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Tag: health

  • Abbott accelerates healthcare transformation in Vietnam

    Abbott accelerates healthcare transformation in Vietnam

    A conference will be held in Hanoi this month to accelerate digital transformation in the health sector, using technological achievements to raise the quality of treatments as Vietnam seeks to expand its remote healthcare network nationwide.

    Overview and approaches of the sector’s digital transformation will be high on the agenda of eHealth Vietnam Summit 2020, to be held by the Health Ministry on December 29-30, organizers stated on the event website.

    Remote healthcare consultation and support has become critically important this year when travel is restricted and hospitals face huge challenges due to Covid-19.

    Vietnam, which has been praised by the international community for its success in containing the outbreaks, has established Telehealth, a network aimed to connect some 14,000 health facilities nationwide and link them with other countries in the medical field, part of the nation’s digital transformation program towards 2025, with a vision to 2030.

    The network will allow people nationwide to access medical services, receive consultation and treatment by doctors from higher-level hospitals remotely, thus reducing patient congestion at central hospitals, said a report shared on the Ministry of Health website in September. By late September 2020, the network had connected 1,000 medical examination and treatment facilities with nearly 30 key hospitals in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the ministry stated. In late November, it required all hospitals in the country to connect to the network for treatment, practice sharing, and learning.

    Amid the country’s drive for digital transformation this year, Abbott, the Chicago-based company on the forefront of innovation for more than 130 years, has continuously brought life-changing technologies and breakthroughs in diagnostics, medical devices, medicine and nutrition to Vietnam. This demonstrates the company’s long-standing commitment as a strategic partner to shape the future of healthcare in Vietnam and the region.

    In order to boost speed, efficiency and accuracy in patient diagnosis and treatment, Abbott has brought in Alinity, a family of systems that reinvents the way diagnostic laboratories work by simplifying diagnosis.

    Alinity, derived from Alignment, Innovation and Unity, has been made available in 18 hospitals and six blood banks including Medic, Cho Ray Hospital, Tu Du Hospital, Hung Vuong Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City Medical University Hospital, Danang General Hospital, DIAG, Hanoi Medical University Hospital and the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion.

    In 2020, Abbott introduced Alinity m, its latest new-generation platform, fully integrated and automated molecular diagnostics analyzer that uses innovative technology to deliver greater flexibility and efficiency. The platform is now available in hospitals and healthcare facilities including Military Hospital 108, Medic, Medlatec, Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoi as well as Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City.

    Vietnam’s health facilities are utilizing Abbott’s advanced technology, diagnostics systems and devices, including High-Sensitivity Troponin-I Test, DBS viral loading test and first-of-its-kind, life-saving device MitraClip designed for those with common heart valve disorders.

    High-Sensitivity Troponin-I Test, also known as Hs Troponin-I test, aims to check the level of troponin, a protein found specifically in heart muscle cells. A high content of the macronutrient detected from the test provides better predictive information for determining a person’s chances of developing future heart disease when added to the current standard of care.

    The test also offers gender-specific cut-offs, allowing physicians to more accurately diagnose myocardial infarction, commonly known as heart attacks, in women. A study published in the British Medical Journal found Abbott’s test uncovered twice as many heart attacks in women than standard troponin screening. It is exceptionally crucial for doctors to conduct early diagnosis of a heart attack to act quickly in critical moments. As in Vietnam, one out of three people suffers a heart attack each year.

    Abbott’s Hs Troponin-I test has become the first and only approved by the Health Ministry to aid cardiac risk stratification thanks to its significance and efficiency. Therefore, the test now not only serves patients facing heart disease risks but is also dedicated to better health management.

    If the Hs Troponin-I test is aimed to serve a larger community, the DBS test, known as the dried blood spot test, helps ease access to HIV viral load testing for Vietnamese in remote areas as the procedure is simple and requires no refrigeration. It uses a few blood drops dried on a filter paper before being shipped to a laboratory for analysis. The process has recently been expanded to HCV testing, and proves efficient especially in this tough time of fighting the pandemic.

