New Financing Needed for Non-Communicable Diseases
Health-e reports that two new reports have revealed the extent to which non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are affecting Africa, in particular, estimating economic losses of nearly U$500-billion a year. The reports by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and World Economic Forum (WEF) were launched the day before the UN High-Level Meeting (UNHLM) on NCDs in New York last week and include a global analysis of the economic impact of NCDs, by the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the Harvard School of Public Health.
Health-e via AllAfrica, September 26, 2011
 

Despite more spending, Angolans languish in hospital
Agence France-Presse reports that in the Angolan hospital rooms that do have beds, two or three patients share each one, feeling fortunate not to be among the sick crowded into the corridors. Angola has tripled its spending on health care since 2006, but for the vast majority of Angolans who can't afford sparkling new private clinics -- or better yet, care abroad -- a trip to the hospital is still a nightmare.
Agence France-Presse via Google, October 3, 2011

Review finds Medicare officials in error over appointments
The Australian reports that a landmark court judgment has exposed the public servants and senior doctors who investigate Medicare fraud to potential civil and criminal action. The Professional Services Review acts on Medicare referrals to scrutinise doctors' use of funds under the Medicare Benefits Schedule and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
The Australian, October 5, 2011

Emergency department not broke: gov't
Ninemsn.com reports that claims that sick children are being forced to wait days for emergency department beds at a Queensland hospital are nonsense, the state's health minister says.
Ninemsn.com, October 3, 2011

Fines for illegal access to health records
Ninemsn.com reports that health workers risk massive fines if they illegally access soon-to-be created electronic health records, under proposed federal government legislation. Health Minister Nicola Roxon on Friday outlined the draft laws, which show there would be fines of $13,200 for individuals and $66,000 for companies which unnecessarily accessed the record of any patient.
Ninemsn.com, September 30, 2011

Hospitals have just one month drug supply
Ninemsn.com reports that many Australian hospitals may have just a month's supply of life-saving medicines, a new study has found. A new analysis suggests many opioid painkillers, anaesthetics, HIV drugs and chemotherapy drugs are stocked at less than 30 days' supply in hospitals, Fairfax Newspapers reported on Thursday.
Ninemsn.com, September 29,2011
 

Life expectancy rises slightly in Canada
CBC News reports that a baby born in 2006 in Canada can expect to live to an average age of 80.9, Statistics Canada says. That's up 0.2 years from 2005-07, the agency said Tuesday in its report on rising life expectancy, titled Deaths 2008.
CBC News, September 27, 2011
 

Proposed Law to Provide Social Health Scheme, Says Nyong'o
Nairobi Star reports that Medical Services Minister Anyang Nyongo has said plans a new legislation that will introduce a comprehensive health care social scheme for all Kenyans is on the way. Nyongo said Bill is ready to be tabled before Parliament and expressed optimism that MPs will approve it before the end of the year.
Nairobi Star via AllAfrica, October 3, 2011
 

Health Workers Oppose National Health Bill
Vanguard reports that workers under the aegis of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, MHWUN, have rejected the National Health Bill, and warned of dire consequences should it be signed into law. In a petition entitled "Request to withhold assent to the National Health Bill", Comrade Ayuba Wabba and Pastor Marcus Omokhuale, National President and Secretary-General of the Union respectively, are pleading with President Goodluck Jonathan not assent to the bill, but to return it to the National Assembly to rework and accommodate stakeholders' positions.
Vanguard via AllAfrica, October 4, 2011

President Directs NHIs to Accredit Police Health Firm
Vanguard reports that President Goodluck Jonathan has directed the National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS, to accredit the Nigeria Police Health Maintenance Ltd., as a fully-functional health maintenance organisation, HMO.
Vanguard via AllAfrica, October 3, 2011
 

NHS 'should do more for woman doctors'
The Scotsman reports that the NHS should develop more flexible working patterns in response to the increasing number of female doctors, says the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. It is calling on the NHS throughout the UK to adapt to the 37 percent increase in female doctors since 2001.
The Scotsman, October 4, 2011

Scots cancer patients 'denied medicines available to English'
The Scotsman reports that the Scottish Government has come under fire over the treatment of cancer patients, with claims that sufferers in Scotland are three times less likely to get medicines than those south of the Border.
The Scotsman, September 30, 2011
 

The Sick Hospital System in Country
The Monitor reports that the government last Wednesday outlined a six-point 'fire-brigade' response to salvage the country's ailing health care system after the death, during labour, of a primary school teacher in Mbale District sparked public fury countrywide.
The Monitor via AllAfrica, October 4, 2011

Private Health Centres Seek Aid
The New Vision reports that the Bishop of Masaka Diocese has asked the Government to help private health centres treat patients, especially victims of accidents, who cannot pay for health services.
The New Vision via AllAfrica, September 29, 2011
 

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