Category: Medical

Aid teams in South Sudan warned on Tuesday that repeated attacks on healthcare including the bombing of a hospital in eastern Jonglei state at the weekend are just the latest of the “multiple vulnerabilities” the country’s people face.

“Every time this happens, people lose access to health services – and sometimes, to hope,” said Dr Humphrey Karamagi, the UN World Health Organization (WHO)’s Representative in South Sudan. “Health is the last safety net. If it fails, everything else will also fall.”

The apparent airstrike on the hospital run by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in Old Fangak in eastern Jonglei state, killed seven civilians and injured another 20, according to the UN humanitarian affairs coordination office (OCHA).

Healthcare not a target
The attack is the eighth time healthcare has been targeted since January “with health workers killed, facilities and essential supplies looted or destroyed”, the WHO official told journalists in Geneva.

“More attacks may lead to closing half the health facilities along the Nile,” he added.

Dr. Karamagi explained that humanitarian convoys and essential cold chain infrastructure had come under fire, at a time of escalating violence that has impacted civilians since South Sudan gained independence in 2011, descending shortly afterwards into civil war.

Since March, tensions have escalated in Upper Nile state, with deadly clashes between Government forces and armed groups. This has uprooted an estimated 80,000 people in three of the most affected counties, the WHO official said.

He added that clashes have also been reported in parts of Western Equatoria, Central Equatoria and Unity states, forcing communities – “mostly women and children” – to flee into neighbouring countries, including 23,000 arrivals in Ethiopia.

Diseases spreading
Back in South Sudan, outbreaks of cholera, malaria, measles and mpox are spreading rapidly, prompting the UN health agency to deploy rapid response teams and coordinate with local partners where possible, amid access restrictions linked to the escalating violence.

“The alternative, if we do nothing, would be bleak,” the WHO official warned, pointing to cholera cases that may double in just six weeks and measles deaths that could increase by 40 per cent.

Cholera alone has infected more than 55,000 people since September, killing over 1,000, the UN health agency said.

‘War crime’ condemnation
In a related development, the UN Commission on Human Rights (OHCHR) in South Sudan condemned the bombing as a potential war crime.

“This was not a tragic accident,” said Yasmin Sooka, Chair of the Commission. “It was a calculated, unlawful attack on a protected medical facility.”

MSF confirmed the hospital’s complete destruction, including its pharmacy and emergency care units. Further aerial bombardments were also reported in New Fangak, raising fears that such attacks are part of a broader military campaign.

The airstrike followed public threats by South Sudanese military forces who demanded the return of seized boats and labelled multiple Nuer-majority counties, including Fangak, as “hostile”.

“Designating entire communities as hostile is deeply irresponsible and may amount to collective punishment,” said Commissioner Barney Afako.

Plea for action
The UN Commission has urged immediate investigations into the bombing and warned that repeated violations threaten to derail South Sudan’s fragile peace.

With high-level delegations from the African Union and IGAD now in the capital Juba, calls for renewed dialogue are growing louder. “The path South Sudan is currently on is perilous,” Ms. Sooka warned. “If attacks like these continue with impunity, the Peace Agreement risks becoming meaningless.”

In his final appeal, Dr Karamagi emphasised the cost of inaction: “Help us make sure this doesn’t become the moment health – and hope – finally give way.” UN News

Bangladesh hoped to celebrate progress towards eradicating tuberculosis this year, having already slashed the numbers dying from the preventable and curable disease by tens of thousands each year.

Instead, it is reeling from a $48 million snap aid cut by US President Donald Trump’s government, which health workers say could rapidly unravel years of hard work and cause huge numbers of preventable deaths.

“Doctors told me I was infected with a serious kind of tuberculosis,” labourer Mohammed Parvej, 35, told AFP from his hospital bed after he received life-saving treatment from medics funded by the US aid who identified his persistent hacking cough.

But full treatment for his multidrug-resistant tuberculosis requires more than a year of hospital care and a laborious treatment protocol — and that faces a deeply uncertain future.

“Bangladesh is among the seven most TB-prevalent countries globally, and we aim to eradicate it by 2035,” said Ayesha Akhter, deputy director of the formerly US-funded specialised TB Hospital treating Parvej in the capital Dhaka.

Bangladesh had made significant progress against the infectious bacteria, spread by spitting and sneezing, leaving people exhausted and sometimes coughing blood.

