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March 14, 2024 | Thursday
Israel-based startup Pulsenmore expands application of home ultrasound solution for pregnant women
Israel-based startup Pulsenmore, the world leader in self-scan ultrasound technology for at-home use and remote clinical diagnosis, has announced its new clinical study collaboration with Michigan Medicine. The study will examine the ability to conduct a remote biophysical profile (BPP) test, by using the Pulsenmore home ultrasound with the guidance of a remote clinician, potentially reducing the clinical burden. The Pulsenmore prenatal home ultrasound, empowers pregnant women to connect their personal smartphones to a dedicated device and application, allowing them to perform ultrasound imaging scans from the comfort of their homes. These scans are seamlessly transmitted to the hospital for evaluation, focusing on essential fetal vitality parameters. The results are then communicated back to the patients. Clinicians can engage with patients asynchronously or in real-time, significantly reducing the necessity for in-clinic visits. Traditional antenatal testing, like the biophysical profile (BPP), typically conducted in clinical settings, involves assessing foetal parameters such as movement, tone, breathing, and fluid levels using ultrasound, and sometimes combined with a non-stress test. The study with Michigan Medicine, the University of Michigan's academic medical center aims to assess whether patients can successfully complete a BPP using the Pulsenmore device with remote clinician guidance. The success of the study could potentially lead to reducing the burden of clinical care and improving patients' pregnancy experience due to factors like transportation, rural residence, or balancing childcare and work commitments.
March 07, 2024 | Thursday
Shimadzu Middle East & Africa open new facility in Dubai
Shimadzu Middle East & Africa has unveiled its latest achievement with the grand opening of its new, state-of-the-art facility in Dubai. This momentous occasion signifies a fresh chapter in the company's dedication to pushing the boundaries of innovation, enhancing customer support, and contributing to scientific progress across the region. The grand opening ceremony was graced by the presence of notable figures including Yasunori Yamamoto, President and CEO of Shimadzu Corporation; Jun Imanishi, Consul General of Japan to Dubai and the Northern Emirates; and Hamad Al Sayegh, Vice-President of Strategic Accounts and Customer Care at DP World. The event was further embellished by the attendance of esteemed partners, suppliers, and colleagues, all gathered to celebrate this landmark achievement. Spanning 64,000 square feet, the newly inaugurated facility is a testament to Shimadzu’s dedication to excellence and innovation. It houses state-of-the-art analytical instruments and testing machines within its demo laboratories, alongside an eagerly awaited medical training center. The facility also boasts advanced R&D and production areas for gas analyzers, and well-equipped training rooms, among other top-tier amenities. This development is the culmination of years of meticulous planning and represents the fulfillment of Shimadzu's longstanding dream to establish a center of excellence in the region. The facility is designed to foster greater collaboration with researchers, enhance customer service, and propel scientific discoveries forward.
March 07, 2024 | Thursday
India's Agilus Diagnostics to launch advanced laboratory facility in Oman
Agilus Diagnostics, India-based diagnostic laboratory chain, has announced its collaboration with SEAS International LLC to establish a state-of-the-art referral laboratory in Oman. This strategic partnership aims to enable high-quality diagnostic testing services for the 5 million-strong population of Oman. The agreement signing ceremony, graced by Issa Saleh Abdullah Alshibani, the Ambassador of Oman in India, witnessed the participation of key dignitaries including Dr Ibrahim Aghaithi, Chairman of SEAS International LLC, Ashish Bhatia, Chief Operating Officer of Agilus Diagnostics, and Mangesh Shirodkar, Chief Financial Officer of Agilus Diagnostics. Anand. K, Managing Director & CEO, Agilus Diagnostics said, "Oman's burgeoning healthcare infrastructure and increasing privatisation within the sector are poised to drive the demand for diagnostic testing services in the country. Our partnership with SEAS International further enhances Agilus’ international presence across the Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa, Commonwealth of Independent States and the SAARC region." Dr Ibrahim Aghaithi, Chairman, SEAS International, highlights the anticipated growth of the in-vitro diagnostics market in Oman. He forecasts a revenue of $99.07 million by 2024, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.32% from 2024 to 2028, leading to a market volume of $108.60 million by 2028.
