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  • Global healthcare IT outsourcing market to reach $153.3B

    Global healthcare IT outsourcing market to reach $153.3B

    The global healthcare IT outsourcing market size is expected to be worth around USD 153.3 Billion by 2034, from USD 73.8 Billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 7.6% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. North America held a dominant market position, capturing more than a 39.5% share and holds USD 39.5 Billion market value for the year.

    Market demand drivers
    Healthcare IT outsourcing is the delegation of IT activities to external providers. Scopes include EHR implementation and support, RCM and claims processing, application development, help desk, hosting, cybersecurity, interoperability, analytics, and telehealth. It is adopted to reduce cost, access specialized skills, and improve service levels. Budgets are shifted from capital to operating expense under SLAs and compliance controls. For example, vendor-managed services are used to accelerate digital programs while maintaining auditability.

    The market denotes demand and supply for these services among providers, payers, and life-science firms. Segmentation is by service line, delivery model, end user, and geography. Growth is driven by digital transformation, interoperability mandates, cyber-risk management, cloud migration, and telehealth. Restraints include data-privacy concerns and vendor lock-in. According to industry assessments, nearshore and offshore models are favored for scale, while onshore partners are retained for regulated workloads and complex integrations.

    Public policy is placing digital health at the center of care. According to WHO, more than 129 countries have adopted national digital health strategies. The agenda has been extended and operationalized. These commitments generate steady program budgets and multi-year build plans. For instance, ministries and payers are using framework contracts to deliver identity, consent, and data-exchange capabilities with external partners, creating resilient, recurring outsourcing demand across regions and care settings.

    Electronic health record coverage has reached scale in major markets. In the United States, 96% of non-federal acute care hospitals and 78% of office-based physicians had adopted certified EHRs by 2021. By 2023, 70% of hospitals were exchanging information across all four exchange domains. Study by HHS/ONC indicates expanding integration, upgrade, and support workloads. These volumes are routinely handled through outsourced implementation teams and managed-service operations to ensure uptime, compliance, and performance.

    Interoperability networks are expanding nationally. Under TEFCA, 10 Qualified Health Information Networks now operate, with more than 9,200 organizations exchanging under the framework. On the payer side, API mandates are widening. CMS finalized the Interoperability and Prior Authorization Rule in January 2024. Impacted payers must implement HL7 FHIR APIs for patient access, provider access, and payer-to-payer exchange. These specifications and reporting duties are commonly delivered with external engineering support and testing partners.

    Utilization, Risk Landscape, Workforce, and Policy Programs
    Virtual care has preserved remote workflows that depend on cloud and EHR integration. Medicare data show 14.83 million telehealth users in 2020, 10.25 million in 2021, 8.50 million in 2022, 6.97 million in 2023, and 6.73 million in 2024. The share of eligible users with at least one telehealth service was 48% in 2020 and 25% in both 2023 and 2024. Operations and security for these channels are outsourced to ensure scale, resilience, and user experience.

    Cyber risk has risen sharply, shifting spend toward managed security. ENISA reports that 45% of analyzed EU health-sector incidents in 2024 were ransomware and 28% were data breaches. In the United States, OCR received 626 reports of large brea

  • Researchers study Covid impact on child healthcare costs in Germany

    Researchers study Covid impact on child healthcare costs in Germany

    Amid the ongoing global impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, researchers have been diligently exploring its ramifications on various demographics, including children. A recently conducted study sheds light on the healthcare resource utilization and associated costs in pediatric patients suffering from Covid-19 in Germany. The investigation reveals pertinent information about how the pandemic has altered the landscape of healthcare, particularly in the case of younger patients.

    The study, published in the journal “Advances in Therapy,” employs a comprehensive population-based approach, analyzing data across a wide range of pediatric patients who tested positive for Covid-19. The intent behind this multi-faceted research was to unveil not only the direct financial implications but also the broader context of healthcare resources consumed during this medical crisis. Such insights are crucial as they can inform healthcare policies and strategies in the enduring fight against Covid-19.

    One critical aspect highlighting the study’s significance is its focus on the demographic challenges faced in pediatric care during the pandemic. Pediatric patients, though often less likely to experience severe symptoms compared to adults, have nonetheless required substantial healthcare resources. The research meticulously charts the types of services utilized by these patients, encompassing hospital admissions, outpatient consultations, and long-term follow-up care. The evolving needs of children during this period have compelled healthcare providers to adapt rapidly, impacting both the availability of resources and the cost structures involved. BIOENGINEER.ORG

  • IMA Haryana suspends AB-PMJAY services

    IMA Haryana suspends AB-PMJAY services

    Private hospitals in Haryana, which have halted treatment under Ayushman Bharat scheme since August 7, will continue their strike and will not resume treatment until the government clears all the pending dues, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) in Haryana said on Sunday.

    Private hospitals across the state, including those in Panipat, have been on strike since August 7, halting treatment under the central government’s flagship health insurance scheme. The IMA claims that the total outstanding payment is Rs 490 crore, and the partial release has failed to resolve the deadlock.

    In a strong show of dissent, IMA members in Panipat burned an effigy today, accusing the government of neglecting both healthcare providers and patients. “Neither the service provider nor the public is happy with the Ayushman Bharat scheme,” an IMA spokesperson said, adding that hospitals will not resume treatment until a robust and transparent payment framework is established in consultation with the association.

    “The government should stop harassing the hospitals. The partial payment is not enough, and there has been no serious communication from their side,” the spokesperson added. The IMA has made it clear that unless meaningful dialogue takes place and a permanent solution is found, the protest will continue.

    Despite Health Minister Aarti Rao’s criticism that hospitals acted prematurely in withdrawing services, doctors argue that the move was a last resort. “It is very difficult for hospitals to operate like this. We can’t wait for ages for the payments,” said Dr Kuldeep Mangla from Panchkula. “Patients are being affected, but the responsibility lies squarely with the government.”

    With around 650 private hospitals across Haryana suspending Ayushman Bharat services, nearly 1.5 crore beneficiaries remain in limbo. The suspension has pushed a large number of patients towards overburdened government facilities, causing significant disruptions in care.

    Chief Minister Nayab Saini had announced the formation of a committee to verify hospital claims, but the IMA says this process cannot justify prolonged delays in payment. The association reiterated its demand for direct involvement in creating a transparent and timely payment mechanism.

    A final decision on the continuation or escalation of the strike is expected after scheduled talks between the IMA and the state government tomorrow. Until then, the standoff continues, leaving thousands of patients without access to the free healthcare promised under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. India Today

  • Cheteshwar Pujara’s retirement: The end of an era in Indian Test Cricket

    Cheteshwar Pujara’s retirement: The end of an era in Indian Test Cricket

    When Cheteshwar Pujara announced his retirement from international cricket, the news was met with both respect and nostalgia across the cricketing fraternity. For nearly 15 years, Pujara held the mantle of India’s “Mr. Dependable” in the longest format of the game, carrying forward the legacy of classical Test batting in an era increasingly dominated by power-hitting and white-ball cricket. His retirement marks the end of a chapter where grit, patience, and discipline at the crease defined the foundation of India’s success in Test cricket.

    Early Life and Rise Through the Ranks
    Born in Rajkot, Gujarat, in 1988, Cheteshwar Arvind Pujara was destined to be a cricketer. His father, Arvind Pujara, played first-class cricket, and young Cheteshwar picked up the nuances of batting under his guidance. Pujara’s early domestic performances were nothing short of prolific. He scored heavily in junior cricket, including a triple century in the Under-19 level, and soon became a regular in India’s age-group teams.

    His first-class debut came at the age of 17 for Saurashtra, and he quickly earned a reputation as a run-machine in domestic cricket. What stood out was his ability to bat for long hours without losing concentration, a trait that would later become his greatest strength in Test cricket.

    The Test Debut and Filling Dravid’s Shoes
    Pujara made his Test debut for India in 2010 against Australia at Bangalore. While his early outings showed flashes of potential, it wasn’t until Rahul Dravid’s retirement in 2012 that he became a permanent fixture at the crucial No. 3 position.

    Replacing Dravid, one of the greatest Test batsmen of all time, was a monumental task. Yet Pujara made the spot his own, not by imitating Dravid, but by bringing his own brand of resilience and technique. His 206 against England in Ahmedabad in 2012 announced his arrival on the big stage. It was an innings that mirrored his temperament—measured, patient, and unyielding.

    The Backbone of India’s Test Side
    Over the years, Pujara became the bedrock of India’s batting lineup, especially in overseas tours. His style wasn’t glamorous, but it was invaluable. At a time when flashy stroke-makers like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Rishabh Pant dominated headlines, Pujara quietly went about his business, wearing down bowlers, frustrating opposition captains, and setting up victories.

    His most famous contributions came during India’s overseas tours—traditionally the toughest challenge for Indian batters. Pujara’s ability to blunt fiery pace attacks was central to India’s success abroad.

    The 2018-19 Australia Series: His Magnum Opus
    No discussion of Pujara is complete without mentioning his extraordinary performance in the 2018-19 Test series in Australia. In a historic campaign where India became the first Asian team to win a Test series Down Under, Pujara was the undisputed hero.

    He scored 521 runs in the four-Test series, including three centuries, and batted for over 1,200 deliveries. His sheer resilience broke the spirit of Australia’s bowling attack, led by Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood. His marathon 193 at Sydney and his countless hours at the crease allowed India’s bowlers the platform to dominate.

    In many ways, that series epitomized what Pujara stood for: patience, courage, and an unshakeable will to fight for his team. Virat Kohli, the then captain, described Pujara as “the difference between the two sides.”

    The Body-Blows and the 2020-21 Gabba Epic
    If 2018-19 was Pujara’s finest series, the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia elevated him to legendary status. India, battered by injuries and the absence of senior players, faced an Australian side at full strength. Pujara’s role became even more crucial.

    In the decisive Gabba Test, Pujara absorbed a barrage of hostile short-pitched bowling. He was hit multiple times on the helmet, chest, and arms, but refused to flinch. His 56 off 211 balls might not look remarkable in a scorecard, but it was one of the most significant innings in India’s Test history. His resilience blunted Australia’s bowlers and laid the foundation for Rishabh Pant’s heroics, which sealed a famous series victory.

    That knock was symbolic—it wasn’t just about runs but about standing tall against adversity, embodying the warrior spirit of Indian cricket.

    Criticism and Decline
    Despite his heroics, Pujara was not immune to criticism. His low strike rate often drew flak, especially in an era where aggressive batting was celebrated. Many argued that his slow scoring put pressure on his partners.

    From 2020 onwards, Pujara’s form began to dip. He went without a century for nearly three years, and his inability to convert starts became a concern. Younger players like Shubman Gill and Hanuma Vihari were waiting in the wings, and eventually, the selectors decided to move on. His last appearance came in the 2023 World Test Championship Final against Australia at The Oval, where he failed to make an impact.

    The Retirement Announcement
    When Pujara finally announced his retirement in 2025, it wasn’t entirely unexpected. Yet, the moment was emotional for fans and teammates alike. Tributes poured in from across the globe, acknowledging his role as one of the finest Test specialists of his era.

    He may not have the staggering numbers of Sachin Tendulkar or Virat Kohli, but Pujara’s contributions cannot be measured merely in runs. His legacy lies in the moments he created, the series he saved, and the battles he fought for Indian cricket.

    Legacy and Impact
    Cheteshwar Pujara retires with more than 7,000 Test runs, 19 centuries, and countless memories etched in the hearts of fans. But more than numbers, his legacy is about what he represented.

    In a cricketing landscape obsessed with T20s and strike rates, Pujara stood as a beacon of classical Test cricket. He proved that there was still space for patience, technique, and grit. Young cricketers across India will look up to him as an example of how to succeed without compromising one’s natural style.

    For India, Pujara was not just a batsman—he was a warrior. Whether it was enduring bouncers at Brisbane or batting through pain in Nottingham, he embodied the never-say-die attitude that defined India’s rise as a global cricketing powerhouse.

    Conclusion: A Farewell to the Last of the Purists
    As Cheteshwar Pujara walks into the sunset of his international career, Indian cricket bids farewell to one of its last great purists. In an age where cricket is evolving at breakneck speed, his career is a reminder that the essence of the game still lies in courage, discipline, and perseverance.

    Pujara may never have been the poster boy of Indian cricket, but he was its heartbeat in the toughest hours. His retirement leaves a void at No. 3, but more importantly, it leaves behind a legacy that future generations will strive to emulate.

    For the fans, Pujara’s name will always evoke memories of a man standing tall amidst chaos, holding the fort, and giving India reasons to believe. His story is not just about cricket—it’s about resilience, determination, and the timeless beauty of Test match batting.
    TheNewsBit Bureau

  • Trump hints at extending TikTok sale deadline

    Trump hints at extending TikTok sale deadline

    President Donald Trump has US buyers lined up for TikTok and could further extend the deadline for China-based ByteDance to divest the app’s U.S. assets, he said, days after the White House joined the short video platform.

    Speaking to reporters, Trump dismissed bipartisan security concerns over TikTok, saying his administration would watch for any problems. He said he would talk to Chinese President Xi Jinping “at the right time.”

    The Republican president has repeatedly opted not to enforce the deadline following passage of a 2024 law requiring that TikTok stop operating by January 19 of this year. He recently pushed the deadline to September 17.

    “I haven’t spoken to President Xi about it,” Trump told reporters during a visit to a White House gift shop across the street from the presidential residence. “In the meantime, until the complexity of things work out, we just extend a little bit longer.”

    “We have very substantial American buyers that want to buy it,” he added, without naming any individuals or companies.

    Asked if he was concerned about privacy or national security, Trump said: “I’m really not. I think it’s highly overrated … I’m a fan of TikTok.”

    Last year’s law requires ByteDance to divest of the app’s U.S. assets or demonstrate significant progress toward a sale. Trump opted not to enforce it after taking office on January 20.

    Some lawmakers have criticized the delay, arguing his administration is flouting the law and ignoring national security concerns related to Chinese control over TikTok. Reuters

  • China drafts rules on platform pricing

    China drafts rules on platform pricing

    China proposed rules for internet platform pricing on Saturday, seeking public comment after a raft of complaints by merchants and consumers of unfair or misleading pricing by big platforms.

    The draft rules for platforms selling goods or services are meant to encourage price transparency and fairness, the National Development and Reform Commission said in a statement.

    Those operating on such platforms shall “agree on and change prices through standardised means such as contracts and orders,” the commission said.

    The rules require platform operators and merchants to “adhere to clear pricing regulations, increase the transparency of pricing rules and promptly disclose fee changes to better accept public oversight”, it said.

    Merchants have accused the mega platforms of unfairly manipulating prices to bump up sales, while consumers have complained of misleading pricing.

    In 2021 Alibaba was fined a record $2.75 billion for anti-monopoly violations, a decision the firm said it accepted, while e-commerce leaders this year have brushed off regulatory risk as they fight price wars in “instant retail”, where delivery can be as quick as half an hour.

    The rules will be open for public comment for a month. CNBC

  • Verizon settles wireless patent case after $175M verdict

    Verizon settles wireless patent case after $175M verdict

    Verizon has agreed to settle a patent infringement lawsuit that led to a $175 million verdict against the telecom giant last month, according to a filing in Texas federal court.

    Verizon and patent holder Headwater Research filed their notice of settlement under seal.

    Headwater obtained the jury verdict in July based on allegations that Verizon’s mobile phones, tablets and cellular networks infringed its wireless communications patents. Headwater also won a $279 million verdict against Samsung in a related case in the same Marshall, Texas, court in April, and settled similar lawsuits against AT&T and T-Mobile earlier this month.

    Tyler, Texas-based Headwater was founded by scientist and inventor Gregory Raleigh. Headwater said in its 2023 complaint against Verizon that its patented technology allows wireless devices to “reduce data usage and network congestion, extend battery life by decreasing power consumption, and enable users to stay connected.”

    Headwater said it shared information about its technology with Verizon under a non-disclosure agreement between 2009 and 2011.
    Verizon denied the allegations and argued that the patents were invalid. Reuters

  • Foxconn recalls 300 engineers, slows Apple expansion in India

    Foxconn recalls 300 engineers, slows Apple expansion in India

    Apple Inc. assembly partner Foxconn Technology Group has recalled about 300 Chinese engineers from a factory in India, the latest setback for the iPhone maker’s push to rapidly expand in the country.

    The extraction of Chinese workers from the factory of Yuzhan Technology, a Foxconn component unit, in southern Tamil Nadu state is the second such move in a few months. Foxconn has started flying in Taiwanese engineers to replace staff leaving, people familiar with the matter said, asking not to be named as the information is private.

    Earlier this year, officials in Beijing verbally encouraged regulatory agencies and local governments to curb technology transfers and equipment exports to India and Southeast Asia in what is a potential attempt to prevent companies from shifting manufacturing elsewhere. It wasn’t immediately clear why the Foxconn workers were sent home, but the move yet again underscores the sway that Chinese technicians and supply chain hold over the manufacturing of high-precision engineered products such as Apple’s iPhone.

    The Economic Times earlier reported that Yuzhan’s Chinese staff were leaving. Last month, Bloomberg News reported that Foxconn had asked hundreds of Chinese engineers and technicians to return home from its iPhone factories in India.

    The Yuzhan factory makes enclosures, or metal cases, and display modules for older iPhone models and isn’t working on the latest iPhone 17 line as yet. It began production just months ago, and Apple still imports a bulk of its displays, the people said.

    For now, Apple can step up display imports and lean on other local suppliers for enclosures. But the removal of experienced Chinese staff threatens to dent the US tech giant’s efforts to rapidly localize its supply chain in India.

    Apple has taken a conscious decision to work with Indian suppliers and hasn’t brought in any significant Chinese partners to the South Asian country. Its local partnerships include a growing reliance on conglomerate Tata Group’s electronics manufacturing arm — the only Indian iPhone assembler. While Chinese suppliers have built iPhones for nearly two decades, Indian suppliers sometimes still go through teething problems.

    A thaw in the frosty relationship between India and China could help Apple, automakers and other local manufacturers. China has assured India of supplies of rare earth minerals and tunnel-boring machines but discussions are yet to bear results.

    Video: China Will ‘Firmly Stand’ With India Against US Tariffs

    Cupertino, California-based Apple is producing all four iPhone 17 models in India ahead of their debut next month, marking the first time that all new variations — including pro-level versions — will ship from the South Asian country from the get-go. Bloomberg

  • UAE warns after 12,000+ WiFi breaches in 2025

    UAE warns after 12,000+ WiFi breaches in 2025

    Over 12,000 Wi-Fi breaches were recorded by the UAE’s Cyber Security Council since the beginning of 2025.

    The council said that this figure represents around 35% of the total cyberattacks the country has experienced in total. It added that hackers target users through open, free Wi-Fi networks and steal passwords, banking details, and personal information.

    The council explained that many users are unaware of the extent of the threats that can arise from connecting to free Wi-Fi networks, especially in public places such as cafes, airports, and shopping malls. While these networks may seem convenient in terms of speed and cost, they are often inadequately secured, making them an open arena for fraud and cyberattacks.

    Users of open internet networks may be exposed to numerous risks, including what are known as “man-in-the-middle” attacks, in which hackers and cybercriminals can read transmitted data, record calls, redirect users to fake websites, and even intercept phone calls, in addition to installing malicious or spyware on users’ devices without their knowledge.

    The Cyber ​​Security Council has outlined three key steps every user should follow to stay safe while browsing the internet on public networks:

    1. Using a trusted VPN application that encrypts the user’s digital connection, making it difficult for any unauthorized party to intercept data
    2. Activating the “Safe Browsing” feature in the browser to ensure you don’t access suspicious websites
    3. Avoiding logging into sensitive accounts, such as bank accounts or personal email, when using open Wi-Fi networks

    In a statement to WAM, Dr. Mohammed Al Kuwaiti, Chairman of the UAE Government Cybersecurity Council, said that the UAE is continuing its efforts to build a secure cyberspace that protects users from growing digital risks and keeps pace with rapid technological developments. This is part of a comprehensive national vision to enhance confidence in the country’s digital ecosystem, promote a culture of cybersecurity, and raise awareness of the importance of safe browsing.

    The council emphasised that using a reliable VPN application not only ensures privacy, but is also an effective tool for protecting digital identity in an interconnected world vulnerable to frequent breaches. It noted the need for well-thought-out preventative measures and emphasized that awareness represents the first line of defense against cybercrime.

    The Cyber ​​Security Council has launched a weekly awareness campaign as part of the Cyber ​​Pulse initiative. The second week of the campaign this year is themed “Free Wi-Fi may reveal your personal data.” The campaign aims to raise awareness about ways to protect personal data, the risks of using free Wi-Fi networks, and provide guidance on how to counter various cyber threats. The campaign targets both individuals and institutions to increase cyber awareness and promote resilience and cyber culture. Khaleej Times

  • Govt clears Starlink permit with security riders

    Govt clears Starlink permit with security riders

    The government has approved a permit to Starlink after the company agreed to comply with domestic laws, including security conditions, which bar it from copying and decrypting data overseas and mirroring Indian user traffic on any system set up abroad, Minister of State for Communications Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar said.

    The minister said that security conditions mandate satellite communication providers to set up earth station gateways in India through which communications from satellite to users are routed.

    He said that the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) granted a Unified License (UL) to Starlink Satellite Communications Private Limited after the US firm agreed to the stipulated terms and conditions of the UL, including security conditions which is applicable to all satcom players.

    “The security conditions, inter-alia, include the establishment of earth station gateway(s) in India for providing satellite-based communication services with no user traffic originating from or destined for India to be routed through any gateway located outside India, no copying and decryption of the Indian data outside the country, and the Indian user traffic is not to be mirrored to any system/server located abroad,” the minister said.

    He also said the telecom department had sought recommendations of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) on terms and conditions of spectrum assignment, including spectrum pricing, for providing satellite-based communication services, which were received on May 9.

    “Satellite-based communication services are an upcoming area and, as any new economic activity would do, it is also expected to generate employment in the country, as it involves, inter alia, the installation, operation and maintenance of the telecom network, including user terminal equipment,” the minister added. PTI