Author: Gerald Ng

Hypochlorhydria refers to a condition where there’s a reduction in the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Hydrochloric acid is essential for various digestive processes, including the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients. Hypochlorhydria’s prevalence among the Asian population is estimated at 68 out of every 10,000 people. Medical Channel Asia interviews Gastroenterologist Dr Gwee Kok Ann to understand this condition better. Dr Gwee is a Consultant Gastroenterologist at Gleneagles Hospital, Founding President of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Support Group and Adjunct Associate Professor of Medicine at National University of Singapore. Can you explain what hypochlorhydria is and…

Singapore celebrated the launch of the Primary Care Research Institute (PCRI) by SingHealth Polyclinics, AstraZeneca, and GP+ Co-operative. This trio of healthcare leaders will co-create preventive health tools and explore groundbreaking care models for primary care settings.

In a landmark collaboration, Siriraj Hospital’s Faculty of Medicine at Mahidol University is partnering with Thai AI startup Cariva to transform the future of medical care in Thailand and the wider Asia-Pacific region. This collaboration aims to solidify Thailand’s reputation as a medical hub and facilitate the export of AI-driven healthcare innovations to the Asia-Pacific region.

In a recent development from Putrajaya, the Court of Appeal has overridden the High Court’s earlier decision.  Their judgement ruled that doctors can prescribe Ivermectin to patients as per the Poisons Act 1952 and the Poison Regulations 1952.

Thailand’s government noted a steady drop in the nation’s birth rate. Therefore, they took an assertive step to safeguard the health of the newest generation. The Department of Medical Sciences (DMS) and the National Health Security Office (NHSO) of Thailand have announced a new initiative that offers free screenings for newborns to detect 24 rare medical conditions. They designed this proactive move as part of a wider strategy to bolster the nation’s children’s health. Currently, the birth rate averages 1.4 births per woman, which contributes to an ageing population.

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra faced a sudden health scare mere hours after returning to Thailand, following 15 years of exile. Thaksin has since been moved to Bangkok’s Police General Hospital, showing concerns related to high blood pressure and low blood oxygen levels. Medical Update Last week, Thaksin was transferred from the Corrections Department’s hospital to the Police General Hospital due to chest tightness and heightened blood pressure. Pol Lt-Gen Sophonrat Singhajaru, the hospital’s chief physician, confirmed that Thaksin’s condition saw slight improvement since then. However, he’s still battling fatigue and high blood pressure. For now, the former prime minister…

Hearing aid producer Signia has launched its innovative initiative, the Signia Mobile Fitting Van, to address hearing health challenges in China.

For runners, the feet serve as the essential foundation. A healthy pair not only ensures an efficient run but also significantly reduces injury risk. From a medical perspective, foot health is paramount for runners. So, how can one protect their feet while hitting the pavement?

Medical Channel Asia presents the weekly Asian medical news bulletin, bringing you essential healthcare news from across the region. This week’s bulletin will cover cancer treatment in the Philippines, breast cancer screening in Thailand and more.

Addison’s disease, also referred to as primary adrenal insufficiency, is a relatively rare condition where the adrenal glands fail to produce adequate amounts of steroid hormones. The disease can have profound implications, but patients can lead a normal life with timely diagnosis and proper management. Medical Channel Asia invites Dr Ben Ng, Consultant Endocrinologist at Arden Endocrinology Specialist Clinic Mount Elizabeth Novena, to provide key insights to this condition.