdles. Efforts to regulate drug prices are ongoing in regions like the US and the EU, while pharmaceutical supply chain disruptions and quality checks pose additional difficulties.
4.Healthcare and Climate Change: Climate change is poised to impact healthcare significantly, with rising temperatures and extreme weather events posing threats to human health globally. The healthcare sector, responsible for a significant portion of emissions, faces pressure to reduce its carbon footprint.
5.Digital Health Evolution: While digital health experienced a surge during the pandemic, investor interest has waned, leading to selective funding for ventures with viable business models. Regulatory frameworks for digital health data are expected to evolve, demanding better legislation to protect sensitive information.
6.Healthcare Labor Discontent: Healthcare workers’ dissatisfaction persists due to inflation, inadequate wage increases, and burnout. While strikes may diminish, recruitment challenges and global competition for healthcare professionals are expected to intensify.
