A regional policy forum held in Bangkok has brought together healthcare and social protection experts from across Asia and the Pacific to strengthen efforts toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Universal Social Protection (USP).
The two-day event, held on 12–13 May 2026, was organized by the International Labour Organization in collaboration with the ASEAN Institute for Health Development and the Providing for Health Network, with support from the governments of Luxembourg and Belgium.
The forum focused on improving social health protection systems through stronger financing models, expanded healthcare access, better institutional coordination, and more inclusive policy frameworks. Participants included health protection administrators, researchers, development agencies, trade unions, and civil society organizations from across the region.
Thunwadee Suksaroj said the gathering reflected a shared commitment to ensuring equal access to healthcare and social protection services for all populations.
Discussions highlighted the need for long-term political commitment and sustainable public investment to improve healthcare systems and reduce financial hardship caused by medical costs. Participants also emphasized the importance of linking health, employment, and social protection policies to provide more continuous and effective support for vulnerable communities.
Xiaoyan Qian stated that social health protection is essential for promoting social justice, reducing inequality, and ensuring affordable healthcare access without financial burden.
The forum also featured technical operational clinics under the Providing for Health Network, where experts exchanged experiences on digitalization, financial management, monitoring systems, and institutional coordination for national health insurance programmes.
During the event, the ILO launched a new report titled Maternity Benefits in the ASEAN: Progress and Opportunities for Integrated Approaches across Social Protection and Health Systems. The publication examines maternity-related social protection and healthcare benefits across ASEAN member states, focusing on income security and healthcare affordability during pregnancy and childbirth.
While many countries in Asia and the Pacific have expanded social health protection coverage in recent years, organizers noted that progress has slowed and inequalities in access to quality healthcare services remain widespread. The forum aimed to support stronger regional collaboration and evidence-based policymaking to advance more inclusive and sustainable healthcare systems.
