Medicare Payment Shake-Up: CMS proposed a 2.4% net increase to Medicare hospital outpatient rates for 2027, while also pushing site-neutral changes and other payment cuts that could squeeze resources for outpatient care. Direct Contracting Debate: A House panel weighed whether employers should contract directly with providers to lower costs and reduce admin friction, but no clear legislative path emerged. Rehab Standards for Stroke: The World Stroke Organization rolled out a Rehabilitation Certification Program to set quality standards and improve access to post-stroke rehab, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Rural Access Funding: Wyoming opened applications for its Rural Health Transformation Program, with $205M aimed at strengthening emergency care, workforce, and tech in rural communities. Workforce & Safety Worries in NHS: A UK mental health trust was rated “requires improvement” after staff said leaders weren’t visible and many felt unsafe raising concerns. Access Failures Highlighted: A Haryana newborn reportedly died after a 15-hour ventilator search across hospitals, renewing pressure on neonatal critical-care capacity. Drug Market Update: Australia will discontinue Daonil (glibenclamide) from Nov. 30, 2026, urging patients to plan alternatives with their diabetes team. Global Wellness Push: India’s NITI Aayog and PwC released a roadmap to make Ayurveda globally recognized by 2047, including export and education steps. Hospital Expansion in Malaysia: Malaysia’s health ministry is reviewing plans for a new hospital in Bandar Enstek to ease congestion at Tuanku Ja’afar Hospital.