Global Pulse

分类： health

  • Indonesian doctors gain hands-on cardiology training in Lanzhou

    Indonesian doctors gain hands-on cardiology training in Lanzhou

    In a significant bilateral health initiative, nine Indonesian medical professionals are currently immersed in an intensive one-year advanced training program in interventional cardiology at Lanzhou University First Hospital. This collaborative effort between the Chinese and Indonesian health ministries represents a growing partnership in medical education and specialized healthcare development.

    The program, initiated to address developmental gaps in Indonesia’s interventional cardiology sector, provides Indonesian clinicians with unprecedented access to China’s advanced medical technologies and extensive clinical resources. Participants work directly alongside experienced Chinese mentors, gaining practical experience through approximately 400-500 interventional procedures per trainee during the program duration.

    Muhammad Insani Ilman, who commenced training in March 2025, emphasized the transformative potential of this educational exchange. “The technological sophistication here exceeds anything available in Indonesia,” he noted. “The expertise we’re acquiring will significantly enhance our capacity to treat complex cardiac cases upon our return.”

    Fellow participant Juang Zehua highlighted both the professional rigor and supportive environment characterizing the program. “While the clinical workload is substantial, each patient interaction delivers valuable learning opportunities,” Zehua explained. “The medical staff has created an exceptionally welcoming atmosphere, making us feel like part of their professional family.”

    According to Dr. Bai Ming, Vice-President of Lanzhou University First Hospital, this initiative represents a mutually beneficial exchange that simultaneously elevates clinical capabilities while fostering international cooperation in cardiovascular care. “This program demonstrates how shared medical knowledge can transcend borders to improve global health outcomes,” Bai stated.

    The hospital administration has announced plans to expand this successful model, establishing similar cooperative programs with additional nations to further advance worldwide cardiovascular treatment standards.

  • China tips scales toward healthier living trends

    China tips scales toward healthier living trends

    A profound transformation in lifestyle choices is sweeping across China as citizens increasingly prioritize health and wellness through diverse approaches ranging from dietary modifications to traditional therapies and technology-assisted exercises.

    In Chongqing, where spicy hotpot once dominated local cuisine, residents like Huang Mengya have embraced lighter, nutrient-rich meals. “My shift toward low-calorie, high-nutrition foods isn’t merely for weight management but represents a fundamental commitment to long-term health,” Huang explained, reflecting a broader dietary trend gaining momentum nationwide.

    Beijing resident Tang Xiaohua represents another dimension of this wellness movement. The 38-year-old regularly undergoes moxibustion therapy, a traditional Chinese medical treatment involving burned mugwort herbs. After six months of consistent sessions, Tang reported complete resolution of chronic shoulder and neck discomfort, significantly improved energy levels, and enhanced sleep quality.

    Health center proprietor Liu Dong observed substantial growth in clientele seeking traditional treatments. “Moxibustion therapy facilitates improved blood circulation, eliminates cold elements from the body, and strengthens immune function—particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing suboptimal health conditions,” Liu noted.

    This national prioritization of wellness finds validation in recent research. McKinsey’s 2025 Future of Wellness survey revealed that 94% of Chinese consumers consider health and wellness either “top” or “important” priorities, substantially exceeding rates in Britain (79%) and the United States (84%).

    Li Lu, Director of the Social Governance Division at the Academy of Macroeconomic Research’s Social Development Research Institute, attributes this trend to economic progression. “China’s economic expansion and elevated living standards have generated sustained growth in health and wellness demands,” Li stated, adding that rising disposable incomes have accelerated expenditure on health-oriented products and services, indicating considerable potential for continued market development.

  • UAE approves new dual-action heart failure treatment for faster, better care

    UAE approves new dual-action heart failure treatment for faster, better care

    The United Arab Emirates has positioned itself at the forefront of cardiovascular innovation with the groundbreaking approval of Inpefa® (sotagliflozin), becoming only the second nation globally to authorize this novel dual-mechanism heart failure treatment. The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has sanctioned this oral medication that functions as a simultaneous SGLT1 and SGLT2 inhibitor, marking a significant advancement in cardiac care therapeutics.

