04-Jan-16 The Chinese government has been easing the strict regulatory process for foreign investment in the healthcare sector, and has set a goal for private hospital services to increase their contribution to the sector. As quality of care and long waiting times are significant issues for public healthcare providers, private players have an opportunity to grow thanks to their strong international branding. [image: Singapore Business Review]

03-Jan-16 Singapore will ramp healthcare capabilities to meet the rise in demand from an ageing population. The number of people aged 65+ will more than double from 430,000 to 900,000 by 2030. Several new eldercare centres will be opened, including three in Yishun. The opening of two hospitals in 2015, with 800 beds, should ease the severe bed crunch of recent years. [image: ST File]

03-Jan-16 Western Australia Health Minister Kim Hames has confirmed 1,163 jobs will need to go if the Government is to bring spending back to sustainable levels. The Government flagged significant cuts to the public health sector last year, with Premier Colin Barnett describing staffing numbers as "several hundred" above desired levels. [image: ABC]

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

22-Dec-15 iKang Healthcare Group, China's largest private preventive healthcare provider, announced it has acquired 70% interest of Xi'an iKang Health Management, which owns three medical centers under the brand name Xi'an INLUNG. This marks iKang's first steps into Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi Province. [image: Sapphire Healthcare]