Research
What those “eye floaters” might be warning you about your eye health
Retinal detachment may sound rare, but it is a real risk, especially if you are over 40, highly myopic, or have a family history of eye problems. Once it happens, time is your most critical ally. Dr Peh Khaik Kee […]
Research collab sets sights on MASLD diagnostics advancement in Singapore
Siemens Healthineers and the National University Hospital (NUH) Singapore have launched a research collaboration to advance diagnostic solutions for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), which affects nearly 40% of adults in Singapore, exceeding the global average of 30%. Formerly […]
Reclaiming the voice: Let’s talk about holistic care in head, neck cancer
Resource person: Dr Ben Yap Beng Khiong, Consultant Clinical Oncologist at OncoCare Cancer Centre Malaysia Cancer’s impact to identity, dignity For patients, a diagnosis of head and neck cancer goes beyond medical treatment. It affects daily activities many take for […]
Asia’s patients say healthcare access is burdensome – Study
Complicated access to healthcare and a lack of guidance are keeping patients from receiving the care they need, when they need it, according to research from Economist Impact commissioned by Prudential, a life and health insurance and asset management company […]
Multidrug-resistant bacteria linked to war injuries – study
A new study from the University of Helsinki and HUS Helsinki University Hospital has revealed that refugees hospitalized for war injuries carry a significantly higher risk of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. Researchers found that nearly 80% of Ukrainian patients treated for war-related […]
Technology & Devices
Enhancing well-being with Kraiburg TPE’s sustainable material solutions for medical devices
Kraiburg TPE, a global manufacturer of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) compounds for various industries, offers material solutions that meet advanced medical technology standards for devices used in ostomy care, skin health, personal hygiene, and anti-snore applications for quality sleep. Comfort and […]
Robotic-assisted surgeries in endometriosis treatment advances women’s health
Spokesperson: Dr Thow Sun Ta, Obstetrician, Gynecologist, & Fertility Specialist, Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City. According to World Health Organization (WHO), one in ten women in the world is diagnosed with endometriosis, a chronic disease associated with severe, life-impacting pain […]
Robot-assisted neck incision technique “least-invasive” aortic valve surgery
Four patients who underwent robot-assisted aortic valve replacement (AVR) through a small incision in the neck were able to resume unrestricted activity within a week, reporting minimal pain during recovery. Cleveland Clinic cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Marijan Koprivanac, who performed the […]
WHO member states finalize draft for global pandemic agreement
After three years of tough negotiations, WHO Member States have wrapped up talks on a draft pandemic agreement aimed at improving how the world handles future health crises. The final proposal will head to the World Health Assembly this May, […]
China’s diabetes device market projected to double by 2032 – report
A new report from Renub Research forecasts that the diabetes device market in China will grow from US$6.22 billion in 2023 to US$12.74 billion by 2032, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.3% between 2024 and 2032. Urbanisation, […]
Pharmaceutical
India approves first-of-its-kind pediatric eyedrop as myopia rates surge
In a significant development for paediatric eye care, India has become the first country to approve a new formulation of eye drops specifically designed to slow the progression of myopia in children. The approval, granted by the Central Drugs Standard […]
Microparticle technology brings new Hope for vitamin A deficiency
MIT researchers have developed a new method to fortify foods with vitamin A, a breakthrough that could help combat deficiency-related blindness and health issues affecting millions worldwide. The innovation involves encapsulating vitamin A in a polymer, protecting it from degradation […]
Queensland pill testing detects dangerous synthetic drugs
CheQpoint, an Australian pill testing service, has identified multiple cases of dangerous synthetic opioids and novel benzodiazepines disguised as pharmaceutical medicines. Experts warn these findings may indicate a broader issue, as financial pressures drive more people to seek unregulated drugs […]
Alpro Foundation initiates safe medication disposal campaign in Malaysia
