14-Jul-15 IBM supercomputer Watson is learning Arabic and setting up in the Middle East. The big data service will be part of a JV between IBM and Abu Dhabi's government investment arm. The company is banking on healthcare organizations turning to Watson, as customers like Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic have done in the US. [image: Andrew Spear-The Washington Post/Getty Images]

19-Jul-15 The 2015 Japan Revitalization Strategy, a recent government policy, says the healthcare sector - which has long been heavily regulated and shielded - should be turned into a driver of economic growth. In particular, the government wants to boost medical tourism and help Japanese medical institutions branch out overseas, especially in emerging economies. [image: The Japan Times]

02-Jul-15 Telstra Health has gone live with its ReadyCare telemedicine service, offering phone and video consultations with Australian GPs 24 hours a day. A JV with Swiss telemedicine provider Medgate, ReadyCare is initially targeted at health funds, mining companies, state governments and corporates. It has signed its first big contract with travel insurance firm Cover-More, which handles 35,000 medical episodes annually. [image: Gettty Images]

17-Jul-15 The China-Australia free trade agreement has opened doors to Australian healthcare providers. However, taking advantage of the opportunities requires careful planning. It is important to get advice about regulations on health and aged care. There are potential benefits in partnering with a Chinese company. It is also imperative to seek advice on investment structure. Tax is another significant consideration. [image: ABC]

17-Jul-15 Hong Kong's government will pump HK$1.17 bn (USD150 mn) into the Hospital Authority in the next three years to implement proposals aimed at shortening waiting times and improving funding allocation to three hospital clusters. [image: The Standard]