TB deaths dropped from more than 81,000 a year in 2010, down to 44,000 in 2023, according to the World Health Organization, in the country of some 170 million people.

Akhter said the South Asian nation had “been implementing a robust programme”, supported by the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

“Then, one fine morning, USAID pulled out their assistance,” she said.

Starving children
More than 80 percent of humanitarian programmes funded by USAID worldwide have been scrapped.

Tariful Islam Khan said the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh (ICDDR,B) had, with US funding, carried out mass screening “improving TB case detection, particularly among children” from 2020 to 2024.

“Thanks to the support of the American people… the project has screened 52 million individuals and diagnosed over 148,000 TB cases, including 18,000 children,” he said.

Funding cuts threatened to stall the work.

“This work is critical not only for the health of millions of Bangladeshis, but also for global TB control efforts,” he said.

Growing rates of infectious diseases in one nation have a knock-on impact in the region.

Cuts hit further than TB alone.

“USAID was everywhere in the health sector,” said Nurjahan Begum, health adviser to the interim government — which is facing a host of challenges after a mass uprising toppled the former regime last year.

US aid was key to funding vaccines combatting a host of other diseases, protecting 2.3 million children against diphtheria, measles, polio and tetanus.

“I am particularly worried about the immunisation programme,” Begum said.

“If there is a disruption, the success we have achieved in immunisation will be jeapordised.”

Bangladeshi scientists have also developed a special feeding formula for starving children. That too has been stalled.

“We had just launched the programme,” Begum said. “Many such initiatives have now halted”.

Pivot to China
US State Department official Audrey M. Happ said that Washington was “committed” to ensuring aid was “aligned with the interests of the United States, and that resources are used as effectively and efficiently as possible”.

Bangladesh, whose economy and key garment industry are eyeing fearfully the end of the 90-day suspension of Trump’s punishing 37 percent tariffs, is looking for other supporters.

Some Arab nations had expressed interest in helping fill the gap in Muslim-majority Bangladesh.

China, as well as Turkey, may also step into Washington’s shoes, Begum said.

Jobs are gone too, with Dhaka’s Daily Star newspaper estimating that between 30,000 and 40,000 people were laid off after the United States halted funding.

Zinat Ara Afroze, fired along with 54 colleagues from Save the Children, said she worried for those she had dedicated her career to helping.

“I have seen how these projects have worked improving the life and livelihoods of underprivileged communities,” she said, citing programmes ranging from food to health, environmental protection to democracy.

“A huge number of this population will be in immediate crisis.”

Babies dying
Those with the least have been hit the hardest.

Less dollars for aid means more sick and dead among the Rohingya refugees who fled civil war in their home in neighbouring Myanmar into Bangladesh since 2017.

Much of the US aid was delivered through the UN’s WHO and UNICEF children’s agency.

WHO official Salma Sultana said aid cuts ramped up risks of “uncontrolled outbreaks” of diseases including cholera in the squalid refugee camps.

Faria Selim, from UNICEF, said reduced health services would impact the youngest Rohingya the hardest, especially some 160,000 children under five.

Hepatitis C, with a prevalence rate of nearly a fifth , “is likely to increase in 2025”, Selim said.

Masaki Watabe, who runs the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) in Bangladesh working to improve reproductive and maternal health, said it was “trying its best to continue”.

Closed clinics and no pay for midwives meant the risk of babies and mothers dying had shot up.

“Reduced donor funding has led to… increasing the risk of preventable maternal and newborn deaths,” he said. AFP

The India disposable latex gloves market has demonstrated significant growth, with a valuation of USD 181.2 million in 2019. Projected to expand to USD 282.8 million by 2027, this market is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.8% from 2020 to 2027. This report offers a detailed examination of the key factors driving this growth, market trends, challenges, and the competitive landscape within the disposable latex gloves industry in India.

Market overview:
Disposable latex gloves are essential in various industries, including healthcare, food service, and cleaning, for providing protection against infections and contaminants. The market’s growth is propelled by the increasing awareness of hygiene practices, especially in the wake of health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, and stringent regulations mandating the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in several sectors.

Latex gloves are made of natural rubber. Gloves are disposable items used during medical examinations and procedures aimed at preventing cross-contamination between healthcare providers and patients. These cloves are available in different sizes such as XS, S, M, and L. Some brands sell XL size, as well. Gloves are generally used by healthcare professionals for examination and surgery. More specifically, gloves are usually sized because they are worn for the much longer period and require good finesse. There are various advantages of latex gloves such as skin fit, good touch sensitivity, cost-effective, elastic & strong, and, most importantly, biodegradable.