    In order to advance heart and cardiovascular disease treatment, Abbott has introduced minimally invasive mitral valve repair device MitraClip, a transcatheter-based device, to help Vietnamese with common heart valve disorders. The MitraClip procedure involves doctors guiding a thin tube through a patient’s vein toward the mitral valve to help it close more efficiently without open-heart surgery, thus enabling speedy recovery.

    In October, Prix Galien USA honored Abbott’s MitraClip therapy as the Best Medical Technology for 2020. Considered as the industry’s equivalent of the Nobel Prize in biopharmaceutical and medical technology research, the award recognizes excellence in scientific innovation that improves the state of humankind. This device has transformed the lives of more than 100,000 people globally living with mitral regurgitation, or a leaky heart valve.

    After 25 years’ expansion in Vietnam, Abbott has achieved sustainable business growth, developed strong local talent and offered significant opportunities. The company has continuously offered Vietnam with breakthroughs in nutrition, medicines, diagnostics and medical devices.Glucerna, the newly enhanced reformulation designed to help people with diabetes, is the latest arrival from Abbott. The dual therapeutic benefits of Glucerna’s new formulation promote GLP-1 secretion with its unique nutrients and improves insulin sensitivity for better glycemic control.Vietnam has been one of the first countries where Abbott’s nutrition business has launched breakthrough products, such as Similac Eye-Q Plus with HMO that nurtures stronger immunity and brain development among babies; PediaSure MRI with Arginine and natural Vitamin K2 that help children reach their optimal growth and potential; Ensure Gold with special nutritional ingredient HMB, protein, calcium, vitamins and nutrients to help the elderly overcome the loss of muscle strength.

    Besides, Abbott has also introduced Surbex Natural Lingzhi, another science-based health supporting product available in capsules that boost immunity, enhance liver function and overall body resistance.

    Last month, Abbott again made No.1 in Pharma/Medical Equipment/Healthcare for the seventh consecutive year in the list of “Vietnam Best Places to Work 2020.” Its recognition in Vietnam affirms Abbott’s leadership in the healthcare industry, having created an innovative and winning culture that empowers employees to reach their full potential.

    Abbott and its foundation, Abbott Fund, have provided more than VND250 billion ($10.5 million) in grants and product donations to address critical health issues, focused on removing barriers preventing Vietnamese from living healthy lives, and strengthening the country’s health sector.

  • Air Asia develops digital health pass

    Air Asia develops digital health pass

    Air Asia has launched its digital health pass, Scan2Fly, to streamline health document checks and determine eligibility to travel.

    Developed in partnership with analytics company GrayMatter, Scan2Fly has already launched on routes from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore, Surabaya, and Jakarta. About 4 in 10 passengers on these flights are already using the system, according to the airline.

    Scan2Fly will enable passengers to scan and upload medical certificates at the time of online check-in. Entry documentation required by the destination country, including Covid-19 test certificates, is verified in real-time. The airline said the technology, which helps travelers minimize contact with airport staff, will eventually be rolled out to other Air Asia destinations.

    Javed Malik, chief operating officer at Air Asia Group said:

    “Covid-19 gave us the opportunity to fast track numerous new technologies to make flying not only safe and affordable but also more hygienic and contactless. We believe this innovation, alongside numerous others that we are rolling out across Air Asia Group, will help restore consumer confidence and stimulate future air travel.”

    Air Asia’s proprietary digital health pass comes amid global efforts to harmonize standards in verifying passenger health data.

    Cathay Pacific and United Airlines are among carriers trialing CommonPass, a digital health pass developed by the World Economic Forum and Commons Project Foundation. International SOS, a travel security company, is also in the process of developing AOKpass with trials in the Middle East. Meanwhile, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) is in the final development phase of its IATA Travel Pass.

    Covid-19 testing and document verification is a priority for the airline industry as it lobbies governments for borders to reopen and international travel to resume.

    Some governments, including China, have regulations to ban airlines if a certain number of passengers test positive upon arrival. Digital health passes, like traditional passport and visa checks, can help airlines reduce the risk of penalties for non-compliance.

    “We have built Scan2Fly with both scalability and global compatibility in mind. Should there be an agreed global tracing app or vaccination app, our solutions can seamlessly integrate and or exchange relevant data as and when required,” Malik added.

