Category: Health

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Boost to Global Reporting of Clinical Data and Evidence-Based Research in Ayush with WHO 2025 Update to ICD-11

    Source: Government of India

    Boost to Global Reporting of Clinical Data and  Evidence-Based Research in Ayush with WHO 2025 Update to ICD-11

    A Significant Step toward Global Integration of Traditional Medicine: Secretary Ayush

    Posted On: 19 FEB 2025 5:44PM by PIB Delhi

    In a significant milestone for the global recognition of traditional medicine, the World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the 2025 update to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). The update introduces a pioneering new module dedicated to traditional medicine conditions, marking a monumental step in the systematic tracking and global integration of traditional systems of healthcare practices related to Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani.

    This update follows the successful year-long testing and deliberations after the launch of ICD-11 TM-2 (on January 10, 2024, in New Delhi) for Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani systems of medicine for country implementation testing. It culminates in the deliberations held at the WHO meeting at the National Institute of Health in Malaysia in November 2024. The ICD-11 TM 2 module is now officially released on the ICD-11 Blue Browser of WHO.

    This groundbreaking inclusion of traditional medicine in WHO’s internationally recognised health framework ensures that the traditional health systems of Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani are officially documented and categorized in ICD-11, alongside conventional medical conditions. This elevates their status in global health reporting, research, and policymaking.

    Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, stated, “The release of the ICD-11 update 2025 represents a significant step toward global integration of traditional medicine, specifically Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani. By allowing dual coding and improving data collection, this update fosters evidence-based policymaking, enhances patient care, and supports the inclusion of traditional medicine in national healthcare strategies, promoting holistic and inclusive healthcare worldwide. This update also marks a pivotal moment for traditional medicine, paving the way for its global integration and empowering evidence-based integrative healthcare policies that embrace holistic well-being.”

    “With the new updates, the ICD-11 offers more ease of use, improved interoperability and accuracy, which will benefit national health systems and the people they serve,” said Dr. Robert Jakob, Team Leader, Classifications and Terminologies Unit, WHO.

    Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani: A New Global Platform

    Traditional medicine has long been an essential component of healthcare, particularly in Asia, Africa, and other regions where indigenous practices complement modern medical approaches. The introduction of the ‘Traditional Medicine Conditions’ module in ICD-11 is a major step toward acknowledging the vital role of Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani in the modern healthcare landscape. This move aligns with WHO’s mission to promote universal health coverage and sustainable development goals, recognizing the therapeutic potential of these systems alongside contemporary medical treatments.

    This new module allows healthcare providers to use dual coding for both traditional and conventional medicine diagnosis, enabling comprehensive data collection on the use and effectiveness of traditional medicine practices. By formally categorizing these systems, WHO is facilitating a structured way for researchers, policymakers, and healthcare providers to systematically track and assess the impact of traditional medicine in health systems worldwide.

    Empowering Global Research and Evidence-Based Policy
    Including traditional medicine within ICD-11 offers a host of advantages for global healthcare. By providing standardized terminology and definitions, the module will:

    Enhance data collection: Enabling the global tracking of traditional medicine usage, ensuring comprehensive reporting of its application.

    Facilitate evidence-based policymaking: Supporting the integration of traditional medicine into national healthcare strategies, ensuring its contribution to global health priorities.

    Improve patient care: Allowing healthcare providers to incorporate traditional medicine practices into clinical decision-making for more holistic treatment plans.

    Boost global comparability: Providing a framework for researchers to analyze the efficacy of traditional medicine alongside modern medical treatments.

    By systematically documenting traditional medicine practices, WHO has created a platform for enhancing both the visibility and credibility of Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani on the world stage.

    A Step Forward for Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani
    Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani are centuries-old systems of healthcare systems that have served as the cornerstone of healthcare for millions of people in India and beyond. Their formal recognition in ICD-11 offers a powerful opportunity to showcase these systems as integral components of holistic healthcare.

    This inclusion enhances the global recognition of these practices and underscores their relevance to universal health coverage and broader health equity efforts. It marks a shift toward inclusivity, with traditional medicine now positioned alongside modern medicine in global health dialogues.

    Strengthening Traditional Medicine’s Role in Healthcare
     The traditional medicine module in ICD-11 is designed to capture morbidity data, rather than mortality and will help governments and healthcare institutions assess the frequency, quality, and cost-effectiveness of traditional medicine interventions. This evidence-based approach will allow policymakers to make informed decisions about the integration of traditional medicine services into national health frameworks.

    As more people turn to traditional medicine alongside modern medical treatments, WHO’s initiative reflects its commitment to ensuring that all forms of healthcare—both modern and traditional—are accounted for in public health strategies. By incorporating traditional medicine into ICD-11, WHO is not only fostering inclusivity but also advancing evidence-based healthcare solutions for diverse populations.

    The inclusion of Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani within ICD-11 marks a turning point in how the world views and integrates traditional healthcare systems. With global research, policy formulation, and healthcare practices increasingly influenced by evidence-based approaches, this historic update is set to reshape the future of traditional medicine, ensuring its continued relevance in modern healthcare systems worldwide.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ10: Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by Dr the Hon David Lam and a written reply by the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, in the Legislative Council today (February 19):Question:     The Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme (CRCSP) has been implemented since 2016, under which participants will be arranged to undergo a Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) screening. According to the information released by the Government in December last year, about 60 per cent of the colorectal cancer patients diagnosed under CRCSP were in earlier stages (i.e. stage I and stage II) of cancer, which was higher than the 40 per cent of those who were not diagnosed under CRCSP. On the other hand, according to the information on the website of the Hong Kong Cancer Registry, among all cancers, the incidence rate of colorectal cancer dropped from the first place in 2016 to the third place in 2022, and the age-standardised mortality rate of colorectal cancer also dropped from about 14.1 to 12.7 per 100 000 population during the same period, indicating that CRCSP is effective in detecting colorectal cancer at an earlier stage and in lowering the mortality rate. However, there are views that only early detection and removal of advanced adenoma can further minimise the incidence rate of colorectal cancer. In recent years, studies have found that although FIT has a high sensitivity and specificity for colorectal cancer, the sensitivity for advanced adenoma ranges from 25 per cent to 34 per cent only, which is lower than that of the newer multi-target stool DNA test (about 42 per cent) and faecal bacterial gene markers test (about 57 per cent). Moreover, the Asian Pacific Association of Gastroenterology and the Asian-Pacific Society for Digestive Endoscopy do not even recommend the use of FIT for screening of colorectal polyps. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council whether it has plans to review CRCSP and consider adopting screening other than FIT for testing by participants; if so, of the relevant progress; if not, the reasons for that?Reply:President,     The reply, in consultation with the Department of Health (DH), to the question raised by Dr the Hon David Lam is as follows:     The Government attaches great importance to cancer prevention and control. In 2001, it established the Cancer Coordinating Committee (CCC) to formulate strategies for cancer prevention and control and to steer the direction of work covering cancer prevention and screening, surveillance, research and treatment. The CCC is chaired by the Secretary for Health and comprising members who are cancer experts, academics, doctors in public and private sectors as well as public health professionals. The Cancer Expert Working Group on Cancer Prevention and Screening (CEWG) established under the CCC regularly reviews local and international scientific evidence and makes recommendations on cancer prevention and screening applicable to the local setting.     From the public health perspective, the Government must carefully assess various factors when formulating a cancer screening programme with reference to evidence-based advice from the relevant experts. These include the local prevalence of the cancer concerned, the accuracy and safety of the relevant screening tools, and the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness in reducing incidence and mortality rates. Meanwhile, a screening programme will lead the public and relevant medical specialties to change the demand and supply model of related medical services. The Government needs to carefully assess the impact of a screening programme on the current healthcare system to avoid a severe imbalance in the use of limited healthcare resources, with a view to ensuring the optimal use of the overall public health and healthcare resources.      Regarding screening for colorectal cancer (CRC), the CEWG recommends that average-risk (e.g. without hereditary bowel syndromes), asymptomatic individuals aged 50 to 75 should consider annual or biennial faecal occult blood test; or sigmoidoscopy every five years; or colonoscopy every 10 years.     Based on the CEWG recommendations, the Government launched the Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme (the Programme) in 2016, which currently subsidises asymptomatic Hong Kong residents aged between 50 and 75 to undergo screening tests every two years in the private sector. The programme adopts faecal immunochemical test (FIT) as the screening tool. If the FIT result is positive, the participant will be referred to an enrolled colonoscopy specialist to receive a colonoscopy examination subsidised by the Government. If the FIT result is negative, the participant is advised to undergo the screening two years later.      As of the end of 2024, the cumulative total number of eligible persons participated in the Programme was approximately 510 000. About 77 000 persons (15 per cent) had positive FIT results, about 40 000 persons (7.7 per cent) were diagnosed to have colorectal adenomas after colonoscopy examination, and about 3 400 persons (0.7 per cent) had CRC. In 2024, there were around 86 000 new participants in the Programme, a record annual high since its launch. Among the CRC cases diagnosed under the Programme, a preliminary analysis of around 2 400 cases has been conducted, and about 56 per cent of these cases were in earlier stages, while less than 40 per cent of CRC cases in the general population (excluding cases from the Programme) belonged to earlier stages. This demonstrates that participation in the Programme allows early detection and treatment of CRC, thereby leading to a more favourable prognosis.     Regarding the screening method, the Programme uses FIT as the primary screening tool, which is in line with practices of the CRC screening programmes of most overseas places (such as Singapore, the United Kingdom and Australia). The CEWG has reviewed the scientific evidence on other non-invasive tests for CRC screening such as stool DNA, RNA, “microbial marker” and blood DNA tests in 2023, including the Joint Asian Pacific Association of Gastroenterology (APAGE)–Asian Pacific Society of Digestive Endoscopy (APSDE) clinical practice guidelines on the use of non-invasive biomarkers for diagnosis of colorectal neoplasia published in 2023. Upon CEWG’s review, there was currently insufficient evidence on better effectiveness and cost-effectiveness in reducing CRC incidence and mortality by these newer non-invasive CRC screening tools. The CEWG therefore reaffirmed the recommendations on CRC screening. In general, the cost of FIT ranges from several dozens to several hundred dollars, while the service charge of other newer non-invasive CRC screening tests mentioned above could amount to several thousand dollars. The CEWG shall continue to keep in view further local and overseas scientific evidence and practice related to CRC screening.     Apart from participating in regular CRC screening, leading a healthy lifestyle is also important in the prevention of CRC. According to CEWG’s current recommendation on prevention of CRC, the public is advised to adopt healthy lifestyle such as increasing intake of dietary fibre, reducing consumption of red and processed meat, having regular exercise, maintaining a healthy body weight and waist circumference, avoiding drinking alcohol and smoking. The DH has long been promoting a healthy lifestyle as the primary strategy for cancer prevention. The DH makes every effort in stepping up public education related to cancers with a view to raising public awareness of cancer prevention and screening.      At the same time, the Primary Healthcare Commission is actively promoting the Life Course Preventive Care Plan via District Health Centres (DHCs)/DHC Expresses and family doctors. Based on the core principles of prevention-oriented and whole-person care, a personalised preventive care plan will be formulated to address the health needs of citizens across different life stages with reference to the latest evidence. Family doctors and primary healthcare professionals will collaborate to provide health advice and education on chronic disease and cancer screening, and healthy lifestyles according to personal factors, such as recommending persons aged 50 or above to undergo CRC screening.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Discussion held on “space oil drug” and cross-sectoral drug treatment and rehabilitation services between ND and healthcare professionals

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Discussion held on “space oil drug” and cross-sectoral drug treatment and rehabilitation services between ND and healthcare professionals
    Discussion held on “space oil drug” and cross-sectoral drug treatment and rehabilitation services between ND and healthcare professionals
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         Accompanied by the Cluster Chief Executive of New Territories East of the Hospital Authority (HA), Dr Chung Kin-lai, and the Hospital Chief Executive of Tai Po Hospital of the HA, Dr Sin Ngai-chuen, representatives of the Narcotics Division (ND) of the Security Bureau visited the designated ward for substance abusers at Tai Po Hospital yesterday (February 18) to learn about the support provided to drug abusers and to discuss with frontline professionals combating “space oil drug” and treatment for the relevant drug abusers.      Hong Kong has long adopted a multi-modality approach in providing drug treatment and rehabilitation (T&R) services to meet the different needs of drug abusers from different backgrounds. The HA plays a crucial role in this regard. During the meeting with the medical and allied health personnel of Tai Po Hospital, the Commissioner for Narcotics, Mr Kesson Lee, expressed gratitude for their tireless support for patients. He said, “Collaboration is an important approach for effective drug T&R services. The ND encourages hospitals to strengthen collaboration with different sectors on various fronts. For example, the cross-sectoral and cross-disciplinary collaborative model in Tai Po Hospital can effectively support drug-abusing patients, address their diverse backgrounds and T&R needs, and ultimately help them quit drugs.”      Regarding the prevailing problem of “space oil drug”, the medical and allied health professionals at Tai Po Hospital shared their research findings, observations, and treatment approaches for relevant patients. They noted a recent rise in the number of patients seeking medical services or even hospitalisation due to “space oil drug” abuse and expressed concerns that there was no shortage of young people among those patients. They also expressed worries about e-cigarettes becoming an apparatus for drug taking. Mr Lee indicated that the Government has launched targeted anti-“space oil drug” publicity in response to the situation and upon the listing of etomidate, the main active ingredient of “space oil drug”, and its three analogues (metomidate, propoxate and isopropoxate) as dangerous drugs on February 14, 2025. In addition to education and publicity, T&R is also a component in addressing the drug problem. He pointed out that the Government will continue to encourage drug abusers to quit drugs on their own volition and expressed hope that abusers of “space oil drug” would seek early assistance from service units such as Substance Abuse Clinics of the HA and Counselling Centres for Psychotropic Substance Abusers in the community. All participants in the meeting agreed that “space oil drug” could cause harm to physical and mental health, and young people are no exception.      For issues related to “space oil drug” or other drug problems, the public can contact professional social workers for information or assistance through WhatsApp or WeChat at 98 186 186, or call the 24-hour hotline at 186 186.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, February 19, 2025Issued at HKT 19:15

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India is no longer just a follower; it is now leading the way in multiple fields: Dr. Jitendra Singh

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 19 FEB 2025 3:04PM by PIB Delhi

    • India’s Space Sector Soars: From Chandrayaan-3 to Bharatiya Antariksh Station, Nation Emerges as a Global Leader in Space Exploration
    • India Leads Global Healthcare Innovation with DNA-Based COVID-19 Vaccine and First Herpesvirus Vaccine for Cervical Cancer
    • India’s Bioeconomy Booms: From $10 Billion to $140 Billion, Poised to Reach $250 Billion with Thriving Biotech Startups
    • India Pioneers Space Biology: Advancing Research in Space Medicine and Sustainable Life Beyond Earth
    • India’s Nuclear Energy Vision: 100 GW by 2047 to Drive Sustainability and Global Climate Leadership
    • India Rises as a Global Research Powerhouse, Poised to Lead the World in Scientific Publications by 2030
    • India’s Space Economy Poised for 10X Growth, Strengthening Global Leadership in Science and Bio-Manufacturing

    Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh has asserted that India is no longer just a follower but is now setting global benchmarks, offering leadership and pioneering innovations across sectors. He highlighted the remarkable advancements India has made in recent years, in the fields of space, biotechnology, and nuclear energy etc positioning itself as a key player on the world stage.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh pointed out that India’s space sector has witnessed an unprecedented transformation, with a surge in ambitious missions and international collaborations. The Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) is a testament to India’s technological progress, paving the way for future space missions, including Gaganyaan, Chandrayaan-4, and the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, India’s upcoming international space station.

    India has also emerged as a preferred destination for satellite launches, earning global credibility. The nation has successfully launched 433 foreign satellites, of which 396 were deployed in the last decade alone, generating $157 million and €260 million in revenue from 2014-2023. The historic success of Chandrayaan-3, which made India the first country to land near the Moon’s south pole, has positioned ISRO at the forefront of lunar exploration. The world’s leading space agencies, including NASA, are now awaiting India’s findings from the Moon’s southern pole, a milestone that underscores the nation’s rising dominance in space research.

    The Minister also highlighted India’s pioneering role in biotechnology and bioeconomy. India became the first country to develop a DNA-based COVID-19 vaccine, demonstrating its leadership in vaccine research and development. Furthermore, India has introduced the first herpesvirus vaccine for cervical cancer, reinforcing its position as a leader in preventive healthcare.

    India’s bioeconomy has surged from $10 billion in 2014 to nearly $140 billion today, with projections to reach $250 billion in the coming years. The number of biotech startups has skyrocketed from just 50 in 2014 to nearly 9,000 today, making India a global hub for biotech innovation. In bio-manufacturing, India now ranks third in the Asia-Pacific region and 12th globally, with its influence expanding rapidly.

    India has also taken a bold step into space biology, laying the foundation for human survival beyond Earth. ISRO and the Department of Biotechnology have signed an MoU to advance space biotechnology research, focusing on growing plants in space to sustain long-term space missions. The study of space medicine and human physiology in extraterrestrial environments is becoming a critical area of research, and India is now setting global standards instead of just following them.

    India’s nuclear energy program, once met with scepticism, is now recognized for its peaceful and sustainable ambitions. The country has set an ambitious target of 100 gigawatts of nuclear energy by 2047, aiming to reduce carbon emissions by 50%, a commitment that is influencing global climate strategies. The world has now acknowledged India’s nuclear policy, which was envisioned by Homi Bhabha for peaceful purposes, as a model for responsible energy development.

    India’s scientific output is gaining global recognition, with the country now ranked fourth worldwide in scientific publications. Projections suggest that by 2030, India could surpass the United States to become the world’s top-ranked country in scientific research.

    India’s space economy is set to grow 5 to 10 times in the next decade, further solidifying its leadership. The nation’s rapid economic ascent is evident in its global rankings, including its 12th position in bio-manufacturing and fourth place in scientific research publications.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh concluded by emphasizing that India’s rise is no longer just about catching up but about setting the agenda for the world. “The clock has turned 360 degrees. Earlier, we learned from others; now, the world is looking up to us. The traffic is both ways,” he remarked.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Import of poultry meat and products from Auglaize County of State of Ohio in US suspended

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Import of poultry meat and products from Auglaize County of State of Ohio in US suspended
    Import of poultry meat and products from Auglaize County of State of Ohio in US suspended
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         ​The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (February 19) that in view of a notification from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) about an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in Auglaize County of the State of Ohio in the United States (US), the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the area with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.     A CFS spokesman said that according to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 79 630 tonnes of chilled and frozen poultry meat, and about 19.6 million poultry eggs from the US last year.     “The CFS has contacted the American authority over the issue and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreaks. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation,” the spokesman said.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, February 19, 2025Issued at HKT 16:30

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ5: Complaints handled by Medical Council of Hong Kong

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Chan Hoi-yan and a reply by the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, in the Legislative Council today (February 19):
     
    Question:
     
         This Council passed in 2018 the amendments to the Medical Registration Ordinance, with the aim of improving the complaint investigation and disciplinary inquiry mechanism of the Medical Council of Hong Kong (MCHK) to address the problem of a backlog of cases. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council if it knows:
     
    (1) the average time taken by MCHK to handle a complaint case at present, and the average processing times at the consideration stage by Preliminary Investigation Committee and the inquiry stage respectively;
     
    (2) the total number of complaint cases received by MCHK in each of the past five years and, among them, the respective numbers of cases in which inquiries were held and the complaints were determined to be substantiated, with a breakdown by the type of medical practitioners involved (i.e. private medical practitioners, medical practitioners employed by the Hospital Authority, as well as medical practitioners of the Department of Health); and
     
    (3) among the complaint cases handled by MCHK in each of the past five years, the respective numbers of cases in which the handling time was less than two years, two to four years, five to seven years, and eight years or more; among these cases, the shortest, longest and median time taken from the lodging of the complaint by the complainant to the completion of all procedures, and the main reasons for cases taking a longer time to handle (i.e. more than two years)?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
              
         Healthcare professions in Hong Kong observe the principle of professional autonomy. Their statutory regulatory bodies were established by legislations. They are responsible for the registration of professionals, and maintaining and uplifting relevant professional standard and conduct. These regulatory bodies must be accountable to the public in discharging their duties, ensuring that Hong Kong can maintain healthcare professional standards and safeguarding the broader interests of the community.
     