Growth drivers and opportunities:
The primary driver for the market’s growth is the heightened demand in the healthcare sector, where disposable latex gloves are crucial for surgical procedures and examination purposes. The outbreak of COVID-19 has further accelerated this demand, emphasizing the importance of disposable gloves in preventing the spread of infections. Additionally, the growing food industry, which requires high standards of hygiene, is contributing to the increased demand for disposable latex gloves.

Technological advancements in manufacturing processes have led to the production of high-quality latex gloves, offering better protection and comfort. This has opened new opportunities for manufacturers to innovate and expand their product portfolios. Moreover, the rise in healthcare infrastructure and services in India presents a significant opportunity for the expansion of the disposable latex gloves market.

The market for latex gloves is driven primarily by increase in awareness among healthcare professionals and patients regarding hygiene and safety. Latex gloves have been used in various industries including pharmaceutical, healthcare, food, biotechnology, automotive, and others. These gloves provide safety during many activities such as reactive materials, toxic chemicals, or unsanitary practices. In addition, the manufacturing process of particular products such as medical devices, medicinal products, and food involving a high standard of quality and managing of these products is the inhumane treatment that may cause contamination of a product if proper precautions are not taken.

Challenges:
Despite the promising growth prospects, the market faces challenges such as the potential for allergic reactions to latex gloves, leading to a shift towards non-latex alternatives. Additionally, environmental concerns regarding the disposal of latex gloves and the volatility in raw material prices are significant challenges that market players need to address.

Healthcare demand and pandemic preparedness:
The growth of the disposable latex gloves industry in India is heavily influenced by the demand from the healthcare sector, particularly during pandemics and public health emergencies. Disposable latex gloves are essential personal protective equipment (PPE) used by healthcare professionals to prevent the spread of infections, cross-contamination, and contact with hazardous materials. The increasing prevalence of infectious diseases, rising healthcare expenditure, and expanding healthcare infrastructure in India drive the demand for disposable latex gloves in hospitals, clinics, diagnostic laboratories, and other healthcare settings. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has heightened awareness of infection control measures and accelerated the adoption of disposable latex gloves in healthcare facilities, contributing to industry growth.

Regulatory considerations and quality standards:
Regulatory considerations and compliance with quality standards are crucial factors influencing the growth of the disposable latex gloves industry in India. Regulatory agencies such as the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) impose regulations and standards for the manufacturing, labeling, and distribution of medical-grade gloves. Compliance with standards such as IS 13422:1992 (Indian Standard for Medical Rubber Gloves) and ISO 13485 (Quality Management Systems for Medical Devices) ensures the safety, efficacy, and quality of disposable latex gloves in healthcare applications. Additionally, adherence to international standards such as ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) and EN (European Norms) facilitates market access and export opportunities for Indian manufacturers. Manufacturers invest in quality control measures, product testing, and regulatory affairs to meet compliance requirements and maintain customer confidence in the quality and reliability of disposable latex gloves.

Technological advancements and product innovation:
Technological advancements and product innovation drive growth and differentiation within the disposable latex gloves industry in India. Continuous research and development efforts focus on improving glove designs, materials, and manufacturing processes to enhance comfort, fit, durability, and barrier properties. Advancements in latex formulation, glove dipping technology, and surface treatments enable the development of disposable latex gloves with enhanced puncture resistance, elasticity, and tactile sensitivity. Moreover, innovations in powder-free glove designs, polymer coatings, and antimicrobial finishes address customer preferences for allergen-free and hygienic glove options. Manufacturers leverage technological advancements to develop latex glove products that meet the specific needs of healthcare professionals, comply with regulatory requirements, and deliver superior performance, driving market adoption and industry growth in India. Ocean

Taking a significant initiative towards improving health services in the remote areas of the state, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday launched five fully equipped Mobile Medical Units (MMUs).

According to an official release, the objective of the MMUs is to ensure the availability of essential health services in the remote areas of the state.

CM Dhami described this initiative as an effective effort to overcome the lack of health facilities in rural areas.

“These MMUs, which operate six days a week, are equipped with necessary diagnostic and treatment facilities in line with the government’s ‘Healthy Uttarakhand, Prosperous Uttarakhand’ mission. These 5 MMUs will help provide primary health services in remote areas of the state,” said CM Dhami.

