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Zawya
17-07-2025
- Health
- Zawya
South Africa: Resilient, equitable healthcare demands smart integration
Global health systems are in a period of profound disruption. From overburdened hospitals in Europe to strained clinics across Africa, the Covid-19 pandemic didn't just test our systems; it exposed deep-rooted flaws. But disruption can be clarifying. It forces us to ask: What kind of healthcare system can withstand future shocks while serving all people equitably and sustainably? This was the central theme at the 2025 International Federation of Health Plans (iFHP) CEO Forum in Singapore, where I had the honour of representing the Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF). The answer, across regions and different healthcare models, was clear: resilience is built not in isolation, but through the integration of sectors, systems, ideas, and people. Good intentions do not guarantee good outcomes Nowhere is this lesson more critical than in South Africa and the broader Southern African Development Community (SADC), where health inequities are compounded by economic and infrastructural constraints. And yet, we stand at a policy crossroads. South Africa's National Health Insurance (NHI) Act is an ambitious attempt to equalise access to care. But good intentions do not guarantee good outcomes. The current design of the NHI risks creating a single-point-of-failure system by centralising funding and removing a viable role for medical schemes and private sector partners. Rather than building resilience, the NHI as it stands may undermine it by reducing patient choice, straining already fragile public services, and ignoring the fiscal realities of implementation. Without a clear, sustainable funding mechanism or operational readiness plan, the NHI threatens to replace existing strengths with uncertainty. Smart, strategic integration To be clear, equity cannot be achieved through exclusion. It must come from smart, strategic integration of public and private capacity, governed by accountability, and aligned to outcomes, not ideology. Importantly, resilient, equitable health systems are flexible, layered, and collaborative. This principle is already visible across SADC, where BHF members are helping pilot integrated care models that extend services to underserved communities, often in partnership with governments and civil society. Examples include: - Medical schemes offering low-cost benefit options tailored for lower-income workers. - Community-based risk pooling initiatives. - Partnerships with civil society, including the Gift of the Givers, to rehabilitate health infrastructure, restore water access in hospitals, and fund specialist training. These are not stopgaps. They represent a different way of thinking where the private sector is not merely tolerated in the pursuit of universal health coverage (UHC) but is strategically engaged to close systemic gaps. Too often, reforms focus on mechanisms rather than outcomes. But the real test of any health system is this: Can it deliver timely, quality care where and when it's needed? Resilience begins with frontline functionality, including adequate staff, reliable infrastructure, clean water, and access to diagnostics and medicines. Partnerships that address the social determinants of health, from infrastructure to education and water security, are key. These factors drive long-term health outcomes more than policy documents alone. Innovate from insurer to innovator Medical schemes have a critical role to play in these partnerships. In the 21st century, the medical scheme sector must evolve from insurer to innovator. It must deliver not only coverage but impact. Critical to achieving this is the government creating platforms for structured collaboration, including: - Health outcomes-based contracts. - Incentives for infrastructure investment and training. - Data-sharing frameworks that protect privacy while driving integration. - Co-governance models for regional health preparedness. Such mechanisms don't dilute the state's control over the public health sector, but rather enhance it by making it more effective, better resourced, and more accountable to real-world outcomes. At the iFHP CEO Forum, it was clear that Africa has something vital to offer the world. In countries like Rwanda, Namibia, and Kenya, hybrid models are already delivering UHC-aligned services through strategic public-private partnerships. These are the stories that must shape global health thinking, not just stories of aid, but of agency and innovation. South Africa, and Africa more broadly, does not need a revolution in healthcare. It needs a reconfiguration of what already works, and a clear-eyed recognition of what doesn't. That means reforming without dismantling. Innovating without alienating. Expanding access without eroding quality. We can't afford to chase ideals at the expense of functionality. Resilience must be engineered through cooperation, not confrontation. And the private sector, if wisely regulated and ethically engaged, can be a powerful force for equitable, sustainable health. In this new era, resilience is not about returning to what was. It's about designing what's next with all hands on deck.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
APOS Co-Founder Vivek Couto On Expectations For 2025 Event & How Asia Has Become A Key Battleground For The Future Of Entertainment
