News.Life

Narcos: Mexico Actor Plunged into Medical Coma Following Bacterial Infection

Unknown health, healthcare and medicine, illness, medicine and healthcare, news

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 Mexican actor Manuel Masalva, renowned for his part in "
 Narcos: Mexico
 He is currently in a medically induced coma at a hospital in Dubai following a possible severe bacterial infection acquired during his latest visit to the Philippines.


 The 34-year-old performer reached the Middle Eastern metropolis on March 18 following some time in the Philippines, as stated by his representative Jaime Jaramillo Espinosa to The Times.


 "After spending roughly two days in Dubai, Masalva started experiencing increasing internal discomfort and pain with each passing day," according to Jaramillo Espinosa.


 On March 26, Masalva had an urgent operation when doctors found the bacteria, preventing him from returning to his home in Mexico. The next day, the infection spread to his lungs, leading to him being placed in a medically induced coma.


 Although he continues to be in a serious yet stable state, recent developments this week have shown promising signs for Masalva’s well-being.


 Dr. Jaramillo Espinosa stated that on Monday, the medical team successfully identified the specific strain of bacteria and started administering the required antibiotics. Additionally, they reduced the ventilator support to 80%, indicating an improvement in lung function.


 Masalva’s family launched a
 GoFundMe
 To fund his medical expenses, he has managed to raise so far 1,028,520 Mexican pesos ($50,108). This amount exceeds the initial target of 1 million Mexican pesos ($48,700) set by Jaramillo Espinosa, highlighting that they hit this mark in under three days.


 fellow Mexican actor and close friend of "Masalva," Mario Morán, published an
 Instagram video post
 On Wednesday, we tackled the issue and sought assistance.


 My brother is battling for his life away from home. In this extremely tough time, I am seeking your assistance," Morán stated in Spanish. "As was disclosed yesterday, Manuel Masalva — who is not only one of my closest friends but also like a brother to me — became infected with a virulent bacterium during his holiday. This resulted in him being placed into an induced coma, and his condition remains critical.


 Medical expenses are extremely high here, especially considering how much harder things are overall in this country. Even the smallest assistance could significantly impact someone during such challenging times. Should you be capable of lending support, I would express my gratitude from the depths of my heart.


 Jaramillo Espinosa likewise conveyed his thanks to all those who have shown their support for Masalva and continues to remain optimistic about further advancements for the actor.


 He is robust and still youthful. His health is good," he stated. "[His relatives and I] firmly believe that he will recover and regain consciousness.


 Jaramillo Espinosa states that Masalva’s family is presently struggling with the circumstances and has chosen not to make any comments on the matter.


 Masalva portrayed the character of Ramón Arellano Félix in the Netflix crime thriller "Narcos: Mexico," which co-starred actors like Diego Luna, Bad Bunny, and Scoot McNairy. Additionally, he appeared in the popular soap opera "La Rosa de Guadalupe" and most recently starred in the series "La Guzmán."


 This tale initially surfaced in
 Los Angeles Times
 .

Narcos: Mexico Actor Plunged into Medical Coma Following Bacterial Infection

Unknown health, healthcare and medicine, illness, medicine and healthcare, news

Mexican actor Manuel Masalva, renowned for his part in " Narcos: Mexico He is currently in a medically induced coma at a hospital in Dubai following a possible severe bacterial infection acquired …

SC Questions Govt: Why Can't Affordable Meds Cost the Same in India as in Pakistan or China?

Unknown drugs, health, health and healthcare economics, healthcare and medicine, medicine and healthcare

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 NEW DELHI: An unusual plea—given that the medication used to treat spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) costs less in both Pakistan and China—prompted the Supreme Court to request responses from the central government and Roche, the international pharmaceutical company producing the drug. The court aimed to understand why such treatments cannot also be affordably priced to aid patients with this uncommon condition.
 
 
 For Seba, aged 24 and hailing from Kerala, lawyer Anand Grover addressed a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna along with Justices Sanjay Kumar and K V Viswanathan. He highlighted that Hoffmann-La Roche, the company behind the patent-holding oral medication Risdiplam (Evrysdi), sells this drug at lower prices in both Pakistan and China.
 "Since SMA patients have access to the medication at reduced costs in Pakistan and China due to government interventions in these nations, why isn’t the Indian government negotiating with the pharmaceutical firm to decrease the high pricing? Alternatively, could they consider producing it as a generic version to make treatments more affordable?" he questioned.
 
 
 In India, a bottle of Risdiplam is priced at Rs 6.2 lakh, whereas in Pakistan it costs Rs 41,000 per bottle and in China, Rs 44,692. On August 17, 2023, TOI reported that Roche’s medication for rare diseases was sold at prices up to 15 times higher in India than in neighboring nations. The court directed Roche to submit their response and requested the Center to present its stance on reducing the cost of this drug used to treat SMA in India. Recognizing the critical nature of this issue, where swift action could potentially save numerous SMA patients from imminent fatality, the court scheduled the matter for continued hearings the following week.
 
 
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 "Across India, numerous families might have members afflicted by this condition. The illness often goes unnoticed due to inadequate facilities," Grover stated, urgently appealing for Supreme Court intervention that could potentially rescue thousands of sufferers.
 
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SC Questions Govt: Why Can't Affordable Meds Cost the Same in India as in Pakistan or China?

Unknown drugs, health, health and healthcare economics, healthcare and medicine, medicine and healthcare

NEW DELHI: An unusual plea—given that the medication used to treat spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) costs less in both Pakistan and China—prompted the Supreme Court to request responses fro…

Hospitals Write Off Over £250 Million in Unpaid Bills From Foreign Patients

Unknown healthcare and medicine, hospitals, medical and healthcare costs, medicine and healthcare, national health service

Hospitals struggling with finances have waived £256.4 million owed by international patients due to inadequate verification processes for their entitlements to free treatment.
 NHS
 treatment.


 A probe conducted by The Mail on Sunday reveals rising debts incurred by health tourists – individuals who have received treatments ranging from spinal surgeries to cardiac care.
 cancer
 The treatment -- is exacerbating the financial strain within the NHS.


 Last year witnessed a loss of £44 million—a 63 percent rise from the £26.9 million written off by hospitals in 2017-18.


 Our investigation, which encompasses a thorough examination of healthcare financial records spanning the last seven years as well as comprehensive Freedom of Information requests sent to various trusts throughout England, uncovers some critical insights;

<ul class="mol-bullets-with-font">
 <li class="">
 Only a third of the £621 million debt from hospital visits by foreign tourists has been recovered.
 </li>
</ul>
<ul class="mol-bullets-with-font">
 <li class="">
 A Nigerian patient who was scheduled for treatment at Barts Health NHS Trust in London incurred an expense of almost £500,000, whereas a Romanian patient owes Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust in South London £71,000.
 </li>
</ul>
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 Over 400 international patients received elective care last year at the Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust in East London, leaving 285 bills unpaid totaling £1.3 million collectively.
 </li>
</ul>
<ul class="mol-bullets-with-font">
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 In just nine years, the number of medical tourists utilizing the NHS for scheduled treatments has increased twofold, exacerbating the mounting backlogs for patients who fund public services through their taxes.
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</ul>
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 Yesterday evening, following the confrontation with the findings of the MoS's probe, the Health Secretary was
 Wes Streeting
 pledged he would take action to 'tidy up this mess.'


 Nevertheless, these numbers may just scratch the surface since they only encompass patients who were flagged for payment issues—prompting concerns that an additional substantial sum, running into millions of pounds, might not be accounted for.


 Conservative Party Member of Parliament Joe Robertson, who serves on the House of Commons Health and Social Care Committee, stated: "The UK should not function as a healthcare provider for the entire globe. The National Health Service administration must collect payment from these individuals prior to providing any scheduled treatments. This ensures that those who might try to avoid payment cannot flee without settling their bills."


 The NHS cannot justify asking for additional funds when they write off millions of pounds in debts owed by foreigners for elective, non-urgent procedures.


 If a visitor encounters an accident during their holiday in the UK, it is reasonable for them to get emergency medical treatment; however, the NHS appears to offer scheduled, non-urgent procedures to individuals from abroad who do not settle their bills.


 If NHS managers do not take control, then the Health Secretary must step in and compel them to act. It would be pointless to abolish NHS England and bring healthcare directly under government oversight if Wes Streeting does not put an end to such blatant mismanagement.


 Over the last couple of years, the Government has had to bolster the NHS’s funding by an additional £21 billion, yet hospital waitlists continue to soar to unprecedented levels, with only 59 percent of patients getting treated within the targeted 18 weeks.


 The £256.4 million forgiven could have financed salaries for 8,500 new nurses or almost 3,000 general practitioners. Alternatively, this amount could offset the expenses required to treat 27,000 breast cancer patients or support 15,000 kidney transplant procedures.

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 The reality that numerous medical bills from overseas patients cover treatments which were ‘elective’—planned ahead of time—has fueled further outrage.


 Although GP services and emergency care are provided free of charge to everyone irrespective of their residential status, hospitals are meant to recognize chargeable patients and invoice them beforehand—charging 150 percent of what the NHS charges—prior to offering additional treatments like specialist consultations and scheduled procedures.


 However, the statistics show that overburdened hospitals frequently cannot manage this promptly and end up sending bills to patients afterward—permitting them to depart the country without making payment.


 This contrasts with health systems in France, Ireland, the US and Australia, where payment is required upfront.


 Alp Mehmet, chairman of Migration Watch UK, termed it as 'preposterous' that merely a small portion of the expenses incurred by foreign patients is being reclaimed.


 'Wes Streeting needs to encourage trusts to cease depending solely on taxpayers for funding non-urgent care provided to individuals who aren’t eligible,' he stated.


