Medical centres across Asia are tackling cancer with advanced technologies, targeted therapies, and new care strategies. In Singapore, IHH Healthcare has introduced advanced proton therapy that promises to target tumours with exceptional precision whilst minimising risks. CEO Peter Chow provides deeper insights into this technology on page 10.
Meanwhile, in Indonesia, the national cancer centre is taking decisive steps to tackle the rising cancer crisis by expanding access to early screening tools and empowering communities. Learn more about Dharmais Hospital’s efforts in our conversation with CEO Dr. Soeko Werdi Nindito Daroekoesoemo on page 12.
We also explore how innovations are making hospital visits less daunting for patients. At Tan Tock Seng Hospital, advanced navigation technology is revolutionising spine surgeries, making them less intimidating. Find out more on page 7. Additionally, 3D intraoral scans are now available, providing less invasive options for patients at the National Dental Centre Singapore. Discover how this cutting-edge technology is being utilized on page 16.
However, as healthcare becomes increasingly digital, experts caution providers to bolster their cybersecurity defenses against rising ransomware threats. For guidance on safeguarding your facilities, turn to page 6. On the policy front, Singapore’s new health bill aims to strengthen information-sharing safeguards. Our detailed report is available on page 20.
These advancements reflect the dedication and vision of leaders in the healthcare sector. To celebrate these achievements, we proudly present the Healthcare Asia Awards, Healthcare Asia Pharma Awards, and Healthcare Asia Medtech Awards. This year’s winners have set new benchmarks for resilience, innovation, and excellence. Discover the full list of winners on page 24. Congratulations to all!
Best of health to everyone.
Tim Charlton
HealthcareAsia is also the media sponsor for the following events:
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MOST READ
Could NFTs be the key to rising healthcare data?
The healthcare industry may soon tap into the world of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to securely manage patient data. Dr. Teo Zhen Ling and Associate Professor Daniel Shu Wei Ting advocate for a system where patients hold the key to their medical histories encapsulated in unalterable digital tokens.
HIMSS provides guidance for digital healthcare in Asia Pacific
It is not enough to be fascinated by rapid technological progress that now allows remote services for patients or faster, more accurate and comprehensive digital testing devices. What HIMSS brings to the table are “maturity models,” which serve as detailed measurement tools in order to harness the power of technology
From bricks to clicks: APAC shifts to virtual hospitals
Virtual hospitals are becoming more prominent in the APAC healthcare sector, notably in reducing waiting times and facilitating remote access to healthcare experts. How can hospitals effectively blend technology with traditional care to provide emergency or inpatient acute care in patients’ homes?
Hopebotics’ robotic hand aid offers new hope for stroke patients
Getting stroke patients out of the hospital faster and with fewer follow-up visits is the aim of Hong Kong startup Hopebotics with its light robotic arm that facilitates brain motor relearning. Hand Tasker utilises a flexible actuator and 3-D printing technology to fit the soft-hand robot with natural hand movement.
Why GBA might not be ideal for some of HK’s grandmas and grandpas
Concerns linger on healthcare quality and distance from senior population’s communities if they relocate to the Guangdong Bay Area (GBA), which is seen to resolve a mismatch of supply and demand in elderly care services and infrastructure. Private residential care homes for the elderly (RCHE) are nearly congested, with 71% occupied.
Digital kiosk speeds up hospital queues
Jakarta’s Premier Jatinegara Hospital has now made it easier for patients to be admitted into the system, by allowing them to book their check-in via WhatsApp and scanning a barcode on their phones. This should cut outpatient waiting times from three to four hours to just one and a half hours, said CEO Dr. Susan Ananda.
HIGH COSTS, LIMITED INSURANCE IMPEDE MEDICAL FREEDOM
Hong Kongers will have to dedicate ten years’ of their income, equivalent to US$867,100 (HK$ 6.7m), in order to achieve medical freedom, Prudential Hong Kong said.
Residents bemoaned high medical costs (66%) as the main struggle to achieve medical freedom, defined as either the liberty to freely choose medical resources such as hospitals, doctors, and medicine or the ability to afford all medical bills with ease.
Hong Kongers also decried network limitations offered by their insurance plans. Less than half of the medical plans they currently own encompass services that the residents value, such as global drug search (77%), second medical opinions (76%), and cross-border medical support (72%), according to Prudential’s survey.
Additionally, only 43% of plans offer full single-room coverage, a priority for Hong Kong residents, and just 55% provide international medical services.
The report also found that more than half (54%) of residents want the quality of cross-border medical services to improve. With better services, the current usage rate of such services could increase by 48%.
Financial woes
More than half (52%) of employees are struggling with their finances, with some (35%) even living paycheck to paycheck, WTW reported.
Moreover, 29% believe their financial problems will worsen next year. WTW underscored that financial concerns negatively impact workers’ well-being (63%), with 28% reporting higher levels of stress and anxiety.
These financial challenges also impact employees’ confidence in their retirement, with 57% stating they are unable to improve their retirement situation, which, in turn, affects their engagement, productivity, and emotional health.
How can hospitals boost their cyber defences?
TECHNOLOGY
Healthcare providers must bolster their detection systems and cyberdefenses if they want to cut the millions of dollars spent fighting off hackers.
For the thirteenth consecutive year, healthcare was named the top costliest industry for breaches. Cyberattacks cost the sector $9.77m for the 12 months that ended in February 2024, according to the IBM’s Cost of Data Breach Report.
The costs do not end there. Once hackers successfully steal the data, healthcare providers face paying millions in ransom, with the average price paid out at $4.4m, according to a separate survey by cloud security provider Sophos and tech researcher Vanson Bourne.
Out of the 402 healthcare providers it surveyed in APAC, EMEA, and the Americas, 99 of them paid the ransom.
“Both the rate of increase in costs per attack for the sector in the last three years, and the average cost of a breach, were more than three times higher than the global average in the same period,” KnowBe4, a security awareness training platform, said in a separate July 2024 report.
Risks include not just the high costs but also the fact that hospitals can lose
access to patient data and medical tools. This compromises not just patients’ health records but their insurance and financial data.
“Hospitals have become increasingly attractive targets for ransomware attacks due to their comprehensive patient databases, sensitive information, and interconnected systems and equipment,” KnowBe4 said.
It can take hospitals months to recover from an attack, according to the World Economic Forum.
Double edged sword
The main issue is that healthcare providers are adapting emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced digital solutions without investing in security.
“Advances in digital solutions in healthcare have enhanced both the quality and the cost-efficiency of health services. They have also created digital dependence, which is often advanced without comparable investment in cybersecurity,” KnowBe4 said.
To combat these, Sophos and KnowBe4 suggested strengthening foundational security is a must, including endpoint, email, and firewall technologies.
Better detection systems are a must. “Detecting and neutralizing an adversary inside your environment before they can compromise your backups or encrypt your data will considerably improve your outcomes,” Sophos said.
Phishing
Over 1 in 2 (51.4%) of employees in large healthcare organisations are more likely to fall victim to a phishing email, KnowBe4 said. This is an issue as over 19% of ransomware attacks phased by hospitals originated from a malicious email, Sophos said.
Singapore’s national healthcare provider Synapxe intercepts and blocks 3,000 malicious emails daily.
Hospitals have become targets for ransomware attacks due to their comprehensive patient databases
Singapore reportedly faces 1.7 million attempts to breach its internetfacing firewalls each month as of end2023, said Singapore Health Minister Ong Ye Kung.
“Singapore has the unique added challenge of an ageing population, which will inevitably lead to growth in healthcare data,” said Abhilash Purushothaman, vice president and general manager of Asia at Rubrik.
Individual patient records are at risk if cybersecurity issues are not addressed
Abhilash Purushothaman
Navigation tech strips the scare off spine surgeries
No one in this day and age should be afraid of getting a needed spine surgery because innovations have made these operations a lot less risky than before. As an expert surgeon puts it, spine surgeries have less than a 1% chance of complications.
“The expertise of spine surgery has evolved significantly,” Adj A/ Prof Jacob Oh, head of spine surgery at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, told the audience at the Healthcare Asia Summit 2024 in Singapore.
Citing an example, Oh said that
in the 2000s, an open surgery was conducted on a lady who had a fracture that impacted her spinal cord. The patient needed a long incision and had to be hospitalised for a long time, which used to be a common post-op experience.
Other risks include long downtime and possible nerve injuries. But with today’s technologies at play, Oh said spine surgery patients with the same case would go through a whole new procedure that would require only a five-centimetre incision and a day to get back on her feet.
“This is what normally happens on Day 2: She’ll be standing, with minimal blood loss, and she’s recovering well. In general, she won’t need to go to the ICU (intensive care unit), and there’s minimal pain,” assured Oh, even if the procedure entails the placement of percutaneous screws.
Better navigation tools
He noted that, one of the innovations that enhanced the conduct of spine operations is the intra-op computed tomography (CT) scanner, which acts like a global positioning system (GPS) that helps surgeons better navigate the subject area.
This technology eliminates the risk of hitting critical spots like the aorta when placing a screw using freehand, which could happen even with the best hands, he said.
“Since we’ve used navigation for the last 10 years, our experience is that [with] more than 2,000 screws, we’ve got less than 1% breach rate,” Oh said. “And there’s a zero return to OT (operation theatre) for for malpositioned screws.”
This is what normally happens on Day 2: She’ll be standing, with minimal blood loss, and she’s recovering well
WHY MEDICAL TOURISTS PREFER HEALTHCARE IN SOUTHEAST ASIA
Medical tourists from developed countries are choosing Southeast Asia markets as their destination for different treatments due to some benefits they can get by travelling to more affordable destinations, said IQVIA in a recent report.
One advantage of choosing to get medical services in Southeast Asia is affordability. For example, the study pointed out that US patients benefit from the reduction of treatment costs of 60%–80% in Malaysia, 25%–40% in Singapore, and 50%–75% in Thailand, depending on the treatment.
Aside from the US, patients from China are also going to Southeast Asia such as Thailand for IVF treatment, which saves them about 50%. Another advantage is shorter waiting times as people in developed countries often wait longer and have delays in treatment.
