Latest news with #MDA
The Star
an hour ago
- Health
- The Star
One in three vapes in Singapore laced with etomidate; Health Ministry working with Home Affairs Ministry to list it as illegal drug: Health Minister Ong
SINGAPORE: The authorities are working to list etomidate, which is being abused via e-vaporisers, under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA), Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said on Sunday (July 20). This paves the way for abusers and traffickers of Kpods – vapes containing etomidate – to be treated in the same way as those who abuse or traffic drugs like nimetazepam, also known as Erimin-5, with mandatory rehabilitation and jail time for repeat offenders. Currently, etomidate is listed under the Poisons Act. Under this law, abusers face only a fine. Sellers face possible jail time of up to two years. But with the growing trend of e-vaporisers containing the drug, Ong said it was now necessary to take stronger action. This will be done in the coming weeks, and is an interim measure till further changes can be made to the law to tackle the vaping scourge here, Ong added. The Ministry of Health is working with the Ministry of Home Affairs to do this. The move comes after one in three vapes recently seized here was found to contain etomidate. Speaking on the sidelines of the opening of a dog run in Sembawang on July 20, Ong said a third of more than 100 vapes seized during enforcement operations and tested at random were found to contain the substance. Ong said that previously, a vape would be used mainly for the delivery of nicotine. 'But today, it is a delivery device for a range of substances, from nicotine to psychoactive substances such as etomidate, to hardcore drugs that are illegal under the MDA as well,' he said. 'When that is the situation, it requires a whole of government effort to enforce against this.' Etomidate is a medicinal ingredient used in clinical practice as an anaesthetic agent and is classified as a poison under the Poisons Act. It was designed to be injected directly into the veins under clinical supervision and was never meant to be inhaled directly into the lungs. When vaped, it can trigger spasms, breathing difficulties, seizures and psychosis. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said a third of more than 100 vapes seized during enforcement operations and tested at random were found to contain etomidate. - Photo: Lianhe Zaobao Ong confirmed that several deaths here have been linked to the abuse of the substance. He said: 'We have seen some deaths, traffic accidents, as well as unnatural deaths, where etomidate is implicated... it is a serious problem.' Listing etomidate under the MDA will mean abusers will be subject to supervision, and may be committed to a drug rehabilitation centre, he said. Ong urged those who are using Kpods to stop immediately. He said: 'I urge those who are consuming etomidate-laced vapes, give it up now, before the law catches up with you. It is very harmful, and the time to give up is now.' He added that a big challenge in dealing with vapes is the attitude towards it, with vapes having been successfully marketed by vape makers to young people as harmless and trendy. 'It's actually unconscionable,' he said. 'We are up against a mindset that might have set in among some young people, and we now need to counter that.' In a separate update on July 20, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said it will be extending the hours for its reporting hotline. Previously, HSA's Tobacco Regulation Branch could be reached only from 9am to 5.30pm on weekdays. But the hotline service to report vaping-related offences will be expanded to operate seven days a week, with extended hours from 9am to 9pm, HSA said. ST launched its anti-vaping campaign, Vaping: The Invisible Crisis, on July 13. Ong said of the initiative at the July 20 event: 'The Straits Times is on a useful campaign, in my view, to raise awareness about the harmfulness of etomidate, and also to urge agencies to step up actions. Many members of the public have done likewise.' When ST launched the campaign, several Telegram channels selling vapes became significantly less active. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the vape scourge. Kpods have reportedly been pushed in Singapore by organised crime groups, with local authorities now intensifying crackdowns. Public healthcare institutions have also been told to record all Kpod cases. Possessing, using or buying vapes carries a maximum fine of $2,000. Anyone who distributes, imports or sells vapes and their components can be jailed for up to six months and fined up to $10,000. Those found in possession of or using pods containing etomidate can be jailed for up to two years and fined up to $10,000. - The Straits Times/ANN
Chicago Tribune
3 days ago
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Around the Southland: Lemont refinery raises record donation, and more
