U.S. Government Battles Healthcare Access and Policy Changes

Major policy and care access developments are unfolding in the U.S. healthcare sector as 2025 draws to a close. Proposed federal rules by the Department of Health and Human Services would significantly restrict access to gender-affirming care for minors, barring hospitals from offering such treatments if they wish to remain eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, and limiting public insurance coverage for these services. The proposal has sparked backlash from medical groups and civil rights organizations, who argue it could jeopardize care for vulnerable youth and intensify nationwide legal challenges. At the same time, debates continue in Congress over extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, with millions at risk of facing higher healthcare costs if support is not secured before early 2026. The healthcare workforce is also under strain as junior doctors in England begin a five-day strike amid rising flu hospitalisations, highlighting staffing and compensation issues across systems. Meanwhile, public health dynamics are shifting with a new flu strain sweeping Europe, prompting urgent calls for vaccination and stretching hospital resources. Finally, the Indian state health minister has handed out job appointment letters to 66 medical professionals, underscoring efforts to strengthen frontline health services locally.