Latest news with #HMC
News.com.au
2 days ago
- Business
- News.com.au
Scott Power: ASX health stocks rise as Healthscope landlord agrees to rent deferral deal
ASX health stocks up 1.2% over past five days while the broader market is up 0.8% HealthCo REIT agrees to short-term partial rent deferral with troubled Healthscope and its receivers New-Zealand-based soft-tissue repair company Aroa Biosurgery delivers maiden full-year profit Healthcare and life sciences expert Scott Power, who has been a senior analyst with Morgans Financial for 27 years, gives his take on the ASX healthcare sector for the week and his 'Powerplay' stock pick. The big story for Australia's health care sector this week was Australia's second largest private hospital provider unlisted Healthscope appointing receivers after Canadian private equity owner Brookfield earlier handed the business over to its lenders owing ~$1.6 billion. The HMC Capital (ASX:HMC) controlled Healthco Healthcare and Wellness REIT (ASX:HCW) – which owns four properties tenanted by Healthscope – have struck a short-term partial rent deferral deal with Healthscope and its receivers. In 2023, HCW and the Unlisted Healthcare Fund (UHF) bought 11 privately owned hospital buildings from NYSE-listed Medical Properties Trust for a total of $1.2bn. Healthscope is the tenant in all 11 hospitals — four owned by HCW and seven by UHF. HCW owns 49.6% of UHF, with the rest owned by other large institutional investors. Under the rental deal: All outstanding rent arrears for March and April 2025 and 85% of rent for May 2025 will be paid immediately HCW and UHF will receive 85% of the rent due for the period June-August 2025 The remaining 15% deferred rent for the May-August 2025 period is due in September 2025 HCW said it had also received formal expressions of interest from alternative Australian hospital operators to re-tenant the facilities. In a note to clients Morgans' research analyst Liam Schofield wrote the deal represented positive progress, with the temporary 15% incentive lower than the 50% incentive for the initial two years agreed under the recently expired original lease agreement. "The agreement calls for the 15% incentive (from May to Aug) to be repaid in Sep-25 (suggesting there is potential for HCW to receive full rent going forward)," he wrote. "We have factored in a permanent ~20% rent reduction to the Healthscope assets, with the 15% incentive potentially pointing to a reduced rent level something closer to market (in our opinion) and above our expectations." Schofield wrote the HCW unit price would likely rise if a revised lease agreement was secured, where 100% of a slightly reduced rent (around 10-15% below the current level) was paid consistently and sustainably. However, he believes this is unlikely to happen until Healthscope is formally sold by receivers. He wrote that HCW was a diversified healthcare REIT with high-quality assets and scale. "The portfolio is valued at $1.6bn, with 57% of the portfolio exposed to private hospitals. "The financial restructure of Healthscope (a key tenant) and its capacity to pay 100% of the rent is the key catalyst (currently 50% rent abatement)." Given the uncertainty, Morgans have a hold rating on HCW and 90 cent price target based on its net asset valuation. Stronger week for healthcare stocks At 2.45pm (AEST) on Friday the S&P/ASX 200 Health Care index was up 1.2% for the past five days, while the benchmark ASX 200 rose 0.8% for the same period. "Markets are holding their ground" Power said. Power's Powerplay: Neuren on track for phase III trial Neuren Pharmaceuticals (ASX:NEU) is Power's pick of the week after holding its AGM on Tuesday. Power said a main takeaway from the AGM was that its second drug candidate NNZ-2591 continues to progress in development for multiple neurodevelopmental disorders with a pivotal trial for Phelan-McDermid Syndrome on track to start later this year. Neuren became the first company in the world to develop a treatment for Rett Syndrome with trofinetide (marketed as Daybue) approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in March 2023. "They're planning to start the pivotal trial for Phelan-McDermid later this year and they've got plenty of cash to execute on that so are in a pretty good position." The Neuren share price is up ~10% for the week. Aroa reports maiden full-year profit for FY25 New-Zealand-based soft-tissue repair company Aroa Biosurgery (ASX:ARX) has delivered its first full-year profit since listing on the ASX in 2020. With the New Zealand financial year ending on