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  • AirAsia’s new platform for medical services

    AirAsia’s new platform for medical services

    Karen Chan, chief executive officer of AirAsia.com said the digital platform is aimed at making it as seamless as possible for everyone from the initial consultation to post-treatment services. “Healthcare is essential, and its affordability and accessibility should be a right for everyone. We want to help facilitate that. AirAsia Health is where healthcare meets travel, complemented by the strength of our ecosystem encompassing travel logistics such as flights, accommodation and mobility options, enhancing the convenience factor for any medical traveller’s end-to-end journey,” she said.

    Furthermore, AirAsia Health will partner with reputable medical providers and hospitals.

    To kickstart the launch, it is offering booking for Covid-19 RT PCR tests on its platform, provided by its medical partners from Lifecare Diagnostic Medical Centre and Sunway Medical Centre.

  • Dairy Farm sells Rose Pharmacy chain to Robinson Retail

    Dairy Farm sells Rose Pharmacy chain to Robinson Retail

    Listed Robinsons Retail Holdings reported on Friday that it acquired local drugstore chain Rose Pharmacy Inc. through its subsidiary South Star Drug Inc.

    In a disclosure, the Gokongwei-led retailer said South Star Drug and Dairy Farm International Holdings Inc. subsidiary Mulgrave Corp. B.V. (MCBV) signed a share purchase agreement to buy Rose Pharmacy.

    Dairy Farm acquired a 49-percent share in Rose Pharmacy in 2015 before increasing it to 100 percent in November 2018.

    “I am delighted that Rose Pharmacy will be part of our portfolio as it takes us back to our hometown in Cebu, where my father and JG Summit Holdings and RRHI founder John Gokongwei Jr. started as an entrepreneur. Mr. John also admired Rose Pharmacy for its strong brand reputation in the Visayas and Mindanao,” Robinsons Retail President and Chief Executive Officer Robina Gokongwei-Pe said in the disclosure.

    “The deal also further bolsters our strategic partnership with Dairy Farm to strengthen our position in Philippine multiformat retailing. We first worked with Dairy Farm for the acquisition of Rustan Supercenters Inc. in 2018, which deepened our footprint in the premium supermarket space. Our acquisition of Rose Pharmacy yet again offers ripe opportunities for innovation through strategic synergies,” she added.

    Rose Pharmacy was established as a family-run drugstore in Cebu City in 1952. It generated P9 billion in net sales last year and has over 300 branches in the Visayas and Mindanao.

    “Rose Pharmacy is a very strategic addition to our drugstore portfolio with its highly regarded brand in VisMin and complementary network to South Star Drug’s strong presence in Luzon and Metro Manila,” South Star Drug Managing Director David Goh said.

    “Together, we can leverage our scale and synergies to drive wider product assortment, better customer service and offer greater value to our customers across Philippines when they need it most,” he added.

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  • Popeyes may immediately stop all operations in South Korea

    Popeyes may immediately stop all operations in South Korea

    American fast-food chain Popeyes said it is to withdraw business from South Korea, however, the local franchisee TS Corporation has denied the report.

    According to The Korea Times, reports of the exit began when a memo was written by a Popeyes’ employee headed “Popeyes brand will no longer pursue business in Korea as of November” went viral on social media. The employee’s memo went into detail, to the point of stating that the chain’s Gwangjin-gu branch would be the last to close before the brand ceases its operations in South Korea.

    A spokesperson from TS Corporation confirmed that some of the restaurants will shut down – but not all of them. The person didn’t share any further information except to state that the company will continue to operate the brand there.

    The struggling fast-food chain has been attempting to turn its fortunes around for two years, however, the process has not gone smoothly.

    Having entered South Korea with TS Food & System in 1993, the company recorded an impaired equity ratio of 40 percent, and last year it was in negative equity.

    Local media said Popeyes has recently been in negotiations with another operator to increase the brand’s value. That company is believed to be SPC Group, which operates Shake Shack and Eggslut in the country, but that has not been confirmed.

