MedWorm: Middle East Health

Abu Dhabi inks data sharing agreement

Healthcare — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:57:16 +0100

Health Authority-Abu Dhabi (HAAD) has signed a service level agreement with Abu Dhabi Systems and Information Centre (ADSIC) to facilitate the sharing of geospatial data among government agencies and other stakeholders. HAAD will ensure that any documentation, including data, codes and technical classifications needed for effective use of Spatial Data is made available to other AD-SDI community members, while ADSIC will be responsible for adopting measures for the sharing of Spatial Data among AD-SDI community members or other parties. (Source: Healthcare)

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UAE plan to tackle Emirati nurse shortage

Healthcare — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:22:39 +0100

The UAE plans to launch a degree programme aimed at tackling the severe shortage of Emirati female nurses, The National has reported. The proposed programme would consolidate existing diploma degrees in the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) into a single bachelor's programme, the minister of health said. The plan also involves the formulation of a strategy to develop the profession across the country, devising rules that determine whether hospitals and medical centres are equipped to train prospective nurses, accreditation of the new degrees and development of training and education facilities. (Source: Healthcare)

Kuwait tops healthcare ad spend

Healthcare — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:43:13 +0100

A study by the Pan Arab Research Centre in Dubai estimates the total advertising spend value of the whole healthcare sector in the GCC at $162m, 9% of which comes from the UAE, Khaleej Times has reported. 'This is for the period from January to September of this year. The full-year estimate could reach some $215million,' general manager of the centre, Sami Raffoul told the UAE's first conference on health advertisements. Forty-one percent of the estimated total is on Pan Arab media, 12% in Saudi Arabia, 29% in Kuwait, and 9% in other GCC countries, he said. (Source: Healthcare)

ADIH unveils healthcare fund

Healthcare — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:39:58 +0100

Wellpharma Holding, the healthcare and pharmaceutical investment arm of Abu Dhabi Investment House (ADIH), has announced the launch of the Wellpharma Medical Solutions Fund. The fund will invest in the development and operation of a local production facility in Abu Dhabi that will specialize in the manufacturing and distribution of high-quality Intravenous (IV) Solutions for medical treatments. The project has received in-principle approval from the Ministry of Health and the support of the Health Authority in Abu Dhabi. (Source: Healthcare)

Saudi sets H1N1 vaccine deadline

Healthcare — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:28:22 +0100

Saudi Arabia's ministry of health has given resident in the kingdom intending to perform the Haj pilgrimage until November 22 to receive the swine flu vaccine, Saudi Gazette has reported. The vaccine is available at all public health facilities across the country, the ministry said. (Source: Healthcare)

Abu Dhabi Health Authority to test 105 medicines

Healthcare — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:14:27 +0100

A team of experts from Health Authority-Abu Dhabi (HAAD) have removed stocks of some remedies from pharmacies, after a survey found that many over-the-counter cough and cold medicines sold in the country do not comply with international safety standards, The National has reported. In total, 105 medicines, all of which were legally registered by the ministry of health, are being tested by the Poison Drug and Information Centre (PDIC) at HAAD. The authority said further products were likely to be removed. HAAD declined to reveal the exact names of the products affected and was unable to confirm the amount of stock withdrawn. (Source: Healthcare)

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Rashid Hospital opens cath suite

Healthcare — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:21:03 +0100

Dubai-based Rashid Hospital has inaugurated a dedicated catheterization suite to cater to the growing number of cardiac cases the hospital receives. The new suite is equipped with a procedure room and has eight beds for patients, a control room for all the equipment and monitors and seminar room and an on-call room for doctors. Rashid Hospital saw 1,600 admissions to the cardiology department last year. (Source: Healthcare)

Misonix inks Xenith distribution deal

Healthcare — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 08:08:34 +0100

US-based developer of minimally invasive ultrasonic medical device technology Misonix, has signed a three-year distribution agreement with Duba-based Xenith for the distribution of the SonaStar Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator, the BoneScalpel Ultrasonic Bone Cutter, and the SonicOne Ultrasonic Wound Debrider. The agreement provides Xenith with the exclusive rights to sell in the UAE and other select markets and includes minimum purchase requirements. (Source: Healthcare)

Seha opens new ambulatory clinic in Al Ain

Healthcare — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 08:52:25 +0100

The Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) has opened a new Ambulatory Healthcare Center to cater to the Al Muwaiji Community in Al Ain, third new clinic of its type added to the SEHA - AHS network. The Al Muwaiji Healthcare Centre houses experienced specialist consultants that offer diagnosis, treatment and consultation, and will operate five days a week, Sunday to Thursday, from 8 am to 11 pm as well as the Poly Clinic on Saturdays and public holidays. (Source: Healthcare)

Nine H1N1 cases among pilgrims

Healthcare — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:32:21 +0100

Saudi Health Minister has said that nine people out of more than half a million who have arrived for the annual pilgrimage have been diagnosed with swine flu, AFP has reported. 'We are very happy. Out of the 600,000 arriving so far, we have only seen nine suspected cases of A(H1N1), and only two of those are in the hospital. The rest were treated and they were discharged,' Dr Abdullah al-Rabeeah told the news service. (Source: Healthcare)

Only govt health centres to offer H1N1 vaccine in UAE

Healthcare — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:16:00 +0100

The chaiman of the UAE's Technical H1N1 Committee has said that the H1N1 vaccine will be administered free of charge only in designated government health centres, Khaleej Times has reported. Private medical establishments in the country will not be allowed to carry out the vaccination, Dr Mahmoud Fikri said. (Source: Healthcare)

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Jordan will not inoculate people with allergies

Healthcare — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 06:58:11 +0100

The Jordanian health ministry has said that citizens with allergies, especially those allergic to eggs, will not be inoculated against swine flu, as they may be at risk of developing serious side effects, Jordan Times has reported. 'We will prepare a checklist and distribute it before administering vaccines, where people can list their allergies, to avoid any complications that might arise,' Adel Bilbeisi, the ministry's primary healthcare director, told reporters. (Source: Healthcare)

Jordan's pharmaceutical exports decline

Healthcare — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:57:01 +0100

Jordan's exports of medicines since January till August of this year declined by 11.4% to JD213.3m from JD240.8m for the same period last year, according to a report by the Central Bank of Jordan. Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Sudan and Lebanon accounted for 60.5% of Jordan's total exports of pharmaceutical products during the first eight months of 2009. (Source: Healthcare)

Emaar Healthcare looks to Syria, Egypt

Healthcare — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 08:40:50 +0100

Omar al Shunnar, chief executive of Emaar Healthcare, a subsidiary of Emaar Properties, has said that in addition to planning a hospital in Dubai, the firm is considering opening medical centres in Egypt and Syria as it looks to expand abroad, The National has reported. 'Currently, it's these three markets we're keeping our eye on. We're studying whether it's feasible, whether it's the right time and what exactly we will do there,' he said. (Source: Healthcare)

Glaxo 'sole supplier' of Saudi H1N1 vaccine

Healthcare — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 07:39:30 +0100

Saudi Arabia's health ministry has said that UK-based GlaxoSmithKline is the kingdom's sole supplier of an H1N1 flu vaccine, but other firms may later be included for the supply of a nationwide inoculation campaign, Reuters has reported. 'We will in the future get vaccines from other clients, from other companies, as soon as they get approved by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority,' health ministry spokesman Khaled Mirghalani told the news service. (Source: Healthcare)

Al-Ahli Hospital signs up with Al-Koot, Axa

Healthcare — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:35:57 +0100

Al-Ahli Hospital (AAH) in Qatar has inked medical services agreement with Al-Koot Insurance and Reinsurance Company and their partner AXA Insurance-Gulf, Gulf Times has reported. All Al-Koot/AXA medical insurance scheme members will be able to benefit both primary and secondary medical services directly at AAH effective November 15. (Source: Healthcare)

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Jordan registers generic Tamiflu

Healthcare — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:56:26 +0100

The Jordan Drug and Food Administration (JFDA) has announced the registration of the country's first generic version of the Tamiflu antiviral drug, state news agency Petra has reported. The new product 'Flufir' was given priority registration to supply the local market, JFDA said. (Source: Healthcare)

Parents' consent required for H1N1 shots in Saudi

Healthcare — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:46:38 +0100

Saudi Arabia's health ministry has said that parents must give their written consent before swine flu vaccinations are given to their children in schools, Arab News has reported. The ministry will send the specimen consent form to the Ministry of Education to be distributed to some 30,000 schools throughout the kingdom. (Source: Healthcare)

