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SEOUL — South Korea will implement a ban on the stockpiling of medical syringes and needles to prevent disruptions in hospital supplies, starting Tuesday (April 14), as announced by the finance ministry.
Last week, authorities met with manufacturers of syringes and needles to evaluate their current inventory and explore strategies to ramp up production amid supply concerns stemming from the conflict in Iran, according to the industry ministry.
Disruptions in oil and petrochemical flows have led to increased plastic prices, which are essential for medical supplies and packaging, raising concerns about stockpiling and availability.
WHO Nears Historic Pandemic Treaty Deal After Marathon Negotiations
GENEVA - After three years of intense negotiations, member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) are on the verge of finalizing a groundbreaking treaty to strengthen global pandemic preparedness, according to sources close to the talks. The discussions, which continued through Friday night into Saturday morning (April 12), have been temporarily paused until Tuesday as officials work to resolve remaining sticking points.
Healthy Ramadan & Hari Raya: Expert Tips to Stay Energized and Avoid Overindulgence
Fasting from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan can test one's endurance, making it crucial to maintain energy levels while resisting the temptation of overeating. As the holy month transitions into the joyous celebrations of Hari Raya Puasa (Aidilfitri), balancing festive feasts with mindful eating becomes essential for well-being.
Global Air Quality Crisis: Only 7 Nations Meet WHO Standards as US Monitoring Cuts Loom
SINGAPORE — In a startling revelation about the state of our planet's air, just seven countries worldwide met the World Health Organisation's (WHO) stringent air quality benchmarks last year. This alarming data comes as environmental researchers sound the alarm about worsening pollution tracking capabilities following the shutdown of crucial US-led global monitoring initiatives.
Fluoride in Singapore: Should You Be Concerned About Its Effects?
A recent US study published in January has reignited debates about fluoride usage, particularly in water, after suggesting a possible link between higher fluoride exposure and lower IQ scores in children. The findings, featured in the Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics, have drawn criticism from some scientists who question the study's methodology while reaffirming fluoride's well-documented dental benefits.
FDA Experts Unanimously Back JN.1-Targeted COVID Vaccines for 2026-2026 Season
In a decisive move to stay ahead of the evolving pandemic, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel members voted unanimously on Thursday (May 22) to recommend next-generation COVID-19 vaccines specifically designed to combat emerging JN.1 variant strains for the 2026-2026 immunization campaign.
7 Budget-Friendly Dental Clinics in Singapore for Quality Care Without Breaking the Bank
We all know the golden rule: visit the dentist every six months for a checkup. But let's be honest—finding an affordable dentist in Singapore can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. The good news? You don't always need to stick rigidly to that six-month schedule. If you're diligent about oral hygiene, stretching visits to once every 18 months or even two years is possible. Still, regular checkups are crucial to catch issues like cavities early before they turn into costly problems.
World Oral Health Day: The Surprising Connection Between Gum Disease and Heart Health
March 20 marks World Oral Health Day - the perfect opportunity to explore how your dental hygiene impacts far more than just your smile. Emerging research reveals startling connections between oral health and overall wellbeing that might surprise you.
South Korea Reports First Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak in Cattle Farm After Nearly Two Years
SEOUL — South Korea's agriculture ministry announced on Friday (March 14) that a confirmed case of foot-and-mouth disease has been detected in a cattle farm, marking the country's first outbreak in nearly two years.
Rise of Unqualified Online "Counsellors" Sparks Mental Health Concerns in Singapore
Mental health professionals in Singapore are raising alarms over the growing trend of untrained individuals offering counselling services on digital platforms. Experts warn this phenomenon poses serious risks, including potential misdiagnosis, harmful advice, and violations of client confidentiality.
Polio Eradication at Risk as US Funding Cuts Threaten Global Health Efforts
LONDON — The global fight to eliminate polio faces significant setbacks due to drastic funding cuts from the United States, which could delay eradication efforts and leave more children vulnerable to paralysis, warns a top World Health Organization (WHO) official.
South Africa's HIV Vaccine Breakthrough Stalled as US Funding Freeze Halts Critical Research
JOHANNESBURG — In a high-tech Johannesburg laboratory, Nozipho Mlotshwa and her team were on the verge of a potential breakthrough in the decades-long quest for an HIV vaccine. Their latest formulation had just triggered promising immune responses in animal trials when an abrupt order from Washington froze all progress.
Wildfire Smoke Linked to Higher Death Risk in Lung Cancer Patients, Study Reveals
A groundbreaking California study presented at a major medical conference on May 31 suggests that wildfire smoke could significantly increase mortality risks for lung cancer patients, with non-smokers being particularly vulnerable. However, certain cancer treatments might help counteract these effects.
