Universal Health Care push in the Philippines: DOH and PhilHealth outlined a 16-month shared reform plan with partners to improve access, equity, and efficiency under UHC. Hospital access and staffing gaps: Eastern Samar’s new health leadership signals tighter coordination with provinces to upgrade facilities and services. Rural screening drive in Malaysia: Sabah launched PeKa B40 Catalyst Sabah 2026 to boost free health screenings for B40 groups, targeting low coverage in remote areas. Oxygen crisis in Gaza: The Health Ministry warned 22 of 34 oxygen stations are out of service, with remaining units at risk due to spare-part shortages and breakdowns. Workplace and governance accountability: Sabah’s Health Ministry completed an internal probe into an alleged hospital director sexual harassment case, transferring the officer administratively. Healthcare costs and employer pressure (US): Mercer projects steep employer health-benefit cost increases, urging employers to question whether hospitals use existing resources efficiently. Mental health and policy debate: A lawsuit alleges fraud tied to Selena Gomez’s mental health startup, while separate coverage highlights how severe mental illness can shorten life expectancy. Health system reform and infrastructure: Nepal moved to start an immediate trauma unit at Lahan Hospital while building toward a full trauma center. Care delivery outside hospitals: St. Mary’s County (Maryland) won a grant to launch a Mobile Integrated Health program to expand community-based care.