MedWorm: Middle East Health

Retraction.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:22:02 +0100

Authors: We are sorry that we have to retract the following articles due to significant plagiarism by authors. Archives of Iranian Medicine is a member of Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and is devoted to its guidelines and principles. Hereby we apologize for the inconvenience to the readers. --Ameloblastomatous calcifying odontogenic cyst: a case report of a rare histologic variant. Arch Iran Med. 2009 Jul;12(4):417-20. --Peripheral calcifying odontogenic cyst. Arch Iran Med. 2009 May;12(3):309-12. --Desmoplastic ameloblastoma (a hybrid variant): report of a case and review of the literature. Arch Iran Med. 2009 May;12(3):304-8. --Squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue in a 13-year-old boy. Arch Iran Med. 2008 May;11(3):341-3. PMID: 20217965 [PubMed - in process] (Source: A...

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Influenza A (H1N1) Pandemic in Iran: Report of First Confirmed Cases from June to November 2009.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:04:24 +0100

CONCLUSION: It is of utmost importance to strengthen the surveillance system for this disease and appropriately transfer the resultant knowledge to the medical professionals, stakeholders and the general population, accordingly. PMID: 20187661 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

Seroprevalence and risk factors of hepatitis a virus infection in iran: a population based study.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:04:24 +0100

CONCLUSION: The seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus still appears to be too elevated for recommending routine vaccination in the general population. However, the trend towards a lower prevalence in younger age groups and people from urban areas points towards the possible benefit of vaccination in these subgroups. PMID: 20187662 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

Pre- and post-treatment of streptozocin administered rats with melatonin: effects on some hepatic enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:04:24 +0100

CONCLUSION: Melatonin pre-treatment prevents the injurious effects of streptozocin in rats. In streptozocin induced diabetic animals, post-treatment with this antioxidant normalizes both blood and liver constituents which were ameliorated by streptozocin. PMID: 20187663 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

Prevalence of Esophageal Cancer Risk Factors among Turkmen and Non-Turkmen Ethnic Groups in a High Incidence Area in Iran.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:04:24 +0100

CONCLUSION: Our findings support the suggestion that a substantial difference between Turkmens and non-Turkmens in terms of genetic susceptibility to ESCC is unlikely. Nevertheless, the moderate effect of genetic factors cannot be ruled out. Further studies to investigate potential environmental and genetic risk factors of ESCC in Golestan and the interaction between environmental and genetic factors are warranted. PMID: 20187664 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

Tacrolimus related hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in liver transplant recipients.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:04:24 +0100

CONCLUSION: The cardiovascular toxicity of tacrolimus, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, may be observed in pediatric patients. Therefore, we recommend routine regular cardiovascular evaluation of children after liver transplantation. PMID: 20187665 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

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Study of 5HT3 and HT4 Receptor Expression in HT29 Cell Line and Human Colon Adenocarcinoma Tissues.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:04:24 +0100

CONCLUSION: The results indicate which 5HT3 and 5HT4 receptors are significantly expressed in both colon cancer tissue and the HT29 cell line. Expression for the 5HT3 receptor is more potent. Furthermore, 5HT plays a mitogenic role in colon cancer cells and antagonists of 5HT3, and 5HT4 receptors can inhibit cancer cell growth. PMID: 20187666 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

Correlation between Bispectoral Index and Predicted Effect-site Concentration of Propofol in Different Levels of Target-Controlled, Propofol Induced Sedation in Healthy Volunteers.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:04:24 +0100

CONCLUSION: Both Bispectral Index and effect site concentration of propofol indicate a good estimate of sedation levels; however their correlations are significant and negative only at moderate and deep sedation levels, and during the induction of sedation. PMID: 20187667 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

Correlation between Serum Levels of Soluble Fas (CD95/Apo-1) with Disease Activity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients in Khorasan, Iran.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:04:24 +0100

CONCLUSION: This study shows a significant elevation of sFas levels in the sera of systemic lupus erythematosus patients with active disease; therefore it can be used as an appropriate marker for evaluation of disease activity. PMID: 20187668 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

Five common cancers in iran.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:04:24 +0100

Authors: Kolahdoozan S, Sadjadi A, Radmard AR, Khademi H Iran as a developing nation is in epidemiological transition from communicable to non-communicable diseases. Although, cancer is the third cause of death in Iran, it;s mortality are on the rise during recent decades. This mini-review was carried out to provide a general viewpoint on common cancers incidence in Iran and to explain incidental differences that may help us to establish early detection programs and investigate population risk factors. A detailed PubMed, Scopus and Google scholar search were made from 2000 to 2009. The basic inclusion criteria were all relevant studies focused on cancer epidemiological data from Iran. Overall age-standard incidence rate per 100 000 population according to primary site is 110.43 in male...