These MMUs will be operated by CSC (Common Service Centre) and funded by REC (Rural Electrification Corporation) as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.

Initially, these units will be operational for a period of three years, i.e. 2 in Haridwar, 2 in Udham Singh Nagar and 1 in Tehri Garhwal.

One of these five MMUs is a dedicated women’s mobile medical unit manned entirely by women’s health care personnel. It has been specially designed to meet the specific health needs of women in deprived areas.

Earlier in the day, CM Dhami on Tuesday flagged off the free health service ‘Doctor Aapke Dwar’ from the CM residence in Dehradun.

The service is aimed at delivering medical assistance to residents at their doorstep.

Earlier on Monday, CM Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the renovated ice rink at Maharana Pratap Sports College in Dehradun. CM Dhami said the renovated ice rink at Maharana Pratap Sports College is a significant achievement for Uttarakhand and the whole of India.

The CM said the state government decided to restart this rink to establish Uttarakhand as a sports land.

“South-East Asian Winter Games were held in this ice skating rink built in 2011, in which players from many countries like India, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives and Sri Lanka participated. Later, no attention was paid to this rink, which was why it was closed, but our government decided to restart it to establish Uttarakhand as a sports land,” the CM said.

“We had resolved that even if we have to call engineers from abroad, we will restart this ice skating rink, and we worked firmly in this direction and were successful,” CM Dhami said.

The Uttarakhand Chief Minister said a 1 MW solar plant has also been installed to run this ice skating rink. He also mentioned that this rink is likely the largest in the country and possibly in South Asia. ANI

The UK has secured the best deal India has ever agreed, providing businesses with security and confidence to trade with the fastest-growing economy in the G20.

The core mission of this Government is to deliver economic growth that raises living standards and puts money in people’s pockets, and that is exactly what this deal will do. We estimate that it will increase bilateral trade by £25.5 billion, add £4.8billion a year to our economy and boost wages by £2.2 billion every year in the long run. This is the best deal India has ever agreed to. It delivers on our manifesto commitment to create trade relationships that unlock new opportunities for businesses across all our nations and regions.

Case study – Standard Chartered
Standard Chartered is a leading UK-based international banking group with a presence in 53 of the world’s most dynamic markets. It is the largest and oldest foreign bank in India, acting as a ‘super connector’ of cross-border trade and investment by driving commerce and prosperity through its unique diversity for more than 165 years.

Saif Malik, CEO, UK and Head of Coverage, UK, Standard Chartered, said:
The UK-India Free Trade Agreement is a significant achievement. It will create new opportunities for UK and Indian businesses, enable greater access to one of the world’s largest and most dynamic markets, and drive growth and innovation across the UK-India corridor.

We welcome this strong commitment to partnership and prosperity.

Case study – UPS
UPS is one of the world’s largest companies, with 2024 revenue of $91.1 billion, and provides a broad range of integrated logistics solutions for customers in more than 200 countries and territories, including connecting the United Kingdom and India.

Markus Kessler, Managing Director, UPS UK, Ireland and Nordics, said:
We welcome the announcement of this important agreement between two countries that are both vital markets in our global network.

We look forward to continuing to help businesses of all sizes across the UK reach new customers in one of the world’s most populous and dynamic countries.

Future-proofing our economy
This deal gives UK businesses first-mover advantage with a new economic superpower. Currently the biggest country in the world by population, India is projected to move from its fifth-largest global economy to third in the next three years, thanks to the highest growth rate in the G20. By the end of the decade, it will be home to an estimated 60 million middle-class consumers, whose numbers are projected to grow to a quarter of a billion by 2050. And by 2035, their demand for imports is on course to top £1.4 trillion. The enormous scope of this market, where British goods and services are already sought after, represents an equally huge opportunity for UK businesses in the decades to come.

Case study – John Smedley Ltd
Established in 1784 in Lea Mills, Derbyshire, John Smedley Ltd is a UK-based manufacturer and retailer of luxury knitwear.

Bill Leach, Global Sales Director, John Smedley Ltd, said:
India is one of the fastest growing luxury markets in the world, and we are very excited about the UK- India Free Trade Agreement coming to fruition.

