24-Feb-17 China has launched the “two-invoice” system in drug distribution on a trial basis, aiming to improve transparency in drug prices and eliminate excessive profit margins associated with multi-tier distribution models. The two-invoice system had been debated for over a decade. The system is expected to be fully implemented in public hospitals by the end of 2018. [image: Global Compliance News]

24-Feb-17 Healthcare UK has secured the first commercial Letter of Intent to participate in a new diabetes prevention programme in the Middle East. The programme has been developed in partnership with NHS England, Public Health England, and Diabetes UK. Healthcare UK has now widened its strategic focus to include Qatar and Oman, alongside Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. [image: GOV.UK]

22-Feb-17 International Finance Corp, the investment arm of the World Bank, plans to invest up to USD60 mn in Indonesia-based IDS Medical Systems, the largest Southeast Asian medical device distributor and supply chain manager. The funding will help IDS complete a USD130 mn project and expand operations by growing in existing markets and selectively entering new markets in Asia. [image: IDS Medical Systems]

22-Feb-17 Virtual Reality (VR) is gaining traction in Hong Kong medical care as universities and hospitals increasingly adopt it for patient rehabilitation and medical professionals training. As VR gets cheaper, more physicians, scientists and other medical practitioners use VR in diverse medical disciplines including rehabilitation, robotic and minimally invasive surgery simulation, and immersion therapy such as for depression and phobia. [image: Healthcare Innovation]

22-Feb-17 Embattled Japanese electronics maker Toshiba is selling its 65% stake in medical equipment leasing company Toshiba Medical Finance to Canon for JPY3.14 bn (USD28 mn). It has been selling off lucrative businesses such as its computer-chip operations. [image: Koji Sasahara / AP]