Latest News — Page 91

Understanding THIQA’s Policy on Assisted Reproductive Services THIQA’s policy outlines the eligibility criteria, benefits, and reimbursement packages for Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART) in Abu Dhabi. It is not a clinical management guideline, but rather a framework to ensure eligible patients in need of ART treatments receive coverage based on evidence-based medical criteria. Determining Medical Necessity in Assisted Reproductive Treatments THIQA covers Assisted Reproductive treatments deemed medically necessary. This could be due to a couple trying for pregnancy for at least […]

Opportunity to undertake an MSc in Health Economics at the University of London. Apply for a Fellowship Programme by 30 April 2023. The Office of Health Economics (OHE) provides various forms of support to the upcoming generation of health economists in order to fulfil our philanthropic goals. They have established an MSc Fellowship Programme in collaboration with City, University of London, and a PhD Programme at LSE, London School of Economics and Political Science, for individuals interested in pursuing postgraduate […]

The annual BHF conference is taking place in Cape Town from 14 -17 May 2023. Networking, collaboration and learning about emerging healthcare issues, innovation and industry action, and discussions regarding what’s next.

Introduction: Achieving universal health care (UHC) is a World Health Organisation (WHO) strategic priority, with the goal of 1 billion more people benefitting from universal health coverage by 2025. This publication on health and care workforce planning provides a rationale for the related actions of the Working for Health progression model. The Need for Planning and Financing: Planning and financing are integral to the efficient and cost-effective development of health and care workforce policies. Their importance is particularly evident in […]

Treatment guidelines for adults with active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis recommend the use of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibitors. If these first-line treatments don’t work or aren’t suitable, doctors may consider secukinumab or ixekizumab (IL-17 inhibitors). Clinical trials show that upadacitinib, an oral Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitor, can reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life in Spondyloarthritis (SpA) patients. This effectiveness rivals that of biologics. Clinicians use the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) […]

The new EU proposal to revamp its pharmaceutical regulations. The main aim is to give people a better and more affordable access to medicines. From what I can see, there are mixed feelings about the proposal. On one hand, consumer groups and civil society organizations are applauding the EU’s efforts to make medicines more accessible. On the other hand, the pharmaceutical industry is a bit skeptical. So, what’s in the proposal? Well, the EU is looking to shorten the period […]

Introduction: The Italian Trade Agency (ITA) is a government entity promoting Italian products and services. It has thrown its weight behind 160 Italian companies participating in Arab Health 2023. Arab Health 2023: A Global Healthcare Stage Arab Health, an annual event that congregates healthcare professionals and companies globally. It is a platform to exhibit the latest products, services, and technological advancements in the healthcare industry. This year’s event, held in Dubai from 30th January to 2nd February, presents a spectrum […]

Introduction: The Clinical Trials Information System (CTIS) has ushered in a new era for clinical research in the European Union (EU). Since 31 January 2023, all initial clinical trial applications in the EU must be submitted through CTIS, marking a significant shift in the regulatory landscape. The Dawn of the CTIS: CTIS has become the singular entry point for sponsors and regulators of clinical trials for the submission and assessment of clinical trial data. This development followed a one-year transition […]

SAHPRA announced the registration of Paxlovid COVID-19 treatment, an anti-viral medicine manufactured by Pfizer, to treat COVID-19. This is a 5-day oral treatment for mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults who do not require supplemental oxygen and who are at increased risk for progression to severe COVID-19. International sources provide guidelines regarding prescribing in liver and kidney disease as well as possible drug interactions including statin therapy, anticoagulation and some hormonal birth control treatments.

The rotator cuff, a critical component of the shoulder, plays a crucial role in stabilising the joint and facilitating arm movement. When it tears, patients face a decision: to opt for surgical repair or non-surgical treatment. This rotator cuff repair analysis presents a detailed review of both methods, shedding light on their effectiveness, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Understanding Rotator Cuff Tears Low-to-moderate-certainty evidence suggests that surgical repair does not result in clinically relevant differences in effect compared to non-surgical treatment for […]

The Role of Time in Biosimilar Uptake Biosimilars are gaining traction in the healthcare industry, with their use reaching 50% or more in public hospitals within three years of their first introduction. However, the uptake of these medical products varies greatly, with some hospitals fully embracing biosimilars, while others show little to no use. This article explores the uptake of biosimilars in public hospitals, providing an in-depth analysis based on recent research. In the last decade, health systems have been […]

Council for Medical Schemes latest CMScript focusing on amputations under PMB regulations. Amputation, the removal or loss of a body part, can drastically alter a person’s life. It impacts an individual’s mobility, work capabilities, social interactions, and independence. This article explores the causes of amputations, preventative measures, and the journey towards recovery and rehabilitation. Life After Amputation: Recovery and Rehabilitation Amputations due to traumatic and crush injuries, severe burns, diabetes mellitus, peripheral artery diseases, severe infections, and cancers must be […]

HTA Agencies Meeting Updates: It seems the Heads of HTA Agencies Group had a productive meeting in Lisbon, Portugal. They discussed key strategic topics including the confirmation of the new Vice-Chair, updates on the HTA Regulation and long-term strategic planning for the group! Next meeting will take place in Stockholm, Sweden in May 2023.

Gathering and analyzing patient experience data in a real-world setting is a key challenge for many. To explore this further, ISPOR in Vienna held a second plenary panel featuring experts in the field. What did they discuss? The panel discussed the importance of rigor in choosing, implementing, and analyzing patient experience data in non-randomized, uncontrolled study designs. Dr. Burgos spoke about the Darwin EU initiative and the importance of stakeholder engagement and capacity building to facilitate patient experience data collection. […]

The International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) is a renowned professional society in Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR). Biennially, it publishes a report, outlining the ISPOR Top 10 HEOR Trends. This article explores the 2022-2023 top trends, heavily influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, and their implications for the healthcare industry. Real-world Evidence (RWE) – The Number One Trend RWE has been identified as the top trend for 2022-2023. Its significance has grown due to its crucial role […]

Abu Dhabi has launched its Drug and Poison Information Service. The aim is to raise awareness on the safe drugs use and the necessary procedures to prevent poisoning. This will strengthen research efforts in the Emirate to further develop the clinical toxicology field and improve healthcare outcomes. In 2023 the goal is to increase the working hours of the hotline service to become around the clock.