08-Jul-15 Emerging markets are the medtech industry’s best prospects for growth, but most medical devices are still designed in the US and Europe. That can present a problem when companies try to adapt devices or develop new devices for non-Western markets, which may have different cultural, financial, and other considerations that can affect the success of a product. [image: University of Minnesota]

18-Jun-15 Merck's Russian expansion drive remains unaltered, its top executives say, despite a looming recession, a state localization drive, and deteriorating relations with the West. Merck is increasing headcount and expects to improve on its EUR150 mn sales of 2014. "It is crucial to capture the niche markets," said Jurgen Konig, head of Merck in Russia. [image: Armin Kübelbeck / Wikicommons]

23-Mar-15 Healthcare workers in central Russia have threatened to stage a hunger strike to protest against what they describe as "repercussions" against co-workers who demanded better working conditions and higher salaries at previous protests. [image: Sergei Porter / Vedomosti / The Moscow Times]

06-Feb-15 Foreign producers of medical devices and supplies will be phased out of government tenders in Russia as Moscow strives to curb reliance on imports. Foreign companies’ tender applications will now be denied if there are two entries from Russia or other Eurasian Economic Union members Belarus, Armenia and Kazakhstan. [image: The Moscow Times]

03-Dec-14 Thousands of people have demonstrated in downtown Moscow, complaining that the quality of healthcare provided by the mandatory state insurance program is deteriorating, and accessing it is becoming far more difficult. Good care, they say, is available only through expensive private health. [image: The Christian Science Monitor/Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP]