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Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Raising The Retirement Age Also Requires Employment Policy Reform
Last week, Denmark passed legislation to raise its retirement age to 70 in 2040, positioning the country to have the highest statutory pension eligibility worldwide. But Denmark is not alone. Many other countries in Europe and Asia are making similar moves in response to demographic shifts. The OECD projects that by 2060, the average retirement age in the EU will approach 67, with several countries expected to reach age 70 or more. However, pension reform is only a partial solution. Without protections for older workers, systemic ageism will continue to reduce employment opportunities–risking increased unemployment and poverty. Governments are responding to increasing longevity and declining birth rates. This demographic duo produces older populations and shrinks the labor force, pressuring the sustainability of pension systems designed for shorter lives and larger labor pools. The OECD projects that age-related spending could increase by 6.5 percentage points of GDP between 2021 and 2060. Few governments can sustain multi-decade retirements on a mass scale. As it is, many pensions are inadequate to support independent living. In 2022, the EU had nearly 30 working-age people (20 to 64) for every 10 people aged 65 or older. By 2045, the ratio is expected to drop below 20 for every 10. In China, the retirement age is one of the lowest: 60 for men, 55 for white-collar women and 50 for women in factories. Yet, China's National Health Commission projects that the over-60 population will grow from 280 million in 2022 to more than 400 million by 2035. A decade ago, 10 workers supported each retiree. Today, it's only five. By 2050, it may only be two. Even the U.S. has discussed the possibility of increasing the age for full social security benefits from 67 to 70. However, raising the retirement age creates additional economic challenges. For pension reform to be successful, it requires parallel employment policy reform. Pension reforms are needed. But without systems to support continued hiring, development and retention of older workers, economic insecurity for older workers only increases. Older workers face systemic employment barriers. A 2022 study by the National Bureau of Economic Research revealed workplace age discrimination as a leading indicator of financial instability and heightened poverty risk. Once unemployed, older workers struggle to find re-employment for months or years–often without success. Millions lack retirement savings. The Pew Charitable Trusts reports that in the U.S., as many as 56 million private sector workers lack an employer-sponsored retirement plan. One in five people over 50 have no savings at all. Almost 40% worry about meeting basic living costs such as food and housing. For these people, working indefinitely is the only option for financial security. The consequences of extended unemployment include rising homelessness. The 2024 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report to Congress reported that one in every five people experiencing homelessness was aged 55 or older, with more than 104,000 people experiencing homelessness between the ages of 55 and 64. Another 42,150 people were 65 or older. The report noted that 'nearly half of adults aged 55 or older (46%) were experiencing unsheltered homelessness in places not meant for human habitation.' Homelessness becomes a discriminating factor because most employers refuse to hire people who do not have permanent residence. Once homeless, people find it challenging to re-home, leading to a cycle of chronic homelessness. Some countries are already pairing reform with protective policies, usually falling into one or more of the following four categories: 2. Flexible Retirement and Work Arrangements 3. Targeted Support and Training 4. Income Support for Vulnerable Older Workers Denmark, Netherlands, Germany and the U.K. are notable for integrating flexible retirement options, retraining, and robust legal protections as they raise the retirement age. The U.S. has foundational protections for older workers through the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act; however, these laws have limitations, particularly in enforcement and the burden of proof. Despite numerous legislative proposals to strengthen protections (like POWADA), legislation has stalled in committees for years. As a result, age discrimination remains widespread, and older workers—especially those in their 50s and 60s—face significant barriers to employment, increasing the risk of poverty as retirement ages rise. Since the Trump administration has begun slashing government funding, protections for older workers are disappearing. For example, the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), the only federal job training program specifically for low-income seniors, is currently facing complete defunding in 2026. The SCSEP specifically provides job training, reskilling and part-time employment opportunities for low-income, unemployed individuals aged 55 and older. A 2025 report ranks U.S. states from best to worst for older workers. Leading the way are Washington, New Hampshire, Alaska, Maryland and Colorado. These states offer strong labor markets, pay transparency, remote work opportunities, and higher median incomes for seniors. They also provide additional protections and workforce development initiatives that help older workers remain employed. The worst states for older workers include Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama, West Virginia and Kentucky. These states tended to have higher rates of age discrimination at work, the lowest household incomes and few remote workers among older adults–coupled with a poor entrepreneurial environment. 'Increasing retirement ages have become a prevalent measure taken around the world to address the sustainability of pension systems. However, doing so requires a comprehensive approach that considers broader social, economic, labor market, and health-related factors,' according to a 2024 report from the International Labour Organization. Smart countries are investing in a longevity-centric policy. Instead of viewing ageing populations as an economic threat, they recognize a willing and untapped talent pool. Leveraging older workers is always a smart move, but it is essential in a shrinking labor market. Raising the retirement age may be a necessary step. But without additional employment protections, pathways and purpose, it risks leaving millions behind. In an age of longevity, ageing populations are not a threat to prosperity—they're a key to unlocking it.