German firm buys medical lab in Saudi

Healthcare — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 07:57:58 +0100

Synlab GmbH, one of Germany's largest private clinical laboratory service providers, has acquired Saudi-owned United Medical Lab Riyadh to create the largest private laboratory in the kingdom, Arab News has reported. This would be the first private laboratory created under new Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) rules. Synlab plans to develop its activities in the kingdom and neighbouring Arab countries, Synlab said. (Source: Healthcare)

Stronger direction and investment required in GCC healthcare

Healthcare — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:02:41 +0100

The head of the GCC's Council of Health Ministers has called for greater investment in healthcare and demanded that governments put more emphasis into tackling the challenges faced by the sector. Speaking at the MEED Healthcare Conference today in Dubai, Dr Tawfik Khoja, Direcotr General, Executive Board at the Council of Health Ministers for Cooperation Council States, told delegates that there was a need for better IT systems, for the sector to be more consumer driven and for better quality of care and patient safety. (Source: Healthcare)

Dubai hospital gets accreditation from American authority

Healthcare — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 07:27:29 +0100

The City Hospital in Dubai Healthcare City said it has received accreditation from the College of American Pathologists after meeting the organization's standards in pathology and laboratory services. The body's Laboratory Accreditation Program is recognized by the US federal government as being equal to- or more stringent than- the government's own inspection programme, the hospital said in a statement. (Source: Healthcare)

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Egypt gets first delivery of A/H1N1 vaccine

Healthcare — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 07:01:46 +0100

Egypt received on Sunday the first batch of 80,000 doses of A/H1N1 vaccine from the UK, and another 70,000 doses are due to arrive today. Egyptian Health Minister Hatem el-Gabali had previously announced that the country is to import 5.5 million doses of the vaccine which will be transported to Egypt from this month on. On Saturday, Egyptian Ministry of Health reported the fifth A/H1N1 flu death case. (Source: Healthcare)

Saudi researchers develop cancer antigens

Healthcare — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 08:30:59 +0100

Researchers at King Saud University (KSU) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia have developed antigens that can prevent the spread of cancerous cells by boosting a patient's immune system, Arab News has reported. The research was conducted in collaboration with the State University of New York and financed by Sheikh Muhammad Hussein Al-Amoudi. (Source: Healthcare)

Kuwait to begin swine flu vaccination programme

Healthcare — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 07:43:06 +0100

Kuwait's health ministry is to launch an H1N1 vaccination campaign today, making the vaccine available to those most at risk to the virus, in line with World Health Organization recommendations, Kuwait Times has reported. Last month is received 145,000 doses of the vaccine, and these will be distributed to public clinics and hospitals. Kuwait expects to get a second batch of 600,000 doses of the vaccine in late December, and a total of two million doses by February, the ministry said. (Source: Healthcare)

Photoclinic: sarcoid dactylitis.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Mirfeizi Z, Pezeshki Rad M, Hashemzadeh S PMID: 19877757 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

Modelling of H1N1 Flu in Iran.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Since the number of S and VS cases would be crowded over a short period of time, the health care system most probably would not be able to provide appropriate services unless special measures are taken in advance. By reduction of R0 and the number of introduced infectious cases the peak of the outbreak might be postponed to the end of 2010. This would provide a golden opportunity to vaccinate a considerable proportion of the population. PMID: 19877744 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

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Sleep pattern in medical students and residents.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Sleep disturbances are an important issue among medical students and residents and associated with age, gender, living conditions, doing exercise, and workload. PMID: 19877745 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

Bone Density of Ambulatory Adult Patients Receiving Long-term Anticonvulsant Drug Therapy.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that maintenance therapy with antiepileptic drugs may decrease bone mass. These data also suggest a higher bone turnover rate in those receiving anticonvulsants. PMID: 19877746 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

Comparison of serum lead level in oral opium addicts with healthy control group.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: It would be concluded that opium addicts have an elevated BLL compared to healthy controls. Therefore, screening of blood lead concentration is helpful for opium addicted people especially with non-specific symptoms. In this regard, a similar investigation with a larger sample size of opium addicted patients (including both oral and inhaled) and a control group is suggested to confirm the findings of this research. PMID: 19877747 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

Comparison of databases for Iranian articles; access to evidence on substance abuse and addiction.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that after searching at least one general and one specialized Iranian database, 80% of studies relevant to addiction in Iran can be accessed. Introduction of developing countries' domestic databases can be beneficial in a more comprehensive access to scientific documentations. PMID: 19877748 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

Using hairy and non-hairy retroauricular-temporal composite flap in facial reconstruction.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: The Washio flap, with different modifications, is a useful technique for reconstruction of facial defects which may include hairy and non-hair bearing skin, preferably not larger than 7x5 cm in size, and particularly in young patients. PMID: 19877749 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

A case-control study on risk factors of osteoporosisin patients with Crohn's disease.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: The highest osteoporosis risk was seen in patients with a cumulative 10 - 35 g corticosteroid dose and could be due to both steroid inefficiency in reducing Crohn's disease inflammation as well as the cumulative drug dose and it's adverse effect on patients. PMID: 19877750 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

Gastric cancer in iran: epidemiology and risk factors.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Malekzadeh R, Derakhshan MH, Malekzadeh Z Although the global incidence of gastric cancer has been decreased dramatically in recent decades, it is the most common cancer in north and northwest Iran. The wide variation in incidence across different geographical areas and higher proportion of cardia cancer are two main characteristics of gastric cancer in Iran. Current investigations indicate that a high prevalence of H.pylori infection, high dietary intake of salt and smoking are the main environmental factors of gastric cancer in Iran. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is another contributing factor in populations with a higher incidence of gastric cardia cancer. While interventions on modifiable environmental risk factors should be considered as the main modality to reduce gast...

Analysis of BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutations in Southern Iranian Breast Cancer Patients.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Fattahi MJ, Mojtahedi Z, Karimaghaee N, Talei AR, Banani SJ, Ghaderi A The germline mutations of breast cancer susceptibility genes 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer susceptibility genes 1 (BRCA2) have been associated with a significant increase in breast cancer risk and certain other cancers. Among the most known mutations in these tumor suppressor genes are 5382insC and 185delAG in BRCA1 and 6174delT in BRCA2. The aim of the current study was to investigate the frequency of these BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in southern Iranian familial and sporadic cases with breast cancer.Two hundred fifty women with sporadic breast cancer, 55 women with a familial history of breast cancer in their first degree-relatives and 200 healthy women formed the studied groups. DNA from peripheral blood mon...

Mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Borhani Haghighi A, Nabavizadeh A, Sass JO, Safari A, Lankarani KB Mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy is an autosomal recessive disorder in which a nuclear mutation of the thymidine phosphorylase gene leads to mitochondrial genomic dysfunction. Herein, we report a 29-year-old Iranian man with abdominal pain, diarrhea, hearing loss, ophthalmoplegia, sensorimotor axonal neuropathy, and elevated muscle enzymes. Magnetic resonance imaging showed leukoencephalopathic changes. Metabolite analysis revealed a very high thymidine concentration in the patient's urine consistent with the diagnosis of mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy. PMID: 19877753 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

Association between Plaque-Type Psoriasis and Perianal Streptococcal Cellulitis and Review of the Literature.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

We describe a four-year-old boy with perianal streptococcal dermatitis who was brought to our clinic with plaque type psoriasis. PMID: 19877754 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

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Early psychiatric manifestation in a patient with primary progressive multiple sclerosis.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Shoja Shafti S, Nicknam Z, Fallah P, Zamani L Multiple sclerosis can create a variety of somatic, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms. Here we report a patient with early psychiatric symptoms including depression, dementia, and catatonia, who was eventually diagnosed as having primary progressive multiple sclerosis. PMID: 19877755 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

Neuropathic osteoarthropathy in a patient with congenital insensitivity to pain.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This report describes a 23-year-old man who presented with multiple joint deformities as a consequence of multiple painless intra-articular fractures.Blood counts, biochemistry, and nerve conduction velocity were all normal. X-ray studies showed joint destruction in hips, elbows and knees.We concluded that he is a case of congenital insensitivity to pain culminating in multiple charcot joints. PMID: 19877756 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

Photoclinic.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Mirfeizi Z, Pezeshki Rad M, Hashemzadeh S PMID: 19877757 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

Development of rheumatology in tehran university of medical sciences.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Davatchi F Rheumatology program at Tehran University was established by Fereydoun Davatchi in 1969. Later, Reza Moghtader, Firouz Panahi, and Amir-Khan Chafizadeh joined him. The first rheumatology outpatient clinic was founded in 1970. In 1974, the first rheumatology fellowship department was established along with a small research laboratory. The department expanded gradually to become the Rheumatology Research Center (RRC) in 1981. RRC was officially recognized in 1994 by the Ministry of Health and in 2001 as the Center of Excellence for Rheumatology in Iran. There are 15 rheumatologists who are the teaching staff at RRC. The center has trained up to 45 rheumatologists since 1985. RRC has conducted about 150 research projects (national and international collaborative projec...

