Global Pulse

分类： health

  • China planning to raise age limit for blood donors, shorten the minimum interval

    China planning to raise age limit for blood donors, shorten the minimum interval

    China is poised to implement significant revisions to its national blood donation policy, marking the first major update to the Law on Blood Donation since its inception in 1997. The National Health Commission announced on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, proposed changes that would raise the maximum donor age from 55 to 65 years and reduce the minimum donation interval from six months to just 90 days.

    This regulatory modernization follows extensive review of international practices and contemporary medical research. The World Health Organization’s guidelines recommend donor ages between 18 and 65, with numerous developed nations including the United States, Canada, Australia, and Japan either permitting older donors or establishing no strict upper age limitations. Similarly, the proposed 90-day interval aligns with the 8-12 week standards commonly implemented worldwide.

    The Commission emphasized that all potential donors will undergo comprehensive health screenings to ensure safety. Medical evidence confirms that donating 400 milliliters of blood represents less than 10% of total blood volume, with the human body continuously regenerating blood cells without adverse health effects.

    Several regions including Hainan Province, Jiangxi Province, and Shenzhen City have already successfully implemented similar relaxed standards through local regulations, providing practical demonstration of the policy’s feasibility and safety.

    The draft revision prioritizes donor health protection and blood safety as fundamental principles, proposing enhanced health assessments, scientific donation criteria, improved monitoring systems, and superior donor services. Additional measures include financial subsidies, extended paid leave, and improved medical service access for donors.

    The National Health Commission is currently soliciting public feedback on the proposed revisions until January 17, 2026, before submitting the final draft to the legislative body for approval.

  • Novartis leads effort to bring breast cancer awareness and early detection to UAE workplaces

    Novartis leads effort to bring breast cancer awareness and early detection to UAE workplaces

    In a groundbreaking public health initiative, pharmaceutical giant Novartis has partnered with the Friends of Cancer Patients’ Pink Caravan to bring breast cancer awareness and screening services directly to workplaces across the United Arab Emirates. This corporate-health sector collaboration represents a strategic shift in cancer detection approaches, moving beyond traditional healthcare settings into the daily environments of working professionals.

    The comprehensive program has already engaged major employers across telecommunications, aviation, and media sectors, providing hundreds of employees with accessible health screenings during work hours. While launched during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, the campaign maintains year-round operations, reflecting a sustained commitment to early detection rather than seasonal awareness.

    Aisha Abdulla Al Mulla, Director of Friends of Cancer Patients, emphasized the critical nature of this initiative: ‘Breast cancer constitutes over one-third of all female cancer cases in the UAE, presenting a significant healthcare challenge that demands collaborative solutions. By integrating education and screening into workplace settings, we’re breaking down barriers to early detection.’

    Medical experts note the particular urgency in the UAE context, where breast cancer manifests at younger average ages and more advanced stages compared to Western populations, with approximately 20% of cases occurring in women under 40. Dr. Aydah Al Awadhi, Consultant Medical Oncologist and Division Chair at Sheikh Shakbout Medical City, praised the initiative for addressing cultural stigmas while providing essential health resources.

    Among participating organizations, telecommunications leader e& has implemented on-site testing for its workforce. Ali Al Mansoori, Group Chief People Officer at e&, stated: ‘Employee wellbeing forms the cornerstone of our corporate culture. This collaboration eliminates access barriers and empowers our colleagues to make informed health decisions.’

    Mohamed Ezz Eldin, GCC Cluster Head at Novartis, explained the strategic vision: ‘Transformative progress requires both awareness and accessibility. By integrating detection protocols into employee wellness programs, we’re ensuring breast health receives priority alongside professional responsibilities.’

    Novartis has announced plans to expand these workplace health initiatives throughout 2026, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to fostering proactive health management across the UAE’s corporate landscape.

  • Stanford University economist praises progress in China’s rural health system

    Stanford University economist praises progress in China’s rural health system

    A leading development economist from Stanford University has identified substantial advancements within China’s rural healthcare infrastructure and childhood nutrition initiatives as remarkable achievements. Dr. Scott Rozelle, who serves as co-director of the Stanford Center on China’s Economy and Institutions, provided a detailed assessment of the systemic reforms implemented over the past decade.

