09-Feb-17 The Philippines' Ayala Corp has bought into a medical startup, adding some disruptive technology to its fledgling healthcare operations. The investment vehicle AC Health took a minority stake in Wellbridge Health, which owns the online pharmacy MedGrocer. "The investment of AC Health into MedGrocer fits well with both our pharmacy and health tech aspirations," said Paolo Borromeo, CEO. [image: Nikkei Asian Reveiw]

09-Feb-17 Medical tourism was once a potential key driver of the economy, but it has been increasingly difficult for Singapore to maintain its position due to ever-rising costs. The standard of care is superb. But there is a lack of transparency in private hospital fees, which contain many hidden charges. Foreign patients are put off by the costly accommodation and transport. [image: IMTJ]

09-Feb-17 Medical device manufacturer Cook Medical Australia has officially opened a new commercialisation and development centre in Brisbane, designed to assist businesses, entrepreneurs and researchers from across Asia Pacific to bring innovative medical products and health related technologies to market. Cook Medical Australia is committing AUD4 mn to establishing the Asia Pacific Commercialisation and Development Centre (ACDC). [image: Cook Medical Australia]

08-Feb-17 Smith & Nephew reported a 7 percent drop in profit, as tough conditions in China and Saudi Arabia kept growth in check. The company has focused on emerging markets in recent years to boost sluggish demand in the US and Europe, where it competes with Zimmer and Stryker. The company delivered growth, but not at the level it had wanted. [image: Smith & Nephew]

08-Feb-17 A coalition of 67 organisations made up of travel companies and medical centres in Taiwan have come together to offer their services to travellers seeking medical treatment overseas. These packages tend to be expensive and aimed at high-end tourists from China. By targeting Chinese patients specifically, Taiwan’s efforts could be more directed than many others and thus potentially more successful. [image: IHMT]