Latest headlines

EU devises six-year Action Plan on childhood obesity

Childhood obesity remains a big public health issue in the European Union. In the European region it is estimated that 1 in 3 11 year olds is overweight or obese. 7% of national health budget across Europe is spent on diseases linked to obesity. To address this alarming issue, the EU envisaged a six year Action Plan on Childhood Obesity (2014-2020). The plan aims at demonstrating shared commitment among EU Member States, setting priority areas for actions and collectively keeping track of the progress. An international symposium on October 30, in Brussels offers an opportunity for all relevant stakeholders to engage with the EU Action Plan. Detailed information on the Action Plan and symposium can be found at Public Policy Exchange.

Siemens Healthineers reports strong comparable revenue growth

After its admission into TecDAX, Siemens Healthineers AG posted solid growth in revenue for the third quarter: Supported by the robust increase in the Imaging segment, revenue rose by five percent on a comparable basis over the third quarter last year; in absolute figures revenue was stable at EUR 3.3 billion. Adversely affected by significantly negative currency effects, the adjusted profit margin was 16.0 percent. Adjusted profit amounted to EUR 528 million, with adjusted net income reaching EUR 334 million. Earnings per share are at EUR 0.29. Atellica Solution deliveries are being accelerated and remain on schedule with more than 560 systems delivered up to the end of the third quarter. More details on the Q3 report on the Siemens Healthineers website.

David Westgate new Chairman, President and CEO of Carestream Health

David C. Westgate has been named the new Chairman, President and CEO of Carestream Health, a provider of medical imaging systems and healthcare IT solutions. Mr. Westgate previously served as CEO of Jason Industries, Inc., where he led successful efforts to diversify the company’s portfolio while emphasizing a culture of growth and innovation. “Dave has an impressive record of success in corporate leadership roles and his vision for Carestream is clear: move the company toward long-term growth and market leadership, and drive continuous innovation across the company’s broad portfolio of products,” said Robert Le Blanc, a Senior Managing Director of Onex Corporation. Mr. Westgate replaces Kevin Hobert who had decided to leave the company and will assist with the transition.

US: Rapid rise in deaths from liver disease over the last decade

Researchers detected a rapid rise in deaths due to liver disease in the US since 2009, especially in young people, driven predominantly by alcohol use. They point out a possible correlation with the global financial crisis and subsequent economic recession in the US, which began in 2008. After the examination of death certificate data for nearly 600,000 adults, the researchers found that deaths due to cirrhosis increased by 65% (from 20,661 in 1999 to 34,174 in 2016) and deaths due to liver cancer doubled (from 5,112 in 1999 to 11,073 in 2016). Men had twice as many cirrhosis related deaths and four times as many liver cancer related deaths than women. The study can be found on the website of the British Medical Journal (BMJ).

Mobile devices are taking over healthcare

Medical device company Carestream Health has published an interesting piece about the increasing capabilities of mobile devices in healthcare. Click here to read the article on Carestream's "Everything Rad" blog.