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Olympus to Join Government Project to Verify Dissemination of Endoscopic AI Diagnosis in Vietnam

TOKYO, Dec 6, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Olympus Corporation (Olympus), a global medtech company committed to making people's lives healthier, safer and more fulfilling, today announced their part in a project in cooperation with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications of Japan (MIC), entitled, "Survey Study for International Expansion of Endoscopes Utilizing High-definition Imaging Technology AI Diagnosis Support System in Vietnam."Participants in kick-off meetingThis is the third year, after similar projects in Thailand in fiscal year 2021 and India in fiscal year 2020, that Olympus has acted as a corporate partner to investigate the effectiveness and potential dissemination of an AI diagnostic support system. As part of these projects, Olympus has researched clinical applications in collaboration with major local medical institutions. Past clinical use by doctors in India and Thailand, along with consultation with Japanese physicians, showed the effectiveness and potential for future use of EndoBRAIN-EYE and other endoscope diagnostic imaging support software.From November 2022 to March 2023, Olympus, in collaboration with CYBERNET SYSTEMS CO., LTD., will conduct research on the effectiveness and future use of the AI diagnostic support system EndoBRAIN-EYE at Cho Ray Hospital and 108 Hospital in Vietnam. In addition, specialist lecturers and physicians from Japan's Showa University Northern Yokohama Hospital and Shizuoka Cancer Center will provide expert guidance to doctors at major Vietnamese hospitals. They will train doctors in techniques for detecting diseases and differential diagnosis with colonoscopes using EndoBRAIN-EYE, and they will also instruct on how to train the next generation of endoscopists.At the kick-off meeting on November 28, Ho Dang Quy Dung M.D. from Cho Ray Hospital said, "AI is a new and powerful technology making endoscpic procedure more efficient and high quality. I do think that AI will be the big breakthrough of the filed of GI endoscopy in the upcoming years. I hope we have the opportunity to work with Japanese experts in the field of AI in endoscopy." Professor Shin'ei Kudo from Showa University Northern Yokohama Hospital also commented, "I hope this project will contribute to not only dissemination of the AI technology but also increased partnership between Vietnam and Japan, and look forward to amazing results from this exciting collaboration."Background of Olympus' ParticipationCancer rates have been on the rise in recent years in Vietnam, and colorectal cancer in particular has become a significant issue. It ranks fourth among all cancer cases in men and third among all cancers in women, as well as ranking second in mortality rate among all cancers in both men and women. While the demand for endoscopic screenings, which are essential for the early detection and treatment of cancer, is expected to increase, there is a shortage of physicians with the advanced knowledge and skills required for these examinations. Olympus has joined this project to support the specialists training doctors in Vietnam, to verify the effectiveness and dissemination of AI-assisted colonoscopy, and to contribute to the development of the healthcare environment in Vietnam.Purpose of the MIC ProjectThe MIC aims to realize the sustainable development goals and SDG pledges to ensure "no one will be left behind." To this end, the MIC aims to realize a model that contributes to SDG through digitization and to disseminate and promote an SDG + ICT model domestically and overseas between both the public and private sectors. This project aims to contribute to the introduction and dissemination of Japan's endoscopic AI diagnostic support system to Vietnam in response to the social issue of increasing cancer prevalence in Vietnam.Project Scope:1) Surveys on the policies in the medical, health, and hygiene sectors and the introduction of medical information and communication technologyInformation will be collected from major medical institutions and external research institutions to investigate the state of dissemination of medical information systems, including endoscopy systems.2) Verification through proof-of-concept testsResearch will be conducted on the effectiveness and future use of the AI diagnosis support system at Cho Ray Hospital and 108 Hospital in Vietnam. Physicians from Showa University Northern Yokohama Hospital and Shizuoka Cancer Center will train doctors at major Vietnamese hospitals covering processes from the detection of disease utilizing a colonoscope with an AI diagnostic support system to discriminatory diagnosis, as well as provide training in how to pass on this knowledge to other doctors. Olympus will provide equipment and training courses.Company names and product names in this release are trademarks or registered trademarks of each company.Products or devices presented include future technology which may be pending regional regulatory approval and are not available for sale in all regions.About OlympusIn its Endoscopic Solutions business, Olympus uses innovative capabilities in medical technology, therapeutic intervention and precision manufacturing to help healthcare professionals deliver diagnostic, therapeutic and minimally invasive procedures to improve clinical outcomes, reduce overall costs and enhance the quality of life for patients. Starting with the world's first gastrocamera in 1950, Olympus' Endoscopic Solutions portfolio has grown to include endoscopes, laparoscopes, and video imaging systems, digital and integrated customer solutions, as well as solutions for infection prevention. For more information, visit www.olympus-global.com and follow our global Twitter account: @Olympus_Corp.Media contact:Nao TsukamotoGlobal-Public_Relations@olympus.comOlympus Corp [TYO: 7733] [ADR: OCPNY] [GDR: OLYS] https://www.olympus-global.com Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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HMA conference to look at future of Hospital at Home model in Asia

Singapore, Sep 29, 2022 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - With limited hospital capacity and growing demand for care, Hospital at Home (HaH) programmes have gained traction over the world as an alternative care delivery model.Scaling up HaH is a complex affair though. Various stakeholders have to be involved and engaged - besides patients and clinicians, there are the caregivers, third-party payers and policymakers and solutions providers - to ensure tertiary hospital care can be delivered seamlessly into a patient's home, with the best outcomes and care experience.This is why Hospital Management Asia is organising the Hospital@Home Asia conference, with Singapore's MOH Office for Healthcare Transformation as knowledge partner. The one-day event on 25 November will delve into different aspects of hospital at home programmes with a particular focus on Singapore's MIC@Home (Mobile Inpatient Care at Home).Prof Dan Yock Young, Deputy Director Medical Services, Ministry of Health Singapore, will briefly share Singapore's rationale behind pursuing hospital at home, before handing over to Dr Michael Montalto, Director, Hospital in the Home, Epworth Hospital Australia, who is one of the pioneers and proponent of this care delivery model.This leads into the panel discussions and presentations across the day. Prof Dan and Dr Montalto will be joining the first panel discussion looking at whether Hospital at Home is the future of acute medicine.The subsequent discussion will delve into the challenges and opportunities in starting up MIC@Home programmes in Singapore, followed by another session focused on the ways of scaling up such programmes. The last panel will be centred on operationalising Hospital at Home models.Representatives from Singapore public hospitals, such as Dr Stephanie Ko (Consultant, Division of Advanced Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital System, NUHS@Home), Dr Ang Yan Hoon (Senior consultant and Programme Director, Aging-in-Place Medical Home, Yishun Health), and Dr Tan Woei Jen Michelle (Consultant and Head Department of Family Medicine & Continuing Care (FMCC), Singapore General Hospital), will be part of these panels. They will be joined by international speakers such as Jeanette Walters, Executive Director Integrated Care Systems at Wellbeing SA, Australia, which runs the My Home Hospital programme; and global solutions providers such as Philips.There will be three Technology Showcases interspersed between panel sessions, where healthtech companies, agencies and care providers will take the stage to introduce and feature their solutions and offerings. Dr Carolyn Lam, Founder & CEO, Us2.ai will be sharing their AI solution that can improve diagnostic workflows for heart failure. An exhibition space featuring solutions and technologies vital to enabling home healthcare will be set up at the event as well. Don't miss this chance to network and meet with key players in the home healthcare space in Asia, and to gain insights and perspectives from an esteemed panel of speakers driving this care model. Registration is now open - click on this link for more information on the agenda, speakers, and to register: www.hospitalmanagementasia.com/events/hospital-at-home/. Hospital@Home AsiaDate: 25 November 2022Venue: Amara Hotel (in-person event)Media ContactEu Yan Jun Hospital Management Asia Email: yanjun.eu@clarionevents.com Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Universal Medical Announces 2021 Annual Results: Business with Steady Promotion, Net Profit of Hospital Group Increased by 39.5%

