19-May-16 A third of the global burden of mental, neurological and substance use disease occurs in India and China – more than all high-income countries combined. Yet most sufferers do not receive the needed treatment. By 2025, 40 mn years of healthy life will be lost to mental illness in China (10% increase from 2013), and 38 mn in India (23% increase). [image: OnMedica]

16-May-16 The Indian medical tourism industry is expected to reach USD6 bn by 2018, with the number of arrivals set to double over the next four years. "Hospitals participating in medical tourism are increasing focus on niche segments; hospitals specialising in dental, reproductive and wellness are also forming a sizeable portion,” said Dr Sudarshan Ballal, Chairman of Manipal Health Enterprises. [image: Deccan Herald]

12-May-16 India's National Pharmaceutical Pricing Agency has reduced the prices of 54 indispensable medicines; the cut going up to 55%. This move, a repetition of an earlier revision that capped the prices of another 54 drugs, aims at ensuring that important medication, becomes affordable for a wider strata of people. [image: Getty Images]

11-May-16 18% of global deaths and 20% of loss of disability-adjusted life years occur in India. Amidst these challenges, adoption of technology offers some hope. Telemedicine was a stepping stone and now adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT) will help provide universal access to healthcare in rural and semi-urban India, medical facilities for the poor and development of preventive self-care. [image: BW CIOWorld]

08-May-16 Venture funding in healthcare globally reached a record USD4.5 bn in 302 deals in 2015, a four fold increase since 2011. A new generation of healthcare startups, focussing on the consumer market, has been gaining rapid ground. China, India and Singapore have become hotbeds for healthtech start-ups, most about doctor and clinic discovery. [image: Deal Street Asia]