MedWorm: Middle East Health

Antibiotics over prescribed

Healthcare — Sat, 17 May 2008 04:53:59 +0100

Doctors in Bahrain are endangering the health of children and adults by over prescribing antibiotics when treating patients, according to a Ministry of Health study. It found that a quarter of all medication prescribed in the country are antibiotics. Patients are pressuring doctors to give them antibiotics, prompting the Ministry to launch as awareness campaign and encourage doctors to prescribe less when treating people. (Source: Healthcare)

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Uae plans e-insurance claims

Healthcare — Thu, 15 May 2008 04:30:05 +0100

The National Health Insurance Company (Daman) has met with major health providers for the gradual implementation of electronic insurance claims in the UAE, starting with the emirate of Abu Dhabi, reported Khaleej Times. Axel Tottenborn, COO of Daman, said that instead of the paper-based claims, invoices for all insurance claims will soon be transferred electronically. (Source: Healthcare)

Saudis devour more calories

Healthcare — Wed, 14 May 2008 05:59:19 +0100

Despite health concerns and high obesity levels in Saudi Arabia, the consumption of high calorie food and drinks grew rapidly in 2007 compared to 2006 according to research company TNS. The consumption of fizzy soft drinks rose 29%, chocolate by 16.7% and salty snacks by 13.3%. (Source: Healthcare)

International nursing conference to be held in uae

Healthcare — Wed, 14 May 2008 04:38:00 +0100

The International Conference on Nursing and Global Health will be held at the Gulf Medical College in Ajman on May 23rd. In addition, four workshops will be held on May 24 at the college to celbrate International Nurses Day. The conference is accredited by the Ministry of health UAE for 9.5 CNE Hrs. International faculties from UK and Malaysia apart from faculty from UAE will deliver talks at the conference. (Source: Healthcare)

Abu dhabi aims to boost patient satisfaction

Healthcare — Tue, 13 May 2008 03:54:20 +0100

Abu Dhabi's biggest healthcare challenge is improving efficiency and patient satisfaction, not building new hospitals and increasing bed capacity, according to officials at Health Authority Abu Dhabi. The authority has unveiled its five year strategic plan which includes providing access to affordable healthcare, safeguarding patient safety, and building patient trust in the healthcare system. (Source: Healthcare)

Difc opens medical facility

Healthcare — Mon, 12 May 2008 06:23:44 +0100

The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has teamed up with the Dubai Health Authority for its own state-of-the-art medical testing facility within its premises. The facility aims to aid the processing of immigration formalities for employees in its district. The medical centre is located at the DIFC District and is open daily from 8am to 4pm. (Source: Healthcare)

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Cedars wins jafza companies for test

Healthcare — Sun, 11 May 2008 07:13:44 +0100

Cedars Jebel Ali International Hospital has signed a deal with Jafza for the legal requirement of visa medical tests for employees of all companies operating within Jafza. Cedars will be conducting blood tests and x-rays for new residence visa applicants, and blood tests for residence visa renewals. (Source: Healthcare)

Uae ups stop-smoking clinics

Healthcare — Sat, 10 May 2008 09:43:01 +0100

The UAE Ministry of Health has agreed in a memorandum of understanding with Novartis for the opening of two more smoking cessation clinics in Fujairah and Ajman. All smokers can get free check up in the clinic and UAE nationals can also receive free treatment to help them give up smoking. (Source: Healthcare)

Dubai launches rheumatoid arthritis campaign

Healthcare — Thu, 08 May 2008 04:52:33 +0100

The Women's Initiative for Rheumatoid Arthritis, will be distributing educational information on the ailment to visitors at the Mall of the Emirates in Dubai until May 10. The campaign will continue at the Mercato Mall from May 14 to 24 under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Health, Health Authority of Abu Dhabi, the Emirates Arthritis Foundation and the UAE Rheumatology Club. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, affecting women more frequently than men, in which the body's immune system attacks its own tissues. In RA this leads to progressive joint and tissue damage and can affect the eyes and other organs. (Source: Healthcare)

Healthcare city opens new centre

Healthcare — Tue, 06 May 2008 05:08:02 +0100

A new $41m multi-speciality centre has been inaugurated in Dubai Healthcare City. The Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Centre facility will be able to cater to 800 patients per day and will have 120 affiliated doctors. (Source: Healthcare)

