13-Mar-15 Vietnam has been a strong source of double-digit growth for international pharmaceutical and medical device companies over the past decade. However, fears are growing among European and American executives that the good times may be coming to an end. [image: Nikkei Asian Review]

12-Mar-15 Pharmaceutical giant GSK has announced that it will use Singapore as a base to steer its growth in Asia, with the set-up of a new regional headquarters there. The new HQ will be “one of three co-global ‘control towers’ alongside the UK and US, with the full suite of capabilities and autonomy to make decisions in Asia, for Asia". [image: Reuters]

11-Mar-15 Thailand's Ministry of Public Health is setting up “Health Zones” in a reform of the country's health mechanisms aimed to reduce disparity and provide greater access. Each zone has a committee to manage finance, workforce and other resources, and to link together local health services, from primary care to highly specialized care in various local facilities. [image: The Nation]

10-Mar-15 The over-use of antibiotics stemming from both healthcare providers and patients, low-quality antibiotics and incorrect dosages have led to a serious increase in antibiotic resistance in Vietnam. As a result, healthcare costs and treatment times have both risen. Doctors are urging correct use of medicines to avoid an escalation in diseases such as pneumonia. [image: Vietnam News]

05-Mar-15 Vietnam hopes to achieve 75% health insurance coverage this year and 80% by 2020, up from 72% in 2014. The 2014 target mandated by the National Assembly was originally 75%. The government is also making strong efforts to relieve overloading on hospitals by improving healthcare administration. [image: The Voice of Vietnam]