15-Jan-16 From 1-Jan-16 foreigners in Malaysia began bearing the full cost of medical treatment at government hospitals and clinics, a year ahead of initial plans. The Health Minister said the ministry revised its healthcare subsidy for foreigners as a cost-cutting measure to weather current economic challenges. [image: New Straits Times]

15-Jan-16 Singapore based traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) retailer Eu Yan Sang Intl (EYSI) has inked a deal to receive up to SGD60 mn (USD35 mn) in funding from HCare Investments Holding, an investment vehicle managed by Hong Kong based CareCapital Advisors, as it widens its footprint in China. [image: Eu Yan Sang]

14-Jan-16 Philips has announced an agreement with the Sijunjung Regency in West Sumatra, Indonesia, for full-scale commercial implementation - Philips’ first globally - of its Mobile Obstetrics Monitoring (MOM) service. The smartphone service identifies mothers-to-be at high risk and enables midwives in remote locations to share data and ultrasound images with obstetricians in the country’s larger hospitals, for improved decision-making. [image: Philips]

14-Jan-16 Unsafe use of medication is a major issue in both developed and developing countries, causing millions of injuries and costing USD4 bn annually. 10% of patients worldwide are affected, said a WHO report. "A global concerted effort is needed to address patient medication safety... Communication has become the buzzword," said Dr. SD Gupta, President of IIHMR University in Jaipur. [image: Keval News]

14-Jan-16 India plans to roll out the red carpet for medical tourists with a series of initiatives being planned. These include online approval for medical visa, accreditation of hospitals and wellness institutions and establishing fixed charges for services. The tourism ministry plans to grade institutions, offer information on costs via a web portal, and accredited facilities to ensure quality. [image: IndiaLine]