New medtech centre in jordan

Healthcare — Mon, 05 May 2008 07:57:03 +0100

Philadelphia Biological and Medical Technology Product Development Centre has set-up in Jordan to provide pre-clinical evaluation, full-service clinical research, core lab facilities, as well as cell engineering and culturing in the Middle East. Ascent Technology Fund II is the main investor in the project. (Source: Healthcare)

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Abdullah receives red crescent medal

Healthcare — Sun, 04 May 2008 08:36:55 +0100

Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah has been honoured by the Arab organisation of the Red Crescent and Red Cross, the Arab News has reported. The king received the Abubaker Siddique Medallion of the First Order in recognition of his humanitarian efforts. Saudi Arabia spends 5% of its annual GDP on humanitarian projects. (Source: Healthcare)

Newbridge locates at dubiotech

Healthcare — Sat, 03 May 2008 09:07:40 +0100

NewBridge Pharmaceuticals, a specialty pharmaceuticals, biologics and devices company has committed to locate its global headquarters at Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech) during a recent signing of partnership agreement. NewBridge will promote innovative therapies for chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, cancer and cardiovascular maladies, in the Middle East and will in-licence and commercialize approved therapeutics and devices. (Source: Healthcare)

Call for more tests to screen genetic disorders

Healthcare — Thu, 01 May 2008 04:54:37 +0100

Health service providers yesterday in Dubai said blood tests to screen genetic disorders, including thalassaemia, should be compulsory at the secondary school level, reported Khaleej Times. Health officials said that although a pre-marital screening law exists, it does not contribute in stopping marriages among thalassaemia carriers. One doctor said she had never come across a couple who had scrapped their wedding plans because they were thalassaemia carriers. (Source: Healthcare)

Cancer patient seeks $10m from tobacco company

Healthcare — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 05:25:07 +0100

A Saudi cancer patient has filed a $10m lawsuit against a multinational tobacco company, reported Gulf News. Ali Aseeri has blamed tobacco consumption for serious damages caused to his health and wealth. Aseeri, who was once a prominent businessman and owner of a leading contracting company in the Kingdom, said he plans to use the compensation to build a charity hospital for the treatment of tobacco-related diseases. The Jeddah Public Court has agreed to hear the case on July 26. (Source: Healthcare)

Me aims to be self-sufficient in drug production

Healthcare — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 04:59:18 +0100

The Middle East's effort towards becoming self-sufficient in pharmaceutical production came under the spotlight this week at the Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Middle East exhibition in Dubai. The combined pharmaceutical markets of the Arabian Gulf, North Africa, Levant and Iran is estimated to be valued at over $12bn and growing at an annual rate of 10%, organizers said. 'The Middle East wants to be not only self sufficient in pharmaceutical production but to also have a larger share of export, research and contract manufacturing,' said Simon Page, Group Director of Life Sciences for organisers IIR Middle East. There are already over 450 pharmaceutical manufacturers in the region. (Source: Healthcare)

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Dubai ups inspections of food transport vehicles

Healthcare — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 07:35:45 +0100

Dubai Municipality's Food Control Department has stepped up inspection of vehicles carrying food items in the emirate as part of a food safety campaign in which the vehicles were identified using coloured stickers depending on the types of food stuff they can carry. Last year, food traders and suppliers were given a six month grace period to modify their existing fleet in line with a new set of technical specifications pertaining to vehicles transporting various food items. Since January 2008, some 3078 vehicles have been registered under the new system, according to a statement. (Source: Healthcare)

New health insurance scheme for uae nationals

Healthcare — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 04:55:35 +0100

The Abu Dhabi Health Authority has announced that all UAE nationals are eligible for free health insurance that will cover their expenses at both public and private healthcare centres across the country and emergency treatment abroad, reported Khaleej Times. The new health insurance scheme will include mandatory periodic medical examination and a comprehensive health insurance. It would be executed by HAAD and the National Health Insurance Company in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company. (Source: Healthcare)

New hospitals to open in saudi

Healthcare — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 08:40:27 +0100

The Saudi Ministry of health will increase the number of hospitals across the kingdom in the coming four years. The target will see the available facilities expand from running at the equivalent of 0.5 beds per 1,000 residents at present, to 3 beds per 1,000 residents. 46 new hospitals are currently under construction, with 11 set to open next year. (Source: Healthcare)

