20-Jan-17 Poor spending on healthcare is a major concern in India, where most cannot afford private healthcare. India ranks abysmally low on public healthcare expenditure. The objective laid out in the National Health Policy to increase expenditure 1.04 per cent of GDP to 2.5 per cent by 2020, with 70 per cent for primary care, has been a welcome step. [image: Business Standard]

19-Jan-17 Researchers at Osaka University are aiming to take the institution's regenerative medicine and medical equipment to the world. The university's Global Center for Medical Engineering and Informatics is teaming up with Asian countries where there is insufficient equipment. The center has produced a prototype of a small laparoscopy system that can be operated with one hand. [image: Osaka University]

18-Jan-17 The CDFA has published “Guidelines for the Preparation of Special Reports on the Application of Innovative Medical Devices" to encourage medical device study and innovation, and to promote new medical device technology. The medical device industry represents massive potential in China with only 14% of the country’s total pharma/devices market, compared with 42% in developed markets. [image: Woke Medical]

18-Jan-17 Singapore will reorganise the healthcare system into three integrated clusters. Health Minister Gan Kim Yong said “There remain many challenges ahead such as our ageing population, increased chronic disease burden and the need to manage future growth in healthcare manpower and spending.” With all three clusters having primary care capabilities, integration of care in instances like patient referrals will be streamlined. [image: Today / Channel News Asia]

18-Jan-17 Private equity firms and hedge funds are investing heavily into China’s healthcare industry in a bet on the sector’s upbeat growth potential. Private hospitals and drug makers are among the bright spots for investors focusing on China, where rising income and an ageing population are boosting the demand for quality medical services. [image: South China Morning Post]