February 29, 2024 | Thursday
Koning Health achieves UAE regulatory clearance for Breast CT commercialisation
Koning Health, a US-based medical imaging company, has received regulatory clearance from the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking a significant milestone in the company's expansion and its commitment to global health innovation. Maher Bannourah, Director of Koning International, led the initiative by leveraging his industry experience with Ministry of Health (MOH) representatives. This regulatory approval positions Koning as the first company to introduce breast CT technology in the UAE, setting a new standard in breast imaging and care in the region. The inaugural installation of the Vera Complete, Koning's flagship breast CT system, is scheduled at a premier hospital site in the UAE as soon as April of this year. Introducing a no compression, high resolution breast imaging technology to the women of the UAE illustrates the commitment to provide women the highest level of medical technology available today. This installation is not only a milestone for Koning but also serves as a cornerstone for the company's expansion throughout the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. The project is expected to significantly boost sales and enhance access to innovative breast imaging solutions across the region.
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January 30, 2024 | Tuesday
UAE healthcare authorities emphasise collaborative approaches and future priorities
UAE healthcare authorities, including the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DOH), Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), and Emirates Health Services (EHS) convened at Public Health Conference 2024 staged at Arab Health at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 29 – 30 January. International associations and health authorities represented at the Public Health Conference include the World Health Organisation, the Ministry of Health Singapore, the International Association for National Public Health Institutes, the International Hospital Federation, the Qatar Ministry of Public Health, and the Ministry of Health Kuwait. :Keynote Speeches: Dr Ramadan Alblooshi, Senior Advisor to the Director General of Dubai Health Authority at DHA, outlined how the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of public health and created the demand for better funding investment in public health. “Worldwide, various public health sectors have strengthened their capabilities and infrastructure at different levels and developed the foundation of a global health risk framework management. Locally, in Dubai, we have adopted a chance at global, regional and national levels in developing public health and are moving forward for a better future of public health," he explained. Alblooshi also highlighted how there is an accelerated need for greater global public health partnerships and collaboration, with the DHA establishing strong relationships to support the Emirate's local public health work with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Public Health Agency of Sweden, among others. Prof. Vernon Lee from the Ministry of Health Singapore discussed new approaches to surveillance and infectious diseases. At the same time, H.E. Dr Farida Al Hosani from the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre gave an update on integrated surveillance for respiratory infections. Ross Williams, Exhibition Director for Informa Markets, said: “This collaborative effort underscores our collective commitment to addressing pressing global health challenges. As we convene over the next few days, we eagerly anticipate the fruitful discussions and exchange of insights that will undoubtedly shape the future of public health in our region.” Uniting public health professionals to forge better public health practices in the UAE: The Public Health Conference called for experts to work together to accelerate the journey towards a healthier nation. During the two-day conference, attendees participated in interactive topics, including healthier lifestyle and behaviour change, occupational and environmental health, innovation and sustainability in public health, and best practices on crisis and disaster management. The DHA has identified critical public health priority areas for 2024 and beyond, including genomes, mental health, occupational health, non-communicable diseases, pandemics, climate change and people of determination. In additon, Emergency Medicine Conference, hosted valuable discussions around equitable healthcare and minimum best standards in different economic settings in the emergency and critical care departments, while the Surgery Conference outlined surgical advancements, emphasising innovative techniques, evolving practices, and the promising horizon of medical artificial intelligence. Medical professionals attending the exhibition had access to 10 Continuing Medical Education (CME) conferences, including other areas such as total radiology, diabetes, obstetrics and gynaecology, orthopaedics, quality management, and infection control and Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD).