 The founding fathers of the National Health Service, such as Nye Bevan, would be appalled to discover it has transformed into an International Health Service.


 Over the last seven years, the NHS has charged international patients £621 million. Only around £233 million, which is roughly one-third of this total, has been reimbursed so far. The sum being waived keeps increasing as patients cannot be located, have passed away, or due to hospitals deciding against chasing these debts.

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 Despite this, in 2014, when there were worries that the NHS was being overly generous to international patients, the government committed to recovering as much as £500 million annually.


 John O'Connell from the TaxPayers' Alliance urged Members of Parliament to overhaul the system and 'show proper respect for citizens' hard-earned money.'


 He said: 'The fact that the health service is unable to even ensure those who are not entitled to free healthcare are paying what they owe is indicative of a culture that doesn't care about wasted money.'


 Every hospital must legally determine which patients do not qualify for free NHS treatment and recoup expenses; this responsibility is monitored by overseas visitor managers.


 It might include the use of the MESH system, an IT resource created by NHS England that checks a patient’s details against other databases, such as those maintained by the Home Office.


 International patients ought to be informed about the anticipated charges as well as payment procedures, and hospitals are required to undertake all feasible steps to reclaim costs prior to initiating treatment.


 However, for compassionate grounds, official guidelines assert that care deemed urgent by a physician must not be denied — even if the patient has stated they are unable to make payment.


 This is especially true in maternity wards, as denying care can adversely affect both mothers and infants.

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 Here, an invoice gets generated first, followed by attempts to recoup the expenses subsequently. This process might include setting up repayment schedules.


 Hospitals may resort to international debt collection agencies to recover these expenses; however, this approach is costly and does not ensure that the patient will agree or have the means to make payment, particularly if they cannot be located.


 A policy specialist commented, "In truth, hospitals frequently find it unprofitable because hiring adequate personnel to verify each patient’s status and follow up on payments after invoicing can be too costly. The efficiency varies among different trust organizations."


 These statistics encompass individuals who received initial attention at emergency departments before being transferred to wards, leading to additional charges. Some cases involve referrals from general practitioners for scheduled evaluations or treatments.


 Many hospitals struggled to distinguish between charges for planned and emergency treatments. However, several institutions, such as those in Barking, Havering, and Redbridge — where an outstanding debt of £1.3 million over one year encompasses a person from Ghana responsible for £18,000 related to joint procedures — managed to provide these details. The University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust disclosed that they treated 531 international patients for scheduled services last year, with an uncollected sum of £22,000 owed for back operations.


 The Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has verified that 396 international patients underwent planned treatments in the previous year, leaving 194 unpaid bills totaling almost £300,000. In addition, a patient from Hungary was treated for both kidney and heart issues at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust and still owes £23,000. Furthermore, numerous individuals from countries such as India and Cameroon have undergone cancer care but remain indebted by tens of thousands of pounds each.


 Data from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) indicate that international patients seem to be more frequently opting for elective treatments through the NHS.


 Although the figures for individuals seeking emergency care haven’t significantly altered, the number of people admitted for day procedures has nearly tripled over nine years, increasing from 3,885 to 8,585 between 2014 and 2022-23. However, this dropped to 6,205 in the previous year.


 Data from The Mail on Sunday indicates that Nigerians held the highest amount of outstanding debts, trailed closely by Romanians, Indians, Albanians, and U.S. citizens. According to Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, within just one year, 92 individuals from Nigeria accumulated debts totaling £238,553—approximately £2,600 per person. Additionally, they charged 76 Romanian nationals with a combined debt of £178,936 and billed 33 Albanian citizens an aggregate sum of £106,959.


 The Mail on Sunday sought insights from multiple major hospital trusts regarding the challenges of recognizing chargeable patients and recovering these expenses; however, none agreed to comment.


 The Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust acknowledged that 'capacity' constraints led to approximately half of the patients identified by MESH as possibly eligible for charges being unable to undergo further assessment by their team. Out of over 8,000 individuals marked by MESH, around 5,130 were selected for additional scrutiny, with 982 ultimately receiving bills for their care. A number were excluded either because they possessed legitimate exemptions or upon determination that they weren’t subject to charges.


 The DHSC mentioned that they have recovered £4.4 billion from international patients since 2015-16. This sum encompasses all payments through the Immigration Health Surcharge, where individuals holding work or study visas pay an annual fee of £776 for access to the NHS, along with earnings from treating citizens of EEA nations.


 Mr Streeting stated yesterday evening, "Similar to how British citizens overseas must cover their medical expenses, individuals visiting this nation ought to do the same. Given that patients are experiencing unbearably lengthy waits for general practitioner visits, surgeries, or even emergency services, it is unjustifiable for the National Health Service to bear the cost of treatments that should be covered financially."


 We will take action to clear up this situation. While addressing the backlog issues, we will simultaneously tackle those taking undue advantage of British taxpayers’ funds.

Read more

Hospitals Write Off Over £250 Million in Unpaid Bills From Foreign Patients

Unknown healthcare and medicine, hospitals, medical and healthcare costs, medicine and healthcare, national health service

Hospitals struggling with finances have waived £256.4 million owed by international patients due to inadequate verification processes for their entitlements to free treatment. NHS treatment. A pr…

Pioneering Hospital Tech: A World-First Innovation in New Zealand

Unknown health, healthcare and medicine, healthcare industry, medicine and healthcare, science

A first-of-its-kind mass spectrometer will enhance testing services for individuals across Aotearoa.


 The Agilent Infinity III 6475 mass spectrometer was set up at Canterbury Health Laboratories (CHL) in Christchurch during December.


 A mass spectrometer was employed to ascertain the molecular masses within a specimen. This device can be utilized in healthcare settings for quantifying minuscule quantities of substances present in blood samples.


 This was the inaugural installation of such a unit globally; however, multiple units in different nations were nearing operability as well.


 Dylan Davies, who serves as CHL's service manager for Specialist Labs, mentioned that the updated mass spectrometer is quicker, more efficient, and boasts greater sensitivity.


 Davies mentioned that it was akin to the unit it replaced but superior in all aspects.


 CHL was a government-owned pathology service provider and also functioned as a teaching lab.


 The Agilent device will be employed to quantify drug concentrations in blood specimens, mainly focusing on immunosuppressive agents administered after transplant procedures, along with antibiotics and antidepressants.


 Richard King, the clinical director at Canterbury Health Laboratories, stated that this assists healthcare providers in ensuring they administer the correct dosage of medication for maximum effectiveness.


 Healthcare providers heavily depend on this data, especially when dealing with immunosuppressive drugs, to properly adjust dosages and prevent organ rejection. Therefore, ensuring these test results are consistently returned to the healthcare professionals and delivered more swiftly is crucial.


 In Christchurch, the device would see extensive use, anticipated to examine around 40,000 samples annually. It was scheduled to run for 22 hours each day over six days of the week.


 The latest gadget will be approximately 25 percent quicker compared to the previous model, allowing for a higher number of samples to be processed weekly, according to Davies.


 The former equipment, aged 11 years, had handled nearly 1.5 million samples.


 The Canterbury Health Laboratories functioned as a referral service that handled specimens from across the nation, utilizing various mass spectrometers for differing needs.


 Davies mentioned that the antiquated mass spectrometer could find a valuable spot at the University of Canterbury, allowing students to gain experience in both using and disassembling it.


 As mass spectrometers were becoming more common, it was important for students to be acquainted with them for the benefit of all, he mentioned.

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Pioneering Hospital Tech: A World-First Innovation in New Zealand

Unknown health, healthcare and medicine, healthcare industry, medicine and healthcare, science

A first-of-its-kind mass spectrometer will enhance testing services for individuals across Aotearoa. The Agilent Infinity III 6475 mass spectrometer was set up at Canterbury Health Laboratories (CH…

WaterAid Installs 12,000-Litre Water Plant to Transform Health Centre

Unknown health, healthcare and medicine, medicine and healthcare, water management, water supply

WaterAid Nigeria has set up a water facility with a 12,000-liter capacity at the Odo-Nla Primary Healthcare Centre in the Ikorodu North LCDA of Lagos State. This initiative aims to enhance effective healthcare services.


 This information was included in a statement shared on Wednesday on the official X page of the Lagos State Government.


 The announcement revealed that the water plant setup was an integral component of a larger refurbishment project conducted at the PHC center, which also encompassed the provision of water, sanitation, and hygiene maintenance equipment.


 At the opening ceremony of the refurbished PHC, the Country Director of WaterAid, Evelyn Mere, highlighted that their organization is dedicated to enhancing Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure via better access to water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities.


 WaterAid is committed to making sure each healthcare center in Nigeria, such as Odo-Nla PHC, has access to lasting improvements in water supply, sanitation facilities, and hygiene practices.


 "Our collaboration with Ikorodu North LCDA and Lagos Health District II embodies our common objective to develop more secure healthcare spaces for patients and personnel alike," she stated.


 During her address, the Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Health District II, Dayo Lajide, emphasized that the refurbishment will establish a more favorable environment for delivering healthcare services in the region.


 She encouraged the locals in the region to utilize the improved medical center for better health services.


 Lajide stated, "The WASH kits play a crucial role in our approach to make sure health care centers serve as more than just sites for treatments; they should be secure spaces safeguarding both patients and medical staff from avoidable illnesses."


 Apart from the structural changes, this refurbishment has resulted in an environment that better supports healthcare services.


 We have additionally established wellness clinics aimed at promoting preventative care, and we urge our parents, children, teenagers, and seniors to fully utilize the enhanced facilities.


 She ended her statement by urging both the local residents and healthcare providers to ensure they sustain the improved medical center.


 During his address, Adeola Banjo, the Executive Chairman of Ikorodu North LCDA, emphasized that the provision of the facility along with the maintenance kits would enhance hygiene practices and health services in the region.