Sometimes the waiting times extend to months.
The ideal choice for them is in Southeast Asia where waiting times are shorter and medical tourists even have treatment on the same day as their arrival.
The third advantage is access to quality care where Southeast Asian healthcare offers world-class medical facilities and renowned medical expertise. Some hospitals even have recognition from Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation.
In Thailand alone, 48 hospitals are JCIaccredited, the highest in the region.
The fourth advantage is Southeast Asia offer new treatment or procedures that are unapproved and unavailable in developed countries.
For instance, Chinese patients prefer to get IVF treatment in Thailand due to strict regulations and gender selection rules for IVF treatment in China.
Oh said that robots help surgeons craft better surgery plans and lessen risk during the procedure. “So by using a combination of navigation and the robotic software to plan and take you to the correct trajectory, you’re going to increase your accuracy and precision so much more,” he added.
Comparison of treatment costs between different ASEAN countries
Source: IQVIA
Piyaporn Thipayarat
TECHNOLOGY
Adj A/Prof Jacob Oh, head of spine surgery at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, shares how better navigation leads to minimal pain for patients
Medtronic – Life-transforming health tech
Leveraging its global network and cutting-edge technology, Medtronic aspires to become an unmatched force for good in the healthcare industry.
From the young child who received the first battery-powered pacemaker in 1957 to the 74 million patients served each year — Medtronic’s 75th anniversary is much more than just a point in time. It marks a chance to reflect on the extraordinary power of the mission to alleviate pain, restore health, extend life, and honour the dedicated people—both then and now—who have put that mission to work through revolutionary healthcare innovation.
Building bridges to health equity
As a leader in healthcare technology, Medtronic creates a lasting impact that inspires patients, physicians, employees, and diverse communities to live better, healthier lives. With over 95,000 employees in over 150 countries, there are unparalleled possibilities to extend the company’s impact to tomorrow’s global challenges. It is committed to being at the forefront of accelerating access to healthcare technology, advancing inclusion, diversity & equity, and protecting our planet — ensuring the waves of yesterday ripple on to tomorrow. Everyone deserves access to quality healthcare, no matter who or where they are. With groundbreaking healthcare technology, Medtronic builds bridges to health access in the best ways known. It leverages a network of healthcare professionals, ceaselessly built across decades, to target patient advocacy and medical education. Empowered by strong partnerships, the health technology leader
tackles the most challenging disparities in healthcare across a range of conditions — from heart disease and cancer to diabetes. Today, over 350,000 healthcare professionals across the world unite their expertise to create a domino effect of knowledge, which tailors Medtronic’s approach to meet the unique needs of each community.
Harnessing technology to empower patients
As the company continues to grow, the mission is ever-evolving. With emerging technology, Medtronic can tackle the world’s most challenging diseases with greater accuracy, efficiency, and effectiveness. Today, digital technology is driving some of the most rapid, fundamental changes to the delivery of healthcare — from streamlining the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of non-communicable diseases to empowering clinicians. AI is reducing the bias that is too often present in healthcare ecosystems by creating algorithms from data sets that reflect diverse populations, dismantling barriers to access. Hyper-personalisation and advanced computing in healthcare technology allow each patient to receive focussed care, whoever and wherever they are — improving outcomes by adapting to individual lifestyles.
Always working towards equal healthcare outcomes for marginalised populations —
Medtronic harnesses the power of cuttingedge technology in its quest to alleviate suffering. Right now, AI is improving the detection of hard-to-see polyps that can lead to colorectal cancer — a disease which disproportionately affects those of marginalised socio-economic backgrounds. Through targeted partnership efforts with centres in these communities, Medtronic is projected to impact the lives of over 350,000 patients.
The world hangs on the balance of humanity’s actions. Looking ahead, Medtronic recognises that restoring health and extending life go beyond the challenges of equity to the critical condition of the planet we live on. The company’s longstanding commitment to a green future has built a firm foundation that offers unparalleled potential for large-scale environmental efforts. Medtronic’s ambitious energy goals and historic investments in renewable energy have clinched today’s successes. A quarter of its sites generate solar power, with operational carbon intensity being reduced by over 35% as compared to the FY20 baseline and achieving a 17% reduction in waste intensity, exceeding the goal of 15% by FY25.
Today, Medtronic stands in a unique position of expertise where the company’s impact resonates across the globe, and every action carries the weight of decades of thoughtful deliberation and execution. Every year, its therapies improve the lives of over 74 million people and further goals remain limitless. As a healthcare leader, the company is always conscious of leading responsibly and prioritising the highest quality standards for more transparent, ethical, and resilient operations — from governance and workforce to human rights and supply chain responsibility.
At this important moment in time, Medtronic’s employees around the world are striving to make this year the most meaningful and impactful yet. The best way it can continue to honour the founders’ spirit is through a drive to make an even greater difference in even more people’s lives — to be unsurpassed in every effort. Together, as a force for good, there’s no limit to what Medtronic can achieve.
With groundbreaking healthcare technology, Medtronic builds bridges to health access in the best ways known
Celebrating its 75th anniversary, Medtronic pledges to address future challenges in access, equity, and environmental sustainability
CEO INTERVIEW
IHH’s proton therapy takes aim at tumours with precision and low risk
The facility offers accurate tumour targeting with minimised damage to healthy tissue.
Leaving surrounding organs at risk during cancer treatment might become a thing of the past. Proton therapy may allow oncologists to focus on tumors with surgical precision, possibly reducing complications and improving patient outcomes.
This technology is now being implemented at the new Mount Elizabeth Proton Therapy Centre, where doctors are beginning to utilize its minimally invasive precision to treat a range of complex and hard-to-treat cancers.
To ensure the treatment’s effectiveness, IHH Healthcare Singapore CEO Peter Chow touted the centre’s use of a compact singleroom Intensity Modulated Proton Therapy (IMPT) system called the Proteus®ONE solution.
“It also contains Ion Beam Applications’ latest Pencil Beam Scanning (PBS) technology to target tumours precisely with an accuracy level of +/=0.2mm, along with isocentre volumetric imaging (Cone Beam CT), and stereotactic x-ray imaging capabilities for more accurate patient positioning before starting treatment,” Chow said.
The new centre has enabled us to improve their quality of life during and post-treatment
Moreover, the facility takes on a patient-centric approach to care, equipped with features such as an open gantry for easier access, prompt imaging technology for comprehensive image verification, and ambient surroundings to relieve anxiety whilst providing comfort.
“The new centre has enabled us to not only provide patients and their families more hope but also improve their quality of life during and posttreatment,” Chow said.
Diverse patient range
Having treated over 100 patients since its opening in May 2023, the centre’s demographic includes a wide age range, varying from 18 months to 85 years, and diverse geographical origins.
“(About) 28% of patients to date have been female, and 72% male, with more than half from Singapore, whilst 35% of patients came from Southeast Asia,” Chow said.
The CEO noted that an additional 14% of their patients came from the US, Canada, and the UK.
Meanwhile, he cited some statistics on the specific cancer types the facility has treated and how it
underscores their approach to care.
“About 40% of cases treated were related to head and neck cancers, 20% to brain cancer, another 20% to prostate cancer, with the remaining 20% treating other cancer types,” Chow said.
An advanced cancer care team
Another key element IHH upholds in maintaining quality cancer care services is its skilled team of doctors, nurses, medical physicists, and radiation therapists who are supported by modern technology.
“Our medical teams have been providing radiotherapy services for more than 30 years in our system by using linear accelerators, TomoTherapy, Gamma Knife, and brachytherapy to help cancer patients achieve their treatment goals,” Chow said.
He also emphasised that during the centre’s preparation phase, the IHH’s proton therapy team underwent extensive training in the US and Europe to enhance their knowledge and skills in the said treatment.
“They were trained by institutions including the University of Pennsylvania’s Abramson Cancer Centre, the University of Florida’s Health Proton Therapy Institute, and Aarhus University Hospital’s Danish Centre for Particle Therapy,” Chow noted.
Furthermore, the centre’s core team continues to engage in international conferences to exchange learnings with other experts and keep up with the latest advancements in proton therapy.
Meanwhile, the CEO expressed enthusiasm when asked about IHH’s future plans, aiming to expand their treatment range by exploring new technologies and investments.
“We will continue to see how we can enhance the scope and quality of cancer care for the benefit of our patients and residents in Singapore and the region,” Chow added.
CEO Peter Chow shows the open gantry, which helps relieve the patients’ anxiety and discomfort (Photo from IHH Healthcare)
Peter Chow
How Dharmais fights cancer with early screening
The country’s national cancer centre boosts its early screening programs.
Indonesia’s growing cancer crisis has made early detection crucial for enhancing patient survival, with Dharmais Cancer Hospital at the forefront. The hospital’s dedication to modern diagnostic tools marks a pivotal shift in the nation’s healthcare approach.
In this exclusive interview with Dr. Soeko Werdi Nindito Daroekoesoemo, the chief executive officer of Dharmais Cancer Hospital, Healthcare Asia is given a firsthand look into the medical centre’s innovative initiatives and transformative programmes aimed at improving cancer care in the country.
For starters, Soeko stressed that cancer is the third-largest disease consuming the health budget in Indonesia. He then underscores the importance of efforts to enhance early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer, with the ultimate goal of improving outcomes for patients and reducing the burden of the disease.
“If we don’t make transformations in cancer care, the burden on the country will only increase,” Soeko said.
The Director of Dharmais Cancer Hospital mentioned that there are five most commonly encountered types of cancer in Indonesia: breast cancer, cervical cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and leukemia in children.
Advancements in cancer treatment
Early detection, Soeko said, is crucial in preventing cancer from worsening. Early detection is carried out by Dharmais Cancer Hospital through mass screenings for healthy individuals, one of which is cervical cancer screening for young girls in elementary schools.
Furthermore, Dharmais Hospital supports healthcare workers in community health centres or primary care facilities to conduct breast ultrasound examinations to detect breast cancer early.