HONG KONG, Mar 29, 2022 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Genertec Universal Medical Group Company Limited (the "Company" or "Universal Medical", and together with its subsidiaries, the "Group"; Stock Code: 2666.HK) is pleased to announce annual results for the year ended 31 December 2021.FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS-- For the year ended 31 December 2021, the revenue amounted to approximately RMB9,914.3 million, representing an increase of 16.3% as compared with that of approximately RMB8,521.2 million for 2020. -- For the year ended 31 December 2021, the profit before tax amounted to approximately RMB2,691.8 million, representing an increase of 13.8% as compared with that of approximately RMB2,365.0 million for 2020. -- For the year ended 31 December 2021, the profit for the year attributable to owners of the parent amounted to approximately RMB1,835.2 million, representing an increase of 11.4% as compared with that of approximately RMB1,647.5 million for 2020.-- As at 31 December 2021, the total assets amounted to approximately RMB69,899.8 million, representing an increase of 13.6% as compared with that of approximately RMB61,511.0 million as at 31 December 2020. -- As at 31 December 2021, the equity attributable to owners of the parent amounted to approximately RMB13,104.0 million, representing an increase of 21.7% as compared with that of approximately RMB10,770.5 million as at 31 December 2020. -- For the year ended 31 December 2021, the return on equity was 15.37%, and the return on total assets was 3.09%.2021 was the opening year of the "14th Five-Year Plan". The Group fulfilled the responsibilities as a central enterprise, adhered to serving the "Healthy China" strategy, and firmly moved forward in the field of medical and healthcare. In 2021, the Group steadily promoted business and improved overall operating performance with a revenue of RMB9,914.3 million, representing an increase of 16.3% as compared to the previous year; net profit of RMB2,030.5 million, representing an increase of 11.9% as compared to the previous year; net profit attributable to owners of the parent of RMB1,835.2 million, representing an increase of 11.4% as compared to the previous year; return on total assets (ROA) of 3.09%, and return on equity attributable to ordinary shareholders (ROE) of 15.37%.Hospital Group Improved Quality and Efficiency, with Net Profit Increasing by 39.5%.In 2021, the Group continued to consolidate the accounts of medical institutions into its own hospital group, and in the context of normalized pandemic prevention and control, the Group orderly advanced the post-investment management of medical institutions, and continuously enhanced the three core capabilities of "discipline", "operation" and "service", to build the overall advantages of the hospital group in terms of safety, effectiveness, accessibility, and humanities as a way to achieve steady progress in operating efficiency. As of 31 December 2021, the number of consolidated medical institutions increased to 45 (including 3 Grade III Class A hospitals and 20 Grade II hospitals), with a total of 10,376 beds. The hospital group launched a total of 372 construction projects, including 10 new outpatient and inpatient multifunction building projects, with a planned number of new beds exceeding 4,000 in total. In 2021, the hospital group contributed a revenue of RMB4,608.4 million to the Company, representing an increase of 27.2% as compared to the previous year, and its proportion in the total revenue from the business of the Group increased from 42.5% in 2020 to 46.5%. Without taking into account the hospital investment platform, the hospital group achieved a total gross profit of RMB585.0 million, representing an increase of 53.9% as compared to the previous year, a total net profit of RMB214.3 million, representing an increase of 39.5% as compared to the previous year, a gross profit margin from operations of 12.7% and a net profit margin of 4.65%.From the perspective of operation, in the post-pandemic era, the number of beds and the overall operation of its medical institutions have shown a recovery growth. Meanwhile, with the implementation of group management and control of hospitals, the core capabilities of disciplines, operations and services have been gradually improved to lay the groundwork for sustainable growth trends in the healthcare business. Income per bed steadily increased from approximately RMB380,000 in 2019 to approximately RMB420,000 in 2021, and the efficiency of bed use was further improved; the volume of outpatient and emergency businesses increased significantly, overall outpatient and emergency visits in 2021 increased by 945,800 as compared to that of 2019, with a growth rate of 19.9%, which exceeded the market average rate; the structure of hospital expenses was optimized, and the average inpatient expenses of Grade II hospitals increased organically, with an increase of 10% as compared to that of 2019.The Expansion of the Industrial Chain Achieved Initial Results, and the Advantages of Large-scale Development was Gradually EstablishedFocusing on the core resources of the hospital group, the Group consolidated the business foundation in various fields such as Internet-based healthcare, equipment maintenance, and medical testing over the past year. While efficiently serving the Group's internal hospitals, the Group actively expanded external customers and gradually established advantages from scalable development. For instance, in terms of Internet-based healthcare, the Internet-based healthcare platform "Universal Healthcare" became a unified Internet portal for the healthcare group, the core carrier of the healthcare industry chain business, and provided support and assistance for the digital management of specialties. As of 31 December 2021, "Universal Healthcare" was officially launched for 34 internal and external medical institutions with more than 3,000 online doctors and 750,000 registered users, and served more than 2 million people. It has developed an online + offline service model, and realized a one-stop medical treatment for patients covering the whole process; in terms of equipment maintenance, the Group actively promoted an advanced business model of "managing medical equipment for a full life cycle" to provide hospitals with standardized maintenance service and comprehensive equipment operation and management services. As of 31 December 2021, the Group maintenance business recorded an annual revenue of RMB36.96 million, representing an increase of 194.8% as compared to 2020; in terms of medical testing, relying on clinicians and medical teams from subordinate medical institutions, the Group has carried out medical testing business to provide more accurate and professional testing services to local medical institutions nearby. Among them, the testing center of Xi'an XD Group Hospital recorded an annual revenue of RMB89.96 million, representing an increase of 48.3% as compared to 2020.Financial Business Developed Steadily, with an Increase of 15.6% in Gross Profit of Interest MarginWith years of experience in the industry, the Group has built efficient market capabilities, flexible financing capabilities, and professional risk control capabilities to provide customers in public hospitals, public utilities and other fields with comprehensive financial solutions centered on financial leasing, as well as industry, equipment and financing consulting, department upgrade and other services, which has fully guaranteed the continuous profitability of the Group as the hospital group grows. In 2021, as the regulatory system for the financial business of central enterprises was further improved, we further enhanced operation and management capabilities on the basis of sound risk prevention and mitigation to steadily advance financial business. The Group recorded interest income of finance services of RMB4,469.0 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 8.3%, and the gross profit of interest margin of RMB2,640.6 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 15.6%. The net interest spread was 3.56%, and the net interest margin was 4.05%. All of the aforesaid business indicators remained at a leading position in the industry.While its financial business continues to expand steadily, the asset quality remains at an industry-leading level. As of 31 December 2021, its net interest-earning assets reached RMB61,127.6 million, representing an increase of 11.9% from the beginning of the year; the non-performing asset ratio was 0.98%, representing a decrease of 0.02 percentage point from the end of 2020; the overdue ratio (30 days) was 0.76%, representing a decrease of 0.18 percentage point from the end of 2020; and the provision coverage ratio was 238.29%, representing an increase of 32.77 percentage points from the end of 2020.Prospect for the FutureIn next year, following the overall deployment of the "14th Five-Year Plan", the Group will continue to actively carry out the mission of safeguarding life and health with quality medical care, give full play to the advantages of group-based management and control to comprehensively improve the lean management, and build a digital hospital management group. The Group will build core capabilities in pursuing integrated development of featured specialties such as oncology and nephrology, and extend industrial chain services around the core resources of the hospital group to make breakthroughs in the high-quality development of the entire group, and create greater returns for all Shareholders!About Genertec Universal Medical Group Company Limited (2666.HK)Genertec Universal Medical Group Co., Ltd ("Universal Medical") is a publicly listed state-owned enterprise committed to China's healthcare industry. China General Technology (Group) Holding Co Ltd., one of the backbone SOEs directly supervised by the central government is the controlling shareholder of the Company. Universal Medical focuses on the fast-developing healthcare industry in China, with medical services as the core and financial business as the foundation. The Company harvests modern management concepts, professionals, quality medical resources with solid financial strength, and an inclusive corporate culture. Altogether strives to build a reliable healthcare conglomerate and develop a healthcare ecosystem that all can mutually share and benefit. The Company owns 62 medical institutions, distributed in 14 provinces and municipalities such as Shaanxi, Shanxi, Sichuan, Liaoning, Anhui, Hebei, Beijing, and Shanghai, including 5 Grade III Class A hospitals and 30 Grade II hospitals, with a total of more than 16,000 beds. In the future, Universal Medical will continue to grasp opportunities posed by China's healthcare sector, actively respond to the "Health China" program and make contributions to China's public health industry. www.universalmsm.com.This press release is released by PEANUT MEDIA LIMITED on behalf of Genertec Universal Medical Group Company Limited.For further information, please contact:PEANUT MEDIA LIMITEDLu Jing / Jing GaoDirect Line: +0755-61619798+8210Email: hswh@czgmcn.com Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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CT Event Asia to host 2nd Annual Future Hospital Strategy and Development Forum 2022