         The Medical Council of Hong Kong (MCHK) is a statutory body established under the Medical Registration Ordinance (MRO) with the objectives of developing and facilitating medical professional competencies and standards, safeguarding ethical conduct and protecting patients. The MCHK is empowered by the MRO to regulate the medical profession, including handling the registration of medical practitioners, organising Licensing Examinations, formulating codes and guidelines for the profession, and conducting disciplinary inquiries against complaints made by members of the public in respect of professional misconduct of medical practitioners.
     
         Handling complaint cases is an important function of the MCHK. The mechanism of complaint investigation and disciplinary inquiries must be fair, impartial, transparent and efficient, in order to ensure healthcare professional standards and patients’ safety, and facilitate mutual trust between patients and healthcare professionals. The Government’s role is to ensure that the operation models of regulatory bodies keep up with time and the system work smoothly to meet the changing needs of society. To that end, the Government keeps the MRO under regular review to enable the MCHK to better carry out its various statutory functions, including the function of handling complaints, and propose amendments to the MRO to enhance the efficiency of the complaint-handling mechanism where necessary.
     
         With regard to the complaint-handling mechanism which was unable to operate effectively due to statutory limitations in the MRO, leading to a backlog of complaint cases, the Government proposed to amend the MRO in 2017 to enhance the efficiency and flexibility of the mechanism. Newly introduced measures include setting up inquiry panels under the MCHK to conduct inquiries, increasing participation of lay persons in inquiry proceedings, and increasing the number of assessors. The legislative amendment was passed by the Legislative Council in 2018, enhancing the efficiency of the MCHK in handling complaints. After the legislative amendment, the number of inquiry cases heard per year increased from an average of 25 before 2018 to an average of 48 in the past five years, marking an increase of 90 per cent. The average time for processing a disciplinary inquiry case also dropped from around six years to an average of 3.5 years. 

         At present, the establishment of the MCHK Secretariat comprises 30 civil service posts, and contract staff are also engaged. The Government will review the services provided by the Secretariat for the MCHK from time to time, and increase its operational efficiency through various measures, such as increasing the use of information technology and organisational structure to better support the MCHK in discharging its statutory duties. The Government will also consider suitably increasing manpower and other resources for the Secretariat where necessary.
     
         In response to the Hon Chan Hoi-yan’s question, after consulting the MCHK Secretariat, the consolidated reply is as follows:
     
         In the past five years, the number of complaint cases the MCHK received per year ranged from around 500 to over 3 000. The number of cases requiring disciplinary inquiries and involving doctors in private practice and in the public sector, and the number of substantiated cases, are set out at Annex 1.
     
         The MCHK had concluded over 8 700 complaint cases in the past five years. The average time taken since receipt of complaints till conclusion of cases is 27 months. In 98 per cent of these cases, disciplinary procedures were completed within four years after receiving the complaint. Other cases that required longer processing time were usually more complex in nature, requiring time to examine relevant medical record(s), seek medical experts’ report(s), and consult legal advice, etc. Among these complaint cases, the Preliminary Investigation Committees (PICs) dismissed around 7 000 cases for being frivolous or complainant not providing further information, decided that no inquiry by an inquiry panel was to be held in around 1 500 cases, and referred three cases involving the physical and mental condition of the medical practitioner to the Health Committee for consideration. Disciplinary inquiries were required in only 221 cases, i.e. less than 3 per cent. Those some 8 700 concluded complaint cases, broken down by processing time, are set out at Annex 2.
     
         President, the Government will continue to strive for reforms to enhance healthcare quality and efficiency, including inviting major institutions in the Hong Kong healthcare sector to establish the Institute for Medical Advancement and Clinical Excellence last December as a professional platform to develop evidence-based clinical protocols and explore the feasibility of devising service quality and efficiency standards for healthcare services with the plan to consult the sector within this year. 
     
         Regulatory bodies of healthcare professions must also undergo constant reform to meet the expectation of the community. The Government will keep the operation of the MCHK under ongoing review, and is happy to listen to the views of different sectors.
     
         Thank you, President. 

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ22: Planning for former Choi Hung Road Market

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Yang Wing-kit and a written reply by the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, in the Legislative Council today (February 19):
     
    Question:

         It has been learnt that the Government closed the Choi Hung Road Market in Wong Tai Sin in 2022 to free up the site for other long-term development purposes, but so far the site has not been planned for any use. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) whether it has considered revitalising the former Choi Hung Road Market; if so, of the timetable and roadmap;

    (2) whether it will consider opening up the former Choi Hung Road Market to youth groups or non-profit-making district groups in the short term for the creation of music and art spaces as well as cultural and creative markets, so as to optimise the use of idle spaces; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and

    (3) whether it will, in the long run, consider converting the former Choi Hung Road Market for the provision of dental clinics as well as leisure and cultural services facilities (e.g. libraries and study rooms) to cater for the needs of local residents; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

    Reply:

    President,
         
         With regard to the overall planning of the Choi Hung Road (CHR) Playground, the CHR Sports Centre and the former CHR Market site, the Energizing Kowloon East Office (the Office) of the Development Bureau commenced the study and planning work in collaboration with relevant government departments including the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Planning Department and the Architectural Services Department (ArchSD). The objective is to improve the recreational and sports facilities and integrate other uses under the principle of “single site, multiple use” to make better use of land resources and meet societal needs at the same time. After consultation with the relevant policy bureaux and departments, the reply to the questions is as follows:

    (1) and (3) The CHR Playground, the CHR Sports Centre and the former CHR Market are located in San Po Kong with a total site area of about 4.5 hectares. Taking into account the actual district situation, it is recommended to preserve the playground open space area as far as possible with enhancement to increase its attractiveness and inclusiveness. To gather creative design and ideas, the Office and the ArchSD co-organised the Design Competition for Redevelopment of Open Space at CHR Playground and would consider adopting some of the design ideas and concepts of the winning entry for the design of the redevelopment project. As for the CHR Sports Centre and the former market part, taking into account the advice from relevant policy bureaux and departments, it is proposed to develop a new integrated government complex under the principle of “single site, multiple use” to reprovision and upgrade the existing recreational and sports facilities and to introduce some new services. The Office consulted the Wong Tai Sin District Council and other members of the local community on the preliminary proposals of the redevelopment project in February 2023 and incorporated the relevant comments. In terms of recreational and sports facilities, under the latest design, the sports centre facilities which will be reprovisioned and upgraded include an indoor multi-purpose arena, badminton courts, a multi-function activity room, a children’s play room, a table tennis room, a dance room and a fitness room, and a new indoor futsal-cum-handball court. The integrated complex will also provide space for welfare facilities (including elderly and child care centres) and set up the Wong Tai Sin District Health Centre as a hub to provide and co-ordinate primary healthcare services of the district. A public vehicle park will be provided in the redevelopment project and the existing San Po Kong Public Library will also be reprovisioned in the integrated complex so as to upgrade the services and facilities of the library. The relevant preliminary studies for the project have been completed. The Office is liaising with concerned departments on details of commencing the relevant town planning procedures to prepare for the project implementation.

    (2) The CHR Playground and the CHR Sports Centre are still in operation while the CHR Market was closed in March 2022. To optimise the use of resources, following the established procedures, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has identified appropriate alternative user departments to use the premises. Currently, part of the premises is separately used by the FEHD for temporary storage purpose and by the Transport Department for temporary storage of seized bicycles that were illegal parked or abandoned.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ12: Chronic Disease Co-Care Pilot Scheme

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Chan Pui-leung and a written reply by the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, in the Legislative Council today (February 19):

    Question:

         The Government has launched the three-year Chronic Disease Co-Care Pilot Scheme (the Scheme) from November 13 2023 to provide subsidised diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HT) screening services in the private healthcare sector to Hong Kong residents aged 45 or above with no known medical history of DM or HT. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) of the following information on the participants since the launch of the Scheme: (i) the number of participants, as well as the distribution of their gender, age and respective District Health Centres (DHCs) and DHC Expresses and, among them, the respective numbers of participants who (ii) have completed DM and HT screening, (iii) have been diagnosed with prediabetes, DM or HT, and have entered the treatment stage, and (iv) have been arranged by their family doctors to receive a one-off internal medicine specialist consultation at the Hospital Authority through the bi-directional referral mechanism;

    (2) of the following information on the participating family doctors and family doctors’ service points (service points) since the launch of the Scheme: (i) the number of family doctors, (ii) the number and geographical distribution of service points, and (iii) the number of family doctors and service points that can pair participants with a family doctor at the clinic and are open for direct enrolment to the Scheme;

    (3) as it is learnt that under the Scheme, the Government has recommended that family doctors should only charge participants a co-payment fee of $150 for each consultation during the treatment stage, whether the Government has compiled statistics on the respective numbers and proportions of family doctors and service points which are currently charging a co-payment fee of (i) $150 or less and (ii) over $150, as well as the highest co-payment fee;

    (4) as it is learnt that there is an imbalance between family doctors and service points participating in the Scheme and participants in some districts, resulting in members of the public having to seek medical treatment in other districts or giving up on participating in the Scheme, whether the Government has measures in place to rationalise the allocation of resources, including encouraging more family doctors and service points to participate in the Scheme;

    (5) as the Health Bureau announced on January 20 this year that the Scheme has introduced dedicated nurse clinic and allied health services under the district health network at over 40 service points across Hong Kong, of the number of participants who have received the additional services so far, together with a breakdown by type of service; whether it has plans to further introduce service points in the 18 districts across the territory; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;

    (6) given that the 2024 Policy Address has proposed to expand the Scheme to cover blood lipid testing within this year, of the specific implementation timetable and work progress concerned; whether it will further expand the Scheme to cover other tests and diseases, such as cholesterol check and osteoporosis; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and

    (7) whether the various service performance indicators of the Scheme since its launch have met the Government’s expectations; how the Government will step up publicity to attract more target members of the public to participate in the Scheme?

    Reply:

    President,

         The Government launched the Chronic Disease Co-Care Pilot Scheme (CDCC Pilot Scheme) in November 2023, which is the first major initiative under the Primary Healthcare Blueprint. The Scheme provides Government-subsidised diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HT) screening and doctor consultation services to Hong Kong residents aged 45 or above with no known medical history of DM or HT, with the aim to encourage citizens to receive early screening in order to get a better understanding of their own health status, so as to achieve the objectives of early prevention, early identification and early treatment.

         In consultation with the Primary Healthcare Commission (PHC Commission), the replies to the respective parts of the question raised by the Hon Chan Pui-leung are as follows:

    (1) and (6) As at February 13, 2025, the number of participants in the CDCC Pilot Scheme has exceeded 100 000 (about 101 800) (see Annex I), of which around 58 700 participants have completed the screenings for DM and HT, and around 23 500 of them (i.e. nearly 40 per cent) have been diagnosed with prediabetes (note), DM or HT. The latter patients can proceed to the treatment phase and will be subsidised by the Government to continue their treatment with self-selected family doctors by shouldering certain co-payment amount under a co-payment model, and subject to their health conditions, be offered prescribed medication, and follow-up care at nurse clinics and allied health services. In addition, the Government has established a bi-directional referral mechanism with the Hospital Authority (HA) under the CDCC Pilot Scheme. Family doctors can refer participants with clinical needs to receive a one-off specialist consultation at a designated Medicine Specialist Out-patient Clinic of the HA according to clinical diagnosis and pre-defined criteria and guidelines. 29 participants have received one-off specialist consultation at the HA through the mechanism. 

         The Government noted that there is a higher proportion of women among participants. As at December 31, 2024, about 67 per cent of the participants were female and 33 per cent were male, with around 70 per cent of participants aged between 45 and 64. In view of the relatively low proportion of male participants, various District Health Centres / District Health Centre Expresses (collectively DHCs) are enhancing their promotional efforts focusing on men, including stepping up promotional efforts targeting at practitioners of particular industries such as transport, construction and catering, and arranging promotional activities on non-working days, especially Sundays.

         The Government regularly reviews primary healthcare services and the service scope of the CDCC Pilot Scheme based on scientific evidence and resource utilisation considerations. The Government is actively planning to expand the CDCC Pilot Scheme in 2025 to cover blood lipid testing for eligible participants, allowing a more comprehensive approach to the assessment and proper management of cardiovascular disease risk factors, including the “three highs” (high blood pressure, high blood sugar and high cholesterol). Details will be announced in due course. There is currently no sufficient scientific evidence to support the recommendation that routine screening for osteoporosis among persons at average risk is effective or cost-effective. In light of this, the Government has no plan to provide osteoporosis screening services to the public at the moment. At the health management and promotion level, the DHCs will continue to organise educational activities to promote prevention of osteoporosis and osteoporotic fracture, and collaborate with different community organisations and healthcare service providers to provide information or make referrals for those interested or in need of osteoporosis services.

         As mentioned in the Primary Healthcare Blueprint, local studies have shown that the healthcare system can achieve savings in healthcare expenses and reduce the burden of disease through the provision of subsidised screening and management services for DM management to suitable patients. The CDCC Pilot Scheme is a pilot scheme that encourage eligible citizens to undergo screening for DM and HT, two common chronic diseases, so that hidden patients of chronic diseases can be detected at an early stage, and their complications can be treated and prevented as early as possible, thereby reducing the need for hospitalisation. In order to further examine the effectiveness of the CDCC Pilot Scheme, the Government commissioned a local university in the first quarter of 2024 to conduct a study to assess the extent to which the objectives of the Scheme are met and the overall performance, including the service quality, effectiveness, as well as the cost-effectiveness. The Government will review the service model and operational details of the CDCC Pilot Scheme in a timely manner and make enhancements as necessary to ensure its effectiveness.

    (2), (3) and (4) Family doctors are generally supportive of the CDCC Pilot Scheme. As at February 13, 2025, there are 599 family doctors (at 785 service points) participating in the CDCC Pilot Scheme, of which 182 family doctors (at 218 service points) offer direct patient enrolment at their clinics. 

         Of the participating service points, two-thirds (530 service points) charge co-payment at the Government-recommended consultation co-payment fee of $150 or below. The number of family doctors’ service points, the distribution of districts and the range of co-payment set by the family doctors are set out in Annex II. 

         At present, all districts in Hong Kong have a certain number of family doctor service points. CDCC Pilot Scheme participants can, according to their own needs, choose to go to a service point near their place of residence, workplace or any other suitable service point to match with a family doctor for screening and follow-up services in a flexible manner, and hence the number of enrolled participants across districts may not align with the distribution of family doctor service points. The PHC Commission will continue to strive to increase the number of family doctor service points in various districts, with a view to providing the public with more choices and enhancing their convenience and flexibility in seeking treatment. In this connection, the PHC Commission has organised five webinars to promote and introduce the CDCC Pilot Scheme to family doctors, and actively invited family doctors/clinics, in particular, doctors who enrolled in the General Outpatient Clinic Public-Private Partnership Programme and those enlisted in the Primary Care Directory, to participate in the Scheme. The PHC Commission and the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians co-organised the World Family Doctor Day Symposium 2024 on May 18, 2024, to share and discuss with healthcare professionals the promotion of primary healthcare services in a concerted manner. The Symposium also highlighted the enhancements introduced by the Government to support family doctors in providing necessary care to CDCC Pilot Scheme participants, and successfully encouraged more doctors to join the Scheme.

         Furthermore, the Government has been optimising the operational details of the Scheme by streamlining various administrative procedures and workflow, with a view to enhancing the family doctors; ease of operation of the system. Moreover, to increase the flexibility of the CDCC Pilot Scheme, starting from March 2024, members of the public can choose to directly enrol at certain participating clinics of the CDCC Pilot Scheme to pair with a family doctor in the clinic for screening. In addition, having reviewed the actual needs of participants, the Government has expanded the basic-tier drug list of the CDCC Pilot Scheme since August 2024 to increase the coverage of its basic-tier drugs from 43 items at the initial stage to 59 drug items, providing family doctors with greater flexibility in prescribing drugs according to the clinical needs of participants.

    (5) In order to provide a broader scope of healthcare services with better coherence to the CDCC Pilot Scheme participants, dedicated nurse clinic and allied health (including optometrists, physiotherapists and dietitians) services were introduced on January 20, 2025. Nurse clinic and allied health services are referral-based. Family doctors or the DHCs will make referrals based on the health needs of CDCC Pilot Scheme participants for suitable treatment and follow-up care. Nurse clinics are generally able to handle most cases effectively and their service points cover Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories, whereas allied health services mainly focus on patients with specific clinical needs or complex medical conditions, and thus it is not necessary to establish service points in all districts. In less than a month since the introduction of the relevant services, 47 CDCC Pilot Scheme participants have already made appointments for relevant services, of which 33 have received services (see Annex III).

         The dedicated nurse clinic and allied health services will be rolled out in phases, with the first phase to provide services to CDCC Pilot Scheme participants. Other members of the DHCs who are not participating in the CDCC Pilot Scheme will receive dedicated nurse clinic and allied health services under a co-payment model in the next phase, with details to be announced later.

     (7) Since the launch of the CDCC Pilot Scheme, the Government has promoted the CDCC Pilot Scheme through various channels, among which the DHCs play an important role. In addition to inviting existing eligible members to participate in the CDCC Pilot Scheme, the DHCs also organise large-scale promotional activities in respective districts and strengthen connection with the public through community outreach activities, mobile outreach vehicles and promotional booths in community complexes. The DHCs have been actively co-operating with community service partners, such as the District Services and Community Care Teams to organise community activities to recruit eligible individuals to become Scheme participants. 

         At the same time, the Government has also been carrying out other forms of publicity activities to promote the CDCC Pilot Scheme through various television and media channels, and providing the public and healthcare service providers with latest information of the CDCC Pilot Scheme through various communication platforms (such as website, telephone hotline, posters and brochures, electronic newsletters and online briefings). 