“If there is any doubt in the ultrasound, it can be confirmed through mammography available at the hospital. Early detection is a diagnosis that is not yet certain; once it is certain that the patient has cancer, the diagnosis is done using advanced tools such as those available at Dharmais Cancer Hospital,” Soeko said.
Also, the facility offers anatomical pathology diagnosis by taking body tissues for biopsy and subsequent use of anatomical pathology, and finally, using Immunohistochemistry (IHC) to determine the appropriate medication for cancer treatment.
“In the future, what we will do is support Regional Public Hospitals (RSUD) to perform the same procedures as those carried out at Dharmais Cancer Hospital, namely using a slide scanner” Soeko told Healthcare Asia. “The prepared slides will be digitally sent to hospitals with specialist anatomical pathology doctors so that they can examine them using digital scans without relying on microscopes.”
After diagnosis, therapy is administered. At least three therapies are conducted at Dharmais Cancer Hospital: surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The hospital is capable of performing surgeries, including microsurgery, which can free blocked blood vessels due to cancer, allowing patients undergoing surgery to return to normal activities promptly.
As for chemotherapy, Dharmais Cancer Hospital currently in the process of improving its capabilities to perform both autologous and allogeneic transplants.
“We are also planning to acquire advanced equipment called proton beam therapy, a precision radiation therapy device that can treat small cancers in sensitive areas such as the brain. The equipment is very large and expensive. We hope that it will be processed next year,” Soeko said.
Lack of awareness
Amidst the progress in cancer treatment undertaken by Dharmais Cancer Hospital, Soeko pointed out that there are still challenges in early detection and screening, resulting in patients coming to the hospital often being in advanced stages of cancer.
He said the cause lies in challenges in education, and particularly in the deep-rooted fear within society of facing the reality of being a cancer patient.
If
we don’t make transformations in cancer care, the burden on the country will only increase
“Therefore, it should be encouraged through government programmes such as ‘Sadari’ for self-examination of breast lumps,” Soeko said. “Also, there are programmes for early detection of HPV virus to address cervical cancer. Primary healthcare services also need to be strengthened, both technologically and in terms of human resources, to prevent patients from piling up at the referral level or hospitals.”
Dr. Soeko Werdi Nindito Daroekoesoemo, Dharmais Cancer Hospital CEO INDONESIA
Celebrating 15 years of MedEthix: A journey of dedication, innovation, and community impact
The company has achieved notable milestones, including launching the first modern first aid kit, championing women’s health, and strengthening partnerships.
MedEthix, a dedicated supporter of Filipino health and wellness, is proudly celebrating its 15th anniversary. Founded in 2009 by Vasant and Monaliza Salian, MedEthix embarked on a mission to provide Filipinos with highquality yet affordable medicines. Over the years, the company achieved remarkable milestones, transforming the nation’s healthcare landscape.
MedEthix was established with a clear vision: to ensure that every Filipino has access to essential medicines. Mr. Vasant and Ms. Monaliza Salian’s commitment to this noble cause laid the foundation for what would become a trusted name in the pharmaceutical industry.
Innovating first aid, championing women’s health
MedEthix revolutionised first aid with the launch of Fast Aid in 2013. The first modern first aid kit in the Philippines targeted pain relief, wound care, and first aid readiness, setting a new standard for emergency preparedness in Filipino households.
In 2015, MedEthix took a significant step forward by focussing on women’s health, recognising the unique and critical healthcare needs of women. MedEthix worked closely with healthcare providers to offer educational
resources and support, helping couples understand their options and navigate the complexities of infertility treatments. This initiative was driven by a commitment to support women through every stage of their reproductive lives, ensuring they have access to best possible options.
Strengthening
partnerships, responding to the pandemic
A strategic partnership with AC Health in 2019 marked another significant milestone. MedEthix played a crucial role in fortifying the supply chain of AC Health’s network of pharmacies and clinics. This collaboration ensured a wider range of affordable medicines were accessible to Filipinos, enhancing the overall healthcare infrastructure.
In response to the global pandemic, MedEthix became the first importer of Molnupiravir in 2021. This oral drug, indicated for mild to moderate cases of COVID-19 infection, provided a vital treatment option and showcased MedEthix’s agility and commitment to addressing urgent health crises.
MedEthix’s efforts were recognised on a prestigious platform when the company earned two significant awards from Healthcare Asia. The first, Hospital Partnership of the Year - Philippines, acknowledged MedEthix’s crucial role in ensuring the timely and effective supply of Molnupiravir during the pandemic.
The second award, Most Differentiated Service of the Year - Philippines, was a testament to MedEthix’s innovative approach in managing the logistics and distribution of Molnupiravir amidst global supply chain challenges. This award highlighted the company’s ability to navigate complex scenarios and deliver critical treatments efficiently.
Addressing rising health concerns
With the increasing cases of HIV in the Philippines, MedEthix took a proactive stance in 2023 by making PreP (preexposure prophylaxis) more accessible. This initiative demonstrated the company’s responsiveness to evolving health challenges and its dedication to improving public health outcomes.
Expanding horizons in reproductive health
In 2024, recognising the growing needs of the Filipino population, MedEthix broadened its focus within the realm of reproductive health. This expansion included comprehensive services in general OB-GYN, reproductive medicines, and urology, ensuring that a wider array of reproductive health issues could be addressed with specialised care.
Corporate social responsibility: Giving back to the community
Beyond its business achievements, MedEthix has consistently engaged in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives aimed at improving community health and well-being. These efforts include:
• Medical Missions: Organising free medical camps and health check-ups in underserved communities.
• Health Education: Conducting awareness programmes on crucial health issues, including reproductive health, maternal care, and disease prevention.
• Partnerships with NGOs: Collaborating with non-governmental organisations to support various health-related causes and provide essential medical supplies to those in need.
Looking ahead
As MedEthix celebrates its 15th year, it remains steadfast in its mission to provide high-quality, affordable healthcare solutions to Filipinos. The journey from its humble beginnings to becoming a leader in the pharmaceutical industry is a testament to the vision, dedication, and hard work of its founders and team. MedEthix looks forward to continuing its legacy of innovation, service, and community impact for many more years to come.
Monaliza Salian, founder and owner, MedEthix receives the company’s awards at the Healthcare Asia Awards
MedEthix Fast Aid Kit
Molnupiravir - Molnaflu
How AC Health lowers costs for better cancer care access
Waiving clinic space rents for doctors is a major factor in building multispecialty medical teams and in reducing treatment fees.
PHILIPPINES
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the Philippines, yet its financial burden remains heavy for many. In a bid to keep care affordable, top executives at AC Health are adopting new business models for their first dedicated cancer treatment facility.
The main strategy for Healthway Cancer Care (HCCH) is leveraging its networks and partnerships to potentially reduce costs while still providing patients with quality services.
“Our goal is to be the most costcompetitive in the Philippines,” said Paolo Borromeo, president and CEO of Ayala subsidiary AC Health.
When asked what strategies are implemented to optimise costs, Healthway Medical Network (HMN) CEO Jaime Ysmael mentioned that they are adopting a multifaceted approach to making cancer care affordable.
We can provide cost-competitive products for our patients, especially those undergoing therapy
Manuel Roxas
“It starts with equipment,” Ysmael said. “We are very fortunate to have partnered with Siemens Healthineers and Varian, our supplier for the linear accelerator. There’s also Cancer Treatment Services International, a healthcare consultancy firm that helped us set up this operation.”
Borromeo also noted that aside from leveraging their network, AC Health’s pharmaceutical group allows them to bring in more affordable medicine.
“We can provide cost-competitive products for our patients, especially those undergoing therapy,” Borromeo said.
Moreover, Ysmael highlighted increasing utilisation as another key to maximising costs. “By going after volumes, rather than price, we believe that we can make it affordable and at the same time, expand, aligning with AC Health’s vision to spend the benefits of healthcare on more
Filipinos,” he said.
Meanwhile, Healthcare Asia has recently conducted a tour to explore the hospital’s facilities and technologies.
Committing to a comprehensive approach, HCCH has established a department for quality of life (QoL) and survivorship that goes beyond the usual treatments to address other aspects of a patient’s overall journey, such as psychosocial implications.
Dr. Manuel Roxas, HCCH’s medical director, said the department includes pain control, nutrition, cancer rehabilitation and prehabilitation, as well as programmes for enhanced recovery and palliative care.
Prioritising comfort
As part of its QoL initiative, the 106-bed hospital features rooms specifically designed based on inputs from focus group discussions with different patient groups.
Privacy is a paramount consideration for the way the rooms were made. Add to that the intent to maximise space whilst giving patients a more “homey” feeling with the inclusion of windows for sunlight and artworks from Don Jaime Zobel de Ayala.
Notably, the hospital’s ward area, called “quads”, is fully divided into four rooms instead of the usual curtain setup observed in other institutions. Moreover, Roxas noted that the hospital offers a spectrum of services ranging from diagnosis to staging, and treatment.
“We have imaging services such as PET-CT, MRI, and CT scans. We also have radiation therapy facilities, chemotherapy treatments, and surgical services,” he said.
The hospital’s chemotherapy centre features 16 reclining chairs and two beds separated by walls to ensure patients receive comfort and privacy, with a nearby oncology pharmacy for easier access to chemotherapy meds. Furthermore, additional facilities include an outdoor garden to promote faster recovery for ambulating patients and a prayer room that can accommodate multiple religions for inclusivity.
A collaborative approach HCCH distinguishes itself with its four centres of excellence, focusing on
HCCH as multiple imaging services and radiation therapy rooms
HOSPITAL WATCH: HEALTHWAY CANCER CARE HOSPITAL
colorectal cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, and head and neck cancer. But what really sets it apart from the competition is its team-based approach to delivering care.
Dr. Conrado Lorenzo III, chairman of HCCH’s Medical Advisory Council, emphasised that cancer care has to be collaborative as it evolves into a more complex management system.
“We ensure all our patients are subjected to a multidisciplinary team of doctors, or a tumour board, allowing them to exchange ideas and blend inputs, depending on their subspecialty,” Lorenzo added.