February 01, 2024 | Thursday
VitruvianMD secures $10,000 as winner of Arab Health’s Innov8 competition
VitruvianMD has won this year’s Arab Health Innov8 competition and, with it, a cash prize of $10,000, following an intensive week-long judging process that saw a total of 24 different companies pitch over the opening three days of Arab Health. VitruvianMD combine biomedical engineering and state-of-the-art artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver affordable, high-accuracy diagnostic tools for medical laboratories. At the core of VitruvianMD’s breakthrough technology is a versatile camera that seamlessly attaches to any microscope, empowered by sophisticated AI tools. This technology paves the way for laboratories to transition effortlessly into a digital pathology framework. In a world where diagnostician shortages remain an acute global challenge, particularly in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa with a concerning pathologist-to-population ratio, VitruvianMD’s solutions stand to set new standards. In addition to the US$10,000 top prize, VitruvianMD will have access to an exclusive mentorship program with Startupbootcamp MENA as well as the opportunity to engage in a series of discussions with potential investors to gain valuable insights and potentially secure new collaborations and raise funds. They will also be given free exhibition space at Arab Health 2025. The judging panel included a renowned number of investors, entrepreneurs and medical experts; among them were Triska Hamid, Editorial Director, Wamda; Hadi Saeed Alshakhori, Ecosystem Builder, of Saudi Arabia; Reenita Das, Top 100 women in Healthtech and Femtech, Partner, Senior Vice President, Frost & Sullivan; H.E. Faisal Belhoul, Vice Chairman, Dubai Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Founder and Chairman, Ithmar Capital Partners;Zeina Youseff, Operations Support Manager, Rainmaking; and, Dr Bader Khraibut, Senior Consultant, Strategy& Middle East, UAE Finalists included Hera Health Solutions, a pharmaceutical device company specialising in the research, development, and commercialisation of long-acting treatments through proprietary bioerodible drug delivery implants; Maya AI, an AI digital robot that connects data and creates next-step actions for specific workflows; and Incura Med, who are developing a range of technologies that offer high-performance and enhanced efficacy products and low-cost manufacturing. They were joined by Luminore Copper Touch, who hold the distinction of being the sole EPA-registered antimicrobial product that seamlessly adheres to virtually any surface; Nanopalm, the Saudi national start-up biotechnology company that creates next-generation nanomedicines for affordable and accelerated pharmaceutical R&D activities; Nephrodite, which has created a patient-inspired dialysis solution giving individuals greater health, increased mobility and the freedom to choose. Rounding out the finalists were Caresyntax, which offers a digital surgery platform that uses proprietary software and artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse large volumes of real-world data in and around the operating room (OR) to deliver insights that can be used immediately by the care team and longer-term by a variety of critical stakeholders. Elsewhere, on the final day of Arab Health 2024, the winners of the inaugural Cre8 competition were announced, with the team from the American University of Sharjah taking first prize for their Real-Time Wireless Monitoring System with Predictive Analysis of Healthcare Data. The team included Samrin Saleem, Rhea Srivastava, Ahmed Sharafath, and Nikita Miller. The competition was designed to foster creativity and innovation among participating students in the UAE were also announced. Contestants were required to conceptualise and innovate a solution for an actual healthcare problem within the confines of an imaginary AED 100,000 budget. The other finalists included Farah Adnan Ahmad Thugan, Lujain Adnan Ahmad Thugan, Asmaa Luai Abdulla Elbadawi, and Hala Anas Kahwajy from Ajman University for their classification of the stages of diabetic retinopathy; and Banan Dhafer Jumaah; Sedra Zulaikha, and Rawan Emad Refaie Ahmed, also from Ajman University, for their Chronic Respiratory Diseases (CRDs) ML and AI screening App. Judging the entries were Dr James Shapiro, Professor of Surgery, Medicine, and Surgical Oncology, University of Alberta; Carlos Iniguez, Director, GEN Accelerates; Sowmya Srinath, Director of Healthcare & Life Sciences, Frost & Sullivan; and Dr Louiza Chitour, Senior Advisor & Co-founder, Stealth Startup
February 05, 2024 | Monday
"It's the time for the GCC to implement a societal approach to achieve healthy longevity" says Health trailblazer
Dr Mehmood Khan, CEO of Hevolution Foundation, a trailblazer in healthcare and longevity, has urged the healthcare community in the region to address the future issues posed by the ageing population now and implement an all-of-society approach to achieve healthy longevity, during his opening remarks at Arab Health’s Future Health Summit held today at the Museum of the Future. Highlighting healthspan, the period people stay healthy, and lifespan, the period where people live longer, Dr Khan revealed the global average of years spent in poor health is 9.7 years, underscoring the importance of addressing this challenge and ensuring those in later life remain independent, cognitive, functional, and contribute directly or indirectly to communities they live in. Speaking at the session Bridging the Gap Between Lifespan and Healthspan, Dr Khan said: “The MENA population most at risk for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) is those over 60 years. Adult obesity is becoming a significant issue and risk factor, and cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes represent up to one-third of the disease burden in the region. Because the population is relatively young, now is the time to rethink our public health approach to address