20-May-15 Korean medical equipment makers have been increasing their exports, though growth has slowed due to exchange rates. Samsung Medison sold USD260 million in 2014, 14% growth over 2013; Vatech, a dental imaging player, raised its global market share to 10%, ranking fifth; and dental implant maker Ostem is now the largest implant manufacturer in China. [image: Business Korea]

19-Mar-15 An ASEAN mutual recognition arrangement on good manufacturing practices (GMP) inspection for manufacturers of medicinal products had been deemed a priority initiative. An agreement on monitoring the quality of pharmaceutical products is expected to be approved and signed by the ASEAN countries in tandem with the creation of the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015. [image: Gunawan Kartapranata]

26-Feb-15 Mexico is the fifth largest exporter of medical devices globally. The country has the advantage of proximity to the US and 20% lower manufacturing costs than other leading manufacturing nations. Since financial norms emphasize cost reduction for suppliers to OEMs in the medical device industry, Mexico is emerging as a striking choice for mid-sized companies. [image: U-T San Diego]

26-Jan-15 Many players in the healthcare industry continue to rely on a distribution model that hasn’t changed in decades. But new market pressures are forcing a reconsideration of the status quo. Direct-to-market distribution via 3PL providers is one cost-effective answer, says DHL, especially in emerging markets. [image: Supply Chain Matter / DHL]

09-Jan-15 While drug makers say local regulators are ill-equipped and inadequately staffed to monitor them, the watchdogs in turn hold state governments responsible for failing to strengthen the supervisory mechanism. "The governments were in a mad rush to attract investments by creating tax havens but did not pay enough attention to… quality standards," a state drug controller said, admitting inadequacies in the system. [image: The Economic Times / BCCL]