John Smedley knitwear is already sold in over 50 countries around the world, and now that the FTA has been finalised, we shall very much look forward to ensuring that an ever-increasing number of discerning luxury consumers in India will enjoy greater access to The World’s Finest Knitwear.

We are thankful to DBT for their significant efforts in bringing this FTA to successful conclusion.

Cutting costs for UK-India trade
From day one, this deal will support businesses across the United Kingdom by making it cheaper, easier, and quicker to trade with Indi

The global healthcare service robots market revenue surpass USD 4.97 billion in 2025 and is predicted to attain around USD 8.60 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 7.10%. The demand for healthcare service robots is increasing due to the growing adoption of surgical robots across the globe.

Market overview
The healthcare service robots market emphasizes robotics applications in the medical industry, such as rehabilitation, surgical, and patient care robots. The sector also encompasses the utilization of robotics technology to offer assistance and support in different healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and home care. These robots aim to improve patient outcomes, enhance overall efficiency, and minimize workload for medical professionals by addressing staffing shortages.

Market trends
Technological innovations in the field
Advancements such as data analytics, robotic catheter control systems, and 3D imaging are enhancing surgical precision and minimizing recovery times. Hospitals are rapidly using robots for tasks such as transportation, handling, and disinfection to enhance operational efficiency and decrease labor costs. Also, the rising prevalence of diseases such as neurological disorders, cancer, and orthopedic conditions can impact market growth positively.

Surge in home healthcare facilitiesGrowing demand for minimally invasive surgeries
There is an increasing adoption of medical robots by the majority of medical professionals due to the growing inclination towards minimally invasive surgeries. Furthermore, the raised awareness regarding the innumerable benefits has propelled the demand for advanced robotic solutions, impacting the market soon. Each day, individuals get better treatment margins because hospitals acquire more reliable and evolved robotic systems.

Regional outlooks
North America dominated the healthcare service robots market in 2024. The dominance of the region can be attributed to the innovative healthcare infrastructure, along with the advanced technologies, coupled with the substantial investment in robotic research and development. However, there is a huge scale of funding for healthcare advancement in countries such as Canada and the U.S., which makes North America a leading region in the world.

The European healthcare service robots market is expected to grow at the fastest rate over the forecast period. The growth of the region can be credited to the surge in investments in healthcare technology, along with the favorable government policies for robotic innovations. Furthermore, the major countries in the region, Germany, France, and the UK, are becoming hubs for innovative technologies through collaboration between academia and industry, leading to the expansion of regional market growth. Precedence Research

Hospitals across the country are starting to reckon with the effects President Trump’s tariffs are having on medical supplies like syringes and PPE, and in some cases freezing spending and making other contingencies.

Why it matters: A global trade war could bring a return to pandemic disruptions if imported goods that health systems purchase in high volumes from China can’t be replenished. And there’s still the prospect of Trump’s tariffs on pharmaceuticals.

• Ultimately, experts warn, supply disruptions and price hikes could drive up the price of patient care.

“Tariffs have the potential to add a layer of complication to [hospitals’] ability to get all of those medical goods, the drugs and the devices that they need to deliver care,” said Akin Demehin, the American Hospital Association’s vice president of quality and patient safety policy.

State of play: So far, there have been no widespread shortages or price spikes.

• What most concerns the providers is a reliance on medical gear from China. Enteral syringes used to deliver drugs or nutrition through feeding tubes have no alternative sources and are subject to a 245% tariff, according to group purchasing organization Premier.
• “With the consumables — the gowns, the gloves, masks … hospitals go through an enormous volume of those every year. Certainly there is some risk there,” said Kyle MacKinnon, senior director of operational excellence at Premier.

The pandemic spawned more domestic manufacturing of medical gear — and an anticipated reduction in dependence on overseas suppliers. But many of the startups have since disappeared, the New York Times reported, leaving the health system once again vulnerable to supply shocks amid threats like measles outbreaks and avian flu.

Between the lines: The situation could be further complicated by tariffs on pharmaceuticals that could weigh particularly hard on imported generics.

• Cancer and cardiovascular medications, as well as immunosuppressives and antibiotics, are of great concern to hospitals, per a letter the American Hospital Association sent earlier this year to Trump. MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston instituted a hiring freeze due to uncertainty, in part, from the tariffs’ impact on drug prices.
• Medical devices are also facing a high level of exposure with roughly 70% of U.S. marketed medical devices manufactured exclusively outside the U.S., Premier wrote.
• The American Hospital Association on Wednesday pointed to data that found 82% of health care experts expect tariff-related expenses to raise hospital costs by at least 15% over the next six months.
• 94% of health care administrators expected to put off equipment upgrades, in response.

