18-Feb-16 To reduce cost and time for Indian companies to obtain globally accepted certification, the Quality Council of India is likely to introduce a voluntary certification scheme, "Indian Certification for Medical Devices" in one month's time. The scheme intends to enable the Indian medical device industry to demonstrate adherence to the best international standards and enhance credibility in the world market. [image: NABCB]

17-Feb-16 The Therapeutic Goods Administration in Australia has granted Abbott approval for its new glucose monitoring system, FreeStyle Libre. The technology removes the need for finger pricks and monitors glucose levels through a device worn on the back of the arm and secured by an adhesive pad. A handheld reader is scanned over the sensor to get a glucose result. [image: Abbott]

17-Feb-16 Bausch + Lomb has entered a partnership in India with global technology company Bosch. This cooperation brings together leading providers of eye care solutions and technology in India, to market diagnostic devices in the ophthalmic segment. Bausch + Lomb will market Bosch's Fundus retina camera, which can detect conditions such as cataract at an early stage. [image: Bausch & Lomb]

12-Feb-16 Foreigners will be allowed to own a majority of up to 67% of businesses in Indonesia's healthcare sector, as part of sweeping reforms to liberalise its economy. Sectors ranging from fishery to retail - 49 in all - will be affected, with non-citizens able to take up 100% holdings in pharmaceutical raw material manufacturing firms. [image: AFP]

08-Feb-16 Medical device manufacturer Medtronic has confirmed plans to promote its products and expand its presence in the Mexican market. Medtronic operates six factories in the country, although its devices are not commercialised in Mexico as patients and professionals are not familiar with their usage, which is a challenge for the company. [image: Medtronic]