HCCH houses multispecialty clinics that range from a cardiopulmonary unit to a specialisation in stoma wound care with doctors encouraged to practice their specialities by waiving clinic space rents.
The hospital also features a women’s health unit complete with gynaecologic oncology clinics and a breast centre which offers screening services through mammography and ultrasound devices.
Future expansion
With the HCCH now set for operations, AC Health plans to further expand its network throughout the country.
Borromeo mentioned that the group is currently looking into partnerships and other growth opportunities.
“We are looking to expand in the major cities in the Philippines, particularly Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao through a combination of partnerships and acquisition
opportunities,” Borromeo said.
“Aside from that, we have various other clinical and strategic partnerships that we will be announcing shortly,” he added.
Recently, HCCH has partnered with the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) to leverage best oncology practices through joint tumour board meetings between the organisations.
Delving deeper, both parties will discuss complex cancer cases, drawing on their experience in imaging, radiation, surgery, medical oncology, and palliative care, whilst exploring suitable clinical trial options for all aspects of patient care and planning.
In addition, the hospital has consulted different cancer institutes abroad, particularly India and Singapore to learn more about their experiences and incorporate effective key measures in addressing patient needs.
Moreover, Ysmael said that they have been tapping local government units (LGUs) for partnerships that would continue serving the healthcare needs in different areas.
“We are also partnering with patient groups to ensure that we are mostly able to offer our services and in the education aspect as there is a need to educate people on the different types of diseases and how to make sure these are addressed,” he added.
At present, AC Health’s network consists of six hospitals, 15 multispecialty clinics, and over 250 corporate clinics across the country.
AC Health’s portfolio includes Generika Drugstore, a pioneer in generic pharmacies; IE Medica and MedEthix, key pharmaceutical importers and distributors; Healthway and QualiMed, a network of clinics and hospitals; and KonsultaMD, an app offering online consultations, medicine delivery, and booking services.
The admissions area is designed to evoke a “homey” feeling with artworks from Don Jaime Zobel de Ayala
A nearby oncology pharmacy provides easy access to chemotherapy meds.
The chemotherapy centre features 16 reclining chairs to ensure comfort and privacy
Conrado Lorenzo III
Paolo Borromeo
National Dental Centre Singapore bites back at discomfort with 3D intraoral scans
Its intra-oral scanning technology can capture accurate images of teeth and oral structures.
Waiting for tasteless paste to dry around one’s teeth will no longer be a regular part of a visit to the dentist. Instead, intra-oral 3D scanners at the National Dental Centre Singapore can map teeth more accurately, cutting time and discomfort involved while on a dental chair.
In an interview with Healthcare Asia, Clinical Associate Professor Chew Ming Tak, NDCS chief data and digital officer, explained that intra-oral scanning is used to capture accurate images of a patient’s teeth and oral structures.
The scans are meant to replace traditional mould-based methods, providing patients with a less invasive alternative and improving their overall experience.
“Patients prefer having their teeth scanned rather than having a mould put into their mouth which is an uncomfortable process that they have to endure prior to this technology,” he said.
Workflow efficiency
Assoc Prof Chew reiterated the technology’s contribution to advancing staff outcomes at NDCS. “Staff experience is something that we always take into consideration when we implement digital technology in addition to patient experience,” he said.
He also noted that the scanning technology simplifies workflow for dental practitioners by minimising the reliance on manual impression techniques, allowing dental staff to experience less physical strain and reduced manual labour.
Technological innovations
Aside from intraoral scanning, NDCS has incorporated various advancements in the field of digital dentistry.
Assoc Prof Chew told Healthcare Asia that the Centre has been utilising digital dental records for over a decade now, progressively converting patient files into digital
Patients prefer having their teeth scanned rather than having a mould put into their mouth, which is an uncomfortable process that they have to endure
formats. “These records include patient’s images, treatment notes, and digital models of teeth,” he said.
NDCS has also employed virtual surgical planning and 3D printing technologies for complex dental surgeries, which include procedures such as correcting jaw deformities, placing dental implants, and treating jaw tumours.
For a dental speciality centre, its use of CAD/CAM technology is another mark of innovation.
“Traditionally, our dental lab relies on a technician’s manual skills to produce dental appliances such as retainers, dentures, splints, and more, but now we are using computer-aided design and manufacturing to produce them,” Assoc Prof Chew explained.
The tech has reduced their reliance on manual craftsmanship and largely improved the quality of their dental appliances.
“With greater adoption of digital technology, there is less reliance on individual manual skill sets to create good and accurate appliances,” Assoc Prof Chew said.
Emphasising value
Looking forward to Singapore’s broader healthcare landscape, Assoc
Prof Chew believes that the adoption of digital dentistry will increase in the coming years, however, he believes in practising prudence when choosing which technology to utilise.
Moreover, he reiterates that new technology must add value to a current process.
“We don’t just adopt for the sake of adoption. We must ensure that the adoption of digital technology adds value to what we do, adds value to the patient, and adds value to our staff,” Assoc Prof Chew said.
This focus on providing valueadded services as a multidisciplinary centre for dental care is also evident in NDCS’ initiative of equipping senior and aspiring specialists with the ability to continuously adapt to new technologies through “catch-up” training and residency programmes.
“As we mainstream more digital workflows, we will incorporate them into our training curriculum for residents, so that as future specialists, they will be wellequipped in managing new digital methods,” Assoc Prof Chew said.
The NDCS’ research arm, NDRIS, has various projects aimed at advancing digital dentistry such as the development of end-to-end digital workflow for removable dentures.
Digital scans are a less invasive alternative to traditional moulds
Chew Ming Tak
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KL Int’l Tertiary opens all-in-one wellness city
The facility will integrate medical and wellness services for a holistic patient experience.
Aroutine day in KL Wellness City might include a quick health screening followed by time in a green space, reflecting the project’s blend of healthcare and wellness services. Integration is one crucial element for the KL International Tertiary Hospital to realise its goal of becoming an all-encompassing medical hub not just for Malaysia, but also as a means to attract international clients.
To Dato’ Dr. Jacob Thomas, the hospital team’s executive director, this initiative is part of a larger-scale vision known as KL Wellness City, an ecosystem that houses healthcare services, wellness programmes, and lifestyle amenities.
“Our goal is to create a holistic environment where residents, patients, and visitors can access medical care, preventive health measures, fitness facilities, and relaxation spaces — all within the same community,” said Dr Jacob.
Meanwhile, he touted that the hospital, with a scalable 1,000-bed capacity, is set to feature modern diagnostic laboratories, imaging facilities, and advanced medical equipment to provide services ranging from health screenings to specialised treatments.
Such equipment and technology include a hybrid angio operating theatre, a hybrid magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) operating theatre, robotic surgery, three Tesla MRI scanners, 256-slice CT Scans, and biplane and single-plane catheterisation laboratories.
Moreover, the hospital is being designed to support seamless transitions to simplify patient movement across different key facilities, which is particularly beneficial for those with mobility issues.
A central park
Sustainability and health remain deeply connected and according to Dr Jacob, located near the hospital grounds will be a 1.3-acre central park to provide a natural environment for patients and their families.
“This green outdoor space will feature trees, grass, and flowing water to create a more serene environment for patients to come out, whether walking or in a wheelchair, to enjoy their surroundings,” he said.
Dr Jacob told Healthcare Asia that the park will have areas designated for recreational activities such as aerobics, Tai Chi, and other exercises, whilst also providing spaces to promote community bonding. “To enhance the experience, there will be cafes and various amenities surrounding the park, making it a hub of activity,” he said.
The hospital executive also noted that KL International Hospital is gearing towards pursuing a green building index for sustainable development. “This positions it as an ecofriendly hospital that ensures it fits in with the environment in terms of energy utilisation,” he said.
With Dr Jacob’s experience as a board member of the
Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), he is no stranger to advancing the country’s medical tourism; and to him, the first step in attracting international patients is to recognise their specific needs.
In line with this, he mentioned they will be developing personalised healthcare packages for each patient. “Whether it’s a comprehensive health check-up, elective surgery, or wellness retreat, our packages will be convenient,” he said.
What’s more, is that the hospital aims to integrate traditional medicine alongside conventional medical treatments. “Whether it be Chinese, Indian, Malay, or even acupuncture, these practices will be integrated into the current healthcare system,” said Dr Jacob.
Multilingual services
Our goal is an environment where residents, patients, and visitors can access medical care, fitness facilities, and relaxation spaces all within the same community
The executive director also noted how language barriers may deter medical tourists from accessing healthcare from other countries, prompting the hospital to prioritise adding multilingual services to their roster.
“We must ensure that we provide care in a way that is easy for them to understand. This includes having sufficient Interpretation services readily available for other languages,” he shared with Healthcare Asia
To achieve this, the hospital will employ staff proficient in English, Mandarin, Arabic, and other commonly spoken languages, whilst also looking into artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies to improve patient experiences.
“This is not just another hospital. We want this to be a complete, integrated healthcare destination,” Dr Jacob said.
Dato’ Dr. Jacob Thomas, executive director of KL Wellness City
MALAYSIA
COUNTRY REPORT: SINGAPORE
Singapore’s health data bill mandates regulated information sharing
To ensure data disclosure and sharing, the Ministry of Health can impose up to $1m in fines for non-compliance.
Many private healthcare providers have yet to adopt the National Electronic Health Record (NEHR), even though it has been available as a central repository for patient records since 2011. As of October 2023, only a 15% participation rate has been recorded.
To encourage data sharing amongst healthcare providers, the government introduced the Healthcare Information Bill (HIB) that will make health data sharing mandatory.
“The Ministry of Health has identified that healthcare needs would become more complex as the population ages. This will entail more Singaporeans experiencing chronic conditions, having to visit various healthcare institutions and rely on multiple healthcare providers. The MOH expects that Singapore’s healthcare system will become more diverse, as it is continually evolving to meet the different demands of the population,” Lim Ren Jun, principal and co-lead of Healthcare & Life Sciences Industry Group at Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow, told Healthcare Asia
Zhen Guang Lam, senior associate at Clyde & Co Clasis Singapore,
A central repository empowers patients with greater control over their own health data
has a similar insight saying: “A central repository for patient health records holds immense potential to revolutionise healthcare delivery, as it not only enhances efficiency and coordination among healthcare professionals, but also empowers patients with greater control over their own health data.”
