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KFSH&RC Unveils its Cutting-Edge Approach to Elevating the Patient Treatment Experience at the Global Health Exhibition

Philips receives FDA clearance for its most advanced acute patient monitors

At the 2023 Global Health Exhibition in Riyadh, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC) is presenting its advanced approach to elevating the patient treatment journey. By harnessing state-of-the-art digital healthcare solutions, the hospital has showcased the role of such tools in enhancing healthcare outcomes and operational efficiency across diverse medical domains.

KFSH&RC has achieved substantial advancements in streamlining the patient admission process through the ‘Ehalat’ service. This automated platform simplifies medical referrals and fosters collaboration with both public and private healthcare entities. Additionally, it empowers users to submit medical reports, compile personal data, and access their medical history—all within a unified service, eliminating the necessity for in-person visits to the hospital. This not only simplifies the evaluation of a patient’s condition and treatment eligibility but also provides real-time tracking and updates on applications.

Patients can now track their treatment progress remotely through “Altakhassusi” mobile application, providing them with secure access to their medical records. The app allows patients to view radiology and medical lab test results, easily schedule appointments, attend virtual follow-up sessions with their physicians, and even assess the effectiveness of their treatment. Moreover, it enhances the process of prescription refills, medical supplies, and nutritional needs, making communication with the medical team and the hospital effortless.

KFSH&RC is dedicated to providing a high-quality treatment experience with automation at every stage. This approach saves time and effort for patients, and it improves medical decision-making through cutting-edge methods and care models that leverage the rapid advancements in digital health innovations. These capabilities enable seamless integration of various medical technologies, consolidating clinical results, documents, and medical data. This ranges from surgical notes to post-operative care, ensuring a smooth flow of information, boosting care efficiency, and customizing it to meet each patient’s unique needs.

KFSH&RC is globally recognized for its exceptional specialized healthcare services and groundbreaking innovations. It stands as an advanced hub for medical research and education, committed to advancing medical technologies and raising the standard of healthcare on a global scale. Through collaborations with prominent local, regional, and international institutions, it aspires to deliver world-class services in clinical care, research, and education.

The Global Health Exhibition, featuring the participation of 250 exhibitors from 15 countries, stands as the premier healthcare gathering in the Middle East. It serves as a platform for collaboration among Saudi and global healthcare communities, including regional and international manufacturers and suppliers. This year’s summit, operating under the theme ‘Investing in Health,’ promises to be a pivotal event shaping the future of healthcare.

OMRON Introduces Stroke Risk Calculator for Personalized Stroke Prevention in Singapore

OMRON Introduces Stroke Risk Calculator for Personalized Stroke Prevention in Singapore

The Singaporean arm of OMRON Healthcare, a Japanese global leader in home blood pressure monitoring and solutions for cardio and cerebrovascular disease management, has announced the campaign “Sleeves Up, Stroke Risk Down” to introduce a new feature on its website — the Stroke Risk Calculator.

The feature has been developed by the Auckland University of Technology in New Zealand. It enables users to assess their personal risk of experiencing a stroke within the next five or ten years, while also providing essential guidance on risk mitigation.

This introduction of the new feature reflects the company’s commitment to promoting proactive cerebrovascular health management in Singapore, equipping people with the insights and tools to lead healthier lives.

According to a recent Lancet commission report, strokes could cause the deaths of 10 million people a year by 2050, indicating a 50% increase in 30 years. This underscores the importance of controlling lifestyle factors, such as hypertension. In Singapore, the rate of hypertension has nearly doubled since 2010. Presently, more than a third of the population suffers from high blood pressure, amplifying the risk of stroke. Remarkably, addressing a small number of risk factors, including smoking, diet, exercise, and high blood pressure (hypertension), can prevent up to 90% of these strokes. Among these modifiable risk factors, high blood pressure stands as the leading contributor to stroke risk.

Against this backdrop, the introduction of the Stroke Risk Calculator provides a proactive, fast, and easily accessible way for individuals aged 20 to 90+ to assess their personal stroke risk within 3 minutes. Available on the OMRON Healthcare website in English, Thai, Vietnamese, and Bahasa Indonesia, the Stroke Risk Calculator guides users through 20 scientifically validated questions, and incorporates blood pressure readings into its risk assessment.