  • Siam Piwat opens Ecotopia, Asia’s first eco-lifestyle destination

    Siam Piwat opens Ecotopia, Asia’s first eco-lifestyle destination

    Siam Piwat has unveiled Ecotopia in Bangkok, which it claims to be Asia’s first eco-lifestyle destination.

    Located at Siam Discovery, the store occupies 2000sqm and features more than 300 brands of eco-friendly and health-oriented products. Ecotopia houses eight different zones.

    A Hygienic zone offers a selection of household products made from natural and biodegradable materials, while the Zero Waste zone is a refiller where customers can take their own containers to refill everyday products or food items.

    Air-purifying plants and gardening tools can be found in a Green zone, while a Healthy zone offers organic food and a Beautiful zone a selection of chemical-free skincare and personal-care products.

    The Up-cycled zone displays products with renewed value through recycling, while a Stylish Zone features fashion items made from organic cotton and fabric scraps, and a clothing swap corner where pre-owned clothes can be exchanged for new garments.

    Finally, a Kind Zone highlights local handicrafts made from natural materials that help generate incomes for local communities.

    At Ecotopia, visitors can join regular eco-friendly workshops to learn how to turn waste into creative art or develop organic gardening skills.

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  • AS Watson opens MoneyBack online venture for all retailers and restaurants

    AS Watson opens MoneyBack online venture for all retailers and restaurants

    Health and beauty retailer AS Watson has opened up its Moneyback loyalty program to help retailers in Hong Kong promote their businesses for free in preparation for an easing in the coronavirus pandemic.

    “The pandemic has hit every community hard in many aspects, and it is extremely challenging for retailers,” said AS Watson (Asia & Europe) CEO Malina Ngai. “AS Watson is deeply rooted in Hong Kong for 180 years, we have been through many crises of different nature with the community. We know difficult days will pass, hence we should proactively plan ahead.”

    The group’s loyalty program, which partners with 130 offline and online retailers, has an active member base of 3.7 million people, roughly half of Hong Kong’s population.

    Small and large retailers are now being encouraged by the firm to register for the program free of charge. Participating merchants will receive free promotional opportunities, including the provision of free Watson face masks as shopping rewards.

  • Nike E-commerce sales soar during coronavirus crisis

    Nike E-commerce sales soar during coronavirus crisis

    Nike online sales soared 36 percent in the February quarter, compensating in part for a slump in sales across Mainland China which was in lockdown for much of January and February due to the coronavirus outbreak.

    The strength of online sales gave the retail giant a buffer from stalling brick-and-mortar sales, but it is not just in China that the effect is obvious.

    In an earnings call, Nike EVP and CFO Andy Campion said online sales in every global market grew in excess of 30 percent for both its core brand and sister brand Converse in the three months to February 28. That fuelled growth in both quarterly sales and earnings greater than the company expected.

    “From a digital capability perspective, the investments we’ve made to-date are now proving to be the foundation for our resilience amid challenges and they will be strengths as we emerge,” said Campion.

    “We are still in the early innings of Nike’s digital transformation, but the capabilities we’ve already been building for the future are proving to be the strongest pillars within our business today.

    “These are times in which strong brands get stronger and we’re confident that Nike will come back stronger than ever.”

    Campion told analysts that following its China experience, the company is now seeing similar trends play out in other markets where government lockdowns are resulting in shopping malls and stores being closed to help stem the spread of the virus. Now, consumers are shopping online instead.

    Nike is responding to the digital uptake by using tools that dynamically model demand, planning, allocation and pricing and using its app and membership program to reach out to consumers and encourage them to be active at home, while in lockdown. Those mediums are also offering products and services specifically targeted to various groups of consumers or individuals.

  • Twitter to verify health experts with priority

    Twitter to verify health experts with priority

    Twitter is taking another step in fighting misinformation and highlighting credible sources of info about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The company explained in a tweet that it is “working with global public health authorities to identify experts” and get them verified as soon as possible. The Twitter verification label signifies that a profile is authentic, trusted, and a source of truth for an individual, business or organization.