RTHK
26-05-2025
- Health
- RTHK
National Health Commission has high hopes in HK
National Health Commission has high hopes in HK Cao Xuetao hopes Hong Kong will actively participate in global health governance and deepen pragmatic cooperation in professional fields with the mainland. Photo: RTHK The vice minister of the National Health Commission said on Monday he has full confidence and high hopes in the development of Hong Kong's healthcare industry. Cao Xuetao made the remarks at the opening of the Hospital Authority Convention 2025 at the Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai. He expressed the hope that the SAR will actively participate in global health governance. "Amid accelerating global changes not seen in a century, individual countries are keen on unilateralism, posing major challenges to global health cooperation and governance," he said. "The Chinese government firmly supports multilateralism and will keep stepping up its involvement in global health. "The National Health Commission is willing to continue supporting Hong Kong's medical groups and individuals to participate in the nation's medical missions in supporting foreign places and the construction of the Health Silk Road." He also hopes that Hong Kong will deepen pragmatic cooperation in professional fields with the mainland. Cao added the National Health Commission will continue to actively support the SAR government in its administration and in-depth participation in the construction of a healthy nation and Bay Area.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ablation Technology Market Worth USD 16.74 Billion by 2034 With 9.82% CAGR
CHICAGO, May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The global ablation technology market was valued at US$ 6.82 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 16.74 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 9.82% during the forecast period 2025–2034. Procedural activity is the clearest real-world barometer for the ablation technology market. Hospital discharge datasets aggregated in January 2024 by the National Library of Medicine show 677,000 radiofrequency cardiac ablation procedures were registered globally in 2023, up from 608,000 in 2022. China's National Health Commission logged 181,300 cases, overtaking the United States tally of 162,400 for the first time, while Germany rounded out the top three with 39,800. Oncology-related thermal ablations, predominantly microwave and radiofrequency liver cases, reached 341,000 worldwide, according to the latest CIRSE conference abstracts. Meanwhile, outpatient cosmetic laser ablation sessions surpassed 12 million across North America, indicating rising elective demand despite economic headwinds. Cardiologists report lengthening waiting lists globally. Download PDF Brochure: Structural technology shifts are deepening this procedural surge. The ablation technology market draws strength from wider single-shot catheter adoption that cuts average lab time by seventeen minutes according to a December 2023 EP Europace study of 42 centers. More than 4 100 electrophysiology suites worldwide now have contact-force mapping, up from 3,500 in 2021, immediately enlarging daily case capacity. Radiology groups added 760 cone-beam CT guided ablation rooms in 2023, improving margin accuracy for renal and lung tumors. Such capital upgrades shorten learning curves, increase patient throughput, and reinforce a virtuous adoption loop inside the ablation technology market, positioning vendors for sustained, evidence-backed expansion. Firms must prioritize scale, service and data integration. Regulatory Tailwinds And Reimbursement Shifts Strengthen Commercialization Pathways For Innovators Regulatory convergence since 2022 has lowered entry barriers across the ablation technology market. The U.S. FDA cleared seventy-two ablation devices in 2023, the highest annual total on record, per its 510(k) database. Two pulsed-field generators and nine microwave oncology systems gained breakthrough designation, slicing review time to ninety-five days. Europe's Medical Device Regulation backlog is easing; eighty-four ablation products have already secured MDR certificates. In parallel, Health Canada and Japan's PMDA now accept common clinical datasets, reducing duplicate testing. Together, these moves give innovators firmer launch calendars and investors clearer exit horizons. Notably, Saudi Arabia and Brazil introduced fast-track pathways in 2024, promising synchronized dossiers and predictability for modality approvals. Reimbursement liberalization magnifies this regulatory progress. The ablation technology market saw CMS issue a fresh national code in January 2024 for pulsed-field atrial fibrillation ablation, carrying facility payment of