By continuously tracking and updating blood pressure readings over time, individuals can gain a comprehensive understanding of their stroke risk profile — including 5-year and 10-year stroke risk projections, relative risk assessments, identification of specific risk factors, as well as actionable advice for risk reduction. Armed with this knowledge, individuals can take informed steps to manage and mitigate their stroke risk effectively, thus staying motivated to make healthy lifestyle choices.

“In light of World Stroke Day, OMRON Healthcare reaffirms its commitment to fostering a healthier world. High blood pressure often goes unnoticed, with no apparent symptoms. The only definitive method to detect it is through regular blood pressure monitoring. Our recent data review found that hypertensive patients with a baseline Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) of 135mmHg or higher, who regularly tracked their blood pressure at home, achieved an average SBP improvement of 10mmHg within 12 months. The combination of routine blood pressure monitoring and the utilisation of the Stroke Risk Calculator emerges as pivotal steps in effectively combatting the burgeoning disease burden and the escalating healthcare costs intertwined with hypertension and stroke,” said Alexis En, Director, Marketing & Digital Health, OMRON Healthcare Singapore. “This initiative aligns with our vision — Going for Zero — aimed at reducing incidents related to heart and strokes through preventive care.”

“We take pride in our collaboration with OMRON Healthcare on the Stroke Risk Calculator — a monumental project that engaged over 300 stroke experts from 102 countries, making it the world’s largest international collaborative mobile health initiative of its kind. It has undergone rigorous scientific testing and has received endorsements from esteemed global health organisations such as the World Stroke Organisation and the World Heart Federation. Together, we are making significant strides toward promoting a healthier and more resilient global population,” stated Professor Valery Feigin, Director, Auckland University of Technology’s National Institute for Stroke and Applied Neuroscience (NISAN), New Zealand.

“The burden of disability after a stroke is also large. The prioritisation of early detection and the control of hypertension is strongly recommended as a part of both primary and secondary stroke prevention strategies. This will prove instrumental in not only reducing the burden of stroke but also achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 3.4, which aims to reduce the burden of stroke as part of the general target to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases by a third by 2030,” added Professor Feigin.

King Faisal Specialist Hospital Achieves Medical Milestone with World’s First Fully Robotic Living Donor Liver Transplant

King Faisal Specialist Hospital Achieves Medical Milestone with Worlds First Fully Robotic Living Donor Liver Transplant

In a historic achievement, the Organ Transplant Center of Excellence (OTCoE) team at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSH&RC) has successfully performed the world’s first fully robotic living donor liver transplant in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia—a move that solidifies KFSH&RC’s position as a global leader in minimally invasive transplant surgery.

KFSH&RC’s pioneering approach employed state-of-the-art robotic technology to conduct both donor and recipient surgeries with precision and minimal invasiveness, eliminating the need for a hybrid approach. While other centres offer minimally invasive liver transplants using mixed techniques, KFSH&RC is the only centre to complete a fully robotic living donor liver transplant surgery successfully.

This accomplishment represents a significant leap forward in the history of transplantation, a testament to the centre’s commitment to advanced practices that enhance healthcare outcomes, improve the patient experience, and boost hospital operational efficiency. It has also led to a reduction in the risk of complications, recovery time, and the length of hospital stays.

As a strategic health partner at the Global Health Exhibition held in Riyadh from October 29 to October 31, KFSH&RC is showcasing its latest innovations at the forum. Attendees will gain insights into the OTCoE’s expertise in applying cutting-edge technologies to expand healthcare possibilities.

KFSH&RC has set records in successfully conducting reciprocal kidney transplants, a medical approach that facilitates kidney transplants between two donors from different families simultaneously. In 2022, the program achieved a remarkable milestone by completing 91 reciprocal transplants, surpassing its international counterparts.

KFSH&RC’s OTCoE is a pioneer in the Kingdom, representing one of the most advanced and comprehensive facilities for multi-organ transplantation in the Middle East. Its services encompass kidney, liver, lung, pancreas, and intestine transplants, collectively called solid organ transplantation.