Reality check: Many hospitals may still be insulated from the worst effects because of long-term purchasing contracts.

• Universal Health Services CFO Steve Filton said during an earnings call that three-quarters of the company’s supply chain had fixed contracted prices, Fierce Healthcare reported.
• The company had begun to see “fees or stipends” on invoices with vendors with fixed contracted prices but had been ignoring them. “At the moment, it feels like there’s not a great deal of pressure,” he said.
• But a dramatic reduction in goods from a major trading partner will eventually hit multiple players needing to replenish inventories, experts predict.

What to watch: Hospitals are among trade groups lobbying for tariff exemptions for critical medical supplies, including drugs. One question is whether pharmaceutical manufacturers can limit their exposure by “reshoring” more intellectual property in order to pay more U.S. taxes, Leerink Partners wrote in an investor note on Wednesday.

• As supplies that have been stockpiled by hospitals begin to run low or as contracted prices expire, the true costs will begin to be felt.
• “We especially worry about the potential impacts to vulnerable and to rural health care providers who already are operating on thin margins, and for whom changes in the cost of those kinds of goods could have a disproportionate impact,” Demehin said.

Axios

US President Donald Trump on Monday ordered new limitations on a form of biological research his administration says caused the Covid-19 pandemic through a lab leak in China.

White House site blames China for Covid-19 ‘lab leak’
The United States will halt funding in certain countries for so-called “gain-of-function” experiments — aimed at enhancing the properties of pathogens —- according to an executive order Trump signed Monday at the White House.

“There’s no laboratory that’s immune from leaks — and this is going to prevent inadvertent leaks from happening in the future and endangering humanity,” Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wrote on X.

“Any nation that engages in this research endangers their own population, as well as the world, as we saw during the COVID pandemic,” added Jay Bhattacharya, director of the National Institutes of Health.

Trump has long championed the theory that SARS-CoV-2 leaked from the Wuhan Institute of Virology as a result of gain-of-function research — an alternative to the theory that the virus spilled over naturally from wild animals to humans at a seafood market in the same city.

The US government website Covid.gov, which previously focused on promoting vaccine and testing information, is now devoted to highlighting arguments that favor the lab leak.

Several US agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Energy, and, most recently, the Central Intelligence Agency — which shifted its stance under Trump’s second term — now lean toward a lab origin. Several other intelligence agencies favor natural spillover.

During the 2010s, the National Institutes of Health funded bat coronavirus research at the Wuhan Institute via the US-based nonprofit EcoHealth Alliance — a grant axed by Trump in 2020 during his first term, but later partially restored under president Joe Biden.

Complicating matters, former top infectious disease official Anthony Fauci has maintained that the work in Wuhan did not meet the federal definition of gain-of-function, though some virologists and US officials have disputed that claim.

Trump’s order names China as an example of a “country of concern” where such research should not be supported.

The order also seeks to end funding for other types of life sciences research in countries deemed to lack sufficient oversight, significantly broadening the types of foreign research that could be targeted.

It further calls for the development of a strategy to “govern, limit, and track dangerous gain-of-function research across the United States that occurs without federal funding” — though the extent of the government’s control over non-federal research is unclear, and the order also calls for new legislation to fill any gaps.

Trump’s executive order comes amid broader efforts by his administration to reshape American science and health policy, including mass firings to government scientists and steep slashes to research budgets. AFP

The Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine and Beijing University of Technology have announced the launch of a strategic partnership aimed at advancing algorithms to enhance the quality of ultrasound imaging and improve diagnostic accuracy. The collaboration, which brings together leading Russian and Chinese scientists, is particularly focused on increasing the early detection rates of breast cancer.

Yuri Vasilev, Chief Consultant for Diagnostic Imaging of the Moscow Health Care Department, emphasized the importance of international collaboration in the medical field.

“Expanding international cooperation in medical education and research is one of our top priorities,” Vasiliev said. “This partnership with Beijing University of Technology—a leading technical institution in China—marks a significant step forward in advancing medical technologies and enhancing breast cancer diagnostics. The agreement paves the way for sharing expertise and implementing innovative solutions in Russian healthcare institutions.”