    Note: Prediabetes with glycated haemoglobin level of 6.0 to 6.4 per cent or fasting plasma glucose level of 6.1 to 6.9 mmol/L.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Examination toppers participate in 8th episode of Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 19 FEB 2025 12:06PM by PIB Delhi

    The insightful discussions initiated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in the inaugural episode of the 8th edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha culminated with the eighth and final episode, where eight young achievers engaged with students. They were Radhika Singhal (CBSE topper 2022-23); Shuchismita Adhikari (ISC Exam topper 2024); Brahmacharimayum Nistha (PPC anchor & MBBS student, Manipur University); Ashish Kumar Verma (PPC anchor & IIT Delhi student); Vavilala Chidvilas Reddy (IIT JEE Advanced AIR – 1, 2023); Jai Kumar Bohara (CLAT AIR – 1, 2024); Armanpreet Singh (NDA AIR – 1, 2024); and Ishita Kishore (UPSC-CSE AIR – 1 2022).

    While interacting with the students, Nistha suggested revising previous years’ questions and learning to prioritize, as advised by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in his book, emphasizing the importance of “becoming wise with revise.” Shuchismita encouraged focusing on preparation and advised writing down answers to help articulate learned concepts.

    Jai Kumar highlighted the need for personalized preparation strategies and recommended experimenting with different methods to find the best. He suggested studying for 25 minutes, taking a 5-minute break, and maintaining discipline in this routine. His key advice for students was to be ready to make sacrifices to achieve their goals.

    Armanpreet emphasized focusing on strengths, while Ishita stressed the importance of honesty and not being overpowered by fear. She also highlighted the significance of maintaining a balanced schedule—studying for 7-8 hours, pursuing hobbies for 1-2 hours, and ensuring adequate sleep.

    Radhika underscored the value of extracurricular activities in building confidence. Chidvilas shared tips for managing exam-related stress, suggesting activities such as indoor and outdoor games, reading, or listening to music between study sessions. He also encouraged students to remain happy but never complacent.

    Nistha reminisced about her experience anchoring Pariksha Pe Charcha, highlighting how it enhanced her communication and preparation skills, benefiting her exam readiness. Ashish shared his mantra of the “three wins”—spiritual, mental, and physical.

    Additionally, Ishita and Jai guided students through an interview masterclass, while Ashish conducted a session on question paper strategies, helping students prepare for life through structured time management.

    Students asked questions about board exam preparation, societal support, and mastering life skills. Participants from Japan and Dubai also asked questions to the guests. After the session, students reflected on their learning from the interaction with the panellists.

    To ensure comprehensive development, distinguished personalities from various fields—including sports icons, technical experts, toppers of competitive exams, entertainment industry professionals, and spiritual leaders—are enriching students with insights beyond textbooks. Each session provided students with essential tools and strategies to excel academically and personally.

    The eighth edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha (PPC) 2025, in its revamped and interactive format, has been receiving widespread appreciation from students, teachers, and parents across the nation. Breaking away from the traditional Town Hall format, this year’s edition commenced with an engaging session featuring Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at the scenic Sunder Nursery, New Delhi, on 10th February 2025.

    In the inaugural episode, the Prime Minister interacted with 36 students from across the country, discussing insightful topics such as Nutrition and Wellness, Mastering Pressure, Challenging Oneself, The Art of Leadership, Beyond Books – 360º Growth, Finding Positives, and more. His valuable guidance offered students practical strategies to tackle academic challenges with confidence while fostering a growth mindset and holistic learning.

    Pariksha Pe Charcha has been a beacon of inspiration for students, empowering them with confidence and resilience to tackle academic and life challenges with a positive mindset.

    Link to watch the 1st episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5UhdwmEEls

    Link to watch the 2nd episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrW4c_ttmew

    Link to watch the 3rd episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgMzmDYShXw

    Link to watch the 4th episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CfR4-5v5mk

    Link to watch the 5th episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GD_SrxsAx8

    Link to watch the 6th episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhI6UbZJgEQ

    Link to watch the 7th episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9Zg7B_o8So

    Link to watch the 8th episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hR9BazO6Vfo

    *****

    MV/AK

    MOE/PPC/18 February 2025/12

    (Release ID: 2104584) Visitor Counter : 101

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Withdrawal of marketing authorisation for muscular dystrophy medicine Translarna by the EMA – E-002494/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    In September 2023, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) recommended to refuse the annual renewal of the conditional marketing authorisation for Translarna. The opinion was confirmed in January 2024 following a re-examination.

    In May 2024 the Commission asked the CHMP to consider further data brought to its attention. The CHMP reviewed its assessment and confirmed its recommendation in June 2024 and, after a re-examination, on 17 October 2024.

    The benefit-risk was re-assessed based on available data including that from the time of the conditional approval, that generated as per the specific obligations under the conditional approval (two clinical trials), that from the patient registry STRIDE, additional real-world data and from two paediatric studies. These data failed to confirm a positive benefit-risk balance.

    In line with the legislation[1], the Commission shall prepare a draft decision based on the CHMP opinion and submit it to the Standing Committee on Medicinal Products for Human Use.

    In a Committee meeting on 12 December 2024, Member States considered the CHMP assessment robust but recognised the unmet medical need of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients and the very specific circumstances of this case.

    Member States discussed the need to manage therapeutic continuity for patients already under treatment given the absence of alternative treatments authorised in the EU.

    The Commission is considering how these aspects can be integrated into the final Decision which Member States will vote on early in 2025.

    There are currently 32 treatments for DMD under development in the EU. EMA is currently reviewing 2 such medicines: givinostat and the gene therapy delandistrogene moxeparvovec .

    • [1] https://health.ec.europa.eu/medicinal-products/legal-framework-governing-medicinal-products-human-use-eu_en
    Last updated: 19 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Greece financing from EIB Group totals €2.2 billion in 2024 with focus on energy supply, business growth and disaster preparedness

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    • EIB Group’s fresh financing in Greece last year amounted to €2.2 billion
    • Focus last year on energy supply, business growth and disaster management
    • Latest annual results bring EIB Group support in Greece over past five years to €14.5 billion

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group’s new financing in Greece amounted to €2.2 billion last year, with major support to bolster energy supplies, strengthen businesses and protect against environmental disasters in the country.

    The total for 2024 included €2.03 billion from the EIB and portfolio guarantees of €152 million from the European Investment Fund (EIF), which focuses on innovative and technology-driven small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as Small Mid-Caps in Europe.

    Top operations included loans of €390 million to natural-gas supplier DEPA Commercial to build solar parks, €150 million to power provider HEDNO to upgrade the grid, loans and guarantees of €550 million to domestic banks to expand financing for SMEs and Mid-Caps and €220 million to the government to bolster disaster management.

    Kostis Hatzidakis, Minister of Finance of the Hellenic Republic noted: “Greece’s relationship with the European Investment Bank is long-standing and strong. This was reaffirmed in 2024, with new financing reaching €2.2 billion. These funds will be used for investments in renewable energy sources, upgrades to the electricity grid, support for SMEs, and the purchase of firefighting aircraft and rescue equipment. The EIB was a valuable ally when Greece was cut off from the markets. It will remain a partner, but with a new approach. Going forward, priorities will focus on energy interconnections, research and technology, climate adaptation, and defense investments, as outlined in the EIB’s Strategic Roadmap”.

    “Our work in Greece is a testament to the transformative power of strategic financing,” said EIB Vice-President Yannis Tsakiris.In 2024, we reinforced our commitment to the country by supporting clean energy, climate resilience and critical infrastructure while strengthening SMEs, innovation, job creation and social cohesion.”

    The latest annual results bring total EIB Group financing in Greece over the past five years to €14.5 billion. The yearly average in the country since 2000 is almost €2.9 billion, which reflects an unusually high sum of almost €5 billion in 2021 as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

    The EIB Group’s support last year was almost 1% of Greece’s gross domestic product (GDP), the third-highest level among European Union countries behind only Croatia and Estonia. That means that EIB Group financing in Greece last year averaged €631 per inhabitant, making the country one of the biggest beneficiaries based on the size of the population and the economy. The funding is projected to catalyse investments in Greece of up to €6.6 billion – about 2.5% of its GDP.

    Energy supply

    The €390 million EIB loan to DEPA Commercial is for new photovoltaic (PV) parks in the regions of western Macedonia, Thessaly and central Greece. The sites will add approximately 800 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy – enough to power 278,000 households for a year.

    Also in the area of clean energy, the EIB last year provided a €195 million loan to supplier PPC Renewables to develop 580 MW of solar plants and 175 MW of battery storage. The moves will boost renewables capacity, grid stability and energy security.

    The €150 million EIB credit to HEDNO covers upgrades to Greece’s electricity-distribution network, improving grid reliability and facilitating integration of renewables.

    The EIB last year also took part in the creation of an EU “Decarbonisation Fund” for Greece that will channel €1.6 billion in revenue from the European emissions-trading system into sustainable energy and development projects on Greek islands. These include grid interconnections with the mainland and the phase-out of local power plants.

    Business boost

    The EIB last year allocated a total €702 million to strengthen SMEs and Mid-Caps in Greece. The support – 28% of the total – took the form of intermediated loans and guarantees.

    Top operations included €300 million guarantees to Eurobank and National Bank of Greece covering €600 million new loans to Mid-Caps. In addition, the EIB provided a €250 million loan to the National Bank of Greece to bolster green investments by Greek SMEs and Mid-Caps. The credit raised total EIB support for such investments in Greece to €1 billion.

    The EIF also showed its agility in supporting vital investments for both debt and equity. It signed €152m with several of Greece’s financial institutions for capped portfolio guarantees. They are expected to mobilise up to €1,8bn in financing for small and medium-sized enterprises, while making the Greek economy greener, and supporting innovation and the country’s digital transition.

    The EIF also signed a new €200 million equity mandate to support innovative companies in Life Sciences & Healthcare and Sustainability & Social Impact by improving their access to vital financing. Funded by Cohesion policy and national resources of the Hellenic Republic, the mandate will cover a financing gap in these sectors, supporting investments from pre-seed to growth stages based on market needs.

    Disaster protection

    The €220 million EIB loan last year to the Greek government is to buy fire trucks, rescue vehicles and aircraft needed to fight to natural disasters such as wildfires and floods, both of which have caused extensive damage in Greece in recent years. The credit also covers upgrades to essential disaster-management services.

    The financing forms part of a European climate-adaptation plan by the EIB Group and brings its total support for Greek civil protection and disaster preparedness to €595 million.

    EIB Advisory

    There were also key technical assistance projects delivered from EIB Advisory, a highlight being an agreement with the Athens Water Supply and Sewerage Company (EYDAP) to back its €2 billion, 10-year investment programme to ensure the Greek capital has a more resilient water supply and supporting investments in lignite-dependent regions such as Western Macedonia and Megalopolis in the Peloponnese, facilitating their transition to a future of clean energy.

    In December 2024, the continuation of advisory support by EIB advisors from the PASSA team to the Greek administration was approved. This support aims to ensure the smooth implementation of sustainable development and Just Transition projects financed by the EU.

    Background information

    EIB

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, , we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, important investments outside the EU, and the Capital Markets Union.  

    The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.  

    All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.  

    Fostering market integration and mobilising investment, the Group supported a record of over €100 billion in new investment for Europe’s energy security in 2024 and mobilised €110 billion in growth capital for startups, scale-ups and European pioneers

    Approximately half of the EIB’s financing within the European Union is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower than the EU average.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to study looking at life expectancy changes in 20 European countries from 1990-2021

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A study published in The Lancet Public Health looks at life expectancy changes across 20 European countries from 1990-2020. 

    Prof Jennifer Dowd, Professor of Demography and Population Health, University of Oxford, said:

    Does the press release accurately reflect the science?

    “While accurate overall, the press release at times oversimplifies and overstates the conclusions of the paper, including the press release title: “We are no longer living longer.”  The paper looks at mortality trends from 1990-2021 and finds slowing improvements in life expectancy in the decade prior to COVID–but improvements still mean we are living longer.  Life expectancy declined due to COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021, but this is likely a temporary shock and doesn’t mean we will die sooner than our parents and grandparents, as implied. The press release also states that food, physical activity, and obesity are largely to blame for these trends, but this overstates what we can confidently say about these causes.”

     

    Is this good quality research?  Are the conclusions backed up by solid data?

    “This is good quality research, especially in the standard estimation of life expectancy trends and the causes of death contributing to these trends. The part of the analysis that tries to attribute slower mortality improvements to specific risk factors such as cholesterol, hypertension, and “dietary risks” is on shakier ground. The estimates used for this part of the analysis were based on different data and analysis that are not discussed in detail here. The estimation of how risk factors such as diet causally impact mortality is methodologically very challenging, and there is a lot of uncertainty about any single estimate. In addition, the population-representative data on the prevalence and trends of these risk factors across all the countries is not readily available. Putting these two sources of uncertainty together means it is very difficult to attribute country-level life expectancy trends to specific risk factors with high confidence. The “under the hood” part of how these estimates are produced is largely glossed over in the paper, but they are presented as established facts.”

    How does this work fit with the existing evidence?

    “The analysis of trends in life expectancy is consistent with previous work that has shown similar trends and slowdowns in improvements in the decade prior to COVID. For example, see a recent review “Progress Stalled? The Uncertain Future of Mortality in High-Income Countries”

    Have the authors accounted for confounders?  Are there important limitations to be aware of?

    “The portion of the paper attributing life expectancy changes to specific risk factors like diet and physical activity is based on other analyses that are highly vulnerable to bias due to confounding. The conclusions for this portion of the analysis should be tempered.”

     

    What are the implications in the real world?  Is there any overspeculation? 

    “We are seeing slowdowns in life expectancy improvements after decades of often rapid gains. But even slow improvements mean we are living longer on average. Slowing improvements may be a warning sign of things to come, so we need to continue tracking these trends. This paper makes strong statements about the specific risk factors responsible for slowing life expectancy improvements, including obesity, high cholesterol, and “occupational risks.” While these risk factors are no doubt important for health, we can’t say with certainty how each one contributes to these trends.”

     

    How confident can we be as to the causes of the decline in life expectancy in England?

    “The reported decline in life expectancy in England was only during COVID. Prior to that there were slower improvements in life expectancy compared to the previous period and compared to other countries. There is not broad agreement on the cause of these slowdowns, as it is difficult to directly test mechanisms such as austerity cuts. We have good evidence that the slower improvements were largely attributable to slowing improvements in cardiovascular disease, as well as some increases in external cause mortality such as drug deaths at younger ages and midlife. For more thorough examinations, please see paper here and here.”

     

    Could these trends be potentially linked to current state of NHS/ waiting lists? Also could the use of weight-loss drugs potentially help reverse this trend if they tackle rising obesity rates?

    “Challenges with the NHS are one potential contributor to mortality trends in England, but the size of their contribution is not well established. These trends likely reflect much longer-term trends in risk factors such as obesity that accumulate over time. Since the obesity epidemic is now many decades old, more people are entering midlife and older age having been obese for a long time, which could be contributing to these trends. There is cautious optimism that the new GLP-1 class of diabetes and weight-loss drugs could be a game-changer for treating obesity have some long-term benefits for life expectancy, though more evidence is needed to confirm this.”

    Dr Yize Wan, NIHR Clinical Lecturer in Intensive Care Medicine & Anaesthesia, William Harvey Research Institute (WHRI), Queen Mary University London (QMUL), said:

    “The reasons for these findings are complex and likely to be a combination of both individual risk factors from health behaviours and the need to improve access and delivery of healthcare systems. This study has highlighted the importance of addressing modifiable risk factors and preventing and not just treating long-term disease. It would be important to see if these trends are seen across the whole population or whether people from more socioeconomically deprived or different ethnic backgrounds are disproportionally affected. Particularly as we know that socioeconomically and ethnically disadvantaged population groups are more likely to be exposed to common risk factors such as poor diet and low physical activity as well as have more limited access to healthcare.”

     

    Prof Tom Sanders, Professor emeritus of Nutrition and Dietetics, King’s College London (KCL), said:

    “This is a useful analysis of changes in life expectancy across Europe since 2011 compared with the period 1990-2011.  Prior to this life expectancy had increased by about 11 years compared with 1960s for a variety of reasons particularly better control of high blood pressure, blood pressure and immunisation against flu as well as lifestyle changes (smoking cessation and better diet) including increased prosperity. This study shows overall across the 20 countries there was an improvement in life expectancy increased from 1990 up to 2011 by on average 0.23 years but this rate of improvement slowed to 0.15 years between 2011 and 2019. The UK, France and Germany showed bigger declines in life-expectancy compared to the Nordic countries.

    “It is important to recognise that the demographics of the European population have changed markedly in some countries such as the UK, France and Germany because of increased migration compared to Nordic countries. In the UK, the population growth had been due to migration often from countries where life expectancy is much lower.

    “The authors attribute the small decline in life-expectancy to increasing prevalence of obesity particularly in younger and middle-aged adults. While, obesity is likely to contribute to decreased life expectancy in future generations, the prevalence was not particularly high in the older generation, who accounted for most of the deaths in the period 2011-2019.”

    Changing life expectancy in European countries 1990–2021: a subanalysis of causes and risk factors from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021’ by Nicholas Steel et al. was published in The Lancet Public Health at 23:30 UK time Tuesday 18th February 2025. 

    DOI: 10.1016/S2468-2667(25)00009-X

    Declared interests

    Dr Yize Wan: I have no declarations of interest.

    Prof Jennifer Dowd: No conflicts.

    For all other experts, no reply to our request for DOIs was received.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung UK Launches Better Life Campaign Offering Smarter Living at a Smarter Price with Multi-Buy Savings Across Home Appliances, TVs and more

    Source: Samsung

    LONDON, UK. – February 19, 2025 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd is re-launching its Better Life campaign, delivering smarter living for less with a range of multi-buy offers across its home appliances, TVs, tablets, accessories, soundbars and monitors. The offers are available now via Samsung.com throughout February and March.
     
    With discounts and multi-buy offers across a huge range of products, there really is something for everyone. Customers looking for that extra inspiration to renew a new year’s resolution, take on a new challenge, optimise their home space or even enrich their entertainment experiences, can find a deal that fits their lifestyle.
     
    Better Health & Wellness
    Those looking to double down on their fitness goals this year can save £100 when you buy the Galaxy Watch Ultra[1]. Or if you’re looking to enhance those productivity goals, you can get a free Keyboard with Trackpad when you buy from the Galaxy Tab S10 or S9 series[2].
     
    Better Style & Design
    For home aficionados, customers looking for quality sound and style in harmony can get a Music Frame when bought with The Frame TVs 65″+[3]. Or choose to get a soundbar when you buy selected Neo QLED & OLED TVs[4] .
     
    Better Home Life
    Customers looking to simplify their daily lives with the latest home innovation need look no further than our wide range of home appliances. Claim up to £500 cashback on selected fridge freezers[5] or save 20% when you buy 3 selected home appliances together or 15% when you buy 2[6].
     
    Better Gaming
    For the ultimate gaming experience at home, customers can save up to 20% on selected Monitors using code BETTERLIFE.[7]
     
    Better Entertainment
    Get a Galaxy Fit3 free when you buy selected Neo QLED 4K TVs[8].
     