    In a recent interview, Dr. Rozelle emphasized the successful creation of a unified medical network that seamlessly integrates county hospitals with township clinics and village health outposts. This strategic consolidation has fostered unprecedented collaboration among healthcare professionals across different tiers of rural medical institutions, significantly enhancing service delivery.

    The functional scope of rural healthcare providers has been notably expanded to encompass comprehensive public health duties. These now include extensive vaccination campaigns, routine geriatric health assessments, and consistent home visitation programs. Improvements in transportation and communication infrastructure have been pivotal, enabling practitioners to effectively monitor elderly patients, promote wellness education, and ensure adherence to prescribed medications.

    Official statistics from China’s National Health Commission reveal the establishment of 3,099 tightly-knit medical consortia operating across 2,199 county-level regions. These consortia, predominantly spearheaded by county-level hospitals, are specifically designed to augment the capabilities of smaller township health centers and village clinics.

    Service accessibility has seen dramatic improvements, with over 85% of community health centers and township clinics now providing weekend vaccination services. Furthermore, 95% of these facilities offer long-term prescription services, allowing patients to obtain several months’ worth of medication in a single visit, thereby reducing the burden of frequent travel for chronic conditions.

    Dr. Rozelle particularly highlighted the nation’s progress in pediatric health outcomes, citing increased hospital delivery rates, enhanced postnatal nutritional guidance, and substantially improved school meal programs. Regular infant wellness examinations now incorporate crucial nutritional education for parents, including the important recommendation to begin complementary feeding at six months.

    These efforts, combined with a national program providing free nutritious meals to rural students, have yielded significant improvements in child nutrition metrics. The initiatives have contributed to reduced anemia rates and better cognitive and language development among young children.

    Supporting data indicates systematic management rates for both pregnant women and newborns remain consistently above 90%. Concurrently, maternal and infant mortality rates have continued their downward trajectory, positioning China among the top-performing upper-middle-income nations globally. By the end of 2024, the maternal mortality ratio declined to 14.3 per 100,000 live births, while the infant mortality rate dropped to 4 per 1,000 live births.

    Dr. Rozelle concluded that China’s developmental experience in healthcare presents valuable insights for other developing nations in Southeast Asia and Africa, though he stressed the importance of tailoring such approaches to specific local conditions.

  • Struggling patient breathes easier after critical surgery

    Struggling patient breathes easier after critical surgery

    A groundbreaking medical intervention in China’s remote southwestern region has dramatically transformed the life of a 62-year-old patient suffering from a rare combination of serious health conditions. Mr. Zha, a resident of Malipo county in Yunnan’s Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, has experienced remarkable improvement after Shanghai-based surgeons successfully removed a massive 1.3-kilogram tumor from his neck.

    The patient had been battling severe respiratory complications caused by Madelung’s disease—an uncommon disorder characterized by symmetric fat deposits—further complicated by advanced laryngeal cancer. His condition had progressively worsened, with local medical practitioners struggling to provide effective treatment as his neck swelled to an alarming size, severely constricting his airway.

    The turning point came in mid-October when a specialized medical team from Shanghai’s prestigious Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University arrived in Wenshan as part of a national healthcare initiative. Dr. Xu Chengzhi, who led the surgical intervention, described the critical condition upon initial examination: ‘During our free medical consultation on October 20, we encountered a patient whose neck had expanded to bucket-like proportions, with his airway compressed to a narrow slit.’

    This medical mission represents a broader national effort orchestrated by China’s National Health Commission. Since July, over 80 mobile medical teams have been deployed to underserved regions with limited healthcare infrastructure. The three-week program in Wenshan combined direct patient care with knowledge transfer, allowing Shanghai’s medical experts to both treat complex cases and enhance local medical capabilities through training and collaboration.

    Following the intricate surgery, Mr. Zha reported immediate relief and significantly improved breathing capacity, marking a profound enhancement in his quality of life despite necessary postoperative precautions.

  • US FDA approves AstraZeneca, Daiichi’s breast cancer drug as first-line treatment

    US FDA approves AstraZeneca, Daiichi’s breast cancer drug as first-line treatment

    In a significant advancement for oncology therapeutics, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted expanded approval to the targeted cancer drug Enhertu for first-line treatment of HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. The Monday authorization permits its use in combination with Roche’s Perjeta (pertuzumab) for adult patients with advanced HER2-positive breast cancer confirmed through FDA-approved diagnostic testing.

