17-Mar-17 Scientists at the Bhabha Atomic Research Center have developed a micro sized Tele-ECG machine that can transmit an ECG over mobile phones and costs around USD62. The machine can be recharged via a mobile charger and the data can be transmitted via mobile network to a specialist, ideal for use in rural India. [image: NDTV]

17-Mar-17 The Malaysian Medical Device Agency has made public its plans to ratify the ASEAN Medical Device Directive, a framework intended to harmonize medical device regulations across 10 ASEAN member nations, in mid-2017. The agency has also announced its plans to undertake revisions of the country’s current medical device regulatory system in 2017. [image: Pacific Bridge Medical]

17-Mar-17 The Korean company GEOMC and Danish sound specialist company AUDIOWISE have jointly developed a sound therapy solution aimed at reducing symptoms of depression, sleep disturbance, pain, anger, and other similar side effects of prolonged stress. The technology is being tested at Seoul National University’s research centers to provide empirical proof of effectiveness. [image: Business Korea]

17-Mar-17 TPG, the US alternative-investment firm, sees opportunities in healthcare in Asia to meet untapped demand in some of the fastest-growing economies. The region is short of quality healthcare infrastructure, said Jim Coulter, co-CEO. TPG’s Asian investment arm manages USD6 bn in assets, including a stake in the United Family Healthcare chain of high-end Chinese hospitals. [image: Bloomberg]

17-Mar-17 Japan's medical equipment makers are stepping up efforts in the Middle East, where their presence has been small but where they see significant growth potential. Fujifilm will deliver over 200 units of its X-ray system to public hospitals in Saudi Arabia by the end of Mar-17, while Olympus is planning to begin sales at its new headquarters in Dubai. [image: Nikkei Asian Review]