“The seamless exchange of information across the healthcare ecosystem can lead to more accurate diagnosis, timely interventions, and ultimately, better patient outcomes,” Lam told Healthcare Asia
Health data disclosures
Disclosing health data on the NEHR will eliminate repetitive patient declarations of their medical history to various healthcare professionals, saving time. Similarly, this frees up resources on the healthcare providers’ end as they would not need to require patients to provide such information, according to Lim.
“By having access to a common set of the patient’s health data, healthcare professionals will ultimately be able to make better decisions for the benefit of their patients,” Lam added.
Duties and responsibilities
The bill being introduced applies to all licensed healthcare service providers, including digital health service providers offering telemedicine service, approved users who can access health information in the NEHR, and data intermediaries.
Those covered by the bill have the responsibility to share selected health information like patient demographics, medical diagnoses or allergies, and medications.
They are also required to comply with cybersecurity and data security requirements, including notifying the MOH within two hours should there be a data breach or compromised cybersecurity incident.
“Healthcare providers may have to carefully scrutinise and consider whether they are in compliance with the cybersecurity and data security requirements due to robust requirements that will be implemented under the HIB,” Baker McKenzie’s Lim said.
“Operationally, healthcare providers would need to implement processes to comply with this mandatory incident notification requirement,” he added.
Access
Authorised healthcare professionals have access to data in the NEHR. Non-authorised healthcare professional or non-licensed healthcare providers may also be granted access to the central repository as “approved users,” but they will only be granted access to “relevant information required for them to provide care for patients,” said Clyde & Co’s Lam.
Retail pharmacists fall under this category of a non-licensed healthcare provider. “Retail pharmacists may be granted limited access to medication and allergy records so that they can flag out any unsafe interactions between medications that the patient is already consuming, with the other medications which the patient may be intending to purchase,” Lam said.
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung launches rebranded Synapxe, the platform for NEHR, during the IHiS' 15th anniversary (Photo from Synapxe)
Lim Ren Jun
Zhen Guang Lam
Photo:
Tests for blood biomarkers offer potential for early dementia detection
Latest discoveries revealed at 4th Asia Summit on Global Health give patients hope.
In the near future, curing dementia may just be as simple as scheduling a doctor’s visit and getting some shots. Developments in the medical field studying the cure for dementia are experimenting on new treatments that include vaccination and anti-amyloid or antibody treatments, neurology experts told attendees of the 4th Asia Summit on Global Health (ASGH) held at the University College London on 16 May.
“We know a huge amount about dementia now. And it’s become very exciting just recently, because of the latest developments,” Michael Hanna, director of the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, said at the 4th Asia Summit on Global Health.
Medications being developed
An accumulation of protein aggregates called amyloid in the brain is believed to be one of the causes of dementia. Treatments currently being tested target this protein to cure a patient, Hanna said.
The expert said one of the existing anti-amyloid treatments is conducting several sessions of injecting an antibody to the brain.
Another approach being studied is vaccination so the patient generates antibodies that continually remove amyloid from the brain, he said.
This treatment is still under experimental phase, the expert noted.
Importance of early detection
Whilst millions suffer from dementia worldwide and is common amongst the elderly, Hanna emphasised that this is “not an inevitable consequence of aging” and that “normal ageing should not include dementia.”
This is where early detection becomes vital since treatments will only work if done early, theneurology expert noted.
Hanna said there have been drug trials that showed a slowdown in the progression of dementia. However, patients involved were already exhibiting symptoms, which means they have lost millions of neurons.
“So the power of these blood tests
is to try and detect those people who really have a preclinical stage,” he said. “The preclinical stage will have a much bigger effect if you actually try to prevent the neurons from dying in the first place.”
Through innovation, Hanna believes that blood biomarkers will soon be developed to predict the onset of dementia.
Hanna also noted that there are already 12 recognised risk factors associated with the possible development of dementia. These include hypertension, diabetes, and lack of exercise.
Researchers have also discovered different proteins that showed a pattern that could help predict the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), he noted.
Other developments
To help those affected by diseases like Parkinson’s, some companies have developed products that would help ease their everyday life.
This includes a wheelchair that transforms into a rollator to help patients when they exercise. Some organisations are also continuously researching dementia.
From the Hong Kong Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases, a recent study looked into using blood transcriptome analysis for AD
The preclinical stage will have a much bigger effect if you actually try to prevent the neurons from dying in the first place
diagnosis and patient stratification.
The researchers said their analysis of the blood transcriptome in AD patients revealed “key molecular phenotypes, including genes, modules, pathways, and subtypes of blood cells, that may be closely associated with AD pathogenesis and progression.”
“Given the ease of blood sampling, blood transcriptome analysis could provide insights into human diseases, aiding the development of technologies for disease diagnosis, monitoring, and patient stratification. This could ultimately facilitate both early intervention and precision medicine for AD and other human diseases,” the study said.
The health summit is a flagship event of the International Healthcare Week (IHW), organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). It rolled out the theme “Innovation. Inclusion. Impact.” and attracted about 80 global leaders in healthcare.
These included business executives, investors, international research and medical experts and health officials, who discussed various industry issues, such as medical and healthcare innovations, healthcare development in China and healthcare investment prospects.
Dr. Michael Hanna, director of UCL Queen Square Institute, discusses advancements in dementia treatments (Photo from ASGH)
AI and robotics drive digital health trends at Taiwan expo
Innovations for early disease warning systems and precise surgical navigation are part of the solutions displayed at Medical Taiwan 2024.
TAIWAN
Imagine a hospital where AI systems can analyse a patient’s symptoms based on facial expressions, tone of voice, and physiological data and then identify potential illnesses. At Medical Taiwan 2024, the spotlight was on “Smart Healthcare,” showcasing technological innovations and solutions that depict a future where these are all possible.
The seamless integration of technology and healthcare is today’s great aspiration.
For example, medical imaging enhanced by AI can automatically highlight abnormalities, aiding doctors in diagnosis. Surgeons may operate remotely using intelligent robotic systems with precision and minimal incisions.
The future of healthcare
For Taiwan Vice President Mei-Chin Hsiao, these examples are not of the distant future but of imminent reality. “We are on the brink of a revolution in healthcare, where AI and technology will redefine how we diagnose, treat, and care for patients,” she told the medical expo held 20-22 June at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center Hall 2.
Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, lauded Taiwan as a backbone of AI innovation, a sentiment that resonates strongly within the medical field. “AI is not just a tool; it is an intelligent partner that will enhance medical efficiency and accuracy,” Huang said.
The tech boss said that in places like Taiwan, AI is already enhancing the efficiency and quality of healthcare, simplifying administrative tasks, and improving the accuracy of diagnostics and tailored treatments.
From care to prevention
The global issue of an aging population necessitates a shift from simple medical care to a comprehensive health system encompassing prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.
The integration of digital health technologies is vital in creating a sustainable and efficient healthcare system for our ageing population
Digital technology plays a crucial role in this transformation, according to Jing-Yi Lin, Taiwan’s deputy minister of Health and Welfare. “The integration of digital health technologies is vital in creating a sustainable and efficient healthcare system for our aging population,” said Lin.
Through the widespread application of the internet of things (IoT), big data, and AI, early disease warning systems, precise treatments, and effective health management for the elderly are becoming achievable.
This year’s Medical Taiwan show aims to illustrate a holistic health and medical system in the context of an aging society through innovative digital health and care technologies.
Beyond healthcare
Organised by TAITRA, the medical, health, care and technology exhibition at TaiNex 2 attracted 280 exhibitors from 10 countries, filling up a total of 460 booths.
Under the theme, “Beyond Healthcare!” and focusing on AllAge Healthcare, Smart Medical, and Supply Chain Gallery, the event showcased Taiwan’s medical
innovations, including smart hospitals and home care.
The M-novator Startup Area featured biomedical startups, pitch sessions, and networking opportunities. Key events included a gala dinner, procurement meetings, and the Asia and Central and Eastern Europe Medical Trends Forum.
With 4,060 pre-registered visitors, including 786 international attendees from 50 countries, the event highlighted its global appeal and commitment to healthcare innovation.
Medical Taiwan serves as a collaborative platform, bringing together industry leaders and integrating upstream and downstream partners of the medical equipment industry. The event also encourages cross-disciplinary cooperation, showcasing the strength of Taiwan’s medical technology sector. Chih-Ching Yang, SecretaryGeneral of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, remarked, “Collaboration and innovation are key to advancing our medical technology industry and ensuring global competitiveness.”
The M-novator zone, dedicated to startups, injects energy and vitality into the industry, fostering innovative applications and best practices ready for market implementation. Additionally, over a hundred procurement meetings and activities during the exhibition facilitate international connections and exchanges, driving global engagement for Taiwanese businesses.
Taiwan Vice President Mei-Chin Hsiao tries medical equipment from an exhibitor’s booth (Photo from TAITRA)
EVENT: HEALTHCARE ASIA AWARDS
Top healthcare initiatives, providers celebrated at Healthcare Asia Awards 2024
The field of healthcare is booming with innovation, with advancements transforming how patients are treated and care is delivered. These innovations hold the potential to improve outcomes, reduce costs, and personalise healthcare experiences.
To shine a spotlight on these exceptional hospitals and initiatives, the Healthcare Asia Magazine is proud to name the winners of its awards programmes – Healthcare Asia Awards, Healthcare Asia Pharma Awards, and Healthcare Asia Medtech Awards – with an awards dinner on 26 March at Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Singapore.
The awards programmes seek to laud Asian healthcare providers that have pushed boundaries when it comes to patient care, whilst leaving a lasting impact on their local communities. It is also a platform to acknowledge hospitals, clinics, medtech, pharma, and other healthcare companies that have showcased unwavering dedication to innovation.