Common HBV genotype in southeastern Iranian patients.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:04:24 +0100

Authors: Eftekhari Y, Kazemi Arababadi M, Hakimi H, Rezazadeh Zarandi E Asymptomatic hepatitis B infection is characterized as a type of hepatitis in which hepatitis B surface antigen is present in the patient's peripheral blood despite the absence of clinical symptoms. Previous studies have shown that a particular genotype may effect clinical manifestations of hepatitis B infection; hence, the aim of the current study was to determine the frequency of hepatitis B virus genotypes among asymptomatic carriers of hepatitis B.In this experimental study, the plasma samples of 100 asymptomatic carriers were collected and tested for HBsAg and anti-HBs using ELISA. The genotype of hepatitis B virus was determined by the GAP-PCR technique. The results of this study showed that all samples were ...

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Foreign body removal using bronchoscopy and argon plasma coagulation.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:04:24 +0100

Authors: Jabbardarjani H, Kiani A, Arab A, Masjedi M Foreign body aspiration can be a life threatening event especially for young children with smaller diameters of airway size. The foreign body can result in body response and granulation tissue formation around the object which makes the foreign body removal difficult. In such situations surgical intervention is usually needed but with interventional pulmonology modalities we can restrict the need of surgery. PMID: 20187671 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

A giant polypoid Basal cell carcinoma of the lower extremity.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:04:24 +0100

We report a case of giant basal cell carcinoma of the leg which is not associated with neglect and no signs of metastasis, despite being more than 10 cm in diameter. The present paper includes a brief review of the literature. PMID: 20187672 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

Two cases of gastrointestinal anthrax with an unusual presentation from kermanshah (Western iran).

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:04:24 +0100

Authors: Hatami H, Ramazankhani A, Mansoori F During 1988 - 1994 a total of 38 cases of human anthrax were admitted to Sina Hospital in Kermanshah (western Iran). There were two cases of gastrointestinal anthrax (5.3%) with culture positive ascitic fluid. Among the many reported gastrointestinal signs and symptoms, unexpectedly one of our patients had only vomiting and ascites whereas the other case had only ascites. Neither had abdominal pain, tenderness, diarrhea, hematemesis, melena, or other expected signs and symptoms of anthrax. Therefore, in contrast to the available reports, these cases presented atypically and despite receiving a sufficient dose of penicillin, the drug of choice at that time, both patients died. Gastrointestinal anthrax is not as rare as reported but due to an...

Photoclinic.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:04:24 +0100

Authors: Mozaffari K, Iravanloo G PMID: 20187674 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

A Brief Iranian Medical History through Commemorative Postage Stamps.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:04:24 +0100

This report briefly reviews the history of Iranian medicine through Iranian commemorative postage stamps. Some notable stamps are presented. PMID: 20187675 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

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Rheumatology at shiraz university of medical sciences.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:04:24 +0100

Authors: Rajaee A The Rheumatology Division in the Department of Internal Medicine at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences) (former Pahlavi University) (was established by Dr. Ali-Asghar Eghtedari in 1970. Drs. Mohammad Salami and Hadi Hedayati joined this division in 1973 and 1974, respectively. Since 1980, Dr. Akbar Rajaee has been in charge of this division. In 1986, the rheumatology subspeciality training program at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences was approved by the Ministry of Health. PMID: 20187676 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

Letter to the editor.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:04:24 +0100

Authors: Rahimi-Movaghar V, Shahraz S, Naghavi M PMID: 20187677 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

Letter to the editor on estimated the health effects of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic on Tehran and Kerman populations.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Letter to the editor on estimated the health effects of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic on Tehran and Kerman populations. Arch Iran Med. 2010 Jan;13(1):82-3; author reply 83-4 Authors: Farzadfar F PMID: 20050404 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

A concern about "modeling of H1N1 Flu".