KFSH&RC is globally renowned for its exceptional contributions to specialized healthcare, commitment to innovation, and dedication to advanced medical research and education. Furthermore, KFSH&RC is steadfast in its pursuit of developing medical technologies and elevating the standard of healthcare globally by collaborating with major local, regional, and international institutions. It is committed to delivering world-class clinical, research, and educational services.

Philips Collaborates with Quibim to Create AI-Enhanced Imaging and Reporting Solutions for Prostate MR Examinations

Philips and Quibim have formed a collaboration to introduce AI-driven solutions for MR imaging and image analysis in prostate cancer care. This partnership is aimed at addressing healthcare staff shortages and reducing the overall cost of treatment.

Prostate cancer has a significant global impact, with approximately one in eight men in the U.S. receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis at some point in their lives. Currently, early detection primarily relies on the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, which can detect slow-growing localized cancers within the prostate. However, PSA tests often lack specificity for clinically significant cancer, leading to numerous false positives and overdiagnoses. This results in unnecessary, uncomfortable biopsies, prolonged anxiety while awaiting results, and an avoidable burden on pathology services.

While MR exams are typically more expensive and time-consuming than PSA tests, recent research suggests that MR can offer value as a triage tool for guiding biopsy decisions and as a valuable diagnostic tool for treatment planning and personalized therapy, independent of PSA testing. By reducing the number of unnecessary biopsies and enabling more precisely targeted therapy for prostate cancer cases requiring treatment, MR exams have the potential to yield cost savings and expedite more accurate diagnoses.

This collaboration exemplifies Philips’ commitment to integrating an AI ecosystem into its Diagnostic Imaging portfolio, with the aim of enabling earlier detection of conditions like cancer, improving first-time-right diagnoses, and streamlining hospital operations to deliver superior care at reduced costs. The partnership leverages Philips’ high-speed MR imaging capabilities and Quibim’s QP-Prostate software to provide the speed and diagnostic confidence necessary to support every stage of an integrated diagnosis, treatment, and therapy evaluation workflow. Additionally, an upcoming version of their lesion detection algorithm is set to expand the potential of MRI as a transformative tool in prostate cancer screening.

Lunit Collaborates on Research Aimed at Enhancing Immunotherapy Through AI

Lunit's AI-Powered Mammography Analysis Solution Achieves Comparable Diagnostic Performance with Human Readers

Lunit, a leading provider of AI-driven solutions for cancer diagnostics and therapeutics, has recently announced a strategic research partnership with The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. The primary focus of this collaborative research initiative is to investigate the effectiveness of Merck’s immunotherapy drug, Keytruda (known as MSD outside the US and Canada), in treating various types of cancer. Lunit intends to leverage its proprietary AI solution, Lunit SCOPE IO, for in-depth tissue data analysis within the study.

The core objective of this joint effort is to employ AI technology to enhance patient data analysis and to optimize the utilization of cancer treatment, particularly in patients with different cancer types. One of the main challenges in the field of immunotherapy is the lack of reliable biomarkers, and conventional methods have their limitations. The dynamic landscape of cancer research is increasingly reliant on state-of-the-art technologies like AI to identify novel biomarkers.

Notably, Lunit SCOPE IO has undergone extensive training, utilizing a vast dataset of over 500,000 H&E slides and more than 10 million cell annotations collected from a diverse group of over 150 pathologists. This AI tool is proficient in recognizing cancerous regions, stromal tissue, and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), which are pivotal in the context of immunotherapy. Among its multifaceted capabilities, SCOPE IO can generate immune phenotype maps based on TIL density in the tumor microenvironment and supports analyses for over 16 different cancer types.

Burning Rock and Boehringer Ingelheim Join Hands in a Landmark Agreement for Oncology Companion Diagnostics Services

Precision Oncology Alliance

Burning Rock Biotech Limited is thrilled to announce the official signing of a Master Service Agreement (MSA) with Boehringer Ingelheim, focusing on the field of oncology companion diagnostics. This partnership’s key goal is to offer Chinese patients safer, more efficient, and more precise diagnostic methods and treatment options, thereby advancing innovation and progress in cancer treatment.

