06-Jan-15 India’s cash-starved medical devices sector will be opened up to 100% foreign direct investment. About 70% of the country's medical devices demand is met through imports. With the new rules, the government is trying to reduce the import bill and encourage local manufacturers to tap into the USD400 bn global market. [image: The Economic Times / BCCL]

06-Jan-15 Macau’s Health Bureau has been tasked by the government to develop an improved health system within a year, geared to international standards and resolving various issues. Some of the problems are long waiting lists for specialist clinics, lack of patient education, and lack of training and promotion opportunities for practitioners. Over 500 new staff will be hired. [image: Macau Daily Times]

01-Jan-15 India’s government aims to move toward a new healthcare regime in which primary care will be offered free to all through public facilities. Some secondary and tertiary care services will also be bought by the government, according to the Health Ministry's proposal. [image: Financial Times]

31-Dec-14 Total health spending accounted for 6.2% of GDP in Mexico in 2012, among the third lowest of all OECD countries. Although improvements such as coverage of the uninsured are being made, and spending is on the increase, Mexico still has the lowest life expectancy in the OECD. [image: OECD]

08-Dec-14 87% of people in major markets around the globe believe that using technology to monitor health on-the-go will be the most important future medical innovation, according to research sponsored by GE Healthcare. People in Brazil also want shorter waiting times; those in India want better quality healthcare. [image: GE Healthcare]