 "The inauguration of these WASH maintenance kits represents a crucial milestone for us. This indicates clearly that we are heading in the right direction to enhance sanitation and hygiene at our healthcare facilities, which will ultimately benefit the inhabitants of Ikorodu North LCDA," Banjo stated.


 The inauguration was completed with an official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between WaterAid Nigeria and Ikorudu North LCDA. This document strengthens their ongoing dedication to maintaining the enhancements achieved at Odo-Nla PHC over the long term.

Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).

WaterAid Installs 12,000-Litre Water Plant to Transform Health Centre

Unknown health, healthcare and medicine, medicine and healthcare, water management, water supply

WaterAid Nigeria has set up a water facility with a 12,000-liter capacity at the Odo-Nla Primary Healthcare Centre in the Ikorodu North LCDA of Lagos State. This initiative aims to enhance effective…

NNPC and SNEPCO Enhance Security and Healthcare in Lagos

Unknown emergencies, health, healthcare and medicine, medicine and healthcare, security

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Ltd along with Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited have provided vehicles such as a specialized ambulance to enhance security and healthcare services in Lagos State as part of their corporate social responsibilities.
 
 
 Recently, the Lagos State Security Trust Fund acquired two new vehicles, and an intensive care unit ambulance was also provided to the Federal Medical Centre in Ebute Metta.
 
 
 At the ceremony for handing over the security vehicles, Isaac Akinjogunla, the Country Security Manager for SNEPCo—who stood in for the Managing Director, Ronald Adams—stated that this action "demonstrates our commitment to supporting the initiatives undertaken by the Lagos State Government aimed at ensuring safety within the state."
 
 
 He emphasized the importance of using the vehicles cautiously and maintaining them properly to ensure that the community can reap the benefits of this donation.
 
 
 In an address delivered by Mrs Bunmi Lawson, the Deputy Manager, External Relations, at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Upstream Investment Management Services, Oluwaseyi Omotowa stated: "These vehicles will enhance the operational capabilities of security forces, thereby fostering a more secure community for all inhabitants. Such contributions align with our broader efforts in supporting education and health care initiatives across the region, showcasing our comprehensive strategy towards societal investments."
 
 
 Dr. Abdurrazaq Balogun, the Executive Secretary/CEO of LSSTF, expressed his gratitude to NNPC-SNEPCo for their kind act, stating: "In collaboration, we can strive for a safer and more secured setting where our enterprises flourish and our families remain protected."
 
 
 In 2020, NNPC-SNEPCo contributed 16 vehicles to enhance security measures in Lagos.
 
 
 The specialized ambulance was presented to the Federal Medical Centre in Ebute Metta on behalf of the SNEPCo Managing Director by the Safety and Environment Manager, David Aghaiyo. He stated that this ambulance enhances the overall healthcare system in the area by ensuring prompt transport and immediate medical attention for patients.
 
 
 Dr. Adedamola Dada, who serves both as the medical director and chief executive officer at the medical center, referred to the donated ambulance as a "prayer answered." This gesture will significantly aid the facility in managing the high volume of patients needing emergency transportation.
 
 
 "The social investment fund managed by NNPC-SNEPCo, with contributions from partners such as Total Energies, Exxon, and Nigerian Agip Exploration, includes transformative programs like scholarships, building new educational facilities which consist of ICT centers and digital libraries, healthcare projects, along with vocational training and mentoring through the Shell LiveWIRE initiative," stated the joint venture in an official release.
 

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.
Syndigate.info
).

NNPC and SNEPCO Enhance Security and Healthcare in Lagos

Unknown emergencies, health, healthcare and medicine, medicine and healthcare, security

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Ltd along with Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited have provided vehicles such as a specialized ambulance to enhance security and …

Foundation Pushes for Health Coverage for Seniors Worldwide

Unknown elderly care, health, healthcare and medicine, medicine and healthcare, senior citizens

The NGO Age Nigeria Foundation has urged for fair distribution of healthcare services to elderly individuals throughout Lagos State.
 
 
 During a courtesy visit to the Chairperson of the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, Abdullahi Olowa, the President of the organization, Oluwayemisi Oluwole, conveyed this message. These details were included in a statement provided to The PUNCH newspaper on Wednesday.
 
 
 Oluwole highlighted that the purpose of the visit was to raise awareness regarding the difficulties elderly individuals in Lagos State encounter when trying to obtain comprehensive healthcare coverage.
 
 
 She observed that the Nigerian healthcare system lacks sufficient provisions for the increasing population of elderly individuals who are vulnerable to non-communicable diseases.
 
 
 She said, "Ibeju-Lekki boasts one of the largest populations of elderly individuals residing in rural regions and difficult-to-access locations within Lagos State. Nonetheless, Nigeria's healthcare and support infrastructure continues to be inadequately prepared for dealing with the challenges posed by an aging populace and related non-communicable diseases."
 
 
 Age Nigeria Foundation's campaign initiatives strive to guarantee that Nigeria's health care system caters to the specific requirements of its elderly demographic.
 
 
 The 'UHC Ready for an Aging World' campaign is a worldwide health advocacy effort led by HelpAge International. This project seeks to broaden the push for Universal Health Coverage to additional West African nations by the year 2030.
 
 
 The statement indicated that during the reception of the delegation, the Ibeju-Lekki chairman highlighted the importance of ensuring healthcare coverage for elderly individuals.
 
 
 He committed to including elderly individuals in his region under the state’s comprehensive healthcare program.
 
 
 “Chairman Abdullahi Olowa, who welcomed the delegation, acknowledged the importance of inclusive healthcare for older persons.
 
 
 He pledged his support for dedicated health and care services for older persons in the Local Government Area.
 
 
 "The chairman further committed to partnering with Age Nigeria Foundation to enhance the health and social welfare of elderly individuals in Ibeju-Lekki. This includes providing them with a monthly social pension and enrolling them in the Lagos State Universal Health Insurance program," the statement noted.
 

Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).

Foundation Pushes for Health Coverage for Seniors Worldwide

Unknown elderly care, health, healthcare and medicine, medicine and healthcare, senior citizens

The NGO Age Nigeria Foundation has urged for fair distribution of healthcare services to elderly individuals throughout Lagos State. During a courtesy visit to the Chairperson of the Ibeju-…

Experts Reject Claims of New Measles Strain in Morocco

Unknown health, medicine and healthcare, news, public health, vaccines

Health experts reassured the public that there is no new variant of the measles virus in Morocco, despite concerns following reports of cases in Europe linked to genetic strains from the country.
 


 
 Dr. Tayeb Hamdi, a health policy researcher, clarified that the measles virus is stable and has 24 globally recognized genetic strains, none of which undergo mutations that would affect vaccine effectiveness.
 


 
 “The measles virus consists of 24 globally recognized genetic strains, and these strains are continuously monitored through genomic sequencing techniques,” he told "DIWIDA.NEWS" |AR in a statement.
 


 
 Dr. Hamdi emphasized that the notion of a new variant specific to Morocco or any other country is baseless.
 


 
 “This does not mean that a new variant specific to Morocco or any other country exists,” he said.
 


 
 “The measles virus does not undergo mutations that alter its immunity or reduce vaccine effectiveness.” He also noted that the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends genomic analyses of detected cases to trace the virus’s transmission, but the virus itself remains stable.
 


 
 Dr. Said Afif, a pediatrician and member of the scientific committee for COVID-19 vaccination, also addressed the concerns, confirming that the measles vaccine, which has been in use for over 40 years, is both safe and effective.
 


 
 “The vaccine used against this disease is the same one that has been in place for over forty years, and it is both safe and effective,” Dr. Afif stated.
 


 
 Both experts praised Morocco’s ongoing vaccination efforts, which have contributed to a significant decrease in measles cases.
 


 
 Dr. Afif pointed out that the country had successfully reviewed over 11 million health records, ensuring that 90% of children who hadn’t previously been vaccinated received the measles shot.
 


 
 He stressed the importance of maintaining these efforts: “It’s crucial to continue vaccination campaigns to prevent outbreaks and maintain public health.”
 


 The post
 Experts deny emergence of new measles variant in Morocco
 appeared first on
 "DIWIDA.NEWS" |English - Morocco News
 .

Experts Reject Claims of New Measles Strain in Morocco

Unknown health, medicine and healthcare, news, public health, vaccines

Health experts reassured the public that there is no new variant of the measles virus in Morocco, despite concerns following reports of cases in Europe linked to genetic strains from the country.…

Hospitals in UAE Write Off Over £250 Million in Unpaid Foreign Patient Bills

Unknown healthcare and medicine, hospitals, medical and healthcare costs, medicine and healthcare, national health service

Hospitals with limited budgets have forgone £256.4 million owed by international patients due to inadequacies in verifying their eligibility for complimentary care.
 NHS
 treatment.


 A probe conducted by The Mail on Sunday reveals increasing financial burdens due to health tourists – individuals who have received treatments ranging from spinal surgeries to cardiac care.
 cancer
 The treatment -- is causing an increasing drain on NHS finances.


 Last year witnessed a loss of £44 million—a 63 percent rise from the £26.9 million written off by hospitals in 2017-18.


