Latest news with #Chalkidou
Scoop
22-06-2025
- Health
- Scoop
WHO Warns Of A Health Financing Emergency
20 June 2025 Speaking at the regular Friday press briefing in Geneva for humanitarian agencies, she warned that as wealthier nations make deep spending cuts, both international aid and national health systems are facing serious disruption. Dr. Chalkidou highlighted recent decisions by the United States, several European governments, and EU bodies to freeze or scale down health aid. WHO forecasts indicate that global health investment is likely to drop by up to 40 per cent this year, down $10 billion from just over $25 billion in 2023. The estimated $15 billion spent on health aid would bring the figure down to the lowest level in a decade. Impacts in developing countries This funding shortage is creating a health finance emergency in many developing countries – particularly in sub-Saharan Africa – which depend on external aid to finance their health systems. In numerous countries, US-financed healthcare programmes were the primary source of external aid, accounting for as much as 30 per cent of current health spending in countries like Malawi, and around 25 per cent in Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Since 2006, external aid per capita in low-income countries has consistently exceeded domestic health spending. Many sub-Saharan nations face soaring debt burdens – some spending twice as much on debt servicing as on health – making reallocation of resources difficult. The consequences are severe: Dr. Chalkidou referred to a survey by WHO showing that countries today are reporting health service disruptions 'not seen since the peak of COVID-19'. Solutions To address this crisis, WHO is urging countries to reduce aid dependency, boost revenue through improved taxation—including health taxes on products like tobacco and alcohol—and work with multilateral banks to secure low-interest loans for cost-effective health investments. WHO also plans to attend the upcoming International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville, where global leaders are expected to address the health financing crisis and hopefully make new commitments.
The Independent
17-04-2025
- Health
- The Independent
The robots approved to assist in NHS surgeries - and when they will be used
State-of-the-art robotic systems approved for use on the NHS could transform treatment for thousands of people across England. The technology, given the green light by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) under its early value assessment programme, offers a range of applications, from helping remove tumours to replacing a patient's knee. The rollout is expected to reduce hospital stays, faster recovery times, and a lower risk of complications. A total of 11 systems have been approved, including five for soft tissue surgeries, such as removing tumours, repairing hernias and removing gallbladders and six for orthopaedics, including knee and hip replacements. Some allow surgeons to perform operations using mechanical arms controlled from a console, while others are hand-held. Dr Anastasia Chalkidou, programme director of Nice's HealthTech programme, said: 'These innovative technologies have the potential to transform both soft tissue and orthopaedic surgical care in the NHS. 'Robot-assisted surgery may help overcome key limitations of conventional techniques through precise movements and enhanced 3D visualisation, potentially transforming surgical options and outcomes for NHS patients. 'Both applications could benefit patients who might not otherwise be candidates for minimally invasive approaches.' Under the guidance, the 11 systems can be used over the coming three years while more evidence is collected. Among the issues Nice will look at are how the technology affects the length of hospital stays and waiting lists, as well as the resources used for training staff and the costs of implementing the systems. Each of the systems costs between £500,000 and £1.5 million, according to the NHS spending watchdog, and are usually deployed in specialist centres where hundreds of operations take place each year. Dr Chalkidou added: 'The data gathered over the next three years will allow us to evaluate exactly how these technologies can improve patient care and help ensure NHS resources are directed toward interventions that deliver meaningful clinical benefits and long-term value to our health service.' In 2011-12, the majority of robot-assisted procedures were for urological cancer, which can include cancer in the bladder, kidney, prostate and testicles, according to Nice. By last year, almost half of these operations were for other conditions, with a surge in the use of robotic surgeries for bowel cancer, which now accounts for a quarter of all robot-assisted procedures. There has also been a jump in the use of the technology in orthopaedics, with 4,000 robot-assisted surgeries taking place last year, up from 300 in 2018-19. Making greater use of digital technologies in the NHS is one of the three shifts set to be outlined by the Government in its forthcoming 10-year health plan. It is also expected to focus more on sickness prevention and moving care from hospitals into the community. Professor Sir Stephen Powis, national medical director at NHS England, said: 'This is fantastic news for patients and shows that the NHS continues to find new ways to utilise the latest technological innovations to improve care. 'This will be a vital element of the 10-year health plan which will be published in the coming months. 'Robot-assisted surgery is crucial to the future of high-quality healthcare – and with benefits including shorter stays in hospital, faster recovery for patients and less invasive procedures, these advancements will have a knock-on effect throughout the system and help patients get treated quicker. 'This is an important step forward as we continue to work to ensure everyone is able to get high-quality care when they need it.' Nuha Yassin, a consultant colorectal surgeon and Royal College of Surgeons of England council member, described the Nice guidance as a 'significant step forward'. 'The potential for faster recovery times, reduced complications and increased access to minimally invasive procedures could transform patient care,' she said. 'It remains important that, in introducing these new technologies, NHS trusts and surgical teams ensure they are working within the guidelines set out by the Royal College of Surgeons of England, so that they are implemented in the safest way possible for patients.'
