South East Asian Health News

REGIONAL

Asian Health Services Ltd plans to acquire an equity stake in a New Delhi, India-based hospital project promoted by non-resident Indians (NRI). Asian Health Services provides hospitals and specialty clinics with financial and project planning and project management.  Presently, Asian Health Services is involved with projects valued at US$65.5m.  (July 23^rd 1998)

The Chinese Ministry of Health has signed a letter of intent with Hewlett-Packard for a US$20m preferential loan guaranteed by the Export-Import Bank.  The money will be used to import a color ultrasonic image diagnostic system, a cardiograph monitoring system and clinical laboratory equipment from Hewlett-Packard.  The equipment will be supplied to municipal and district hospitals.  (July 28^th 1998)

Dornier Asia Medical Systems Pte Ltd, the subsidiary of Singapore Technologies Precision Engineering, has formed a JV, Dornier Medical Systems Ltd, in Xian, China to make medical equipment. Dornier Asia Medical Systems owns a 51% stake while its Chinese partner, Xian Space Wireless Electronics Technology Institute, owns the remainder.  In H1 1998 the venture had sales of US$500,000.  (July 31^st 1998)

The Indian Drug Manufacturers’ Association (IDMA) would oppose any move by the Indian Government to grant license for exclusive market rights (EMR) to foreign companies for specific drugs.  EMR to foreign companies for specific drugs would deny the domestic industry the right to manufacture those products.  (June 30^th 1998)

The Zydus Group, a pharmaceutical company based in India, has entered into a JV with Korea Green Cross Corp to manufacture the hepatitis-B vaccine in India.  Korea Green is engaged in the field of vaccines and biologicals, and has annual revenues of US$256m.  Zydus will launch the vaccine under the brand name, “Hb VAC.”  (July 30^th 1998)