29-Dec-15 Samsung Electronics is addressing growing demand for quantified health with an all-in-one chip for health wearables, called a Bio-Processor. Now in mass production, it is specially designed to accelerate development of innovative wearables for consumers who are increasingly monitoring their health. While heart rate alone may have been compelling in the past, measuring a variety of fitness data is now a must. [image: Business Korea]

28-Dec-15 Japan's government has approved a draft budget for 2016 including JPY82.5 bn for the Ministry of Health, Labor & Welfare (MHLW) to promote development of innovative new drugs and medical devices, based on the comprehensive strategy for strengthening the pharmaceutical industry announced in Sep-15. Among others, this budget will fund initiatives to promote the practical application of genomic medicine. [image: Tohoku University]

25-Dec-15 Japan's first new school of medicine in 38 years will open close to Narita Airport with the aim of capitalizing on the medical tourism market and attracting foreign visitors for medical check-ups and treatments from world-class physicians. Foreign visitors will be offered general checkups, advanced medical care and the opportunity to see the sights of Tokyo. [image: International University of Health and Welfare]

23-Dec-15 Korea's Ministry of Health announced the Act on Overseas Medical Service & Support for Foreign Patient Attraction will become effective on 23-Jun-16. The Act helps Korean medical institutions make inroads abroad and supports the interests of non-Korean patients in Korea. Medical advertisements in foreign languages will be allowed at Korean airports, and overseas patients will be able to receive remote services via IT. [image: Business Korea]

15-Dec-15 At the recent RSNA exhibition in Chicago, GE proposed a system for information sharing across multiple settings, and Siemens devoted a big chunk of its space to the use of data, while Japanese players used the event to showcase more traditional technology. Finding ways to use data more effectively is assuming growing importance, but Japanese makers appear less interested in following this trend. [image: Nikkei Asian Review]