The primary objective of this collaboration is to advance clinical trials related to Boehringer Ingelheim’s innovative MDM2-p53 antagonist, brigimadlin (BI 907828), and to develop companion diagnostic products for the Chinese market. Brigimadlin, a novel small-molecule drug created by Boehringer Ingelheim as an MDM2-p53 antagonist, recently received approval from the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for its Phase II clinical trial, named Brightline-2. This trial is designed to address locally advanced or metastatic MDM2-amplified, TP53 wild-type solid tumors, providing new treatment possibilities for patients with such cancers, including Biliary Tract Carcinoma (BTC). This approach opens up a “pan-tumor” treatment strategy targeting the MDM2-p53 axis, and previous Phase I studies have shown promising clinical efficacy, particularly in BTC patients.

With the formal approval of the Brightline-2 clinical trial, brigimadlin’s safety and efficacy will undergo further scrutiny. Burning Rock is well-prepared to play a crucial role in this endeavor, utilizing its dual-center, internationally accredited laboratory, a global companion diagnostics registration pipeline, a comprehensive biomarker development solution for drug research, and its extensive experience in clinical projects and companion diagnostics development and submissions. This support aims to offer new hope to patients dealing with challenging and rare cancers in China.

This collaboration represents a significant milestone in the development of companion diagnostics for innovative anti-cancer drugs, focusing on setting high standards in terms of quality and standardization in this vital area of healthcare innovation.

New US HRSA Guidance Threatens Hospital 340B Drug Discounts

Hospitals happen to be expressing strong opposition to the recent guidance provided by the Health Resources and Services Administration- HRSA. The guidance, released on October 26, has the potential to limit the eligibility of outpatient clinics when it comes to drug discounts in the 340B program.

In 2020, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, regulators made the decision to temporarily waive off the longstanding eligibility requirements for 340B program participation at offsite locations in hospitals. This was done in order to facilitate and streamline the operation of hospitals during this challenging time. According to a notice published in the Federal Register, HRSA is once again mandating hospitals to sign up for outpatient clinics and include them on their Medicare cost reports.

As a matter of fact, several hospitals had anticipated that the 2020 waiver would be made lasting, resulting in some of them not yet registering their offsite clinics. The Hospital Association, America’s Essential Hospitals highlighted concern that the proposed change may go on to have a harmful impact on essential hospitals as well as their ability to provide sufficient care for their patients.

The 340B drug discount program mandates that pharmaceutical companies offer reductions on outpatient drugs to suppliers who serve low-income communities. The discounts that are offered, which range from 25% to 50% of the drug cost, can enormously assist healthcare providers, who usually operate on slim profit margins.

That said, according to the new guidelines, it could happen that even if a hospital is eligible when it comes to 340B program, its care sites may no longer meet the standards rerquired to be eligible for the drug discount program.

Maureen Testoni, who happens to be the CEO of 340B Health, which is one of the trade groups that represents providers in the program, stated in an email that hospitals with broad outpatient networks may face higher prices for prescription drugs because of the change.

According to Testoni, numerous hospitals have depended on HRSA’s prior guidelines to invest in the development of new offsite places. However, these locations are yet to begin utilising the 340B program.

Testoni stated that this change may necessitate hospitals to forego several months of 340B discounts until the Medicare cost report is filed. This could go on to have a significant financial consequences, potentially resulting in savings of millions of dollars in the 340B programme.

According to the notice, the change simply involves going back to the standards that authorities have been using for decades for assessing eligibility for the 340B programme, as stated by HRSA.

Regulators have stated that hospitals have mostly resumed regular operations after the pandemic. However, the waiver presents challenges for the HRSA in monitoring compliance with the 340B program which has been a contentious topic for drug manufacturers and legislators who have raised concerns about how hospitals utilise the 340B discounts.

Based on the notice, the HRSA reported that recent inspections of hospitals revealed that over one-third of them were utilising 340B drugs at sites that were not registered. Although the hospitals had stated their intention to include those places in a future Medicare cost report, as of May 2023, they had not yet done so.