these future challenges. “If we can intervene in ageing, society would reap substantial benefits. From reactive amelioration to proactive prevention, we can diminish vulnerability to future disability for the ageing population, reduce the infirmities of old age, increase individual productivity, and decrease healthcare costs globally. Compressing morbidity by 12 months could generate $40 trillion annually in healthcare cost savings and productivity increases.” Other speakers at the invite-only event for C-suite executives from the healthcare industry and government officials included Shaista Asif, Group Chief Executive Officer of PureHealth and Dr Michael Ringel, Managing Director of Boston Consulting Group, who discussed The Opportunity for Investment in Longevity Biotech. Meanwhile, panellists for the discussion on "The Longevity Economy: Navigating the Next Frontier" included Dr Yoshiki Sawa, Professor at Osaka University and Advisor to CiRA at Kyoto University; Prof Dr Evelyne Bischof, Founding Vice President of Healthy Longevity Medicine Society and Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board at Longevity Science Foundation; Marc P. Bernegger, Founding Partner of Maximon and Longevity Investors Conference. Closing remarks were made by Dr Fatima Al Kaabi, Director General, Emirates Drug Establishment and Executive Director of Abu Dhabi Bone Marrow Transplant Program at Abu Dhabi Stem Cells, a PureHealth subsidiary
January 30, 2024 | Tuesday
Experts advocate HPV Vaccination Programmes for Gynaecologic Cancer prevention in MENA region
The 16th Obstetrics and Gynaecology Conference took place on 30 January under the theme ‘From evidence to practice: Transforming obstetrics and gynaecology care through clinical case integration’. The two-day event equips health professionals from around the Middle East with the latest insights on various topics including Hormone Replacement Therapy, adolescent gynaecological issues and pregnancy loss and showcases the latest innovations that are transforming women’s health. HPV Vaccines and their role in preventing gynaecologic cancers are in focus at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Conference, which is currently taking place at Arab Health 2024. HPV Vaccines and their role in preventing gynaecologic cancers According to a study by Global Cancer Statistics conducted in 2020, cervical cancer numbers are increasing worldwide, and it is now the fourth most common cancer in women. That same year, cervical cancer accounted for an estimated 604,000 new cancer cases worldwide and 342,000 deaths, and the study showed that 84% of cervical cancer cases were from regions where no screening programmes were available. Alarmingly, women in resource-limited countries are most likely to be affected, with cervical cancer being the second most common cancer and the third most common cause of cancer mortality in these regions. The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted disease that is responsible for the majority of cervical cancers. The virus causes cervical neoplasia, which is classified into three stages; CIN1, CIN2, and CIN3. HPV is detected in 99.7% of cervical cancers, and it can take over ten years for cervical cancer to develop after contracting HPV. The HPV vaccine was introduced in 2007. There a three types of HPV vaccine that are currently available – the HPV Quadrivalent vaccine (Gardasil) which targets HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18; HPV 9-valent (Gardasil 9) which targets HPV 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58 in addition to HPV 6, 11, 16 and 18 and HPV bivalent (Cervarix) which has been created to prevent HPV 16 and 18. Demonstrating the significant impact of the HPV Quadrivalent vaccine, two large randomised, double-blind trials found that the vaccine prevented CIN2 by 97-100% among HPV naïve populations. According to experts, if vaccine rates of 70% are achieved internationally, there would be an estimated decrease of over 300,000 new cases of cervical cancer annually and over 178,000 cervical cancer-related deaths. In 2016, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation recommended that all girls should be vaccinated to prevent cervical cancer later in life. The WHO believes that to end cervical cancer, nine out of ten girls around the world should be vaccinated. Promoting successful HPV vaccination programs worldwide, especialy in Asia and MENA: Dr Stephanie Ricci, MD, from Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Gynaecology and Oncology departments, shared insights from successful HPV vaccination programs worldwide and highlighted the importance of adopting a similar approach in the MENA region. “Thankfully, we have a vaccination for HPV, and there are successful national HPV programmes around the world that are almost a decade into their existence. The data from this is very interesting and compelling when it comes to gynaecologic cancer prevention,” said Dr Stephanie Ricci, MD, Staff Physician in gynaecology and oncology at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. “Australia has probably the most robust vaccination of any country in the world, and they’ve also had the most success. From 2007, Australia implemented school-based routine vaccination for 12-13-year-old girls, they then also did a catchup programme for 14-26-year-old females. In 2013, Australia started vaccinating 12-13-year-old boys routinely in schools and rolled out a catchup programme for boys aged 14-15 years old. Australia, unlike many other countries that have employed HPV vaccination programmes, is actually going to eliminate cervical cancer” said Dr Ricci. Amid rising HPV vaccination rates, Australia is on track to eliminate cervical cancer by 2035. Five to eight years after the HPV vaccination was introduced to the country, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reported a 92% reduction in the HPV infection rate and a 47% decline in CIN2 and 3. There was also a significant reduction in excisional procedures.