KUALA LUMPUR, Mar 8, 2022 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - This year, CT Event Asia is all set to bring you the 2nd Annual Future Hospital Strategy and Development Forum 2022, themed "The Future Awakens, a Revolution in Healthcare Ecosystems". Happening at the Intercontinental Hotel on 29th March - 30th March 2022, this forum will delve into the National Covid-19 Recovery Roadmap to better understand its goal and expected outcomes.The 2nd Annual Future Hospital Strategy & Development Forum 2022 is an exclusive and innovative platform bringing together leading hospital professionals to explore the region's development potential and long-term sustainability strategies. Attracting 500+ senior representatives from across the healthcare ecosystem and 60+ outstanding speakers, the forum will explore various pillars of Transforming, Improving and Fostering Healthcare Leadership in Covid-19; The Significance & Longevity of Front-Liners during a World-Wide Pandemic; The Use of Digital Technologies, Innovation and Hospital Design in the Construction of The Smart Hospital of the Future; Nation's Strategy to Ensure Safe Cohabitation with Covid-19 and Foresights of Malaysian Healthcare Movement and Moving Beyond Covid-19. Here is our speaker list, www.futurehospitalforums.com/speaker.html!Together with Sponsors from KPJ Healthcare, Siemens Healthineers, Anzer IT Healthcare Asia, True Clinical Research Services, Shahnaz Healthcare Interiors, ProtectHealth, Global MediCALL Assistance, we are determined to venture into the future of healthcare. Hand in hand with our partners, Malaysia Medical Association, Malaysian Nurse Association, Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council, Malaysian Society for Quality in Health, theHealth, InfoMed and ACNNewswire, CT Event Asia is all set to navigate through future hospitals framework, devising innovative solutions to mitigate the nation's effect from Covid-19. Here's our list of Sponsors and Partners, www.futurehospitalforums.com/sponsor--partners.html. The 2nd Annual Future Hospital Strategy & Development Forum 2022 website has full details about the program. Interested parties can visit the website (www.futurehospitalforums.com) or request for the event brochure, www.futurehospitalforums.com/contact-us.html.To get in touch with our team for enquires relating to this event, feel free to reach out to:CamaraPartnership DirectorCT Event Asia+60 16 283 2660 | +03 2710 7756camara@cteventasia.com Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Football: Sergio Aguero taken to hospital after breathing problems

MADRID (AFP) - Sergio Aguero was taken to hospital after suffering from breathing problems during Barcelona's 1-1 draw with Alaves on Saturday (Oct 30). Aguero, 33, was forced off in the 41st minute at Camp Nou after he went down clutching his chest. It was not clear what caused the problem. He received treatment on the ground for several minutes and a stretcher was brought out, although the Argentinian was able to walk off the pitch. "Aguero reported chest discomfort and has been admitted to the hospital for a cardiac exam," Barcelona confirmed in a statement after the match. Barca's interim manager Sergi Barjuan said: "I asked him and he told me he was dizzy. I was told he went to hospital. I don't know anything else." Memphis Depay opened the scoring for Barcelona in the 49th minute but Alaves equalised in the 52nd after Luis Rioja dribbled through. Barca stay ninth in La Liga. More on this topic   Related Story Football: Barca held by Alaves in first game after Koeman dismissal   Related Story Football: Xavi leads candidates to replace sacked Koeman at Barcelona

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Fujitsu and University of Tokyo Hospital Embark on Joint Research into AI to Aid the Fight Against Heart Disease

