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Category: Medical

  • Trump’s $100K H-1B fee: Doctors exemption

    Trump’s $100K H-1B fee: Doctors exemption

    Doctors may be exempt from the Trump administration’s new $100,000 fee for high-skilled H-1B visa applications, the White House said Monday, after some of the biggest medical bodies called out the risk to rural America where there’s already a dearth of providers.

    For hospitals, the H-1B visa program is crucial to recruiting doctors in remote parts of the country where there are in some cases severe shortages of health care workers.

    Shares of HCA Healthcare Inc., a major hospital operator, rose as much as 1.4% as of 11 a.m. New York time. Tenet Healthcare Corp. rose 3%.

    Health care employers often sponsor medical residents and other physicians through the H-1B program. American Medical Association President Bobby Mukkamala, a Michigan head and neck surgeon, called international medical graduates “a critical part of our physician workforce,” before the Trump administration said it had a potential exception for doctors and those in training.

    “The Proclamation allows for potential exemptions, which can include physicians and medical residents,” White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said.

    More than 76 million Americans live in places where the government has designated a shortage of primary care doctors, according to federal data compiled by health research group KFF.

    Federal data from the US Citizenship and Immigration Service show high-profile health systems including Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital are among the health-care industry’s top sponsors of H-1B visas. Mayo has more than 300 approved visas, according to the data. Paying the fee could add millions to the labor costs at large medical systems. Bloomberg

  • DarioHealth confirms private placement of shares

    DarioHealth confirms private placement of shares

    DarioHealth Corp. announced a private placement for the purchase and sale of 2,713,180 shares of common stock (or common stock equivalents in lieu thereof) at a price of $6.45 per share for expected aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $17.5 million, before deducting offering expenses.

    The closing of the offering is expected to occur on or about September 23, 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes.

    The offering is being made in reliance on an exemption from the registration requirement under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and/or Regulation D promulgated thereunder, and applicable state securities laws. Accordingly, the securities offered in the private placement may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an effective registration statement or an applicable exemption from the registration requirement of the Securities Act and such applicable state securities laws. The Company has agreed to file a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) registering the resale of the shares of common stock sold in the private placement.

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction.
    The NewsBit Bureau

  • Karnataka to expand healthcare infrastructure statewide

    Karnataka to expand healthcare infrastructure statewide

    Karnataka Medical Education Minister Dr Sharanprakash Patil said that, in addition to a government medical college in each district, the state government will also establish a superspecialty hospital, a cancer centre, a cardiology hospital, and a trauma care centre in every district. He added that these government facilities will set a benchmark and provide competition to profit-oriented corporate hospitals.

    Patil was addressing the gathering after inaugurating the Doctorpreneur Summit 2025, organised by the International Lingayat Youth Forum’s Shivamogga chapter, at Sarji Convention Hall here on Saturday.

    “My intention as the medical education minister is clear: I want to establish government medical colleges across the state. People ask me if I have gone out of my mind and why there is a need for more medical colleges when there are already many in the state. When I first served as the medical education minister, I convinced the CM to establish a government medical college in every district. The goal was twofold: to realise the dream of meritorious students from rural and economically weaker backgrounds to become doctors, and to take care of poor patients at the teaching hospitals attached to each medical college,” he said.

    The minister added that each district will have a government medical college in the coming four to five years. At present, there are 24 government medical colleges across the state.

    “Now, I want to establish a superspecialty hospital in each district to compete with private hospitals. The sole intention is to set a standard. Without Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, the cost for a stent would have been Rs 3 lakh. Thanks to the Jayadeva Institute, it is now Rs 60,000 even in private hospitals. These facilities are being set up to set standards and keep prices under control,” he said.

    The minister also appreciated the contribution of private doctors and institutions, which handle 60 to 70% of patients. “I am not referring to corporate hospitals, which cater to only 5% of patients. We need to limit their dominance as they charge exorbitant prices. Instead, we should encourage doctors to establish private hospitals that provide treatment at affordable rates, with a genuine intent to care for patients rather than profit. You should take the first step in this regard,” he advised.

    MP B Y Raghavendra urged private hospitals to provide affordable healthcare to the poor and middle class, while Davanagere MP Prabha Mallikarjun echoed similar sentiments. MLA S N Channabasappa also addressed the gathering. The New Indian Express

  • Medical Tourism market set to reach USD 115.71B

    Medical Tourism market set to reach USD 115.71B

    Medical tourism market size was valued at USD 25.51 billion in 2024 and the total medical tourism revenue is expected to grow at a CAGR of 20.8% from 2025 to 2032, reaching nearly USD 115.71 billion.

