24-Feb-17 China has launched the “two-invoice” system in drug distribution on a trial basis, aiming to improve transparency in drug prices and eliminate excessive profit margins associated with multi-tier distribution models. The two-invoice system had been debated for over a decade. The system is expected to be fully implemented in public hospitals by the end of 2018. [image: Global Compliance News]

16-Feb-17 SLifestyle diseases are an epidemic in India. The earlier a disease is diagnosed, the more likely it can be cured or managed. That's because medical diagnostic tests intervene and help prevention at a stage when treatment and cure is possible. This makes continued innovation in diagnosis supremely important for delivering better health delivery standards and a healthier, disease free population. [image: PATH]

14-Feb-17 The Indian government is planning to establish an exclusive zone for pharma and medtech in Bengaluru to give a boost to domestic production of these products under the Make in India initiative. Minister Mansukh Lal Mandaviya said the recent approval of the zone in Andhra Pradesh has attracted over 30 investment proposals. [image: Business Standard]

09-Feb-17 The Philippines' Ayala Corp has bought into a medical startup, adding some disruptive technology to its fledgling healthcare operations. The investment vehicle AC Health took a minority stake in Wellbridge Health, which owns the online pharmacy MedGrocer. "The investment of AC Health into MedGrocer fits well with both our pharmacy and health tech aspirations," said Paolo Borromeo, CEO. [image: Nikkei Asian Reveiw]

03-Feb-17 The Korean government will invest KRW315.7 bn (USD276 mn) to secure original technologies for bio sectors such as new drugs, medical devices, future medical care, genomics and brain science in 2017. This includes KRW263 bn for bio-medical technology development projects. This year's budget is 31% more than last year’s. [image: Business Korea]