Development of radiology in iran.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Vessal K, Rad S, Alizadeh A, Jalal-Shokouhi J Historically, stratification in medical profession has followed certain patterns pertinent to the nature of the work and the organ of interest. Evolution of radiology was, however, different insofar as it followed an accidental discovery toward the end of the 19th century. The physical properties of the discovered rays were to set the initial direction for future expansion of the discipline. PMID: 19877759 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

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Daman, Munich Re extends tie up to 2019

Healthcare — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 08:08:36 +0100

National Health Insurance Company (Daman)and Munich Re has inked a new agreement, extending their partnership to 2019. Daman is 80% owned by the government of Abu Dhabi and Munich Re holds 20%, which started operations in 2006. Daman has said the partnership has resulted into an 80% share in Abu Dhabi's health insurance market. (Source: Healthcare)

Syria to register Jordan pharmaceuticals

Healthcare — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 07:37:41 +0100

The Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA) has said that Syria has agreed to register Jordan-manufactured medicines even if alternatives are available, the Jordan Times has reported. Jordan-based pharmaceutical companies export medicines to 65 countries around the world, but have 'weak sales' in the Syrian market, JFDA noted. (Source: Healthcare)

Qatar college outfits new laboratories

Healthcare — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:11:51 +0100

Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar has said it has begun to outfit six new laboratories to investigate causes and treatments for diseases prevalent in the region, the Peninsula has reported. The college had received funding of more than $19m for this purpose from Qatar Foundation's National Priorities Research Programme. The research will focus on diseases and disorders including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, neurogenetic abnormalities, and respiratory disorders. (Source: Healthcare)

Bahrain limits flu tests

Healthcare — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:56:19 +0100

Bahrain's health ministry said it has stopped testing patients for swine flu, except in exceptional cases, Gulf Daily News has reported. The new policy also includes schoolchildren who report to health centres with the symptoms of ordinary flu, the ministry said. 'This has come about after we found that more than 80% of the students that were being tested for the virus were returning negative results,' Dr. Muna Al Mousawi, head of the ministry's communicable diseases said. (Source: Healthcare)

Jordan to receive first H1N1 vaccines soon

Healthcare — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 07:49:30 +0100

The first shipment of 12,000 H1N1 flu vaccines is expected to arrive in Jordan in seven to 10 days, a health ministry official said on Sunday. The first shipment will be used to vaccinate pilgrims, following a request by Saudi authorities that people preparing for the pilgrimage this year be vaccinated ahead of the Hajj season. (Source: Healthcare)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

116 cases of swine flu at Kuwaiti schools this year

Healthcare — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 07:30:39 +0100

Kuwaiti public schools have reported up to 122 cases of swine flu since the start of the new term on September 27, KUNA has reported. The ministry plans to announce the running totals of swine flu cases at schools every week for the next two months as part of a policy aimed at promoting transparency. (Source: Healthcare)

Dubai's Healthcare City to launch mobile clinic

Healthcare — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 06:34:32 +0100

Dubai Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) has launched its two-week mobile clinic out-reach initiative in partnership with Unilever, Gulf News has reported. A team of medical experts from DHCC's facilities, including Imperial Healthcare Institute, Medicentres International, Magrabi Eye Hospital and Boston Institute for Dental Research and Education, will offer general health checks, consultations, eye and dental screenings to male and female labourers in Dubai. (Source: Healthcare)

UAE's swine flu vaccines delayed

Healthcare — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 06:33:25 +0100

The UAE's Ministry of Health has said the first batch of H1N1 vaccines will be delayed due to reasons beyond its control and is now expected to arrive sometime next month, Gulf News has reported. One of the reasons for the delay is the manufactures' inability to meet up with the growing demands of the vaccine, the ministry said. (Source: Healthcare)

Dubiotech inks Swiss cooperation deal

Healthcare — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 08:17:56 +0100

Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech), has announced that it has signed an agreement with the Swiss Biotech Association. In addition to collaboration between the two biotechnology organisations, one of the initiatives under the agreement includes a campaign to raise awareness among Swiss biotechnology and medical technology companies about the Middle East's growing healthcare market and the benefits offered by DuBiotech as a life sciences free zone. (Source: Healthcare)

Bahrain H1N1 vaccine delivery delayed

Healthcare — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 07:10:22 +0100

Bahrain's public health director, Dr. Khairya Moosa has said that logistical issues have delayed the first dose of 60,000 swine flu vaccines until the end of the month. 'The delay has been all over the world and Bahrain is no exception. We are, however, not unduly worried with the slight delay,' she said. The first doses of the vaccine were scheduled to arrive by October 15. (Source: Healthcare)

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Oman launches H1N1 vaccine

Healthcare — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 07:08:53 +0100

Oman's health ministry has announced the launch of the H1N1 vaccine and the mechanism of its distribution, according to the Times of Oman. The ministry has decided to distribute the vaccine based on the opinion of experts from within and outside the Sultanate. (Source: Healthcare)

Julphar posts Dhs110.9m net profits in nine months

Healthcare — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 08:01:29 +0100

Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries (Julphar) has announced a net profit of Dhs110.9m for the period January to September, Gulf News has reported. During a meeting of its board of directors, the company announced registered sales revenue of Dhs581.1m for the period January to September, up by 29.6%, year-on-year (YOY). Meanwhile, operating profit posted Dhs115.8m for the period, up 59.2% YOY. (Source: Healthcare)

Egypt pilgrims to get flu vaccine

Healthcare — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:11:10 +0100

Egyptian pilgrims will be given swine flu vaccination before embarking on their journey to Mecca, AP has reported. The A(H1N1) vaccine would be available from Friday, and pilgrims 'must be vaccinated according to instructions and conditions of the Saudi health ministry,' Health Minister Hatem al-Gabali said. (Source: Healthcare)

Al-Futtaim partners with healthcare solutions providers

Healthcare — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:02:11 +0100

Dubai-based Al Futtaim Technologies has announced it is partnering with Argility and Pragmedic Solutions to expand its offerings in the healthcare industry. Argility's solutions include independent or integrated dispensing, electronic point of sale and in-store retail management software. Pragmedic provides solutions in the areas of electronic medical record, practice management, enterprise healthcare reporting and physician/patient portal communication. (Source: Healthcare)

Etisalat, GE Healthcare ink agreement

Healthcare — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 06:31:07 +0100

Etisalat and GE Healthcare have signed an agreement aimed at making the most of the synergies between healthcare and telecom. Etisalat said it will leverage GE Healthcare's innovative solutions and expertise in capturing patient information. This strategic combination will result in the development and offering of medical data management and remote clinical support services via Etisalat's telecom infrastructure. This alliance will further facilitate Etisalat's vision of 'Connected Healthcare' whereby ICT can be used to improve patient care and safety while reducing costs. (Source: Healthcare)

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Region's first USM medical alert device launched

Healthcare — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:21:42 +0100

Dubai-based UniCare has announced the launch of Careid, a USB device designed to help patients document and carry important medical information with them at all times. With the help of a programme created by UniCare, patients will be able to enter their personal details, emergency contacts, details of insurance provider, serious medical conditions and allergies by plugging in their Careid device to a USB slot on their computer. For diabetes and high blood pressure patients, the device also comes with a programme to maintain a log of their glucose and blood pressure readings. (Source: Healthcare)

King Abdullah Medical City to open soon

Healthcare — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 07:16:33 +0100

Saudi Arabia's health minister has announced the King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah will start operations within two months, Arab News has reported. The medical city, built on 750,000 square meters, is the first of the three phases that have been planned by the ministry, and will serve the millions of Haj and Umrah pilgrims who visit the holy city every year, Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah told the newspaper. (Source: Healthcare)