Insurance overhaul imminent

Healthcare — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:13:12 +0100

The Dubai Health Authority has confirmed that there will soon be comprehensive access to healthcare within the emirate, The National has reported. An announcement is expected to confirm shortly that employers or sponsors will have to provide mandatory insurance. Estimates put the total cost to employers at $400m. (Source: Healthcare)

Un ups malaria fight

Healthcare — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 06:30:15 +0100

Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon has marked the first World Malaria Day by calling on agencies to eliminate malaria deaths by 2010. Over 500m are affected by the preventable disease globally, resulting in 1m deaths annually. (Source: Healthcare)

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German neurology at dhcc

Healthcare — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 06:11:53 +0100

The German Center for Neurology and Psychiatry announced its facilities have opened in Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC). The centre is open six days a week, offering technology used to diagnose and treat neurological and psychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia, as well as strokes. The center will also offer EEG technology used to test for brain diseases such as headaches, tumours or epilepsy. (Source: Healthcare)

5-year plan for food safety

Healthcare — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 03:55:02 +0100

The Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority has developed a five-year plan to ensure the public health and safety of food in the emirate, reported Khaleej Times. The authority has developed draft legislation that covers eight areas, including hygiene, food sampling, product recalls, and health certification. The public may submit comments on the draft rules, which are available on ADFCA's website. (Source: Healthcare)

Uae forms aids committee

Healthcare — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 05:00:10 +0100

The UAE has formed a committee to implement a strategy for Aids control and prevention in the country, Khaleej Times has reported. The committee will be directed by the Ministry of Health and include representatives from the Health Authority Abu Dhabi, the private health sector and other health authorities in the country. The committe will provide workers in various healthcare facilities with guidelines to ensure prevention from HIV infection. (Source: Healthcare)

Free check ups at healthcare event

Healthcare — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 04:36:15 +0100

Women's Healthcare 2008 is offering free check ups to help identify risk factors linked to some of the most serious health challenges in the Middle East. A specially-created Mobile Health Centre, located in Zabeel Hall at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from 23-26 April, will offer health assessments, including cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure, lung capacity and Body Mass Index tests, to those attending the event. (Source: Healthcare)

Hepatitis c listed as 'deportable'

Healthcare — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 06:08:52 +0100

For everyone in the UAE, new and those that will renew visas, who is tested positive for hepatitis C virus [HCV] will be deported, according to a recent Cabinet approval, cited Gulf News. The new rule takes effect by July 1. The disease is added to the list of other'deportable' diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis and hepatitis B. (Source: Healthcare)

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New form for accident victims

Healthcare — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 06:20:57 +0100

The Traffic Department heads in Dubai's police department and the Dubai Health Authority have approved for the use of a new medical check-up forms for accident victims, reported Gulf News. The new forms used for those injured in car accidents will categorise their degrees of injury. The form is aimed at preserving the rights of all those entailed in car accidents. (Source: Healthcare)

Saudi chemical q1 profit dips 15%

Healthcare — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 06:37:00 +0100

Saudi Chemical Co, a distributor of pharmaceutical drugs, has announced that its first-quarter profit fell 15% as the price of imported goods increased, reported Bloomberg. Net income fell to 34 million riyals ($9.1m), or 0.53 riyals a share, from 40 million riyals, or 0.63 riyals a share, the Riyadh-based company said. (Source: Healthcare)

Uae bans medical tests at clinics

Healthcare — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 04:32:10 +0100

Municipal clinics in the UAE will not be allowed to conduct medical tests for residence and labour visas as of July 1, reported Gulf News. Expatriates are required to undergo medical testing every three years or when they change jobs to check for infectious diseases. Only medical facilities run by the preventive medicine department at the Ministry of Health, Dubai Health Authority and Abu Dhabi Health Authority will be authorized to do the testing. (Source: Healthcare)

Dubai to study health of students

Healthcare — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 04:53:11 +0100

The Dubai government has announced plans to 'study and improve' the general health of youngsters in the emirate. As a first step towards this goal, Knowledge and Human Development Authority and Dubai Health Authority will soon develop a database of children in the emirate's schools and identify particular health issues. Similarly, KHDA's newly-formed Higher Education Agency will also meet DHA officials to discuss health problems usually affecting college students. Authorities also plan to raise awareness among students on healthy living. (Source: Healthcare)