Under the agreement, the two institutions will exchange scientific materials and research experience, jointly develop new mathematical models and data analysis methods, co-author scientific articles, and participate in international conferences.

Anton Vladzimirsky, Ph.D. in Medicine, D.Sc. and Deputy Director for Research at the Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine, highlighted the mutual benefits of the partnership. “Our Chinese colleagues are interested in our expertise in producing and applying medical phantoms for equipment calibration and specialist training in diagnostic ultrasound. Conversely, we are keen to learn from their approach to designing mathematical algorithms for signal processing. By combining our international expertise, we can develop more advanced ultrasound imaging algorithms, ultimately improving diagnostic accuracy for socially significant diseases,” Vladzimirsky said.

To date, Moscow researchers have developed 12 medical phantoms that mimic human tissues, organs, and anatomical structures. These phantoms fall into two primary categories: those used for training healthcare professionals and those used for calibrating diagnostic equipment. The use of phantoms enables practitioners to refine their techniques for critical diagnostic procedures and ensures devices are properly prepared for clinical use.

Zhuhuang Zhou, Ph.D., Associate Professor., Dept. of Biomedical Engineering College of Chemistry and Life Science at Beijing University of Technology, noted the value of this collaboration: “We are pleased to work with the Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine. We share a common scientific goal—to develop algorithms that enhance ultrasound diagnostics. The experience of our Moscow colleagues, particularly in creating medical phantoms, is of great interest to us. We plan to use these phantoms to test and refine new artificial intelligence algorithms before proceeding to clinical trials. The accuracy and realism of these models are vital to the validity of our research. We are confident that this scientific partnership will enable significant progress in healthcare innovation.”

The Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine, operating under the Moscow Healthcare Department, is a leading scientific and practical institution driving innovation in medical diagnosis and digital healthcare. The Center specializes the management of radiology departments, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into clinical practice. The Center is also dedicated to scientific research and the training of medical professionals. Since 2013, the Center’s team has produced over 800 scientific publications, including articles, methodological guidelines, monographs, and training manuals, and has registered more than 200 intellectual property results.

A pioneer in digital transformation, the Center has played a central role in Moscow’s large-scale experiment with computer vision and AI in medicine. Since 2020, the Center has been conducting an experiment focused on integrating computer vision technologies into medical practice. As part of this initiative, neural networks have analyzed over 14 million medical images with a high degree of accuracy, demonstrating the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in enhancing diagnostic precision and efficiency within healthcare settings.

Beijing University of Technology (BJUT) is recognized as one of China’s foremost technical universities and a major center for education and research. BJUT has made significant contributions to the advancement of science and technology in China and is actively engaged in international collaboration, implementing joint educational programs and research projects with leading universities and scientific. Medicircle

In a major step towards enhancing transparency, accountability, and technological inclusion in Delhi’s Medico-Legal system, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday inaugurated MedLEaPR (Medical Legal Examination and Post Mortem Reporting) platform at the Delhi Secretariat.

Developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), MedLEaPR is an advanced digital system designed to streamline the reporting of medico-legal cases (MLCs) and post-mortem reports (PMRs) across all healthcare institutions in Delhi.

‘MedLEaPR enables effective reporting of medico-legal cases (MLCs) and post-mortem reports (PMRs) across health institutions. The goal of the system is to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the medico-legal documentation process,’ said CM Gupta.

The launch event was attended by Delhi Minister Ashish Sood, Chief Secretary Dharmendra, and senior officials from the Delhi Police, Home Department, and NIC.

Highlighting the platform’s capabilities, CM Gupta noted that MedLEaPR will reduce the need for handwritten documentation by allowing all reports to be submitted electronically. Only authorised personnel will have access through secure user authentication and access control features. Every action taken within the platform will be recorded in a comprehensive audit trail, ensuring transparency and accountability at every step.

The platform is also fully integrated with the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS), enabling seamless coordination among hospitals, investigating agencies, forensic labs, and the judiciary.

According to the Chief Minister, the initiative not only represents a leap toward digital governance but also significantly reduces the time required to prepare and process reports. This will lead to better coordination between healthcare and law enforcement, more accurate documentation, and enhanced efficiency in the judicial process.

The chief minister noted that the government of Delhi is committed to providing fast, transparent, and trustworthy services to the public through the use of technology. “MedLEaPR is a testament to our government’s commitment to Digital India and e-Governance,” she concluded. The Financial Express