Sanofi-Aventis launches Sculptra in Kuwait

Healthcare — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 08:29:31 +0100

France-headquartered Sanofi-aventis Pharmaceuticals has announced the launch of its anti-ageing drug, Sculptra, in Kuwait following its approval from the Kuwait Ministry of Health earlier this year. Sculptra is an injectable treatment which consists of poly-L-lactic acid sterile suspension that is biocompatible and biodegradable making it easy for the body to absorb. It also stimulates the natural production of collagen in the skin. (Source: Healthcare)

Private hospitals to treat H1N1 cases in Jordan

Healthcare — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 10:16:39 +0100

Jordan health officials has now allowed private hospitals to start receiving H1N1 (swine) flu patients, Jordan Times has reported. Only 20 out of 61 private hospitals will be allowed to treat patients infected with the H1N1 virus. Swine flu cases have reached and one death in Jordan since the virus was first reported in mid-June. (Source: Healthcare)

Sheikh Khalifa Medical City to reopen Al Rowda clinic

Healthcare — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 08:49:40 +0100

Abu Dhabi-based Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, managed by the Cleveland Clinic, has announced the re-opening of Al Rowda Family Medicine Clinic on October 18, 2009. The clinic, which has been closed for the past year for renovation works, includes an X-ray room and laboratory services, and will be staffed by 10 physicians, three of whom are consultants. (Source: Healthcare)

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Dubai Investments Park launches medical center

Healthcare — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 06:34:22 +0100

Dubai Investments Park, the largest mixed-use development in the UAE, has launched a Dhs55m medical centre to provide healthcare services to residents and employees at the park. The new facility will comprise several medical clinics including general clinics, dental clinics, and ophthalmology clinics, as well as a 24-hour emergency service. (Source: Healthcare)

Egypt to develop its own H1N1 vaccine

Healthcare — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:13:31 +0100

Egyptian Health Minister Hatem el-Gabali has said that his country is developing its own H1N1 vaccine for production in 2011, but in the meantime will import vaccines to inoculate school children and key public workers, Reuters has reported. 'The production of the first batch will be about 6,000 units and it will be tested for efficacy around the second quarter of 2011,' he told the news service. (Source: Healthcare)

Free flu vaccine to be offered in UAE

Healthcare — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 07:54:48 +0100

The H1N1 vaccine will be provided for free at more than 200 primary health care centres across the UAE, according to Gulf News. The vaccine will be available to all UAE residents by the end of October, the newspaper said. (Source: Healthcare)

UAE to curb Tamiflu use

Healthcare — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 06:49:18 +0100

The UAE's health authorities are considering stopping the administering of an anti-viral drug to all suspected cases of H1N1, as unnecessary consumption of the drug may lead to resistance against the virus in the body, Khaleej Times has reported. The decision will be based on the reviewed recommendations by the World Health Organisation that suggest that the drug should only be administered to patients from the high-risk group, including children, pregnant women and the elderly or to patients (not from the high-risk category) whose H1N1 tests have confirmed the case. (Source: Healthcare)

ADEC offers autism screenings

Healthcare — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 07:36:48 +0100

The Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) has annnounced it will provide free screenings of children for autism, from Kindergarten to Grade 5, Khaleej Times has reported. The screenings will be done at select locations across the emirate and will include Abu Dhabi Mall, Al Khalidiyah Mall, Shaikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), Al Ain Mall and Tawam Hospital in Al Ain. The free screenings will be done until mid-November this year. (Source: Healthcare)

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UAE to buy 1m flu vaccines in Q4

Healthcare — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 07:58:21 +0100

The UAE will purchase approximately one million H1N1 flu vaccines over the next three months, the Gulf News has reported. The first batch of 500 H1N1 vaccines is expected to arrive by mid-October, according to Dr. Eisa Al Mansouri, consultant pharmacist at the UAE Ministry of Health. (Source: Healthcare)

Dubai to test only high-risk groups for H1N1

Healthcare — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 07:05:31 +0100

The Dubai Health Authority has stopped carrying out tests for suspected swine flu cases with the exception of four high risk categories, Gulf News has reported. The categories include cases with chronic diseases, elderly, pregnant women, and people with a weak immune system. (Source: Healthcare)

Dubai to stop H1N1 screening

Healthcare — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:52:58 +0100

The Dubai Health Authority has stopped carrying out tests for suspected swine flu cases with the exception of four high risk categories, according to Gulf News. These categories are people with chronic diseases, elderly, pregnant women, and people with a weak immune system. (Source: Healthcare)

Neopharma to expand into biotechnology

Healthcare — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 06:43:40 +0100

Abu Dhabi-based pharmaceuticals manufacturer Neopharma has announced plans to expand into biotechnology and nanotechnology research and development. Neopharma's new plants, involving Dhs250m worth of investment, will allow for the manufacture of nutraceuticals, injectable preparations, topical applications, ophthalmic products and aerosols, the company said. (Source: Healthcare)

Qatar readies seasonal flu vaccines

Healthcare — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 08:22:13 +0100

Qatar's health officials have announced the arrival of 280,000 seasonal flu vaccine shots, which will be administered in a nation-wide campaign, the Peninsula has reported. The campaign includes students, non-school-age children, people with weakened immune systems and those over 65 years of age. (Source: Healthcare)

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Emaar opens Dubai Mall Medical Centre

Healthcare — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 08:15:14 +0100

Emaar Healthcare Group (EHG) has opened its flagship medical facility, The Dubai Mall Medical Centre. The 60,000sqt facility is launched in partnership with Methodist International, offering specialities including cardiology, orthopaedics, general surgery, paediatrics, family medicine, endocrinology, ophthalmology, urology, gastroenterology, general medicine, obstetrics and gynaecology. The facility is located within the Dubai Mall. (Source: Healthcare)

Bahrain IVF clinics ordered to set up special care units

Healthcare — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:32:55 +0100

Bahrain health ministry has ordered all private IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) clinics to set up special care units to handle premature births, instead of 'dumping' them on the government health service, the Gulf Daily News has reported. The move follows a series of deaths of premature babies at the overcrowded neonatal unit at Salmaniya Medical Complex. Clinics found in violation of the new rules will face closure, the ministry said. (Source: Healthcare)

American Hospital Dubai gets CAP accreditation

Healthcare — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 07:28:52 +0100

The American Hospital Dubai Laboratory has been awarded its fifth accreditation by the Accreditation Committee of the College of American Pathologists (CAP). The laboratory is one of around 7,000 CAP-accredited laboratories worldwide, the first private laboratory in the region to be accredited by CAP, and the only CAP accredited lab in the UAE. (Source: Healthcare)

UAE hospital to get upgrade

Healthcare — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 06:58:07 +0100

Oasis Hospital in the UAE emirate of Al Ain will receive an upgrade that will add a new 150-bed facility by 2012, The National has reported. David Printy, president and chief executive of the hospital, said the new facility will have both outpatient and inpatient services and will include orthopaedics, ophthalmology and ear, nose and throat speciality clinics. (Source: Healthcare)

Gulf healthcare sector to be worth $55bn by 2020

Healthcare — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 07:35:35 +0100

A new report predicts that the healthcare sector in the Gulf will grow by 9% per year and will be worth up to $55bn by 2020. The rise is to fueled by a growing and ageing population and a rise in chronic non-communicable 'lifestyle' diseases, said Tommy Trask, executive director and head of Equity Research services at Alpen Capital. The investment bank's report said all countries in the Gulf had sufficient hospital facilities to meet future demand, except for Oman. (Source: Healthcare)

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Saudi to get 1m swine flu vaccines in 3 weeks

Healthcare — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 07:50:17 +0100

The Saudi Health Ministry has said that it will receive one million vaccines for the A(H1N1) virus within the next three weeks, KUNA has reported. This will be followed by other dispatches of some six million shots, the ministry said. (Source: Healthcare)

Kuwait considers sending patients to South Korea

Healthcare — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 09:53:16 +0100

Kuwait's Ministry of Health is considering sending some of its patients to South Korean hospitals for treatment, Kuna has reported, due to their advanced medical facilities and highly trained staff. The ministry is also thinking of sending Kuwaiti doctors to the Far Eastern country for training, especially in the field of spinal cord surgery. South Korea is aiming to become the number one destination for foreign travelling patients, especially those from oil-rich Gulf countries. (Source: Healthcare)

