03-Jul-15 Despite China's ambitions for its pharmaceutical sector, it is likely to continue to depend on contributions from foreign companies for some time. Investment by big pharma companies in R&D in China is still in the early stages, but it, alongside other emerging world regions, holds out hope for reducing costs, market expansion, and reconfiguring the global drug development model. [image: Zhang Chengliang / China Daily]

02-Jul-15 Konica Minolta announced it has acquired Sawae Technologica Ltda, an X-ray equipment manufacturer based in Minas Gerais. Brazil requires significant healthcare technical advancement and efficiencies as the population expands. Konica Minolta will gain Sawae's strong market recognition, nationwide sales network and local manufacturing capability to deliver high quality and price competitive X-ray solutions. [image: Konica Minolta]

02-Jul-15 IHH Healthcare, owner of Southeast Asia's largest private healthcare provider Parkway Pantai, has secured a license to establish and own 70% of Parkway Health Shanghai Intl Hospital Co Ltd in Shanghai. The remaining 30% of the company, which is licensed to provide multi-specialty hospital in-patient and out-patient services, is owned by IHH's partner Shanghai Hongxin Medical Investment Holding Co Ltd. [image: 15 Minute News]

02-Jul-15 The number of healthcare insurance holders in Vietnam has reached 64.6 mn, 71.4% of the population. This marks an increase of 2.7 mn over one year. The Health Ministry has set a target of 75% for 2015, however several provinces and cities have not included the target in their development programmes, making achieving it difficult. [image: Tienphong]

02-Jul-15 An online service for issuing medical equipment import licences has been launched by Vietnam's Health Ministry. It aims to simplify admin procedures for medical equipment importers. Importers can now submit documents, pay fees, check the progress of applications online. The ministry receives registration applications from about 700 importers every month. [image: Vietnam News / Duong Ngoc]