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Robotics approved for use in NHS surgeries across England
State-of-the-art robotic systems approved for use on the NHS could transform treatment for thousands of people across England. The technology, given the green light by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) under its early value assessment programme, offers a range of applications, from helping remove tumours to replacing a patient's knee. The rollout is expected to reduce hospital stays, faster recovery times, and a lower risk of complications. A total of 11 systems have been approved, including five for soft tissue surgeries, such as removing tumours, repairing hernias and removing gallbladders and six for orthopaedics, including knee and hip replacements. Some allow surgeons to perform operations using mechanical arms controlled from a console, while others are hand-held. Dr Anastasia Chalkidou, programme director of Nice's HealthTech programme, said: 'These innovative technologies have the potential to transform both soft tissue and orthopaedic surgical care in the NHS. 'Robot-assisted surgery may help overcome key limitations of conventional techniques through precise movements and enhanced 3D visualisation, potentially transforming surgical options and outcomes for NHS patients. 'Both applications could benefit patients who might not otherwise be candidates for minimally invasive approaches.' Under the guidance, the 11 systems can be used over the coming three years while more evidence is collected. Among the issues Nice will look at are how the technology affects the length of hospital stays and waiting lists, as well as the resources used for training staff and the costs of implementing the systems. Each of the systems costs between £500,000 and £1.5 million, according to the NHS spending watchdog, and are usually deployed in specialist centres where hundreds of operations take place each year. Dr Chalkidou added: 'The data gathered over the next three years will allow us to evaluate exactly how these technologies can improve patient care and help ensure NHS resources are directed toward interventions that deliver meaningful clinical benefits and long-term value to our health service.' In 2011-12, the majority of robot-assisted procedures were for urological cancer, which can include cancer in the bladder, kidney, prostate and testicles, according to Nice. By last year, almost half of these operations were for other conditions, with a surge in the use of robotic surgeries for bowel cancer, which now accounts for a quarter of all robot-assisted procedures. There has also been a jump in the use of the technology in orthopaedics, with 4,000 robot-assisted surgeries taking place last year, up from 300 in 2018-19. Making greater use of digital technologies in the NHS is one of the three shifts set to be outlined by the Government in its forthcoming 10-year health plan. It is also expected to focus more on sickness prevention and moving care from hospitals into the community. Professor Sir Stephen Powis, national medical director at NHS England, said: 'This is fantastic news for patients and shows that the NHS continues to find new ways to utilise the latest technological innovations to improve care. 'This will be a vital element of the 10-year health plan which will be published in the coming months. 'Robot-assisted surgery is crucial to the future of high-quality healthcare – and with benefits including shorter stays in hospital, faster recovery for patients and less invasive procedures, these advancements will have a knock-on effect throughout the system and help patients get treated quicker. 'This is an important step forward as we continue to work to ensure everyone is able to get high-quality care when they need it.' Nuha Yassin, a consultant colorectal surgeon and Royal College of Surgeons of England council member, described the Nice guidance as a 'significant step forward'. 'The potential for faster recovery times, reduced complications and increased access to minimally invasive procedures could transform patient care,' she said. 'It remains important that, in introducing these new technologies, NHS trusts and surgical teams ensure they are working within the guidelines set out by the Royal College of Surgeons of England, so that they are implemented in the safest way possible for patients.'
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Robotics with ‘potential to transform' surgery approved for NHS use in England
State-of-the-art robotic systems that can help remove tumours or replace a patient's knee have been approved for use on the NHS in a move that could transform treatment for thousands of people in England. Adoption of the technology could lead to shorter stays in hospital and faster recovery times, as well as slashing the risk of complications, according to officials. A total of 11 systems have been given the green light by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) under its early value assessment programme. Some allow surgeons to perform operations using mechanical arms controlled from a console, while others are hand-held. Five of the systems are used for soft tissue surgeries, such as removing tumours, repairing hernias and removing gallbladders. The remaining six are used in orthopaedics, including knee and hip replacements. Dr Anastasia Chalkidou, programme director of Nice's HealthTech programme, said: 'These innovative technologies have the potential to transform both soft tissue and orthopaedic surgical care in the NHS. 'Robot-assisted surgery may help overcome key limitations of conventional techniques through precise movements and enhanced 3D visualisation, potentially transforming surgical options and outcomes for NHS patients. 