Arabtec signs medical insurance deal with dnir

Healthcare — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 03:32:28 +0100

Dubai National Insurance & Reinsurance has entered into a medical insurance contract with Arabtec Holdings, covering their 40000 employees. The coverage encompasses various clinics, hospitals and pharmacies across the UAE and provides medical care at employees' camps on a regular basis. The scheme also provides life insurance coverage. (Source: Healthcare)

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Egyptian woman dies of blird flu

Healthcare — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 03:41:57 +0100

A 30-year-old Egyptian woman living in the Cairo area has died of bird flu. The number of people who have died from the disease now stands at 22. She was the third person to die of Bird flu in Egypt in the past two weeks. (Source: Healthcare)

Qualiphar-gifrer sets up in dubai

Healthcare — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 07:29:13 +0100

Belgian pharmaceutical Qualiphar-Gifrer has signed a partnership agreement with Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech) to set up operations within the life sciences park. The company deals into healthcare products, contract manufacturing and production of plant-herbal extracts. (Source: Healthcare)

Aldar to develop cleveland clinic abu dhabi

Healthcare — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 04:53:11 +0100

Mubadala Development Company has awarded Aldar Properties with the funding and development of the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi on Al Sowa Island. Site enabling activity has already commenced for the state-of-the-art medical facility, which is set to offer residents of the UAE and the region high end healthcare and cutting edge technology. Scheduled to be operational in 2011, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi will include a multi-specialty tertiary care centre and adjacent clinic. (Source: Healthcare)

Pro-pharmaceuticals to commercialise cancer drug

Healthcare — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 04:27:39 +0100

US-based Pro-Pharmaceuticals, a company developing targeted therapeutic compounds to treat serious disease, has announced that it has signed a letter of intent with Yiaco Medical Co of Kuwait for the commercialisation of Davanat for the treatment of colorectal and biliary cancer. Yiaco Medical serves 18 countries and represents 80 healthcare companies in the Middle East and North Africa. Davanat is a proprietary carbohydrate polymer. Davanat's mechanism of action is based upon binding to lectins on the diseased cell surface. It targets specific lectin receptors (Galectins) that are over-expressed on cancer cells. (Source: Healthcare)

1st robotic arm surgery in uae

Healthcare — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 03:48:40 +0100

The first robotic arm-assisted surgery in the UAE will occur on Friday at Rashid Hospital when foreign experts perform the surgery on three UAE patients, reported Gulf News. The procedure will be broadcast live to an audience at the hospital auditorium, part of a three-day laparoscopic and endoscopic surgical conference organised by the Emirates Medical Association. Robotic surgery is performed by a specially designed robot controlled by a surgeon in another room. The method lessens the risks of infection and requires fewer people to perform a surgery. (Source: Healthcare)

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Qatar only wants healthy beef

Healthcare — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 06:02:00 +0100

Qatar is the only GCC country which does not import beef from the United States, reported The Peninsula. According to the US Department of Agriculture Attache based in Dubai, the issue is being dealt with for seven years now as the Qatari guidelines require at the time beef should be from healthy animals, from animals not exceeding 18 months of age, fed with feed free of animal protein, subject to examination by vets before and after slaughter, free from suspected infection source parts and free from meat around the cow's backbone. The 18 months of age has been amended to 30 months in December last year. (Source: Healthcare)

Paediatrics get cme credit hours

Healthcare — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 05:46:33 +0100

The Harvard Medical School Dubai Center Institute for Postgraduate Education and Research has awarded 13 credit hours to paediatricians in the region who participated in the Continuing Medical Education initiative in pediatrics. These credits are recognized by the Ministry of Health as well as Dubai and Abu Dhabi Health Authorities. (Source: Healthcare)

Mozarella cancer scare in qatar

Healthcare — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 04:41:55 +0100

Qatar has taken samples of the popular Italian white cheese mozzarella from the local market to carry out extensive laboratory tests to find out if it contains cancer-causing bacteria, reported The Peninsula. Qatar's National Health Authority will test the samples to find out if the levels of dioxin in the cheese has exceeded the permitted levels, which may cause cancer. (Source: Healthcare)

Sterilisation for uae women now legal at private hospitals

Healthcare — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 06:14:17 +0100

Women in the UAE can now be sterilised at private hospitals following permission from the emirate's health authority, reported Gulf News. A 2006 ban on the private sector performing sterilisation procedures on men and women was lifted two weeks ago, allowing private hospitals which offer maternity services to offer tubal ligation, in which a woman's fallopian tubes are severed and sealed to prevent fertilisation, and hysterectomy, the removal of a woman's womb. Male sterilisation is still illegal. (Source: Healthcare)