    This pharmaceutical breakthrough represents a paradigm shift in heart failure management, offering multifaceted benefits for patients grappling with this chronic condition characterized by the heart’s diminished pumping capacity. The treatment demonstrates efficacy in reducing mortality risks associated with cardiovascular diseases, decreasing hospitalization durations for heart failure episodes, and minimizing emergency medical interventions. Clinical applications extend to adult patients presenting with heart failure, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or other cardiovascular risk factors.

    Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Director General of the Emirates Drug Establishment, emphasized the regulatory milestone as emblematic of the UAE’s dedication to healthcare innovation. “The Establishment attaches utmost priority to developing flexible and effective regulatory frameworks, particularly for advanced therapies,” Dr. Al Kaabi stated. “Such frameworks are designed to enable rapid responses to urgent medical needs and to enhance the healthcare system’s capacity to manage complex and serious conditions.”

    Medical research indicates that Inpefa® delivers particularly promising outcomes when initiated during hospitalization, with patients experiencing accelerated therapeutic benefits. The dual-inhibition mechanism addresses both glycemic control and cardiorenal protection, offering a comprehensive approach to managing interconnected health challenges.

    Ayman Mokhtar, Regional President of Viatris for the MENA and Eurasia region, confirmed the company’s commitment to ensuring broad accessibility: “Through our strong presence in the UAE, we are committed to making Inpefa® accessible to the patients who need it most, helping improve their quality of life.”

    This regulatory approval occurs against the backdrop of rising global heart failure prevalence, positioning the UAE as an emerging hub for medical innovation and responsive regulatory frameworks that prioritize patient access to cutting-edge treatments.

  • Community memory clinics help aging minds stay connected

    Community memory clinics help aging minds stay connected

    Across Beijing’s neighborhoods, a quiet revolution in elderly cognitive care is unfolding through community-based memory clinics. These facilities are bringing essential dementia screening and intervention services directly to residential areas, eliminating the need for arduous cross-city hospital journeys that once characterized cognitive care for seniors.

    At Hepingli Community Health Service Center, 88-year-old residents now participate in weekly cognitive training sessions featuring specialized activities like jigsaw puzzles, computer-based reaction games, and group reading exercises. This represents a dramatic shift from previous years when accessing specialized neurological care required traveling for hours to top-tier urban hospitals.

    The establishment of these clinics responds to China’s pressing demographic reality: with over 310 million citizens aged 60 and above—representing more than one-fifth of the total population—and an estimated 53 million experiencing cognitive impairment, the healthcare system requires innovative solutions. Cognitive impairment encompasses symptoms affecting memory, language, and reasoning, with Alzheimer’s disease constituting the most prevalent form of severe cognitive decline.

    Dr. Han Ying, neurologist at Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, emphasizes that while Alzheimer’s remains incurable, early intervention can significantly alter its trajectory. “Early detection before obvious symptoms emerge can delay onset by up to five years,” she explains, “potentially allowing patients to maintain normal cognitive function throughout their lifetimes.”

    Despite this medical consensus, societal barriers persist. Stigma and misconceptions that attribute early symptoms to normal aging mean only approximately 20% of dementia patients in China receive formal diagnoses. Community clinics address both medical and accessibility challenges, offering regular assessments during free senior health check-ups and providing referral pathways to specialized hospitals when necessary.

    Beijing currently operates over 20 such facilities with plans to expand to 100 by 2030. Other regions including Shanghai and Guangdong province have implemented similar initiatives, while private institutions like Sunbow Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital have recently launched comprehensive memory clinics offering full-cycle care from screening to long-term follow-up.

    However, significant disparities remain. Rural healthcare institutions face staffing shortages, equipment limitations, and inadequate support systems that hinder similar implementations. Dr. Li Jianguo, deputy director at Hepingli Center, notes that expanding these services nationwide will require substantial time and resources despite the government’s 2024 action plan targeting over 50% medical consultation rates for suspected cognitive impairment cases by 2030.

    Beyond clinical functions, these spaces have evolved into social hubs where seniors combat isolation through collective activities. Eighty-six-year-old Ms. Feng, whose children live elsewhere, particularly values the community aspect: “I love chatting with everyone—it’s so lively. It makes me feel young again.”