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Wiwanitkit V PMID: 20050405 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

A study of west nile virus infection in Iranian blood donors.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: No evidence of WNV-specific IgM antibody and WNV RNA in blood donor samples was found. In order to increase the safety of blood donation, it is essential to continue surveillance of this emerging infection in order to protect the blood supply in the future. PMID: 20039761 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

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A survey of the status of education and research in anaesthesia and intensive care medicine at the university teaching hospital in lusaka, zambia.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: We have described strategies which may help to reverse this trend, the most important of which is to promote anaesthesia as an essential specialty within hospitals in developing countries. PMID: 20039762 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

Wound infection incidence in patients with simple and gangrenous or perforated appendicitis.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: There was no statistically significant difference in wound infection between the simple and gangrenous or perforated appendicitis groups. PMID: 20039763 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

Trauma research in iran: a report of the sina trauma data bank.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: According to our results, it seems that more attention from researchers and health-policy makers towards trauma is necessary in our country. In addition, publishing a journal with the main theme of injury and trauma could be an effective means for increasing the proportion of trauma related articles. PMID: 20039764 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

Detection of KIT and FLT3 Mutations in Acute Myeloid Leukemia with Different Subtypes.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: This study revealed that approximately 30% of acute myeloid leukemia patients have either KIT or fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 genetic mutations. The presence of fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 was significantly associated with M3 morphology and mutations of KIT were significantly associated with M2 and M4 subtypes. PMID: 20039765 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

Potent Reducing Effects of Vitamin D3 on the Frequency of Apoptosis Induced by Arsenic Trioxide in NB4 Cell Line.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Results indicate that arsenic trioxide is a potent inducer of apoptosis in NB4 cells and vitamin D3 significantly decreased the sensitivity of cells to the induction of apoptosis by arsenic trioxide. These findings suggest that 1,25-(OH)2D3 might be involved in anti-apoptotic processes via reactive oxygen species scavenging or other mechanisms not yet known. PMID: 20039766 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

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Prevalence of anencephaly in gorgan, northern iran.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: The present study indicated that the prevalence of anencephaly among Iranian newborns in northern Iran was higher than in the European population. PMID: 20039767 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

A modification of the brunt system for scoring liver histology of patients with non-alcoholic Fatty liver disease.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: This system provides a fine graduation of liver histologic damage in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and is well suited for use in clinical trials or natural history studies. PMID: 20039768 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome due to Lipofibromatous Hamartoma of the Median Nerve.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This report describes a rare case of secondary carpal tunnel syndrome due to a lipofibromatous hamartoma of the median nerve. Excision of the fibrofatty tissue between the nerve fascicles without risking damage to the fascicles was impossible. The transverse carpal ligament was incised and an epineurotomy was performed. Within six months, the 25-year-old female patient's symptoms were much improved. PMID: 20039769 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

Extensive focal epithelial hyperplasia.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Hashemipour MA, Shoryabi A, Adhami S, Mehrabizadeh Honarmand H Heck's disease or focal epithelial hyperplasia is a benign contagious disease caused by human papillomavirus types 13 or 32. It occurs with low frequency in the Iranian population. This condition is characterized by the occurrence of multiple, small papules or nodules in the oral cavity, especially on the labial and buccal mucosa and tongue. In some populations, up to 39% of children are affected. Conservative surgical excision of lesions may be performed for diagnostic or aesthetic purposes. The risk of recurrence after this therapy is minimal, and there seems to be no malignant transformation potential. In the present work, we presented the clinical case of a 12-year-old Iranian girl with oral lesions that clinic...

