WS 11 - How can Health Insurance Schemes Help to Develop Sustainable Health Systems in the BRICS countries?

The (BRICS) countries Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa share similar problems regarding the foundation of sustainable health (care) systems even if their economic and political systems often do not develop in parallel. The BRICS countries already work together in different health organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO). The start of an own development bank (The new Development Bank) now offers new ways in cooperation. Recent political developments like the start of the world biggest health insurance schema in India - often called Modi-Care - and South Africa being under new management open new windows of opportunities.

The session has two aims: First, to inform about the concept of BRICS, the health status and the recent health care reforms in those countries. Second, to foster a discussion about the different possibilities and approaches to move to sustainable health systems in the BRICS countries by means of health insurance schemes. A point of discussion will also be how this can contribute to reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in these countries.