March 31, Aroa reported a normalised EBITDA profit of NZ$4.2 million for FY25, rebounding from a NZ$3.1 million loss in FY24. Total revenue for FY25 of NZ$84.7m was an increase of 23% on the previous year and exceeded guidance of NZ$81-84m. Product revenue for the year reached NZ$84m, up 24% from the previous year, driven largely by the continued strong performance of its Myriad product family. Aroa has provided FY26 total revenue guidance of NZ$92-100m, which is 10 to 20% growth on FY25 on a constant currency basis. "They reported ahead of their guidance bearing in mind their guidance had been revised down so it was good they could slightly exceed it," Power said. "They've set themselves what we consider to be conservative guidance for '26 so we think they will come in at the upper end or above that." Power said Morgans had adjusted its sales numbers down slightly, which still has it at the top end of guidance. "We have brought our EBITDA number down quite significantly to sit at the top end of guidance for FY26 so we have our adjusted our price target back to 77 cents from 93 cents so still plenty of upside from the current share price," he said. Morgans maintains a speculative buy on Aroa. Fisher & Paykel Healthcare FY25 results beat guidance Meanwhile, New Zealand-based medical devices supplier Fisher & Paykel Healthcare (ASX:FPH) reported stronger-than-expected results for FY25, with an adjusted net profit of NZ$377.2 million, up 43% beating both market expectations (NZ$362m) and company guidance (NZ$320–370m). Revenue came in at NZ$2.02bn, up 16% and also slightly ahead of expectations. The strong result was driven by solid growth across hospital consumables, an increase in gross profit margin to 62.9% and lower-than-expected operating expenses at NZ$761m. This led to a jump in operating profit margin to 25.2%, ahead of the expected 24.5%. Fisher & Paykel Healthcare declared a final dividend of 24 cents, bringing the full-year dividend to 42.5 cents, a 2% increase. "The hospital division is showing good progress, with consumable uptake exceeding expectations," Morgans healthcare analyst Derek Jellinek wrote in a note to clients. "As for as the Homecare division goes, it should come as little surprise that growth is being driven by increased mask sales, given new product launches and abating supply chain issues." Jellinek said in the Homecare division, it was no surprise that growth was being fuelled by higher sales of its obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) masks with new product launches and easing supply chain issues. He said despite Philips still largely absent from the OSA market following a product recall in 2021 and strong underlying demand in the sector – even with growing attention on possible impact of obesity drugs – Morgans don't expect Fisher & Paykel to significantly affect the solid growth of leader in sleep-related respiratory disorders ResMed (ASX:RMD). Lumos grows US Medicare coverage for FebriDx Lumos Diagnostics (ASX:LDX) continues to grow its US Medicare coverage for FebriDx test, a rapid point-of-care (POC) diagnostic designed to differentiate between bacterial and non-bacterial acute respiratory infections. Lumos this week announced FebriDx would be included in the medicare coverage for Medicare Administrative Contractor CGS Administrators, which is responsible for managing medicare payments in the US states of Kentucky and Ohio. Coverage by CGS at US$41.38 per test per test will be backdated to May 1, 2025. Lumos now has Medicare reimbursement from six of seven Medicare Administrative Contractors, representing more than 85% of total US Medicare payment coverage. National Government Services remains the only Medicare Administrative Contractor to be added, which Lumos said it remained committed to securing. Medicare comprises around 20-24% of the US payor mix and often sets a precedent for private payors. Lumos said achieving reimbursement coverage was a critical validation milestone on the path to meaningful adoption of FebriDx in the US. "Getting Medicare coverage in the US is an important step forward for Lumos," Power said. The views, information, or opinions expressed in the interview in th is article are solely those of the interviewee and do not represent the views of Stockhead. Stockhead has not provided, endorsed or otherwise assumed responsibility for any financial product advice contained in this article. At Stockhead, we tell it like it is. While Aroa Biosurgery and Lumos Diagnostics are Stockhead advertisers, the companies did not sponsor this article.
