20-Jan-16 Just a few years back, India’s healthcare sector was under-penetrated in terms of technology adoption and was lagging behind other industry verticals. However, the scenario is changing gradually. Healthcare providers in India are expected to have spent USD1.2 bn on IT products and services in 2015, an increase of 7% over 2014. [image: Dataquest]

16-Jan-16 China's policy reforms, ageing population and more affluent and sophisticated consumers have created increased opportunities for Singapore firms, not just the healthcare sector, but the entire eco-system. More have entered other areas, such as healthcare infrastructure, healthcare systems and healthcare solutions like diagnostics devices and data analytics. [image: The Straits Times]

15-Jan-16 The Korean government plans to expand the geographical scope, size and targets of its third telemedicine system test run. Currently, the Ministry of National Defense is practicing telemedicine at 40 different locations after starting the service with two units in December 2014. [image: Yonhap News]

14-Jan-16 Philips has announced an agreement with the Sijunjung Regency in West Sumatra, Indonesia, for full-scale commercial implementation - Philips’ first globally - of its Mobile Obstetrics Monitoring (MOM) service. The smartphone service identifies mothers-to-be at high risk and enables midwives in remote locations to share data and ultrasound images with obstetricians in the country’s larger hospitals, for improved decision-making. [image: Philips]

14-Jan-16 India plans to roll out the red carpet for medical tourists with a series of initiatives being planned. These include online approval for medical visa, accreditation of hospitals and wellness institutions and establishing fixed charges for services. The tourism ministry plans to grade institutions, offer information on costs via a web portal, and accredited facilities to ensure quality. [image: IndiaLine]