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Editor's Picks
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China to revamp public hospitals
China is set to overhaul its public hospitals, which have been criticized for lack of access and poor doctor services. According to an Associated Press article, the changes are part of a reform of the national healthcare system. The system was changed in the early 1990s from a system that covered more than 90% of medical expenses to one that covers about 17%. The new reform is aimed at changing the way public hospitals make profits. They currently rely on profits from medical services and drug prescriptions for their operating expenses. The reforms will begin in several cities as part of a three-year pilot program. It is expected to be the basis for a nationwide plan, which calls for the government to provide subsidies for public hospital infrastructure, medical equipment, academic research, physician training, and health costs for retirees. Other areas of reform include medical insurance, basic medical services, and public health services. [Read More]
Britons traveling abroad for treatment
Although the figures pale by American standards, an international passenger survey finds the number of Britons traveling abroad for medical treatment is on the rise. An article in Health Service Journal reports that estimates suggest 150,000 Britons will travel abroad for medical treatment this year. Citizens typically seek treatment overseas for treatments that are not provided or not fully funded by the NHS. Savings compared with paying for private treatments in the UK are often as much as 50%, which includes travel and accommodation expenses. The most popular reasons for medical tourism include dental work, cosmetic surgery, fertility treatment, and elective procedures, according to a survey for Web site Treatment Abroad. [Read More]
Chronically ill elderly population on rise in UK
The United Kingdom must conduct research to prevent and treat chronic illnesses in the elderly before its healthcare infrastructure fails. Help for the Aged, a UK-based charity, reports that by 2025 there will be an increase in the number of people over 65 with heart disease, osteoporosis, and dementia. As reported by BBC World News, the group warns that such an increase will stretch resources to the breaking point unless research begins into these conditions. The group analyzes disease patterns and predictions about the aging population. As a result, they have made estimates about future levels of ill health in the elderly. The charity estimates that there was likely to be a 46% rise in the number of people living with the effects of stroke from 601,000 now to 878,000 by the mid 2020s. Those living with late-onset dementia would go up 50% to one million. In addition, those living with heart disease would rise by 42% to 2.6 million. In total, the charity predicts that more than six million elderly people could be living with life-limiting conditions by 2025, which is a 45% rise. The Department of Health has said it would prepare for the pressures of the aging population. [Read More]
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Global Health Headlines
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Thailand's health minister to push medical malpractice victims' bill
The Nation - January 13, 2009
Think twice before you go light on medical travel insurance
The Seattle Times - January 11, 2009
Bumrungrad keeps on target
The Nation - January 13, 2009
Surgical Trip and USNow join forces
PR.com - January 7, 2009
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From HealthLeaders Magazine |
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20 People Who Make Healthcare Better
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In our annual HealthLeaders 20, we offer profiles of individuals who are making a difference in today's complex healthcare world. [Read More] |
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Service Line Management |
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Here Come the Seniors
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The well-documented influx of baby boomer patients promises to increase the already high demand for senior services. But the prospect of expanding a service line that relies so heavily on Medicare has some hospital leaders jittery. [Read More] |
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Audio Feature
India's Growth Story: Sangita Reddy, executive director, Apollo Hospitals Group, talks about Apollo's expansion and ability to provide care to local and international patients. [Listen Now]
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