Improper disposal of pharmaceuticals and expired medicines, such as flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash, contaminates water sources, according to the Alpro Foundation, the corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm of Alpro Pharmacy—Malaysia’s largest prescription pharmacy […]
Japanese pharma firm denounces “defamatory” vaxx claims; Launches Taiwan subsidiary
Tokyo-headquartered pharmaceutical company, Meiji Seika Pharma has filed a lawsuit against Kazuhiro Haraguchi, a Lower House member of Japan’s Constitutional Democratic Party, for reportedly spreading unsubstantiated claims about its mRNA-based Covid-19 replicon vaccine. The company is seeking 10 million yen […]
Wellness and Complementary Therapies
From midlife wellness to pregnancy, diet awareness lowers health risks
Weight loss does not have to rely on cosmetic procedures, synthetic drugs, or costly fads. Studies show that simple, sustainable habits, such as being mindful of food choices, eating the right portions, and maintaining an active lifestyle can go a […]
Breathe, Laugh, Live: 8 Healthy Things to Do in Asia on a Budget
If you’ve ever thought getting healthy meant dropping serious cash, Asia might just change your mind. Across the region, there are plenty of ways to stay active, eat well, and care for your mental health without blowing your budget. From […]
Malaysia’s digital lifestyle is wrecking posture—Here’s how
Text-neck syndrome: bad posture from tech habits From classroom to office, the everyday habit of looking down at screens are making Malaysians suffering from text neck syndrome, a preventable condition causing long-term neck and shoulder pain, and threatening the neurological […]
Knee pain: When to worry and what comes next
By Dr Abdul Razak Hussin, Consultant Orthopaedic and Sports Surgeon, Ara Damansara Medical Centre (ADMC) Who is at risk? Knee injuries can affect anyone, not just athletes. Whether you run, play sports on weekends, or hike, a sudden twist or […]
Take charge of your health to fight diabesity
By Dr Alex Teo, Director, Research Development and Scientific Affairs, Asia Pacific, Herbalife Diabetes is on the rise 1 in Asia-Pacific (APAC) and the region is expected to become the largest contributor to the global economic burden of diabetes by […]
Community health
DOH ramps up medical aid in evacuation centers after typhoon Nando
In the Philippines, typhoon season has begun. The recent Typhoon Nando (international name: Ragasa) affected several areas even after exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility. In response, the Department of Health (DOH)- Central Luzon Center for Health Development launched immediate […]
WHO: US$3 per person investment could save millions of lives
The World Health Organization (WHO) infers that a modest investment of just US$3 per person annually in preventing and treating noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) could yield more than US$1 trillion in economic benefits by 2030. The finding comes in a new […]
U.S. announces US$250 million health support for the Philippines
According to a press statement by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the Trump Administration, working with Congress, plans to allocate US$250 million in new assistance to the Philippines to address acute public health challenges. “Through this assistance, both governments […]
Japan faces alarming shortage of cancer surgeons by 2040 – report
Japan is heading toward a severe shortfall in gastrointestinal surgeons, raising concerns over the future of cancer care as the country’s population ages. A report by the Japanese Society of Gastroenterological Surgery, presented to the health ministry, projects that the […]
Indonesia dispatched humanitarian aid and new medical team to Gaza
Indonesia has dispatched its fourth medical task force to Gaza to provide uninterrupted care for victims of the ongoing Israeli assault. The 25-member team, composed of surgeons, nurses, internists, pharmacists, and specialists in anesthesiology, orthopedics, radiology, and rehabilitation, departed on […]
Health alert
From reel to real: A K-drama star’s health battle spotlights disease awareness
For fans of Korean dramas (K-dramas), the protagonists — their favorite actors or “biases” — often seem to embody our fantasies of a perfect world, where a perfect relationship leads to a perfect life. But what if these K-drama heroes […]
Tattoo: biases, health risks run skin deep
From cultural relevance to breaking the stigma In many countries, tattoos are seen as fashion statements and personal expression, especially among the youth. While reflecting social trends that value individuality, they also carry cultural weight, marking honor, rites of passage, […]
Global mental health crisis looms as over 1 billion live with disorders – WHO