US$ 22,220 and professional payment of US$ 1,950, both higher than legacy radiofrequency levels. Germany added disposable-covering supplements to its Diagnosis-Related Group catalogue at twenty-seven university hospitals. South Korea's payer now reimburses microwave lung ablation and laser varicose vein therapy through new separate codes. With cost recovery clearer across cardiac, oncology and vascular indications, hospitals gain confidence to invest in capital equipment, reinforcing adoption momentum throughout the ablation technology market. France is expected to publish similar tariffs during its July update cycle review. Venture Funding And Mergers Intensify Competitive Dynamics Across Segment Leaders Private capital inflows continue to carve competitive contours within the ablation technology market. PitchBook records show that venture investors deployed US$ 3.3 billion across 32 ablation start-ups during 2023, up from US$ 2.1 billion in 2022. Landmark rounds included Pulse Biosciences' US$ 462 million financing to scale its pulsed-field cardiovascular platform and Emprint Nanothermics' US$ 285 million Series D for nanoparticle-enhanced microwave oncology. Seed activity remained vibrant: fifteen companies closed first institutional money at a median US$ 9 million cheque, focusing on AI-guided navigation and flexible bipolar arrays. Importantly, family offices from Abu Dhabi and Singapore entered the cap table for four deals, signalling new global pools of patient funding that insulate developers from short-term public market volatility, concerns too. Strategic acquirers are equally active, reshaping the ablation technology market through selective consolidation. November 2023 saw Boston Scientific pay 925 million USD upfront for Farapulse, instantly gaining pulsed-field capability. Johnson & Johnson's Biosense Webster quickly followed, purchasing Stereotaxis' robot-ready catheter line for US$ 217 million. Outside cardiology, Medtronic off-loaded its prostate ablation franchise to Olympus for US$ 312 million, redirecting capital to atrial fibrillation programs. Partnerships are multiplying as well; Philips and NeuWave inked a five-year agreement linking microwave generators with IntelliVue monitors for oncology suites. Each transaction sets fresh valuation benchmarks, strengthens supply chains, and intensifies competition throughout the ablation technology market. Start-ups increasingly structure pipelines to align with these exit routes and licensing milestones. Thermal Modalities Evolve With Sensors, AI, And Low-Profile Catheters Advances Radiofrequency remains the procedural workhorse, yet incremental engineering keeps the ablation technology market vibrant. In July 2023, the FDA cleared a second-generation contact-force catheter that integrates nine micro-electro-mechanical sensors, delivering real-time wall thickness feedback at 200 hertz. Early results from the MANTRA registry covering 1,850 atrial flutter cases show a median fluoroscopy reduction of four minutes and zero steam pops. Microwave platforms are also evolving; Emprint's new 2.45 gigahertz generator doubles power density while maintaining spherical ablation zones under three centimeters, critical for renal lesion sparing. Laser fiber catheters gained higher pull-back speed with servo-controlled motors, cutting esophageal vein isolation time by thirty-six seconds and reducing char formation during high-volume clinical sessions. Thermal energy delivery is now guided by smarter algorithms. The ablation technology market integrates AI modules that auto-segment cardiac chambers or liver vasculature from MRI within 45 seconds. Volta Medical's VX1 software, cleared October 2023, analyses electrograms and recommends lesion placement; interim data show ten fewer lesions per patient, saving catheter wear. Sensor miniaturization helps; nineteen-gauge microwave antennas include tip thermocouples accurate to 0.3 °C, enabling closed-loop power control that spares bile ducts. Ultra-thin hydrogel pads from FlexSeal Bio lower skin impedance variability, cutting set-up time by ninety seconds. Such advances raise efficiency, safety, and confidence, driving steady replacements across the market in both academic centers and high-volume community hospitals. Pulsed Field Ablation Transitions From Trials To Rapid Commercial Deployment Pulsed field ablation (PFA) shifted from promising trial concept to commercial reality, redefining competitive stakes within the ablation technology market. The pivotal ADVENT study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine in October 2023, enrolled 607 atrial fibrillation patients and demonstrated non-inferior efficacy with dramatically fewer oesophageal injuries—zero events versus eighteen in the control arm. Following