    Medical tourism market overview:
    The medical tourism market has become one of the fastest-growing segments in the global healthcare industry, fueled by patients traveling across borders in search of cost-effective and quality medical care. Countries with advanced hospital infrastructure and internationally trained doctors are emerging as preferred destinations for a wide range of treatments, from cosmetic and dental procedures to orthopedic and cardiac surgeries. Accessibility through better air connectivity and the rising availability of internationally accredited hospitals are key contributors. The combination of high medical standards, shorter waiting times, and the opportunity to combine healthcare with travel experiences continues to attract global patients.

    Medical tourism market outlook and future trends:
    The outlook for medical tourism is highly positive, with increasing global awareness of affordable healthcare options abroad. Future trends indicate a significant shift toward digital health adoption, including teleconsultations for pre- and post-treatment engagement, AI-assisted diagnostics, and blockchain-based health record management. Wellness-oriented tourism that integrates modern medical treatments with holistic healing, such as Ayurveda, meditation, and spa therapies, is also on the rise. Governments across various countries are actively promoting healthcare tourism by offering streamlined visa processes and tax incentives. These developments are expected to position medical tourism as a mainstream choice for global patients in the coming years.

    Medical tourism market dynamics:
    The market dynamics of medical tourism are shaped by both strong drivers and existing challenges. Key growth drivers include substantial cost savings compared to developed nations, faster access to complex medical procedures, and high-quality healthcare facilities in emerging economies. On the other hand, challenges include concerns about treatment standardization, cultural and language barriers, and issues surrounding continuity of care after returning home. Despite these hurdles, growing trust in internationally accredited hospitals and increasing collaboration between healthcare providers and tourism agencies are strengthening the industry. These dynamics are helping medical tourism evolve into a structured and reliable global healthcare service.

    Medical tourism market key recent developments:
    In recent years, the medical tourism market has experienced notable developments that enhance accessibility and trust among international patients. Many countries, including India, Thailand, Turkey, and Mexico, have expanded specialized healthcare hubs, combining world-class medical facilities with hospitality services to provide a seamless experience. Digital transformation is playing a critical role, with online booking portals, AI-powered platforms, and mobile apps simplifying the patient journey. Moreover, hospitals are increasingly securing international accreditations to meet global standards and attract more patients. Strategic partnerships between hospitals, airlines, and travel facilitators are also reshaping the market, creating integrated solutions for medical travelers worldwide. Maximize Market Research

  • Aid cuts by us could cause over 2M extra deaths

    Aid cuts by us could cause over 2M extra deaths

    Recent cuts to US foreign aid could impact tuberculosis programmes in high-burden countries like India, potentially resulting in additional 22 lakh deaths over the next five years, a study has estimated.

    The US contributed over 55 per cent of foreign funds for tuberculosis (TB) programmes in 2024, researchers from the US-based Avenir Health and ‘Stop TB Partnership’, a United Nations entity, said.

    In March, President Donald Trump’s administration announced an 83 per cent cut to all programmes at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

    The team modelled how cuts to USAID — the world’s largest funding agency for humanitarian and development aid — could impact 26 countries known to suffer a high burden due to the bacterial disease and depend on the funds, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and those in Africa.

    The worst case scenario — in which TB programmes are impacted over a long-term — could result in additional 107 lakh cases and 22 lakh deaths across the 26 high-burden countries between 2025 and 2030, estimates the study published in the journal PLOS Global Public Health.

    India was analysed to depend on 15 per cent of USAID funding for its national TB programmes, according to the study.

    The authors wrote, “The loss of US funding endangers global TB control efforts, jeopardising progress towards End TB and SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) targets, and potentially puts millions of lives at risk.”

    Short-term disruptions will severely impact vulnerable populations, with an alternative funding urgently needed to sustain critical TB prevention and treatment efforts, they said.

    In the best case scenario — where TB programmes recover funding in three months — the study estimated additional 6.3 lakh cases and around one lakh deaths could occur due to the bacterial infection over the following five years.

    Publicly available expenditure data reported by countries every year to the World Health Organisation (WHO) to calculate a nation’s dependency on US government’s funding for TB programmes.

    In 2015, the UN adopted the ‘2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’, which outlines goals and steps “urgently needed to shift the world onto a sustainable and resilient path”. Goals include ending poverty and tackling climate change, among others. PTI

  • India hosts just 4% of Global Clinical Trials

    India hosts just 4% of Global Clinical Trials

    India accounts for 17% of the world’s population and 20% of the global disease burden, yet fewer than four percent of international clinical trials are conducted in the country.