    In the past, the process of verification was under attack for giving the blue label to radical groups and individuals. The verification program was suspended in 2017 after it verified the organizer of white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia and afterward the CEO Jack Dorsey called it “broken”. In the current situation, however, the blue badge can help people discern valid information in the high tide of rumors and speculation moving along with the viral wave.

    According to Twitter, the company has already verified hundreds of accounts but apparently there’s more to be done. In a message to health experts, Twitter explained that it will give priority to “accounts that have an email address associated with an authoritative organization or institution”, and added a link to the “How to update your email address” tutorial on Twitter’s help center.

    The company is working on a public-accessible form to help health experts apply directly for verification. “We’ll likely share a link to an intake form soon for experts to fill out to request verification”, commented Twitter product lead Kayvon Beykpour. Other tech companies offered help in providing fast and reliable information about the health situation as well. Facebook opened its Messenger app to developers to help build new messaging solutions for reporting coronavirus-related info. WhatsApp announced that it is opening an information hub in partnership with the WHO, UNICEF, and UNDP.

  • KT and Samsung to develop 5G-powered medical service

    KT and Samsung to develop 5G-powered medical service

    KT Corporation, along with Samsung Medical Center (SMC), has announced the launch of a 5G-enabled medical service as an initial step to set up a 5G-based smart hospital. The pilot project, which is developed by the Seoul-based South Korean telecom giant, developed service environments in operating and proton therapy rooms and performed a test operation.

    Based on the results from the pilot, both KT, formerly Korea Telecom, and SMC are planning to continue the development of smart patient care and 5G-powered new medical practices and better the hospital operational efficiency. Park In-Young, vice president of KT’s ICT convergence business department, said: “KT, in partnership with the Samsung Medical Center, is pioneering innovative medical services for the new 5G era. We will continue to further refine 5G-powered medical technology by applying VR and AR technologies for real-time education.”

    In the coming years, 5G-enabled medical services would, in theory, speed up surgery and other treatment processes by allowing uninterrupted access to surgeons that will help them obtain pathological data that is critical in determining the serious conditions of patients. The network would also provide quick access to CT and MRI data on proton therapy.

    Last September, KT entered into roaming agreements with Italy’s TIM, Switzerland’s Sunrise, and Finland’s Elisa, allowing the company’s 5G subscribers to use the 5G networks provided by the three European operators. The Korean operator has standing agreements with operators in 185 countries for 3G and LTE roaming and now is extending those contracts to 5G as soon as 5G services go live in those countries.

    According to reports from the South Korean Ministry of Science and ICT, the country hit the milestone of four million 5G subscribers last December. As of October, the Ministry reported 3.98 million 5G subscribers in the country and in September, it said that 516,000 more people subscribed to the 5G services.

  • Lotte Duty Free to build Sydney CBD flagship

    Lotte Duty Free to build Sydney CBD flagship

    Lotte Duty-Free is to open a flagship store in Sydney’s CBD early next year, planning to tap into the 4 million visitors to the city each year.

    The three-level 3000sqm store will be built by Mirvac on a prime site at the corner of Pitt and Market Streets. It will stock beauty and skincare brands, a prestige-watch boutique, fine and rare liquor and wine shopping experience, and a number of VIP services including concierge and limousine transfers to Sydney’s top hotels and dining.

    The store is Lotte Duty-Free’s first ground-up build in Australia and follows the acquisition of JR Duty-Free in 2018 and the subsequent opening of its first airport store, in Brisbane.

    Lotte Duty-Free Oceania CEO Stephen Timms said the downtown Sydney site is in the heart of the city’s luxury-retail precinct

    “We couldn’t have asked for a more premium location to showcase our quality curated offer.”

    Last year Timms said that the business was looking to lead the duty-free market in Australia by 2023, and is forecasting over AU$280 million (US$188 million)  revenue in its first year in the region.

    “Travel retail is a unique sector. No other industry has such a divisive target audience, which provides both possibilities and challenges,” Timms said.

    “It’s crucial to have an understanding of the types of people who are traveling through a region – their nationalities, their shopping motivations and the special occasions they celebrate in order to generate strong and targeted sales.”