Qatar Tribune
3 days ago
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
HMC diabetes centres earn prestigious recertification from JCI
Tribune News Network Doha In a significant advancement for diabetes care in the region, Hamad Medical Corporation's (HMC) National Diabetes Centers, under the Qatar Metabolic Institute (QMI), have achieved their third consecutive Clinical Care Programme Certification (CCPC) from Joint Commission International (JCI). HMC's National Diabetes Centers – based at Hamad General Hospital, Al Wakra Hospital and the Women's Wellness and Research Center – serve more than 100,000 patients annually, with over 160,000 visits across the three locations. This renewed certification, following rigorous evaluation, highlights HMC's continued dedication to clinical excellence, innovation and patient-centered outcomes across its National Diabetes Centers. Dr Khalid Mohammed Al Jalham, HMC's Chief Medical Officer, emphasized the significance of this achievement: 'This recertification is a testament to the strength of our specialist services and the dedication of our multidisciplinary teams. It reflects the success of our strategic direction to elevate secondary and tertiary care services across the Corporation. I am proud of our teams' alignment with our overarching quality agenda and their shared commitment to delivering world-class care that meets the evolving needs of the local population.' This achievement is aligned with the National Health Strategy 2024-2030 (NHS-3) Action Plan on Obesity, Diabetes and Modifiable Risk Factors for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Diseases (ASCVDs). Under this framework, HMC's diabetes centers operate as Centers of Excellence, providing specialized secondary and tertiary care for complex cases, while supporting the national shift toward integrated, preventive and community-based models of chronic disease management. Dr. Dabia Al Mohanadi, Division Chief of Endocrine and Director of the Qatar Metabolic Institute (QMI), HMC said: 'This JCI CCPC recertification affirms our leadership as a regional model for integrated diabetes care and validates the exceptional quality of services we deliver every day. It reflects our commitment to the NHS-3 Action Plan's vision of specialized centres of excellence that optimize outcomes through multidisciplinary expertise, innovation and patient-focused care. Our National Diabetes Centers, under Qatar Metabolic Institute, remain at the forefront of managing complex cases, guiding system-wide improvement and supporting the decentralization of routine care to primary health settings.' Dr. Mahmoud Ali Zirie, Director of the HGH-based center said that the facility is designed to manage the most complex diabetes cases in Qatar. 'This renewed certification is a strong endorsement of our patient-centered, multidisciplinary approach to diabetes care.' At the Women's Wellness and Research Center, Dr. Mohammed Bashir, Director of the National Diabetes Center noted that the recertification highlights the importance of continuity in maternal health. 'This recognition ensures that our diabetes-in-pregnancy care remains aligned with global best practices. It's a critical step in safeguarding both maternal and neonatal outcomes and reinforces our role as a national referral center for this patient group.' Dr. Khaled Mansur Dukhan, Director of the National Diabetes Center at Al Wakra Hospital added: 'The certification process has elevated our delivery of care through enhanced consistency, clearer care pathways and a stronger focus on patient experience and outcomes.' HMC's diabetes services are delivered by highly coordinated multidisciplinary teams comprising physicians, nurses, diabetes educators, dietitians, pharmacists, podiatrists, psychologists, and administrative professionals who are united by a mission to prevent complications and empower individuals with diabetes to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. The JCI CCPC is considered one of the world's most rigorous healthcare certifications, requiring adherence to clinical guidelines, measurable quality outcomes and a sustained culture of safety. Preparation for recertification typically spans 36 months and reflects deep institutional commitment across all levels. This recognition not only reinforces Qatar's leadership in chronic disease management but also highlights the strategic role of HMC's National Diabetes Centers in delivering on the NHS-3's bold vision for population health transformation.