The latest iteration of the APOS conference features a who's-who of top-level film, TV and media players changing the course of the business in Asia. Here's just a small sample: DAZN co-founder James Rushton, Candle Media CEO Kevin Mayer, Foxtel boss Patrick Delany, Google APAC President Sanjay Gupta, iQiyi's Yang Xianghua and Kaichen Li, Netflix Korean content chief Don Kang, Nine Entertainment's Amanda Laing, Owl & Co. CEO founder Hernan Lopez and Jiyeon Song from Korean micro-drama platform TopReels. More from Deadline David Harbour On Feeling Relieved Over 'Stranger Things' Ending: "You're Having To Play A Lot Of The Same Beat" List Of Hollywood & Media Layoffs From Paramount To Warner Bros Discovery To CNN & More MTV Entertainment Studios, Comedy Central Executives Depart Amid Paramount Layoffs Add to that bosses from JioStar, Prime Video, NBCUniversal, Warner Bros Discovery, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Disney, Paramount, TikTok, TBS, BBC Studios and Banijay and it's clear why APOS has become a key fixture on the calendar. They've got plenty to discuss this year. APOS Executive Director and co-founder Vivek Couto is gearing up for his C-suite get-together in Bali with a global market facing a fast-changing outlook. Tech giants in Asia such as Google, Meta, Netflix and Amazon have been benefitting from growth in mobile screen, smart TV and fixed broadband usage across the continent, while traditional players have been rolling out new services and attempting to keep their linear businesses alive. 'At APOS 2025, we're focused on helping the industry navigate through disruption and opportunity,' says Couto, the veteran analyst who led the creation and is also Managing Director of Media Partners Asia. 'The next wave of monetization is here, and it's not just about more eyeballs, but better economics. We've designed a program that addresses the big shifts: the monetization of sport and entertainment, the role of AI across the stack, and how platforms are scaling in the big local markets that matter.' So what are the pressing live issues? Couto says one is that both the global giants and scaled local businesses need to find 'more robust' ways of making money and investing on content to seal their spots in the new digital ecosystem. 'Our focus is how that transition and monetization keeps pace, and who has the strategies to drive it,' he adds. APOS begins on June 24 with an invite-only CEO Forum, followed by a welcome reception at the Ayana Resort. Day 1 of the conference (June 25) is a big one for film and TV. An early highlight will be Google's Gupta discussing the power of storytelling in his talk on Asia's digital future. 'Google clearly has a view on the impact of AI on content creation and the growth of creators, who are monetizing through social platforms,' says Couto. 'It could also be a very big opportunity for long-form creators. Everyone is experimenting with AI.' We hear that on the same morning, Netflix's Kang, who is VP of Content, Korea, will discuss the performance of Squid Game Season 2, just days ahead of Season 3's launch. 'Netflix has a view on how it did, and Kang also wants to address [emerging perceptions] of a lull in the Korean creative economy. Korea is critical for Netflix, as they'll be investing around $700M there in next 3-4 years.' Ex-Disney boss Mayer will also address how to scale storytelling, while former Fox Networks boss Lopez will discuss the economics of streaming from the perspective of his consultancy Owl & Co. Prime Video India execs will talk about monetizing the explosion in streaming in India, while JioStar execs appear several times as their JioHotstar platform continues with its mission to be a service for a 'billion screens' across India. Couto says the shift towards short-form content, which has blown up in China and Korea through micro-drama platforms such as TopReels, is dictating how several companies are approaching content investments in 2025. Other points of discussion will be the strong theatrical growth in Indonesia, HBO Max's debut in Australia, the expanding addressable TV ads market in India and sports IP. Couto expects much talk to center on how companies should exploit the changing nature of entertainment consumption, giving the example of Disney, whose consumer products, parks and experiences business now generates over 50% of its operating profit on a global basis. This is one place where the traditional players might have the upper hand over the likes of Netflix and YouTube. 'The difference for players like Disney and Warner, in particular, is they've got a lot of revenues coming out of consumer products,' he says. 'It emphasizes the need to consider all revenue streams beyond screen entertainment.' In a similar vein, Couto notes that Google will address why YouTube is looking into subscription models, 'driven by the need to sustain growth beyond ad revenues.' Day 2 morning will be focused on AI – no surprises there, as the conversation moves towards digital companies such as Sandbox, StoryFit and TikTok. After lunch, there will be a session on U.S. content's impact in APAC, with Chris Taylor, MD APAC, Television Distribution, Networks & DTC at NBCUniversal; Amanda Laing, MD Streaming & Broadcast, Nine Entertainment; Adam Herr, SVP of Distribution, APAC at Sony Pictures Entertainment and Toshi Honda, COO at U-Next appearing together on a panel. Nicholas Simon, founder and CEO of The White Lotus Season 3 co-producer Indochina Productions will appear in a chat about Asia's creative economy going global, alongside Banijay Asia CEO Deepak Dhar and Disalada Disayanon from Kantana Group. Storytelling in the fast-growing theatrical market of Indonesia, the micro-drama boom, sports streaming and media investments will also be on the menu. The key focuses at APOS this year in terms of markets are India, where addressable TV ad growth is supercharging streaming revenues; Japan, which Couto says has 'really come of age as a $5.5B premium VOD market, led by SVOD and premium AVOD'; Indonesia, where the theatrical market has exploded; and Australia, which he predicts will see more big-scale M&A following DAZN's deal for paycaster Foxtel. Ulitmately, the entire event will be geared towards what comes next. 'As we go into this year's APOS, Netflix, Disney, Amazon and YouTube and scaled local platforms such as JioStar, U-Next and Foxtel are all generating profit and more and more cash,' says Couto. 'The key question is now about maintaining the balance between growing margins and investing to drive new growth.' Best of Deadline List Of Hollywood & Media Layoffs From Paramount To Warner Bros Discovery To CNN & More Sean 'Diddy' Combs Sex-Trafficking Trial Updates: Cassie Ventura's Testimony, $10M Hotel Settlement, Drugs, Violence, & The Feds A Full Timeline Of Blake Lively & Justin Baldoni's 'It Ends With Us' Feud In Court, Online & In The Media
Hans India
03-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Piyush Goyal calls for steps to boost India-France trade