January 31, 2024 | Wednesday
Emerging trends in health crisis and disaster management revealed at Arab Health 2024
A leading expert in health crisis and disaster management has underscored the importance of pre-hospital care, hospital services, and enabling services, including laboratories and training programs in disaster management, as we move from classical operations to technology-driven disaster medicine. Speaking at the Public Health Conference on the emerging trends in health crisis and disaster, Dr Saleh Fares Al Ali, Consultant of Emergency Medicine, EMS and Disaster Medicine at the Department of Health Abu Dhabi, and H.E. Dr Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health shared their insights Dr Saleh Fares Al Ali, Consultant of Emergency Medicine, EMS and Disaster Medicine at the Department of Health Abu Dhab: Dr Al Ali revealed disaster management involves more than just having an ambulance on standby at the emergency department. “It encompasses a wide range of services and requires a comprehensive approach to governance. This includes pre-hospital care, hospital services, and enabling services, including laboratories, training programs, and even poison centres. To effectively manage disasters, we must consider all of these elements as part of a larger system,” said Dr Al Ali. “An effective response system requires a robust governance framework, well-defined standards, and policies. Additionally, you need an efficient operation centre to connect all the dots. It's crucial to cover all domains, from pre-hospital to hospital to enabling services, to create a well-orchestrated system,” he added. Some of the key trends discussed by Dr Al Ali were technology and its critical role in managing disasters, where he underscored the importance of artificial intelligence (AI), telehealth, digital transformation and telematics and outlining how AI enhances medical diagnosis and triage by swiftly and accurately analysing patient data, predicting outcomes, and offering treatment recommendations; additionally, AI-driven chatbots provide real-time medical guidance to first responders. Telehealth technologies help enhance access to medical expertise, expedite remote consultations between prehospital providers and physicians, and optimise resource allocation, benefiting patients in rural or underserved areas by saving critical time during emergencies. The burgeoning industry of advanced data insights utilises digital twins, enabling virtual replicas of entities such as emergency departments or ambulance systems, fostering crisis management, and employing predictive analytics to mobilise resources proactively, exemplified by anticipating ambulance needs at events such as Arab Health due to the volume of people gathering in one area. Finally, telematics systems in ambulances, utilising 5G connectivity, offer real-time tracking for location, speed, and status, enhancing response times and route optimisation. Dr Al Ali highlighted a prototype collaboration between the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi and Etisalat whereby ultrasound images to hospitals will be transferred through this technology. Elsewhere on the agenda at Arab Health, Dubai Health, the first integrated academic health system in Dubai presented a comprehensive overview of Dubai's first integrated academic health system model. H.E. Dr Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health: “Through a unified commitment to patient-centred care, we are not just shaping the present healthcare landscape, but also laying the foundation for a transformative future anchored in our primary value of 'Patient First.’ This commitment extends beyond the present, as we strive to create a lasting impact on the lives and wellbeing of our community for generations to come” explained Dr Sharif. Arab Health 2024 concludes on 1 February 2024, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, when the winners of the Innov8 startup competition will be revealed. The competition included 24 health-tech startups pitching unique concepts and innovations. The winners of the Cre8 competition will also be revealed. The competition has been designed to foster creativity and innovation among participating students in the UAE. Contestants were required to conceptualise and innovate a solution for an actual healthcare problem within an imaginary AED 100,000 budget. Caption: (Right) Dr Saleh Fares Al Ali, Consultant of Emergency Medicine, EMS and Disaster Medicine at the Department of Health Abu Dhab (Left) H.E. Dr Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health
Events
CIHIE - CHINA INTERNATIONAL HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY EXHIBITION - BEIJING 2024
China International Exhibition Centre (CIEC)
International Conference on Dispensing Pharmacy and Therapeutics (ICDPT )
Singapore, Singapore(In-person or Virtual)
AUSMEDTECH 2024
Adelaide, South Australia
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