Qatar Tribune
3 days ago
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
HMC's National Diabetes Centers earn prestigious recertification from Joint Commission International
DOHA: Hamad Medical Corporation's (HMC) National Diabetes Centers, under the Qatar Metabolic Institute (QMI), have achieved their third consecutive Clinical Care Program Certification (CCPC) from Joint Commission International (JCI). HMC's National Diabetes Centers, based at Hamad General Hospital, Al Wakra Hospital and the Women's Wellness and Research Center, serve more than 100,000 patients annually, with over 160,000 visits across the three locations. This renewed certification, following rigorous evaluation, highlights HMC's continued dedication to clinical excellence, innovation and patient-centered outcomes across its National Diabetes Centers. HMC's Chief Medical Officer, Dr Khalid Mohammed Al Jalham emphasized the significance of this achievement and said: "This recertification is a testament to the strength of our specialist services and the dedication of our multidisciplinary teams. It reflects the success of our strategic direction to elevate secondary and tertiary care services across the Corporation. I am proud of our teams' alignment with our overarching quality agenda and their shared commitment to delivering world-class care that meets the evolving needs of the local population." This achievement is aligned with the National Health Strategy 2024-2030 (NHS-3) Action Plan on Obesity, Diabetes and Modifiable Risk Factors for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Diseases (ASCVDs). Under this framework, HMC's diabetes centers operate as Centers of Excellence, providing specialized secondary and tertiary care for complex cases, while supporting the national shift toward integrated, preventive and community-based models of chronic disease management. Division Chief of Endocrine and Director of the Qatar Metabolic Institute (QMI) at HMC, Dr Dabia Al Mohanadi said: "This JCI CCPC recertification affirms our leadership as a regional model for integrated diabetes care and validates the exceptional quality of services we deliver every day. It reflects our commitment to the NHS-3 Action Plan's vision of specialized centers of excellence that optimize outcomes through multidisciplinary expertise, innovation and patient-focused care. Our National Diabetes Centers, under Qatar Metabolic Institute, remain at the forefront of managing complex cases, guiding system-wide improvement and supporting the decentralization of routine care to primary health settings." Director of the HGH-based center, Dr Mahmoud Ali Zirie, said that the facility is designed to manage the most complex diabetes cases in Qatar, adding: "This renewed certification is a strong endorsement of our patient-centered, multidisciplinary approach to diabetes care." At the Women's Wellness and Research Center, Director of the National Diabetes Center, Dr Mohammed Bashir, noted that the recertification highlights the importance of continuity in maternal health. "This recognition ensures that our diabetes-in-pregnancy care remains aligned with global best practices. It's a critical step in safeguarding both maternal and neonatal outcomes and reinforces our role as a national referral center for this patient group," he added. Director of the National Diabetes Center at Al Wakra Hospital, Dr Khaled Mansur Dukhan, said: "The certification process has elevated our delivery of care through enhanced consistency, clearer care pathways and a stronger focus on patient experience and outcomes." HMC's diabetes services are delivered by highly coordinated multidisciplinary teams comprising physicians, nurses, diabetes educators, dietitians, pharmacists, podiatrists, psychologists, and administrative professionals who are united by a mission to prevent complications and empower individuals with diabetes to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. The JCI CCPC is considered one of the world's most rigorous healthcare certifications, requiring adherence to clinical guidelines, measurable quality outcomes and a sustained culture of safety. Preparation for recertification typically spans 36 months and reflects deep institutional commitment across all levels. This recognition not only reinforces Qatar's leadership in chronic disease management but also highlights the strategic role of HMC's National Diabetes Centers in delivering on the NHS-3's bold vision for population health transformation.
