Global Scans · Health · Weekly Summary

• [New] Asia Pacific is forecast as the fastest-growing region, driven by rising healthcare expenditure, expanding hospital networks, medical tourism, and increasing awareness of minimally invasive surgery benefits in countries such as China, India, South Korea, and Southeast Asia. Vantage Market Research
• [New] By mid-century, the Northern Territory is projected to experience the highest heat-related mental health impacts, with projections suggesting over 4% of its mental health burden could be linked to extreme heat by 2050. Caliber.az
• [New] In pharmaceutical R&D, companies like Insilico Medicine use generative models to design novel protein structures with therapeutic potential by reducing discovery time from years to weeks. Market Data Forecast
• [New] A new trial will evaluate whether integrating autonomous AI screening for diabetic retinopathy into U.S. federally qualified health centers can boost screening completion and accelerate early detection. News-Medical
• [New] Biodiversity collapse and climate-related disasters could cost trillions of dollars in lost productive capacity, and have wide-reaching consequences for public health, economic stability, and global security. Project Syndicate
• [New] Road traffic noise pollution in the UK can significantly impact public health, contributing to stress, sleep disturbances, and increased risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Transport + Health
• [New] Importantly, up to 40% of long-term conditions could be prevented if everyone met the UK Chief Medical Officer's physical activity recommendations. Transport + Health
• [New] Fiscal consolidation priorities and IMF-mandated reforms will continue to restrict public healthcare investment, driving continued reliance on the private sector in the near term. Fitch Solutions
• [New] Pakistan's digital health transformation will accelerate following the launch of the One Patient One ID initiative. Fitch Solutions
• [New] The GCC countries will lead in AI integration, owing to existing digital health frameworks. Fitch Solutions
• [New] We maintain moderate-to-high-growth outlooks for digital health in many MENA markets, with opportunities driven by private sector investment. Fitch Solutions
• [New] Healthcare costs rise again: Large U.S. employers are bracing for a 9% median increase in healthcare costs in 2026. CHRO Association
• [New] The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) is predicting the shortage of physicians will reach a staggering 86,000 by 2036. Medical Economics
• [New] With 2025 predicted to be the hottest and deadliest year to date, human health is at risk as food and water supplies are threatened. Yahoo News
• [New] Accelerating Medical Research: AI technologies are speeding up drug discovery and clinical trials, with the Medical Research Future Fund's $1.4 billion investment over 13 years expected to reduce research timelines by 35%. Journal
• [New] Ageing populations worldwide will likely continue escalating demand for medical care and new technology. Global Radiance Review
• [New] Ageing Australia's Continuum of Ageing 2050 sets a bold vision for reimagining ageing - integrating aged care, healthcare, seniors housing and community services. Ageing Australia
• [New] Dementia is one of Australia's fastest-growing health challenges, with over 433,000 people living with it and numbers set to exceed one million by 2065. Ageing Australia

Last updated: 24 October 2025