“It’s a great pleasure and honour to be here tonight, representing the amazing team of Bumrungrad International Hospital. Winning the
HealthcareAsiaAwards 2024
Alpha International Women’s Specialists Sdn Bhd
• Fertility Hospital of the Year - Malaysia
Alpha IVF Group Berhad
• Technology Innovation of the Year - Malaysia
American Mission Hospital
• Health and Wellness Initiative of the Year - Bahrain
Andalusia Health
• Customer Experience of the Year - Saudi Arabia
Apollo Health & Lifestyle Ltd.
• Clinical Service Initiative of the Year - India
• Patient Safety Initiative of the Year - India
Asian Hospital and Medical Center
• Clinical Service Initiative of the Year - Philippines
• Management Innovation of the Year - Philippines
Asiri Hospital Galle (Pvt) Ltd
• Patient Safety Initiative of the Year - Sri Lanka
Bagan Specialist Centre
• Rehabilitation Initiative of the Year - Malaysia
Bangkok Hospital Chiangmai
• Facilities Improvement Initiative of the Year - Thailand
• Patient Safety Initiative of the Year - Thailand
Bangkok Hospital Pattaya
• Value-Based Care Initiative of the Year - Thailand
• Health Promotion Initiative of the Year - Thailand
• Service Delivery Innovation Initiative of the Year - Thailand
Hospital of the Year award fills us with pride and gratitude. It’s not just about us. It’s a recognition of the hard work and dedication of everyone at Bumrungrad,” said Artirat Charukitpipat, CEO of Bumrungrad International Hospital, who was named CEO of the Year in this year’s awards programme.
Bumrungrad International Hospital was also given the Hospital of the Year - Thailand accolade at the Healthcare Asia Awards.
Entries to the Healthcare Asia Awards 2024 were judged by a distinguished panel consisting Partha Basumatary, Principal at Boston Consulting Group; Guillaume Sachet, Head of Healthcare and Life Sciences at KPMG in Singapore; Chris Hardesty, Partner at Pureland Venture; Dr. Stephanie Allen, Senior Partner, Leader of Healthcare & Life-sciences Asia Pacific at Kearney; Abhay Bangi, Partner, APAC Health Science & Wellness Lead at EY-Parthenon; and Kavita Rekhraj, Life Sciences & Health Care Leader at Deloitte Asia Pacific & Southeast Asia.
Congratulations to all the winners for their exceptional patient care and healthcare innovations. See the full list of award recipients below:
Bangkok Hospital Phuket
• Clinical Service Initiative of the Year - Thailand
• Management Innovation of the Year - Thailand
Bataan St. Joseph Hospital & Medical Center Corp
• Smart Hospital Initiative of the Year - Philippines
Buch International Hospital
• Hospital of the Year - Pakistan
• Technology Innovation of the Year - Pakistan
Bumrungrad International Hospital
• Hospital of the Year - Thailand
Artirat Charukitpipat, Bumrungrad International Hospital
• CEO of the Year
Calamba Medical Center
• Disease Prevention Initiative of the Year - Philippines
Care Medical Hospital-Ar Rawabi
• Workforce Transformation Initiative of the Year - Saudi Arabia
Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou
• Hospital of the Year - Taiwan
• Smart Hospital Initiative of the Year - Taiwan
De Los Santos Medical Center
• Facilities Improvement Initiative of the Year - Philippines
Femto Research Group
• Service Innovation of the Year - Thailand
Future Care Trading Company
• Home-care Initiative of the Year - Saudi Arabia
GLOBAL DOCTORS HOSPITAL
• Secondary Hospital of the Year - Malaysia
• Health and Wellness Initiative of the Year - Malaysia
Healthway Medical Network (HMN)
• Customer Service Initiative of the Year - Philippines
IHH Healthcare Malaysia (Gleneagles Hospitals, Pantai Hospitals and Prince Court Medical Centre)
• Marketing Initiative of the Year - Malaysia
• Medical Tourism Initiative of the Year - Malaysia
IMC
• Patient Care Initiative of the Year - Saudi Arabia
Jomtien Hospital
• Secondary Hospital of the Year - Thailand
KIMSHEALTH MEDICAL CENTER
• Health and Wellness Initiative of the Year - Qatar
King Saud University Medical City
• Hospital of the Year - Saudi Arabia
• Facilities Improvement Initiative of the Year - Saudi Arabia
Korea Health Industry Development Institute
• Marketing Initiative of the Year - Korea
• Medical Tourism Initiative of the Year - Korea
KPJ PERDANA SPECIALIST HOSPITAL
• Pediatric Hospital of the Year - Malaysia
ManilaMed (Medical Center Manila, Inc.)
• Service Delivery Innovation Initiative of the Year - Philippines
Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center
• Health and Wellness Initiative of the Year - Philippines
• Patient Safety Initiative of the Year - Philippines
Mayapada Healthcare Group
• Hospital of the Year - Indonesia
• Facilities Improvement Initiative of the Year - Indonesia
• Workforce Transformation Initiative of the Year - Indonesia
Medi Linx Laboratory Inc.
• Laboratory Initiative of the Year - Philippines
Metro Pacific Health
• Health Promotion Initiative of the Year - Philippines
National Cardiovascular Center Harapan Kita
• Specialty Hospital of the Year - Indonesia
• Technology Innovation of the Year - Indonesia
National Kidney and Transplant Institute
• Technology Innovation of the Year - Philippines
• Workforce Transformation Initiative of the Year - Philippines
Nirnayan Healthcare Private Limited
• Diagnostics Provider of the Year - India
NMC Specialty Hospital Ltd
• Hospital of the Year - United Arab Emirates
Oriental Melaka Straits Medical Centre
• Patient Safety Initiative of the Year - Malaysia
ParkCity Medical Centre
• Smart Hospital Initiative of the Year - Malaysia
Pindad Hospital
• Customer Service Initiative of the Year - Indonesia
PRARAM 9 HOSPITAL PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED
• Digital Transformation Initiative of the Year - Thailand
Premier Integrated Labs Sdn. Bhd.
• Diagnostics Provider of the Year - Malaysia
Princ Hospital Suvarnabhumi
• Smart Hospital Initiative of the Year - Thailand
Prince Court Medical Centre
• Medical Tourism Hospital of the Year - Malaysia
• Clinical Service Initiative of the Year - Malaysia
Qatar Care
• Employee Engagement of the Year - Qatar
• Home-care Initiative of the Year - Qatar
Rizal Medical Center Department of Dermatology
• Specialty Clinic of the Year - Philippines
Rumah Sakit Kanker Dharmais
• Oncology Hospital of the Year - Indonesia
• Clinical Service Initiative of the Year - Indonesia
Saigon Eye Hospital
• Specialty Hospital of the Year - Vietnam
• Health Promotion Initiative of the Year - Vietnam
Shalamar Hospital
• Specialty Clinic of the Year - Pakistan
• Clinical Service Initiative of the Year - Pakistan
Singapore Diagnostics
• Diagnostics Provider of the Year - Philippines
• Employee Engagement of the Year - Philippines
• Service Innovation of the Year - Philippines
Southern Medicare Sdn Bhd
• Facilities Improvement Initiative of the Year - Malaysia
• Most Improved Community Hospital of the Year - Malaysia
St. Camillus Medical Center
• Customer Service Initiative of the Year - Philippines
Subang Jaya Medical Centre
• ESG Program of the Year - Malaysia
Sunmed @ Home Sdn Bhd
• Home-care Initiative of the Year - Malaysia
Sunway Fertility Centre
• Customer Service Initiative of the Year - Malaysia
Sunway Medical Centre Sdn. Bhd.
• Hospital of the Year - Malaysia
• Health Promotion Initiative of the Year - Malaysia
EVENT: HEALTHCARE ASIA AWARDS
The Medical City
• Hospital of the Year - Philippines
• Marketing Initiative of the Year - Philippines
• Patient Care Initiative of the Year - Philippines
The Medical City Clinic
• Primary Care Provider of the Year - Philippines
The Medical City South Luzon
• Secondary Hospital of the Year - Philippines
• Allied Health Initiative of the Year - Philippines
Thomson Hospitals Sdn Bhd
• Specialty Hospital of the Year - Malaysia
Tirta Medical Centre
• Health Promotion Initiative of the Year - Indonesia
Vejthani Hospital
• Specialty Hospital of the Year - Thailand
Western Health
• ICT Initiative of the Year - Australia
WQ PARK HEALTH & REHABILITATION CENTRE
• Allied Health Initiative of the Year - Malaysia
HealthcareAsia MedtechAwards 2024
Advanced Sterilization Products APAC
• Marketing & Communications Initiative of the Year - Korea
• Employee Engagement Initiative of the Year - Singapore
Aohua Endoscopy Co., Ltd.
• Endoscopy Product Innovation Award - China
AstraZeneca Singapore
• Hospital Partnership of the Year - Singapore
• Patient Advocacy Program of the Year - Singapore
• Sustainability Initiative of the Year - Singapore
B.Braun Medical Industries Sdn Bhd
• IV Product Innovation of the Year
Cynosure Lutronics
• Aesthetic Product Innovation of the Year
Feellife Health Inc.
• Hospital Partnership of the Year - China
FPT Software Company Limited (FPT SOFTWARE)
• Digital Innovation of the Year - Vietnam
• Initiative Award - Vietnam
Guardant Health AMEA
• Oncology Product Innovation of the Year
JH Cispoly
• Health & Wellness Initiative of the Year - China
Medtronic
• Marketing & Communications Initiative of the Year - Singapore
Medtronic Malaysia Sdn Bhd
• Hospital Partnership of the Year - Malaysia
Medtronic Philippines, Inc.
• Digital Innovation of the Year - Philippines
HealthcareAsia PharmaAwards 2024
Alcon
• Marketing & Communications Initiative of the Year - India
Bayer
• Digital Innovation of the Year - Singapore
• Marketing & Communications Initiative of the Year - Singapore
Bushu Pharmaceuticals ltd.
• ESG Program of the Year - Japan
• Sustainability Initiative of the Year - Japan
Cipla Ltd.