    Developed through collaboration between Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca, Enhertu (famously known as trastuzumab deruxtecan) initially received FDA endorsement in December 2019 as a third-line intervention for HER2-positive breast cancer patients. This latest regulatory milestone represents a substantial therapeutic elevation, moving the drug combination to the forefront of treatment protocols for this aggressive cancer subtype.

    The expanded indication addresses a critical unmet need in oncology by providing clinicians with a powerful first-line therapeutic option for patients presenting with advanced HER2-positive disease. This approval follows comprehensive clinical data demonstrating the combination’s efficacy in targeting HER2-positive cancer cells through complementary mechanisms of action.

    Medical experts anticipate this regulatory decision will reshape treatment paradigms for newly diagnosed advanced HER2-positive breast cancer patients, potentially establishing the Enhertu-Perjeta combination as a new standard of care in frontline metastatic settings.

  • Depression: How long can you stay on antidepressants?

    Depression: How long can you stay on antidepressants?

    The medical community faces significant uncertainty regarding appropriate durations for antidepressant treatment, leaving millions of patients questioning whether to continue medication indefinitely. This therapeutic dilemma emerges from a critical knowledge gap: while antidepressants rank among America’s most prescribed medications, comprehensive data on their long-term effects remains strikingly limited.

    Marjorie Isaacson’s experience exemplifies this predicament. Now 69, she began antidepressant treatment in her late twenties during marital difficulties that affected her basic functioning. While initially grateful for the medication’s stabilizing effect, she now contemplates potential lifelong use amidst emerging concerns about side effects and withdrawal complexities.

    The fundamental uncertainty stems from regulatory approval processes. The FDA originally approved modern antidepressants like Prozac based on clinical trials lasting merely months, with subsequent studies rarely extending beyond two years. This evidence shortfall means current clinical guidelines provide minimal direction on optimal treatment duration, forcing patients and providers to make decisions without robust long-term safety data.

    Psychiatrists emphasize that discontinuation decisions require individualized assessment through physician consultation. Dr. Jonathan E. Alpert of Montefiore Einstein recommends that patients with major depression maintain treatment until achieving stability, followed by four to nine months of consolidation therapy. Those experiencing multiple depressive episodes or severe, treatment-resistant symptoms often benefit from extended maintenance therapy lasting years.

    The challenge intensifies when considering withdrawal. Approximately one in six patients discontinuing antidepressants experiences significant symptoms including dizziness, fatigue, and sensory disturbances described as ‘brain zaps.’ For roughly 3% of patients, these symptoms prove so severe that cessation becomes practically impossible without medical supervision.

    Potential long-term risks require careful consideration. Certain antidepressants correlate with increased blood pressure, heart rate, cholesterol levels, and clotting risk. A recent Danish study associated one to five years of antidepressant use with elevated risk of sudden cardiac death, though researchers couldn’t determine whether medications or underlying conditions drove this association.

    Despite these concerns, psychiatrists stress that untreated depression carries well-established risks. Dr. Paul Nestadt of Johns Hopkins notes that while more long-term safety data would be valuable, the therapeutic benefits for genuinely depressed patients typically outweigh potential medication risks when properly managed.

  • King’s College Hospital Dubai performs first Mini-SCOUT® wire-free breast surgery outside the US

    King’s College Hospital Dubai performs first Mini-SCOUT® wire-free breast surgery outside the US

    King’s College Hospital Dubai has achieved a significant medical milestone by performing the first mini-SCOUT® wire-free breast lesion localization procedure outside the United States. This groundbreaking surgery, conducted by Dr. Lucy Rany Khan, Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon, marks a transformative advancement in breast cancer care for the Middle East region.

    The newly implemented mini-SCOUT® system represents the most sophisticated evolution in wire-free localization technology, specifically engineered to detect exceptionally small breast lesions with unprecedented accuracy. This cutting-edge approach eliminates the conventional wire localization method that required inserting metallic wires into breast tissue prior to surgical interventions.