It was a record-breaking year for CITGO Lemont Refinery, which raised just over $1 million for the Muscular Dystrophy Association with two fundraising events. Driving for a Cure Golf Outing, which drew 375 golfers on all four courses at Cog Hill Gold and Country Club, also brought in donations from 130 companies. A new addition to the Shamrock Bowl gala with more than 450 guests highlighted inspiring speeches from MDA families, including its national ambassador, Lily Sander. 'The progress of MDA medical breakthroughs is made possible because of events like our outing and the outstanding support from CITGO employees, marketers, Retailers, vendors and contractors,' the refinery's vice president and general manager, Jim Cristman, shared in a news release. 'We're incredibly grateful for the passion that people have for our MDA partnership.' The MDA, created 75 years ago to support people living with muscular dystrophy, ALG and more than 300 other neuromuscular conditions, uses donations for advancing care, research and advocating support and inclusion of families affected by neuromuscular diseases. Residents close to Tinley Park can learn more about Moraine Valley Community College's Southwest Education Center during an open house from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. July 21 and 22 at the site, 17900 94th Ave. The full-service facility has science and computer labs, study rooms, classrooms, and Accuplacer testing, as well as vending machines. Participants can explore more than 140 degree and certificate programs, student services and transfer course options. Fall classes begin as early as Aug. 18. Register for the open house at or 708-974-5400. The Orland Park Public Library hosts a reception for its July Artist of the Month, April Balasa, a patron services clerk at the library, for patrons to learn more about her work and inspiration. The event is at 7 p.m. July 18 at the library 14921 Ravinia Ave. Her work centers on characters and universes she has imagined over her time storytelling, from Gothic vampire tales to Arthurian legends and Shakespearean drama. 'I used to imagine myself inside the stories I was reading. Eventually I began creating my own worlds,' Balasa said via a news release. Her pieces are displayed on the second floor of the library until the end of the month. The summer concert series sponsored by the Evergreen Park Recreation Department continues with The Neverly Brothers at 6 p.m. July 20 at Klein Park, 97th Street and Homan Avenue. Other performances are The Juke Shakers at 6 p.m. Aug. 1 at James J. Sexton Park at 91st Street and California Avenue, Liam Durkin Trio at 6 p.m. Aug. 10 at Klein Park and The City Lights Orchestra at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 1 at James J. Sexton Park. The concerts are free. Information is at 708-229-3373. Shakespearian-themed music by the Moraine Valley Orchestra sets the stage before the performance of the play 'The Merry Wives of Windsor' at 6 p.m. July 19 outside at the Gateway between the Fine and Performing Arts Center and Building M at Moraine Valley Community College, 9000 College Parkway, Palos Hills. Another free concert is at 7:30 p.m. July 24 in the Dorothy Menker Theater when the Jazz Ensemble plays 'Sultry Summer Jazz.' The Moraine Chorale and Chamber Singers present the annual 'Patriot Concert' at 7:30 p.m. July 26 in the theater. Tickets cost $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $10 for veterans and anyone younger than 18. To buy tickets, visit or call 708-974-5500. An international accordion virtuoso will perform at 7:30 p.m. July 21 in the Normandy Room of the Elmhurst American Legion Post, 310 W. Butterfield Road, Elmhurst. Tickets for 'An Evening With Cory Pesaturo,' presented by the Chicago Accordion Club, cost $14 for members and $17 for nonmembers and will be sold at the door. The public is invited. Pesaturo 'is the only person to win World Championships on acoustic, digital and jazz accordion. Also, he is the only accordion graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston,' according to a news release from the club. He's given master classes at universities in Europe and the United States, performed for the Clintons at the White House, played with the Boston Pops and Boston Symphony Orchestra and appeared on television. Club information is found at Real estate agents are invited to donate school supplies to Worth schools from noon to 2 p.m. July 22 at RE/MAX 1st Service, 15341 S. 94th Ave., Suite 101, Orland Park. Sgt. Mike Cozzi, a school resource officer who works for the Worth Police Department, will be on hand, as well as the department's therapy dog, Louie. A taco lunch will be provided. Valerie Baudo, who helped plan the event, started kindergarten in 1984 at Worth Elementary School. Supplies needed include pencils, pens, composition notebooks, wired earbuds and accordion folders with at least seven pockets. Details are at 708-675-1600.