• Patient Advocacy Program of the Year - India
I.E. MEDICA, INC.
• Supply Chain Initiative of the Year - Philippines
MEDETHIX INCORPORATED
• Hospital Partnership of the Year - Philippines
• Most Differentiated Service of the Year - Philippines
Metrochem Pvt Limited
• Sustainability Initiative of the Year - India
• Supply Chain Initiative of the Year - India
MSD
• Marketing & Communications Initiative of the Year - Australia
• Patient Advocacy Program of the Year - Singapore
Takeda Pharmaceuticals International AG Singapore Branch
• Healthcare Access Innovation of the Year - Singapore
Takeda Thailand
• Marketing & Communications Initiative of the Year - Thailand
Takeda Pharmaceuticals Taiwan, Ltd
• Patient Advocacy Program of the Year - Taiwan
ZP Therapeutics
• Most Differentiated Service of the Year - Singapore
Alpha International Women’s Specialists Sdn Bhd, Alpha IVF Group Berhad
Artirat Charukitpipat, Bumrungrad International Hospital CEO of the Year
EVENT: HEALTHCARE ASIA AWARDS
King Saud University Medical City
Mayapada Healthcare Group
IHH Healthcare Malaysia (Gleneagles Hospitals, Pantai Hospitals and Prince Court Medical Centre)
KPJ Perdana Specialist Hospital
Medi Linx Laboratory Inc
ManilaMed (Medical Center Manila, Inc.)
National Cardiovascular Center Harapan Kita
Oriental Melaka Straits Medical Centre
IMC
De Los Santos Medical Center
Praram 9 Hospital Public Company Limited
Prince Court Medical Centre
Rumah Sakit Kanker Dharmais
Southern Medicare Sdn Bhd
Premier Integrated Labs Sdn. Bhd
Qatar Care
Saigon Eye Hospital
Princ Hospital Suvarnabhumi
Rizal Medical Center Department of Dermatology
Subang Jaya Medical Centre
ParkCity Medical Centre
Medtronic, Medtronic Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Medtronic Philippines, Inc
The Medical City South Luzon
Western Health
Sunmed @ Home Sdn Bhd, Sunway Fertility Centre, Sunway Medical Centre Sdn. Bhd
The Medical City
Aohua Endoscopy Co., Ltd
Thomson Hospitals Sdn Bhd
AstraZeneca Singapore
The Medical City Clinic
Singapore Diagnostics
Bushu Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Takeda Pharmaceuticals International AG
B.Braun Medical Industries Sdn Bhd
Takeda Pharmaceuticals Taiwan, Ltd
IE Medica: Elevating healthcare through excellence in supply chain management
The company aims to bring better health and well-being for all Filipinos through accessible, highquality healthcare.
IE Medica has proudly earned the Supply Chain Initiative of the Year - Philippines from Healthcare Asia, a testament to their relentless commitment to enhancing operational efficiencies in their end-to-end supply chain solutions.
Founded in 2007, IE Medica has been dedicated to providing innovative, affordable, and high-quality healthcare solutions to Filipinos. IE Medica is devoted to developing and sourcing essential medicines, newly off-patent molecules, and innovative healthcare solutions to ensure they are accessible to everyone.
End-to-end supply chain solutions IE Medica’s end-to-end supply chain solutions are designed to enhance operational efficiencies and ensure the timely delivery of high-quality healthcare products across the Philippines.
In 2017, IE Medica received the Super Green Lane certificate from the Bureau of Customs for demonstrating compliance with the cargo security risk management framework required for accreditation as an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO)Importer. They are the first pharmaceutical company in the Philippines to receive the AEO Pre-Screening Certificate from the Bureau of Customs and are on track to secure the Level 1 AEO certificate. These certifications underscore IE Medica’s commitment to streamlining importation processes and ensuring the secure and efficient movement of goods.
“Since the pharmaceutical industry in the Philippines is heavily dependent on importation, it is crucial that we comply with all set standards and regulations to ensure the smooth importation of our medicines,” emphasised Monaliza Salian, Founder and Owner. IE Medica’s warehouses are strategically located in the heart of Metro Manila, ensuring fast and efficient
distribution. Adhering to good warehousing practices, they ensure products are properly stored according to specifications. All products undergo stringent quality inspections upon arrival, and their storage areas are equipped to maintain optimal product conditions.
In 2025, IE Medica will launch a larger and more advanced warehouse with state-ofthe-art facilities that integrate all aspects of the supply chain, from receiving and quality control to storage and dispatch. With more than double the size and capacity, this new facility reflects the company’s growth and commitment to meeting increased demand. It will feature a dedicated cold chain room with an independent cooling system, ensuring all pharmaceutical products are stored in optimal conditions with continuous monitoring for temperature-sensitive items.
“IE Medica is enhancing its warehouse and logistics capabilities in preparation for upcoming business expansion plans. This initiative aligns with the company’s goal to further improve supply chain operations, ultimately enabling the efficient provision and distribution of medicines,” said Marivic Sugapong, Chief Operations Officer.
Standing by their promise of quality, IE Medica partners with manufacturers that comply with current Good Manufacturing Practices. These manufacturers operate facilities that adhere to stringent international guidelines.
With patient safety at the core of IE Medica’s operations, they strictly comply with all regulatory requirements, standard guidelines, and stringent policies of the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Their efforts in regulatory affairs have resulted in over 500 product registrations or marketing authorisations across various therapeutic areas.
IE Medica’s strong relationships with reputable marketing and distribution pharmaceutical companies in the Philippines make a wide range of highquality healthcare products accessible to patients. These strategic partnerships empower the Philippine pharmaceutical supply chain and support the nation’s goal of universal healthcare.
“To fulfill our mission of universal healthcare for the Filipinos, we have established strategic partnerships with esteemed pharmaceutical companies,” said Mr Vasant Salian, Founder and Owner. “These collaborations enable us to provide high-quality, affordable medicines to communities across the nation.”
As an importer and supplier of healthcare products in the Philippines, IE Medica is committed to ensuring timely deliveries and exceptional customer service. By carefully analysing the market and listening to their customers, they strive to offer the best possible end-to-end supply chain solutions.
IE Medica aims for a healthier tomorrow
IE Medica believes that accessible, high-quality healthcare is a right for every Filipino. With their proven track record in supply chain excellence, stringent regulatory compliance, and strategic partnerships, they are well-positioned to meet the healthcare needs of the nation.
IE Medica’s end-to-end supply chain solutions are designed to enhance operational efficiencies and ensure the timely delivery of high-quality healthcare products across the Philippines
IE Medica for Healthcare Asia Awards - Supply Chain Initiative of the Year - Philippines
Certifications underscore IE Medica’s commitment to streamlining importation processes and ensuring the secure and efficient movement of goods
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What science can do
AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialisation of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases, and BioPharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology.
AstraZeneca Singapore is one of Singapore’s leading biopharmaceutical companies that aim to make a difference in the healthcare industry by touching and saving as many lives as we can through our innovation in the scientific medical field.
Awards
With a dedicated team of professionals and a wide range of specialised services, we're a one-stop solution for restoring health, mobility, and independence.
Where Compassion Meets Expert Care for
Your Rehabilitation Journey
From advanced cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation to specialised support for oncology patients undergoing treatment, our goal is to provide personalised care that empowers patients to regain their health and well-being:
Our comprehensive approach includes a complete team of experts in various disciplines, including:
Everyyear, approximately 2 million new cancer cases and 1.5 million deaths worldwide are caused by infections (IARC2012). Infections can cause complications, leading to a higher cancer mortality rate.
Femto Research Group Company’s cancer genome infection identification consecutively won the HCA Service Innovation Awards every year, since 2018.
Femto Research Group Co.,Ltd’s NPC (stage IV) showcase lost all bacteria, some parasites, and some fungi. Most exciting is the elimination of Mycoplasmaand Aspergillus
by Femto Research Group Company
Mycoplasmaresists anticancer drugs and represses NK cells activity. Aspergillus contributes to NPC
FYI: We were also awarded as the winner of the BEST QUALITYLEADERSHIPAWARD2024fromtheEUROPEANSOCIETYforQUALITYRESEARCH(ESQR).
Femto Research Group Company
Data plat and Visualization for Safe Surgery and Procedure in Bangkok Hospital Phuket
Result
The Safe Surgery Registry was developed to enhance the completeness of surgical patient data, reduce staff workload, and provide rapid access to information. By incorpo rating technology, the system aims to improve clinical out comes and enable more efficient and accurate treatment pl anning.
1. Patients are evaluated before surgery and treated according to safe surgery standards.
1. Business Intelligence has been integrated to aid in data analysis and processing, supporting decision-making , outcome analysis, and monitoring.
2. There are plans to extend this workflow to devel op tools for collecting additional hospital-wide metrics.
3. Existing technologies have been adapted to benef it the surgical care team, enabling continuous monitoring of key pe rformance indicators and prompt issue resolution.
4. A data collection model has been developed for e asy expansion to other metrics, such as anesthesia indicators, wi th future plans to include Clinical Practice Guideline metrics.
5. This process has improved our understanding of d ata collection challenges and the hospital information system (HIS ) database.
2. Reduce the workload of data entry and the delays in data analysis, allowing for day-by-day or equivalent evaluations.
3. Lead Time / Lean Time rate
Average Lead Time:
Data entry speed has improved from the previous 5-10 minutes per case to an average of 1.07 minutes per case, reducing up to 10 minutes per case. This results in a daily time savings of 1.30 hours.
Enhancing Innovation through the "BDMS Phuket Model" for Continuous Development towards a Sustainable Organization.
Bangkok Hospital Phuket has a clear goal of developing the organization to embrace an Innovation Culture, aiming to create a sustainable organization that can adapt swiftly to the rapid changes in the global landscape. The initiative began with revising the hospital's vision and strategic plan to focus on becoming an innovative organization and building a stronger driving team.
1.Align vision & strategies guiding innovation
Develop a vision and hospital-level strategies to drive innovation. Formulate hospital policies for managing innovation, overseen by the Hospital Executive Committee. Obtain leadership commitment through the Innovation Committee and Human Resource Development.
