Investing in healthcare and medical innovation could generate major economic benefits while helping people live longer and healthier lives, according to a new analysis highlighting the growing importance of healthcare investment.
The analysis explains that healthcare should not be viewed only as an expense but also as a key investment in human wellbeing, economic productivity and long-term development.
Poor Health Creates a Heavy Economic Burden
The report highlights how serious diseases, including breast cancer, multiple sclerosis and retinal conditions, affect not only patients but also families, workplaces and national economies.
According to the analysis, non-communicable diseases account for approximately 75 percent of deaths worldwide. These conditions also reduce people’s ability to work, remain independent and contribute to society.
Research cited in the report estimates that major non-communicable diseases could result in $30 trillion in lost economic output between 2011 and 2030.
Healthcare Investment Could Generate Trillions
A McKinsey estimate cited in the analysis suggests that more strategic investment in health could add up to $12.5 trillion to the global economy annually by 2050 while helping people gain nearly a decade of healthier life.
The report also references independent research by the WifOR Institute examining five countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Serbia and Türkiye.
Across these countries, productivity losses associated with HER2-positive breast cancer, multiple sclerosis and retinal diseases reached an estimated $21.9 billion between 2017 and 2025.
Early Diagnosis and Treatment Remain Important
The analysis highlights the importance of diagnosing diseases early and ensuring patients receive effective treatment without unnecessary delays.
Early intervention can improve breast cancer outcomes, slow disability progression in multiple sclerosis and help preserve vision in people with retinal diseases.
It also identifies digital healthcare, artificial intelligence, smarter diagnostic tools and medical research as important areas for improving healthcare systems.
Five Priorities for Better Healthcare
The report identifies five priorities for countries seeking to improve healthcare and economic development: strengthening medical research, including health in national strategies, transforming healthcare delivery, accelerating digital technology and building partnerships between governments, healthcare providers and industry.
The findings underline that investing in better healthcare can support healthier communities, stronger economies and a more productive future.