    Medical professionals confirm this social component delivers therapeutic benefits. “Active participation in intellectual and social activities helps slow further brain decline,” notes Dr. Zhu Jie of the memory clinic. As China continues addressing its aging population’s needs, these community-based solutions represent a critical step toward preserving cognitive health while maintaining human dignity and connection.

  • Federal Health Minister defends Medicare record as new data reveals GP costs have surged

    Federal Health Minister defends Medicare record as new data reveals GP costs have surged

    Australian Health Minister Mark Butler has vehemently rejected opposition claims that Labor’s Medicare restructuring is failing Australians despite rising healthcare expenses. The political confrontation emerged following Shadow Health Minister Anne Ruston’s sharp critique alleging the government’s inability to protect citizens from escalating medical costs.

    Senator Ruston cited a Cleanbill Blue Report indicating a 13.5 percent annual increase in out-of-pocket expenses for GP consultations, asserting that average costs have exceeded $50 for the first time in Medicare’s history. She emphasized the strain on families already confronting economic pressures from housing and utility bills, claiming Australians are increasingly avoiding medical care due to financial constraints.

    Minister Butler dismissed the opposition’s statistics as unreliable, countering that over 3,200 medical practices now offer comprehensive bulk-billing services since November 2025, including nearly 1,200 previously mixed-billing facilities. He highlighted the government’s achievements through the MyMedicare initiative, with approximately 7,500 general practices currently registered and projections indicating growth to 4,800 fully bulk-billing practices nationally by 2030.

    Additional governmental measures include establishing 137 Medicare Urgent Care Clinics and expanding 24/7 telehealth services. However, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data reveals a concerning trend: bulk-billing rates for patients aged 16-64 have declined from 80 percent in 2022 to approximately 69 percent in late 2024.

    The political deadlock persists as the opposition maintains that despite substantial taxpayer investment, the current administration has produced higher costs and reduced accessibility, while the government insists its long-term strategy will ultimately enhance healthcare affordability and availability.

  • Nine ways to take care of your mental health in 2026

    Nine ways to take care of your mental health in 2026

    As we transition from 2025 into the new year, mental health experts are advocating for proactive cognitive care strategies backed by scientific research. The convergence of neurological studies and psychological insights has yielded nine evidence-based approaches to enhance mental resilience and cognitive function throughout 2026.

    Research continues to demonstrate the profound impact of physical activity on brain health. Recent findings indicate that maintaining a daily step count between 5,001-7,500 steps significantly reduces cognitive decline risk, particularly among adults with Alzheimer’s predisposition. Even moderate movement of 3,000-5,000 steps daily provides substantial protective benefits compared to sedentary lifestyles.

    Organizational psychology suggests that targeted decluttering—specifically addressing single problem areas like junk drawers—can alleviate mental burden and provide psychological control in chaotic environments. This focused approach offers tangible cognitive relief without overwhelming the individual.

    The practice of self-compassion emerges as critical for emotional resilience. Experts recommend recognizing negative self-talk patterns and implementing compassion breaks through nurturing self-dialogue and understanding. This technique helps rebalance the empathy gap many experience between how they treat others versus themselves.

    Social neuroscience reveals that super-agers (octogenarians with exceptional cognitive function) share strong social connectivity patterns rather than specific diets or exercise regimens. Maintaining active social relationships appears to build cognitive resistance against age-related decline.

    Environmental psychology studies demonstrate that exposure to natural settings significantly enhances attention, creativity, and mood. Research conducted at arboretums shows measurable improvements in cognitive performance and more efficient brain activity patterns following nature immersion.

    Digital detoxification strategies have evolved beyond simple time limits. Experts now recommend designated phone-free days, physical barriers to access, and goal-oriented displacement activities that naturally reduce screen time through engaging alternatives.

    Auditory health has gained recognition as a dementia prevention factor. Neurologists emphasize hearing protection through earplugs in loud environments and regular hearing assessments for those over 50 or frequently exposed to noise.