'Both applications could benefit patients who might not otherwise be candidates for minimally invasive approaches.' Under the guidance, the 11 systems can be used over the coming three years while more evidence is collected. Among the issues Nice will look at are how the technology affects the length of hospital stays and waiting lists, as well as the resources used for training staff and the costs of implementing the systems. Each of the systems costs between £500,000 and £1.5 million, according to the NHS spending watchdog. They are usually deployed in specialist centres where hundreds of operations take place each year. Dr Chalkidou added: 'The data gathered over the next three years will allow us to evaluate exactly how these technologies can improve patient care and help ensure NHS resources are directed toward interventions that deliver meaningful clinical benefits and long-term value to our health service.' In 2011-12, the majority of robot-assisted procedures were for urological cancer, which can include cancer in the bladder, kidney, prostate and testicles, according to Nice. By last year, almost half of these operations were for other conditions, with a surge in the use of robotic surgeries for bowel cancer, which now accounts for a quarter of all robot-assisted procedures. There has also been a jump in the use of the technology in orthopaedics, with 4,000 robot-assisted surgeries taking place last year, up from 300 in 2018-19. Making greater use of digital technologies in the NHS is one of the three shifts set to be outlined by the Government in its forthcoming 10-year health plan. It is also expected to focus more on sickness prevention and moving care from hospitals into the community. Professor Sir Stephen Powis, national medical director at NHS England, said: 'This is fantastic news for patients and shows that the NHS continues to find new ways to utilise the latest technological innovations to improve care. 'This will be a vital element of the 10-year health plan which will be published in the coming months. 'Robot-assisted surgery is crucial to the future of high-quality healthcare – and with benefits including shorter stays in hospital, faster recovery for patients and less invasive procedures, these advancements will have a knock-on effect throughout the system and help patients get treated quicker. 'This is an important step forward as we continue to work to ensure everyone is able to get high-quality care when they need it.' Nuha Yassin, a consultant colorectal surgeon and Royal College of Surgeons of England council member, described the Nice guidance as a 'significant step forward'. 'The potential for faster recovery times, reduced complications and increased access to minimally invasive procedures could transform patient care,' she said. 'It remains important that, in introducing these new technologies, NHS trusts and surgical teams ensure they are working within the guidelines set out by the Royal College of Surgeons of England, so that they are implemented in the safest way possible for patients.'
The Independent
16-04-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Robotics approved for use in NHS surgeries across England
State-of-the-art robotic systems approved for use on the NHS could transform treatment for thousands of people across England. The technology, given the green light by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) under its early value assessment programme, offers a range of applications, from helping remove tumours to replacing a patient's knee. The rollout is expected to reduce hospital stays, faster recovery times, and a lower risk of complications. A total of 11 systems have been approved, including five for soft tissue surgeries, such as removing tumours, repairing hernias and removing gallbladders and six for orthopaedics, including knee and hip replacements. Some allow surgeons to perform operations using mechanical arms controlled from a console, while others are hand-held. Dr Anastasia Chalkidou, programme director of Nice's HealthTech programme, said: 'These innovative technologies have the potential to transform both soft tissue and orthopaedic surgical care in the NHS. 'Robot-assisted surgery may help overcome key limitations of conventional techniques through precise movements and enhanced 3D visualisation, potentially transforming surgical options and outcomes for NHS patients. 'Both applications could benefit patients who might not otherwise be candidates for minimally invasive approaches.' Under the guidance, the 11 systems can be used over the coming three years while more evidence is collected. Among the issues Nice will look at are how the technology affects the length of hospital stays and waiting lists, as well as the resources used for training staff and the costs of implementing the systems. Each of the systems costs between £500,000 and £1.5 million, according to the NHS spending watchdog, and are usually deployed in specialist centres where hundreds of operations take place each year. Dr Chalkidou added: 'The data gathered over the next three years will allow us to evaluate exactly how these technologies can improve patient care and help ensure NHS resources are directed toward interventions that deliver meaningful clinical benefits and long-term value to our health service.' In 2011-12, the majority of robot-assisted procedures were for urological cancer, which can include cancer in the bladder, kidney, prostate and testicles, according to Nice. By last year, almost half of these operations were for other conditions, with a surge in the use of robotic surgeries for bowel cancer, which now accounts for a quarter of all robot-assisted procedures. There has also been a jump in the use of the technology in orthopaedics, with 4,000 robot-assisted surgeries taking place last year, up from 300 in 2018-19. Making greater use of digital technologies in the NHS is one of the three shifts set to be outlined by the Government in its forthcoming 10-year health plan. It is also expected to focus more on sickness prevention and moving care from hospitals into the community. Professor Sir Stephen Powis, national medical director at NHS England, said: 'This is fantastic news for patients and shows that the NHS continues to find new ways to utilise the latest technological innovations to improve care. 'This will be a vital element of the 10-year health plan which will be published in the coming months. 'Robot-assisted surgery is crucial to the future of high-quality healthcare – and with benefits including shorter stays in hospital, faster recovery for patients and less invasive procedures, these advancements will have a knock-on effect throughout the system and help patients get treated quicker. 'This is an important step forward as we continue to work to ensure everyone is able to get high-quality care when they need it.' Nuha Yassin, a consultant colorectal surgeon and Royal College of Surgeons of England council member, described the Nice guidance as a 'significant step forward'. 'The potential for faster recovery times, reduced complications and increased access to minimally invasive procedures could transform patient care,' she said. 'It remains important that, in introducing these new technologies, NHS trusts and surgical teams ensure they are working within the guidelines set out by the Royal College of Surgeons of England, so that they are implemented in the safest way possible for patients.'