TOKYO, Oct 11, 2021 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Fujitsu Limited today announced that it has started joint clinical research with the University of Tokyo Hospital to verify the effectiveness of artificial intelligence technology to estimate abnormal heart movements based on electrocardiogram(1) data. The research is planned to commence at the University of Tokyo Hospital from October 25.Flow of the Clinical ResearchSince December 2019, Fujitsu has been making progress with research and development of proprietary AI technology(2) in collaboration with the University of Tokyo Hospital. This research draws on data from patients that have visited the University of Tokyo Hospital to date and includes approximately 630,000 pieces of electrocardiographic data and data from approximately 140,000 cardiac ultrasounds (echocardiography)(3). This initiative has now succeeded in detecting patients with abnormal heart movements with high accuracy.The AI will be used in clinical field research to estimate the presence or absence of abnormal heart movements based on the data of patients undergoing electrocardiographic procedures at the University of Tokyo Hospital. Patients identified by the AI as having abnormal heart movements will undergo echocardiography, and the effectiveness will be verified by comparing the results of doctors' diagnosis with the results predicted by the AI. Fujitsu will leverage this AI to detect heart disease at an early stage to prevent progression to serious illness in patients and strengthen its vision of "Healthy Living", promoting well-being for people throughout society.This initiative will be introduced at Fujitsu ActivateNow 2021, a global event to be held from October 12 in online format.BackgroundHeart disease is the second leading cause of death in Japan (4), and electrocardiography, which detects abnormalities in the heart muscle and irregular pulses based on the waveform of electrical pulses in the heart, is widely used as a diagnostic tool to detect heart disease at an early stage. It remains difficult, however, to detect abnormalities in the shape and movement of the heart using only electrocardiograms. In medical practice, in addition to electrocardiography, doctors use a stethoscope to detect abnormal heart sounds (murmurs, arrythmia, etc.) based on the patient's description of their symptoms, followed by echocardiography to detect abnormalities in heart shape and movement. However, because echocardiographic diagnostics can only be performed in a limited number of facilities with specialized doctors and laboratory technicians, it is difficult to offer this for all patients. This makes early detection difficult, and when problems are detected, the progression of the disease may already be advanced. In the treatment of heart disease, early detection and appropriate treatment are a vital issue in medical practice.Since December 2019, in collaboration with a research group headed by Dr. Katsuhito Fujiu, Project Associate Professor, and Dr. Issei Komuro, Professor in the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Tokyo Hospital, Fujitsu has been engaged in research and development utilizing AI to detect heart disease from electrocardiogram data, leveraging Fujitsu's proprietary waveform analysis technology, TDA (topological data analysis) (5). Going forward, Fujitsu will work to verify the effectiveness of AI in actual medical practice to estimate the presence or absence of abnormalities in cardiac function from electrocardiogram data, and will start clinical research at the University of Tokyo Hospital.Clinical Research OverviewBased on the electrocardiogram data of patients examined at the University of Tokyo Hospital, Fujitsu and the University of Tokyo Hospital will verify the effectiveness of detection of abnormal heart movement by AI.1. DurationFrom October 25, 2021 (Monday) to March 31, 2022 (Thursday) (Planned)2. LocationDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, the University of Tokyo Hospital3. Clinical Research Activity: testing artificial intelligence to estimate abnormal heart movementsFujitsu will install a server equipped with AI to detect abnormalities in heart movement at the University of Tokyo Hospital and connect it to a server that stores electrocardiogram data, analyze the patient's electrocardiogram, and estimate the presence or absence of abnormal heart movements. Echocardiography is performed on patients the AI predicts to have abnormal heart movements, and doctors determine whether heart disease is present.4. Division of rolesFujitsu: Install and operate AI-powered servers The University of Tokyo Hospital: Input of the patient's electrocardiogram data into the AI, echocardiography if the AI suspects an abnormality, and testing the effectiveness of the AI based on the results.Future PlansBased on the results of this clinical research, Fujitsu will promote research and development of solutions that can detect abnormalities in heart motion at an early stage and contribute to the prevention of progression to serious heart disease in patients. Through its joint research with the University of Tokyo Hospital, Fujitsu will continue to actively promote research and development of AI to detect various heart diseases. Ultimately, by working to leverage the results of these efforts to contribute to the resolution of medical problems confronting society, Fujitsu will help deliver greater trust and well-being to society, and drive the development of technologies and services that promote its vision of "Healthy Living".(1) Electrocardiogram:A record of changes in the electrical potential of the heart.(2) Research and development on their unique AI:Conducted in accordance with the University of Tokyo Hospital Code of Ethics.(3) Echocardiography:An ultrasound scan of the chest that analyzes and images the reflected waves to check the heart's mechanical functions, including movement and shape.(4) The second leading cause of death in Japan:From the report of "Summary of Vital Statistics" (the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare).(5) TDA (Topological Data Analysis):A data analysis method that treats data as a set of points arranged in a space and extracts geometric information of the set.Fujitsu's Commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations in 2015 represent a set of common goals to be achieved worldwide by 2030. Fujitsu's purpose -- "to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation"--is a promise to contribute to the vision of a better future empowered by the SDGs.About FujitsuFujitsu is the leading Japanese information and communication technology (ICT) company offering a full range of technology products, solutions and services. Approximately 126,000 Fujitsu people support customers in more than 100 countries. We use our experience and the power of ICT to shape the future of society with our customers. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.6 trillion yen (US$34 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021. For more information, please see www.fujitsu.com. Copyright 2021 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Football: Brazilian legend Pele leaves hospital, undergoing chemotherapy

SAO PAULO (REUTERS) - Brazilian soccer legend Pele left a Sao Paulo hospital after several weeks on Thursday (Sept 30), and a hospital bulletin said he would undergo chemotherapy following the removal of a colon tumour. Pele had been hospitalised for nearly a month, checking in for routine exams before undergoing a Sept 4 operation to remove the tumour. He was in and out of the Albert Einstein Hospital's intensive care unit in the days after surgery, with social media posts from his family assuring fans he was recovering well. The hospital said in a Thursday bulletin that he was stable and cleared in the morning to leave the hospital, but would "continue with chemotherapy." Pele left the hospital early in the evening, according to a person familiar with the matter. The Santos, Brazil and New York Cosmos player will turn 81 on Oct 23. Pele is the only man to win three World Cups as a player. On Wednesday, his daughter Kely said that he was expected to be discharged. "Now that he's stronger and leaving the hospital to continue recovering and treating himself at home, I'm going back home," Pele's US-based daughter said on social media. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kely Nascimento (@iamkelynascimento) More on this topic   Related Story Pele playing cards, smiling after surgery: Daughter   Related Story Football: Pele in ‘stable’ condition after respiratory problems, hospital says

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4-week suspension of hospital visits begins, visitors welcome stepped-up Covid-19 measures

SINGAPORE - At the start of a four-week suspension of hospital visits on Friday (Sept 24), only a few visitors were seen trickling in to Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) in the morning. They were among a small minority of people allowed to visit their loved ones. During this suspension from Friday to Oct 23, visitors are allowed only for patients such as those who are critically ill and for women who have just given birth, on a case-by-case basis. They will have to produce a valid antigen rapid test (ART) or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result, obtained within 24 hours of each visit. This restriction comes amid a rise in Covid-19 cases and with more cases being detected among hospital staff, patients and visitors. On Thursday, Singapore recorded 1,504 new Covid-19 cases, the highest since the pandemic began last year. Changi General Hospital was one of the large clusters, with 58 cases among its staff as at Sept 8.  When The Straits Times visited TTSH, signs had been placed at the ward registration area of the hospital, reminding the public that no visitors are allowed. A designated area for antigen rapid testing had been set up, with about 30 cubicles. It is not known whether the set-up is for patients or visitors. A few people were seen registering at the visitor service counters - including those whose loved ones had died at the hospital or are on the dangerously ill list. One of the first visitors to arrive at the hospital at 8am was Ms Iris Lim, 48. She was allowed to visit her father who has been warded in the intensive care unit (ICU) for lupus and bleeding. She told ST that she had taken an ART at a general practitioner clinic in Yishun on Thursday evening prior to her hospital visit. Patients in critical condition are allowed up to five visitors, with a maximum of two visitors at the patient's bedside at any one time. An empty ward visitor registration area in Tan Tock Seng Hospital on Sept 24, 2021. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI Ms Lim, who works in sales, said: "If I had a choice, I wouldn't want to come to a hospital during this period. Why put ourselves at risk? But my father is in the ICU." She and her siblings will be taking turns to visit him over the next few days. By 11.30am, tables at the visitor service counters were filled with food items that caregivers had left for patients that they could not visit. The hospital has urged the public not to deliver or drop off items for patients unless they are essential. Another visitor, Ms Lee Peck Hong, 50, was at the hospital to accompany her father for his routine check-up. Her mother-in-law, 88, has been warded in TTSH, but she and her family would not be able to visit her. Ms Lee, who runs her own business, said: "I think it is for everyone's good. If anyone carrying the Covid-19 virus goes up to the wards, it would be very dangerous for the elderly who already have health conditions." Antigen Rapid Test booths near the entrance of Tan Tock Seng Hospital, on Sept 24, 2021. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI To keep in touch, Ms Lee's family has been talking to her mother-in-law via WhatsApp video call, with the help of nurses. In a Facebook post on Thursday, TTSH said: "With visits to our wards suspended during this time, there are other ways to connect with your loved ones. Go digital - call, text or Facetime them. We will do our best to support you." The hospital added that it can help visitors convey personal messages to their loved ones by printing out these messages and delivering them. More on this topic   Related Story TTSH extends emergency department to cope with surge in Covid-19 cases   Related Story Ang Mo Kio community hospital bans visitors for a month from Sept 22 amid rising Covid-19 cases   Related Stories:  Related Story Testing positive for Covid-19: Where do you seek help and what kind of treatment do you need? Related Story Chinese city Harbin orders spas, mahjong salons to shut after Covid-19 case confirmed Related Story Thailand okays injecting Covid-19 vaccine under skin instead of in muscle to stretch supplies Related Story Bats in Laos caves found to carry coronaviruses that share key feature with Sars-CoV-2 Related Story Thousands of Covid-like infections show risk of next pandemic: Study Related Story Governments face tough call on risky reopenings as Covid-19 persists Related Story Let us buy Covid-19 vaccines, pleads Africa Related Story When Covid-19 stole their sense of smell, these experts lost their careers Related Story Britain and neighbours set out paths for coping with Covid-19 Related Story 'My saviour': Hanoi's tiny balconies a refuge in Covid-19 lockdown

