30-Dec-15 The healthcare market in India was worth close USD100 bn in 2015 and is expected to touch USD280 bn by 2020, with a CAGR of 23%. India's healthtech space has grown steadily in 2015 both in terms of funding and deal numbers. Preventive medicine is likely to see more activity in 2016 and rural India is set to emerge as a demand source. [image: Your Story]

28-Dec-15 Japan's government has approved a draft budget for 2016 including JPY82.5 bn for the Ministry of Health, Labor & Welfare (MHLW) to promote development of innovative new drugs and medical devices, based on the comprehensive strategy for strengthening the pharmaceutical industry announced in Sep-15. Among others, this budget will fund initiatives to promote the practical application of genomic medicine. [image: Tohoku University]

27-Dec-15 Japanese health monitor maker Omron Healthcare is looking at more than doubling its revenues in India to USD40 mn by 2018/19, on the back of sales network expansion. The company, which is expecting sales of USD19 mn this year, is also open to the idea of opening a factory in India depending on the demand of its products. [image: Ormon Healthcare].

15-Dec-15 Ovitz Corporation, a startup that develops portable devices to check eyes, is set to support developing countries. Kim Joung-yoon, CEO of Ovitz, said “There are 4.5 billion people across the globe in need of visual correction, and 80% of cases are preventable... However, it is actually very difficult for the disadvantaged in developing countries to get proper eye exams." [image: Business Korea]

14-Dec-15 Chinese consumers spent RMB65 bn (USD10 bn) buying medicines, healthcare products and services on Alibaba’s Chinese retail sites in 2014, up 63% from a year earlier. In addition, sales of nursing care services grew 205% on Singles’ Day, while sales of health insurance increased 432% on Alibaba’s sites, including the huge Taobao and Tmall marketplaces. [image: International Supermarket News]