Author: Gerald Ng

The Centre For Healthcare Innovation (CHI) has launched a fresh initiative designed to strengthen capabilities in health and social care. This comes in tandem with the National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Awards, which recognised seven remarkable projects that made significant strides in addressing care and workforce challenges.

Seasonal flu, also known as influenza, is a recurrent global health concern. It’s a viral infection, primarily attacking the respiratory system. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, with complications like pneumonia being potentially fatal.

Zhanna Samsonova, a notable vegan influencer, died from apparent starvation after adhering to an extreme raw diet of for a decade, a lifestyle choice that has sparked a global dialogue on the perils of dietary extremism.

The rise of ‘health challenge trends’ on social media, particularly TikTok, is alarming health professionals across Asia. The latest involves the consumption of Borax, a laundry detergent powder, purported by TikTok creators to alleviate inflammation and joint pain. 

In Singapore, the invaluable contributions of nurses are recognised and celebrated annually on Nurses’ Day, which falls on the 1st of August. This significant date was chosen to commemorate the formation of the Singapore Nurses Association in 1957.

The time it takes to perform laser surgery on an eye can now be reduced to only ⅓ of the previous procedure. This information, along with a comprehensive overview of various refractive surgery options, was shared by specialists from Eagle Eye Centre to a crowded room of over 50 invited guests on 8 July 2023. 

World Breastfeeding Week 2023, running from Tuesday 1st August to Monday 7th August is addressing the pressing need for improved breastfeeding support for working parents. The theme “Enabling breastfeeding: making a difference for working parents,” initiated by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA), calls attention to the hurdles faced by working mothers.

Medical professionals are expressing apprehension over the potential adverse effects of the weight loss and diabetes medications Ozempic and Wegovy. These concerns have emerged following several reported cases of stomach paralysis in patients who were administered these popular drugs, according to a CNN report.

Gnathostomiasis, a parasitic infection caused by the larvae of the Gnathostoma genus, is a growing health concern in Asia. Although relatively unknown compared to more infamous parasites, gnathostomiasis poses a significant risk to those living in or travelling to affected regions. This article aims to shed light on the prevalence, transmission, symptoms, and prevention of gnathostomiasis in Asia.

Singapore’s healthtech agency, Integrated Health Information Systems (IHIS), marked its 15th anniversary by unveiling a new name – Synapxe. This rebranding mirrors the agency’s growth in sculpting the future of healthtech in the region. Synapxe has committed to further harness the transformative force of innovative technologies like generative AI and cloud to enhance Healthier SG, the Ministry of Health’s key health initiative.