Global Scans · Health · Weekly Summary

• [New] Technology was evolving to assist with maintaining cognitive function through stimulation and engagement, while other technology could compensate for certain health challenges. UNSW Sites
• [New] 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
• [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
• [New] 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
• [New] Bacterial antimicrobial resistance is one of the main health threats of the 21st century. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] 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
• [New] Building a world-leading health biotech industry The Commission has proposed a biotech act to support innovation and increase Europe's biotechnology potential. European Commission
• [New] In the United States, the eastern shore of southern Florida, dengue remains a measurable health risk for residents and visitors. Vax-Before-Travel
• [New] As 2026 approaches, experts are closely monitoring trends such as innovation in gene therapy, oncology treatments, and personalized medicine. GeneOnline News
• [New] Congress's failure to extend the enhanced subsidies means an estimated 4.8 million Americans will lose health care coverage in 2026 and more than 20 million Americans will see their health care costs rise dramatically. Heal CA
• [New] 86% of health systems are now using some form of AI, with the majority applying it to detect clinical patterns and generate insights that humans might overlook. National Association of Counties
• [New] Global health insurance costs are forecast to increase 10.3% in 2026, following estimated growth of 10% in 2025 and 9.5% in 2024. Insurance Business
• [New] WTW's 2026 Global Medical Trends report projects that healthcare costs will rise by 16.9% in 2026, up from 15.5% in 2025 and above the 14% average increase expected across Asia-Pacific. Insurance Business
• [New] WTW's 2026 Global Medical Trends report estimates that global health insurance costs will rise 10.3% in 2026, after increases of 10% in 2025 and 9.5% in 2024. Insurance Business
• [New] Nearly three-quarters of pharmacy leaders at hospitals and health systems anticipate weather-related events to interfere with operations and medication access in 2026. Becker's Hospital Review | Healthcare News & A
• [New] Dealmaking in health services is poised for a rebound in 2026 as companies improve in quality and use technology - particularly artificial intelligence - to attract buyers. Healthcare Dive
• [New] Investment explosion in AI-driven automation, precision medicine, autonomous systems, and ethical governance will shape the next decade. SentiSight.ai
• [New] Health insurance costs are expected to rise for Americans in 2026. Business Insider
• [New] Worldwide AI spending will surpass $1 trillion in 2025, fueled by investments in AI infrastructure, data centers and research, with a significant portion dedicated to medicine and biosecurity. Mobihealthnews
• [New] 2026 will be a decisive M&A year as EHRs, HIEs, and population-health vendors absorb adjacent assets to offer broader, AI-enhanced platforms. Signify Research
• [New] Patient experiences go up - 2025 will be a year for testing experience innovations for patients and clinicians alike in healthcare. Qualtrics
• [New] 2025 will be another year to stay focused on longer-term growth trends, like artificial intelligence and energy transition, as well as rapid innovation in sectors like healthcare. UK - EN - Institutional
• [New] A quick and easy breath test could mean new hope in the early detection of pancreatic cancer, and medical experts say it could be the biggest breakthrough in the fight against the deadly disease in half a century. New York Post

Last updated: 26 December 2025