In order to continue purchasing 340B drugs, hospitals’ outpatient sites must either adhere to the registration requirements or notify HRSA within 3 months that they have initiated the registration process.

As opined by HRSA, hospitals which fail to comply could face audits as well as compliance action.

The 340B program, which has been in existence since the 1990s, is at present experiencing major obstacles from various sources. Several prominent drug manufacturers are currently engaged in disputes with hospitals and the government as they decline to honour 340B discounts. These non-agreements have resulted in numerous lawsuits being filed.

Drugmakers argue that the program does not mandate hospitals to track their cost savings or ensure that these savings are put back into patient care. This concern also happens to be shared by certain legislators. The recent decisions made by the Biden administration with regards to 340B have also raised worries among hospitals. A lot of hospitals are not pleased with the regulators’ proposed solution to repay 340B hospitals for the alleged insufficient payments that have occurred over the course of time.

Ransomware Attacks On US Healthcare Facilities Cost A Bomb

As per an analysis conducted by one of the technology review and cybersecurity research firms, ransomware attacks on healthcare organisations across the US have resulted in an estimated $77.5 billion in economic losses because of downtime since 2016. The time frame of downtime, which mostly refers to the period when establishments do not offer support or are shut down, differed across various attacks. It is well to be noted that some incidents caused only minor disruptions, while others took months to recuperate from.

According to the analysis, organisations went on to experience an average of nearly 14 days of downtime caused by ransomware attacks right from 2016 to mid-October 2023. As per the report, there were almost 539 attacks on nearly 10,000 individual hospitals, clinics as well as other types of healthcare facilities. No wonder, these attacks had a significant impact, harming more than 52 million records of patients.

As per the federal records, healthcare organisations in the US have faced a significant challenge when dealing with data security breaches over the past 10 years. These breaches went on to expose a whopping 385 million patient records right from 2010 to 2022.

Notably, ransomware has gone on to emerge as a significant threat to the healthcare sector, as lawbreakers now demand payment in exchange for restoring access to critical systems as well as patient data.

In 2022, one of the hospital operators in Chicago faced the challenge of cyberattacks that obstructed access to medical records as well as triggered delays when it came to patient care. According to a survey conducted by the Ponemon Institute in 2021, roughly one-quarter of providers reported an increase in mortality rates within their organisations following a ransomware attack.

During the study period of a research firm, ransom demands ranged from $1,600 to $10 million. However, only a limited number of healthcare organisations, particularly 34 out of the 539 attacks, chose to disclose the ransom amounts publicly.

Hackers demanded a total of over $39 million in the 34 attacks. Out of the 160 cases where organisations disclosed whether they had paid the ransom or not, payment was made in 31 instances.

According to the report, many organisations choose not to disclose the ransom amounts or if they have paid them. This is done so as to stop further attacks from being taken up.

Healthcare cyberattacks not just lead to ransom demands but also cause substantial downtime, which can go on to be very expensive. This year, the average cost of downtime has already reached $15.5 million, which is slightly lesser than the $16.2 million recorded in 2022. In 2021, the cost was $9.4 million, while in 2020, it was higher at $19.3 million.

As of now, 2023 has gone on to record the longest average downtime resulting from a ransomware attack, which stands at 18.71 days.

How To Choose The Right Addiction Treatment Center: A Step-by-Step Guide

Have you or someone close to you become addicted to drugs or alcohol? If so, the journey towards recovery can be daunting. Selecting an addiction treatment center is a crucial part of that process and requires careful consideration. Finding the right facility for your individual needs can make all the difference in ultimately achieving lasting sobriety.

In this blog post, we will go over how to choose an addiction treatment program by providing steps on what to do before making a decision and what factors to consider when selecting one. Knowing these things will help guide you towards setting yourself up for success in recovery!

Identify your needs and goals for addiction treatment

Deciding to seek addiction treatment can be a difficult step, but identifying your needs and goals for treatment is just as important. Understanding what you hope to achieve from treatment can help you stay focused and motivated throughout the process. Take some time to reflect on what aspects of your life have been impacted by addiction, and what changes you would like to make. Maybe you want to repair relationships with loved ones, achieve sobriety, or improve your mental and physical health.