    This gap means Indian patients often wait years after global approvals to access breakthrough therapies.

    Now, a new initiative, aligning it with Central Drugs Standard Control Organisations (CDSCO) priorities to boost participation of government sites in Phase 3 and 4 trials, has trained nearly 400 professionals, including investigators, ethics committee members and support staff to meet the global Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards.

    The initiative is aimed at strengthening India’s role in global clinical research and facilitating faster patient access to breakthrough therapies.

    Launched by Roche Pharma India, the company on Saturday announced the successful completion of its first phase of the Advanced Inclusive Research (AIR) Site Alliance initiative in India, in which it partnered with 10 leading government hospitals from across the country.

    “This milestone marks a significant step forward in strengthening India’s readiness to participate in global and local clinical trials, enabling faster patient access to breakthrough therapies and ensuring India’s diverse population is better represented in clinical research,” said the company.

    Launched in 2023, the initiative focused on streamlining internal processes, building digital readiness for better data capture and monitoring and delivering tailored training programs to enhance operational efficiency.

    “By equipping leading government hospitals with global-standard clinical trial capabilities, we are helping to bring innovations faster to India. This is a crucial step toward building equitable healthcare and shaping treatments that are relevant for India,” said Dr Sivabalan Sivanesan, Country Medical Director, Roche Pharma India.

    Dr Amit Sehrawat, Associate Professor, Medical Oncology and Haematology, AIIMS, Rishikesh, said, “This initiative is a strong example of how public–private partnerships can accelerate capacity-building and strengthen India’s clinical research ecosystem. India carries a significant burden of cancer, infectious and chronic diseases, yet has historically been underrepresented in global trials.”

    “By enabling government hospitals to participate in cutting-edge research, this program ensures Indian patients are part of the evidence generation process — helping make treatments safer, more effective and relevant for our population.”

    Dr Vyunkta Raju K N, Professor, Dept of Paediatric Neurology, Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health, said: “The AIR Site Alliance program has been transformational. Our investigators and ethics committees are now better equipped to conduct research of global standards. This collaboration has given our institutions new opportunities to bring advanced research directly to our patients.”

    The 10 hospitals, which are part of this initiative are: AIIMS, Rishikesh; Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi; PGIMS, Rohtak; Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Center, Muzaffarpur; Balco Medical Centre, Raipur; Government Medical College, Aurangabad; Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health, Bengaluru; Dr Bhubaneswar Borooah Cancer Institute (BBCI), Guwahati; Kalyan Singh Super Speciality Cancer Institute & Hospital, Lucknow’ and Acharya Harihar Post Graduate Institute of Cancer, Cuttack.

    The project aligns closely with India’s national priorities, including the CDSCO’s encouragement for greater participation of government sites in Phase 3 and 4 trials and the Pharmaceutical Research and Innovation Policy (PRIP) initiative that explicitly encouraged industry-academia partnerships to strengthen R&D capabilities, build clinical trial infrastructure and enhance India’s global competitiveness in innovative research, the company said.

    “This initiative supports the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 – creating a future-ready, world-class healthcare ecosystem where India emerges as a global hub for clinical research, accelerates access to breakthrough innovations, and delivers equitable health outcomes for every citizen,” it added.

    The AIR Site Alliance is Roche’s flagship global initiative designed to expand access to clinical trials for underrepresented populations.

    Already implemented in the US, UK, Canada, and Africa, the AIR Site Alliance is now active in India, helping to close representation gaps, generate more robust scientific evidence and accelerate equitable healthcare outcomes worldwide, the company added. The New Indian Express

  • Healthcare expansion: ₹570 cr projects launched in Assam

    Healthcare expansion: ₹570 cr projects launched in Assam

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stones for health and infrastructure projects worth ₹6,300 cr in Assam’s Darrang district on Sunday, PTI said in a news report.

    After concluding his visit to Manipur, the Prime Minister’s first since the 2023 ethnic violence between Kuki and Meitei communities, he announced his plan of visiting Assam the next day.

    “The entire day tomorrow, 14th September, will be devoted to the development of Assam! Projects worth over Rs. 18,530 crore will either be inaugurated or their foundation stones will be laid,” he posted on X, adding that the first programme will be taking place in Darrang.

    Investment allocation
    PM Modi kicked off the government’s developmental agenda with the launch of the construction of Darrang Medical College and Hospital, along with a nursing college and a GNM school. The combined investment in these healthcare projects amounts to ₹570 crore, officials told PTI.