Kuwait's H1N1 vaccine due in October

Healthcare — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 07:59:27 +0100

The first batch of the swine flu vaccines will arrive in Kuwait in October, the country's Ministry of Health has said. A total of 145,000 vaccines will be distributed, as recommended by the World Health Organization, to children, chronically-ill individuals, the obese, pregnant women, in addition to senior state officials, medical practitioners and security officers, a ministry official said. (Source: Healthcare)

Neopharma gets UAE clearance on flu drug

Healthcare — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 09:33:07 +0100

Abu Dhabi-based pharmaceuticals manufacturer Neopharma has announced it has been cleared by the UAE Ministry of Health for its anti-viral medication Oseltamivir BR Flu. The antiviral medicine is the outcome of a joint venture with pharmaceuticals major Hetero Drugs Ltd. (Source: Healthcare)

Moorfields inks Saudi Insurance agreement

Healthcare — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 06:40:07 +0100

The Dubai branch of the UK-based Moorfields Eye Hospital, Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai (MEHD) has signed a direct settlement agreement with the Saudi Arabian Insurance Company (SAICO). Under the agreement, MEHD will provide specialist outpatient and day case care and treatment to patients holding valid medical cards issued by SAICO. The services and extent of treatment provided by MEHD under insurance agreements are determined by the type of insurance cover held by individual patients. (Source: Healthcare)

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UAE hospitals adopt triage system

Healthcare — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 08:20:12 +0100

Government hospitals and primary health centres in the UAE have introduced a new triage system for suspected H1N1 patients following a directive from the country's health ministry, Khaleej Times has reported. Suspected patients with influenza-like illnesses are to be moved to pre-defined triage areas for detailed clinical assessment to see if there is a need for home isolation, hospitalisation and/or administration of anti-viral or admission to ICU, according to the ministry. The authority has also arranged designated waiting areas for people with flu symptoms to prevent them from mixing with other patients and visitors in the general waiting area. (Source: Healthcare)

Arabs suffer from high rate of genetic disease

Healthcare — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 08:40:44 +0100

A new study has found that Arabs have from one of the highest rates of genetic disease in the world, The National has reported. Some 906 genetic disorders have been identified in Arabs and their descendants, according to the Centre for Arab Genomic Studies, and about 200 of those are prevalent among Arabs in the GCC alone. The study warns that the problem will require research and collaboration among medical communities. (Source: Healthcare)

Dubai medics told to avoid rapid tests

Healthcare — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 06:15:25 +0100

The UAE's Ministry of Health has banned private hospitals and clinics from carrying out 'unnecessary' swine flu tests. The ministry has ordered medics to stop the 'rapid test' which can be requested by patients and is deemed unnecessary by the Word Health Organisation (WHO). The tests can produce results within 15 minutes but they are not 100% accurate. (Source: Healthcare)

Julphar to manufacture H1NI vaccine

Healthcare — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 11:58:17 +0100

Ras Al-Khaimah based Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries (Julphar) has signed an agreement with Chinese biopharmaceuticals Hualan Biological Bacterin Co. Ltd for the exclusive supply and marketing in the Middle East and North Africa region of Hualan's H1N1 vaccine, a single shot vaccine, WAM has reported. Julphar will have exclusive rights to represent Hualan in all discussions with authorities in Mena region concerning Hualan's H1N1 vaccine. Hualan will deliver doses of A (H1N1) Influenza Vaccine and will be manufactured in Julphar. (Source: Healthcare)

Flu vaccine to arrive in Saudi in 15 days

Healthcare — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 11:04:30 +0100

A Saudi Ministry of Health spokesman has said swine flu vaccines are expected to arrive in the kingdom within two weeks, Saudi Gazzette has reported. The ministry's head of public relations, Khalid Marghalani has said on Tuesday the kingdom has reserved 'millions of vaccines from the companies producing them' that are expected to arrive in Saudi hospitals within 15 days. (Source: Healthcare)

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Flu vaccine to arrive in Saudi in 15 days

Healthcare — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 06:07:07 +0100

The latest medical, medicare and medical insurance news from the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors in the Middle East (Source: Healthcare)

Dubai simplifies radioactive material rules

Healthcare — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:31:24 +0100

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Dubai Civil Defence (DCD) to streamline rules governing the use of radioactive materials in medicine, The National has reported. The MoU will enable DHA to oversee the transportation and use of radiopharmaceutical drugs in hospitals and clinics across the emirate. Previously, health care providers and companies that used the materials for procedures such as radiotherapy, and those who transported them, needed permission from several authorities, including the civil defence. (Source: Healthcare)

Construction begins on new Abu Dhabi hospital

Healthcare — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 06:52:30 +0100

United Eastern Medical, Abu Dhabi's healthcare investment and development firm, has begun construction works on Danat Al Emarat Women & Children's Hospital. Located in the Officers City area of Abu Dhabi, the $150m Danat Al Emarat Hospital will provide critically needed maternity and neonatal services in Abu Dhabi when it begins operations by the end of 2011. The 200-bed facility will be managed by Singapore-based healthcare operators ParkwayHealth. (Source: Healthcare)

Bahrain sets up special clinics

Healthcare — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 06:24:18 +0100

Bahrain has set up 22 special flu clinics across the kingdom to reduce the numbers of people visiting the accident and emergency department of Salmaniya Medical Complex for flu treatment, Gulf Daily News has reported. The clinics, which have been set up with the cooperation of the primary health care services that have designated staff for the purpose, will receive only patients with flu or flu-like symptoms. (Source: Healthcare)

Egypt says it will not produce H1N1 vaccine locally

Healthcare — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 06:20:57 +0100

The Egyptian Cabinet's Information and Decision Support Centre has said that the H1N1 vaccine will not be produced in the country, but will be purchased from international pharmaceutical companies, the Daily News Egypt has reported. Egypt has booked some 5 million doses of the new vaccine, which will be received in stages by next year. (Source: Healthcare)

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Patients charged for H1N1 tests in Abu Dhabi

Healthcare — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:25:33 +0100

Abu Dhabi hospitals are charging patients up to Dhs1,000 ($272) for swine flu tests, which are free in Dubai, The National has reported. Patients, wary of the side effects of Tamiflu, have been demanding the tests in order to avoid taking the anti-viral drug unless they are specifically infected. However, the tests are often unnecessary, as the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said it recommends that otherwise healthy patients who have flu-like symptoms but no other complications need not be treated with antivirals or tested for the virus. (Source: Healthcare)

Saudi pharmaceutical market expected to rise

Healthcare — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 06:35:52 +0100

The Saudi pharmaceutical market is expected to post a compound annual growth rate of 5.66% until 2013, according to a report by Business Monitor International. At consumer prices, BMI expects spending in this sector to increase from $2.65bn in 2008 to $3.49bn by 2013. However, strict price controls, alongside biased regulatory and intellectual property regimes designed to protect the local industry will have a negative impact on the market development, as will the need to contain costs in healthcare, the report noted. (Source: Healthcare)

Kuwait to provide 2 million vaccines for swine flu

Healthcare — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 08:06:56 +0100

Following the announcement of the sixth swine flu death in the country, Kuwait's health ministry said about 2 million A(H1N1) vaccines will be made available, including 145,000 by the end of the year, Al-Watan Daily has reported. Hajj pilgrims and health sector workers will be primarily vaccinated, followed by those suffering from chronic illnesses as well as children, the ministry said. Vaccines not endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) will not be allowed, the ministry noted. (Source: Healthcare)

Oman allows private clinics to treat H1N1

Healthcare — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 07:50:32 +0100

Oman's Ministry of Health has approved some private health institutions as centres to dispense H1N1 medications at no cost for citizens and residents in the Sultanate, Oman Times has reported. The medical consultation and diagnosis would be according to the regulations of each health institution, the source added. (Source: Healthcare)

Jordan H1N1 student cases up

Healthcare — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 06:38:32 +0100

The Jordanian Ministry of Education has said the total number of students who contracted A H1N1, in schools across the kingdom rose to 37, Kuna has reported. Twenty of the students left hospital after recovery, while the rest remained on medication and their condition was stable, the ministry has said. The kingdom's total number of swine-flu cases has reached 185, since the first case was confirmed last June. (Source: Healthcare)