 The critical insights from our study, derived from examining healthcare financial records over the last seven years along with an extensive Freedom of Information act submission to various trusts throughout England, show that:

<ul class="mol-bullets-with-font">
 <li class="">
 Only one-third of the £621 million debt owed by foreign visitors to hospitals has been returned.
 </li>
</ul>
<ul class="mol-bullets-with-font">
 <li class="">
 A Nigerian patient who was scheduled for treatment at Barts Health NHS Trust in London incurred an expense of almost £500,000, while a Romanian patient owes Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust in South London £71,000.
 </li>
</ul>
<ul class="mol-bullets-with-font">
 <li class="">
 Over 400 international patients received elective care last year at the Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust located in East London. As a result, there are currently 285 unpaid bills amounting to approximately £1.3 million.
 </li>
</ul>
<ul class="mol-bullets-with-font">
 <li class="">
 In nine years, the number of individuals seeking healthcare as medical tourists through the NHS for scheduled treatments has increased twofold, contributing to lengthening queues for patients funded by taxes.
 </li>
</ul>
<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CmPjr" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CmPjr.jpg"/>
<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CmFSh" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CmFSh.jpg"/>
<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CmI9h" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CmI9h.jpg"/>

 Yesterday evening, following the confrontation with the findings of the MoS's investigation, the Health Secretary was addressed.
 Wes Streeting
 pledged he would take action to 'tidy up this mess.'


 Nevertheless, these numbers may just scratch the surface since they only encompass patients who were recognized as needing to make payments—prompting concerns that an additional vast sum, potentially in the millions, might not be accounted for.


 Conservative Party Member of Parliament Joe Robertson, who serves on the House of Commons Health and Social Care Committee, stated: "The UK should not function as a healthcare provider for the global community. The National Health Service administration must collect payment from individuals prior to delivering scheduled treatments. This ensures that those who might try to avoid settling their bills cannot do so."


 The NHS cannot justify asking for additional funds when they write off millions of pounds in debts owed by foreigners for optional, non-emergency procedures.


 If a tourist encounters an accident during their vacation in the UK, it is just that they receive emergency care; however, the NHS appears to be offering scheduled, non-urgent procedures to individuals from abroad who have not made payments.


 If NHS management doesn’t take control, then the Health Secretary must step in. Disbanding NHS England and bringing the NHS under direct government oversight would be pointless if Wes Streeting does not put an end to such significant wastage.


 Over the last couple of years, the government has had to bolster the NHS’s funding by an additional £21 billion, yet wait times for hospital treatments continue to be at all-time highs, with only 59 percent of patients being treated within the targeted 18 weeks.


 The £256.4 million wiped out could have financed salaries for 8,500 new nurses or almost 3,000 general practitioners. This amount could also bear the expense of caring for 27,000 individuals with breast cancer or support 15,000 kidney transplant procedures.

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CmRY4" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CmRY4.jpg"/>

 The circumstance where numerous foreign patients’ bills pertain to treatments that are ‘elective,’—meaning they were scheduled beforehand—has intensified the frustration.


 Although general practitioner services and emergency treatment are provided without cost to everyone irrespective of their resident status, hospitals are meant to recognize chargeable individuals and invoice them beforehand—charging 150 percent of what the National Health Service (NHS) charges—prior to offering additional treatments like specialized consultations and scheduled operations.


 However, the statistics show that overburdened hospitals frequently cannot manage this promptly and end up sending bills to patients afterward — enabling them to depart the country without settling their payments.


 This differs from healthcare systems in France, Ireland, the US, and Australia, where individuals have to pay upfront.


 Alp Mehmet, the chairman of Migration Watch UK, stated that it was 'absurd' that merely a small portion of the expenses incurred by foreign patients was being reclaimed.


 'Wes Streeting needs to encourage trusts to cease depending solely on public funds for providing non-urgent care to individuals who aren’t eligible for it,' he stated.


 The creators of the National Health Service, such as Nye Bevan, would be appalled to discover it has transformed into an International Health Service.


 Over the last seven years, the NHS has charged international patients £621 million. Only around £233 million, which constitutes roughly one-third of the total, has been reimbursed. The sum being waived off keeps increasing as patients cannot be located, have passed away, or due to hospitals deciding against chasing these debts.

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CmMUx" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CmMUx.jpg"/>

 Despite this, in 2014, when there were worries that the NHS had been too lenient with foreign patients, the government committed to recouping as much as £500 million annually.


 John O'Connell from the TaxPayers' Alliance urged Members of Parliament to revise the system and 'show proper respect for citizens’ hard-earned money.'


 He stated: "The inability of the health service to make sure those who aren’t eligible for free treatment pay their dues highlights a culture that shows little concern for squandered funds."


 Every hospital is legally obligated to recognize patients who do not qualify for free NHS treatment and must reclaim expenses; this responsibility is monitored by overseas visitor managers.


 It might include the use of the MESH system, an IT resource created by NHS England that checks a patient’s data against other databases, such as those maintained by the Home Office.


 International patients ought to be informed about the probable costs as well as payment procedures, and hospitals are required to undertake ‘every reasonable step’ to reclaim expenses prior to initiating treatment.


 However, for compassionate considerations, official guidelines assert that care deemed urgent by a physician must not be denied — even if the patient has stated they are unable to make payment.


 This is notably true in maternity wards, as denying care can adversely affect both mothers and infants.

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CmKvU" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CmKvU.jpg"/>

 Here, an invoice gets generated with subsequent attempts to recoup expenses at a later time; these efforts could include setting up installment payments.


 Hospitals may resort to international debt collection agencies to recover such expenses; however, this approach is costly and does not ensure that the patient will agree or have the means to make payment, particularly if they are located.


 A policy specialist commented, "In truth, it frequently doesn’t make sense for hospital trusts because hiring sufficient personnel to verify each patient’s details and follow up with payments after invoicing can be too costly. The effectiveness varies among different trusts."


 These statistics encompass individuals who received initial attention at the emergency department before being moved to wards, making subsequent care charges applicable. Additionally, some cases involve referrals from general practitioners for scheduled assessments or treatments.


 Many hospitals struggled to differentiate between charges for elective and non-elective treatments. However, several institutions managed to provide such data; among them are those from Barking, Havering, and Redbridge—whose total of £1.3 million in uncollected debts over one year comprises an individual from Ghana owing £18,000 for orthopedic services. The University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust reported offering elective procedures to 531 international patients within the past year, with an outstanding amount of £22,000 related to an unpaid bill for spinal surgery.


 The Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has verified that 396 international patients underwent elective procedures over the past year, leaving approximately £300,000 in unpaid bills across 194 invoices. Additionally, a patient from Hungary was treated for both kidney and heart issues at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust and currently owes around £23,000. Furthermore, various individuals from countries such as India and Cameroon were provided with cancer treatments but still have substantial debts amounting to tens of thousands of pounds each.


 Data provided by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) indicates that international patients seem to be more frequently opting for elective National Health Service (NHS) treatments.


 Although the figures for individuals seeking emergency treatment haven’t significantly altered, the number of admissions for day procedures has more than doubled over nine years, increasing from 3,885 to 8,585 between 2022 and 2023. However, this figure dropped to 6,205 in the previous year.


 Data from The Mail on Sunday indicates that Nigerians held the highest amount of outstanding debts, closely trailed by individuals from Romania, India, Albania, and the United States. According to Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, within just one year, they charged 92 Nigerian nationals with a collective debt of £238,553—approximately £2,600 per person. Additionally, bills were issued to 76 Romanian residents totaling £178,936, as well as to 33 Albanian residents summing up to £106,959.


 The Mail on Sunday sought insights from multiple major hospital trusts regarding the challenges of recognizing chargeable patients and recovering these expenses; however, none agreed to comment.


 The Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust acknowledged that due to capacity constraints, only around half of the patients identified by MESH as possibly eligible for charges could undergo additional analysis by their team. Out of over 8,000 individuals marked by MESH, 5,130 received further scrutiny, with 982 ultimately receiving bills for their care. A number of cases were excluded either because the patients qualified for an exemption or it was determined they weren’t subject to charges.


 The DHSC mentioned that they have recovered £4.4 billion from international patients since 2015-16. This figure encompasses all payments received through the Immigration Health Surcharge – which requires individuals holding study or work visas to pay £776 annually for access to the NHS – as well as revenue generated from treating citizens of nations belonging to the European Economic Area.


 Mr Streeting stated yesterday evening: "Similar to how British citizens overseas must cover their medical expenses, tourists visiting this nation should do the same. Given that patients are experiencing unbearably lengthy waits for general practitioner visits, surgeries, or even emergency services, it is unjustifiable for the National Health Service to bear the cost of treatments that ought to be covered financially."


 We will take action to clear up this situation. While we aim to reduce waiting lists, we will simultaneously address the issue of people taking advantage of British taxpayers' money.