Whatever your goals, remember that the journey towards recovery is unique for everyone, and there is no “right” way to go about it. By taking the time to assess your needs and set achievable goals for yourself, you’re already on your way towards a healthier and happier future. With the help of drug and alcohol rehab programs, you can achieve long-term recovery and build a fulfilling life. Plus, knowing what you want from treatment can help you choose the right program that aligns with your goals.

Research different addiction treatment centers and programs

With so many addiction treatment centers and programs available, it can be overwhelming to find the best one that suits your unique needs. Take your time and do thorough research to compare the different services offered the success rate, and the cost. Look for programs that provide personalized treatment plans based on your needs, access to medical professionals, and a supportive community. By finding the right addiction treatment center, you can gain the tools and support needed to overcome addiction and enjoy a healthy, fulfilling life in recovery.

Consider the type of treatment offered

When it comes to seeking treatment for any issue, it’s important to make sure that the treatment options available align with your individual needs and goals. Everyone’s situation is unique, and what may work for one person may not work for another. You want to ensure that you receive personalized care that takes into account your specific circumstances and is tailored to help you achieve your desired outcomes.

This means that you should carefully consider the type of treatment offered and investigate whether it will be a good fit for you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or express concerns to your healthcare provider to ensure that you receive the support that you need to successfully navigate your journey towards health and healing.

Check reviews, ratings, and accreditations

Another crucial step in selecting the right addiction treatment center is doing background research on the facility. Check online reviews and ratings from previous patients to get an idea of their experiences with the program. Also, look for any accreditations or certifications the facility may have, as this can provide reassurance that they meet industry standards for quality care.

It’s also helpful to ask for referrals from trusted sources, such as your doctor or a therapist. They may have recommendations for reputable facilities or programs that align with your needs and goals.

Request a tour of the facility

Are you searching for the perfect facility to meet your needs? Asking for a tour and asking important questions can help you make an informed decision. During the tour, take note of the cleanliness and organization of the facility, as well as the available resources. When asking questions, consider what is important to you. Are there specific programs or amenities you require? Will the facility be able to meet your scheduled needs? By asking these questions and taking a thorough tour, you are setting yourself up for success in finding the perfect fit.

Additionally, touring the facility can give you a glimpse of what your day-to-day life may look like during treatment. This can help alleviate any anxieties or concerns you may have about the process. Not to mention, it allows you to get a feel for the overall atmosphere and energy of the facility, which can play a big role in your comfort level during treatment.

Know your insurance coverage

Before committing to an addiction treatment center, it’s important to know what your insurance will cover. Some facilities may not accept certain types of insurance or require additional out-of-pocket expenses. By understanding your coverage, you can avoid any surprises and make sure that the facility is within your budget. If you are unsure about your coverage, don’t hesitate to reach out to your insurance provider or the treatment center for clarification. Plus, many facilities offer financing options or sliding-scale payment plans for those who may need financial assistance.

Talk to a counselor or therapist

If you have the opportunity, it’s beneficial to speak with a counselor or therapist before deciding on an addiction treatment center. They can provide insight and guidance based on your individual needs and help you determine what may be the best fit for you. Additionally, they can also assist in creating a personalized plan for aftercare and support once you complete treatment. Also, don’t be afraid to reach out for support from trusted loved ones during this process. They can encourage and help you make the best decision for your recovery journey.

In the end, achieving a successful and meaningful recovery is largely dependent on finding the right addiction treatment center that is appropriate to your needs and goals. As you embark upon this journey and take control of your future, finite research, careful consideration of all potential options, and deep introspection can make it easier to make an informed decision for yourself or a loved one. Ultimately, by seeking out additional resources and getting in touch with professionals who are knowledgeable about addiction treatment centers, you can ensure your pursuit of better mental health ultimately leads to positive outcomes. Don’t wait any longer- start your sobriety journey today!