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Moorfields, Hayati offer medical loans

Healthcare — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 07:11:41 +0100

Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai has teamed up with Hayati Healthcare, a patient financing company, to offer patients access to financial services offered by Hayati. The medical loans are offered to those without medical insurance or in cases where the medical insurance policy does not cover the treatment required, such as LASIK eye surgery or cosmetic surgery. (Source: Healthcare)

Qatar Robotic Centre to launch

Healthcare — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 06:50:17 +0100

Qatar Robotic Surgery Centre (QRSC), an initiative by the Qatar Science & Technology Park, plans to establish local research networks with Qatar-based universities, hospitals, companies and government organisations, in a bid to become a focal point for international expertise in robotic surgery, according to the Gulf Times. QRSC, which is scheduled to begin its activities in early 2010, will be equipped with three Da Vinci medical robots and 10 laparoscopic simulators. Additionally, the centre will have a simulated operating theatre and a 'tele-mentoring suite' where live robotic surgeries will be transmitted in 3D. (Source: Healthcare)

Bahrain to use Tamiflu on all flu patients

Healthcare — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 07:42:17 +0100

Bahrain has said that all patients reporting to government or private hospitals and clinics with a fever and flu-like symptoms will automatically be treated as possible swine flu victims and given anti-viral treatment (Tamiflu). High-risk patients with flu-like symptoms will be given Tamiflu even if they do not have a fever, the government said. These include pregnant women, children aged under five, people with heart disease, sickle cell or suffering from obesity and others. (Source: Healthcare)

Jordanian, US firms ink stem cell deal

Healthcare — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 08:24:48 +0100

The Jordanian Stem Cell Company has signed a five year multi-million dollar agreement with US-based Stemedica Cell Technologies, Inc. (Stemedica) to purchase stem cell and related technology from Stemedica's wholly-owned subsidiary, Stemedica International. Under the agreement, Stemedica International will provide their cell technology to the Jordanian firm and actively support their development and implementation of a clinical trial for burns. (Source: Healthcare)

Bahrain sets aside 5.5m dinars for swine flu

Healthcare — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 07:50:25 +0100

Bahrain's government has earmarked BD5.5m for securing vaccines for swine flu cases, KUNA has reported. Last week, the kingdom had declared three deaths as a result of the communicable disease. (Source: Healthcare)

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Novartis to supply Oman swine flu vaccines

Healthcare — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 06:06:02 +0100

Thaiba Pharmacy, which represents Swiss-based Novartis in Oman, has said the drug maker was in final stage discussions with the Sultanate's Health Ministry to supply Celtura, its H1N1 vaccine, the Oman Observer has reported. The company has pledged an initial batch of 100,000 doses of Celtura for the first round of immunizations, targeting priority segments of the population. Novartis's could supply between 600,000 and one million doses of the vaccine, depending upon Oman's requirements, Thaiba Pharmacy said. (Source: Healthcare)

GCC doctors get grants for diabetes research

Healthcare — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 06:50:16 +0100

Sanofi-aventis has awarded five Gulf doctors with grants to improve diabetes management and implement new research, screening and care initiatives to prevent and treat diabetes across the Gulf. The grants, which are part of Sanofi's 'DEVOTED' initiative, were launched in the Middle East in 2007 to improve and support the management and treatment of diabetes. (Source: Healthcare)

Jordan buys H1N1 vaccines

Healthcare — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 09:18:15 +0100

Jordan's Ministry of Health has referred tenders for H1N1 vaccines to two international companies, and expects to receive the first batch in November if the vaccines are ready, Jordan Times has reported. The ministry will buy two million vaccines from the first company, and under the agreement it will provide a batch of 250,000 in November, to vaccinate pilgrims. It will also buy 250,000 vaccines from the second company, the ministry said. (Source: Healthcare)

No H1N1 vaccine in UAE until 2010, says report

Healthcare — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 07:47:19 +0100

The UAE will not be able to provide swine flu vaccines for Hajj pilgrims and school children until next year, Gulf News has reported. Manufactures who are producing the H1N1 vaccines had told the World Health Organisation (WHO) that there will be more than a six-month delay for producing and shipping the vaccine, which means that 'we are not going to have the vaccine before the beginning of next year', a source from the Ministry of Health was quoted as saying. (Source: Healthcare)

Lebanon to end H1N1 tally

Healthcare — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 06:47:35 +0100

The Lebanese health ministry has said the country will no longer keep track of the number of individuals diagnosed with swine flu, The Daily Star has reported. Keeping a count 'is useless and it is very expensive to test 3 million people for A(H1N1), especially since the tests will not prevent the virus from spreading,' Mohammad Jawad Khalifeh, minister of health said. (Source: Healthcare)

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New medical company set up in Kuwait

Healthcare — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 06:50:16 +0100

Al-Joun International Medical Company has been established in Kuwait with a capital of KD 5 million, Kuwait Al-Yawm official gazette has reported. The company is licensed to build and manage hospitals and to make contracts with doctors, nurses, and technicians, as well as offering medical services for individuals at home. (Source: Healthcare)

The report by Naghavi et al. entitled 'Adverse health outcomes of road traffic injuries in Iran after rapid motorization'.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: PMID: 19736689 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

The scholastic achievement of profoundly deaf children with cochlear implants compared to their normal peers.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: The results of this study well indicate that children with cochlear implants can achieve a satisfactory scholastic performance in mainstream schools with their implant duration as the most important factor determining postimplant outcomes. PMID: 19722764 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

Inferior vena cava reconstruction with a flap of parietal peritoneum: an animal study.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: The peritoneum is an accessible and safe substitute for reconstruction of the inferior vena cava. PMID: 19722765 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

Epidemiologic Characteristics of 500 Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Iran Studied from 2004 through 2007.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Demographic and clinical characteristics of inflammatory bowel disease patients are similar to that of other developing countries, in this study, more inflammatory bowel disease cases have been assessed in comparison with previous studies, which may be due to different time scales of socioeconomic evolution and environmental factors in Iran. PMID: 19722766 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

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Risk factors of postpartum depression in rural areas of isfahan province, iran.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Risk factors of postpartum depression in Isfahan Province were very similar to other studies, but the negative impact of low level of education, unplanned pregnancy, and undesired gender of the child on postnatal depression seems to be characteristic of this population. PMID: 19722767 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

Experience of water birth delivery in iran.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Our results revealed the advantage of water birth delivery. Those who gave water birth experienced less pain and completed the delivery sooner. Meanwhile, normal vaginal delivery was accomplished more frequently with this group. These all lead to a decreased necessity for medical interventions as well as an increased socioeconomic advantage for the society. PMID: 19722768 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

Clinical profile of patients with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy presented to a referral center from 2003 to 2008.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Characteristics of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy patients in a population of Iranian patients were similar to nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy as described in previous studies, with the exception of higher proportion of younger patients and a higher propensity for diabetes. Visual field defects were common in clinically normal fellow eyes. PMID: 19722769 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

Helping families for caring children with autistic spectrum disorders.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Ghanizadeh A, Alishahi MJ, Ashkani H Many families are directly involved in caring of their children with the lifelong autistic spectrum disorders. Sometimes, they are the victims of their children's behaviors. The family, including siblings, may have to explain the children's behaviors to others. Their mothers have poorer mental health with difficulties in family adaptability and cohesion. Its burden is not just limited to psychologic aspects but on the quality of life, economic aspects, and parent-child relationship. This is a narrative review of some of the aspects that families of children with autistic spectrum disorders are facing. PMID: 19722770 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

Prevalence of HBV, HCV, HIV and Syphilis among Homeless Subjects Older than Fifteen Years in Tehran.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Vahdani P, Hosseini-Moghaddam SM, Family A, Moheb-Dezfouli R Homeless people are usually prone to be infected with multiple infectious diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus, as well as syphilis. In this cross-sectional study, using a questionnaire and enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay, we evaluated the seroprevalance of hepatitis B and C viruses, human immunodeficiency virus, and syphilis, as well as their risk factors in 202 homeless men. A total of 70 (34.7%), 87 (42.8%), and 13 (6.4%) subjects were infected with hepatitis B, hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency viruses, respectively. Ten (0.5%) had a simultaneous infection with hepatitis B and C viruses and human immunodeficiency virus. Only one participant was seropositiv...