More than 1 billion people worldwide are living with mental health disorders, according to new data from the World Health Organization (WHO), which warns that anxiety, depression, and related conditions are exacting an immense human and economic toll. The findings, published […]
TB top cause of death among people with HIV – DOH
The Philippines’ Department of Health (DOH) recently reported that one in five deaths among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) is caused by tuberculosis (TB). The agency said TB remains the leading cause of death among PLHIV but stressed […]
Indonesia, Thailand tighten cooperation amid Covid-19 surge
Indonesia and Thailand have recently signed a memorandum of understanding on health cooperation as Covid-19 cases climb in Bangkok. President Prabowo Subianto formalized the agreement during an official visit to Bangkok, where he met Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra at […]
Other health News
SEA Healthcare and Pharma Conference 2025: Pioneering the future of healthcare in the region
Qube Integrated Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., the organiser of SEACare 2025, is proud to announce the inaugural SEA Healthcare and Pharma Conference 2025, co-organised by the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) and Five Pillar Venture Capital Sdn. Bhd. This event marks […]
First-of-its-kind RNA-based tool developed for cancer and infectious disease research
Researchers at the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) have created a tool that can scan thousands of biological samples to detect transfer RNA (tRNA) modifications. These tiny chemical changes regulate how cells grow, adapt to stress, and respond […]
Cells “shed waste” to speed healing, aid recovery – study
When injured, cells deploy regulated responses to promote healing. These include a long-studied self-destruction process that clears away damaged cells and a more recently described phenomenon that helps older cells revert to a younger, regenerative state. Now, a study in […]
WHO-UNICEF report: Billions still lack safe water, sanitation
A joint study by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, “Progress on Household Drinking Water and Sanitation 2000–2024: Special Focus on Inequalities”, found that scores of people across the globe remain without reliable access to clean water, sanitation, and […]
Chikungunya cases reported in Asia amid ongoing global alert
China is experiencing a major outbreak of chikungunya virus, with more than 7,000 cases reported in Guangdong Province, according to reports. In light of this development, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a Level 2 travel […]
Border tensions pressuring Asia’s health systems
Cambodia and Thailand exchanged hostilities in a violent border clash at the end of May, reigniting a long-standing territorial dispute. The confrontation escalated into a full-scale armed conflict that officially began on July 24. The ongoing violence has caused casualties, […]
HKUST boosts healthcare access from Sri Lanka to campus with innovation initiatives
Students from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have introduced practical healthcare innovations to underserved communities in Sri Lanka through the Student Innovation for Global Health Technology (SIGHT) program. Launched in 2014, SIGHT promotes interdisciplinary solutions to […]
Malaysia’s healthcare and medical manufacturing holds steady amid trade headwinds
Malaysia’s healthcare sector continues to demonstrate resilience amid global trade pressures, including the impact of US tariffs. While challenges remain, the industry is adapting through strategic sourcing, supply chain diversification, and strengthened regional partnerships. These measures limit disruptions and reinforce […]
Largest-ever study of Indian Genomes reveals 50,000 years of generic history, disease risk
A new genomic study has provided the most detailed analysis yet of India’s genetic diversity, revealing complex ancestry patterns and previously unknown links to disease. The study analyzed the complete genomes of 2,762 individuals from across India, representing a wide […]
Japan sees rise in work-related mental illness, with power harassment as a leading cause
Japan has seen a record surge in work-related mental health cases, with 1,055 incidents officially recognized in fiscal 2024—an increase of 172 from the previous year and the first time the figure has crossed the 1,000 mark, according to data […]
Healthcare at the crosshairs of crisis in war zones
We have heard the news: Missile attacks in the ongoing Middle East conflict involving Iran and Israel continue to damage major hospitals, disrupting access to essential medical services. The destruction of hospitals and care facilities forces thousands of people out […]