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  • Japanese drug stores Matsumotokiyoshi and Cocokara Fine joined forces

    Japanese drug stores Matsumotokiyoshi and Cocokara Fine joined forces

    Japanese pharmacy chains Matsumotokiyoshi and Cocokara Fine are entering into a merger.

    Under the terms of the new agreement – if approved by the boards of both sides – shares in the two firms will be transferred to a new business entity, with the transaction expected to be completed by October next year

    The company that emerges from the new deal will lead the health and beauty market, with 3000 outlets trading at around ¥1 trillion (US$9.2 billion).

    Cocokara was previously courted for a merger by Sugi Holdings, although the firm ultimately decided to partner with Matsumotokiyoshi.

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  • Health and wellness is driving wearable-technology growth in fashion

    Health and wellness is driving wearable-technology growth in fashion

    Wearable technology has come a long way from the original clunky smartwatch, with innovation has taken a giant leap forward in the last five years.

    And health and wellness have become a key driver of this trend, says GlobalData.

    Clothes containing technology is becoming a reality as brands such as Levi Strauss join smaller brands and start-ups in trying to create items consumers will integrate into their lives.

    Michelle Russell, the apparel correspondent at GlobalData, says wearable technology as a category is starting to be taken a lot more seriously in fashion, particularly given the phenomenal growth of athleisure, which has almost created a nice segue for firms looking to enter the category with a focus on health and wellness.

    The world’s biggest tech conference, CES 2020, opened in Las Vegas last week, showcasing some of the latest innovations in this area.

    The Skin Connected Health & Wellness System by Myant allows the continuous monitoring of health and wellness measures – such as heart rate, stress, temperature, activity and sleep stage, and provides advice on how to improve. Users can also share this information with family, friends and healthcare providers.

    Also on show at CES 2020, the e-skin Sleep & Lounge apparel by Xenoma is designed for monitoring the health of elderly people, analyzing the wearer’s sleep condition. The technology also enables everyday monitoring of users’ behavior and fall detection.

    Meanwhile, FootWare, developed by TacSense, claims to be the world’s first-ever health-tracking smart shoe that is able to measure heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, emotion, stress level, and moving pattern.

    “In a decade it may well become the norm for our everyday jackets or pullovers to monitor our health, but for that to happen, companies need to get consumers properly onboard through involvement and addressing poor understanding,” says Russell. “Increased investment is also key to the category’s development.

    “Wearable technology in fashion is certainly heading in the right direction but it seems there is still some way to go before it becomes totally accessible. It is still a niche product and cost could be a major factor for consumers. Sustainability will also be key.”

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  • Ebos confident about future growth

    Ebos confident about future growth

    Christchurch-based pharmacy and animal healthcare firm said it is confident it will see a significant increase in earnings in FY20 after reporting a less than stellar result for the year ending June.

    Company chief executive John Cullity said 2019 was a year of high activity and strategically important for the group, as it set the foundation for the next wave of growth.

    “The group continues to operate in highly competitive markets and this year was no exception,” Cullity said. “We have withstood the changing market dynamics and competitive pressures and delivered both solid underlying earnings growth and another strong cash result.”

    Ebos has posted an increase in annual net profit to $137.7 million from the $137.3 million on the previous year while sales fell 0.8 per cent to $6.93 billion, reflecting lower hepatitis C medicine sales in Australia and the impact of reform of Australia’s pharmaceutical benefits scheme. The two combined have caused reduced revenue by $425 million.

    The company posted a 5.2 per cent increase in its underlying profit.

    A loss on the sale of surplus property, transition costs for new major warehouses and transaction costs all had a $6.7 million one-off impact on the bottom line.

    Ebos spent $93.6 million on acquisitions and raised $175 million in fresh capital during the year.

    “We commenced operations in two brand new facilities in Brisbane and Sydney providing further warehouse capacity,” Cullity said.

    “We also moved to 100 per cent ownership of TerryWhite Chemmart, signed the Chemist Warehouse Group pharmaceutical contract and retained Blooms The Chemist, one of our largest independent pharmacy group customers. These were all great outcomes for our Community Pharmacy division.”