    Sleep science highlights the particular importance of deep and REM sleep phases for cognitive restoration and memory consolidation. Consistent sleep hygiene practices support these critical phases, while cognitive shuffling techniques provide effective solutions for sleep initiation difficulties.

  • Revolutionary eye injection saved my sight, says first-ever patient

    Revolutionary eye injection saved my sight, says first-ever patient

    In a groundbreaking medical achievement, specialists at London’s Moorfields Eye Hospital have successfully reversed vision loss in patients suffering from hypotony, a rare and devastating eye condition previously considered untreatable. The world’s first dedicated clinic for this disorder has developed a pioneering therapy using a transparent hydrogel that has produced life-changing results in clinical trials.

    The innovative treatment utilizes hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPCM), a low-cost, water-based gel already employed in certain ocular surgeries. Unlike previous approaches that used vision-obscuring silicone oil, this clear substance allows light to pass through unimpeded when injected into the eye’s main chamber. The procedure is administered every three to four weeks over approximately ten months.

    Among the success stories is 47-year-old Nicki Guy, the first patient to undergo the experimental therapy. Her vision had deteriorated dramatically following the birth of her son in 2017, leaving her partially sighted and dependent on memory for navigation. “I’ve gone from counting fingers and everything being really blurry to being able to see,” she revealed exclusively to the BBC. “It’s given me everything back. I can see my child grow up.”

    Medical director Mr. Harry Petrushkin described the decision to attempt the unproven treatment as “nerve-wracking” but necessary for patients facing certain blindness. The team has now treated 35 patients under funding from Moorfields Eye Charity, with published results from the first eight cases showing seven responded positively to the therapy. Researchers continue to refine patient selection criteria to identify those with remaining viable retinal cells who could benefit most from this remarkable intervention.

  • ‘The answer cannot be nothing’: The battle over Canada’s mystery brain disease

    ‘The answer cannot be nothing’: The battle over Canada’s mystery brain disease

    A perplexing medical saga unfolding in Canada’s New Brunswick province has sparked intense debate between patients, physicians, and scientific authorities regarding the existence of a mysterious neurological condition affecting hundreds of residents.

    The controversy began in early 2019 when hospital officials identified two patients with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), a rare and fatal brain disorder. While the CJD cases were contained, neurologist Dr. Alier Marrero revealed he had been documenting patients with similar yet unexplained symptoms for several years. These cases displayed a bewildering array of neurological manifestations including rapid-onset dementia, muscle atrophy, hallucinations, movement disorders, and cognitive impairments—particularly concerning as they appeared in unusually young patients.

    Dr. Marrero’s cluster of suspected cases expanded dramatically from initially 20 to approximately 500 patients over five years. The Cuban-born neurologist, described by patients as exceptionally compassionate and thorough, pursued extensive testing while reporting to Canada’s Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Surveillance System. Despite negative results for known prion diseases, Marrero grew convinced of an environmental connection, specifically pointing to glyphosate herbicides used in provincial forestry operations.

    The situation escalated in March 2021 when a leaked government memo brought public attention to the apparent syndrome, dubbed ‘New Brunswick Neurological Syndrome of Unknown Cause.’ Federal scientists initially supported investigation efforts, with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research offering $5 million for research. However, provincial authorities abruptly suspended collaboration and declined the funding, citing concerns about Marrero’s methodologies and what they perceived as circumvention of proper channels.

    Subsequent government investigations concluded in February 2022 that no common environmental cause or unified condition existed among patients. This conclusion was bolstered by a May 2025 study published in JAMA that examined 25 patients from the cluster. The research, led by Toronto neurologist Dr. Anthony Lang, found all patients suffered from previously identified conditions including functional neurological disorder (FND), various dementias, and other established diagnoses. The study attributed the apparent cluster to serial misdiagnosis amplified by media attention, pandemic-related institutional distrust, and limitations in provincial healthcare resources.

    The scientific consensus has sparked outrage among many patients who remain fiercely loyal to Dr. Marrero. Advocates including Bloodwatch director Kat Lanteigne allege a government cover-up of environmental contamination and have challenged the JAMA study’s ethics and methodology. Meanwhile, patients who sought second opinions through the provincially-run Mind Clinic have received diagnoses for conditions such as FND—a complex disorder where psychological factors manifest as physical symptoms without structural neurological damage.