    For more on the campaign and the deals included, please visit: samsung.com/uk/offer/better-life/
     
    [1] Purchase from Samsung.com by 01.04.2025.
    [2] Purchase from samsung.com by 31.03.2025. While stocks last. Free AI Book Cover Keyboard with Trackpad automatically added to basket with qualifying items. Colour may vary.
    [3] Purchase from samsung.com/uk by 11.03.2025. Free item automatically added at checkout. While stocks last.
    [4] Purchase from samsung.com/uk by 11.03.2025. Free item automatically added at checkout. While stocks last.
    [5] Purchase from samsung.com/uk by 11.03.2025. Claim from Samsung between 30-90 days of purchase. Max 4 claims per household. To claim, and for full T&Cs, see https://samsungoffers.claims/wintercashback
    [6] Purchase from samsung.com/uk by 18.03.2025. Discount applied automatically at checkout when two or more qualifying products in basket. Selected skus only.
    [7] Purchase from Samsung.com/uk by 11.03.2025. Enter code at checkout. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.
    [8] Purchase from samsung.com/uk by 11.03.2025. Free item automatically added at checkout. While stocks last.
     

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary Kennedy Delivers Welcoming Remarks to HHS Staff

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    Secretary Kennedy delivers welcoming remarks to HHS staff to a packed a great hall at the Hupert H. Humphry

    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) | http://www.hhs.gov | HHS Privacy Policy | http://www.hhs.gov/Privacy.html

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-BCMG198Yc

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI: TransUnion Appoints Tiffani Chambers Chief Operations Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, Feb. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tiffani Chambers has joined TransUnion (NYSE: TRU) as Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer, effective February 19, 2025.

    TransUnion’s Global Operations team serves an important role delivering premium experiences for consumers and customers. Tiffani will oversee activities including consumer relations, customer delivery and relationship management, TransUnion’s Global Capability Center network, procurement and real estate. She will report to TransUnion President and CEO Chris Cartwright and serve on the executive leadership team.

    “Our vision is to make trust possible in global commerce, and our Operations team delivers information services and support every day that help consumers and businesses transact with confidence,” said Cartwright. “Tiffani is a proven leader with highly relevant global operations and financial services experience, and I’m confident she will be a great addition to our team as we work to drive greater innovation and service for the consumers and customers we serve.”

    Chambers joins TransUnion from Bank of America, where she most recently served as chief operating officer to the retail banking division, leading all business management, strategy growth, digital transformation and control functions for the 30,000-person division. Prior to that, she served as chief operating officer for the bank’s global banking and markets, risk, finance and infrastructure technology team. She also served as managing director of global client strategy and operations for the operations division of Goldman Sachs, and previously held leadership roles with JP Morgan Chase, Lehman Brothers and American Express. She earned an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BBA from Emory University, and she serves on the advisory board of the Center for Multicultural and Community Affairs at Mount Sinai Hospital.

    About TransUnion (NYSE: TRU)
    TransUnion is a global information and insights company with over 13,000 associates operating in more than 30 countries. We make trust possible by ensuring each person is reliably represented in the marketplace. We do this with a Tru™ picture of each person: an actionable view of consumers, stewarded with care. Through our acquisitions and technology investments we have developed innovative solutions that extend beyond our strong foundation in core credit into areas such as marketing, fraud, risk and advanced analytics. As a result, consumers and businesses can transact with confidence and achieve great things. We call this Information for Good® — and it leads to economic opportunity, great experiences and personal empowerment for millions of people around the world. http://www.transunion.com/business

    Contact Dave Blumberg
    TransUnion
    E-mail david.blumberg@transunion.com
    Telephone 312-972-6646

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 19 February 2025 Joint News Release Mass polio vaccination campaign to continue in the Gaza Strip

    Source: World Health Organisation

    The emergency polio outbreak response in the Gaza Strip is continuing, with a mass vaccination campaign scheduled from 22 to 26 February 2025. The novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) will be administered to over 591 000 children under 10 years of age to protect them from polio. This campaign follows the recent detection of poliovirus in wastewater samples in Gaza, signaling ongoing circulation in the environment, putting children at risk.  

    Pockets of individuals with low or no immunity provide the virus an opportunity to continue spreading and potentially cause disease. The current environment in Gaza, including overcrowding in shelters and severely damaged water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure, which facilitates fecal-oral transmission, create ideal conditions for further spread of poliovirus. Extensive population movement consequent to the current ceasefire is likely to exacerbate the spread of poliovirus infection. 

    Two previous vaccination rounds in the Gaza Strip were successfully conducted in September and October 2024, reaching over 95% of the target. As poliovirus is found to remain in the environment, additional vaccination efforts are needed to reach every child and strengthen population immunity. The presence of the virus still poses a risk to children with low or no immunity, in Gaza and throughout the region.   

    In 2024, health workers faced significant challenges accessing certain areas of central, north and south Gaza, which required special coordination to enter during the conflict. In inaccessible areas such as Jabalia, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Hanoun, where humanitarian pauses for the vaccination campaign were not assured, approximately 7 000 children missed vaccination during the second round. The recent ceasefire means health workers have considerably better access now.   

    No additional polio cases have been reported since a ten-month-old child was paralyzed in August 2024, but the new environmental samples from Deir al Balah and Khan Younis, collected in December 2024 and January 2025, confirm poliovirus transmission. The strain detected is genetically linked to the poliovirus detected in the Gaza Strip in July 2024. 

    The upcoming vaccination campaign aims to reach all children under 10 years of age, including those previously missed, to close immunity gaps and end the outbreak. The use of the oral polio vaccine will help end this outbreak by preventing the spread of the virus. An additional polio vaccination round is planned to be implemented in April.

    The campaign will be led by the Palestinian Ministry of Health and implemented with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and other partners. 

    Polio vaccines are safe and there is no maximum number of times a child should be vaccinated. Each dose gives additional protection which is needed during an active polio outbreak.   

    WHO, UNICEF, and partners welcome the recent ceasefire and urge for a lasting ceasefire that leads to long-term peace.  

     

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI: Enlight Renewable Energy Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    All of the amounts disclosed in this press release are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted

    TEL AVIV, Israel, Feb. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enlight Renewable Energy Ltd. (NASDAQ: ENLT, TASE: ENLT) today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ending December 31, 2024. The Company’s earnings conference call and webcast will be held today at 8:00 AM ET. Registration links to both the call and the webcast can be found at the end of this earnings release.

    Financial Highlights

    Full year 2024

    • Revenues and income of $399m, up 53% year over year
    • Adjusted EBITDA1 of $289m, up 49% year over year
    • Net income of $67m, down 32% year over year
    • Cash flow from operations of $193, up 29% year over year

    3 months ending December 31, 2024

    • Revenues and income of $104m, up 35% year over year
    • Adjusted EBITDA1 of $65m, up 31% year over year
    • Net income of $8m, down 48% year over year
    • Cash flow from operations of $36m, up 49% year over year

    ________________________
    1 The Company is unable to provide a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income on a forward-looking basis without unreasonable effort because items that impact this IFRS financial measure are not within the Company’s control and/or cannot be reasonably predicted. Please refer to the reconciliation table in Appendix 2

      For the twelve months ended   For the three months ended
     ($ millions) 31/12/2024 31/12/2023 % change 31/12/2024 31/12/2023 % change
    Revenue and Income 399 261 53% 104 77 35%
    Net Income 67 98 (32%) 8 16 (48%)
    Adjusted EBITDA 289 194 49% 65 50 31%
    Cash Flow from Operating Activities 193 150 29% 36 24 49%
    • In 2023 the net income contained substantial one-time items
    • A detailed analysis of financial results appears below

    2024 Guidance vs Actual Results

    • Reported revenues and income for 2024 was 15% higher than the Company’s original guidance at the midpoint.
    • Reported Adjusted EBITDA for 2024 was 18% higher than the Company’s original guidance at the midpoint.

    Revenues and Income and Adjusted EBITDA includes $21m of U.S. tax benefits

    “We are proud to conclude 2024 with outstanding financial results that surpassed both our targets and analysts’ forecasts,” said Gilad Yavetz, CEO of Enlight Renewable Energy.

    “Enlight continues to grow thanks to its diversified and innovative operations, spanning three continents and employing the three main technologies of the industry: solar, wind, and energy storage.

    “The year 2025 represents another leap forward for us, as a massive capacity of 4.7 FGW – with a total investment of $5.5bn – will be under various stages of construction. Together with the Company’s operating portfolio, this will secure approximately 90% of the Company’s ambitious growth plan: to reach operating capacity of 8.6 FGW by the end of 2027. This plan will bring Enlight to an annual revenue rate of over $1bn by 2028, tripling the business in just three years.

    “We expect that the average return on equity for the vast asset portfolio that will become operational by 2027 will exceed 15%. Our three-year growth plan is already reflected in our 2025 guidance: we project revenues and income in the range of $490-510 million and Adjusted EBITDA in the range of $360-380 million, a 25% increase.”

    Portfolio Review

    • Enlight’s total portfolio is comprised of 20 GW of generation capacity and 35.8 GWh storage (30.2 FGW2)
    • Of this, the Mature portfolio component (including operating projects, projects under construction or pre-construction) contains 6.1 GW generation capacity and 8.6 GWh of storage (8.6 FGW)
    • Within the Mature portfolio component, the operating component has 2.5 GW of generation capacity and 1.9 GWh of storage (3.0 FGW)

    The full composition of the portfolio appears in the following table:

    Component Status FGW2 Annual recurring revenues ($m)3
    Operating Commercial operation 3.0 ~5004
    Under Construction Under construction 1.8 ~175
    Pre-Construction 0-12 months to start of construction 3.8 ~385
    Total Mature Portfolio Mature 8.6 1,060~
    Advanced Development 13-24 months to start of construction 7
    Development 2+ years to start of construction 14.7
    Total Portfolio   30.2

    ________________________
    2 FGW (Factored GW) is a consolidated metric combining generation and storage capacity into a uniform figure based on the ratio of construction costs. The company’s current weighted average construction cost ratio is 3.5 GWh of storage per 1 GW of generation: FGW = GW + GWh / 3.5
    3
    Does not include income from tax benefits for under construction and pre-construction projects.

    4 Based on the midpoint of 2025 guidance.

    • Operating component of the portfolio: 3 FGW
      • Start of commercial operations of 1.1 FGW in 2024, including projects Atrisco in the U.S., Pupin and Tapolca in Europe, the Israel Solar and Storage Cluster in MENA. These additions contribute approximately $100m to the annual revenue run rate.
    • Under Construction component of the portfolio: 1.8 FGW
      • Consists of three projects in the U.S. with a total capacity of 1.4 FGW; the Gecama Solar project in Spain with a capacity of 0.3 FGW; and a solar and storage cluster in Israel. 35% of the cluster is expected to reach operations in 2025, with the rest commissioning in 2026.
      • Projects under construction are expected to contribute $175m to the annual revenue run rate during their first full year of operation.
    • Pre-construction component of the portfolio: 3.8 FGW
      • Two mega projects in the U.S., Snowflake and CO Bar, with a combined capacity of 2.6 FGW will begin construction in 2025 and are expected to contribute $246m to revenues on an annualized basis.
      • Nardo, a stand alone storage project in Italy with a capacity of 0.25 FGW, is expected to begin construction in 2H25 and contribute $31m to revenues on an annualized basis.
    • Advanced Development component of the portfolio component: 7 FGW
      • 5.3 FGW in the U.S., with 100% of the capacity having passed completion of the System Impact Study, the most important study of the grid connection process, significantly de-risking the portfolio.
      • The U.S. portfolio includes several mega-projects and follow-ons to Mature projects, such as Cedar Island (1.4 FGW), Snowflake B (1.2 FGW), and Atrisco 2 (0.7 FGW).
      • These projects reflect the Company’s “Connect and Expand” strategy, leveraging existing grid infrastructure with the development of new ones, thereby reducing construction costs and project risks while improving project returns.
      • 0.7 FGW in Europe, focused on Italy, Spain, and Croatia.
      • 1 FGW in MENA, focused on solar and storage projects and stand alone storage facilities, including approximately 0.5 FGW that won availability tariffs as part of the Israel Electricity Authority’s first high voltage storage availability tariff tender.
    • Development component of the portfolio: 14.7 FGW
      • 10 FGW in the U.S. with broad geographic presence, including the PJM, WECC, SPP and MISO regions.
      • 2.7 FGW in Europe, focused on Italy, Spain, Croatia and entry into stand-alone storage operations in Poland.
      • 2 FGW in MENA, focused on solar combined storage projects and stand alone storage facilities.

    Projected COD Timeline for the Mature Portfolio5

    ________________________
    5 Additional projects currently classified in the Advanced Development portfolio are expected to reach commercial operation by 2027, however they are not included in this forecast

    Mature Portfolio Components Expected to Generate Annualized Revenues of Over $1bn6

    All the projects in the plan are expected to be completed by the end of 2027

    ________________________
    6 The projection is based on 2025 guidance, and only includes additional revenue growth from the sale of electricity from projects under construction and in pre-construction status.

    Financing Activities

    • Financial closings totaling $1.1bn in Europe and the US occurred during 2024, supporting the construction of projects with 470 MW and 2,100 MWh capacity.
    • Expansion of Series D bonds totaling $178m to finance the Company’s growth.
    • Sale of 44% of the Sunlight cluster for $50m cash at a valuation of $114m, generating a profit of up to $94m to be recognized in the first quarter of 2025. The cluster represents approximately 1% of the Company’s total portfolio.
    • As of the date of this report, the Company maintains $350m of revolving credit facilities, of which $70m have been drawn.

    2025 Guidance

    Construction and commissioning

    • Expected commissioning of 440 MW and 1.1 GWh of capacity, which is expected to add approximately $130m to annualized revenues and $105m annualized EBITDA, starting in 2026.
    • Starting construction on 1.8 GW and 3.9 GWh of capacity, which is expected to add over $300m in annualized revenues and over $250m in annualized EBITDA gradually through 2026-2027.

    Financial guidance

    • Total revenues and income7 are expected to range between $490m and $510m, a 25% increase (from the midpoint) from 2024 results. Of the projected revenues and income, 38% are expected to be denominated in ILS, 35% in EUR, and 27% in USD.
    • Adjusted EBITDA8 is expected to range between $360m and $380m, a 28% increase (from the midpoint) from 2024 results.
    • Approximately 90% of the electricity volumes expected to be generated in 2025 will be sold at fixed prices through PPAs or hedges.

    ________________________
    7 Total revenues and income include revenues from the sale of electricity along with income from tax benefits from US projects amounting to $60m-80m.
    8 EBITDA is a non-IFRS financial measure. The Company is unable to provide a reconciliation of EBITDA to Net Income on a forward-looking basis without unreasonable effort because items that impact this IFRS financial measure are not within the Company’s control and/or cannot be reasonably predicted. Please refer to the reconciliation table in Appendix 2.

    Financial Results Analysis

    Revenue & Income by Segment
    ($ thousands) For the twelve months ended   For the three months ended  
    Segment 31/12/2024 31/12/2023 Change % 31/12/2024 31/12/2023 Change %
    MENA 155,693 67,687 130% 34,086 20,738 64%
    Europe 197,143 177,471 11% 49,979 50,770 (2%)
    U.S. 36,608 7,712 375% 17,894 3,571 401%
    Other 9,351 8,270 13% 2,143 2,009 7%
    Total Revenue & Income 398,795 261,140 53% 104,102 77,088 35%
                 

    Revenues & Income

    In the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company’s total revenues and income increased to $104m, up from $77m last year, a growth rate of 35% year over year. This was composed of revenues from the sale of electricity, which rose 26% to $93m compared to $74m in the same period of 2023, as well as recognition of $11m in income from tax benefits, up 230% compared to $3m in 4Q23.

    The Company benefited from the revenue contribution of newly operational projects. Since the fourth quarter of 2023, 650 MW and 1,600 MWh of projects were connected to the grid and began selling electricity, including seven of the Israel Solar and Storage Cluster units in Israel, Atrisco in the U.S, Pupin in Serbia, and Tapolca in Hungary. The most important increases in revenue from the sale of electricity originated at the Israel Solar and Storage Cluster, which added $9m, followed by Atrisco, which added $6m in. In total, new projects contributed $18m to revenues from the sale of electricity

    Revenues and income were distributed between MENA, Europe, and the US, with 34% denominated in Israeli Shekel, 47% in Euros, and 18% denominated in US Dollars.

    Net Income

    In the fourth quarter, the Company’s net income amounted to $8m compared to $16m last year, a decrease of 48% year over year. In 4Q23 the Company recorded a $12m net profit stemming from the recalculation of earnout payments linked to the acquisition of Clenera. Adjusting for this figure, the net income in 4Q23 was $4m, implying year-on-year growth of 90%.

    Adjusted EBITDA9

    In the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company’s Adjusted EBITDA grew by 31% to $65m compared to $50m for the same period in 2023. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was driven by the same factors that drove the increase in revenues and income, namely new projects and the recognition of higher amounts of tax benefits. This was offset by an additional $6m in higher operating expenses linked to new projects, while company overheads rose by $5m year-on-year.

    ________________________
    9 Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure. Please see the appendix of this presentation for a reconciliation to Net Income

    Conference Call Information

    Enlight plans to hold its Fourth Quarter 2024 Conference Call and Webcast on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. ET to review its financial results and business outlook. Management will deliver prepared remarks followed by a question-and-answer session. Participants can join by dial-in or webcast:

    The press release with the financial results as well as the investor presentation materials will be accessible from the Company’s website prior to the conference call. Approximately one hour after completion of the live call, an archived version of the webcast will be available on the Company’s investor relations website at https://enlightenergy.co.il/info/investors/.

    Supplemental Financial and Other Information

    We intend to announce material information to the public through the Enlight investor relations website at https://enlightenergy.co.il/info/investors, SEC filings, press releases, public conference calls, and public webcasts. We use these channels to communicate with our investors, customers, and the public about our company, our offerings, and other issues. As such, we encourage investors, the media, and others to follow the channels listed above, and to review the information disclosed through such channels. Any updates to the list of disclosure channels through which we will announce information will be posted on the investor relations page of our website.

    Non-IFRS Financial Measures

    This release presents Adjusted EBITDA, a financial metric, which is provided as a complement to the results provided in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IFRS”). A reconciliation of the non-IFRS financial information to the most directly comparable IFRS financial measure is provided in the accompanying tables found at the end of this release.

    We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) plus depreciation and amortization, share based compensation, finance expenses, taxes on income and share in losses of equity accounted investees and minus finance income and non-recurring portions of other income, net. For the purposes of calculating Adjusted EBITDA, compensation for inadequate performance of goods and services procured by the Company are included in other income, net. Compensation for inadequate performance of goods and services reflects the profits the Company would have generated under regular operating conditions and is therefore included in Adjusted EBITDA. With respect to gains (losses) from asset disposals, as part of Enlight’s strategy to accelerate growth and reduce the need for equity financing, the Company sells parts of or the entirety of selected renewable project assets from time to time, and therefore includes realized gains or losses from these asset disposals in Adjusted EBITDA. In the case of partial assets disposals, Adjusted EBITDA includes only the actual consideration less the book value of the assets sold. Our management believes Adjusted EBITDA is indicative of operational performance and ongoing profitability and uses Adjusted EBITDA to evaluate the operating performance and for planning and forecasting purposes.

    Non-IFRS financial measures have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for financial information presented under IFRS. There are a number of limitations related to the use of non-IFRS financial measures versus comparable financial measures determined under IFRS. For example, other companies in our industry may calculate the non-IFRS financial measures that we use differently or may use other measures to evaluate their performance. All of these limitations could reduce the usefulness of our non-IFRS financial measures as analytical tools. Investors are encouraged to review the related IFRS financial measure, Net Income, and the reconciliations of Adjusted EBITDA provided below to Net Income and to not rely on any single financial measure to evaluate our business.

    Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements as contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements contained in this press release other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company’s business strategy and plans, capabilities of the Company’s project portfolio and achievement of operational objectives, market opportunity, utility demand and potential growth, discussions with commercial counterparties and financing sources, pricing trends for materials, progress of Company projects, including anticipated timing of related approvals and project completion and anticipated production delays, the Company’s future financial results, expected impact from various regulatory developments and anticipated trade sanctions, expectations regarding wind production, electricity prices and windfall taxes, and Revenues and Income and Adjusted EBITDA guidance, the expected timing of completion of our ongoing projects, and the Company’s anticipated cash requirements and financing plans , are forward-looking statements. The words “may,” “might,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “target,” “seek,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “contemplate,” “possible,” “forecasts,” “aims” or the negative of these terms and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, though not all forward-looking statements use these words or expressions.

    These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the following: our ability to site suitable land for, and otherwise source, renewable energy projects and to successfully develop and convert them into Operational Projects; availability of, and access to, interconnection facilities and transmission systems; our ability to obtain and maintain governmental and other regulatory approvals and permits, including environmental approvals and permits; construction delays, operational delays and supply chain disruptions leading to increased cost of materials required for the construction of our projects, as well as cost overruns and delays related to disputes with contractors; disruptions in trade caused by political, social or economic instability in regions where our components and materials are made; our suppliers’ ability and willingness to perform both existing and future obligations; competition from traditional and renewable energy companies in developing renewable energy projects; potential slowed demand for renewable energy projects and our ability to enter into new offtake contracts on acceptable terms and prices as current offtake contracts expire; offtakers’ ability to terminate contracts or seek other remedies resulting from failure of our projects to meet development, operational or performance benchmarks; exposure to market prices in some of our offtake contracts; various technical and operational challenges leading to unplanned outages, reduced output, interconnection or termination issues; the dependence of our production and revenue on suitable meteorological and environmental conditions, and our ability to accurately predict such conditions; our ability to enforce warranties provided by our counterparties in the event that our projects do not perform as expected; government curtailment, energy price caps and other government actions that restrict or reduce the profitability of renewable energy production; electricity price volatility, unusual weather conditions (including the effects of climate change, could adversely affect wind and solar conditions), catastrophic weather-related or other damage to facilities, unscheduled generation outages, maintenance or repairs, unanticipated changes to availability due to higher demand, shortages, transportation problems or other developments, environmental incidents, or electric transmission system constraints and the possibility that we may not have adequate insurance to cover losses as a result of such hazards; our dependence on certain operational projects for a substantial portion of our cash flows; our ability to continue to grow our portfolio of projects through successful acquisitions; changes and advances in technology that impair or eliminate the competitive advantage of our projects or upsets the expectations underlying investments in our technologies; our ability to effectively anticipate and manage cost inflation, interest rate risk, currency exchange fluctuations and other macroeconomic conditions that impact our business; our ability to retain and attract key personnel; our ability to manage legal and regulatory compliance and litigation risk across our global corporate structure; our ability to protect our business from, and manage the impact of, cyber-attacks, disruptions and security incidents, as well as acts of terrorism or war; changes to existing renewable energy industry policies and regulations that present technical, regulatory and economic barriers to renewable energy projects; the reduction, elimination or expiration of government incentives or benefits for, or regulations mandating the use of, renewable energy; our ability to effectively manage the global expansion of the scale of our business operations; our ability to perform to expectations in our new line of business involving the construction of PV systems for municipalities in Israel; our ability to effectively manage our supply chain and comply with applicable regulations with respect to international trade relations, tariffs, sanctions, export controls and anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws; our ability to effectively comply with Environmental Health and Safety and other laws and regulations and receive and maintain all necessary licenses, permits and authorizations; our performance of various obligations under the terms of our indebtedness (and the indebtedness of our subsidiaries that we guarantee) and our ability to continue to secure project financing on attractive terms for our projects; limitations on our management rights and operational flexibility due to our use of tax equity arrangements; potential claims and disagreements with partners, investors and other counterparties that could reduce our right to cash flows generated by our projects; our ability to comply with increasingly complex tax laws of various jurisdictions in which we currently operate as well as the tax laws in jurisdictions in which we intend to operate in the future; the unknown effect of the dual listing of our ordinary shares on the price of our ordinary shares; various risks related to our incorporation and location in Israel, including the ongoing war in Israel, where our headquarters and some of our wind energy and solar energy projects are located; the costs and requirements of being a public company, including the diversion of management’s attention with respect to such requirements; certain provisions in our Articles of Association and certain applicable regulations that may delay or prevent a change of control; and other risk factors set forth in the section titled “Risk factors” in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), as may be updated in our other documents filed with or furnished to the SEC.

    These statements reflect management’s current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date of this press release. You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee that future results, levels of activity, performance and events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or will occur. Except as required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

    About Enlight

    Founded in 2008, Enlight develops, finances, constructs, owns, and operates utility-scale renewable energy projects. Enlight operates across the three largest renewable segments today: solar, wind and energy storage. A global platform, Enlight operates in the United States, Israel and 9 European countries. Enlight has been traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange since 2010 (TASE: ENLT) and completed its U.S. IPO (Nasdaq: ENLT) in 2023.

    Company Contacts

    Yonah Weisz
    Director IR
    investors@enlightenergy.co.il

    Erica Mannion or Mike Funari
    Sapphire Investor Relations, LLC
    +1 617 542 6180
    investors@enlightenergy.co.il

    Appendix 1 – Financial information

    Consolidated Statements of Income
           
        For the year ended at
    December 31
        2024   2023(*)
        USD in   USD in
        thousands   thousands
    Revenues   377,935   255,702
    Tax benefits   20,860   5,438
    Total revenues and income   398,795   261,140
             
    Cost of sales (**)   (80,696)   (52,794)
    Depreciation and amortization   (108,889)   (65,796)
    General and administrative expenses   (38,847)   (31,356)
    Development expenses   (11,601)   (6,347)
    Total operating expenses   (240,033)   (156,293)
    Gains from projects disposals   601   9,846
    Other income, net   16,172   43,450
    Operating profit   175,535   158,143
             
    Finance income   20,439   36,799
    Finance expenses   (107,844)   (68,143)
    Total finance expenses, net   (87,405)   (31,344)
             
    Profit before tax and equity loss   88,130   126,799
    Share of loss of equity accounted investees   (3,350)   (330)
    Profit before income taxes   84,780   126,469
    Taxes on income   (18,275)   (28,428)
    Profit for the year   66,505   98,041
             
    Profit for the year attributed to:        
    Owners of the Company   44,209   70,924
    Non-controlling interests   22,296   27,117
        66,505   98,041
    Earnings per ordinary share (in USD) with a par value of        
    NIS 0.1, attributable to owners of the parent Company:        
    Basic earnings per share   0.37   0.61
    Diluted earnings per share   0.36   0.57
    Weighted average of share capital used in the        
    calculation of earnings:        
    Basic per share   118,293,556   115,721,346
    Diluted per share   123,312,565   123,861,293
     

    (*) The Consolidated Statements of Income have been adjusted to present comparable information for the previous year. For additional details please see Appendix 8.

    (**) Excluding depreciation and amortization

    Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of        
        December 31   December 31
        2024   2023
        USD in   USD in
        Thousands   Thousands
    Assets        
             
    Current assets        
    Cash and cash equivalents   387,427   403,805
    Deposits in banks     5,308
    Restricted cash   100,090   142,695
    Trade receivables   50,692   43,100
    Other receivables   99,651   60,691
    Current maturities of contract assets     8,070
    Other financial assets   975   976
    Assets of disposal groups classified as held for sale   81,661  
    Total current assets   720,496   664,645
             
    Non-current assets        
    Restricted cash   48,251   38,891
    Other long-term receivables   61,045   32,540
    Deferred costs in respect of projects   357,358   271,424
    Deferred borrowing costs   276   493
    Loans to investee entities   18,112   35,878
    Contract assets     91,346
    Fixed assets, net   3,699,192   2,947,369
    Intangible assets, net   291,442   287,961
    Deferred taxes assets   10,744   9,134
    Right-of-use asset, net   210,941   121,348
    Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss   69,216   53,466
    Other financial assets   59,812   79,426
    Total non-current assets   4,826,389   3,969,276
             
    Total assets   5,546,885   4,633,921
    Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of (Cont.)         
        December 31   December 31
        2024   2023
        USD in   USD in
        Thousands   Thousands
    Liabilities and equity    
             
    Current liabilities      
    Credit and current maturities of loans from        
    banks and other financial institutions   212,246   324,666
    Trade payables 161,991   105,574
    Other payables 107,825   103,622
    Current maturities of debentures   44,962   26,233
    Current maturities of lease liability   10,240   8,113
    Financial liabilities through profit or loss     13,860
    Other financial liabilities   8,141   1,224
    Liabilities of disposal groups classified as held for sale   46,635  
    Total current liabilities   592,040   583,292
             
    Non-current liabilities    
    Debentures 433,994   293,751
    Other financial liabilities   107,865   62,020
    Convertible debentures   133,056   130,566
    Loans from banks and other financial institutions   1,996,137   1,702,925
    Loans from non-controlling interests   75,598   92,750
    Financial liabilities through profit or loss   25,844   34,524
    Deferred taxes liabilities   41,792   44,941
    Employee benefits 1,215   4,784
    Lease liability 211,941   119,484
    Deferred income related to tax equity   403,384   60,880
    Asset retirement obligation   83,085   68,047
    Total non-current liabilities   3,513,911   2,614,672
             
    Total liabilities 4,105,951   3,197,964
             
    Equity        
    Ordinary share capital   3,308   3,293
    Share premium 1,028,532   1,028,532
    Capital reserves 25,273   57,730
    Proceeds on account of convertible options   15,494   15,494
    Accumulated profit 107,919   63,710
    Equity attributable to shareholders of the Company   1,180,526   1,168,759
    Non-controlling interests   260,408   267,198
    Total equity 1,440,934   1,435,957
    Total liabilities and equity   5,546,885   4,633,921
    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows    
         
      For the year ended at
    December 31
      2024 2023
      USD in USD in
      Thousands Thousands
         
    Cash flows for operating activities    
    Profit for the period 66,505 98,041
         
    Income and expenses not associated with cash flows:    
    Depreciation and amortization 108,889 65,796
    Finance expenses, net 83,560 28,805
    Share-based compensation 8,360 4,970
    Taxes on income 18,275 28,428
    Tax benefits (20,860) (5,438)
    Other income, net (4,963) (46,991)
    Company’s share in losses of investee partnerships 3,350 330
      196,611 75,900
         
    Changes in assets and liabilities items:    
    Change in other receivables 12,261 (3,241)
    Change in trade receivables (9,892) (2,841)
    Change in other payables 294 6,382
    Change in trade payables 746 15,474
      3,409 15,774
         
    Interest receipts 12,684 12,490
    Interest paid (74,891) (54,469)
    Income Tax paid (11,246) (12,236)
    Repayment of contract assets 14,120
         
    Net cash from operating activities 193,072 149,620
         
    Cash flows for investing activities    
    Sale (Acquisition) of consolidated entities, net 1,871 (6,975)
    Changes in restricted cash and bank deposits, net 29,959 (53,131)
    Purchase, development, and construction in respect of projects (899,257) (730,976)
    Loans provided and Investment in investees (26,444) (28,174)
    Payments on account of acquisition of consolidated entity (32,777) (5,728)
    Proceeds from sale (purchase) of financial assets measured at fair value     
    through profit or loss, net (14,719) 26,919
    Net cash used in investing activities (941,367) (798,065)
    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Cont.)   
      For the year ended at
    December 31
      2024  2023 
      USD in USD in
      Thousands Thousands
         
    Cash flows from financing activities    
    Receipt of loans from banks and other financial institutions 939,627 623,927
    Repayment of loans from banks and other financial institutions (699,586) (203,499)
    Issuance of debentures 177,914 83,038
    Repayment of debentures (26,016) (14,735)
    Dividends and distributions by subsidiaries to non-controlling interests (25,534) (13,328)
    Proceeds from investments by tax-equity investors 410,845 198,758
    Repayment of tax equity investment (839) (82,721)
    Deferred borrowing costs (21,637) (1,984)
    Receipt of loans from non-controlling interests 274
    Repayment of loans from non-controlling interests (2,960) (1,485)
    Increase in holding rights of consolidated entity (169)
    Issuance of shares 266,451
    Exercise of share options 15 9
    Repayment of lease liability (5,852) (4,848)
    Proceeds from investment in entities by non-controlling interest 179 5,448
         
    Net cash from financing activities 745,987 855,305
         
    Increase (Decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (2,308) 206,860
         
    Balance of cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 403,805 193,869
         
    Changes in cash of disposal groups classified as held for sale (5,753)
         
    Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents (8,317) 3,076
         
    Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 387,427 403,805

    Information related to Segmental Reporting

      For the year ended December 31, 2024
      MENA(**)   Europe(**)   USA   Total reportable segments   Others   Total
      USD in thousands
    Revenues 155,693   197,143   15,748   368,584   9,351   377,935
    Tax benefits     20,860   20,860     20,860
    Total revenues and income 155,693   197,143   36,608   389,444   9,351   377,935
                           
    Segment adjusted EBITDA 123,724   165,385   33,539   322,648   4,141   326,789
       
    Reconciliations of unallocated amounts:  
    Headquarter costs (*) (37,774)
    Intersegment profit 100
    Depreciation and amortization and share-based compensation (117,249)
    Other incomes not attributed to segments 3,669
    Operating profit 175,535
    Finance income 20,439
    Finance expenses (107,844)
    Share in the losses of equity accounted investees (3,350)
    Profit before income taxes 84,780
     

    (*) Including general and administrative and development expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization and share based compensation).

    (**) Due to the Company’s organizational restructuring, the Chief Operation Decision Maker (CODM) now reviews the group’s results by segmenting them into four business units: MENA (Middle East and North Africa), Europe, the US, and Management and Construction. Consequently, the Central/Eastern Europe and Western Europe segments have been consolidated into the “Europe” segment, and the Israel segment has been incorporated into the MENA segment. The comparative figures for the year ended December 31, 2023, have been updated accordingly.

    Information related to Segmental Reporting

      For the year ended December 31, 2023
      MENA   Europe   USA   Total reportable segments   Others   Total
      USD in thousands
    Revenues 67,687   177,471   2,274   247,432   8,270   255,702
    Tax benefits     5,438   5,438     5,438
    Total revenues and income 67,687   177,471   7,712   252,870   8,270   261,140
                           
    Segment adjusted EBITDA 71,350   150,677   12,133   234,160   3,035   237,195
       
    Reconciliations of unallocated amounts:  
    Headquarter costs (*) (30,434)
    Intersegment profit 1,587
    Repayment of contract asset under concession arrangements (14,120)
    Depreciation and amortization and share-based compensation (70,766)
    Other incomes not attributed to segments 34,681
    Operating profit 158,143
    Finance income 36,799
    Finance expenses (68,143)
    Share in the losses of equity accounted investees (330)
    Profit before income taxes 126,469
     

    (*) Including general and administrative and development expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization and share based compensation).

    Appendix 2 – Reconciliations between Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA

    ($ thousands)   For the year ended   For the three months
        December 31   ended December 31
        2024   2023   2024   2023
    Net Income (loss)   66,505   98,041   8,372   16,202
    Depreciation and amortization   108,889   65,796   30,912   21,611
    Share based compensation   8,360   4,970   2,333   970
    Finance income   (20,439)   (36,799)   (2,140)   7,581
    Finance expenses   107,844   68,143   22,008   16,344
    Non-recurring other income (*)   (3,669)   (34,681)     (15,718)
    Share of losses of equity accounted investees   3,350   330   1,613   (137)
    Taxes on income   18,275   28,428   2,121   2,934
    Adjusted EBITDA   289,115   194,228   65,219   49,787
                     
    * For the purposes of calculating Adjusted EBITDA, compensation for inadequate performance of goods and services procured by the Company are included in other income, net.
       

    The Company has changed its presentation of its Income Statement, which includes the presentation of specified items that have been previously included within other income (i.e. tax equity). The Company believes that such presentation provides a more relevant information and better reflects the measurement of its financial performance. The Company applied such change retrospectively.

    Appendix 3 – Debentures Covenants

    Debentures Covenants

    As of December 31, 2024, the Company was in compliance with all of its financial covenants under the indenture for the Series C-F Debentures, based on having achieved the following in its consolidated financial results:

    Minimum equity
    The company’s equity shall be maintained at no less than NIS 200 million so long as debentures E remain outstanding, no less than NIS 375 million so long as debentures F remain outstanding, and NIS 1,250 million so long as debentures C and D remain outstanding.

    As of December 31, 2024, the company’s equity amounted to NIS 5,255 million.

    Net financial debt to net CAP
    The ratio of standalone net financial debt to net CAP shall not exceed 70% for two consecutive financial periods so long as debentures E and F remain outstanding, and shall not exceed 65% for two consecutive financial periods so long as debentures C and D remain outstanding.

    As of December 31, 2024, the net financial debt to net CAP ratio, as defined above, stands at 37%.

    Net financial debt to EBITDA
    So long as debentures E and F remain outstanding, standalone financial debt shall not exceed NIS 10 million, and the consolidated financial debt to EBITDA ratio shall not exceed 18 for more than two consecutive financial periods.

    For as long as debentures C and D remain outstanding, the consolidated financial debt to EBITDA ratio shall not exceed 15 for more than two consecutive financial periods.

    As of December 31, 2024, the net financial debt to EBITDA ratio, as defined above, stands at 9.

    Equity to balance sheet
    The standalone equity to total balance sheet ratio shall be maintained at no less than 20% and 25%, respectively, for two consecutive financial periods for as long as debentures E and F, and debentures C and D remain outstanding.

    As of December 31, 2024, the equity to balance sheet ratio, as defined above, stands at 55%.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/16dfdaab-3b06-4494-a529-7e4b98cd6ad8

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a4d568ee-77b0-4eab-b7ef-c865a4a26d0e

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ae07b0d5-09c7-404f-a71d-70494b2b64ca

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to study looking at genetic and lifestyle factors, and premature death, ageing and age-related diseases

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A paper published in Nature Medicine looks at the contribution of genetic and lifestyle factors to risk of premature death, ageing, and age-related diseases. 

    Prof Felicity Gavins, Professor of Pharmacology at Brunel University of London, and Royal Society Wolfson Fellow, said:

    “This is an exciting study.  The fact that most of the risk factors identified are modifiable highlights an enormous opportunity for prevention.  By addressing social inequalities, promoting healthy behaviours and reducing harmful exposures, we can really make a meaningful difference in reducing age-related diseases and premature mortality.

    “However, some caution is needed.  This is an observational study, so further research is needed to confirm causal relationships, especially before any long-term policy changes are made.  Furthermore, targeted interventions will be essential to translating these findings into real-world impact.”

