10-Feb-15 Encouraged by a relaxation of ownership rules in 2014 and a rapidly ageing population, PE firms and industry players are investing in China’s hospitals, pharmaceutical companies and device makers. The prospect of 223 million people aged 65+ by 2030 is enticing, despite risks such as rising valuations and a dearth of doctors. [image: Reuters]

05-Feb-15 The Government of Myanmar signed a new agreement with the World Bank to bring improved maternal, newborn and child healthcare to millions of mothers and their young children. The Essential Health Services Access Project will provide US$100 million in funding for increased and improved coverage of critical health services across Myanmar’s 330 townships. [image: Joint Learning Network]

02-Feb-15 A group of Indian healthcare operators, including Manipal Hospitals, Narayana Health and Pfizer, have got together with an investor to provide up to USD1.6 million in grants and investments to early-stage startups that seek to enhance access to affordable technology-driven healthcare products and services for the low-income population in India. [image: The Times of India]

31-Jan-15 Japan's Chugai Pharmaceutical will invest $476 million over the next seven years to expand its research institute in Singapore. The investment will make its centre at Biopolis one of the biggest pharmaceutical research and development operations in Singapore. It will also boost its "local employee base and antibody research and development pipeline", the company said. [image: Reuters]

31-Jan-15 India has a huge demand for healthcare and consequently for medical devices and equipment. However, setting up a distribution network for selling equipment in India is no mean task. There are very few distributors with full nationwide coverage. Manufacturers need to forge multiple relationships to establish a pan-India network, and must also be aware of pitfalls such as non-performing exclusive partners, unethical practices and the difficulties of providing after-sales service. [image: Euro Kerala Tour]