Global Scans · Health · Weekly Summary

• [New] Consumers will clean up their personal plumes for the sake of health and the planet. The Produce News
• [New] Federated learning networks will explode in healthcare by 2026 because of privacy regulations like GDPR. Software House
• [New] Health systems could lose significant revenue over the next decade if they fail to deliver virtual health options that consumers now expect. Talencio
• [New] As the workforce remains stretched, 2026 will see more companies integrating mental health resources into safety and HR programs. CONEXPO-CON/AGG
• [New] Meeting the demands of 2026 and beyond will also require sustained investment in healthcare infrastructure-creating a transparent, interoperable data superhighway that connects employers, insurers, providers, pharmacies, and patients in real time. The American Bazaar
• [New] Significant reductions in foreign aid have led to major disruptions in health programs, particularly in conflict-riddled areas such as Gaza and Ukraine. OpenTools
• [New] The brupt funding cuts have resulted in perilous risks for the global HIV response that threaten the health and well-being of millions of people throughout the world. Health Policy Watch
• [New] Global collaboration will be essential, with open standards, shared cyber security protocols and cross-border innovation partnerships to tackle challenges like health inequity and climate change. UKAuthority
• [New] By 2030, more than one million drones could be flying worldwide every day, performing tasks ranging from medical deliveries and infrastructure inspections to security and surveillance. IO+
• [New] Healthcare Expansion: One Medical and Amazon Pharmacy are slowly gaining scale, with potential for Amazon to become a major player in telehealth and prescription delivery by 2026. FinancialContent
• [New] As far as upcoming trends are concerned, in 2026, healthcare technology will evolve with integration, automation, security, and equity in focus. Continuum
• [New] Healthcare institutions will implement zero-trust environments and AI threat detection solutions in 2026. Continuum
• [New] Health inequities account for $320 billion in annual healthcare spending and if left unaddressed, could reach $1 trillion by 2040. Medical Guardian
• [New] 62% of healthcare leaders say GenAI will hold the highest potential value in improving patient engagement. Medical Guardian
• [New] Premiums for Part B health insurance are expected to jump by nearly 12% in 2026 - to $206.50, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or CMS. Money
• [New] Employers project a median 9% health care cost trend for 2026. UnitedHealthcare
• Technology was evolving to assist with maintaining cognitive function through stimulation and engagement, while other technology could compensate for certain health challenges. UNSW Sites
• U.S. regulated cannabis sales (including adult use and medical) are anticipated to reach $39.1 billion by 2029, supported by sales from flower, vapes, pre-rolled and edibles. Cannabis Science and Technology - Cannabis Industry New
• Financial institutions are watching the 4.6% unemployment rate closely; if the time-to-hire continues to increase, even without a spike in layoffs, consumer credit health could begin to erode by the second quarter of 2026. Valley City Times-Record
• In 2026, federal and state governments must enact measures that protect scientific guidance from political pressure, rebuild systems that were weakened, fund public health workforce pipelines, and protect reproductive health data from misuse. Time
• Bacterial antimicrobial resistance is one of the main health threats of the 21st century. PubMed Central (PMC)
• The average cost of employer-sponsored health insurance reached $17,496 per employee in 2025, and is expected to increase another 6.7% in 2026, which would bring the average cost above $18,500 per employee. Tim McDaniel

Last updated: 02 January 2026