    Dr Stephen Burgess, Group Leader at the MRC Biostatistics Unit, University of Cambridge, said:

    “This is a large and detailed investigation into the predictors of major causes of mortality in a UK-based population.  It provides further demonstration supporting previous research that, in the majority of cases, our genes do not determine our future.  There are exceptions, including rare conditions that are caused by a single genetic variation.  But for the majority of conditions that Western people die from, disease risk is more strongly attributable to modifiable risk factors and our wider environment, as shaped by our upbringing and choices.  Genetics can load the dice, but it is up to us how we play our hand.

    “A limitation of the work is that it does not highlight particular risk factors, nor can it make specific causal claims about what would happen if we changed our risk factors and environment.”

    Prof Frances Flinter, Emeritus Professor of Clinical Genetics, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust; and Member of the Nuffield Council on Bioethics, said:

    “This is a very impressive, thorough and detailed analysis of a vast amount of genetic and non-genetic data from the UK Biobank.  The authors compare the relative contributions to ageing and premature mortality of genetic susceptibility markers (polygenic risk scores) and environmental factors, which they refer to as the ‘exposome’ (including alcohol, diet, smoking, housing, type of heating, weight in childhood etc).

    “Overall, polygenic risk scores (PRS) for twenty-two major diseases explained less than 2% of additional variation in mortality, whereas the exposome explained 17%.  In particular, the exposome explained a greater proportion of the variation than polygenic risk scores for the incidence of disease of the lung, heart and liver, whereas polygenic risk scores explained a greater proportion of the variation than the exposome for dementia and breast, prostate and colorectal cancers.

    “The risk of premature mortality was lower in Black, Asian and ethnicities other than white, even after adjustment for socio-demographic deprivation factors, which is currently unexplained.

    “With so much focus on genetic determinism these days, it is good to be reminded of the significance of environmental contributions to health, particularly as the risk factors are known and many can be modified.”

    Prof Ilaria Bellantuono, Professor in Musculoskeletal Ageing; and Co-Director of The Healthy Lifespan Institute, University of Sheffield, said:

    “This important study comprehensively confirms what smaller studies have suggested: multiple socioeconomic and environmental factors significantly influence the risk of developing age-related diseases.  More critically, it highlights that health is shaped by multiple interacting factors.  This has important policy implications, meaning that policies targeting only one or two of these factors will have limited impact on extending healthspan.  The findings support the need for an integrated, multi-faceted approach to prevention and to identify the most influential domains for intervention (smoking, socioeconomic status and deprivation, physical activity, sleep and mental and physical wellness including tiredness, as well as early life exposures including height and body size at 10 years and maternal smoking around birth).

    “The study is rigorously conducted and transparently acknowledges its limitations, which are inevitable in research of this nature.”

    Dr Julian Mutz, King’s Prize Research Fellow at the Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, King’s College London, said:

    “The study by Argentieri, van Duijn, and colleagues sought to tease apart the relative contributions of environmental exposures (termed the “exposome”) and genetic risk on biological ageing and premature mortality.

    “The authors analysed data from the UK Biobank, a unique resource with a wealth of information on sociodemographic characteristics, health records, genetics and biomarker data from half a million UK residents.

    “They employed a complex analytical design to identify environmental exposures that were independently associated with biological ageing (defined using a proteomic ageing clock that they developed in a previous high-profile study) and mortality, while minimising the risk of reverse causation, confounding and correlation between exposures.  The approach is elegant, though certain assumptions warrant caution.  For example, the finding that many exposures independently associated with mortality (e.g., diet or mental health) were not associated with the proteomic ageing clock (or had an association in the opposite direction) does not necessarily mean that these exposures do not impact ageing biology.

    “Key findings from the study were that a higher income, Asian or Black ethnic background, higher levels of physical activity and living with a partner were associated with lower mortality risk and a protein-predicted age younger than chronological age.  Smoking, living in council housing (reflecting socio-economic status) and the frequency of feeling tired were associated with higher mortality risk and a protein-predicted age older than chronological age.

    “Each of the 25 independent exposures that the authors identified was associated with incident diseases and ageing biomarkers.

    “To investigate the relative contribution of the environmental exposures compared to genetics, the authors calculated polygenic scores for 22 diseases.  Polygenic scores aggregate the small effects of many common genetic variants to estimate an individual’s predisposition to specific traits or diseases.  However, there are several caveats to this approach: first, polygenic scores only capture part of the genetic risk; and second, many environmental exposures also have a genetic component.  The broad headline of the press release that “environmental factors affect health and ageing more than our genes” should be viewed in light of these limitations.

    “One of the most interesting findings from this study is the comparison of the contributions of chronological age and sex (both non-modifiable risk factors), environmental exposures and polygenic scores across several disease endpoints.  For example, for certain diseases (e.g., dementia), genetics appears to be more important.

    “A key implication of the study is that there is a broad range of modifiable risk factors that could be targeted to reduce the risk of premature mortality and age-related disease.  How successful this will be remains to be seen.  We already know much about the health-promoting effects of lifestyle interventions, such as physical activity and smoking cessation, but a significant intention–behaviour gap remains.

    “The authors have, for the most part, carefully highlighted that the observed associations may not be causal.”

    Prof Kevin McConway, Emeritus Professor of Applied Statistics, Open University, said:

    “This new study involves a large dataset, using data from almost half a million participants in the UK Biobank, data on 164 different environmental exposures (using ‘exposure’ in the broad epidemiologists’ sense, from smoking and intake of various foods, to how plump they were at age 10, to their ethnicity) and (for some of them) genetic and blood measures too.  It’s big data, and the researchers use some big-data methods.

    “The aim was to quantify the contributions of environmental exposures and genetics to aging and premature mortality, taking into account many aspects of people’s environment rather than concentrating on a few risk factors determined in advance.

    “The results are interesting, and I think they do support the researchers’ view that we can learn more by looking at many environmental exposures together rather than trying to pick them off one (or a few) at a time.  However, there are some important limitations (as the researchers make clear).

    “It would be easy to dismiss this new research by saying that all they have really found is that, if you want to be healthy in old age, you need to give up smoking, do some exercise and not be poor, and we already knew that.  But that’s not (in my view) the important finding at all.  The important finding is that you get more by looking at more aspects of the environment, if you have enough good data to do that – but that needs careful statistical analysis, including aspects that this study could not do itself.  However I think there are good reasons not to pay too much attention to the exact numerical results in the paper, for reasons I’ll come to.

    “This is an observational study – the UK Biobank researchers did not choose how the participants acted, but only observed and recorded what they said and did.  Like all observational studies, the findings are about correlations and associations, not about cause and effect.  The statistical methods used by the researchers can’t determine whether the associations between exposures and ill health and mortality, that they observed, are there because the exposures cause the ill health and mortality.  They might, or they might not.

    “The way the researchers filtered out exposures that might have showed up as associated with ill health only because they were correlated with other exposures, or because the exposure was actually caused by ill health (reverse causation, as it’s called), does to some extent make it a bit more likely that the associations they mainly report on are ones of cause and effect – but they certainly can’t confirm that they are cause and effect.  The researchers say, in their conclusion, that their results indicate that interventions based on environmental exposures are possibly (my emphasis) the best starting point for improving age-related health, but they add that “future causal modelling [that is, research that specifically looks at cause and effect, which uses different methodology] will be needed to study specific exposures of interest.”

    “In view of these issues about cause, it’s unfortunate that the press release uses a lot of language that implies the associations are indeed reflecting cause and effect.  They talk about the impact of environmental factors on mortality and aging.  If something isn’t causing the ill health, ‘impact’ is the wrong word – if you change a factor that is correlated with ill health but doesn’t cause it, you won’t change the level of ill health.

    “And when the release says that environmental factors explained 17% of the variation in risk of death, compared to less than 2% for genetic predisposition, this is presenting a misleading picture of what is reported in the research paper.  The paper talks about additional mortality variation (in addition to the variation explained by age and biological sex, which are the most important factors, unsurprisingly, along with smoking).  And in this context, statisticians are using ‘variation explained’ to mean something statistically technical that has nothing direct to do with cause and effect, even though it sounds as if it does.

    “There are other important limitations.  The UK Biobank population isn’t typical of the general UK population.  And the exposures were all measured at only one time point, when people first entered the UK Biobank study.  Therefore, even though the UK Biobank is a major study that goes on through time, these findings can’t, for instance, look at the impact on ill health if someone gives up smoking, or becomes wealthier, or changes what they eat.  The researchers emphasise the importance of studying what leads to ill health across the life course, not just at one or a few time points, but like most studies using UK Biobank data, they could not actually do that in this study, beyond looking at some things that participants said about their childhood when they entered the study.

    “There is no implication that the 25 independent environmental factors that were identified in this research are the most important environmental factors, or the only important ones.  The filtering process that removed factors that might have been correlated to strongly with other factors, or might have been liable to reverse causation, may have removed some that were in fact important to health.  (I’m not saying that they should not have been removed, in the light of the overall aims of this study – just that removing them could have led to something being missed.)

    “And obviously the researchers could only take into account environmental exposures that were recorded in the UK Biobank data, and that’s not everything.  The early life exposures, mentioned in the press release and the paper as being important, were actually recorded alongside all the others when people entered the study, so based on what they recalled, and not actually followed up over time.

    “Ideally in a study like that using a big and complicated data set, researchers would model the data statistically using just part of the data set, and then check with the rest of the data set whether the findings hold and are not just a statistical fluke.  These researchers did that, splitting the data on English UK Biobank participants into two and checking the results from one half on the other half, and then checking several aspects of the statistical modelling by validating the results on data from UK Biobank participants in Scotland and Wales.  That’s good, but not ideal, because the Scottish and Welsh participants are likely to be too similar to the English participants to give an independent enough validation.

    “It’s interesting that the research paper says that they sought to validate the findings using a different study based in Rotterdam, which would have been much better than the Scottish and Welsh UK Biobank data.  But they could not do that because the Rotterdam study did not have enough recorded environmental exposures that matched those in the UK Biobank.  They point out that this is likely to be a more widespread problem, because there’s no standard way across different studies of this kind to choose which exposures to record, or how to define them.

    “I have to say that I personally wouldn’t pay too much attention to any of the exact figures on associations that are given in the paper.  That’s partly because of the limitations I’ve mentioned (and the researchers give more limitations in the paper).  But it’s mainly because the data set is big and complicated, and the statistical methods used involved many stages and are complicated.  The researchers had to make a long series of choices on which data to analyse and how to analyse it.  Another team of researchers would not have made the same choices in each case.  That doesn’t mean that this team is wrong and another team would be right – just that there often isn’t a clear best choice to be made.  And other choices would have led to different findings, in terms of the detailed numbers at least.

    “Statisticians sometimes refer to the series of choices of how to analyse a data set, not entirely seriously, as ‘researcher degrees of freedom’.  This study has a lot of researcher degrees of freedom.  The researchers did check out some of their choices by carrying out sensitivity analyses, but that doesn’t get near to dealing with every choice they had to make.  If time and money were no object, it would be very interesting to see what a different research team made of the same data – but in the real world, that’s not going to happen.

    “One final point about the press release.  It says that 23 of the 25 independent environmental factors, identified in the research as contributing to the association between environmental exposure and ill health, ‘are modifiable’.  The research paper says only that they are potentially modifiable.  This sounds like a nit-pick, and maybe it is – but look at the factors (in Figure 2d in the paper, which shows the 25 along with age and biological sex).  Smoking is modifiable, even if it can be hard for individuals to make that modification.  But for some of the others it’s not easy to see what the modification might be.  How do you modify things so that you are living with a partner, if you currently aren’t?  (Living with a partner is associated with better health.)  How do you modify how often you feel fed up, or how often you feel unenthusiastic?  These potential modifications could maybe be done, but saying they are ‘modifiable’ is too much of a simplification.  And it’s certainly important to understand that modifying some of them would be possible only by changes in society – it’s not just a question of individuals choosing what to do.  (It also bears repeating that this study, because of the issues about cause and effect, can’t actually tell us with any certainty whether modifying these facts would actually change health anyway.)”

    Dr Divyangana Rakesh, Lecturer and Researcher in the Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, said:

    “This study makes clear just how much our environment shapes aging and mortality, and it is not surprising that environmental risk often outweighs genetic risk.  The authors used a rigorous approach to show that while genetics play a role in specific diseases, our environment – from socioeconomic status to lifestyle factors – shapes overall health trajectories in powerful ways.  We see this in developmental research as well, where environmental factors, including socioeconomic status and deprivation, play a crucial role in shaping children’s outcomes.  Findings like these reinforce the urgent need to address environmental determinants of health if we want to support healthy development and aging for everyone.”

    Prof Joyce Harper, Head of the Reproductive Science and Society Group, UCL Institute for Women’s Health, UCL, said:

    “This extensive study systematically examined environmental factors linked to aging using data from the UK Biobank.  The researchers conducted an exposome-wide analysis of all-cause mortality in a cohort of 492,567 individuals and investigated how these exposures influenced a proteomic age clock.  Their findings identified 25 independent environmental factors associated with both mortality risk and proteomic aging.

    “It is so great to see this brilliant study from Oxford Population Health.  In today’s society, so many are trying to get a quick fix to improve health and longevity, but this study and others are showing the importance of our lifestyle and environment on healthy aging.  It is the first study to show how the combined effect of individual exposures affects us through the life course.  I hope people are listening.”

    ‘Integrating the environmental and genetic architectures of aging and mortality’ by M. Austin Argentieri et al. was published in Nature Medicine at 10.00am UK time on Wednesday 19 February 2025.

    DOI: 10.1038/s41591-024-03483-9

    Declared interests

    Prof Felicity Gavins: “No conflicts.”

    Prof Frances Flinter: “No CoI.”

    Prof Ilaria Bellantuono: “I am funded by the Michael J Fox Foundation, Dunhill Medical Trust.  I co-lead UkAgeNet (https://ukagenet.co.uk/ ) and I am co-director of the Healthy Lifespan Institute.”

    Dr Julian Mutz: “I report no conflicts.”

    Prof Kevin McConway: “Previously a Trustee of the SMC and a member of its Advisory Committee.”

    Dr Divyangana Rakesh: “I have no conflicts of interest to declare.”

    Prof Joyce Harper: “No conflicts. I am writing a book on health and happiness over 50 but I do not think that conflicts.”

    For all other experts, no reply to our request for DOIs was received.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Is lifestyle or genetics more important for age-related diseases?

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A new study led by researchers from Oxford Population Health at the University of Oxford has investigated whether lifestyle and other environmental factors (the ‘exposome’) have a smaller or bigger impact on health and premature death than our genes.

    The study uses data from UK Biobank, and the researchers have developed a new ‘ageing clock’ – a method to estimate how quickly people are ageing biologically based on levels of proteins in their blood.  They then use this to see which environmental factors might be linked with biological ageing.

    The study will be published in Nature Medicine and looks at 164 environmental factors and 22 diseases of ageing.

    Journalists dialed into this briefing to hear from some of the authors of the study and to ask your questions.

    Speakers included:

    Prof Cornelia van Duijn, senior author of the paper and St Cross Professor of Epidemiology at Oxford Population Heath, University of Oxford

    Dr Austin Argentieri, lead author of the study at Oxford Population Health, and Research Fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital, and Broad Institute

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council to Launch a New Support Service to Help Keep Families Together

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Liverpool City Council and its partner agencies are set to introduce a transformative way of working to help families recovering from drug and alcohol addiction and who are receiving specialist care.  

    The Family Drug and Alcohol Court (FDAC) offers an alternative to the family court process by providing parents with specialised support to address the root causes of substance misuse. This approach helps families create a healthier, more stable future.

    Set to launch in April 2025, Liverpool will establish its own FDAC service at the Liverpool Civil and Family Court. 

    The Council’s Children’s and Public Health teams will work with partner agencies, including CAFCASS to develop a dedicated team of professionals, with the expert guidance of HHJ Parker, the Designated Family Judge for Cheshire and Merseyside, who has been a strong advocate for establishing FDAC for Liverpool families.

    This team will specialise in substance use, mental health, domestic abuse, and child protection, ensuring comprehensive assistance to families who are under specialist care.

    Parents will receive help and guidance to abstain from drugs and alcohol and are also provided with advice, treatment, and assistance in understanding and addressing any underlying issues.

    Families are also supported in fostering stronger relationships and developing a lifestyle that prioritises children’s needs. 

    The Council has seen a significant increase in care applications, with a 55% rise in cases from January to July 2024. 

    Nationally parental use of drugs and alcohol is estimated to be involved in two-thirds of care applications, making it a leading cause of child neglect and abuse.  

    The introduction of FDAC will help address these challenges by ensuring families receive the right support at the right time, ultimately aiming to reduce the number of children entering care. 

    Evidence from national research shows the effectiveness of FDACs: 

    • 52% of children with a primary carer in FDAC care proceedings were reunified, compared to 12.5% in non-FDAC cases. 
    • FDAC parents are more likely to sustain abstinence from substance use long-term, reducing the likelihood of repeat care proceedings. 
    • FDAC interventions lead to fewer contested hearings and shorter court proceedings, generating cost savings for local authorities and the judicial.

    Councillor Liz Parsons, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services, said: “Our children and young people deserve the best start in life, which means growing up in safe, stable, and loving homes. Introducing the Family Drug and Alcohol Court model represents a significant step forward in helping families overcome substance misuse challenges.  

    “By addressing the underlying causes that put families at risk, we’re providing them the opportunity to stay together and thrive. This approach not only eases pressure on the courts and vital services but, most importantly, puts our families’ needs first.” 

    Jenny Turnross Corporate Director of Children’s Services said: “The introduction of the Family Drug and Alcohol Court offers a real opportunity to give parents the support they need to turn their lives around. There is strong evidence that FDAC increases the chances of children being reunified with their parents. Additionally, parents in FDAC are more likely to achieve abstinence from substances by the end of proceedings.

    “By working closely with our partners, families can receive the wrap-around care they need to stay together and build a more stable future. We will continue to monitor outcomes to ensure the best possible support for families in our community.”

    Designated Family Judge for Cheshire and Merseyside, HHJ Steven Parker, said: “The establishment of the Family Drug and Alcohol Court (FDAC) in Liverpool represents a major achievement for the family justice system in this great city, and the realisation of a personal ambition as Designated Family Judge.

    “The intensive programme, run by a multi-disciplinary team, helps families affected by the complex challenges presented by the damaging effects of drug and alcohol abuse, domestic abuse, and mental health problems. We know this problem-solving approach works and gives families the best chance of staying together or being re-united, when it is safe and in the best interests of the children to do so.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI China: Beijing’s ‘two zones’ initiative gathers momentum in 2024

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    In 2024, Beijing achieved significant strides in building the Integrated National Demonstration Zone for Greater Service Sector Openness, and the China (Beijing) Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ) – together referred to as the “two zones.” According to the Beijing Municipal Commerce Bureau, the city added 7,187 new projects, and implemented 85.7% of the tasks outlined in the State Council-approved work plan. 

    By the end of 2024, the total number of projects under the “two zones” initiative reached 9,945, with the estimated investment totaling 1.02 trillion yuan (US$140.6 billion). 

    The city’s number of newly established foreign-invested companies rose by 16.4% year on year, outpacing the national growth rate by 6.5 percentage points. Eight globally renowned pharmaceutical companies such as Lilly and Pfizer established R&D and innovation centers in Beijing last year.

