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Singapore sees sharp rise in suicides in 2022, especially among youth and elderly

Singapore witnessed a sharp rise in suicides in 2022, particularly among the youth and elderly. The number of suicide deaths reached the highest recorded since the turn of the century, with 476 reported cases, marking a 25.9% increase from the previous year.

Australia authorises MDMA, magic mushrooms for medical treatment

In a move to address certain mental health conditions, Australia becomes one of the world’s first countries to authorize the medical use of MDMA and magic mushrooms (psilocybin). From July 1, prescribed usage is permitted for treating post-traumatic stress disorder and some forms of depression.

Inquiry Into UK’s COVID-19 Response: Matt Hancock expresses profound apology for every death caused

Former UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock has apologised for each Covid-19 death and acknowledged the “colossal” failure in assuming the virus’s spread could not be halted at the UK Covid-19 Inquiry.

Assoc Prof Jamus Lim reiterates concerns on Singapore’s healthcare system from an engineering perspective

Workers’ Party MP Jamus Lim revisits concerns about Singapore’s healthcare system, emphasizing capacity issues, increased wait times, and the need for more healthcare professionals.

PAS MP faces severe backlash over controversial remark on nurse attire

A Malaysian opposition MP faced backlash from medical workers and their associations for his remarks on the attire of female nurses. Amid concerns over the healthcare system, critics questioned the MP’s priorities and emphasized the practicality and functionality of current nurse uniforms.

Bill Gates to meet Xi Jinping in Beijing on Friday

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, where he will announce a US$50 million donation to support Chinese efforts against malaria and tuberculosis. Gates is among several Western business leaders visiting China since its Covid controls were relaxed.

PAS MP expresses concerns over “tight-fitting” attire of female nurses in Malaysian Parliament

During a session in the Malaysian Parliament, a Member of Parliament (MP) from the opposition party, the Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), expressed concern about the attire worn by female nurses in public healthcare facilities. The MP highlighted that a significant number of female nurses dress in a manner that is considered “tight-fitting” and not in accordance with Sharia law. “I would like to ask, are we still inclined to follow Western standards in terms of dress code ethics? Can it not be changed and given some looseness (on the nurse attire)?” he questioned.

Cheap diabetes drug reduces risk of long COVID: study

A study conducted in the United States found that taking the diabetes drug metformin after testing positive for COVID-19 reduced the risk of developing long COVID by 40 per cent. The trial involved over 1,100 overweight or obese participants, with half receiving metformin and half receiving a placebo. The findings were considered significant in the fight against long COVID, a condition that affects approximately one in 10 individuals who have had COVID-19.

EU approves first vaccine against common respiratory virus

The European Commission has approved the world’s first vaccine for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in adults aged 60 and over. GSK, the maker of the vaccine called Arexvy, stated that this authorization allows eligible adults to be vaccinated against RSV for the first time. RSV can cause severe illness in vulnerable populations and has led to approximately 20,000 in-hospital deaths each year in Europe among adults aged 60 and over. The market for RSV vaccines is projected to exceed $10 billion in the coming decade.

Critics say treaty text in international accord by WHO member states on pandemic is ‘step backwards’

Observers warn of weakened efforts to ensure equitable access to medical products in negotiations for a new pandemic treaty. Critics express concern over revisions that water down language aimed at addressing the inequity in accessing vaccines and medical products during the COVID pandemic. Urgency grows to align positions before the looming threat of future pandemics.