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Hospitals under pressure, so younger vaccinated Covid-19 patients should recover at home: Ong

SINGAPORE - While the overall intensive care unit (ICU) capacity is holding up, the Singapore healthcare system's Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments, as well as general wards, are "coming under pressure", Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said on Saturday (Sept 19). "Our hospitals and healthcare workers cannot be over burdened. At this point, this is MOH's biggest challenge and we are doing our best to solve this," Mr Ong said in a Facebook post, adding that this is why younger, fully vaccinated people are being encouraged to recover at home. His comments come a day after the Health Ministry (MOH) said some public hospitals here have been experiencing a surge in patients who have rushed to their A&E departments with mild respiratory infection symptoms. Although MOH did not specify which hospitals it was referring to, public hospitals had put up announcements last week alluding to the situation. On Sept 14, Singapore General Hospital put up a Facebook post saying it was seeing a high number of patients at its Emergency Department, and said priority would be given to the critically ill. "If your condition is not critical, please seek medical attention at a general practitioner (GP) or polyclinic," said the hospital. The National University Hospital put up a similar post on Sept 17. Later that night, MOH urged those who have mild symptoms to avoid seeking treatment at the hospitals and consult a GP at a Swab and Send Home clinic instead. "This allows those with more severe illnesses and who are in need of urgent care to be attended to quickly and helps to preserve hospital capacity for those who truly need hospital care," said MOH. Mr Ong and the multi-ministry task force, which he chairs, have repeatedly said that a key measure of Singapore's fight against the coronavirus is whether its hospital system can cope with the number of cases. In his post on Sunday, Mr Ong also highlighted data from MOH which showed that the chance of someone infected with Covid-19 coming down with severe illness, depends heavily on age and vaccination status. For instance, from May 1 to Sept 16 this year, no one fully vaccinated and under the age of 70 had been admitted to ICU or died from Covid-19. The data also showed that 0.38 per cent of fully vaccinated patients in their 70s had either been admitted to the ICU or died from the disease. This was a lower rate than for unvaccinated patients in their 30s, of whom 0.84 per cent had been admitted to the ICU or died from the disease. Mr Ong also noted that over 98 per cent of those infected from May 1 to Sept 16 this year had either no or mild symptoms, and tended to remain that way until recovery. "That is why we are encouraging younger, fully vaccinated people to recover from home, and admit patients to community care facilities instead of hospitals, and also setting up more community care facilities, which will be ready this coming week," he wrote. "This is so that hospital beds (and) A&E services go to those who need it most."

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Football: Brazil’s Pele conscious, recovering satisfactorily after operation

RIO DE JANEIRO (REUTERS) - Former Brazilian soccer great Pele remains in an intensive care unit and is recovering satisfactorily almost a week after surgery to remove a tumour from his colon, his doctors said on Friday (Sept 10). Pele "is conscious, conversing actively and is maintaining normal vital signs," a statement from the Alberto Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo said. In a separate social media post, the 80-year-old three times World Cup winner said he was feeling better and joked he still had hopes of playing again. "My friends, with each passing day I feel a little better," he said on Instagram. "I'm looking forward to playing again, but I'm still going to recover for a few more days. "While I'm here, I take the opportunity to talk a lot with my family and to rest." Pele's doctors discovered the tumour last week during his annual medical and he was operated on last Saturday. It was not clear if the tumour was cancerous. The former Santos and New York Cosmos player was famous for rarely getting injured, but he has suffered from hip problems for years and cannot walk unaided. His public appearances were already being cut before the Covid-19 pandemic and since then he has made few unnecessary forays outside his house near Santos. His son last year said his famous father was depressed, something the star quickly denied. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pelé (@pele) More on this topic   Related Story Football: Pele in hospital for six days but no cause for concern, his manager says   Related Story Football legend Pele congratulates hat-trick hero Cristiano Ronaldo for 'breaking my record'

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EC Healthcare Acquires Veterinary Hospital Chain

HONG KONG, Aug 16, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - EC Healthcare (the "Company", which together with its subsidiaries is referred to as the "Group", SEHK stock code: 2138), the largest non-hospital medical group in Hong Kong*, is pleased to announce that the Group enters into a sales and purchase agreement to acquire the entire issued share capital of a veterinary hospital chain (the "Target Companies") and the total consideration will be paid in cash. The Target Companies are principally engaged in provision of veterinary services in Hong Kong and operate five veterinary hospitals with 16 registered veterinary surgeons. According to the unaudited financial information for the year ended 31 March 2021, the profit after tax of the Target Companies amounted to approximately HK$8.3 million.Pursuant to the agreement, the acquisition will be conducted in two tranches. The consideration for the first tranche of the equity interests, namely 51% of the issued share capital, in the veterinary hospital chain is HK$26.2 million. In the final tranche of the acquisition, EC Healthcare will acquire the remaining issued share capital of the veterinary hospital chain. The amount of the consideration depends on the level of net profit after tax to be achieved by the veterinary hospital chain and is subject to the terms and conditions of the agreement.Mr. Levin Lee, Executive Director and Chief Finance Officer of EC Healthcare said, "The Group is delighted to further acquire veterinary hospital chain post the acquisition in mid-June this year. After completion of the two acquisitions, the Group will own 7 veterinary hospitals, 2 advanced veterinary imaging centers with 30 registered veterinary surgeons. In view of the pain points similar as the traditional medical industry such as lack of information transparency, lack of systematic business management, lost tracking record of the customer data. EC Healthcare target to apply the experience from the past successful medical asset consolidation to the pet medical market to improve the industry. The Group will increase the value of the pet medical asset and accelerate the process of corporatization through comprehensive digital technology system, mature brand management experience and professional services."EC Healthcare is always committed to building up an enclosed ecosystem focusing on satisfaction of the Group's clients. The Group the Target Companies can expand the scope of the Group's services, diversify the Group's business portfolio, create synergies between different business sectors, become the new income source and enhance the loyalty of the Group's client.About EC Healthcare EC Healthcare is Hong Kong's largest non-hospital medical service provider*, leveraging its core businesses of preventive and precision medicine, and committed to developing medical artificial intelligence by integrating its multi-disciplinary medical services. The move, which is supported by the Group's high-end branding and quality customer services, is aimed at offering customers safe and effective healthcare and medical services with professionalism.The Group principally engages in the provision of one-stop medical and health care services in Greater China. The Group provides a full range of services and products under its well-known brands, including those of its one-stop aesthetic medical solutions provider DR REBORN which has ranked first in Hong Kong by sales for years, primary care clinics jointly established with Tencent Doctorwork, chiropractic services centre SPINE Central, New York Spine and Physiotherapy Center NYMG, health management centre re:HEALTH, a vaccine centre Hong Kong Professional Vaccine HKPV, a comprehensive dental centre UMH DENTAL CARE, a diagnostic and imaging centre HKAI, an oncology treatment centre reVIVE, a day procedure centre HKMED, a specialty clinic SPECIALISTS CENTRAL and NEW MEDICAL CENTER, obstetrics and gynaecology specialist ZENITH MEDICAL CENTER AND PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS CENTRE, specialists central, a paediatric center PRIME CARE, cardiology center HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL CARDIOLOGY CENTER, PathLab Medical Laboratories and a professional hair care center HAIR FOREST.*According to an independent research conducted by Frost and Sullivan in terms of revenue in 2019 and 2020For further information, please contact: iPR Ogilvy Limited Callis Lau / Lorraine Luk / Ada Chew Tel: (852) 2136 6952 / 2169 0467 / 3920 7650 Fax: (852) 3170 6606 Email: ech@iprogilvy.com Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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5 taken to hospital, 120 evacuated after fire in North Bridge Road HDB block

