30-Dec-15 Bolivian President Evo Morales has announced investment of USD1.70 bn in the hospital sector as part of the 2016-2020 Social & Economic Development Plan. Four level-4 hospitals are planned, located in Cochabamba, Tarija, La Paz, and Santa Cruz, and specialising in oncology, cardiology, gastroenterology, and neurology respectively. Morales also confirmed the development of a universal healthcare system. [image: Plan Canada]

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]

30-Dec-15 Accident and emergency services at public hospitals in Hong Kong are under serious stress, as daily use has surpassed 6,000 patients per day. Pok Oi Hospital and Caritas Medical Centre received patients 10% beyond capacity, and patients at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Yau Ma Tei exceeded its capacity by over 20%. [image: HKEJ]

25-Dec-15 Japan's first new school of medicine in 38 years will open close to Narita Airport with the aim of capitalizing on the medical tourism market and attracting foreign visitors for medical check-ups and treatments from world-class physicians. Foreign visitors will be offered general checkups, advanced medical care and the opportunity to see the sights of Tokyo. [image: International University of Health and Welfare]

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]