Paris: Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday said that India and France must work to strengthen bilateral economic ties as there was ample scope to boost trade between the two countries from the current level of $15 billion. Addressing the India-France CEO Forum here, the minister said both countries must work towards deeper cooperation in emerging and strategic sectors. "We cannot be satisfied with just $15 billion. The scope is far greater," Goyal remarked. He suggested forming joint working groups in the private sector under the CEO Forum to explore collaborations in artificial intelligence, tourism, manufacturing, and global capability centres as well. Goyal also announced that India and France would activate a fast-track mechanism at the ambassadorial level to help businesses overcome trade and regulatory hurdles. "This will help us find new areas of trade and support each other in crossing the Rubicon of regulation," he remarked. He pointed out that Indian businesses are often "foxed" by the EU's complex regulatory environment. "It's a maze, especially with each EU member state having its own set of rules," Goyal said. The minister reaffirmed that India and the EU remain committed to concluding a comprehensive trade deal before the end of 2025. He also held a meeting with Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong and discussed ways to boost economic ties and huge opportunities in the Indian shipping sector. Goyal also plans to hold bilateral meetings in Paris with the United Kingdom's Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds and Saudi Arabia's Minister of Commerce, Dr Majid bin Abdullah Al-Kasabi, among others. The Indian Minister is on an official visit to France and Italy, reflecting India's continued commitment to deepening strategic and economic ties with key European partners and advancing a shared vision for resilient and inclusive global growth. As part of the visit, he will also be meeting top leadership of major French companies such as Vicat, Total Energies, L'Oreal, Renault, Valeo, EDF and ATR. Goyal will also participate in the informal gathering of WTO Ministers on the margins of the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting. At this crucial forum, he will engage with global counterparts on key multilateral trade issues and articulate the perspectives and priorities of the country.
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh heads to Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan
Amid Pakistan's outreach to Eurasia following Operation Sindoor, India is deputing a minister to visit Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, both of whom share strategic partnership with New Delhi. Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs, and Environment, Forest & Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh will visit Tajikistan and the Kyrgyz Republic for a week beginning Friday. Singh will meet the foreign ministers of both countries and other high-level officials. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Alerta: Você tem zumbido no ouvido? Dica de ouro pode aliviar! Zumbido no ouvido Undo Kyrgyzstan withdrew its envoy from Pakistan for appearing to be pro-Pakistan during the Indo-Pak conflict as Bishkek felt it would damage its ties with India. Bishkek withdrew its envoy from Islamabad for organising a CEO Forum in the middle of the India-Pakistan conflict as the central Asian country's President felt that such a forum could be viewed as a step that could jeopardise its ties with New Delhi. While Pakistan has increased its business ties with Kyrgyzstan and people-to-people ties have picked up, Bishkek's ties with India date back to the Soviet Union days and are built on goodwill ever since. Recently, the Kyrgyz authorities also cracked down on illegal migrants presumably from Pakistan and Bangladesh. Live Events India is also planning to host five Central Asian foreign ministers in June to boost counter-terror, connectivity and business ties. In Tajikistan, MoS will lead the Indian delegation to the High-Level International Conference on Glaciers' Preservation being held in Dushanbe on 29 May-1 June, officials informed.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Kyrgyzstan recalls envoy from Pakistan over business forum amid India conflict
Kyrgyzstan recalled its ambassador from Pakistan. This action followed the organisation of a CEO Forum amidst India-Pakistan tensions. The Kyrgyz President worried the forum might harm relations with India. The event could be seen as pro-Pakistan during the conflict. A Pak-Kyrgyzstan meeting in Islamabad is now postponed. Ambassador Avazbek Atakhanov failed in his diplomatic mission. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads New Delhi: Kyrgyzstan has withdrawn its envoy from Islamabad for organising a CEO Forum in the middle of India-Pakistan conflict last week as the Central Asian country's President felt that such a forum could be viewed as a step that can jeopardise its ties with New Kyrgyz leadership felt that the forum could project that the country is taking a pro-Pakistan stance in the middle of a conflict, ET has learnt. A meeting of the Pak-Kyrgyzstan Intergovernmental Commission in Islamabad scheduled in the coming days has also been postponed."Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to Pakistan Avazbek Atakhanov has failed in his diplomatic mission amid the military confrontation between India and Pakistan. He did not properly build an information policy around the conflict," a source, who did not wish to be identified, said."Atakhanov's key mistake was holding a Kyrgyz-Pakistani business forum in Karachi. Information about the event was released on May 10 when hostilities were still ongoing and it was not known when the conflict could end. The decision to participate in the forum may have been perceived as clear support for Pakistan to the detriment of relations with India. Atakhanov lacked political foresight and he miscalculated completely," according to the above-mentioned Pakistan has increased its business ties with Kyrgyzstan and people-to-people ties have picked up, Bishkek ties with India date back to the Soviet Union days and are built on goodwill ever since.