SINGAPORE - Five people were taken to hospital after a fire in North Bridge Road on Saturday (June 12) night. A Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) spokesman said it was alerted to the blaze at Block 8 at about 10.15pm. The fire involved contents of a seventh-floor unit in the Housing Board block, and was extinguished using a water jet. About 120 people were evacuated from the sixth to 10th floors of the block by the police. Four persons were taken to Singapore General Hospital (SGH) while one was sent to Tan Tock Seng Hospital. The spokesman said people who suffer smoke inhalation or serious burn injuries will be taken to the Burn Centre at SGH.  "However, if their condition is too unstable, they will be conveyed to the nearest Ministry of Health-designated hospital," he added. The cause of the fire is under investigation. More on this topic   Related Story Neighbour saves unconscious man from fire in Bukit Batok flat   Related Story Young delivery rider who died in PMD lift fire in Woodlands was kind and helpful

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TTSH strengthens defences in reopening after Covid-19 cluster, says it can never eliminate all risks

SINGAPORE - As Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) progressively reopens for admissions on Tuesday (May 18), it said it has strengthened defences but acknowledged it will never be able to eliminate all risks. "The risks to our front-line healthcare workers continue to be real and present," said the hospital in a Facebook post on Tuesday morning. "Even with aggressive testing and monitoring, we can reduce but never eliminate all risks." Following a surge in Covid-19 community cases at TTSH, the hospital said it has worked with the Ministry of Health to contain the cluster - which has 46 cases as at Monday - to protect patients and staff in the pandemic. The hospital added that it will ramp up support for ongoing community transmission. On Monday, TTSH announced the move to resume admissions two weeks after it stopped admitting patients due to the Covid-19 cluster. "The last case of exposure in our wards was more than two weeks ago," the hospital said that day. Since then, the cases reported were already under active surveillance in isolation at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases or in quarantine. TTSH has completed six rounds of testing for all inpatients and two rounds for all 12,000 staff on campus. “We are not fully out of the woods just yet but we are turning the corner,” the hospital said  on Tuesday. At TTSH on Tuesday morning, nurses were seen wearing full personal protective equipment and N95 masks. When The Straits Times visited the accident and emergency unit, there were about five people in the waiting area outside. No queues were seen at the patient registration kiosks. For the next two weeks, the hospital will allow one pre-registered visitor per patient, with a limit of one visit per day of up to 30 minutes.  Visitors to critically ill patients and those seeking medical treatment in the emergency department are also allowed. Ms Lim Hwee San, who is in her 40s, was at the hospital on Tuesday morning to accompany her mother who had broken her wrist after a fall. When asked whether she was concerned about the TTSH cluster, Ms Lim said: “Both my mum and I are fully vaccinated and we don’t see the cluster growing a lot in recent days. I presume the hospital must have conducted adequate checks before opening.” Another visitor who wanted to be known only as Madam Tan, 50, was waiting to receive updates on her mother, who was admitted on Tuesday morning after a stroke.  “Tan Tock Seng Hospital is the nearest one for us, and I know Singapore is very safe,” said Madam Tan, who runs a machine production business with her husband. More on this topic   Related Story Tan Tock Seng Hospital to resume admissions from May 18   Related Story TTSH healthcare workers refused by cab drivers, turned away by some hotels   Related Stories:  Related Story S'pore schools to start full home-based learning from May 19 amid Covid-19 spike Related Story S'pore tightens Covid-19 measures: 10 questions on the new rules answered Related Story Malaysia's MCO 3.0: How a third Covid-19 lockdown has impacted daily life Related Story India hopes Covid-19 cases stabilising even as daily deaths stay near 4,000 Related Story Taiwan tightens curbs after record 180 local Covid-19 cases Related Story Hong Kong residents revolt against Covid-19 quarantine camp Related Story World could have prevented Covid-19 catastrophe: Expert panel Related Story 'Vaccine tourists' fly from abroad for Covid-19 injections on US beach Related Story Millions of unused Covid-19 vaccine shots piling up in Japan amid slow roll-out Related Story The world turns to China for Covid-19 vaccines after India, US stumble

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Universal Medical Announced its 2020 Annual Results

