Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare

Singapore - Singapore’s TTSH first to perform robotic gastrectomy in SE Asia

Source: Channel News Asia, 26 December 2011

A more precise surgery method is now available to those suffering from stomach cancer. Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) has become the first in Southeast Asia to perform the robotic gastrectomy procedure.

The surgeon performing the robotic gastrectomy procedure operates on the patient through the use of a console while watching a 3D high-definition screen. Instruments, which are mounted on robotic arms controlled by the doctor, are then inserted into the body. The robotic arms are able to mimic the movement of the hand and the wrist within the abdomen. This allows freer movement and precision.

Global - GE Healthcare to pay $30 million to settle False Claims Act

Source: The Economic Times, 29 December 2011

General Electric Co's healthcare equipment unit paid more than $30 million to settle allegations that a company it bought in 2004 provided false information to overcharge Medicare for a drug used to diagnose heart disease, the Justice Department said.

The Justice Department on Thursday said the government alleged Amersham Health Inc violated the False Claims Act as it misled Medicare by showing artificially inflated rates of the drug Myoview.

India - Patents office appoints 94 examiners to speed up process

Source: The Economic Times, 29 December 2011

The Indian Patents Office has appointed 94 design examiners to speed up the process of granting patents and clear a backlog of one lakh applications over the next three years.

Patent attorneys say, the new additions will not suffice for the department that functions with just 120 examiners. An estimate says, India needs at least 800 examiners, considering the flow of nearly 40,000 applications per year. Indian patents office usually takes around 3 to 5 years to grant a patent, almost double the time taken in the US, Europe and China. Moreover, there is a provision in other countries to accelerate the examination process through extra payment and conclude patent examination in just one year.

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