Shrapnel splinter in the common bile duct.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We report a 42-year-old man who presented with obstructive jaundice by an impacted shrapnel splinter in the common bile duct (CBD) 23 years after a combat injury. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of this type in Iranian literature, although there are a few reports of combat related injuries in other countries. This diagnosis should be considered in the assessment of any patient with jaundice and abdominal pain who has experienced a previous combat injury. PMID: 20039771 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

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Photoclinic.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Peyvandi A, Peyrovi H, Ahmady-Roozbahany N PMID: 20039772 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

Asclepius, caduceus, and simurgh as medical symbols, part I.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Nayernouri T This is the first of two articles reviewing the history of medical symbols. In this first article I have briefly reviewed the evolution of the Greek god, Asclepius, (and his Roman counterpart Aesculapius) with the single serpent entwined around a wooden rod as a symbol of western medicine and have alluded to the misplaced adoption of the Caduceus of the Greek god Hermes (and his Roman counterpart Mercury) with its double entwined serpents as an alternative symbol. In the second part of this article (to be published later), I have made a tentative suggestion of why the Simorgh might be adopted as an Eastern or an Asian symbol for medicine. PMID: 20039773 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

A brief history of smallpox eradication in iran.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Azizi MH Smallpox, which currently is only of historical interest, was once one of the most terrible illnesses with high mortality and morbidity. In the late 18th century, the English physician and naturalist, Edward Jenner (1749 - 1823), discovered an efficient preventive technique against smallpox which he termed "vaccination". Afterwards, the practice of vaccination gradually became widespread when finally in 1979, the World Health Organization formally declared the global eradication of this fatal disease.Presented here is a brief account of smallpox eradication in Iran which started on a limited scale in the 19th century by the order of Abbas Mirza (1789 - 1833), the Crown Prince of Fath Ali Shah Qajar (reign from 1797 - 1834), and reinforced in 1848 by Mirza Taghi Khan A...

Diabetic kidney disease: act now or pay later.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Atkins RC, Zimmet P PMID: 20039775 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

Letter to the editor.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: PMID: 20039776 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

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Abu Dhabi launches EMR system

Healthcare — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 08:35:47 +0100

Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Khalifa Medical City has announced that it has started using the electronic medical record (EMR) system in the surgical, nursing, medications and tests, laboratory and emergency departments, The National has reported. The system reduces the chances of errors by allowing doctors and nurses instant access to current records. The system will eventually connect all hospitals and clinics run by SEHA, the health services company that operates government hospitals in the emirate. (Source: Healthcare)

GCC healthcare market to hit $50bn by 2020

Healthcare — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 07:31:46 +0100

A report by investment bank, Alpen Capital projects the health care market in the GCC to grow at around 9% annually to reach from $47bn to $55bn by 2020, Gulf News has reported. 'The growth will be driven by both an increase in demand (increased number of treatments) and the cost of health care provision (average cost per treatment),' the report said. The GCC may also require in excess of 25,000 additional beds by 2020 to address the growing demand for in-patient treatments. Last year, 46 million medical treatments were conducted across the region, of which 91% were outpatients, generating $18bn in revenue, according to the report. (Source: Healthcare)

Jordan: Foreign nurses to need accredited degrees

Healthcare — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 07:28:46 +0100

Jordanian ministry of health has said that the employment of foreign nurses will soon be restricted to those with degrees accredited by the kingdom's ministry of higher education, Jordan Times has reported. Some 300 foreign nurses, mainly from the Philippines, Egypt and India, are currently working in the kingdom, according the ministry. (Source: Healthcare)

Egypt, Jordan to accelerate pharmaceutical registration

Healthcare — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 07:58:28 +0100

Jordan and Egypt have agreed to accelerate the registration of Jordanian- and Egyptian-made pharmaceuticals in both countries to facilitate trade, the Jordan Times has reported. Under the new agreement, registration of Jordanian drugs in Egypt will be reduced to six months from two years. According to official figures, Egypt imported JD5.25m worth of Jordanian medicines in 2008, while Jordan imported JD5.6m worth of Egyptian pharmaceuticals during the same period. (Source: Healthcare)

Jordan's KHCF inks $600k grant deal with Opec fund

Healthcare — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 07:34:25 +0100

Jordan's King Hussein Cancer Foundation (KHCF) has signed a $600,000 grant agreement with the Opec Fund for International Development (OFID), Kuna has reported. The funds will be allocated for the purchase of modern equipment for the Centre's Interventional Radiological Suite, as well as the construction and modification of the suite to accommodate the new equipment. (Source: Healthcare)

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WHo revises Aids treatment advice