HONG KONG, Mar 31, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - The board (the "Board") of directors (the "Directors") of Genertec Universal Medical Group Company Limited (the "Company" or "Universal Medical") is pleased to announce the annual results of the Company and its subsidiaries (together, the "Group") for the year ended 31 December 2020.2020 ANNUAL RESULTS HIGHLIGHTS-- The revenue amounted to approximately RMB8,521.2 million, representing an increase of 25.0% as compared with that of approximately RMB6,815.6 million for 2019.-- The profit before tax amounted to approximately RMB2,365.0 million, representing an increase of 6.9% as compared with that of approximately RMB2,211.9 million for 2019. -- The profit for the year attributable to owners shareholders of the parent amounted to approximately RMB1,647.5 million, representing an increase of 10.7% as compared with that of approximately RMB1,488.7 million for 2019. -- The total assets amounted to approximately RMB61,511.0 million, representing an increase of 6.3% as compared with that of approximately RMB57,852.5 million as at 31 December 2019.-- The equity attributable to owners of the parent amounted to approximately RMB10,770.5 million, representing an increase of 13.5% as compared with that of approximately RMB9,489.3 million as at 31 December 2019. -- The return on equity was 16.26% and the return on total assets was 3.04%.In 2020, while leading its medical institutions in various regions to actively and effectively devote to epidemic prevention and control, Universal Medical continued to firmly promote its development in the medical and healthcare sector, achieving growth in the annual operating results against headwinds. In 2020, the Company recorded a revenue of RMB8,521.2 million, representing an increase of 25.0% as compared to the previous year. Profit for the year was RMB1,813.9 million, representing an increase of 11.0% as compared to the previous year. Profit for the year attributable to owners of the parent was RMB1,647.5 million, representing an increase of 10.7% as compared to the previous year.Hospital group continued to expand, with increased proportion of medical revenueHospital group is the essential resources of building a healthcare conglomerate. In 2020, Universal Medical continued to actively participate in the integration and takeover of medical institutions of SOEs, and build up a tightly-knit medical networks surrounding key regions and cities. As of 31 December 2020, the Company had entered into contracts in relation to takeover of 54 medical institutions (including 5 Grade III Class A hospitals and 27 Grade II hospitals) with actual capacity of over 15,000 beds in total. As of 31 December 2020, the Company had consolidated 38 medical institutions (including 3 Grade III Class A hospitals and 16 Grade II hospitals), with actual capacity of 9,699 beds.In 2020, Universal Medical's income from hospital group business was RMB3,623.0 million, representing an increase of 77.0% over the previous year (mainly due to the revenue brought by newly consolidated medical institutions in 2020), which accounted for more than 42% of the total revenue of the Company. In the future, with the further business expansion and the improvement of core capabilities of the hospital group, it is expected that the proportion of the income from hospital group business would continue to increase.Discipline construction was strengthened and technical strength was enhancedIn 2020, the Company adopted an overall approach of promoting core disciplines, characteristic disciplines and consumer disciplines by categories and with multiple measures. In terms of core disciplines, the Group clarifies that the development of a core discipline cluster should be prioritized including cardiovascular, orthopedics, obstetrics & gynecology, and neurology and neurosurgery, as a way to strive for building a technological highland with core clinical technology and the ability to cure intractable diseases. At the same time, in order to fully enhance development incentive of the core discipline centers within the Group, a complete internal training and cultivation system has been established. In terms of specialties, the Group identified the development of four specialties, namely digestive medicine, nephropathy, oncology, and rehabilitation medicine, and comprehensively establish a characteristic specialty operating system. In this way, the Group further integrated the advantageous resources of the hospital group's specialties, and laid a solid foundation for the promotion of the vertical management of the Group. In terms of consumptive healthcare service, pilot construction was completed in the stomatological hospital under Ansteel General Hospital, and a management mode for operating specialties that could be replicated and promoted has also been established. Meanwhile, a series of initial work such as the standardization of the physical examination center was completed to further cultivate new growth points of the hospital group.Digital construction was enhanced to promote informatization upgradeIn the past year, the Company comprehensively implemented digital strategies. On the one hand, we consolidated the foundation for the information construction of the Group and hospitals, and fully launched the layout of data middle platform. On the other hand, we further enriched the connotation of the Internetbased health platform to fully support the digital development of the industry sector. At present, the upgrading and transformation of hospitals' core systems have been fully launched, and a data middle platform with independent intellectual property rights and advanced architecture has also been built. Five member medical institutions were officially approved to carry out Internet-based hospital business. Internet-based health platform has accumulated 17 internal hospitals and one external hospital, and played an important role in the anti-epidemic process. Among them, Hainan Genertec Universal Internet Hospital has become the Group's unified Internet-based medical entrance and the core carrier of medical industry resource integration.Advantages of group management were leveraged to improve hospital operation efficiencyIn 2020, relying on the scale of the existing hospital group, the Company made efforts to improve the overall efficiency of the hospital group through standardized and efficient group management in various aspects such as operation and management, and centralized procurement and supply. For example, in terms of medical quality management, we completed the establishment of standardized quality management systems and the revision of medical core systems to keep in line with quality management systems of advanced hospitals at home and abroad, improved the medical quality monitoring system and early warning mechanism to advance the medical quality management, and established an inspection system without prior notice to strengthen post-event supervision. Such efforts provided a practical way and approaches to manage the hospital group's quality in a standardized way. In terms of medical insurance management, in accordance with the medical insurance level, a professional technical model for DRG/DIP management was developed to achieve the goal of fully profiting from medical insurance settlement or pre-settlement in the regions with DRG/DIP payment reform. In terms of supply chain management, we further integrated the drug and consumables supply chain business of medical institutions in an orderly way, gave full play to the advantages of centralized procurement to benefit from supply chain management. In terms of equipment procurement and hospital construction, through centralized procurement and other methods, procurement costs were significantly lower than the market level. In the future, as various lines of group operations further progress and measures have been contiguously implemented to enhance quality and efficiency, the overall benefits of the hospital group will be further improved.The expansion of layout in industrial chain was started in an orderly manner, and the business development produced initial resultsFocusing on the hospital group, the Company continued to advance model exploration, project piloting and layout expansion in the health industry chain. For example, in terms of Internet-based health care, Internet-based health platform will be deeply integrated with the hospital information system, and provide comprehensive data support for doctors' online diagnosis and treatment. It will also realize personalized health services and in-depth data application to help commercialize the platform. In terms of equipment maintenance, the Company has established a highly skilled and efficient team for medical equipment maintenance business, and promotes an advanced business model of "managing medical equipment for a full life cycle" as a way to provide hospitals with services in terms of standardized maintenance and comprehensive equipment operation and management, improving the operating efficiency of the hospital equipment in an all-round way. In terms of medical inspection, the Company tailored the development plan for the inspection center of partner hospitals and built a specialized disease inspection platform based on the characteristics of different regions and hospitals. By increasing high-end inspection items and upgrading technologies, the Group helps the inspection disciplines of partner hospitals gradually reach the first-class level in the region. In addition, fully assessing the existing advantages and through the introduction of a professional team, the Group conducted pilot exploration and model evaluation in areas such as health and wellness business and insurance business, so as to lay a good foundation for future business incubation.Financial business has achieved stable development and provided strong support to the GroupUniversal Medical's financial business mainly focuses on financial leasing business, the income from which is a stable source of profits for the Company. In the first half of 2020, although the development progress of the Company's financial business and the progress of hospital customers' payment collection were delayed due to epidemic control policies in various regions, since the third quarter of the year, the business was fully restored as the business departments enhanced their development efforts to work meticulously in the region, and the Group further enhanced the overall organization and management efficiency of the financial sector. In 2020, finance and advisory business recorded a revenue of RMB4,899.7 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 2.7%; and gross profit of RMB3,059.4 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 7.6%. Among them, interest income from the financial leasing business amounted to RMB4,033.1 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 5.9%; the gross profit of interest margin was RMB2,192.9 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 16.0%; the net interest spread was 3.54%, and the net interest margin was 4.09%, still a high ranking among its domestic competitors. As of 31 December 2020, the net value of interest-earning assets of the Company reached RMB53,524.2 million, representing an increase of 9.5% from the beginning of the year; the non-performing asset ratio was 1.00%, the overdue ratio (30 days) was 0.94%, and the provision coverage ratio increased to 205.52%. The overall asset quality of the Group was safe and controllable and continued to maintain its leading position in the industry.Outlook for 20212021 will be a crucial year for Universal Medical to carry out its strategies and enhance core capabilities. The Company will calmly cope with various risks and challenges, strictly control risks in the financial business, and develop steadily. We will make the medical business better and stronger and give full play to its characteristics. The layout of the health business will be improved to lay a solid foundation for future development. Committed to the mission of protecting life and health with quality medical care, we will strive for breakthroughs in the quality development of the Group as a whole, and make relentless efforts to build a trustworthy healthcare conglomerate, and create greater value and return for all shareholders.About Genertec Universal Medical Group Company LimitedGenertec Universal Medical Group Company Limited ("Universal Medical") is a listed subsidiary (Stock code: HK.02666) of China General Technology (Group) Holding Co., Ltd ("Genertec"), one of the backbone SOEs directly administrated by the central government, and a central enterprise holding group with medical and healthcare sector as its main business. The company focuses on China's rapidly evolving healthcare industry, and is centered on medical services and supported by financial services. With reliance on modern management concepts, professional teams, high-quality medical resources, solid financial strength and inclusive corporate culture, Universal Medical contributes to construction of "Healthy China", and gradually build a shared and win-win health industry ecosystem.This press release is issued by Institutional Capital Advisory (Asia) Limited on behalf of Genertec Universal Medical Group Company Limited.For further information, please contact: Institutional Capital Advisory (Asia) Limited E-mail: unimedical@icaasia.com Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Sports World: Woods moved to LA hospital for recovery