    The human impact remains profound. Several patients have deteriorated significantly, with at least one opting for medical assistance in dying (MAID) and others considering it. Jillian Lucas, who developed symptoms after caring for her affected stepfather, represents those caught between seeking answers and facing deteriorating health: ‘I have a limit in my mind of how far I can go.’

    Dr. Marrero continues to treat patients outside the provincial system, maintaining his conviction about an unidentified neurological syndrome. As debates continue regarding medical ethics, diagnostic accuracy, and environmental safety, hundreds of patients and families await resolution while navigating uncertain medical futures.

  • Dubai: Indian star Samantha Ruth Prabhu urges women to take control of their health decisions

    Dubai: Indian star Samantha Ruth Prabhu urges women to take control of their health decisions

    At the prestigious 1 Billion Summit in Dubai, Indian actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu delivered a powerful call to action for women to reclaim authority over their healthcare decisions. The event, recognized as one of the globe’s largest gatherings for content creators, served as the platform for Prabhu’s heartfelt advocacy stemming from her personal battle with an autoimmune disease.

    Prabhu recounted the profound disorientation she experienced following her diagnosis, describing an initial period of darkness and confusion. “When I first started looking for answers, I found myself in an overwhelming abyss of information without clear direction,” she revealed. Her journey toward healing required a complete two-year hiatus from her acting career—a privilege she acknowledges isn’t available to everyone.

    This recognition inspired the creation of her podcast ‘Take 20’, which aims to democratize access to evidence-based health information. Through expert interviews and candid discussions, the podcast provides listeners with the tools to navigate their wellness journeys with confidence and clarity.

    The panel discussion featured insights from celebrity nutritionist Mona Sharma and wellness advocate Shayoon, who expanded on the systemic challenges in women’s healthcare. Sharma highlighted how medical frameworks have historically been designed through a male-centric lens, leading to the dismissal of women’s symptoms. “Technology now enables us to access female-specific research and data that was previously nonexistent,” Sharma noted, emphasizing how digital tools can personalize healthcare understanding.

    Shayoon addressed the emotional dimensions of wellness, pointing out that many high-achieving women silently endure chronic stress. She advocated for morning gratitude practices and 40-minute daily meditation sessions as foundational to emotional and physical health. “The prerequisite to everything is addressing what’s happening emotionally,” she asserted. “Without this foundation, reaching one’s highest potential remains elusive.”

    Together, these voices formed a unified message: women must challenge outdated medical norms, leverage technology for personalized health insights, and prioritize emotional wellbeing as the cornerstone of comprehensive health management.

  • Novel pay systems to aid medical access

    Novel pay systems to aid medical access

    China’s National Healthcare Security Administration has unveiled an ambitious three-year plan to transform medical insurance payments through advanced digital integration. The initiative aims to address longstanding inefficiencies in healthcare reimbursement systems by implementing a comprehensive payment platform combining facial recognition, one-code scanning, mobile, and credit-based options.

    The innovative framework will streamline outpatient, emergency, and inpatient services nationwide. Facial recognition technology will particularly benefit elderly patients who often struggle with physical cards or smartphone applications. The one-code system consolidates insurance reimbursement, personal account deductions, and out-of-pocket expenses into a single transaction, while mobile payments dramatically reduce waiting times.

    A groundbreaking credit payment component allows banks to cover patients’ medical expenses within pre-approved limits through contractual agreements, creating a ‘treatment first, payment later’ model. Provincial authorities will pilot the system in at least two cities each throughout 2026, with full implementation across all designated insurance hospitals targeted for 2028.

    Early implementations demonstrate promising results. Hami City in Xinjiang launched China’s first regional credit payment program in early 2025, offering residents up to ¥5,000 ($716) in interest-free medical credit. Within its initial month, the program attracted 120 users and processed 538 transactions totaling ¥43,000. Similarly, Dalian in Liaoning province has successfully integrated insurance and personal payments into unified processes across 200 medical institutions, significantly reducing administrative burdens and repeat visits for patients.