Read more

Hospitals in UAE Write Off Over £250 Million in Unpaid Foreign Patient Bills

Unknown healthcare and medicine, hospitals, medical and healthcare costs, medicine and healthcare, national health service

Hospitals with limited budgets have forgone £256.4 million owed by international patients due to inadequacies in verifying their eligibility for complimentary care. NHS treatment. A probe conduct…

NCS Adopts Presidential Order to Ramp Up Local Healthcare Production

Unknown customs, government, healthcare and medicine, laws and regulations, medicine and healthcare

<div class="post-content-wrap has-share-float">
 <div class="post-content cf entry-content content-spacious">
 <div>
 
 Oritsegbubemi Omatseyin
 
 </div>
 <div>
 
 Lagos —
 
 The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Adebayo Olawale Edun, has approved comprehensive guidelines to actualise objectives aimed at enhancing local manufacturing of healthcare products, reducing the costs of medical equipment and consumables, as well as stimulating local investments.
 </div>
 <div>
 Critical raw materials essential for the production of pharmaceutical products will be exempted from import duty and Value Added Tax, VAT, for a period of two years. This exemption covers Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, APIs, excipients, and other vital raw materials required for manufacturing essential medicines, Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets, LLINs, Rapid Diagnostic Kits, reagents, and packaging materials.
 </div>
 <div>
 To ensure that these fiscal incentives are fully utilised, eligibility is limited to manufacturers of pharmaceutical products recognised by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, provided they possess a valid Tax Identification Number, TIN. This measure ensures that the benefits directly support legitimate manufacturers committed to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure.
 </div>
 <div>
 In commitment to transparency and effective monitoring, the NCS will compile quarterly reports detailing all importations under this policy, including data on importers, quantities, and values of the imported items, ensuring the policy’s implementation aligns with its intended objectives.
 </div>
 <div>
 The Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to supporting government policies while fulfilling its mandate to facilitate trade, enhance border security, and drive national development.
 </div>
 <div>
 Successful implementation of this policy requires collaboration from all stakeholders, including importers, manufacturers, and relevant government agencies. Through collective efforts, the goal of a robust healthcare sector that meets the needs of all Nigerians can be achieved.
 </div>
 </div>
</div>
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Syndigate.info
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NCS Adopts Presidential Order to Ramp Up Local Healthcare Production

Unknown customs, government, healthcare and medicine, laws and regulations, medicine and healthcare

Oritsegbubemi Omatseyin Lagos — The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through the Minister of Finance and Coordinatin…

Genomia MDATA & FM6SS Join Forces to Pioneer Precision Medicine in Africa

Unknown africa, biotech & biomedical, healthcare and medicine, medicine and healthcare, technology

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CbfpA" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CbfpA.jpg"/>

 Genomia MDATA, a trailblazer from Canada in precision medicine, has teamed up with the Mohammed VI Foundation for Science and Health (FM6SS) to propel Africa into a leading role in worldwide biomedical advancement.


 The strategic partnership intends to boost the continent’s genomics and biotechnology skills, with an emphasis on customized health care solutions designed for Africa’s distinct genetic profile, as mentioned in a press statement from the Foundation.


 The partnership revolves around the Integrated Precision Medicine Hub, an innovative project combining Genomia MDATA’s proficiency in medical tech with FM6SS’s dominance in academia and healthcare. Their aim is to expedite the creation of precise diagnostic tools and treatments tailored specifically for African populations.


 The collaboration between Genomia MDATA and FM6SS represents a significant move towards positioning Africa as a key competitor in the field of precision medicine. This partnership unites prominent doctors, scientists, and drug companies for the following purposes:


 - Accelerate the implementation of precision medicine in Africa, particularly for rare and chronic conditions, by utilizing AI-powered genetic analysis.


 - Encourage joint development of treatments via Genomia MDATA’s digital collaboration platform, facilitating smooth innovation among scientists and drug manufacturers.


 — Strengthen Africa’s control over its health by developing a self-sufficient system centered on genomics and biotechnology.
 — Establish a leading pharmacogenomics platform aimed at maximizing drug effectiveness and decreasing healthcare expenses.


 — Extend the program throughout the continent, engaging in ongoing talks to bring aboard additional academic and institutional collaborators.


 - Form strategic partnerships with African governments to incorporate precision medicine into their national health care policies.


 The alliance is already implementing impactful initiatives to bring about rapid transformation:


 – Pan-African Biobank 2.0


 - Expanding and updating the FM6SS biobank to establish itself as the leading genetic database in Africa focused on researching endemic and rare conditions.


 – 'The African Genome' Public Project


 – A comprehensive sequencing initiative covering Morocco and various African regions aimed at early identification of genetic disorders.


 – AI-Driven Precision Medicine: Implementation of Genomia MDATA’s predictive algorithms for personalized treatment tailored to African genetic information.


 — Genomia MDATA Africa Headquarters in Morocco: Creation of a regional center for inter-African cooperation in precision medicine.


 – Phased Expansion of Genetic Testing Centers: Gradual establishment of genetic diagnostics facilities throughout several nations in Africa.


 – Collaborative R&D Platform: Bringing together scientists, clinical experts, and pharmaceutical companies to jointly develop medications customized for Africa’s genetic variability.


 – AI-Powered Clinical Trials: Using predictive analytics to boost the effectiveness of pharmaceutical studies.


 – Rapid Market Introduction for Innovations: Collaborative development partnerships among Genomia MDATA, FM6SS, and international drug companies aimed at speeding up the launch of novel therapies.


 – Global Expansion: Expanding Genomia MDATA’s presence outside of Africa by utilizing its expertise in regions such as Canada, the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, and Asia.


 "Through this hub, we aren’t just bringing in pre-existing solutions; we’re crafting them alongside and specifically for Africans. This collaboration marks a pivotal shift towards fair, cutting-edge, and effective healthcare. We welcome both public and private partners to collaborate with us in jointly shaping the medical landscape of Africa’s future." – Genomia MDATA.


 "The FM6SS is transforming into a central hub for medical research in Africa. This partnership establishes the groundwork for a genuine transformation in precision medicine across the continent." – FM6SS.


 The duo has established an ambitious objective: cutting down the time required for diagnosing rare diseases by 30% by the year 2030 and enhancing access to precise therapies for five million African patients.


 As Africa prepares to take on a bigger part in worldwide biomedical studies, this partnership highlights the continent’s promise as a leader in innovative precision medicine.


 The post
 Through Genomia MDATA, FM6SS Launches Landmark Alliance to Boost Precision Medicine in Africa
 appeared first on
 "DIWIDA.NEWS" | English - Moroccan News
 .

Genomia MDATA & FM6SS Join Forces to Pioneer Precision Medicine in Africa

Unknown africa, biotech & biomedical, healthcare and medicine, medicine and healthcare, technology

Genomia MDATA, a trailblazer from Canada in precision medicine, has teamed up with the Mohammed VI Foundation for Science and Health (FM6SS) to propel Africa into a leading role in worldwide biomedi…

Qatar's First PFO Closure Achieved by The View Hospital in Private Sector

Unknown cardiology, health, healthcare and medicine, medicine and healthcare, news

<div class="articleContent">
 
 
 
 
 DOHA: In a pioneering medical accomplishment, The View Hospital has declared the successful execution of the first-ever Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) closure procedure within the private healthcare sector in Qatar. This breakthrough represents an important advancement in cardiovascular treatments in the nation, providing patients with a state-of-the-art and efficient therapeutic choice.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 The operation was carried out smoothly at The View Hospital’s advanced catheterization laboratory, overseen by Dr. Noureddin Sawan, a specialist in cardiology and electrophysiology. Under his guidance, the medical staff accomplished the closure of the PFO within just 20 minutes using a minimally invasive approach, substantially lowering the chances of stroke and related issues.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 A PFO, which stands for patent foramen ovale, is a tiny gap located between the top chambers of the heart that may not seal shut following birth. Although this typically does not produce noticeable signs, it has the potential to elevate the likelihood of strokes. This issue is addressed through a straightforward process aimed at sealing off the opening forever, thereby decreasing hazards and enhancing the well-being of those affected.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 The achievement becomes all the more impressive when we consider that The View Hospital has become the sole private facility in Qatar providing an extensive selection of cutting-edge cardiac devices. Consequently, individuals requiring sophisticated heart treatments no longer need to seek medical help abroad; they can access these services locally in Doha from trusted specialists.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Dr. Noureddin Sawan remarked, “This accomplishment goes beyond being merely a medical breakthrough; it’s a genuine chance to preserve lives and enhance the well-being of our patients. Our dedication lies in offering state-of-the-art medical technology so that everyone can get top-notch treatment right here in Qatar, eliminating the necessity for overseas trips. Each progress made aligns us with our aspiration to deliver premier healthcare services.”
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 At The View Hospital, healthcare transcends mere medicine and technology—we function like a close-knit family. Our belief is that treating patients encompasses more than sophisticated tools and clinical processes; it includes heartfelt support and authentic concern for each individual under our care. We dedicate ourselves to tending to both the physical needs and emotional wellbeing of our patients throughout their healing process with unwavering commitment and meticulous focus.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 The hospital keeps investing in state-of-the-art medical technology to improve its offerings across different fields, highlighting its dedication to maintaining high standards in health care. By incorporating PFO closure procedures, The View Hospital reinforces its role as a leading medical facility delivering top-tier therapeutic options for cardiac patients.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 The View Hospital exemplifies superior healthcare delivery in Qatar by integrating cutting-edge medical technologies with worldwide expertise to offer holistic and coordinated health services. This institution’s forward-thinking medical approach and robust international collaborations underscore their dedication to delivering top-tier care to every member of society at all times.
 
 
 
 
</div>
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Qatar's First PFO Closure Achieved by The View Hospital in Private Sector

Unknown cardiology, health, healthcare and medicine, medicine and healthcare, news

DOHA: In a pioneering medical accomplishment, The View Hospital has declared the successful execution of the first-ever Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) closure procedure within the priv…

Vaccine May Shield Against Dementia and Painful Shingles Outbreaks

Unknown dementia, health, healthcare and medicine, medicine and healthcare, vaccines

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CavJ2" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CavJ2.jpg"/>

 Getting vaccinated against shingles — a painful and debilitating condition that can flare up years after infection from varicella zoster — not only lowers the risk of infection, but may also offer some protection against dementia, a provocative new study suggests.


 The
 new research
 Published Wednesday in Nature, this study examined information from over 280,000 elderly individuals in Wales and discovered that those who got the initial shingles live virus vaccine had a 20% lower likelihood of developing any form of dementia compared to unvaccinated individuals.


 Previous research has found an association between the
 Shingrix shingles vaccine
 , which replaced the live virus version in 2020, and a lower risk of dementia, especially in women. But that link wasn't considered as strong because that study design couldn’t account for potential differences between those who were vaccinated and those who were not, such as the possibility that the vaccinated people might have been healthier overall. Shingrex, which targets a tiny bit of viral DNA, turned out to have a longer lasting effect than the original vaccine.