    The group’s healthcare segment generated a 4.6 per cent increase in underlying EBITDA for the year, underpinned by solid growth from their Australian business unit. In Australia, healthcare revenue declined by 3.5 per cent to $183 million, however excluding the impact of the reduction in hepatitis C sales and the impact of PBS price reforms, revenue growth increased 5.2 per cent.

    The company said the New Zealand healthcare segment delivered earnings in line with last year, with revenue growth of 8.7 per cent largely offset by higher labour and freight costs in our wholesale businesses.

    Revenue growth in community pharmacy, excluding the impact of lower Hepatitis C sales and PBS reforms, rose 3.0 per cent.

    Ebos has also announced Mark Waller will retire as director and company chair at the end of the annual meeting scheduled for October 15.

    Waller, who joined Ebos in March 1984 as chief financial officer before assuming the position of executive officer in 1987, led the group on an ambitious yet disciplined growth strategy, overseeing many successful mergers and acquisitions, including the purchase of Symbion in 2013 for $1.1 billion.

    According to the company, under Waller’s leadership, Ebos grew to become the largest trans-Tasman healthcare and animal care company with revenues in excess of $6 billion.

    After handing over the reins as CEO in 2014, Waller remained on the board before assuming the position of chairman in 2015.

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  • Apple’s healthcare unit needs to see a doctor

    Apple’s healthcare unit needs to see a doctor

    Earlier this year, Apple CEO Tim Cook said healthcare would be “Apple’s greatest contribution to mankind.” It appears that Apple is having problems with this unit after a number of members have left the team. Citing eight sources said to be familiar with the situation, CNBC says that there is tension in the company’s healthcare division and the group is essentially without direction after a series of changes at the top of the unit.

    The report says that while some employees have done well, others feel stifled and closed in, unable to get the team to work on their ideas. Part of the problem is getting the unit to agree on a direction to take. Half of the eight sources say that employees wanted Apple to take on some of the larger problems that the healthcare system faces today such as medical devices, telemedicine, health payments and the treatments of chronic disease. Apple, notes the report, has instead focused on creating features for its devices that focus on wellness and prevention for healthy people. The latter end of the healthcare industry is considered to be less risky and less regulated. Despite the issues inside the group, all eight sources agreed that healthcare remains a “strategic priority” for the company.

    Apple’s healthcare features are found mainly on the Apple Watch. The heart rate monitor has saved a number of lives, and the Series 4 model added an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor that looks for abnormal heartbeats. The latter has also been a lifesaver and other watches, like the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2, also is equipped with an ECG feature. We do have to point out that it will remain disabled on the Galaxy Watch Active 2 until it receives FDA approval, expected sometime during the first half of next year. Apple’s Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams is in charge of the healthcare team, and reportedly it was his idea to add sensors and algorithms to the Apple Watch once it became apparent that the device would not be a big seller as a fashion accessory.

    The company is reportedly working on a way for diabetics to measure their blood glucose levels using the Apple Watch, without having to draw blood. Currently, diabetics who depend on insulin prick themselves to draw a small drop of blood that is tested on a glucometer. This is a huge market because a new test strip is required for each test and insulin-dependent diabetics need to test themselves three or more times a day. If Apple can develop such a technology, it could take Apple’s healthcare initiative and the Apple Watch into uncharted territory. The Apple Watch happens to be the world’s top-selling smartwatch and anchors a wearables unit that saw revenue for the fiscal third quarter soar from $3.73 billion in 2018 to $5.53 billion this year. That was a 48.3% year-over-year gain.

    Earlier this year, Apple sent out a survey to check on the morale of employees in its healthcare unit. When the survey indicated that employees were not happy, Williams spoke with a number of employees to let them know that he was still committed to the business. But the executive also wears many hats at Apple and as COO he is responsible for overseeing Apple’s operations and its vast supply chain. Thus, the healthcare group might not have his full attention at times.

    Some of the sources say that Apple needs to be less secretive with its work in the $3.5 trillion healthcare industry. The company is traditionally tight-lipped about its projects, but that doesn’t fly in the world of medicine where clinical studies and published research play a big role.

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