    The China (Beijing) FTZ attracted 39.9% of the city’s total utilized foreign investment in 2024, marking an increase of 20.6 percentage points from the previous year. 

    As part of its efforts to promote opening up, the FTZ established the nation’s first specialized area within the Tianzhu Comprehensive Bonded Zone for importing rare disease drugs unavailable in domestic markets. 

    Since April 11, 2024, more than 1,400 doses of medication for children with achondroplasia have been imported through the Tianzhu Comprehensive Bonded Zone to Beijing Children Hospital of Capital Medical University, said an official from the zone. 

    Tianzhu Comprehensive Bonded Zone ranked second in the country, according to assessment of the General Administration of Customs in 2023. 

    Additionally, Beijing explored pilot projects in sectors such as value-added telecommunications businesses and pharmaceuticals. The city also released the nation’s first negative list to facilitate the export of key industry data.

    This year, Beijing will draft the third version of its work plan for the service sector demonstration zone, aiming to promote a higher level of openness.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: 01/2025: Publication of Business Rates Relief Information​

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    ​​Business rates information letters are issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government at regular intervals throughout the year.

    Applies to England

    Documents

    Details

    This letter confirms the business rates multipliers for 2025 to 2026 and includes local authority guidance for the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Scheme for 2025 to 2026 and Film Studio Relief guidance.

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 February 2025

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: 10-year study to shed light on youth vaping

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Landmark study to investigate long-term health effects of vaping on young people’s health and wellbeing, alongside wider influences on adolescent health.

    Groundbreaking research will investigate the long-term health effects of vaping on children, supporting major plans to tackle youth vaping and create a smoke free generation.   

    The £62 million research project into adolescent health, funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), will track 100,000 young people aged 8-18 years over a decade, collecting data on behaviour, biology and health records to understand what affects young people’s health and wellbeing, including the impact of vaping. 

    While vaping is less harmful than smoking and can be a useful tool to help adult smokers quit, youth vaping has skyrocketed in recent years, with a quarter of 11 to 15-year-olds having tried it. 

    The research coincides with the world-leading Tobacco and Vapes Bill which will clamp down on youth vaping by limiting flavours, packaging, and displays deliberately designed to appeal to children.

    The study is one of three sets of research being commissioned by the government, alongside the launch of England’s first ever public health marketing campaign to educate children on vaping harms. 

    The long-term health impacts of youth vaping are not fully known, and this comprehensive approach will provide the most detailed picture yet, giving health carers and policymakers the robust evidence they need to protect the next generation from the potential health risks.  

    Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Ashley Dalton, said:  

    We know that vaping can be a useful tool to quit smoking, but it’s crucial we have clear evidence on the long-term health harms, especially for young people.  

    This landmark series of studies, combined with our first nationwide youth vaping campaign, will help drive evidence-based, decisive action to protect our children’s future.  

    Through bold preventative measures, such as the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, this government will deliver on our Plan for Change to build healthier lives and save our broken NHS.

    Prof Lucy Chappell, NIHR CEO and Chief Scientific Adviser to DHSC said:

    With vaping on the rise among young people, it is crucial that we develop a solid evidence base to better understand its health impacts, and help ensure we protect and support the next generation. 

    By investing in important research such as this we give young people, parents, and policymakers the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and safeguard long-term health.

    Sarah Sleet, Chief Executive at Asthma + Lung UK, said: 

    The number of non-smokers, particularly young people, taking up vaping is extremely worrying. The long-term impact of vaping on the lungs isn’t yet known, so research into its effect on young people, is really important. 

     It is already known that vaping can cause inflammation in the airways, and people with asthma have told us that vapes can trigger their condition. Vaping could put developing lungs at risk, while exposure to nicotine – also contained in vapes – can damage developing brains. This is why young people should be stopped from taking up vaping in the first place. 

    The upcoming legislation, restricting vape flavours and packaging that appeal directly to young people, is an important step in tackling youth vaping along with a ban on cheap disposable vapes. Alongside this, arming young people with the facts about the dangers of vaping and how it affects their health with campaigns like Love Your Lungs, is absolutely vital.

    Funded through the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR), the second set of groundbreaking research will see University College London (UCL) produce yearly updates capturing the latest vaping research from both the UK and international sources.  

    Separately, the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) will conduct the most comprehensive analysis of youth vaping studies to date, also funded by NIHR. 

    These landmark studies will ensure healthcare workers can be kept at the cutting edge of the latest evidence and insights.

    At the same time, the government is rolling out its first-ever nationwide campaign to inform young people about the hidden health dangers of vaping.  

    The campaign, Love Your Lungs, exposes the harms of vaping and nicotine addiction, highlighting that with their lungs and brains still developing, young people are more vulnerable to health risks.  

    Aimed at 13 – 18-year-olds, the campaign will roll out primarily on social media, using influencers to speak directly to its younger audience.    

    The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which contains ambitious plans to protect children from vaping,  is currently making its way through Parliament. The Bill will also introduce a ban on the advertising and sponsorship of vapes and bolster enforcement to prevent underage and illicit sales.  

    From 1 June 2025, under separate environmental legislation, disposable vapes will be banned, reducing the availability and appeal of vapes to young people.  

    The Tobacco and Vapes Bill forms part of the government’s Plan for Change, focusing on the crucial role prevention can take in cutting waiting lists and making the NHS fit for future.

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Professor of the State University of Management presented his three-volume monograph “Selected Works”

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    A round table on the topic of “Russia’s Migration Policy: Trends and Strategies” was held at the Central House of Scientists of the Russian Academy of Sciences. It was organized by the Scientific Council of the Department of Social Sciences of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Demographic Research (IDR) of the Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

    Vladimir Volokh, professor of the Department of Public Administration and Political Technologies of the State University of Management, member of the Council under the President of the Russian Federation for Interethnic Relations and the Public Council under the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, and Doctor of Political Sciences, gave a plenary report on “Russia’s Migration Policy: Trends and Strategies”.

    The presentation included his monograph “Selected Works”, prepared for the author’s 80th anniversary. The three-volume work is the culmination of many years of research, containing valuable analytical materials devoted to various aspects of migration policy.

    The report examined the problems of migration processes in the context of integration processes and geopolitical turbulence, presented the results of empirical studies of migration at the national and regional levels, as well as strategic directions for the development of state migration policy in Russia.

    The presentation aroused keen interest among leading Russian scientists, experts, researchers, government officials and anyone interested in migration and its impact on society. Representatives of government and public organizations, the scientific community and higher education institutions took an active part in the fruitful discussion that followed.

    Head of the Department of Public Administration and Political Technologies of the State University of Management, Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor Nikolai Omelchenko emphasized the importance of the presented work and the significant role of the faculty of the department in conducting scientific research, including on the problems of population migration.

    Famous scientists and practitioners in the field of public policy and migration relations formation shared their vision of the migration policy problem: V.Yu. Zorin, A.S. Brod, M.N. Khramova, T.N. Yudina, V.I. Mukomel, V.Yu. Ledeneva, E.A. Nazarova, T.N. Dmitrieva and others, noting the undoubted significance of the presented work. Migration issues today are directly related to ensuring Russia’s security, the country’s socio-economic life and are at the forefront of significant problems for the state.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 02/19/2025

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-Evening Report: What is ‘double pneumonia’, the condition that’s put Pope Francis in hospital?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brian Oliver, Professor, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney

    Marco Iaccobucci Epp/Shutterstock

    Pope Francis has been in hospital for more than a week with what some media reports are now calling “double pneumonia”.

    The Vatican released a statement on Tuesday evening saying

    laboratory tests, chest X-rays, and the clinical condition of the Holy Father continue to present a complex picture.

    The 88-year-old Catholic leader has a long history of respiratory illness.

    So, what makes this bout of pneumonia – a severe lung infection – so “complex”? And how will it be treated?

    What is double pneumonia?

    Pneumonia is a serious infection that fills the lungs with liquid or pus and can make it difficult to breathe. People may also have chest pain, cough up green mucus and have a fever.

    “Double pneumonia” is not an official medical term. It may be being used to describe two different aspects of Pope Francis’s condition.

    1. A bilateral infection

    Pope Francis has pneumonia in both lungs. This is known as “bilateral pneumonia”.

    An infection in both lungs doesn’t necessarily mean it’s more severe, but location is important. It can make a difference which parts of the lung are affected.

    When just one part of the lung or one lung is affected, the person can continue to breathe using the other lung while their body fights the infection.

    However when both lungs are compromised, the person will be receiving very little oxygen.

    2. A polymicrobial infection

    The Vatican has also said the infection affecting Pope Francis’s lungs is “polymicrobial”.

    This means the infection is being caused by more than one kind of microorganism (or “pathogen”).

    So, the cause could be two (or more) different kinds of bacteria, or any combination of bacteria, virus and fungus. It’s vital to know what’s causing the infection to effectively treat it.

    How is it diagnosed?

    Usually, when someone presents with suspected pneumonia the hospital will sample their lungs with a sputum test or swab.

    They will often also undergo an X-ray, usually to confirm which parts of the lung are involved.

    Healthy lungs look “empty” on an X-ray, because they are filled with air. But pneumonia fills the lungs with fluid.

    This means it’s usually very easy to see where pneumonia is affecting them, because the infection shows up as solid white mass on the scan.

    Lungs infected with pneumonia will have solid white areas on an X-ray.
    Komsan Loonprom/Shutterstock

    How is it treated?

    The sputum or swab helps detect what is causing the infection and determine treatment. For example, a specific antibiotic will be used to target a certain bacterium.

    Usually this works well. But if the infection is polymicrobial, the normal treatment might not be effective.

    For example, the antibiotics may work on the bacteria. But if there’s also a virus – which can’t be treated with antibiotics – it may become the dominant pathogen driving the infection.

    As a result, the patient may initially respond well to medication and then begin deteriorating again.

    If the infection is caused by multiple bacteria, the patient might be given a broad-spectrum antibiotic rather than a single targeted drug.

    A viral infection is harder to treat, as the anti-viral drugs that are available aren’t very effective or targeted.

    In severe cases, a patient will also need to be in intensive care on a breathing machine because they can’t breathe alone. This helps make sure they receive enough oxygen while their body fights the infection.

    Who is most susceptible?

    It’s possible to recover, even from severe infections. However having pneumonia can damage the lungs, and this can make a repeat infection more likely.

    Most people will never have a severe infection from these same pathogens. They may only experience a minor cold or flu, because their immune system can adequately fight the infection.

    However, certain groups are much more vulnerable to developing a serious case of pneumonia.

    Risk factors include:

    • age: babies under two, whose immune systems are still developing, and adults over 65, who tend to have weakened immune systems

    • lung damage: previous infections can cause scarring

    • lung disease: for example, if you have emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

    • being a smoker

    • immunosuppression: if your immune system is weakened, for example by medication you take after a transplant or during cancer treatment.

    Pope Francis has a number of these risk factors. The pontiff is 88 years old and has a history of respiratory illness.

    He also had pleurisy (a condition that inflames the lungs) as a young adult. As a result, he had part of one lung removed, making him susceptible to lung infections.

    On Tuesday, the Vatican said Pope Francis remains “in good spirits” while he receives medical care and is grateful for the support he has received.

    Brian Oliver receives funding from the NHMRC, and the ARC. He is affiliated with the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand, and the European Respiratory Society. He has given presentations on topics other than pneumonia at symposia organised by the pharmaceutical industry.

    Min Feng does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    ref. What is ‘double pneumonia’, the condition that’s put Pope Francis in hospital? – https://theconversation.com/what-is-double-pneumonia-the-condition-thats-put-pope-francis-in-hospital-250256

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI Australia: First festival to commence pill testing trial in NSW

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: First festival to commence pill testing trial in NSW

    Published: 19 February 2025

    Released by: Minister for Health


    The Minns Labor Government has announced Yours and Owls Festival on 1 and 2 March will be the first music festival to participate in New South Wales pill testing trial.

    Illicit drugs remain illegal in NSW. The NSW Government reiterates that there will always be risks involved when consuming these substances and this announcement is not an endorsement of illicit drug use.

    However, the trial is designed to help people make safer choices by connecting them with qualified health staff who can provide harm reduction advice.

    The free and anonymous service allows festival goers to bring a small sample of substances they intend to consume to be analysed by qualified health staff to test for purity, potency and adulterants.  

    The pill testing service will be staffed by peer workers, health workers and analysts who will clearly communicate the limitations of drug checking to festival goers.

    People will never be advised that a drug is safe to use. They’ll be advised that all drug use carries risks, and that the only way to avoid this risk is to not consume drugs.

    Where needed, staff at the service can provide patrons with referral to health and welfare services available at the event or in the community.

    NSW Health and NSW Police are working closely with festival organisers and other stakeholders to ensure safe and effective implementation of the trial at these events.

    The trial will operate alongside other harm reduction and medical services at the participating festivals.

    The trial will run for 12 months and will be independently evaluated. The government is working with other festivals on their prospective participation.

    The trial comes after the Government’s Drug Summit concluded in early December. The Drug Summit co-chairs provided interim advice recommending a trial of music festival-based drug testing.

    Further information on the NSW Drug Checking trial can be found here.

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:

    “Let me be clear, no level of illicit drug use is safe and pill testing services do not provide a guarantee of safety. There will always be risks involved when consuming these substances.

    “However, this trial has been designed to provide people with the necessary information to make more informed decisions about drug use, with the goal of reducing drug-related harm and saving lives.

    “Illicit drug use remains illegal in NSW. These services will not be made available to suppliers and police will continue to target them.”

    Quotes attributable to Ben Tillman, Yours and Owls:

    “We enthusiastically welcome this move by the NSW Government. Pill testing is something we have been fighting for, for some time now.

    “While Yours and Owls maintains a zero-tolerance policy to illegal drugs, we are realists and see the abstinence-only approach as unhelpful. Pill Testing is not a panacea. However, it is a proven harm minimisation strategy that has been successfully implemented in many countries overseas for the past twenty or so years.

    “Ultimately, we ask individuals to take responsibility for themselves and their decision-making to ensure they have a great time safely.

    “We also encourage anyone who finds themselves or their mates in trouble to seek medical assistance immediately; there will be no judgment, you won’t get into trouble, patrons need to remember their safety and that of their mates is the most important thing.”

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Global: What is ‘double pneumonia’, the condition that’s put Pope Francis in hospital?

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Brian Oliver, Professor, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney

    Marco Iaccobucci Epp/Shutterstock

    Pope Francis has been in hospital for more than a week with what some media reports are now calling “double pneumonia”.

    The Vatican released a statement on Tuesday evening saying

    laboratory tests, chest X-rays, and the clinical condition of the Holy Father continue to present a complex picture.

    The 88-year-old Catholic leader has a long history of respiratory illness.

    So, what makes this bout of pneumonia – a severe lung infection – so “complex”? And how will it be treated?

    What is double pneumonia?

    Pneumonia is a serious infection that fills the lungs with liquid or pus and can make it difficult to breathe. People may also have chest pain, cough up green mucus and have a fever.

    “Double pneumonia” is not an official medical term. It may be being used to describe two different aspects of Pope Francis’s condition.

    1. A bilateral infection

    Pope Francis has pneumonia in both lungs. This is known as “bilateral pneumonia”.

    An infection in both lungs doesn’t necessarily mean it’s more severe, but location is important. It can make a difference which parts of the lung are affected.

    When just one part of the lung or one lung is affected, the person can continue to breathe using the other lung while their body fights the infection.

    However when both lungs are compromised, the person will be receiving very little oxygen.

    2. A polymicrobial infection

    The Vatican has also said the infection affecting Pope Francis’s lungs is “polymicrobial”.

    This means the infection is being caused by more than one kind of microorganism (or “pathogen”).

    So, the cause could be two (or more) different kinds of bacteria, or any combination of bacteria, virus and fungus. It’s vital to know what’s causing the infection to effectively treat it.

    How is it diagnosed?

    Usually, when someone presents with suspected pneumonia the hospital will sample their lungs with a sputum test or swab.

    They will often also undergo an X-ray, usually to confirm which parts of the lung are involved.

    Healthy lungs look “empty” on an X-ray, because they are filled with air. But pneumonia fills the lungs with fluid.

    This means it’s usually very easy to see where pneumonia is affecting them, because the infection shows up as solid white mass on the scan.

    Lungs infected with pneumonia will have solid white areas on an X-ray.
    Komsan Loonprom/Shutterstock

    How is it treated?

    The sputum or swab helps detect what is causing the infection and determine treatment. For example, a specific antibiotic will be used to target a certain bacterium.

    Usually this works well. But if the infection is polymicrobial, the normal treatment might not be effective.

    For example, the antibiotics may work on the bacteria. But if there’s also a virus – which can’t be treated with antibiotics – it may become the dominant pathogen driving the infection.

    As a result, the patient may initially respond well to medication and then begin deteriorating again.

    If the infection is caused by multiple bacteria, the patient might be given a broad-spectrum antibiotic rather than a single targeted drug.

    A viral infection is harder to treat, as the anti-viral drugs that are available aren’t very effective or targeted.

    In severe cases, a patient will also need to be in intensive care on a breathing machine because they can’t breathe alone. This helps make sure they receive enough oxygen while their body fights the infection.

    Who is most susceptible?

    It’s possible to recover, even from severe infections. However having pneumonia can damage the lungs, and this can make a repeat infection more likely.

    Most people will never have a severe infection from these same pathogens. They may only experience a minor cold or flu, because their immune system can adequately fight the infection.

    However, certain groups are much more vulnerable to developing a serious case of pneumonia.

    Risk factors include:

    • age: babies under two, whose immune systems are still developing, and adults over 65, who tend to have weakened immune systems

    • lung damage: previous infections can cause scarring

    • lung disease: for example, if you have emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

    • being a smoker

    • immunosuppression: if your immune system is weakened, for example by medication you take after a transplant or during cancer treatment.

    Pope Francis has a number of these risk factors. The pontiff is 88 years old and has a history of respiratory illness.

    He also had pleurisy (a condition that inflames the lungs) as a young adult. As a result, he had part of one lung removed, making him susceptible to lung infections.

    On Tuesday, the Vatican said Pope Francis remains “in good spirits” while he receives medical care and is grateful for the support he has received.

    Brian Oliver receives funding from the NHMRC, and the ARC. He is affiliated with the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand, and the European Respiratory Society. He has given presentations on topics other than pneumonia at symposia organised by the pharmaceutical industry.

    Min Feng does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    ref. What is ‘double pneumonia’, the condition that’s put Pope Francis in hospital? – https://theconversation.com/what-is-double-pneumonia-the-condition-thats-put-pope-francis-in-hospital-250256

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Joint press conference, Volgren Buses, Brisbane

    Source: Australian Treasurer

    Anika Wells:

    Good morning, everybody. I’m Anika Wells, federal Member for Lilley. Welcome to the majestic kingdom of Lilley. It’s always great to be home and here at Volgren, where for the past 15 years in part of our manufacturing hub here on the Northside, Volgren has been not just helping commuters get to places on public transport but providing great secure jobs for auto electricians, for welders, for spray painters who live and love working here on the north side of Brisbane. So, welcome news yesterday for them with the RBA rate cut, it means that for the more than 90,000 people who are employed in Lilley here, working in places like Volgren or like the Brisbane Airport or like Westfield Chermside or like the Prince Charles Hospital, many of those people are mortgage holders and yesterday’s news means that they will be about $1,000 a year better off as a result of this rate cut.