 The new study was possible because of an unusual public health policy in Wales that provided a “natural experiment” to explore the potential impact of the vaccine on dementia risk. With the rollout of the vaccine in 2013 in Wales, shots were offered to people born on or after Sept. 2, 1933, but not those who were born before that date.


 That allowed the German and Stanford University researchers to compare two groups of people with similar health characteristics who differed only by one week in age, making them essentially the same except that the vaccine was available to the younger population but not the older, said Dr. Pascal Geldsetzer, an assistant professor of medicine at Stanford University and senior author of the study.


 What’s exciting about the study is that it’s essentially like a randomized controlled trial, considered the gold standard in research, he said.


 The way the original vaccine was rolled out in Wales provided a unique opportunity, said Allison Aiello, a professor of epidemiology at the Columbia University Aging Center in New York City.


 “It’s like having a control group compared to a treated group,” said Aiello, who was not associated with the new research. “What’s interesting is the finding of 20% protection. That is a pretty strong effect, which does fit with other research suggesting that herpes viruses might have an influence on dementia.”


 Scientists don’t know exactly how the chickenpox virus raises the risk of dementia. It’s been shown that reactivation of the virus can lead to the accumulation of aberrant proteins associated with Alzheimer’s, for example, Geldsetzer said. It’s also possible that the virus might spark a
 reactivation of herpes simplex
 which previous studies have associated with dementia.


 Herpesviruses always remain present in your body indefinitely.
 , yet they remain dormant within the body until the immune system weakens. As we age, our immune defenses naturally diminish, potentially allowing the virus to reactivate as shingles, an unpleasant condition.
 side effect of chickenpox
 .

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/video/AA1AD51Z" data-reference="video"/>

 The age-related impact is responsible for this phenomenon because the
 shingles vaccine
 is available exclusively to individuals aged 50 and above in the U.S. It requires two doses administered between two to six months apart.


 Experts indicate that herpes viruses, such as oral and genital herpes simplex, seem capable of infiltrating the central nervous system.


 In fact, a
 2024 study
 discovered that out of those 70-year-olds who didn't have dementia initially, individuals diagnosed with herpes simplex had over double the chance compared to those not infected to be affected by dementia throughout a subsequent 15-year period.


 Herpes simplex can wreak havoc if it passes through the blood-brain barrier. It can cause inflammation of both the meninges (meningitis) and the brain (encephalitis). Both can be fatal.


 Bolstering the case for the shingles vaccine protecting against dementia were the findings from a
 study published in Nature Medicine in 2024
 that analyzed medical records from more than 100,000 patients. That analysis suggested the newer shingles vaccine was associated with even better protection against dementia.


 In that study, researchers also investigated whether two other vaccines — for influenza and tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis — had any impact on the risk for dementia. They did not.


 The key takeaway from the Stanford study, according to Dr. Aarati Didwania, a professor of medicine and medical education at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, is that vaccination could potentially reduce the likelihood of developing dementia.


 It's not entirely clear how the vaccines could provide protection against dementia, according to Didwania. "However, it raises an interesting query," she noted further. "Could this be due to reduced inflammation or stopping the virus from becoming active again?"


 Didwania mentioned that there is definitely a valid justification for receiving vaccinations.


 "Shingles is a dreadful, agonizing, and disabling ailment that can result in severe chronic pain," she stated.


 The recent research has certain constraints. Although it demonstrates the effectiveness of the vaccination in practical conditions, this does not equate to the rigor of a randomized controlled trial, noted Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center located in Nashville, Tennessee. However, conducting such random assignments for vaccines would raise significant ethical concerns, he explained.


 “He described the research as provocative, intriguing, and thrilling.”


 Schaffner suggested that the Food and Drug Administration might examine studies connecting shingles vaccinations with a reduced likelihood of developing dementia, which could then permit the pharmaceutical firm to include this information on the product labeling.


 If that does not occur, physicians can utilize the research results to persuade patients to opt for vaccination.


 Definitely, there are numerous individuals aged 50 and above who haven't gotten vaccinated," he stated. "Should you mention that certain studies indicate the vaccine could help prevent some forms of dementia, this might influence their decision.


 The article was initially posted on
 DIwida.Blog & News

Vaccine May Shield Against Dementia and Painful Shingles Outbreaks

Unknown dementia, health, healthcare and medicine, medicine and healthcare, vaccines

Getting vaccinated against shingles — a painful and debilitating condition that can flare up years after infection from varicella zoster — not only lowers the risk of infection, but may also offer s…

Record number of Americans unable to pay for basic healthcare

Unknown economics, health and healthcare economics, healthcare and medicine, medical and healthcare costs, medicine and healthcare

<ul class="mol-bullets-with-font">
 <li class="">
 
 READ MORE: As many as 74 million Americans may lose their ability to obtain healthcare following Trump's freeze on federal funds.
 
 </li>
</ul>

 While Americans are still dealing with increasing expenses in various sectors, a recent poll indicates that they are also finding it difficult to afford good quality medical care.


 More than one-third of U.S. adults (approximately 91 million individuals) would be unable to obtain adequate medical care immediately if necessary, according to the most recent West Health-Gallup Healthcare Affordability Index.


 The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services reported federal spending on health care amounted to $4.9 trillion in 2023, equating to approximately $14,570 per individual.


 Even though approximately 305 million individuals have health coverage in the United States, around 26 million Americans remain without insurance and are personally bearing their medical expenses.


 Approximately four out of every ten adults say they have debt due to unpaid medical or dental expenses, whereas more than 70 million people refrain from seeing doctors for fear of costly charges.


 According to the West Health-Gallup Healthcare Affordability Index, Hispanic Americans experienced the most significant impact, as 52 percent reported being unable to afford quality healthcare.


 In second place were African Americans, with approximately 46 percent stating they did so.
 were unable to cover their physicians' expenses
 .


 The survey additionally indicated that 64 percent of individuals with an income below $24,000 and 57 percent of families whose yearly earnings range from $24,000 to $48,000 were struggling to cover healthcare costs.


 However, Americans with incomes above $48,000 maintained a fairly consistent level of accessibility to affordable healthcare from 2023 to 2024.

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1C9Zbi" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1C9Zbi.jpg"/>

 Dan Witters, a senior researcher at Gallup, stated in a press statement: "The national decline in healthcare affordability and accessibility continues, with this problem being particularly severe for Black, Hispanic, and lower-income adults."


 In contrast, white adults and individuals from higher-income families continue to be mostly shielded from these deteriorating conditions.


 'This particular disparity represents the largest gap in healthcare accessibility among these groups that we've documented so far, with numerous Americans facing greater challenges consistently each year.'


 Between November 18 and December 27, 2024, the survey received responses via the internet and postal mail from 6,296 adults aged 18 years and above residing across all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia.


 The participants were subsequently grouped as follows: those who felt cost-secure—having encountered no recent challenges when trying to obtain or pay for medical treatment or medications; cost-insecure individuals—who had recently struggled with either obtaining healthcare, affording treatments, or purchasing prescriptions; and finally, those labeled as cost-desperate—who found themselves unable to get any form of service, particularly affordable health care along with necessary medicines, within the past few months.


 According to these classifications, merely 51 percent of Americans were found to be financially secure, marking the lowest figure since 2021.


 An all-time high of 11 percent (approximately 29 million) Americans were categorized as being in dire straits due to costs.


 Although there has been significant shifts in the percentage of Americans categorized as cost distressed and financially stable recently, approximately four out of every ten individuals still remain economically insecure.


 The survey indicated that Hispanic adults experienced the most significant decreases in security during the four-year span, falling 17 percentage points to 34 percent.


 This was followed by Black adults, who dropped 13 points to 41 percent.


 Without insurance, primary care visits  can range from $150 to $300 just to be seen by a doctor.


 However, with insurance, copays typically range from $10 to $50.


 Surveyors also found that the gap between those who could afford healthcare and those who could not had greatly widened since their first questionnaire in 2021, particularly among Hispanic adults (up eight points to 18 percent).


 The percentage of Black adults increased by five points to reach 14 percent, and the proportion of lower-income households with an annual income below $24,000 rose by 11 points to stand at 25 percent.


 Nevertheless, over the past four years, there has been minimal alteration in the standing of white adults or those from middle-to-high income brackets within America.


 The researchers proposed that the widening disparity could stem from several contributing elements, such as heightened rates of both consumer and healthcare cost inflation along with ongoing pharmaceutical shortages.


 The reduction in Medicaid enrollment as the continuous enrollment provision expired, along with significant cutbacks in CHIP enrollment, might also contribute to this trend.

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CabyE" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CabyE.jpg"/>

 Tim Lash, president of West Health Policy Center, stated that the only way to decrease the gap and make healthcare affordable was through change in governmental policy.


 He noted in a news release: 'The rising trajectory in the inability to pay for healthcare is a disturbing trend that is likely to continue and even accelerate.


 'Policy action at both the state and federal level is urgently needed, or even more Americans will have to go without treatment or be forced to make painful tradeoffs between paying for medical care or paying for other necessities.


 'The human and economic costs are enormous.'


 This comes months after Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. claimed that Americans were unhappy with government-run health care programs and would prefer to be on private-company owned plans.


 Kennedy, 71, criticized government-run health care programs during one of his Senate Finance Committee confirmation hearings in January.


 When asked how he would improve Medicare and Medicaid, the Secretary, who is on a Medicare Advantage plan, the privately run alternative to traditional Medicare said:  'We need to listen to what people prefer to be on.


 'I would ask any of the Democrats who are chuckling just now: Do you think all that money, the $900 billion that we’re sending to Medicaid every year, has made Americans healthy? Do we think it’s working for anybody? Are the premiums low enough?'

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 In January 2024, rumors began circulating that
 pharmaceutical companies have increased drug prices
 Among over 770 medications, including Ozempic, the top-selling drug
 diabetes
 drug often used for
 weight loss
 .