    Dr. Khan’s extensive expertise in complex breast surgery, acquired during her tenure in the United Kingdom, proved instrumental in implementing this specialized technology in Dubai. Her proficiency has enabled the hospital to offer patients advanced surgical options that previously necessitated overseas medical travel.

    Clinical advantages of the mini-SCOUT® system include its compact design, enhanced positioning capability, and millimeter-level precision in depth measurement. This technological refinement allows surgeons to execute more deliberate incision planning with emphasis on both oncological safety and aesthetic outcomes. The system provides real-time intraoperative guidance, enabling exact surgical pathway tracking while minimizing unnecessary tissue dissection.

    Patient benefits extend beyond surgical precision to include improved comfort and reduced invasiveness. The wire-free localization marker is placed on the day of surgery without external protrusions, frequently enabling same-day discharge. This technique supports breast-conservation approaches by confirming adequate margin achievement during lesion removal.

    Dr. Khan emphasized: ‘This technology permits identification and removal of breast lesions with exceptional precision while significantly enhancing patient comfort compared to traditional wire localization. We’re proud to deliver internationally standardized advanced breast-conserving surgery to Dubai patients.’

    This medical achievement reinforces King’s College Hospital Dubai’s position as a regional referral center for advanced breast surgery, demonstrating the emirate’s growing capabilities in cutting-edge healthcare delivery.

  • Welcome to TÜRKİYE – A Global Hub for Health Tourism

    Welcome to TÜRKİYE – A Global Hub for Health Tourism

    Türkiye has strategically positioned itself as a global leader in health tourism, leveraging its unique geographical and cultural assets to create a comprehensive medical and wellness destination. The nation’s emergence in this sector is characterized by an innovative fusion of ancient therapeutic traditions and cutting-edge medical technology.

    Medical Infrastructure and Accreditation:
    The foundation of Türkiye’s health tourism success lies in its advanced medical infrastructure. The country boasts numerous Joint Commission International (JCI) accredited hospitals, including massive health campuses capable of accommodating up to 4,000 patients. These facilities employ AI-assisted diagnostics and robotic surgery systems, ensuring clinical precision that meets international standards.

    Comprehensive Patient Services:
    International patients benefit from significantly reduced waiting periods and all-inclusive treatment packages that streamline the healthcare experience. Türkiye’s visa-free entry policy for numerous nationalities, coupled with extensive flight connectivity, eliminates traditional travel barriers. Multilingual International Patient Units provide personalized support throughout the entire treatment journey.

    Wellness and Thermal Therapy:
    Beyond conventional medical treatments, Türkiye offers unique wellness experiences drawn from its natural resources. As one of the world’s most geothermal-rich regions, the country hosts over 1,500 therapeutic thermal springs. These natural assets are complemented by immersive wellness retreats set amidst forests, mineral-rich mud baths, and oxygen-rich highlands that promote holistic rejuvenation.

    Official HealthTürkiye® Platform:
    The Republic of Türkiye has officially launched HealthTürkiye® as the nation’s primary digital gateway for international healthcare access. Developed by USHAŞ in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Culture and Tourism, this comprehensive platform provides:
    – A verified database of accredited healthcare institutions and specialist physicians
    – Step-by-step guidance covering treatment planning, admission, accommodation, and follow-up care
    – Multilingual 24/7 call center support in English, Arabic, Russian, French, German, and Persian
    – Integrated visa assistance and flight planning tools
    – Transparent pricing guaranteed under the authority of the Ministry of Health

    Bursa: Model Health Tourism Destination:
    The city of Bursa exemplifies Türkiye’s integrated approach to health tourism, blending ancient thermal heritage with modern medical infrastructure. Recognized since antiquity for its therapeutic hot springs, Bursa now offers mineral-rich thermal waters containing sodium, calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonate that are scientifically recognized for managing rheumatic conditions, dermatological disorders, and musculoskeletal ailments.

    The city’s medical infrastructure includes 42 hospitals (21 public), 8 medical centers, 33 dental and specialist clinics, and 15 facilitator institutions accredited to serve medical tourists. Under Türkiye’s Health Tourism Strategy, Bursa’s hospitals and wellness facilities collaborate to provide combined medical and thermal therapy packages across rehabilitation, orthopedics, dermatology, rheumatology, and weight management.

