Asia’ s first histotripsy treatment
06 FOREIGN NEWS
The HEALTH | March-April. 2025
Global healthcare, local impact
THE Indonesia-Japan Fast Track Pitch programme, organised by the Japan External Trade Organisation( JETRO), has led to the partnership between Living Lab Ventures( LLV) and MEDRiNG Corporation( MEDRiNG).
LLV, an Indonesian capital firm, and the Japanese medical technology company MEDRiNG signed a memorandum of understanding( MoU) to establish Indonesia’ s first medical facility where Japanese doctors can legally practice in Indonesia. The facility will operate in full compliance with local medical regulations.
This partnership represents a significant development
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for Indonesia’ s healthcare sector. JETRO Executive Director Hiroshi Ishikawa noted:“ This collaboration is an excellent example of cocreation as outlined in‘ ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation Vision’.”
The programme proved instrumental in fostering valuable connections.
According to LLV Partner Bayu Seto:“ The Fast Track programme was a crucial step in identifying and engaging with pioneering companies like MEDRiNG that align with our mission to enhance Indonesia’ s healthcare ecosystem.”
MEDRiNG Founder and Chief Executive Officer( CEO) Kazuma Abe added:“ JETRO’ s Fast Track Pitch provided us with the opportunity
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to explore the Indonesian market and align our digital healthcare solutions.”
The new medical centre will be located within the Banten International Education, Technology, and Health Special Economic Zone( SEZ), with plans to open its first clinic by the end of the year.
MEDRiNG will facilitate the mergers or acquisitions( M & A) of local healthcare businesses to streamline clinic operations. Special emphasis will be placed on enhancing digital healthcare
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NEW ALLIANCES: LLV and MEDRiNG formalise partnership with MoU signing.
services.
With the integration of Japanese medical expertise and technology, Indonesian patients will gain access to higher-quality treatments. To address the healthcare needs of Indonesians, LLV and MEDRiNG will undertake a comprehensive assessment of the most essential medical specialities prior to the clinic’ s launch.
This initiative not only enhances patient care but also promises to attract more international healthcare businesses to Indonesia.
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UAE to lead digital health
THE application of artificial intelligence( AI) for disease diagnosis is rapidly expanding worldwide. In light of this trend, the United Arab Emirates( UAE) seeks to position itself as a frontrunner in incorporating AI into its healthcare practices.
Emirates Health Services( EHS) has introduced AI-driven diagnostic solutions in its Medical Examination Centres for Residency, facilitating quicker and more reliable screening of pulmonary tuberculosis( TB).
EHS Acting Executive Director of the Supportive Health Services Sector, Dr Abdullah Al-Naqbi, noted that since implementing AI technology, the accuracy of TB detection has significantly improved.
The accuracy rate has increased from 80 per cent in 2021 to 98 per cent by 2024. This remarkable transformation underscored the advancements in AI capabilities for high-precision imaging analysis.
Dr Abdullah highlighted the role of digital innovation in sustainable healthcare. With the integration of AI in TB diagnosis, doctors can achieve greater accuracy and initiate treatment promptly.
With the integration of technology, EHS is taking bold steps to enhance the quality of healthcare services. This approach also aligns with the country’ s sustainable development goals, which include curbing the spread of infectious diseases and fostering a healthier community.
Asia’ s first histotripsy treatment
FOR THE first time, histotripsy treatment is being offered in a private hospital in Asia: Gleneagles Hospital in Hong Kong. Compared to standard procedures, Histotripsy causes less pain and has fewer side effects.
This technology employs focused ultrasound waves to disrupt liver tumours without requiring surgical incisions, radiation, or needles.
The procedure was initially introduced in Hong Kong last August, thanks to a contribution from the Li Ka Shing Foundation to the LKS Faculty of Medicine at the University of Hong Kong.
“ We are excited to be Asia’ s first private hospital to offer this novel treatment to local patients with our fully-trained medical team,” remarked Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong Chief Executive Officer( CEO) and IHH Healthcare North Asia Regional CEO Dr Kenneth Tsang.
Previously, the treatment was available in the public healthcare sector on a clinical trial basis.
Dr Kenneth Tsang
However, it will now commence at Gleneagles by the end of March. This will mark the installation of the first HistoSonics system in the hospital.
To improve treatment accessibility for Hong Kong residents, the Li Ka Shing Foundation will provide at least a 15 per cent discount on the treatment package.
“ Gleneagles strives to drive excellent clinical outcomes and personalised patient care through actively introducing innovative and cutting-edge treatments, and we believe this groundbreaking technology will be a game-changer for cancer treatment and regional patients,” he added.