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Efficacy of Combined Desferrioxamine and Deferiprone versus Single Desferrioxamine Therapy in Patients with Major Thalassemia.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Zareifar S, Jabbari A, Cohan N, Haghpanah S The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of oral iron chelators, deferiprone in combination with desferrioxamine in comparison with desferrioxamine alone. A total of 70 transfusion-dependent thalassemia major patients were randomly selected to receive one of the following two treatments: deferiprone in combination with desferrioxamine (n=35, desferrioxamine+deferiprone group) or desferrioxamine alone (n=35, desferrioxamine-only group). Changes in serum ferritin, liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase), blood urea nitrogen, and creatinin were evaluated before the treatment and then six and 12 months after the treatment, and any side effect caused by iron chelators was reported du...

Quality of Care of Diabetes Mellitus Type II patients in Iran.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

This study was conducted to depict the first national picture of quality of care provided for known diabetic patients in Iran. The study was conducted alongside the "Iran's National Noncommunicable Diseases Risk Factor Surveillance survey" of 2005; a cross-sectional study with a multistage cluster sampling approach which targeted Iranians older than 15 years of age. Only 6.4% of the respondents had a HbA1c test during the year before questioning and 25.7% reported to have undertaken a lipid profile examination in the same period of time. Positive responses for eye and foot examinations in the year leading to survey were 39.8% and 20.5%, respectively. About 97.4% of the patients had poor control according to their most recent HbA1c levels. About 25% needed an improvement in diabetes control...

Work-related penetrating head trauma caused by industrial grinder tool.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Abdoli A, Amirjamshidi A Nonmissile low-velocity penetrating brain injuries are unusual among civilian population. Work-related penetrating head wounds are rarer among this group. Here, we report two rare cases of penetrating head wounds caused by industrial grinder tool. The patients (both men) were struck to the head by detached blades of the grinder tool. Depressed fractures, penetrated bone fragments, and dural lacerations were all treated by the routine fashion. Paranasal sinus damage and further cerebrospinal fluid leakage were also treated conservatively. The reported cases are unexpected variants of injuries that neurosurgeons may come across and their management is still beyond the scope of textbooks. Skill and experience of the general neurosurgeons can handle the ca...

Osteosarcoma of the larynx.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Sanaat Z, Mohammady G, Esmaili H, Emrani M, Dolatkhah R Malignant mesenchymal tumors of the larynx constitute 0.3% to 1% of all laryngeal cancers. Of them, osteosarcoma is the rarest. Osteosarcoma of the larynx may be a difficult clinical diagnosis. Pathologic confirmation of osteoid is required for the diagnosis. Treatment is primarily surgical. It is believed that aggressive surgical intervention directed at complete tumor extirpation is the treatment of choice. Outcomes of such patients are generally poor. Most patients die because of pulmonary metastasis. A case is reported here and a review of all available published cases of osteosarcoma of the larynx is presented. PMID: 19722775 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

Coexistence of prostate cancer, gynecomastia, renal failure, melanonychia, and wrist lump.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Dos Santos VM, de Vasconcelos RA, de Paula FH, Alves Tubino PV, Turra TZ, Gagliardi Castilho I Although prostate cancer is among the most frequent malignancies in the elderly, this tumor may be under-reported, and it seems that its socioeconomic burden is not well-estimated. Chronic urinary obstruction caused by the cancer may cause renal failure, with hemorrhagic tendency, neurologic disturbances, cutaneous disorders, and diverse fingernail changes. Black or brown nail pigmentation has been associated with benign and malignant conditions, including antineoplastic drugs' side effects, subungual metastases, and melanoma. Metastasis of fingernail melanoma can affect lymph nodes from the wrist to elbow and axillary regions. Coexistent melanonychia and wrist lump, mimicking melano...

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Twin fetus in fetu with immature teratoma: a case report and review of the literature.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Pourang H, Sarmadi S, Mireskandari SM, Soleimani M, Mollaeian M, Alizadeh H, Alehosein SM Fetus in fetu is an extremely rare condition in which a fetus or fetus-like structure with a vertebral axis is seen in the body of its twin. This paper presents a case of fetus in fetu in a two- day-old female newborn who was referred for an abdominal mass, biliary vomiting, and feeding intolerance. After plain abdominal X-ray and ultrasonography, the patient underwent abdominal surgery with the primary diagnosis of teratoma or fetus in fetu. We found a retroperitoneal mass that consisted of double fetus in fetu and a separate undetermined mass. The pathologic examination confirmed double fetus in fetu and revealed a separate immature teratoma. She was discharged from the hospital after s...

Photoclinic.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Noorani H PMID: 19722778 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

Photoclinic.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Nikoo A, Balighi K PMID: 19722779 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

Development of Gastroenterology and Hepatology in Iran: Part II- Advances in Research and Therapeutic Modalities.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Saberifiroozi M, Mir-Madjlessi SH Following the establishment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Fellowship Programs in 1987, significant developments in research and health care delivery have been achieved. The number of published articles has increased significantly and now more than 10 approved research centers are involved in several longitudinal and population based studies in GI epidemiology, viral hepatitis and GI oncology around the country. Before 1987 less than 50 gastroenterologists were working in the country, but now more than 300 gastroenterologists are involved in public and private health care delivery systems. Advanced diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedures and complex surgical procedures such as liver transplantation are a routine now. These achieve...

Bahrain reports first swine flu death

Healthcare — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 08:08:11 +0100

Bahrain has reported yesterday its first fatality case from the swine flu virus, the Gulf Daily News has reported. Health officials have said the victim, a 30-year-old Filipina, had died at the Salmaniya Medical Complex where she was admitted with acute respiratory failure. (Source: Healthcare)

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UAE buys swine flu testing lab

Healthcare — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 09:36:53 +0100

The UAE's Ministry of Health has signed an agreement with Citomed, a biotechnology company, to buy a virology laboratory that can conduct H1N1 tests within 24 hours. The lab will be built in Al Qasimi Hospital in Sharjah and be operational within 60 days, the ministry said. (Source: Healthcare)

Lifestyle illnesses boost Hikma sales

Healthcare — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 06:29:36 +0100

Jordan-based Hikma Pharmaceuticals has said that sales of drugs to treat lifestyle-related chronic diseases now account for more than half of its sales in the Middle East, where it makes more than two-thirds of its annual turnover, the Financial Times has reported. Increasingly westernised lifestyles amongst people in the Middle East have led to rising sales of hypertension and diabetes drugs, Said Darwazah, Hikma's chief executive said. "Countries such as the UAE, Bahrain and the Gulf countries are having serious problems with diabetes, so we are launching a big portfolio of anti-diabetic products." (Source: Healthcare)

SKMC relocates pre-employment med exams

Healthcare — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 10:08:00 +0100

Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC) managed by Cleveland Clinic has announced it has relocated all of its pre-employment medical exams from Al Ettihad Center to the Outpatient Speciality Clinic at SKMC Campus. Pre-employment medical exams at the new location will be performed by physicians who are trained and specialized in occupational medicine and will be managed by Environment Health and Safety Division of SKMC. (Source: Healthcare)

Qatari to rethink H1N1 plans

Healthcare — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 08:50:16 +0100

The Qatari Supreme Council of Health has said that with the fast spread of the H1N1 virus across the globe, it is going to change its plans to deal with the latest developments. It had been focusing on people entering Qatar from countries where there had been a large number of swine flu cases, but the large number of people gathering in places such as mosques and shopping malls during Ramadan has prompted it to rethink its plans. (Source: Healthcare)

Lifestyle diseases create Saudi healthcare boom

Healthcare — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 06:50:19 +0100

According to a research by India-based research firm RNCOS, the Saudi Arabian healthcare market is experiencing rapid growth. Due to the prevalence of lifestyle diseases, such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension, the healthcare sector in the kingdom is growing faster than in other countries in the Middle East. Over the coming years, the report - called Saudi Arabian Healthcare Market Forecast to 2012 - said healthcare would see double digit growth. "The pharmaceutical market and medical device market in Saudi Arabia are forecast to grow at a CAGR of around 12% and 7%, respectively," the report said. (Source: Healthcare)

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Jordan cancer centre to set up stem cell bank

Healthcare — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 09:06:40 +0100

Jordan's King Hussein Cancer Centre (KHCC) is setting up a stem cell bank to support its stem cell transplantation programme, which handles up to 100 cases every year, the Jordan Times has reported. "The stem cell bank will be established as part of a 2,000-square-metre expansion of the KHCC and it will be a public bank not a private one," KHCC Director General Mahmoud Sarhan said. (Source: Healthcare)