Sharjah issues smoking ban

Healthcare — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 03:28:46 +0100

The UAE emirate of Sharjah will soon implement a new law that will prohibit people from smoking in enclosed public areas, including shopping centres, restaurants, and public transport, reported WAM. The ban will take effect in two months. (Source: Healthcare)

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Me smokers develop lung disease at younger age

Healthcare — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 03:39:18 +0100

A new study has found that people from Middle Eastern countries are developing lung disease at a younger age, reported Gulf News. The 46-country Greatest International Antibiotic Trial (Giant) studied the prevalence of acute exacerbate chronic bronchitis, a form of lung disease, and the effectiveness of Bayer Schering Pharma's antibiotic in treating it. It found a majority of the 4,300 subjects in the Middle East were reporting the disease at 48.5 years old, the youngest compared to other regions. The average age for lung disease in Latin America was 63.1 years, followed by Europe at 60.5 and Asia-Pacific with 57.1 years. (Source: Healthcare)

New rules for pharmacies

Healthcare — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 03:41:06 +0100

The Health Authority Abu Dhabi has issued new guidelines for pharmacies which require them to have a licensed pharmacist on duty during business hours, reported Gulf News. It also issued another circular informing all pharmacies that it is mandatory to use a new triplicate controlled prescription form. A copy will remain with the pharmacy, another one will be handed to the patient and a third copy given to the insurance company. (Source: Healthcare)

No clinics for dentists in saudi

Healthcare — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 05:53:53 +0100

Despite 220 established new dental clinics across Saudi Arabia, unemployed dentistry graduates are still unable to find jobs, reported Arab News. According to the Health Ministry, new centers are only employing specialized dentists, while new graduates keep looking for opportunities in big cities, while other regions are left unexplored. The government is allotting SR27m for the construction of new clinics all over the kingdom. (Source: Healthcare)

Boston dental center opens in dhcc

Healthcare — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 06:30:02 +0100

The Boston University Dental Health Center Dubai has opened its temporary headquarters at the Dubai Healthcare City. The center is a 20,000-sqft. facility, which include 19 dental chairs, a VIP patient suite, as well as two radiology rooms with digital radiology X-ray capacity and 10 laboratory stations. (Source: Healthcare)

Dubai to switch off lights

Healthcare — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 04:44:26 +0100

The city of Dubai is joining the Earth Hour and will switch off lights from 8pm to 9pm, tonight, Saturday night, reported Gulf News. Several establishments, including the Burj Al Arab have joined the campaign, wherein exterior lights will be turned off for one hour. (Source: Healthcare)

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Pfizer makes dubai its regional hq

Healthcare — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 10:34:14 +0100

Pharmaceutical company Pfizer is setting up a medical and marketing headquarters in Dubai. It will be sited in the Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech), and is part of its plan to make Dubai its regional hub for Middle East and Africa. The company already employs 1,300 people in the Middle East. (Source: Healthcare)

Dubai hospital names ceo

Healthcare — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 10:29:38 +0100

Dubai Healthcare City has appointed James Kingsbury as Chief Executive Officer of its recently launched University Hospital. Kingsbury joins from the University Hospital and Health Alliance of Greater Cincinnati in the US, where he was Executive Director and Senior Vice-President. The University Hospital's mandate is to be a regional centre of life sciences research, post graduate medical education and secondary and tertiary medical services. (Source: Healthcare)

Bird flu sweeps egypt

Healthcare — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 06:03:18 +0100

Egypt is now the third most affected country by bird flu, after Indonesia and Vietnam. To date there have been 47 human cases, with 20 deaths from the H5N1 influenza virus. So far the government has closed 18 infected chicken farms this year as the disease sweeps the country, but authorities said it is still difficult for humans to catch. Generally, victims catch the virus after inhaling the blood, feathers or powered faeces of chickens. (Source: Healthcare)

Uae scientists honoured

Healthcare — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 04:59:10 +0100

Nineteen scientists in the UAE have been honoured for their research into areas such as microbiology and genetics. All received commendations under the Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Medical Sciences (Shams). (Source: Healthcare)