    Cultural and Tourism Integration:
    Bursa’s appeal extends beyond healthcare, offering visitors a rich cultural experience as the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. UNESCO World Heritage sites including the Ulu Mosque, Green Mosque, and Cumalıkızık Village provide historical context, while Uludağ National Park offers year-round recreational opportunities from skiing to eco-tourism.

    The city’s coastline along the Marmara Sea features peaceful seaside towns like Mudanya and Tirilye, known for their olive groves and historic architecture. Bursa’s culinary reputation, highlighted by signature dishes like İskender Kebab, and its annual cultural festivals further enhance its position as a multifaceted destination.

    Türkiye’s comprehensive approach to health tourism—combining medical excellence, wellness traditions, cultural richness, and official government support through the HealthTürkiye® platform—establishes the nation as a preferred choice for international patients seeking high-quality, accessible, and holistic care.

  • First IVF Dubai and Abu Dhabi earn JCI accreditation

    First IVF Dubai and Abu Dhabi earn JCI accreditation

    First IVF, a prominent fertility treatment provider in the United Arab Emirates, has achieved a significant healthcare milestone by securing Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation for both its Dubai and Abu Dhabi facilities. This prestigious recognition represents the global gold standard for patient safety and clinical quality in healthcare institutions worldwide.

    The accreditation process involved comprehensive on-site evaluations conducted by international JCI surveyors who meticulously examined all operational aspects. The assessment covered clinical protocols, laboratory processes, infection control measures, patient identification systems, communication pathways, governance structures, and staff competency standards.

    Dr. Michael Fakih, Founder and Chairman of First IVF and a recognized pioneer in reproductive medicine, emphasized the significance of this achievement: “This dual accreditation reaffirms our unwavering commitment to delivering safe, ethical, and world-class fertility treatments. Patients seeking reproductive care in the UAE rightfully expect the highest medical standards, and this recognition validates our consistent delivery of such excellence.”

    The clinics offer a comprehensive suite of fertility services including in vitro fertilization (IVF), genetic testing, family balancing options, male and female infertility treatments, and fertility preservation through egg and embryo freezing. These services are supported by advanced laboratory facilities and a multidisciplinary team of reproductive specialists.

    For prospective patients evaluating fertility clinics in the UAE, the JCI accreditation serves as a significant quality assurance marker, indicating adherence to international best practices with emphasis on safety protocols, personalized treatment approaches, and enhanced patient reassurance throughout the fertility journey.

    Dr. Fakih further noted: “Whether patients require IVF procedures, fertility assessments, or preservation services, our objective remains to provide scientifically advanced care within an emotionally supportive environment. This accreditation reinforces our dedication to maintaining leadership in UAE reproductive medicine.”

  • Singer Cliff Richard says he has been treated for prostate cancer

    Singer Cliff Richard says he has been treated for prostate cancer

    British music icon Cliff Richard has publicly announced his successful recovery from prostate cancer while launching a powerful advocacy campaign for systematic screening programs in the United Kingdom. The 85-year-old singer revealed his medical journey began one year ago when a mandatory insurance examination prior to his Australasian tour unexpectedly detected the disease.

    Richard emphasized his fortunate circumstances during an appearance on ‘Good Morning Britain,’ noting the cancer was detected at an early, non-metastasized stage. While expressing cautious optimism about his recovery, the veteran performer acknowledged the persistent uncertainty that accompanies cancer treatment.

    The celebrated musician, whose career spans seven decades with hits including ‘Summer Holiday’ and ‘We Don’t Talk Anymore,’ criticized the current healthcare approach as ‘absolutely ridiculous.’ Unlike routine screenings for breast, bowel and cervical cancers available through Britain’s National Health Service, prostate cancer detection lacks a comprehensive national program.

    Richard’s advocacy aligns with growing calls from prominent figures including Olympic cyclist Sir Chris Hoy and former Prime Minister David Cameron. This movement has gained further momentum with King Charles III’s recent video message emphasizing that ‘early diagnosis quite simply saves lives.’ The monarch, who revealed his own cancer diagnosis in February 2024, highlighted how early detection enabled doctors to reduce his treatment regimen.

    The UK National Screening Committee has recommended targeted screening for men with genetic predispositions, but health advocates argue this approach remains insufficient for broader population protection.