Woods moved to LA hospital for recovery LOS ANGELES • Tiger Woods has been moved to a new hospital in Los Angeles, the Harbour-UCLA Medical Centre said on Thursday, as he recovers from multiple injuries sustained in a serious car accident this week. The 15-time Major winner underwent surgery to stabilise compound fractures of his tibia and fibula after the grisly accident on Tuesday. The Los Angeles County Sheriff said the golf star, 45, would not face criminal charges in the crash. REUTERS Fifa drops Beckenbauer case after time runs out GENEVA • Franz Beckenbauer and other former German football officials cannot be prosecuted over the 2006 World Cup vote-buying scandal because the statute of limitations has expired, Fifa's ethics committee said on Thursday. Fifa's internal judiciary said it had determined that the statute of limitation had expired in 2012 for Beckenbauer and in 2015 for Theo Zwanziger and Horst R. Schmidt. In March 2016, Fifa's ethics committee opened formal proceedings against Beckenbauer and five other people over their roles in the bidding process for the 2006 Finals, amid allegations of bribery. AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE 'Red card' among new cycling safety rules PARIS • The International Cycling Union unveiled its new set of rules on Thursday aimed at making the sport safer with punishments in one-day races extending to an immediate "red card". In stage races, a first offence will be treated with a 30-second penalty, the second with two minutes and the third with an exclusion. Among the changes - some come into force immediately while others will be introduced on April 1 or later - is a ban on riders sitting on the horizontal tube of the bike. Riders will also need to be more wary of how they dispose of their drinks bottles as that may provoke an instant ban. AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE Henry leaves Montreal, cites family reasons MONTREAL • Arsenal great Thierry Henry, 43, has stepped down from his role as coach of CF Montreal for family reasons, the Major League Soccer outfit announced on Thursday. Montreal chief executive Kevin Gilmore admitted on a virtual conference call that he was "surprised" that the former France forward, appointed in November 2019 on a two-year deal, was departing. AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

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Private clinic nurse allegedly molested male patient at Mt Elizabeth Novena Hospital

SINGAPORE - A male nurse from a specialist clinic at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital is accused of molesting a male patient in 2018. Ivan Lee Yi Wang, now 32, is said to have targeted the man twice on Oct 31 that year at the hospital in Irrawaddy Road, off Balestier Road. The Singaporean faces two counts of molestation and is claiming trial on Monday (Feb 22). The 26-year-old alleged victim cannot be named due to a gag order. Lee is represented by lawyers Peter Low and Christine Low. An online search of registered healthcare professionals in Singapore reveals that he is still a nurse. Healthcare provider Parkway Pantai, which runs the hospital, told The Straits Times that Lee had been hired by the clinic independently and was not hospital staff. Its spokesman added: "We are unable to comment further as the matter is before the courts." For each count of molestation, an offender can be jailed for up to two years and fined or caned. More on this topic   Related Story Former IMH employee who molested patients and insulted colleagues' modesty given jail, caning   Related Story Courts & Crime: Read more stories

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Concord hospital ordered to stop healthcare services

A private hospital here that specialises in cancer treatment has been ordered to temporarily stop providing all healthcare services since Dec 19, after inspections by the Ministry of Health (MOH) found several significant lapses affecting patient safety. MOH yesterday said inspections it carried out between Dec 14 and Dec 16 at Concord International Hospital (CIH) found that the hospital in Adam Road had failed to abide by the Private Hospitals and Medical Clinics (PHMC) Act. "Multiple life-saving equipment and medications were either not maintained or not available in critical areas of the hospital such as the intensive care unit and the operating theatre," said the ministry. "There was also a lack of quality control in the laboratory and infection control processes, which poses significant risks to patient safety and well-being." It added that as of Dec 19, CIH had ongoing outpatient medical appointments with four patients. There were no patients warded at the hospital. According to a 2018 report, it has 31 beds. MOH has informed CIH to work with its medical team to review the treatment plans and ensure proper continuity of outpatient care for the four patients, while the hospital addresses its lapses. Meanwhile, those who intend to seek medical care at the hospital are advised to do so at other licensed healthcare facilities. CIH was one of the private hospitals roped in by MOH in March to help care for Covid-19 patients who were clinically well but tested positive for the virus. Other private hospitals that were tapped to help reduce the strain on the public healthcare system included Mount Elizabeth Hospital and Gleneagles Hospital. MOH did not say whether the lapses at CIH were related to the handling of Covid-19 patients. The ministry reminded all healthcare facilities licensed under the PHMC Act to ensure that safety and quality of clinical care are met at all times. Healthcare facilities that fail to comply with the Act could face a fine of up to $20,000 and/or have their licence revoked. MOH added that healthcare facilities will be licensed under a new Healthcare Services Act from the second half of next year. More on this topic   Related Story 10 new Covid-19 cases in Singapore, all imported The new Act will further strengthen regulatory conformity across various healthcare services to ensure continued delivery of safe care to patients, said MOH. Previously known as Fortis Surgical Hospital, the hospital was acquired by China-headquartered Concord Medical Services Holdings (CCM) in April 2015 in a $55 million cash deal. CCM chief executive Yang Jianyu said then that the hospital would be an extension of the healthcare provider's overseas business, with plans for it to be a "high-end medical treatment institution... for patients coming from China, who currently are seeking overseas treatment". CIH could not be reached for comment, and its website was down last night. More on this topic   Related Story 90 breast cancer patients may have got 'unnecessary treatment' at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital due to wrong test results   Related Story 800 patients affected by wrong medicine dosage labels - double the number initially feared

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NKF’s new dialysis centre located within Yishun Community Hospital, first built within hospital compound

SINGAPORE - The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) opened a new dialysis centre on Monday (Nov 23), the first to be built within a hospital compound so patients can access different medical treatments more easily. The dialysis centre is located within Yishun Community Hospital (YCH), which is adjacent to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH). KTPH is an acute hospital where patients receive short-term treatments like operations for severe injuries or illnesses while community hospitals like YCH focus on their recovery after. With the new centre, a dialysis patient discharged from KTPH after heart surgery, for example, can receive both rehabilitative care and dialysis at YCH. Likewise, a dialysis patient at YCH who requires acute treatment can be easily transferred to KTPH. Keppel Corporation donated $2 million to NKF for the new dialysis centre. Keppel's chief executive Loh Chin Hua said: "Through this partnership, Keppel hopes to support NKF in ensuring that its patients are able to receive safe and convenient dialysis treatment." The new dialysis centre is equipped with 22 stations which can serve up to 132 haemodialysis patients. They are treated by inserting two needles - one to remove the blood and the other to return cleansed blood to the body. Unlike other NKF centres which only offer haemodialysis, this centre can cater to a wider group of patients as it also offers peritoneal dialysis, where a cleansing fluid is introduced into the abdomen through a tube. Mr Tim Oei, chief executive of NKF said: "This centre provides comprehensive services to support patients who choose peritoneal dialysis as their preferred mode of treatment." More on this topic   Related Story NKF to build more dialysis centres in polyclinics, community hospitals and CCs   Related Story Generation Grit: Once gravely ill, dialysis patient is now training for an Iron Man race

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