the data, the FDA granted de novo clearance to Boston Scientific's Farawave system in January 2024, triggering immediate orders from thirty-eight U.S. centers. European uptake is equally brisk: France's public tender disclosed allocations for 120 PFA consoles covering eleven regions, while Italy authorised reimbursement via a dedicated DRG. Deployment commenced in March across Lombardy hospitals. Scaling output brings new hurdles. The ablation technology market faces tight supply of high-voltage bipolar transistors essential for PFA generators; Infineon quotes lead-times of twenty-six weeks. OEMs are dual-sourcing and booking Taiwanese fab capacity in advance. Clinically, first-in-human renal denervation PFA at University Hospital Bonn produced 10 mmHg systolic drops at three months without arterial injury. At MD Anderson, a 40-patient liver metastasis study pairs PFA with anti-PD-1 therapy to probe immune synergy. This pipeline breadth could cannibalize thermal modalities while simultaneously enlarging overall procedure pools, cementing PFA as a pivotal growth engine inside the market. Stakeholders must secure components early and monitor trial readouts for signals ahead. Beyond Cardiology: Oncology, Pain, Cosmetic Applications Broaden Revenue Horizons Worldwide Non-cardiac arenas increasingly drive revenue diversification across the ablation technology market. Oncology leads the charge: the Society of Interventional Radiology tallied 147 000 liver, lung, kidney and bone ablation procedures in the United States during 2023, up by 9,400 over the prior year. Microwave accounts for 61 000 of those cases, propelled by shorter cycle times and fewer applicator repositioning. Meanwhile, irreversible electroporation for pancreatic cancer reached 3 200 procedures, reflecting growing comfort with complex vascular environments. Pain management ablation also advances; CPT data show 2.8 million radiofrequency neurotomy claims processed in 2023, and disposable curvature-matched probes launched in August 2023 cut sacroiliac joint positioning time by half, yielding higher daily clinic throughput nationwide today. The aesthetics segment, though often overlooked, adds incremental volume to the ablation technology market. American Society for Dermatologic Surgery statistics released February 2024 list 14 million laser vein ablations and 1.2 million radiofrequency skin-tightening cases performed domestically last year. Device upgrades such as integrated cooling tips widened treatable Fitzpatrick phototypes, opening new demographic cohorts. Veterinary ablation is another nascent niche: over 18 000 canine liver or cardiac ablations were reported in North America in 2023, creating cross-sell channels for human device makers. Collectively, these diverse applications spread reimbursement risk, justify multipurpose generator platforms, and smooth quarterly revenue curves, reinforcing the long-term resilience of the ablation technology market across economic cycles and geopolitical uncertainties alike. Request Sample Pages: Supply Chain Digitization Enhances Reliability, Cost Efficiencies And Regulatory Compliance Behind the scenes, digital transformation is redefining manufacturing economics in the ablation technology market. Leading catheter producers now deploy predictive analytics on extrusion lines, capturing tip diameter variance at 0.01-millimetre resolution and automatically adjusting pull speed to maintain tolerance. Jabil's Dominican Republic plant reported scrap reduction of 280 kilograms in 2023 after installing such vision sensors. For generators, cloud-linked functional testers at Flextronics' facility in Penang automatically upload burn-in performance data, enabling faster non-conformance alerts to design teams in Minneapolis. Component traceability platforms built on EPCIS 1.3 standard allow unique device identification codes to flow from resin lot to finished kit, a prerequisite for looming European post-market surveillance rules next year. Digitization also strengthens logistics resilience. The ablation technology market depends on time-sensitive cold chain shipments for hydrogel pads and biologic adhesives. DHL's 2024 Life Sciences report notes average lane temperature excursions fell to 0.4 °C after carriers adopted IoT trackers that trigger route changes within seven minutes. Manufacturers pursue sustainability; reusable procedure kits removed 420 tons of disposable plastic in 2023 while meeting Steris-verified sterility standards. Electricity use is falling as solid-state RF amplifiers weigh 18 kilograms less and consume 180 watts less than vacuum-tube predecessors. These gains protect margins during energy inflation and improve Environmental, Social and Governance scores, elevating supplier rankings across