1.A positive culture has contributed to significant leaps in development and the emergence of innovations within the organization.
• In 2022, there were 8 projects presented externally, receiving 4 awards, compared to 1-2 awards in the previous year.
• For 2023, the hospital was selected to present one project internationally and 13 projects nationally, with 9 of them receiving awards.
Background: Goals: Performance: Working Team:
1.To create a vision and hospital-level strategies aiming towards an innovative organization (Align vision & strategies guiding innovation).
2.To transform work processes to support innovationrelated activities (Processes and systems supporting innovation).
3.To foster a culture that inspires and encourages innovation (Culture Inspiring and encouraging innovation).
2.Processes and systems supporting innovation
Review literature, define, and guide the development of capabilities for Innovation Champions.
Select Innovation Champions through a competitive process. Develop the capabilities of Innovation Champions using the 70:20:10 learning and development model.
3.Culture Inspiring and encouraging innovation
Establish an Innovation Gateway for two-way communication of integrated platform innovation ideas. Implement a recognition program for each stage of the innovation process.
The hospital achieved the highest scores continuously in the Learning Organization Continuous Improvement category of the Safety Culture Survey.
•In 2021, the score was 79%, increasing to 83.18% in 2022, and further improving to 87% in 2023.
1.Mrs.Supannika Poonthananiwatkul ,Quality Center Manager
2.Mrs.Porprakaidao Khumrung, Quality Improvement Nurse and Innovation Committee
King Saud University Medical City is the first and largest university teaching hospital in Saudi Arabia, established in 1974 as one university hospital, and has grown to be a medical city with three large university hospitals. KSUMC is a tertiary care academic medical center with an 1800-bed capacity and a total of 145 Medical Programs, an annual average of 1000 students, and more than 4500 medical interns.
KSUMC is composed of three large hospitals, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, King Khalid University Hospital, and Dental University Hospital, which is the largest Dental Hospital in the world in terms of space according to the Guinness World Record. In addition to the 3 hospitals, KSUMC has 9 Centers of Excellence. On a global scale, KSUMC continues to make a mark in the healthcare industry by ranking as #3 best academic hospital nationally and number 64th globally on the Brand Finance Ranking 2024.
About the Company
Bataan St. Joseph Hospital & Medical Center is a renowned healthcare facility located in the heart of Bataan. With a commitment to providing top-notch medical services, the hospital has established itself as a leading provider of healthcare in the region. Bataan St. Joseph Hospital & Medical Center is dedicated to bringing cutting-edge medical procedures closer to the residents of Bataan and neighboring provinces, eliminating the need for patients to travel to Manila for advanced treatments. By staying at the forefront of medical innovation and technology, the hospital ensures that every individual in the community has access to high-quality healthcare services right in their own neighborhood. As a pioneer in introducing new and advanced medical procedures, Bataan St. Joseph Hospital & Medical Center has earned a reputation for excellence, compassion, and innovation in the field of healthcare. Its commitment to serving the community with the best possible care has made the hospital a trusted institution for medical needs in Bataan and the rest of the region.
ST. JOSEPH
HOSPITAL & MEDICAL CENTER
Don Manuel Banzon Ave., Brgy. Doña Francisca, Balanga City, Bataan 2100
In-Patient & Out-Patient Services:
Anesthesiology
Cardiology
Emergency Medicine
Endocrinology
ENT, Head & Neck Surgery
Gastroenterology
General & Cancer Surgery
Infectious Disease Specialist
Internal Medicine
Interventional Cardiology
Interventional Neuroradiology
Interventional Radiology
Laparoscopic Surgery
Nephrology
Diagnostic Services:
24/7 Pathology & Clinical Laboratory
24/7 Pharmacy
24/7 X-ray
24/7 CT Scan Ultrasound MRI
Newborn Screening
2d-Echo
Threadmill Stress Test
Mammogram
Neurology
OB-Gynecology
Ophthalmology
Oncology
Ortho Dental
Orthopedic Surgery
Pain Medicine
Pediatrics
Pediatric Cardiology
Pediatric Critical Care
Rehabilitation Medicine
Pulmonology
Radiology
Rheumatology
Urology
Other Services:
Intensive Care Unit
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Hemodialysis Unit
Infectious Disease Ward
Respiratory Therapy Unit
Cathlab Unit
Ambulatory Surgical Clinic
Ophthalmologic
Orthopedic
Otorhinolaryngologic
Pediatric
Reproductive Health
Thoracic
General Surgery
BATAAN
ANGEL B. AQUINO CEO MD, FPCS, FPALES, FACS
University Medical City
The Largest University Dental Hospital in The World
With over 25 years of innovation and excellence, Premier Integrated Labs (PIL) leads the medical laboratory services sector in Malaysia. Our dedication to delivering precise and reliable results is demonstrated through our advanced technologies, state-of-the-art facilities, and expert staff. Operating in 34 locations nationwide, PIL provides comprehensive molecular oncology, cytogenetics, high-end testing, and a wide range of other medical laboratory services.
Accredited by Standard Malaysia, JCI, MSQH, and CAP, and recently recognized as the Diagnostics Provider of the Year 2024 by Healthcare Asia Awards, PIL continues to set the benchmark for quality and innovation in the industry.
Discover the future of diagnostics with Premier Integrated Labs.
FREDERICK TAY, JEFFREY LIM
Medical data exchanges - a pipe dream or a nightmare?
Data exchanges promise us fruits of the future. For medical data, these exchanges are meant to accelerate innovation, speed the pathway to personalised medicine, finding cures for long dreaded diseases, extending life and the quality of life. There’s just one problem – and it’s summarised easily in one question: “Which of you would like to post your medical data for the world to see?”
Even if it meant curing cancer? No, didn’t think so.
But the promise of a medical data exchanges is real enough to want to try to solve this problem. For instance, all over the world, Singapore included, legislative and regulatory initiatives are underway to promote safe and secure data sharing.
Consider Singapore’s proposed Health Information Bill. The premise of it is promising as it is ambitious. Create a legal framework where patients and medical professionals can interact with or have access to a wider set of medical data.
But where we start “cooking with gas” is to consider the promise it holds for companies on the frontline of finding cures and medical therapies – companies in the pharmaceutical and life science industries.
We are not only referring to data for clinical trial development and clinical studies, we are also speaking of achieving more accurate value-based pricing for specific categories of patients or even individual patients. Imagine a drug regimen suited to your gut biome, medical history, family history and DNA – personalised medicine.
This promise is not lost on Singapore. The Bill is promulgated by the Ministry of Health, and is to support collaborations such as between the Ministry, the Smart Nation and Digital Governance Office (SNGDO), Government Technology Agency (GovTech) and Synapxe have jointly developed TRUST which is a health data exchange platform.
TRUST can provide access to a rich amount of data sets that comprise largely of anonymised datasets relating to population, clinical data, lifestyle data, chronic disease screening data and genomic data.
However, the TRUST Partners are currently only limited to “public sector users and researchers from Singaporean public health institutions, institutes of higher learning and publicly funded institutions”.
It seems that public-private data sharing will only be looked at during the second half of 2024. Let’s take the opportunity to review the challenges that public-private data sharing can pose under the current framework.
Beneficial to the public - must this benefit be primary?
Every application for research project that seeks to access the data held by TRUST will have to be reviewed by a data access committee (“DAC”) that will have to make an assessment from a “scientific, clinical, health value of requests before concluding if the purpose of use is beneficial to the public and can generate social benefit”. This seems to preclude project requests from private institutions that may have both commercial and social benefits or where commercial benefits are primary whereas the social benefit can be ancillary.
The review is further circumscribed by the health and human potential
FREDERICK TAY Director
Joyce
A Tan & Partners LLC
JEFFREY LIM
Co-Managing Director
Joyce A Tan & Partners LLC
domain’s focus and priorities which are currently limited to cancers and neoplasms, cardiovascular, eye, infection, mental health, metabolic and endocrine and neurological. Though a sizeable list, not all research scope will necessarily fall within the list of disease listed as priorities.
To be sure there are laws that can already provide a good framework. But the Human Biomedical Research Act 2015 functions in relation institutions with an IRB, and its ultimate governance framework is based on a licensing regime that does not necessarily apply to pharmaceutical and life science companies.
Your intellectual property or mine? How about data ownership? And then there are the debates over ownership of “property rights” in data. Unlike in the EU, where are there are database rights, property rights are less clear for row entries of data. Whilst there is usually a case for copyright to exist in data schemas, designs of databases, and interfaces, the Yellow Pages litigation shows us that the case is not as robust when it comes to data entries themselves.
Sure, one could explore rights in trade secrets but this depends on a web of interconnected protection systems, NDAs, and notices. Much work in every exchange and for every contributor.
But without proprietary rights, the licensing and financial valuation and the commercial case for contribution is less easy to see. Financial investments might stall on the lack of a proper ecosystem of returns for all stakeholders. For instance, how does one price an exclusivity period? Why risk exposing data for no financial return or ROI?
Would a data requestor be at the mercy of the data contributor if the requestor does not own any intellectual property rights over the outcome of the research? Might the contributor may be at the mercy of the requestor if the requestor chooses to execute data mining to enrich its own data sets?
The TRUST framework currently says that TRUST owns any fused datasets arising from research that is contributed to the TRUST environment and within control of TRUST. Is that a recipe to encourage contribution?
Company’s undertaking is now my undertaking
And then there is the personal undertaking a user must submit with the data request form. This is in addition to the organisational undertaking the Data Requestor provides. Leave aside the chilling effect of personal liability. Is it effective to deter abuse? Would bad acting foreign users safely outside the reach of local legal action be deterred?
Conclusion
Perhaps these are teething issues. They are not insurmountable. But to encourage private institutions to really participate in TRUST, we need open dialogue. Stakeholders such as initiators of TRUST, the pharmaceutical and life science companies (including the Singapore Association of Pharmaceutical Industries) should each be heard.
AWARDED MEDICAL TOURISM HOSPITAL OF THE YEAR (MALAYSIA) TWICE IN A ROW!