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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
India needs tax breaks, startup push to lead global wellness tourism
India needs to offer tax incentives for hospitals treating international patients and promote startups in the health sector to make the country a global medical and wellness tourism hub by 2035, a joint report by KPMG and the Federation of Hotels and Restaurants Associations of India (FHRAI) has stated. 'To attract investment and improve service delivery, India should offer a mix of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, such as tax exemptions, increased subsidies under the Market Development Assistance (MDA) scheme, and technical support for marketing and promotion including on digital platforms,' the report issued on Thursday said. It added that the introduction of targeted subsidies and grants for health startups and organisations working in health-tech, medical research and digital health solutions can directly support medical tourism. This comes after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in her Budget speech earlier this year, outlined plans to promote medical tourism and the Heal in India initiative. This was to be achieved through collaboration with the private sector, capacity expansion and implementation of more accessible visa regulations. To support this vision, the report recommended the introduction of global branding campaigns by leveraging embassies, expos and digital platforms, along with the launch of Heal in India missions at the national and state levels. India's medical tourism market is projected to be worth approximately $18.2 billion in 2025, with estimates indicating a rise to $58.2 billion by 2035 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.3 per cent. At the same time, the number of medical visas issued by India rose to 463,725 in 2024–25 from 375,000 in 2019–20. To cater to this increased demand, the report recommended the initiation of structured missions at both national and state levels to reinforce India's leadership in global medical and wellness tourism. 'Initiatives such as Ayush and e-medical visas have enhanced patient mobility; however, the absence of insurance portability continues to pose barriers,' the report stated.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia leads global medical device regulatory reliance with China
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has achieved a major milestone in global healthcare regulation with the launch of the Medical Device Regulatory Reliance Programme in partnership with China. The initiative, led by the Medical Device Authority Malaysia (MDA), marks a strategic leap in streamlining approvals for medical devices between the two nations. MDA chief executive Dr P. Muralitharan stated that the programme allows mutual recognition of pre-market approvals, significantly reducing processing times. Malaysian in-vitro diagnostic (IVD) devices will now qualify for China's Green Channel, while Chinese devices can utilise Malaysia's Verification Pathway, cutting approval periods to 60 and 30 working days, respectively. 'This collaboration eliminates regulatory duplication, speeds up market entry, and ensures faster patient access to advanced medical technologies,' Muralitharan said. 'It also solidifies Malaysia's reputation as a regional regulatory leader and boosts investor trust in our healthcare ecosystem.' The programme was unveiled at the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society Asia-Pacific (HIMSS APAC) Health Conference & Exhibition 2025, following a memorandum of understanding signed between MDA and China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) in November 2023. Muralitharan encouraged industry players to engage with MDA for further details, emphasising the programme's role in fostering efficient and transparent healthcare regulation. The initiative officially begins on July 30, reinforcing Malaysia's commitment to global health innovation. - Bernama
Barnama
3 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Malaysia Takes Global Lead In Medical Device Regulatory Reliance
KUALA LUMPUR, July 17 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has made historic advancement in international regulatory collaboration with the launch of the Medical Device Regulatory Reliance Programme between the country and China. Medical Device Authority Malaysia (MDA) chief executive Dr P. Muralitharan said the initiative represents a strategic breakthrough in accelerating access to safe and innovative medical technologies while reinforcing Malaysia's position as a global regulatory leader. He said the programme enables both countries to recognise each other's regulatory decisions for pre-market approvals, with Malaysian IVD devices now qualifying for China's Green Channel, while Chinese devices may use Malaysia's Verification Pathway, reducing approval timelines to 60 and 30 working days, respectively.