 The company behind it, Novo Nordisk, increased the price by 3.5 percent to nearly $970 for a monthly supply.


 In the meantime, Eli Lilly raised the price of Mounjaro, an
 a medication for diabetes that is also utilized for shedding pounds
 , 4.5% to end at around $1,070 per month.


 AstraZeneca
 Also increased prices by three percent for blood.
 cancer
 therapy with CalQUENCE, the non-small cell lung cancer medication Tagrisso, and the asthma treatment Fasenra.


 Increases for
 Pfizer
 incorporated a 6% increase in the price of Xeljanz, which treats autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis, along with hikes of 7.9% on cancer medications Ibrance and Xalkori.


 Pfizer stated that these increases were essential for funding efforts in pharmaceutical research and development.

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Record number of Americans unable to pay for basic healthcare

Unknown economics, health and healthcare economics, healthcare and medicine, medical and healthcare costs, medicine and healthcare

READ MORE: As many as 74 million Americans may lose their ability to obtain healthcare following Trump's freeze on federal funds. While Americans are still dealing with increasing expen…

Lawsuit Alleges Drug Giant Concealed Zantac's Cancer Link

Unknown drugs, health, healthcare and medicine, medicine and healthcare, news

The British pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has faced accusations for allegedly suppressing a document purportedly demonstrating a connection between its drug Zantac and certain issues.
 cancer
 A fresh legal case has been brought forward, according to reports.


 A pension fund has initiated a class-action lawsuit against the company in the U.S., accusing GSK and three top officials, including CEO Emma Walmsley, of deceiving shareholders by stating they were unaware of any link between their heartburn drug Zantac and cancer risks.


 Zantac hit the market in the UK in 1981, and by 1988, it had become the globe’s quickest-selling medication.


 However, in 2019, GSK removed it from the market in both the UK and the US due to concerns that the component ranitidine formed a potentially cancer-causing substance within the body when mixed with nitrates, commonly present in various food items.


 In the United States, tens of thousands of individuals pursued compensation. At that time, GSK stated that the prevailing scientific opinion was that there was 'no consistent or reliable evidence suggesting that ranitidine raises the risk of... cancer'.


 In October, GSK mentioned that they had expended $2.2 billion in resolving approximately 93 percent of the cases without acknowledging fault.


 However, in a legal case submitted to the US district court in
 Pennsylvania
 The Roofers Local No. 149 Pension Fund claimed that GSK knew about the connection between Zantac and cancer 'for nearly four decades' before the drug was removed from the market.

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 Legal papers assert that back in 1982, Richard Tanner, who was a researcher at Glaxo—a company that later became part of GSK—discovered that when ranitidine came into contact with nitrites, it generated approximately 232,000 nanograms of NDMA, which is a cancer-causing substance.


 The American pharmaceutical regulatory body subsequently mentioned that a drug should contain no more than 96 nanograms as acceptable levels.


 The allegation asserts that Glaxo and GSK concealed the report, resulting in 'financial harm' for investors once the lawsuits impacted GSK's stock value.


 GSK stated: "We are currently examining this legal case."


 Since 2019, after reviewing 16 epidemiological studies examining human data related to the use of ranitidine, the scientific community agrees that there is no consistent or dependable evidence suggesting that ranitidine raises the risk of developing any form of cancer.


 'After the initial Zantac personal injury lawsuit was filed in 2019, we have reported the associated legal actions concerning Zantac as a possible risk factor and maintained regular updates for our shareholders.'

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Lawsuit Alleges Drug Giant Concealed Zantac's Cancer Link

Unknown drugs, health, healthcare and medicine, medicine and healthcare, news

The British pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has faced accusations for allegedly suppressing a document purportedly demonstrating a connection between its drug Zantac and certain issues.…

Europe's Chance to Welcome Americans Fleeing Trump: Ready for a "Brain Gain"?

Unknown europe, immigrants, immigration, medicine and healthcare, politics

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 Russian-American *Julia had wanted to leave the United States for a couple of years, but the start of President Donald Trump’s second term forced her to start taking the idea seriously.


 “I observed that individuals like myself—immigrants—were much more concerned following the election,” she explained to Euronews Next. “The warning signs became evident immediately.”


 The anesthesiologist played a key role during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City but now aims to secure a position within the pharmaceuticals or biotechnology sector somewhere in Europe.

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 Euronews Next agreed to change her name  to protect her identity while she looks for work overseas.


 Julia is one of dozens of people who posted on the Reddit channel Amer/Exit, a play on words referring to Brexit, the UK’s departure from the European Union. Like her, users of the subreddit are trying to figure out how to leave the US for Europe or Canada in the wake of Trump’s second mandate.


 Experts say it’s "too early" to tell whether this could be considered a "brain drain" but that the EU needs to prepare.

<h2>
 'We just could not keep up with the calls'
</h2>

 Arielle Tucker is the founder of Connected Financial Planning, a company that helps Americans relocate to Europe.


 Tucker received more than 30 new American clients in the week after Trump’s reelection, a level of interest that’s been sustained throughout the last few months.


 Many of Tucker’s clients are in their mid-30s or early 40s and work in executive roles in tech, pharmaceuticals or finance.

<div class="widget widget--type-quotation widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center">
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 The overall sense that I got from a lot of those individuals was they felt like they couldn’t control anything and they had to do something. We just could not keep up with the calls.
 
 </blockquote>
 <div class="widget__authorText">
 Arielle Tucker
 </div>
 <div class="widget__author_descriptionText">
 Founder, Connected Financial Planning
 </div>
 </div>
 </div>
</div>

 "The overall sense that I got from a lot of those individuals was they felt like they couldn’t control anything and they had to do something," Tucker said. "We just could not keep up with the calls".


 They are working for multinationals with offices in Europe or can self-finance their move from a major American city like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Boston.


 Her clients thought about a move "passively" for a while but then they "realised they just do not like the political climate in the US".


 Alex Ingrim, founder of wealth management firm Liberty Atlantic Advisors, said more clients are contacting him with their visa processes well underway.

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</div>

 His clients skew older, from the mid-40s to 60-plus who are either working "digital nomad" jobs in tech, venture capital, or planning for retirement.


 "A lot of people feel that the longer they stay in the US, the more uncertain they are about what the quality of life is going to be and how that might affect their financial well-being," Ingrim said.


 Where they go depends on what they do, Tucker said, but it’s often a game of "whack-a-mole" where they try to find the best immigration opportunity for their clients.


 Countries like Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, and Germany are becoming especially popular with Americans, Tucker and Ingrim said.

<h2>
 Europe has a 'real opportunity' to market to Americans
</h2>

 Tucker believes European companies have a "real opportunity" to market to Americans to help them fill expertise in missing sectors, like the IT sector, AI, and pharmaceuticals.


 But one of the biggest barriers for Americans coming to Europe is a change in their salaries, Ingrim said.


 "As he pointed out, you come across statistics such as those in Paris where wages could be just one-third of what they typically are in cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco." He continued, “This seems to pose a financial obstacle when considering how it will impact my future prospects.”


 Federico Steinberg, a senior economist and international trade specialist at the Elcano Royal Institute in Spain, suggested that businesses should provide American workers with better compensation packages, including increased salaries or additional perks such as housing support, to encourage career transitions.

<div class="widget widget--type-quotation widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center">
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 <blockquote class="widget__quote">
 
 If Europe wishes to remain appealing, it possesses the potential. With its balanced approach to work and life, rich cultural offerings, and ample leisure activities, the key lies in providing robust career prospects.
 
 </blockquote>
 <div class="widget__authorText">
 Federico Steinberg
 </div>
 <div class="widget__author_descriptionText">
 Lead Economist and Specialist in International Trade at the Elcano Royal Institute
 </div>
 </div>
 </div>
</div>

 Steinberg said a clear long-term picture from the company for that person’s career past a five-year visa is also worthwhile.


 "Europe, if it wants to become attractive, it has the potential," Steinberg said. "It has the work-life balance, it has the culture, the leisure part… so it’s all about the career opportunities".


 It can also be complicated for Americans to move abroad because of a tax structure that makes it difficult for banks to work with them, Tucker added.

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 Tucker mentioned that if an American plans to save for retirement using a non-U.S. pension, they often face "substantial U.S. tax implications" as a result.


 Ingrim mentioned that certain European financial institutions are attempting to establish a marketplace aimed at assisting these Americans.


 “Prior to the arrival of COVID-19 and before the initial term of the Trump administration, most financial service providers were unwilling to cater to Americans as our numbers weren't significant enough,” he explained. “These days, however, I receive inquiries regarding this matter monthly.”


 To further mitigate this, Steinberg said the EU could consider a short-term tax incentive to attract top talent, like is already done for top athletes.

<h2>
 'I can imagine myself being there'
</h2>

 In New York City, Julia mentioned that she feels fine with taking about one and a half years to prepare for the move since she believes in thoroughly considering her choice.


 She’s considering Denmark, Germany, or Switzerland because she has transferable skills for many of their pharmaceutical jobs.


 Her parents are also planning their retirement in Portugal, so moving to Europe would bring her closer to them.

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 </li>
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</div>

 She’s worried, however, that a new move could leave her feeling isolated, lonely and lost, even though she wants to settle in a vibrant city where she could meet new people.


 Despite these issues, there’s very little that would convince her to stay, except for if the "whole administration gets impeached or fired".


 “I could picture myself over in Europe,” she remarked. “The job listings make me feel quite enthusiastic.”


 *The interviewee requested that her name be altered to maintain her privacy.

Europe's Chance to Welcome Americans Fleeing Trump: Ready for a "Brain Gain"?

