NEWS REVIEW – WORLD

[This article was published in the February 2008 issue of the eHEALTH Magazine (https://www.ehealthonline.org)]

NEWS REVIEW

Two pharmacy PHR projects launched in Germany

Two new pilots are underway to offer pharmacy personal health records (PHRs) in Germany. Both are based on a PHR including details of current medication and offer patients the potential to offer prescription ordering online.

Next-gen RFID solutions are battery-based

A partnership between GE Healthcare and CenTrak, Inc., a tracking solutions provider based in Newtown, Pa., has led to the development of a predominantly battery-operated radio frequency ID tracking system.

Punjab telemedicine project in important second phase

The second phase of the expansion of the telemedicine project in Punjab facilitates medical professionals sitting at distant places to receive data from the civil hospital related with diagnostic test reports, X-rays and other information.

Wockhardt hiving off R&D business

Drug maker Wockhardt has announced it will spin off its R&D business and list the new company on stock exchange on January 1, 2009. The company thus has followed similar moves by other pharma companies, who have hived off their research and development units.

British NHS patients soon to be treated in India

In a ground breaking move, the British government is to allow patients with non-emergency conditions to be treated in Indian hospitals under a scheme paid for by British taxpayers.

Novel device to help monitor unattended ER patients

Staff at emergency rooms at hospitals will soon be able to monitor and reach patients in time thanks to scientists who have developed a novel integrated wireless system that monitors patients

India and France to cooperate in the health sector

Union Health Minister, Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss, currently on an official visit to France, discussed cooperation in certain fields such as Medical Research, Biotechnology, Development of vaccine, Promotion of Indian Systems of medicines and cooperation between ICMR and INSERM of France

Blogs new window to the world for Pharma industry

Pharma blogs are playing an important role in shaping the future of the pharmaceutical industry in India. Many Indian online financial portal and investment firms as well as research organisations have provided a blogging platform for the pharma industry to keep itself updated with the development in the pharma world through open and uncensored discussion.

INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS IN Health Insurance : Ritesh Kumar, Head Retail, Rural and Reinsurance

To achieve the country�s health care objectives, the approach has to be inclusive of the ability to reach out to the bottom of the pyramid. Rural India is exposed to fundamental financial risks and has limited access to risk management solutions.

PREMIUM PRODUCTS – Health Insurance : Ivan Chak, Head, Life Profit Centre and Accident & Health division, Tata AIG Life Insurance Company Ltd.

In the short term perspective health insurance industry is expected to grow at a rate of 25% annually till 2010, while in the long term, it is expected to grow at a rate of 5% annually thereafter.

Developing nations will lobby for research funds for TB, malaria

India and other developing countries are set to lobby hard for funding mechanisms to develop medicines,
mostly aimed at neglected diseases such as tuberculosis and malaria, at a forum set up by the World Health Organization or WHO. Developed countries have long maintained that patents are sufficient incentive for innovation.

Israel’s Teva pharma to invest INR 4,000 cr in India

Israel