the market hospital tenders. Strategic Recommendations For Stakeholders Navigating 2024 Ablation Technology Market Landscape Geographic analysis reveals nuanced opportunity maps for stakeholders navigating the 2024 ablation technology market landscape. China remains the single largest volume pool, yet reimbursement caps in seven coastal provinces tighten pricing, favoring mid-tier systems with strong service networks. India, by contrast, lacks procedure quotas; the National Health Mission funded 86 new electrophysiology labs in fiscal 2023, creating white space for entry-level platforms priced below 65 000 USD. In Latin America, Brazil's ANVISA approved 31 ablation products last year, and private insurers now cover microwave liver ablation in eight states, making distributor partnerships indispensable. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 hospital build-out has issued tenders for 140 comprehensive oncology suites including multipurpose ablation consoles nationwide. Against this backdrop, companies should segment offers by clinical acuity and capital budget rather than pushing one flagship across all regions. The ablation technology market rewards portfolios that mix premium AI-enabled catheters with more economical, single-energy variants sharing common generators. Flexible financing—operating leases under five years or pay-per-use models—already yields adoption wins in Spain and Indonesia; replicating such structures can neutralize upfront sticker shock. Service capacity also matters: downtime data from the NHS show facilities choose vendors who guarantee 24-hour part replacement, even at higher list prices. Finally, harmonizing post-market data capture with local real-world registries creates durability with regulators and payers, anchoring long-term share within the market. Inquire Before Buying: Top Key Companies in Ablation Technology Market Medtronic Plc Boston Scientific Corporation Johnson & Johnson (Biosense Webster, Inc.) Abbott Laboratories Terumo Medical Corporation CONMED Corporation AtriCure, Inc. Stryker Corporation Accuray Smith & Nephew AngioDynamics, Inc. Varian Medical Systems Olympus Corporation Other Prominent Players Segmentation Overview By Type Light/Laser Radiofrequency (RF) Electrical Ultrasound Microwave Cryotherapy Hydrothermal / Hydromechanical Ablation Technologies Others By Application Cardiovascular Disease Treatment Cancer Treatment Ophthalmological Treatment Pain Management Gynecological Treatment Urological Treatment Orthopedic Treatment Cosmetic/Aesthetic Surgery Others By End Users Hospitals Surgical Centers Ablation Centers Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCS) By Region North America Europe Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa South America Related Reports: Amyloidosis Therapeutics Market: By Therapy Type (Chemotherapy, Stem Cell Transplantation, Targeted Therapy, Supportive Care & Surgery, Others); Route of Administration (Oral, Intravenous, Subcutaneous); Indication (AL Amyloidosis, ATTR Amyloidosis, AA Amyloidosis, Wild-Type ATTR); End User (Hospitals & Clinics, Ambulatory Surgical Centers, Home Care Settings, Others); Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, Online); Region—Market Size, Industry Dynamics, Opportunity Analysis and Forecast for 2025–2033 In-Vitro Toxicology Testing Market: By Solution (Equipment and Assay (Bacterial Toxicity Assays, Protein Degradation, GPCRs, Nuclear Receptors, Tissue Culture Assays, Others, Consumables, Services); Method (Cellular Assay, Biochemical Assay, In Silicon, Ex-Vivo); Technology (Cell Culture Technology, High Throughput Technology, OMICS Technology); Toxicity End Point & Test (ADME, Skin Irritation, Corrosion & Sensitization, Genotoxicity Testing, Cytotoxicity Testing, Ocular Toxicity, Phototoxicity Testing, Dermal Toxicity, Others); End User (Pharmaceutical, Cosmetics & Household, Academic Institutes & Research Laboratories, Diagnostics, Chemicals Industry, Food Industry, and Others); Region—Market Size, Industry Dynamics, Opportunity Analysis and Forecast for 2025–2033 Food Safety Testing Market: Microbiological Test (Total Plate Count (TPC), Coliform Testing, Listeria Testing, Salmonella Testing, Campylobacter Testing), Sensory Test (Manual (Smell, Taste, Appearance, Others), Instrumental (Smell, Taste, Appearance , Others), Physical Test, Chemical Test, Allergen Test, Others); Product Type (Processed Food, Fruits &Vegetables, Beverages, Grains & Cereal, Confectionery, Meat& Meat Products, Milk & Milk Products, Others); Technology (Traditional Testing and Rapid Testing); Service Sourcing (Inhouse and Outsource); End User (Food & Beverage, Academic and Research Institutions, Testing Laboratories); Region—Market Size, Industry Dynamics, Opportunity Analysis and