Unknown europe, immigrants, immigration, medicine and healthcare, politics

Russian-American *Julia had wanted to leave the United States for a couple of years, but the start of President Donald Trump’s second term forced her to start taking the idea seriously. “I observed…

Hospitals Write Off Over £250 Million in Unpaid Foreign Patient Bills

Unknown healthcare and medicine, hospitals, medical and healthcare costs, medicine and healthcare, national health service

Hospitals facing financial difficulties have waived £256.4 million in debts owed by international patients due to inadequate verification processes for their entitlement to free care.
 NHS
 treatment.


 A probe conducted by The Mail on Sunday reveals rising debts incurred by health tourists – individuals who have received treatments ranging from spinal surgeries to cardiac care.
 cancer
 The treatment – is exacerbating the financial strain on NHS resources.


 Last year witnessed a loss of £44 million—a 63 percent rise from the £26.9 million written off by hospitals in 2017-18.


 Our investigation, which examined healthcare financial records spanning the last seven years and included an extensive Freedom of Information act request sent to various trusts throughout England, uncovers critical insights as follows:

<ul class="mol-bullets-with-font">
 <li class="">
 Only a third of the £621 million debt from hospital visits by foreign tourists has been paid back.
 </li>
</ul>
<ul class="mol-bullets-with-font">
 <li class="">
 A Nigerian patient scheduled for treatment at Barts Health NHS Trust in London incurred an expense of almost £500,000, while a Romanian patient owes Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust in South London £71,000.
 </li>
</ul>
<ul class="mol-bullets-with-font">
 <li class="">
 Over 400 international patients received elective care last year at the Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust in East London, with 285 bills yet to be paid, amounting to a sum of £1.3 million collectively.
 </li>
</ul>
<ul class="mol-bullets-with-font">
 <li class="">
 In nine years, the number of medical tourists utilizing the NHS for scheduled treatments has increased twofold, exacerbating the lengthening queues for patients funded by taxpayers.
 </li>
</ul>
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 Yesterday evening, following the confrontation with the MoS's findings, the Health Secretary was involved in an issue related to it.
 Wes Streeting
 pledged he would take action to 'tidy up this mess.'


 Nevertheless, these numbers may just scratch the surface since they only encompass patients who were flagged for payment—prompting concerns that an additional vast sum could be going unaccounted for.


 Conservative Party Member of Parliament Joe Robertson, who serves on the Commons Health and Social Care Committee, stated: "The UK should not function as a healthcare provider for the global community. The National Health Service administration must collect payment from individuals beforehand for any scheduled treatments. This ensures that those who might try to avoid paying their bills cannot do so."


 The NHS cannot justify asking for additional funds when it writes off substantial debts owed by international patients for optional, non-emergency procedures.


 If a visitor experiences an accident during their vacation in the UK, it is reasonable for them to get emergency treatment; however, the NHS appears to offer scheduled, non-urgent procedures to individuals from abroad who do not make payments.


 If NHS management doesn’t take control, the Health Secretary must step in to make them act. It makes no sense to abolish NHS England and bring the NHS under direct government oversight if Wes Streeting isn’t going to stop such blatant mismanagement.


 Over the last couple of years, the government has had to bolster the NHS’s funding by an additional £21 billion, yet wait times for hospital treatments continue to hit all-time highs, with only 59 percent of patients being treated within the targeted 18 weeks.


 The £256.4 million that was forgiven could have financed the hiring of approximately 8,500 new nurses or almost 3,000 additional general practitioners. This amount would also be sufficient to cover the treatment costs for about 27,000 breast cancer patients or support as many as 15,000 kidney transplant procedures.

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 The anger has been exacerbated by the fact that numerous foreign patients’ bills are for treatments deemed ‘elective,’ which means they were scheduled beforehand.


 Although general practitioner services and emergency treatment are provided free of charge to everyone irrespective of their residency status, hospitals are required to recognize chargeable patients and request payment up front—amounting to 150 percent of NHS rates—before providing additional services like specialized consultations and scheduled treatments.


 However, the data shows that overburdened hospitals frequently cannot manage this promptly and end up sending bills to patients afterward—permitting them to depart the country without making payment.


 This differs from healthcare systems in France, Ireland, the US, and Australia, where individuals must pay upfront.


 Alp Mehmet, the chairperson of Migration Watch UK, described it as 'outrageous' that merely a small portion of the expenses incurred by foreign patients is being reclaimed.


 'The NHS trust needs Wes Streeting to ensure they cease depending solely on government funding for providing routine care to individuals who aren’t eligible for it,' he stated.


 The founders of the National Health Service, such as Nye Bevan, would be appalled to discover it has transformed into an International Health Service.


 Over the last seven years, the NHS has charged overseas patients £621 million. Only around one-third of this, approximately £233 million, has been recovered so far. The sum being waived is increasing as patients cannot be located, have passed away, or due to hospitals deciding against chasing these debts.

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 Despite this, in 2014, when there were concerns that the NHS had been too lenient with international patients, the government committed to recouping as much as £500 million annually.


 John O'Connell from the TaxPayers' Alliance urged Members of Parliament to revamp the system and "show proper respect for citizens' hard-earned money."


 He stated: "The inability of the health service to make sure that those who aren’t eligible for free care pay their dues highlights a cultural indifference toward squandered resources."


 Every hospital is legally obligated to identify patients who do not qualify for free NHS treatment and must recoup expenses, with this responsibility monitored by overseas visitor managers.


 This could include the use of the MESH system, an IT resource created by NHS England that compares a patient’s data with other records, such as those maintained by the Home Office.


 International patients ought to be informed about the anticipated costs and payment procedures, and hospitals are required to undertake "all reasonable efforts" to collect these expenses prior to commencing treatment.


 However, due to compassionate considerations, official guidelines assert that care deemed urgent by a physician should not be denied — even if the patient has stated they are unable to make payment.


 This is especially true in maternity wards, as denying care can adversely affect both mothers and infants.

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 Here, an invoice is generated initially, followed by subsequent attempts to recoup the expenses through potential installment payments.


 Hospitals may resort to international debt collection agencies to recover such expenses; however, this approach is costly and does not ensure that the patient will either agree or have the means to make payment, assuming they are located successfully.


 A policy specialist commented, "In truth, hospitals frequently find it impractical because hiring sufficient personnel to verify each patient’s information and follow up on payments after invoices are sent can be too costly. The effectiveness varies among different trust organizations."


 These statistics encompass individuals who received initial attention in the emergency department before being hospitalized, making subsequent treatments chargeable. Additionally, they involve cases where general practitioners refer patients to hospitals for scheduled evaluations or procedures.


 Many hospitals struggled to distinguish between billing for elective and non-elective services. However, certain institutions like Barking, Havering, and Redbridge—where an outstanding unpaid amount of £1.3 million over one year encompasses a debt from a Ghanaian patient for orthopedic treatments totaling £18,000—did provide detailed numbers. The University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust disclosed that they treated 531 international patients for elective procedures last year, with one case involving an uncollected sum of £22,000 related to spinal surgery.


 The Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has verified that 396 international patients underwent planned procedures over the past year, leaving approximately £300,000 in unpaid bills for 194 services provided. Additionally, a patient from Hungary was treated at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust for both kidney and heart issues and now owes around £23,000. Furthermore, numerous individuals hailing from countries such as India and Cameroon have been billed significant amounts—tens of thousands of pounds—for their respective treatments related to cancer care they received elsewhere within these healthcare systems.


 Data provided by officials from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) indicate that international patients seem to be more frequently opting for elective treatments through the NHS.


 Although the figures for patients seeking emergency care haven’t significantly altered, the number of individuals admitted for day procedures has nearly tripled over nine years, rising from 3,885 to 8,585 between 2014 and 2022-23. However, this figure dropped to 6,205 in the previous year.


 Data from The Mail on Sunday indicates that Nigerians held the highest amount of outstanding debts, trailed closely by Romanians, Indians, Albanians, and U.S. citizens. According to Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, within just one year, 92 Nigerian individuals accumulated a debt totaling £238,553—approximately £2,600 per person. Additionally, they charged 76 Romanian nationals with a combined bill of £178,936 and invoiced 33 Albanian people an aggregate sum of £106,959.


 The Mail on Sunday sought explanations from multiple major hospital trusts regarding the challenges of recognizing chargeable patients and recovering such expenses, yet none agreed to comment.


 The Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust acknowledged that due to capacity constraints, only approximately half of the patients identified by MESH as possibly eligible for charges could undergo additional evaluation by their team. Out of over 8,000 individuals flagged by MESH, around 5,130 received further assessments, with 982 ultimately receiving bills for their treatments. A number were excluded either because they possessed a legitimate exemption or upon determination that they weren’t subject to charges.


 The DHSC stated that they have recovered £4.4 billion from international patients since 2015-16. This figure encompasses all payments received through the Immigration Health Surcharge, which requires individuals holding work or study visas to pay £776 annually for access to the NHS. It also includes revenue generated from treating citizens of countries within the European Economic Area.


 Mr. Streeting stated yesterday evening: "Similar to how British citizens overseas must cover their medical expenses, visitors coming to this nation should do the same. Given that patients are experiencing unbearably lengthy waits for general practitioner visits, surgeries, or even emergency services, it is unjustifiable for the National Health Service to bear the cost of treatments that ought to be covered financially."


 We will take action to clear up this situation. While we strive to reduce waiting lists, we will simultaneously tackle those who benefit unfairly at the cost of British taxpayers.

Read more

Hospitals Write Off Over £250 Million in Unpaid Foreign Patient Bills

Unknown healthcare and medicine, hospitals, medical and healthcare costs, medicine and healthcare, national health service

Hospitals facing financial difficulties have waived £256.4 million in debts owed by international patients due to inadequate verification processes for their entitlement to free care. NHS treatmen…