18-Jun-15 The Australian jobs market is looking rosy for nurses, doctors, scientists and admin staff. Detailed labour force figures show an extra 69,100 healthcare jobs were added in the three months to May, followed by another 38,000 professional and scientific services jobs and 24,300 administration and support roles. [image: My Electrical Community]

18-Jun-15 The China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) was officially signed on 17-Jun-15. ChAFTA increases Australian investors’ ability to own medical facilities either wholly or by majority JV, enables some Australian physicians to offer services in China, permits wholly Australian-owned aged care institutions, and promotes cooperation in the field of Traditional Chinese Medicine. [image: The Conversation]

18-Jun-15 Russia's Duma, the lower house of parliament, passed a draft bill on the development of an “International Medical Cluster”, to be piloted in the Skolkovo innovation hub outside Moscow. Its goals include further medical development, transfer of advanced technologies into Russia, and the provision of high-quality medical assistance for populations. [image: Wikicommons]

18-Jun-15 Merck's Russian expansion drive remains unaltered, its top executives say, despite a looming recession, a state localization drive, and deteriorating relations with the West. Merck is increasing headcount and expects to improve on its EUR150 mn sales of 2014. "It is crucial to capture the niche markets," said Jurgen Konig, head of Merck in Russia. [image: Armin Kübelbeck / Wikicommons]

18-Jun-15 Rising cardiovascular disease rates in China are being linked to rising obesity and demand for meat with high salt content. It is not junk food that is to blame, but oil- and salt-heavy foods such as hotpot. Even in Guangdong, known for its bland food, average salt intake is 9.1 grams per day, 82% higher than the WHO recommended amount. [image: China Daily Asia]