The conference will discuss certain topics such as study and evaluation of Muscat 1st Declaration of the 1st Conference in [...]]]>

The Public Authority for Social Insurance (Pasi) and Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) joined to organize the 2nd Occupational Health and Safety Conference under the theme ‘Towards a more healthier manpower’ from May 30 to June 1.

The conference will discuss certain topics such as study and evaluation of Muscat 1st Declaration of the 1st Conference in 2006, the latest evaluation techniques of the job site hazards, the early detection of the their health impacts and ways to minimize them.

In addition, it will review the importance of participation of authorities in the light of the global changes in the work environment due to the introduction of new technologies. Seminars will be held on the study and evaluation of health and safety regulations with road traffic accidents becoming the main cause of disability and mortality. The second seminar will be on promoting health and safety by social insurance authorities.

An exhibition will also be held on the sidelines of the conference which will focus on how to raise awareness on health and safety among different sectors, use of new technologies to assess the work environment and how to minimize work hazards among the staff.

Related posts

• New on-board health monitor system to be introduced (0)
• Mercer Survey Finds Employee Benefits of Increasing Importance (0)
• Health Ministry Asks Pharmaceutical Companies to Appoint Pharmaceutical Vigilance Officer (0)
• HAAD Announces Health Insurance Cases of Fraud And Abuse (0)
• Governor of Assir Region Launches Health Projects (0)

Dr. Amin Al Amiri, Executive Director for Medical Practices and Licenses at the UAE Ministry of Health the decision, explained that all the above mentioned [...]]]>

UAE Ministry of Health stated that all pharmaceuticals and medicine companies registered at the Registration and Pharmaceutical Drugs Department will be required to appoint a pharmaceutical vigilance officer in their organizations.

Dr. Amin Al Amiri, Executive Director for Medical Practices and Licenses at the UAE Ministry of Health the decision, explained that all the above mentioned companies are requested to appoint a pharmaceutical vigilance officer who must be a doctor, pharmacist, drugs specialist or toxicologist. This officer must have a practical experience in monitoring and following up the reports of drugs side effects, clinical studies and clinical pharmacology.

Dr. Al Amiri said: “All candidates must provide their approved documents including qualifications, experiences, contact information, fax, mobile, phone and email addresses. We addressed all pharmaceutical manufacturers and medical companies to provide their pharmaceutical vigilance and risk management plans at the time of registration or renewal.

The plans include medical products, pharmaceuticals, innovative pharmaceutical products containing active substances registered for the first time, medium or high risk products in addition to other products that have been included in previous circulars by the Ministry of Health or international drugs control association in terms of their safety and side effects”. Dr. Al Amiri explained that the decision demanded all the companies to provide the ministry with an updated safety list of their pharmaceutical and medical products. Such reports must include a yearly detailed report of the medical products that have been registered between 6 months-1 year, an annual record of the products that have been registered between 1-3 years and a progress report every 3 years for the products that have been registered for more than 3 years.

Related posts

• Osteoporosis Indicated in One Third of Older Men Undergoing Treatment in Hospital (0)
• New on-board health monitor system to be introduced (0)
• HAAD Announces Health Insurance Cases of Fraud And Abuse (0)
• Government plan is successful in combating bird flu (0)
• Al Ain Hospital revamps ICU and adds facilities (0)

” With a limited public health system in place and poor underlying health conditions, GCC regulators need to prioritise the needs of patients” said Adams. ”Quality versus cost [...]]]>

As GHI moves into its second phase of acquisitions, CEO Mark Adams calls for healthcare regulators to drive quality for a more patient-centered approach and increased public benefit.

” With a limited public health system in place and poor underlying health conditions, GCC regulators need to prioritise the needs of patients” said Adams. ”Quality versus cost is an ongoing conundrum in the healthcare sector but while the market itself does not want to pay for quality it is a necessity that needs to be driven by those in a regulatory capacity. ”

GHI, which is wholly owned by Global Capital ManagementGlobal Capital ManagementLoading… Kuwait, owns and operates the regional Medsol network of fourteen pathology laboratories. Medsol has recently invested in the region of 130,000 AED per lab on international quality assurance and accreditation standards. GHI is committed to significant investment in strategic GCC healthcare assets during 2010.