Heart Centre to open soon

Healthcare — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 08:25:46 +0100

Qatar-based company Hamad Medical has said its Heart Centre will open before the end of the year. The hospital, which is built within the Rumailah Hospital campus, will have a built-up area of 25,000sqm and have 120 beds at the opening. (Source: Healthcare)

Amgen, DuBiotech explore expansion plans

Healthcare — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 12:17:51 +0100

Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park, a major life sciences hub in the Middle East and a member of Tecom Investments, announced that it discussed expansion plans with Amgen International during a meeting of senior management. Amgen is the world's largest biotechnology company with an estimated market capitalization of $65bn. It was one of the first biotech companies to establish operations in the Middle East. (Mac Capital Advisors) (Source: Healthcare)

Kuwait warns against online H1N1 drug sales

Healthcare — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 08:34:20 +0100

Kuwait's Pharmaceutical Services Office and Poison Centre has warned the public not to buy antiـviral drugs to treat swine flu via the internet without a doctor's prescription. By using such drugs, patients may increase the risk of weakening their resistance towards the virus, the Centre's Director Issam AlـBaho said. He urged people to ensure an online pharmacy is legitimate before buy medicines, particularly from countries where online sales are not licensed. (Source: Healthcare)

New immigrants face medical tests

Healthcare — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 08:29:00 +0100

New workers entering Saudi Arabia must undergo medical checkups and tests soon after their arrival, the National Recruitment Committee in the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce has said. Although workers must first undergo medical tests in their own countries, Chairman of the group Saad Al-Baddah said they might be exposed to infectious diseases during their travel to the kingdom. (Source: Healthcare)

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Mobile phone to measure health

Healthcare — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 07:36:36 +0100

A research team at Jordan's Princess Sumaya University for Technology has developed a system that measures oxygen level concentration in the blood using infrared rays, conducts electrocardiography and measures body temperature - all using a patient's mobile phone. Based on Bluetooth technology, the results can be displayed on the phone, saved and sent to a medical specialist. The projects main aim is help those living in remote areas. (Source: Healthcare)

HoldiPharma opens cold chain pharmacy in Egypt

Healthcare — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 06:51:29 +0100

Egypt's Holding Company for Pharmaceuticals has opened its EGP3.5m cold chain pharmacy, in Bab El Louk, for biological products. It can store products at temperatures ranging between 2°C and 8°C from the point of manufacturing to administration, the company said. "As biologics outnumber ordinary drugs, cold chains will be an integral part of storing and delivering drugs," Dr Magdy Hassan, Chairman of HoldiPharma and the Pharmaceutical Cosmetics & Appliances' Chamber said. (Source: Healthcare)

Makkah hotels to provide doctors for flu

Healthcare — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 08:06:18 +0100

Hotels in Makkah will be provided with resident doctors by Umrah companies as a precautionary measure to contain a potential swine flu outbreak, Arab News has reported. Saad Al-Qurashi, chairman of Haj and Umrah Committee at Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry has said that resident doctors would be provided through the Health Affairs Committee at the chamber. The doctors would detect cases of diseases among pilgrims and treat them. (Source: Healthcare)

Al Ain opens maternity ward

Healthcare — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 07:48:46 +0100

Al Ain Hospital has announced the launch of its renovated Labour and Delivery Section. The new section features include six specialised Stryker birthing beds, a self-contained hi-tech operating table, blood gas analyzer, CTG machines that enable continuous electronic fetal monitoring of baby's heart rate and the mother's labour contractions, top-of-the range anaesthetic and ultrasound machines and iLED cold lights that eliminate the patient discomfort resulting from high energy surgical lights. Al Ain Hospital is managed by VAMED and the Medical University of Vienna and is owned and operated by the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company. (Source: Healthcare)

Jordan Pharmacies end insurance deals

Healthcare — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 06:50:17 +0100

Jordan's Pharmacists Association (JPhA) has terminated contracts between pharmacies and health insurance companies, giving insurance companies a deadline of September 12 to rectify their situations and sign new agreements with pharmacies through the JPhA, The Jordan Times has reported. The association has attributed its decision to the Jordan Insurance Federation's stance on regulating the relations between insurance companies and pharmacies, which, according to a JPhA statement, prevents pharmacies from enjoying their full rights. (Source: Healthcare)

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Dubai to push e-cigarette ban

Healthcare — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 06:10:55 +0100

The Dubai Municipality has said that it will recommend a ban on electronic cigarettes, as tests carried out by the municipality have found the electronic device to be a health hazard which contains carcinogens and toxic materials, according to the Khaleej Times. There is general agreement in the GCC Tobacco Control Committee that e-cigarettes should not be circulated in the [Gulf] market as therapy, Dr Wedad Al Maidoor, head of Tobacco Control Team at the MoH has said. (Source: Healthcare)

Tawuniya wins Saudi Telco insurance deal

Healthcare — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 07:35:44 +0100

The Company for Cooperative Insurance (Tawuniya), the largest Saudi insurer by market value, has signed a SR507.1m ($135.2m) agreement to provide health insurance to Saudi Telecom Co, Bloomberg has reported. The agreement with the phone company is for three years, starting from October 1, the company has said. (Source: Healthcare)

Saudi H1N1 cases grow

Healthcare — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 05:37:06 +0100

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Health has said the number of swine flu cases in the kingdom has hit 2,000 since the H1N1 virus outbreak began, of which 14 fatalities suffering from chronic diseases have been reported, according to Kuna. The ministry said that the recovery rate stood at 95%. (Source: Healthcare)

Saudi bans anti-smoking drugs

Healthcare — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 07:05:52 +0100

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Health has banned two popular smoking cessation drugs as their side-effects include suicidal tendencies, the Saudi Gazette has reported. The drugs containing varenicline, with the trade name of Champix from Pfizer, and Bupropion were banned after the US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) had issued a black box warning, the toughest warning on risks associated with a medicine, on serious mental health risks of the drugs. (Source: Healthcare)

Kuwait denies WHO pricing allegations

Healthcare — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 07:44:51 +0100

Kuwait's health ministry has denied reports by the World Heath Organisation that the medicine in Kuwait is overـpriced, Al-Watan has reported. The report by the international body has said that pricing in Kuwait's private sector is sometimes double the original price. However, the pricing of medicine in Kuwait is subject to strict and efficient regulations, the ministry has said. (Source: Healthcare)

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Qatar to launch genetics centre

Healthcare — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 06:40:00 +0100

Qatar has announced that it plans to establish a state-of-the-art genetics centre, the Gulf Times has reported. The endocrine testing centre is part of the Newborn Screening Programme being conducted jointly by Hamad Medical Corporation and Heidelberg University Children's Hospital in Germany. The centre is to receive accreditation in October. (Source: Healthcare)

Noor Dubai reaches 5m beneficiaries

Healthcare — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 08:22:51 +0100

Noor Dubai, a medical eye care initiative launched in September last year has reported 5,486,630 people benefitting from treatment and prevention initiatives through medical camps organized in countries such as Pakistan, Sudan, Yemen, Chad, Niger, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Cameroon. The initiative is in the process of transforming into a permanent organization. (Source: Healthcare)

Sheikh Khalifa Medical City launches imaging system

Healthcare — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 07:36:57 +0100

Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), which is managed by the Cleveland Clinic, has launched a new Electronic Imaging System to manage the storage, retrieval and viewing of all radiological images in an electronic format. The system will improve patient care and safety, enhance patient confidentiality, and eliminate unnecessary scanning of films and duplication of testing, SKMC has said. (Source: Healthcare)

Bahrain pharmaceutical market at $118m by 2013

Healthcare — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 06:44:47 +0100

According to a report by Research and Markets, Bahrain's total pharmaceuticals market value is expected to increase from $115m in 2008, to $118m by 2013, with a compound annual growth rate of only 0.52% in US dollar terms. The over-the-counter drug market is expected to undergo a modest decline during our forecast period, with compound annual growth only -1.31% through to 2013, the report said. The prescription drug market will rise from $102m in 2008 to $106m by 2013, the report said, adding that the kingdom's government is moving slowly toward a more pro-generic drug policy in light of rising prescription prices. (Source: Healthcare)