    Modi also laid the foundation stones for the 2.9 km-long Narengi-Kuruwa bridge with an estimated investment of ₹1,200 crore and the 118.5 km-long Guwahati Ring Road project, which will connect Kamrup and Darrang districts in Assam with Ri Bhoi district in Meghalaya.

    The cost involved in infrastructure of the Ring Road project was estimated at ₹4,530 crore by the government officials, PTI reported.

    What’s next on the agenda?
    Later in the day, PM Modi will unveil the newly constructed a bamboo-based ethanol plant, valued at over ₹5000 crore, along with another ₹7,230-crore worth Petro Fluidised Catalytic Cracker Unit at the Numaligarh Refinery in Golaghat district of the state.

    The PM arrived in Assam on Saturday evening and went on to attend the Bharat Ratna awardee Bhupen Hazarika’s birth centenary celebrations and calling him a great champion of India’s unity and integrity. He also stressed that the government is working to realise Hazarika’s dreams of a prosperous North-East.

    After his stay in Assam, Modi will visit West Bengal and inaugurate the 16th Combined Commanders’ Conference-2025 in Kolkata on 15 September at around 9:30 AM local time. LiveMint

  • Medtech manufacturers asked to revise prices after GST change

    Medtech manufacturers asked to revise prices after GST change

    The central drugs regulator on Thursday issued an order to the medical device manufacturers giving a three-month window to the industry to sticker their inventory with the revised retail sale price (MRP) that will reflect the reduced goods & services tax (GST) rates. The order covers both importers and manufacturers of class C and D medical devices.

    Class C and D medical devices are categorised as moderate-high risk and high-risk devices, respectively, that include products like bone fixation implants, diagnostic equipment like CT scan and MRI machines, pacemakers, defibrillators and implantable stents. The order has also directed the state drugs controller to expedite the process of issuing no-objection certificates to manufacturers to alter the labels (stickers).

    On September 3, the government reduced GST rates on medical devices from 12% to 5%. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) order comes close on the heels of a circular issued by Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) on September 9 permitting manufacturers to declare the revised MRP on the unsold stock manufactured/imported prior to the revision of GST, after including the applicable tax rates, up to December 31 or till the old stock has been exhausted. The DoCA also insists that the manufacturers should issue advertisements on the revised prices.

    Logistics and challenges of implementation
    Though the industry players said that both the advertising and the stickering are not feasible. “There are small- and medium-sized companies producing a large number of SKUs (stock keeping units). It will not be practical for them to advertise the revised prices for each of their product. At the chemist level also, it’s not possible to put posters on product-specific price revisions,” said a large domestic device maker.

    Industry’s pushback and alternative solutions
    Rajiv Nath, forum coordinator at Association of Indian Medical Device Industry (AiMeD) said that it will be disruptive to recall the inventory for stickering of revised MRP. “The CDSCO circular does not resolve our issues and challenges to revise MRP by stickers on billions of inventory of medical products in the supply chain. We have sought exemption from the need to sticker lowered MRP on medical devices. Instead, the manufacturers can communicate the reduced MRP to consumers through their websites,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) is working on the guidelines for the implementation of the revised GST rates for pharma and MedTech sector. It will likely issue these guidelines issued by early next week, as per official sources. The Financial Express

  • AI-enabled digital mental health tools under FDA review

    AI-enabled digital mental health tools under FDA review

    The US Food and Drug Administration will hold an advisory panel meeting in November to examine the fast-emerging class of AI-enabled digital mental health devices.

    The agency’s Digital Health Advisory Committee will meet on November 6 and focus on how these digital tools could help address a widening gap in access to mental health services in the United States, while also probing the unique risks they pose.

    There has been a sharp growth in AI-enabled digital mental health tools from chatbots to virtual therapists. While these technologies promise reach, scalability and timely intervention, regulators are grappling with how to ensure such devices are both effective and safe.

    The FDA itself has begun experimenting with AI in its review work.

    The DHAC meeting aims to set the groundwork for identifying key areas of concern and potential regulatory pathways, according to a document, opens new tab published on Thursday.

    DHAC’s charge is to advise the FDA on regulatory issues surrounding digital health technologies including AI/ML, remote patient monitoring, digital therapeutics and software components of medical devices.

    The agency has opened a public docket for comments ahead of the session. Background materials will be posted online at least two business days before the meeting. Reuters

  • Healthcare for Women to surge to usd 55.89B

    Healthcare for Women to surge to usd 55.89B

    The women healthcare market has gained significant attention in recent years as policymakers, healthcare providers, and pharmaceutical companies focus on addressing women’s unique medical needs.