Amongst his recommendations for innovation at the Abu Dhabi summit, Adams championed the establishment of suitable cancer networks, rehabilitation and cardiac services, mobile clinics, greater health education, respite and hospice care. He added; ”we are seeing emerging examples of International ‘Best Practice’ in the region from those such as John Hopkins, Cleveland Clinic, City Hospital and Emaar Healthcare; the challenge now is to broaden that benchmark to reach more patients. ”

Related posts

• A Healing Experience” Concert Lecture for its Patients (0)
• Osteoporosis Indicated in One Third of Older Men Undergoing Treatment in Hospital (0)
• HAAD Announces Health Insurance Cases of Fraud And Abuse (0)
• SKMC Launches a Mental Health Awareness Program (0)
• Rehabilitation centre in need of Emirati nurses, psychologists (0)

The campaign which is specifically related to anti-platelet and anti-coagulant medication aims to raise public awareness about these drugs- How they work and what are the potential side-effects once the patient has completed the course.

The medication [...]]]>

The Pharmacy Department at the Hamad Medical Corporation has launched an awareness campaign on blood-thinning drugs.

The campaign which is specifically related to anti-platelet and anti-coagulant medication aims to raise public awareness about these drugs- How they work and what are the potential side-effects once the patient has completed the course.

The medication is for patients who suffer from diseases where blood-flow is affected, including those with cerebrovascular accident (CVA), deep-vein thrombosis (DVT), victims of stroke, and pulmonary embolism. All these diseases require careful management of blood flow in the body, in order to reduce worsening and recurrence of the disease.

Information booths have been set up at the Hamad General Hospital, with activities taking place at the entrance of the Out-Patients Department (OPD).

A short promotional video will be played and pharmacists from HMC further information and advice to the public.

There will also be pamphlets, brochures and other material readily available for visitors. It has been noted that many patients who have been prescribed blood-thinning agents are reluctant to use them.

Related posts

• HAAD Announces Health Insurance Cases of Fraud And Abuse (0)
• Metabolic Dieticians Workshop to be Held at HMC (0)
• HMC Launches Awareness Campaign on Blood-thinning Drugs (0)
• Health Ministry Asks Pharmaceutical Companies to Appoint Pharmaceutical Vigilance Officer (0)
• Fayez defends ‘blood fees’ (0)

The project is funded by the Italian Cooperation Office of the Italian embassy in Beirut in the framework of ROSS Emergency Program for an [...]]]>

The director of Al-Fanar Psychiatric Hospital, Samar Labban, and Italian Ambassador Gabriele Checchia inaugurated over the weekend the Al-Fanar Psychiatric Hospital in the southern town of Zahrani.

The project is funded by the Italian Cooperation Office of the Italian embassy in Beirut in the framework of ROSS Emergency Program for an amount of 486,000 Euros ($647,563) and implemented by the Italian NGO CTM.

The initiative is co-funded by the Al-Fanar Hospital for a total amount of over $50,000.

The opening ceremony took place at the Al-Fanar Psychiatric Hospital under the patronage of Speaker Nabih Berri and in the presence of Public Health Minister Mohammad Khalifeh, Nabatieh Mayor Moustafa Badreddine, together with number of other mayors, representatives of Lebanese universities, local and international NGOs and various stakeholders involved in the sector.

This project aimed to restore the basic hygienic conditions and capacity of hospitalization of the Al-Fanar Psychiatric Hospital in Zahrani. The initiative provided the internal rehabilitation of the Hospital by rebuilding the sanitary services, building and equipping of new kitchen and new laundry and also installing a solar heating system and two new green houses.

In the framework of the project, a painting session has been organized, allowing the patients of the Al-Fanar Hospital to dedicate a full day to paint and draw.

“I am deeply glad to be here today for the inauguration of the rehabilitation of Al-Fanar Psychiatric Hospital, an institute of a great historical value” Checchia said. He added that “this initiative will provide high quality facilities in favor of the most marginalized and needy people.”

Related posts

• HAAD Announces Health Insurance Cases of Fraud And Abuse (0)
• Government plan is successful in combating bird flu (0)
• GHI Looks to Healthcare Regulators for Much Needed Quality Drive (0)
• Fayez defends ‘blood fees’ (0)
• Call to set up specialized unit for cancer-hit kids (0)

The conference spotlighted latest research and treatment in the field of liver diseases, with a special emphasis on hepatitis C, the disease recognized as Egypt’s top health concern. With over 12% [...]]]>

More than 150 liver disease experts participated in the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver’s (APASL) 20th Annual Conference in Beijing, China.