Forecast for 2025–2033 Hair Transplant Market: By Technique (Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), Follicular Hair Transplantation (FUT)); Gender (Male and Female); Service Provider (Hospitals, Clinics, Surgical Centers, Others); Region—Market Size, Industry Dynamics, Opportunity Analysis and Forecast for 2025–2033 Multiple Myeloma Treatment Market: By Drug Class (Alkylating Agents, Proteasome Inhibitors, Immunomodulatory Drugs (IMiDs), Monoclonal Antibodies, Nuclear Export Inhibitors, Antibody Drug Conjugate, CAR T cells, Steroids, Chemotherapy, Histone Deacetylase (HDAC) Inhibitors, and Bispecific Antibodies); By Disease Stage (Newly Diagnosed and Relapsed/Refractory);By Dosage Form(Oral and Parental); By Distribution Channel (Offline and Online Pharmacies); By Region(North America, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Asia Pacific) – Market Forecast and Analysis for 2024-2033 About Astute Analytica Astute Analytica is a globally recognized market research and advisory firm, delivering data-driven insights and strategic intelligence to organizations worldwide. We offer comprehensive research solutions across a wide range of industries, including technology, healthcare, chemicals, semiconductors, FMCG, and more. Our reports provide in-depth analysis of market trends, competitive landscapes, emerging opportunities, and technological advancements, empowering businesses to make informed decisions in an evolving global environment. Supported by a team of seasoned analysts, economists, and industry experts, we are committed to delivering accurate, timely, and actionable insights. At Astute Analytica, client success is our priority. We offer customized research solutions that are both cost-effective and tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. Contact:Mr. Vipin SinghAstute Analytica500 N Michigan Ave, Suite 600Chicago, Illinois, United StatesUSA: +1-888 429 6757Email: sales@ our Website: Website: Network Platform: Logo: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Astute Analytica Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Borneo Post
02-05-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
More weight management clinics opened across China to serve healthy life
Photo taken on April 3, 2025 shows the weight management joint outpatient clinic at the Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province. – Xinhua photo HEFEI (May 3): It is a balmy spring afternoon at the Anhui Acupuncture and Moxibustion Hospital, and a queue of young women waits patiently outside. But these women are not seeking traditional medical treatment — they are on the hunt for weight loss solutions. 'All those delicious holiday feasts have left me with quite a belly,' said Zhu Rongrong, 23, adding that the extra weight has left her constantly feeling drained and affected her sleep. In March, Lei Haichao, head of the National Health Commission (NHC), announced plans to establish more weight management clinics at medical and health facilities, helping people shed pounds safely and pivot to healthier lifestyles. This not only provides professional services, but also gives birth to new form of medical services. The Anhui Acupuncture and Moxibustion Hospital opened a dedicated weight loss clinic in March, offering Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) therapies such as acupuncture to address the growing demand. According to Fei Aihua, an endocrinologist at the hospital, the number of patients seeking treatment for weight-related conditions more than quadrupled year on year in the first quarter of 2025. 'Acupuncture for weight management is about holistic body regulation,' Fei said. 'Effective weight control requires long-term, sustainable habits and a healthy lifestyle.' Fei has observed that some young women seeking treatment do not meet the clinical standards for obesity or show related symptoms, but are preoccupied with achieving a slimmer figure. 'For them, a balanced diet and moderate exercise remain the best options,' she said. Alongside TCM approaches, artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a key part of China's weight management programmes. Fei (left) offers TCM therapy to a citizen at the hospital in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province on April 7, 2025. – Xinhua photo A new AI-powered assistant, developed by local medical institutions and health tech companies, is helping doctors improve their diagnostic efficiency and tailor their intervention plans. 