    From reproductive and maternal health to oncology and chronic disease management, the market has expanded with specialized solutions and innovations. Rising awareness, improved access to care, and technological advancements are propelling the industry forward.

    As per Market Research Future Analysis, the Women Healthcare Market was valued at 33.6 USD Billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to 55.89 USD Billion by 2035, with a CAGR of 3.98% from 2025 to 2035.

    Growing women healthcare market size
    The women healthcare market Size has been increasing steadily, driven by demographic factors, rising life expectancy, and higher prevalence of conditions specific to women. Demand for services and products related to gynecology, fertility, menopause management, and osteoporosis continues to climb.

    Governments and private players are investing in awareness campaigns and expanding healthcare infrastructure, further supporting growth. Analysts forecast that the Women Healthcare Market Size will witness strong double-digit growth through 2032, as both developed and emerging economies recognize the importance of gender-focused healthcare solutions.

    Competitive dynamics and women healthcare market share
    The Women Healthcare Market Share is held by a mix of global pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, and specialized healthcare providers. Leading players such as Bayer AG, Merck & Co., Ferring Pharmaceuticals, and Allergan have maintained strong positions due to their diverse product portfolios in contraception, fertility, and hormone therapy.

    At the same time, biotech startups and regional firms are entering the market with innovative therapies and cost-effective solutions. The shifting Women Healthcare Market Share also reflects the growing role of digital health companies, offering telemedicine and mobile apps tailored to women’s needs, including period tracking, fertility monitoring, and pregnancy care.

    Comprehensive women healthcare market analysis
    A detailed Women Healthcare Market Analysis shows that multiple factors are influencing the sector’s growth. On the demand side, rising awareness of preventive care and growing access to diagnostics are driving more women to seek medical assistance.

    Increasing prevalence of lifestyle-related conditions such as obesity, hypertension, and breast cancer is also fueling demand for advanced therapies. On the supply side, companies are innovating with minimally invasive surgical devices, personalized medicine, and digital health platforms to meet patient expectations. However, challenges such as affordability gaps, unequal access to healthcare in rural regions, and cultural barriers in certain geographies remain obstacles, as highlighted in the Women Healthcare Market Analysis.

    Emerging women healthcare market trends
    Several Women Healthcare Market Trends are reshaping the sector. Fertility treatments and assisted reproductive technologies are gaining popularity, particularly as more women choose to delay childbearing. Hormone replacement therapy is evolving with safer, personalized formulations.

    Another notable trend is the growth of femtech-technology-driven healthcare solutions for women, including wearables, mobile apps, and remote monitoring devices. Preventive health programs focusing on breast and cervical cancer screenings are also on the rise, improving early detection and treatment outcomes.

    Additionally, growing emphasis on mental health and wellness, particularly around postpartum depression and menopause, is becoming a key component of emerging Women Healthcare Market Trends.

    Regional insights
    North America and Europe currently dominate the Women Healthcare Market, supported by high healthcare spending, advanced medical infrastructure, and active awareness campaigns. In these regions, fertility treatments, gynecological surgeries, and breast cancer therapies are in high demand. Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region, driven by large populations, government-led maternal health programs, and increasing investments in women’s wellness products. Africa and Latin America also represent untapped opportunities, where maternal health initiatives and reproductive healthcare improvements are gradually expanding market access.

    Opportunities and challenges
    The Women Healthcare Market offers multiple growth opportunities. Rising investments in research and development, growing acceptance of femtech, and strategic collaborations between global players and local healthcare providers create a fertile environment for expansion.

    Additionally, the increasing focus on personalized medicine and digital health opens new possibilities for targeted solutions. However, challenges such as regulatory hurdles, disparities in healthcare access, and high treatment costs in low-income regions may slow down growth. Bridging these gaps will require sustained efforts from governments, NGOs, and industry stakeholders.

    The Women Healthcare Market is evolving rapidly, supported by demographic shifts, rising awareness, and continuous medical innovations. With the Women Healthcare Market Size expanding year after year, competitive dynamics shaping the Women Healthcare Market Share, detailed insights from Women Healthcare Market Analysis, and transformative Women Healthcare Market Trends driving innovation, the sector is positioned for long-term growth.

    As women’s health moves to the forefront of global healthcare priorities, the industry will play a critical role in improving outcomes, empowering women, and advancing equitable healthcare worldwide. Market Research Future