The conference spotlighted latest research and treatment in the field of liver diseases, with a special emphasis on hepatitis C, the disease recognized as Egypt’s top health concern. With over 12% of the population infected, Egypt has the highest prevalence worldwide.

Dr. Gamal Shiha, President of the Association of Liver Patients Care and the first Arab physician appointed on board of APASL, shared the results of his latest study. The study focused on evaluating the efficacy of local interferon (Reiferon), the hepatitis C treatment recently administered by the National Health Insurance (NHI).

More than 100 hepatitis C patients treated by local interferon, for a period of 48 weeks participated in the observational study. Results demonstrated that the cure rate achieved by Reiferon does not exceed 25%, substantially less than half the 63 % achieved by global therapies. Moreover, relapse rates stood at 43%, four times the 10% recorded for global therapies. Dr. Shiha urged the Ministry of Health to undertake more extensive studies.

Peter French, Secretary General of the European Association for the Study of Liver (EASL), emphasized that only two globally approved hepatitis C treatments – Pegasys, manufactured by Roche and Peg-Intron manufactured by Schering Plough contain an active component called polyethylene glycol (PEG). This allows for the slower absorption of interferon thereby extending the duration of its efficacy so it can actively fight the virus for a full week between injections.

Related posts

• HAAD Announces Health Insurance Cases of Fraud And Abuse (0)
• Saudi Arabia records 200 kidney cancer cases per annum (0)
• Mercer Survey Finds Employee Benefits of Increasing Importance (0)
• Health insurance for citizens to be introduced this year (0)
• Health cover pilot project in 2011 (0)

HAAD issued fines ranging from AED 10,000 to AED 20,000 per violation to clinics, pharmacies, [...]]]>

The Health Authority – Abu Dhabi (HAAD) announced that 38 health insurance violation cases, including suspected cases of fraud, forgery and abuse had been uncovered during inspection visits conducted by the Audit Section of the Health Insurance Regulation Department at HAAD.

HAAD issued fines ranging from AED 10,000 to AED 20,000 per violation to clinics, pharmacies, and medical professionals. Violations included claiming for medical services not provided to patients, replacement of prescription medications with non prescribed drugs, medical and non medical consumables, and non medical items. A further violation included employers and/or sponsors not providing continuous health insurance coverage to their sponsored employees who are working and/or residing in the Emirate.

In addition, HAAD referred certain violations to the Abu Dhabi misdemeanor court, which issued a decision to fine Dr. B.K. in M.D. clinic the amount of AED 10000 for receiving the value of treatment services that were not provided to the patient and forging documents. The court also sentenced two defendants for a period of two months imprisonment followed by deportation from the country for the issuance of forged health insurance cards. The court also ordered destruction of the forged cards as a result of their fraudulent acts against insurance companies in order to issue health insurance cards based on forged documents.

Company I.A.I. was fined AED 90,000 and company M.N were fined AED 70,000 by HAAD for underwriting health insurance policies which cover less medical services than is mandatory under the policies, non-compliance with health insurance policies, non-compliance with the policies terms and conditions, For non-adherence with health insurance basic product rates approved by HAAD, making changes to these health insurance policies, providing false and misleading information when applying for a license, and for non-compliance with the rules & principles in marketing health insurance policies.

HAAD also decided not to renew the license of a Third Party Administrator M. N. due to repetitive irregularities & violations such as working in areas beyond the granted license, the existence of conflict of interest between the company and providers of health care services and violation of undertaking made by the company when applied for license and practicing activities not licensed for in the field of Health Insurance Scheme.

Related posts

• Osteoporosis Indicated in One Third of Older Men Undergoing Treatment in Hospital (0)
• Health insurance for citizens to be introduced this year (0)
• Health cover pilot project in 2011 (0)
• Fayez defends ‘blood fees’ (0)
• A Healing Experience” Concert Lecture for its Patients (0)

They projects include crucial, expansion and new projects in a number of provinces of the region, the Governor said.

The Minister disclosed that work to construct [...]]]>

Governor of Assir Region, Prince Faisal bin Khalid bin Abdulaziz, launched 14 health projects worth SR800 million in the region. Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabee’a, Minister of Health, attended the ceremony.