Qatar Tribune
4 days ago
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
Al Wakra Hospital bags IHI ‘Age-Friendly Health System Participant' tag
Tribune News Network Doha Hamad Medical Corporation's (HMC) Al Wakra Hospital has been officially recognised as an Age-Friendly Health System Participant by the US-based Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), one of the founding partners of the Age-Friendly Health Systems movement. IHI is a leading, globally recognised not-for-profit health care improvement organisation that has been applying evidence-based quality improvement methods to meet current and future health care challenges for more than 30 years. This recognition highlights Al Wakra Hospital's steadfast commitment to delivering high-quality, age-friendly care to older adults. Al Wakra Hospital joins this important movement to provide high-quality care for people aged 60 and above across HMC, alongside Rumailah Hospital, by integrating these essential, evidence-based practices into patient care. Dr. Hanadi Khamis Al Hamad, HMC's deputy chief for Long-Term Care, Rehabilitation, and Geriatrics, and medical director of Rumailah Hospital, has been a driving force behind this initiative. 'We are incredibly honoured that Al Wakra Hospital has received this prestigious recognition for our care of senior citizens,' said Dr. Al Hamad. 'This acknowledgment from IHI reflects the dedication and hard work of our multidisciplinary health care teams at Al Wakra Hospital in ensuring elderly patients receive timely, high-quality services. As Qatar's elderly population continues to grow, we remain committed to advancing specialised health care services and promoting healthy lifestyles for those over 60.' Following this recognition, Al Wakra Hospital has been conducting several months of rigorous evaluation and data collection to measure the number of older adults who receive care that aligns with the 4Ms Framework, which includes: • What Matters: Know and align care with each older adult's specific health outcome goals and care preferences across settings of care. • Medication: If medication is necessary, use age-friendly medication that does not interfere with What Matters to the older adult, Mentation, or Mobility across settings of care. • Mentation: Prevent, identify, treat, and manage dementia, depression, and delirium across settings of care. • Mobility: Ensure that older adults move safely every day in order to maintain function and do What Matters. By implementing these elements of high-quality care, Al Wakra Hospital has not only improved outcomes for older patients but has also set an example for other health care providers in the region. Dr. Omar Mohd Al Qahtani, CEO and medical director of Al Wakra Hospital, said: 'Earning this participant status marks an important step forward in our journey toward excellence in age-friendly health care. This achievement reflects the commitment and dedication of our entire team. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with the geriatrics department to ensure our elderly patients continue to receive the compassionate, personalised care they deserve.' Nasser Al Naimi, chief of Patient Experience and director of Hamad Healthcare Quality Institute at HMC, said: 'I would like to congratulate the team at Al Wakra Hospital for their tireless pursuit of excellence in elderly care. Our longstanding strategic partnership with IHI has led to meaningful advancements in Qatar's health care sector, including at Al Wakra Hospital. This recognition ensures that our patients receive care aligned with the highest international standards.' Melissa Panagides-Busch, chief operating officer and interim CEO of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), said: 'We are proud to welcome Hamad Medical Corporation – Al Wakra Hospital as a participant in the Age-Friendly Health Systems initiative. Achieving this status demonstrates their commitment to delivering age-friendly care, and we look forward to supporting them on their journey toward healthcare excellence for older adults.' The Age-Friendly Health Systems recognition reaffirms Hamad Medical Corporation's continued leadership in advancing health care standards in Qatar and the region. Al Wakra Hospital's achievement marks a significant step forward in creating a more inclusive, compassionate, and evidence-based care environment for older adults – ensuring that aging populations receive the dignity and support they deserve throughout every stage of care.
Qatar Tribune
4 days ago
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
HMC highlights tobacco control expertise in Dubai
Tribune News Network Doha On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day, Dr Ahmad Mohammad Al Mulla, senior consultant in Public Health and Disease Control and director of the Tobacco Control Center at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC)—a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Tobacco Dependence Treatment—participated in a workshop organised by Emirates Health Services. The event was held at the Primary Healthcare Department in Dubai on May 26. At the event, HMC showcased the expertise of the Tobacco Control Center and emphasised that Qatar is among one of the first in the region to introduce tobacco cessation services. Dr Al Mulla presented an overview of the efforts undertaken by HMC and the Tobacco Control Center, highlighting key achievements in combating tobacco use in Qatar. He also provided a summary of the tobacco control laws issued by the State and their implementation, while sharing statistics on the prevalence of tobacco use in Qatar and across countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Dr Al Mulla further outlined the economic burden of the tobacco epidemic on Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and emphasised the pivotal role of the Tobacco Control Center in reducing tobacco use through ongoing educational and awareness activities within the community. Dr Al Mulla outlined the free treatment services provided by HMC's Tobacco Control Center's cessation clinics, including the use of medications, nicotine replacement therapies, and laser treatment. He discussed psychological counselling and behavioural modification methods offered to tobacco users, in addition to the types of medical devices used to measure carbon monoxide levels and assess lung function. Dr Al Mulla praised the role of HMC in supporting the Tobacco Control Center by providing free treatments to patients, emphasizing the critical importance of preventive services in reducing the spread of tobacco-related diseases. He also thanked the organisers of the workshop for the opportunity to present the effective role played by HMC in tobacco control and the importance of continued collaboration between HMC, represented by the Tobacco Control Center and Emirates Health Services.