70 Countries Come Together To Better Primary Healthcare

One month after world leaders went on to make a commitment to increase efforts when it comes to universal health coverage- UHC at the UNGC, representatives from across 70 countries gathered to discuss and enhance expenditures in primary health care by this decade-end.

The International Conference concerning Primary Health Care Policy and Practise- Implementing for Better Results commemorated the 45th anniversary of the Declaration of Alma-Ata as well as the 5th anniversary of the Declaration of Astana on primary health care. The conference took place in Kazakhstan, the birthplace of the historic primary health care declarations. It went on to bring together more than 600 health policy-makers and partners from various countries. The event was co-organized by the Government of Kazakhstan, the World Health Organisation (WHO), as well as UNICEF.

It is well to be noted that vital health services are still not accessible to more than half of the global population. Healthcare costs are causing severe monetary problems for two billion people. The participants emphasised the need for greater expenditures on primary health care. They also highlighted the importance of leveraging technological advances so as to improve healthcare services. Additionally, they stressed the importance of protecting individuals from too many out-of-pocket health expenses. Lastly, they emphasised the need to invest in the healthcare and medical workforce in order to address the anticipated shortage of 10 million health workers by 2030.

During the global epidemic, it has become obvious that those who happen to be economically disadvantaged, the most susceptible individuals, and those who are marginalised are bearing the brunt of the consequences. WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, emphasised that equity should not and can’t be delayed. The WHO, according to him, is dedicated to collaborating with governments, international financing organisations, partners, youth, and civil society in order to bring about an important change in this direction. This will be achieved by placing the focus on taking action and making investments within a primary health care strategy.

In order to globally expand the primary healthcare- PHC approach across low-and-middle-income countries and at the same time fulfil the objectives outlined in the second United Nations Political Declaration on Universal Health  Coverage- UHC adopted on October 5, 2023, a further commitment of a minimum of US$ 200–328 billion in a year is necessary. This amount represents approximately 3.3% of the national gross domestic product.

Notably, the PHC system makes sure that essential health services are of good quality, more affordable, and are also readily available to everyone in a balanced manner. The most equitable, effective, and efficient path to achieving UHC is by way of adopting this approach. The successful implementation of PHC makes it compulsory for strengthened collaboration to enhance political dedication, administration, funding, as well as engagement. It also requires  a shift in perspective, moving away from constructing health systems that solely address diseases and more so fostering the development of systems that prioritise the overall health and well-being of people. This approach aims to bring about healthier communities that are better equipped to safeguard against diseases and and combat them effectively.

Scaling up PHC in countries has the potential to save more than 60 million lives. Additionally, it has the capability to provide 75% of the anticipated health benefits outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals.

WHO’s operations in primary health care

The aim of the WHO Special Programme on Primary Health Care is to help countries in refocusing their health systems onto primary health care. The programme also aims to provide strong standards of practice so as to monitor progress, guarantee ownership, and achieve meaningful impact. The WHO-UHC Partnership plays a critical role in the execution of this work. It consists of over 150 health policy advisers based in 125 countries, as well as 6 WHO regional offices, and is the WHO’s largest platform for international collaboration on UHC. On October 22, 2023, the UHC Partnership hosted a pre-conference workshop that was attended by more than 250 delegates across ministries of health, partners in development, and WHO country offices from various countries around the globe. The workshop helps countries a chance to explore the relationship between primary health care as well as universal health coverage, and also political dynamics involved in health system reforms. It also highlighted the key factors that help with successful innovation and investment in primary health care, with the objective of improving application in the years to come.

The Primary Health Care Accelerator, which happens to be a part of the Global Action Plan for Healthy Lives and Well-Being, happens to be a united effort between WHO, UNICEF, and other partners. The goal of this programme is to help upgrade the support for countries in fulfilling their commitments to universal health coverage by strengthening primary health care. This initiative promotes cooperation as well as coordination across different sectors so as to achieve better outcomes. WHO and also UNICEF have been longstanding partners in the field of primary health care for some time now. The Operational Framework for Primary Health Care has been jointly developed by WHO as well as UNICEF and serves as a complete guide for countries worldwide, offering clear direction when it comes to terms of effective action that needs to be taken.

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