    We know that is incredibly welcome news, and we know as the Albanese Labor government we have more work to do. And I say as the Aged Care Minister, you’ve seen this term us pump $15 billion into wage rises for aged care workers, some of the lowest paid people, some of the people who most needed a pay rise. We are seeing welcome results and green shoots in places like aged care, but it takes a while to turn the Queen Mary around and that’s why Murray, Jim and I are here to continue that work on cost‑of‑living relief, because the people in Lilley, their households are looking upwards of $90 a month better off as a result of yesterday’s decision, but we’re going to keep working hard for them. And to talk about that, here is Murray Watt.

    Murray Watt:

    Well, thanks very much, Anika. It’s a pleasure to join you and Jim in your electorate, thanks for having me in your electorate. And thanks to Stewart and the team here at Volgren for showing us around the incredible high‑tech manufacturing that’s going on here right here in Brisbane’s Northside. It was a pleasure to talk with a range of the tradespeople who are working here, and today we’ve had more encouraging news for the workers that we are meeting here today and for all workers across Australia.

    Building on yesterday’s rate cut from the RBA, today the Australian Bureau of Statistics has released its latest data on wage rises in our country. And what that data shows is that we have now had 5 consecutive quarters of wages growing above inflation in Australia under the Albanese Labor government. The last quarter, the December quarter 2024, showed real wage growth. So, wages growing above inflation by 0.5 per cent. And if you look at the whole year of 2024, we saw real wage growth of 0.8 per cent, leading to 5 consecutive quarters of real wage growth in Australia.

    Now, that stands in massive contrast to what we saw under the Coalition when we were first elected. The 5 quarters leading into the last election, we saw real wages going backwards under the Coalition. Wages were falling and not keeping pace with inflation. And over the last nearly 3 years, we’ve been able to turn that around to a point that wages are consistently now rising above inflation. And why does that matter?

    It matters because lifting wages is a crucial part of the Albanese government’s plan to assist Australians deal with their cost‑of‑living pressures. And it’s important to recognise that this is a real tribute to the Australian employers and workers who have delivered these wage rises, but it also demonstrates that the changes that we’ve made to Australia’s workplace laws are working as intended. At the last election, we said that we would get wages moving again, and we can now see that happening consistently over the last 5 quarters, and we need to remember that every single change Labor made to our workplace laws in this term of office was voted against by Peter Dutton and the Coalition. They have consistently tried to make life harder for Australians by stopping those wage rises, not to mention voting against everything we’ve done to deliver cost‑of‑living relief as well.

    And now, as we approach the end game heading into the next election, I think Australians are taking great notice of the fact that Peter Dutton is already on the record saying that if he wins the next election, he will unwind a number of the changes that we have made to workplace laws. Now, that’s code for sending pay backwards again. So, if you look at the Coalition’s record, when they were last in office, their deliberate policy was to keep wages low, and that’s what they did. In Opposition, they have voted against every step we’ve taken to get wages moving again. And now, as we get ready for the next election, they’re promising to take those gains away and to cut the pay of Australian workers at a time when people still need support.

    I’ve got no doubt that this will be a big issue as we head into the next campaign. But today is very encouraging news for Australian workers. I should also mention one facet of the data is that wages are rising faster in the private sector than they are in the public sector, which I think goes against a lot of what we see from the commentators. I’ll leave it at that. Happy to take questions, but I’ll hand them over to Jim now to carry on.

    Jim Chalmers:

    Thanks, Murray. Thanks, Anika, for having us in your patch. Thanks in particular to Stewart and all of your workers for welcoming us here. This is what a Future Made in Australia looks like. People working together to build, in this case the buses, but the manufacturing sector, we couldn’t be more supportive of the work that happens here in South East Queensland, but indeed right around Australia as well. When the Albanese government came to office, real wages were falling, and interest rates were rising. Now, real wages are growing, and interest rates have started to come down.

    For 5 consecutive quarters, real wages have been growing. They fell for 5 consecutive quarters under our Liberal and National predecessors, and that goes to the difference between the parties. Peter Dutton wants lower wages and higher interest rates. What we’ve been able to deliver is much lower inflation, higher real wages, low unemployment. We’ve got the Liberal debt down and now interest rates have started to come down as well. These outcomes aren’t accidental. They’re deliberate. We have been working around the clock for the best part of 3 years to fight inflation, to roll out cost‑of‑living help and to get real wages growing again in our country. And that’s because Labor’s reason for being is to make sure that there are more Australians working, earning more and keeping more of what they earn.

    That’s why today’s wages data is so encouraging because it shows that quarter after quarter after quarter, we’ve been able to get real wages growing again after they were falling for a prolonged period under our predecessors when we came to office. Earning more, keeping more of what they earn, that is the story of the labour market under this Albanese Labor government.

    We have got the lowest average unemployment rate of any government in the last 50 years. And what makes Australia unusual is we’ve been able to get inflation down while we get wages up and keep unemployment low. We’ve been able to deal with some of the debt that was left to us by the Liberals and we’re seeing interest rates starting to come down as well. Now, in New Zealand, they cut rates today as well, just like they cut rates in Australia yesterday. The difference is the New Zealand economy is in recession. Their unemployment rate is 5.1 per cent. We’ve been able to keep the economy ticking over, delivering real wages growth. We’ve been able to keep unemployment at 4.0 per cent, and all of that, I think, shows what Australians have achieved together over the course of the last 2 and a half to 3 years.

    We inherited a mess, and we’ve been working hard to clean it up. And you can see that very conspicuously when it comes to real wages growth. Just last week, Peter Dutton was making the case for higher interest rates. He is desperately disappointed that interest rates were cut yesterday and so has Angus Taylor. Angus Taylor even let it slip that Australians deserve an interest rate increase yesterday when he was responding to the Reserve Bank’s decision to cut interest rates.

    We welcome the news that interest rates are being cut in Australia. This is the rate relief that Australians desperately need and deserve after all of the progress that we’ve made together on inflation. When we came to office, inflation was much higher and rising. Now it is lower and falling. When we came to office, interest rates were going up; now they’re coming down. When we came to office, real wages were falling and now they’re growing again. All of these are deliberate design features of our economic policy, and that’s why we’re pleased to see the progress made today in wages and yesterday when it comes to interest rates.

    Happy to take some questions.

    Journalist:

    Does the wages data show that the economy is stabilising? Could it lead to further interest rate cuts?

    Chalmers:

    I don’t want to make predictions about future movements in interest rates. I welcome enthusiastically the Reserve Bank’s decision yesterday to cut rates because it will take some of the edge off mortgage costs for millions of Australians who desperately need that help. We understand that people are under substantial cost‑of‑living pressure, but more than acknowledge that, we’re doing something about it. Getting wages moving again, the tax cuts, the energy bill relief, cheaper early childhood education, cheaper medicine, rent assistance, all of this is about doing more than recognising people are under pressure and actually doing something about it. We know that one interest rate cut doesn’t automatically solve all of the challenges in our economy or all of the pressure on household budgets, but it will help, and that’s why we welcome it.

    Here, the contrast is really important. Peter Dutton wants higher interest rates and lower wages. If he had his way, Australians would be thousands of dollars worse off right now. They’ll be worse off still if he wins, and that’s because he will go after wages again, he’ll go after Medicare again, he’ll push up electricity prices with nuclear reactors and Australians would be worse off as a consequence. That means whenever the election is called, it’s a pretty simple choice: Labor getting wages moving again, helping with the cost of living, fighting inflation and building Australia’s future, a Future Made in Australia, versus Peter Dutton and the Coalition, who will make people worse off and take Australia backwards.

    Journalist:

    Do we expect a surplus in your next Budget?

    Chalmers:

    We’re not anticipating that in the government’s fourth Budget, we released not that long ago in the mid‑year update, the best assessment of the budget position. We have already delivered 2 budget surpluses. That’s the first time that’s happened in almost 2 decades and that’s helping in the fight against inflation as the Reserve Bank Governor says.

    The deficit for this year, it’s a deficit, but it’s smaller than what we inherited from our predecessors. And that’s a demonstration of our responsible economic management, which has been the defining feature of this Labor government.

    Journalist:

    [indistinct] some of the subdued reaction to the rate cut. I’ll refer to some headlines from some of the major newspapers saying it’s a rate relief with a catch, you’re the one‑cut wonder. Has that caught you by surprise?

    Chalmers:

    Well, I think the Liberal Party and their cheerleaders in the media were really disappointed when rates were cut, and we see that reflected in the commentary. A lot of that commentary is a political position dressed up as economic commentary. There are people associated with the Liberal Party who are very disappointed that rates were cut, or inflation’s come down substantially, or real wages are growing, or we’ve been able to deliver 2 [surpluses]. I try not to focus too much on the partisan commentary. I focus on the objective commentary, and any objective observer of the Australian economy under Labor would conclude that inflation is down substantially, wages are up, unemployment is low, the debt is down from what we inherited and interest rates have started to be cut as well. All 5 of those things are positive developments. We’re confident about the future of our economy, but we’re not complacent. We know that there are still cost‑of‑living pressures. That’s why the cost‑of‑living relief that we are rolling out, which Peter Dutton opposed, is so important.

    I thought the Reserve Bank Governor made a really important point yesterday. She said she’s optimistic about the future but alive to the risks in the economy. That’s a view that we share. There’s a lot of global economic uncertainty right now in particular, but we can be confident but not complacent about the future of our economy, given the progress that Australians have made together over the course of the last couple of years.

    Journalist:

    What do you make of Clive Palmer and his trumpet politics and sticking a million dollars into the [indistinct]?

    Chalmers:

    Any vote for a minor right‑wing party is the same as a vote for the major right‑wing party, and that puts Medicare and wages at risk. So, I say to Australians who are tempted by the big dollars of Clive Palmer and others to be very careful about where you put your vote at the next election. Any non‑Labor vote puts Medicare and wages at risk. And we know that because Peter Dutton has said that he will cut $350 billion, he needs to find $600 billion from somewhere for nuclear reactors and he won’t tell Australians where those cuts are going to come from.

    That should send a shiver up the spine of every Australian, and particularly every Australian worker, not telling us the agenda for secret cuts. And so, a vote for Clive Palmer or Pauline Hanson or any one of a number of these minor right‑wing parties is a vote for Peter Dutton, and that’s a vote for cuts that we won’t know about until after the election.

    Journalist:

    How would you categorise the Budget you’re putting together? Are we going to see more cost‑of‑living sugar hits like rebates, or is it going to be more responsible?

    Chalmers:

    The best hint I could give you for the government’s fourth Budget is that it will be like the first 3, and that means responsible. The government’s fourth Budget will be defined by responsible economic management, rolling out meaningful and substantial cost‑of‑living relief where that is responsible and affordable. That’s been the approach we took in the first 3, that’ll be the approach that we take in the fourth. We know even with the progress that we’ve made together on inflation and wages, and now interest rates, we know that people are still under pressure. What we do in every budget, not just this fourth Budget, is we weigh up the economic conditions, the budget pressures, the pressures on people in their household budgets, and we do the best that we can by them.

    Journalist:

    Will power bill rebates, do you classify that as responsible?

    Chalmers:

    We haven’t finalised the Budget yet, and obviously there are a whole range of measures which are under consideration, but not yet finalised. We’ve made it clear in our first 3 budgets, the tax cuts are helping people right now. The energy bill relief, early childhood education, cheaper medicines, getting wages moving again, rent assistance, Fee‑Free TAFE. We’ve shown a willingness before to fund cost‑of‑living help in a substantial way, but in a responsible way. And if we can afford to do more in the fourth Budget, of course, we’re considering that right now.

    Journalist:

    Do you intend to deliver a Budget before the election, Treasurer?

    Chalmers:

    That’s our expectation. We’ve spent some hours in the Cabinet room earlier this week putting together the Budget for the 25th of March, and we will continue to work towards that.

    The timing of the election is a matter for the Prime Minister, my job is to continue to work on the Budget with Katy Gallagher and other colleagues to make sure that we’re ready to go.

    Journalist:

    Wages have slowed, their growth has slowed. Should Australians expect this to continue?

    Chalmers:

    We want strong and sustainable wages growth, and we’re absolutely delighted to see that. For 5 consecutive quarters now, we’ve seen annual real wage growth in our economy because it was falling for 5 quarters when we came to office. I think, as I said before, our reason for being as a Labor government is to get more people working, earning more and keeping more of what they earn. Not as some kind of accidental outcome, but as a deliberate consequence of our economic strategy. The tax cuts are a big part of that, keeping more of what you earn.

    All of our policies on wages, which Murray is now responsible for, they are part of getting wages growing again. So, we’re seeing real wages growth. That’s a good thing. The Wage Price Index has moderated a little bit, but not a lot. Overwhelmingly, the story of the last 5 quarters has been real wages growth and that’s a good thing.

    Journalist:

    Will any pre‑election handouts stoke inflation?

    Chalmers:

    We’re obviously very conscious of the broader economic conditions when we finalise the Budget and not just when it comes to cost‑of‑living help. And what we’ve shown in our cost‑of‑living relief to date is we’ve been able to put downward pressure on electricity prices, on early childhood education, on rent as well, to take some of the edge off those cost‑of‑living pressures. That would be a similar approach that we would consider as we put the fourth Budget together.

    Again, it comes back to the choice and the contrast. Peter Dutton opposed our cost‑of‑living help. If he had his way, Australians would be thousands of dollars worse off right now and they’ll be worse off still if he wins, and that comes to the choice at the election: a Labor government working around the clock to get people better pay, to give every taxpayer a tax cut to help with their electricity bills – or Peter Dutton, who will come after wages again, come after Medicare again, push electricity prices up with these nuclear reactors. As we get closer to the election, whenever it is, the choice is really crystallising. Labor, helping with the cost of living, getting wages moving again, strengthening Medicare and building Australia’s future, versus Peter Dutton and the Coalition who will make people worse off and take Australia backwards.

    I’ll take one more question then I think we’re done here.

    Journalist:

    Can I ask you about the Whyalla steelworks? The ABC has been told that potentially that’s been placed into administration by the state government. Have you been briefed on that and have you got any assurances for workers?

    Chalmers:

    More than being briefed, a number of us have been in discussions with our South Australian counterparts for a little while now. We want to see a future for steel in Whyalla. That is a really important town, and we are big believers in the future of Whyalla. We’re big believers in the future of the Australian steel industry and Australian manufacturing more broadly. No government has been a bigger believer in a Future Made in Australia than ours, and so that’s really driven us in our conversations with our South Australian counterparts.

    The Prime Minister has been talking to Premier Malinauskas; Minister Husic’s been talking to his counterpart. I’ve been talking to Treasurer Mullighan, and we’ll have more to say about those discussions in due course.

    Journalist:

    Can’t say whether it has been placed into administration?

    Chalmers:

    We’ll have more to say about that when that’s appropriate. Thanks very much.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray, Colleagues Request Information on Elon Musk’s Access to VA Medical Records

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    ICYMI: Senator Murray: Trump Must Reverse Firing of VA Researchers Across the Country, Threatens to Decimate Lifesaving Work on Veterans’ Medical Care, Prosthetics, and More
    ICYMI: FACT SHEET: Trump & Elon’s Layoffs Jeopardize Essential Services Americans Rely On, Threaten Critical Agency Objectives Keeping Americans Safe & Healthy
    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a senior member and former Chair of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, joined Senators Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and Gary Peters (D-MI) in pressing Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins to protect veterans, their families, and VA staff from unprecedented access to sensitive information by Elon Musk and his “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE). According to a recent report by Military.com, DOGE employees accessed VA computer systems at the Department’s headquarters in Washington, D.C.
    “We understand that personnel reporting to Mr. Musk have recently visited VA facilities,” wrote the senators to Secretary Collins. “Senators, veterans, and members of the public have serious concerns regarding Mr. Musk’s extraordinary and unprecedented activities and the lack of transparency surrounding them, including his potential access to and handling of sensitive or personal information.”
    “Accordingly, we seek specific information regarding VA’s engagement with Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency,” they continued.
    Senator Murray and her colleagues requested a list of DOGE personnel who have visited VA facilities, the systems they accessed, and whether veteran data—including medical and service records—may have been viewed, copied, or transferred. They also requested that Secretary Collins reveal the nature of the agreement under which DOGE personnel are governed by in their engagement with the VA.
    Senator Murray has spoken out forcefully against President Trump and Elon Musk’s mass firing of VA employees across the country who are in the middle of critical research on topics including mental health, alcohol and opioid withdrawal, cancer treatments, burn pit exposure, prosthetics, diabetic ulcers, and more. Earlier this month, Senator Murray sounded the alarm over reports of DOGE at the VA and voted against Collins’s nomination to be VA Secretary, making clear that the Trump administration’s lawlessness was putting our national security and our veterans at risk. Alongside 25 of her colleagues, Murray sent another letter earlier this month to Secretary Collins, demanding that he deny and sever Musk and DOGE’s access to any VA or other government system with information about veterans, and to delete any veterans’ information in their possession.
    The full text of the senators’ letter to Secretary Collins can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Economics: India robotic surgical systems market to record 10% CAGR during 2024-36, driven by increasing adoption, says GlobalData, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    India robotic surgical systems market to record 10% CAGR during 2024-36, driven by increasing adoption, says GlobalData, says GlobalData

    Posted in Medical Devices

    The installation of a surgical robot at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi recently marks a testament to the Indian government’s commitment to narrowing the disparity between public and private healthcare services in terms of quality and technological advancements. In light of this context, the market for robotic surgical systems in India is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 10% through 2036, forecasts GlobalData, a leading data, and analytics company.

    GlobalData’s report, “Robotic Surgical Systems Market Size by Segments, Share, Regulatory, Reimbursement, Installed Base and Forecast to 2036” reveals that India’s market is projected to constitute around 6% of the Asia-Pacific market in 2024, bolstered by government initiatives aimed at increasing the adoption of surgical robotics.

    Recently, the AIIMS in Delhi has introduced a state-of-the-art surgical robot within its General Surgery Department. This acquisition positions AIIMS as one of the first government hospitals in India to embrace such advanced technology. The robot offers surgeons a magnified, 3D view of the surgical area and features robotic arms for exceptional dexterity, allowing for precise procedures, especially in intricate dissection and suturing in confined anatomical spaces.

    Divya Soni, Medical Devices Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Robotic-assisted surgeries not only enhance precision and minimize errors but also signify a fundamental transformation in healthcare delivery. These advanced procedures hold the potential to improve long-term outcomes, expedite recovery periods, and redefine the dynamics between surgeon and patient. Governmental support can be instrumental in overcoming barriers such as high cost and lack of enough specialized training, thereby ensuring equitable healthcare access for all socio-economic strata.”

    In a significant development, Apollo Cancer Centre in Kolkata has also recently reached a notable milestone by successfully conducting India’s first robotic-assisted excision of a rare prostatic stromal tumor. This achievement underscores the increasing implementation of robotic surgery throughout the nation, providing new hope to patients suffering with rare and complicated conditions.

    Soni concludes: “The integration of robotics into public healthcare facilities signifies a pivotal moment in the standardization of high-quality healthcare across public and private sectors. This advancement is anticipated to transform surgical procedures, providing insight into the future of medical treatment in India.”

    MIL OSI Economics