'Now, with structured health data generated through patient interactions with the AI model, I can obtain a complete patient health profile in just 30 seconds,' said Zheng Xueying, an endocrinologist at the First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China. Zheng's team is exploring additional tech applications, including AI-generated diet plans and photo-based food recognition programmes to assess daily calorie intake and nutritional balance. Weng Jianping, president of Anhui Medical University, said that integrating AI and professional clinical expertise can produce personalised obesity interventions and preventive healthcare strategies. Hospitals nationwide are now establishing multidisciplinary clinics to provide comprehensive weight management services. At the Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital, an 8-year-old girl aroused laughter when she told doctors: 'The food my mom makes is just too delicious. I can't help eating it!' But the laughter turned to concern after tests revealed early signs of puberty linked to the patient's obesity. 'Our first step is to correct her perception and help her understand the health risks,' said Wang Ya, who works at the hospital's new weight management clinic, which has the endocrinology, cardiology and psychology departments. Thanks to the hospital's multidisciplinary clinic unveiled in March, such cases are now promptly referred for comprehensive evaluation and treatment. 'Childhood obesity affects more than just physical health, and it often brings psychological challenges during these sensitive years,' Wang said. In Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the Second Nanning People's Hospital has launched an integrated weight management clinic combining gastrointestinal surgery, clinical nutrition and endocrinology departments. The clinic offers one-stop, full-cycle services from evaluation and intervention to follow-up care for scientific and personalised weight control solutions. In Tianjin, the TEDA Hospital has opened a multidisciplinary clinic that integrates metabolic control, integrated Traditional Chinese and Western medicine services, nutrition and exercise therapies, and behavioral intervention to support lifelong weight management. In Wuhan, Hubei Province, the Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College at the Huazhong University of Science and Technology has inaugurated a weight management center that integrates 14 clinical departments. The center aims to screen 50,000 overweight or obese patients each year while providing tiered treatment, complication prevention and long-term follow-up services. – Xinhua
India Today
01-05-2025
- Health
- India Today
China flips script, says US may be true origin of Covid-19 in new white paper
China on Wednesday accused the United States of being the true source of the Covid-19 virus in a newly released government white paper. The move follows the launch of a US government website last month asserting that a lab-related incident in Wuhan was the most likely cause of the global war of words reignited after the White House unveiled a new Covid-19 website on April 18, stating: 'A lab-related incident involving gain-of-function research is the most likely origin of Covid-19 ' The page also criticizes former President Joe Biden, former top US health advisor Anthony Fauci, and the World Health Organization for alleged missteps in handling the early stages of the READ: Rubio dials S Jaishankar, Shehbaz Sharif: India and Pak should de-escalate tensions In the document, Chinese officials allege that 'substantial evidence' suggests COVID-19 could have emerged in the United States before being identified in Wuhan, China, in late 2019. The White Paper slams US attempts to 'shift the blame' and urges Washington to stop 'pretending to be deaf and dumb.''The United States has been politicizing the matter of COVID-19 origins for years,' the white paper said. 'Substantial evidence suggested the Covid-19 might have emerged in the United States earlier than its officially-claimed timeline, and earlier than the outbreak in China.'The Chinese government specifically cited a USD 24 billion lawsuit in Missouri, which accused China of hoarding personal protective equipment and covering up the officials argue that the US should now be the focus of global origin-tracing efforts. According to a statement from China's National Health Commission, cited by state media Xinhua, 'The next step in origin-tracing work should focus on the United States.'advertisementALSO READ: Pak's ISI chief gets key role amid tensions with India over Pahalgam attackDespite years of inconclusive investigations, the CIA in January stated with 'low confidence' that a lab origin of Covid-19 was more likely than a natural one, adding that both scenarios remain plausible. China, however, maintains the lab leak theory is 'extremely unlikely.' Its white paper called on the US to provide transparent answers and stop obstructing global investigations.(With inputs from Reuters)