They projects include crucial, expansion and new projects in a number of provinces of the region, the Governor said.

The Minister disclosed that work to construct a 500-bed medical city and a 400-bed psychiatric hospital will soon start.

Related posts

• A Healing Experience” Concert Lecture for its Patients (0)
• SKMC to Hold Public Lecture About Obesity (0)
• SKMC Launches a Mental Health Awareness Program (0)
• Pasi And PDO to Organize Health and Safety Conference in Oman (0)
• New on-board health monitor system to be introduced (0)

El-Gabaly was in parliament Tuesday to respond to several investigation requests about the effectiveness of the precautionary measures taken against bird flu, which [...]]]>

The government plan in combating bird flu has proven successful, Minister of Health Hatem El-Gabaly said, explaining that the death rate from the H1N5 virus has substantially decreased and citizen awareness has increased.

El-Gabaly was in parliament Tuesday to respond to several investigation requests about the effectiveness of the precautionary measures taken against bird flu, which include the culling of poultry suspected of having the virus.

One-hundred and eight cases of bird flu have been reported in Egypt; 75 recovered and 33 died, the minister said. Accordingly, Egypt’s H1N5 death rate stands at 6.3 percent, lower than the global rate of 7.61 percent, the ministry said in a statement.

“The government has been dealing with the issue with complete transparency and sincerity, as well as a commitment to giving the highest quality treatments at the hospitals,” the minister said.

Inspection committees are currently going around the country inspecting bird farms in different governorates which led them to discover bird flu centers, according to the Information and Decision Support Center. The labs affiliated with the ministry have so far tested 11,565 cases suspected of bird flu.

On the other hand, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a statement on Wednesday saying that bird flu outbreaks that have killed seven people in several countries so far this year which shows that the virus remains a threat to humans.

“The newly confirmed human and poultry cases of avian influenza this year are a reminder that the virus poses a real and continuous threat to human health,” they stated.

“So far this year, authorities monitored 21 human cases of bird flu from Egypt, Vietnam and Indonesia, including seven deaths,” WHO said.

Last week, the Ministry of Health has announced one death from bird flu, a four-year-old boy from the Beni Suef, raising the death toll from the virus to 33 since it first appeared in Egypt in 2006. It was the sixth death from bird flu since the beginning of 2010.

Related posts

• A Healing Experience” Concert Lecture for its Patients (0)
• New on-board health monitor system to be introduced (0)
• Fayez defends ‘blood fees’ (0)
• Osteoporosis Indicated in One Third of Older Men Undergoing Treatment in Hospital (0)
• Health Ministry Asks Pharmaceutical Companies to Appoint Pharmaceutical Vigilance Officer (0)

Speaking on the sidelines of the recent Saudi Conference on Urological Tumors in Sharm Al-Sheikh in Egypt, Abu Samra [...]]]>

The Kingdom registers 200 cases of kidney cancer per year, most of them in the regions of Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, according to Ashraf Abu Samra of the Saudi Urological Society.

Speaking on the sidelines of the recent Saudi Conference on Urological Tumors in Sharm Al-Sheikh in Egypt, Abu Samra said that studies showed a growth in kidney cancer worldwide, but particularly in the Arab World.

“It’s important that persons with a family history of kidney cancer inform their doctors so that they undergo the necessary periodical tests,” he said.

Abu Samra, who was chairing the conference, described the causes of kidney cancer as depending on “lifestyle and profession”.

“Smoking, for example, increases the chances of developing cancerous kidney cells by approximately 40 percent,” he said. “Giving up smoking can reduce those chances, but anyone who’s ever smoked will always be at more risk.” “Obesity is a second factor, and represents a factor in 20 percent of cases,” he said.

Family medical history is a third factor, while Abu Samra also noted that males were more vulnerable than females.

“That may be explained by the fact that men smoke more than women and are more exposed to chemicals in the workplace,” he said.

Related posts

• Osteoporosis Indicated in One Third of Older Men Undergoing Treatment in Hospital (0)
• Call to set up specialized unit for cancer-hit kids (0)
• Mercer Survey Finds Employee Benefits of Increasing Importance (0)
• Health Ministry Asks Pharmaceutical Companies to Appoint Pharmaceutical Vigilance Officer (0)
• Government plan is successful in combating bird flu (0)