Healthcare — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 07:22:45 +0100

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said that people infected with the HIV virus that causes Aids should start treatment earlier than currently recommended, the Associated Press has reported. The WHO now advises doctors to start treatment for HIV patients when their level of CD4 cells, a measure of the immune system, is about 350. The UN agency's advice raises questions about how countries and donor agencies will pay for the lifelong Aids treatment. About four million people worldwide are receiving Aids drugs, but another five million are still waiting in line. With its new recommendations, the WHO estimates that another three to five million people now qualify for the drugs. (Source: Healthcare)

UAE needs youth smoking ban, say doctors

Healthcare — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 07:47:13 +0100

A national smoking ban is needed soon in the UAE to help protect the health of young people, several doctors told the National newspaper. 'We need legislation, education and taxation' on tobacco products, Dr Wael al Mahmeed, head of the Emirates Cardiac Society, told the daily. 'There is evidence which links the risk of heart attack to the amount of tobacco someone smokes, so stopping smoking at any time will reduce the risk.' Health authorities are spending significant amounts of their public health budgets on anti-tobacco campaigns, specifically targeting schoolchildren and young people. A federal law banning smoking in public places was drafted in 2006 by the Ministry of Health, but has yet to be implemented. (Source: Healthcare)

Hajj pilgrim dies from H1N1 virus

Healthcare — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 07:34:27 +0100

Saudi Arabian health authorities have reported the fifth H1N1 flu-related death among pilgrims of this year's Hajj pilgrimage, Reuters has reported. The kingdom had reported four pilgrim deaths from the H1N1 flu virus in the days leading up to the start of the Hajj rituals, which began last Wednesday. (Source: Healthcare)

Cardiovascular disease cases to triple in Middle East

Healthcare — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 07:05:20 +0100

The number of cases involving cardiovascular diseases will triple within the next three years in the Middle East, putting extra pressure on the region's health care syste, Dr Mahmoud Fikri, chief executive of health policies in the UAE Ministry of Health, told Gulf News. An estimated 36% of the population in the UAE suffer from hypertension, he noted. (Source: Healthcare)

New website to help nurses find jobs

Healthcare — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 06:54:05 +0100

The Jordan Nurses Association plans to launch a career services website early next year to assist Jordanian nurses secure jobs, Jordan Times has reported. The website, which will function as a link between job seekers and employers, will offer free recruitment services to around 2,000 unemployed Jordanian nurses. (Source: Healthcare)

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RAK Hospital opens catheterization laboratory

Healthcare — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:30:23 +0100

RAK Hospital has announced the launch of the first Catheterization Laboratory of the northern emirates. The new Cath Lab is an examination room with diagnostic imaging equipment used to support the catheterization procedure, which involves a catheter being inserted into a large artery. The milti-speciality specialty healthcare facility was jointly set up by the ETA Star Healthcare and the government of Ras Al Khaimah, and managed by Sonnenhof Swiss Health. (Source: Healthcare)

UAE to have biotech plant

Healthcare — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 07:29:36 +0100

The Emirates Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Co. has signed an agreement with Korean biomedical firms, G.L. Rapha and Hankook Korus Pharm, to set up the region's first biotechnology plant in the UAE, Wam has reported. The $150m plant will produce drugs to treat diabetes mellitus, nephrological diseases and tumours. The plant is expected to begin production in two years and will employ over 300 technical personnel specialised in the field. (Source: Healthcare)

Saudi says no ban for private hospitals to treat H1N1

Healthcare — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 12:10:52 +0100

The Saudi government has denied reports saying it has banned private hospitals from treating swine flu patients, Saudi Gazette has reported. The Ministry of Health's Director of Health Affairs Dr. Sami Badawood has clarified that government only urges people to go to public hospitals for free treatment, but it does not stop people to go for treatment to private institutions. (Source: Healthcare)

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)

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)

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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)

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)

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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)

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)

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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)

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)

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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)

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)

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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)

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)

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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)

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)

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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)

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)

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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)

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)

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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)

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)

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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)

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)

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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)

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)

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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)

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)

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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)

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)

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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)

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)

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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)

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)

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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)

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)

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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)

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)

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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)

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)

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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)

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)

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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)