Latest news with #IftekharAhmed
ABC News
25-06-2025
- Health
- ABC News
The ACT government's new $250 health 'tax' a hard sell to Canberrans stuck on surgery wait lists
Iftekhar Ahmed lives with obstructive sleep apnoea and has experienced the terror of waking during the night gasping for air. "You wake up from breathlessness and go totally blank. Luckily, your body will tell you to wake up. But you can also have a stroke from lack of oxygen," Mr Ahmed explained. "My wife is worried about me. She used to stay awake at night to see if I was breathing. "I can't get enough oxygen in my sleep." The Canberran is on an elective surgery waiting list with Canberra Health Services (CHS) for procedures to be done to his nose, sinuses and throat. The system classed his surgery as Category 3, meaning there was a clinical need for it to occur within 365 days. But, Mr Ahmed has waited 922 days and no surgery is scheduled. In correspondence seen by the ABC, he emailed Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith in April last year, explaining his diagnosis and including a plea: The minister's office responded to him on the same day, saying it had asked CHS to follow up with Mr Ahmed directly. But, he said that follow up never occurred. As a ratepayer in the ACT, Mr Ahmed said he was "gobsmacked" when he learned yesterday's budget included a $250 health care levy. And he was far from alone, with many members of the ABC Canberra audience sharing their frustration over the levy and stories of being stuck on blown-out surgical waiting lists. One talkback caller, Marcie, said she had been waiting for eight months to access a procedure "to rule out cancer". "I was told there was no prospect, zero prospect, of getting it done this year," she said. She said she was forced to travel to Sydney to see a specialist who was trying to get her into the New South Wales public health system. "I'm not after something for nothing. I am happy to pay for healthcare if I am actually getting healthcare," Marcie said. Another person commented: 'I've been on a waiting list for eight months. Last week I was told there was no prospect of having the procedure done this year. And we're being slugged a $250 levy for what exactly?" Conrad Farrell shared with the ABC how his "fantastic" surgery for a degenerative spinal condition brought relief, but only after an agonising wait. "Every day felt like a week, so while I was waiting, it was excruciating," Mr Farrell said. "I was heavily reliant on a walking stick. I couldn't walk from the couch to the toilet without a walking stick." Mr Farrell is urging the government to make use of the levy to ensure no one else suffers a similar painful wait for help. The territory's budget deficit is $1.1 billion for 2024-2025, with ratepayers told the new tax would help cover expected increased costs for delivering health services. Ms Stephen-Smith conceded the government's new levy and other price hikes were unpleasant. "It is a tough budget. We had to make some really challenging decisions," she said. During an interview on ABC Radio Canberra, Ms Stephen-Smith heard stories of Canberrans who, like Mr Ahmed and Marcie, were stuck on blown-out surgical waiting lists. She encouraged people with a grievance about the health system to contact her office. The minister acknowledged that for some, the new $250 health levy would heap extra pressure onto already tight household budgets, but said across the ACT, the tax was appropriate. "We have the lowest unemployment rate in the country. We have the highest average incomes in the country. Interest rates are coming down. Inflation has come down really dramatically and most people who are earning an income have received tax cuts in the last couple of years," she said. "So, we're asking people for five or six dollars a week to contribute to budget repair … to provide the services that we all use and value. "And when we talk to Canberrans about what they value and what they need, health is right at the top of that list." But Canberra Liberals Leader Leanne Castley said the new health levy would not have been needed if the government had budgeted properly. "They do have a spending problem and the way that they're getting themselves out of that this time is to hike up the taxes on Canberrans," she said. "It's a health system that is in crisis and the services aren't improving. In selling yesterday's budget, Treasurer Chris Steel suggested the Commonwealth government was partly to blame for the territory's need to introduce the $250 levy. Mr Steel complained the federal contribution to the ACT's health spend was expected to fall to 33 per cent next financial year, despite saying there had been an agreed target of 45 per cent by 2035. But Federal Health Minister Mark Butler did not share Mr Steel's view. "I'm not sure there's ever been a bigger increase in Commonwealth funding to the ACT hospital system than the one we will deliver next week," Mr Butler said.
United News of India
19-06-2025
- Business
- United News of India
NONSTOP sets a new standard as India's first and largest modern retail format for mobility solutions
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 18: In a rapidly evolving landscape of accessibility, eldercare, and rehabilitation, NONSTOP has emerged as India's first and largest modern retail format dedicated to mobility and healthcare solutions. More than a retail chain, NONSTOP is a mission-driven movement focused on restoring independence, dignity, and quality of life for millions. With multi-brand offerings, world-class assistive devices, and thoughtfully designed stores across major cities, NONSTOP is becoming the go-to destination for consumers, caregivers, hospitals, and health professionals seeking dependable mobility solutions. Transforming an Unorganised Market India's assistive care sector has long been fragmented and underserved. NONSTOP identified this critical gap and responded by creating an ecosystem that fuses innovation with empathy, offering modern, accessible, and reliable mobility solutions under one roof. 'India's mobility and healthcare retail landscape was in dire need of an upgrade,' 'People were depending on outdated or unsafe equipment. NONSTOP is here to change that—with not just better products, but better care' says Iftekhar Ahmed, Founder and CEO, NONSTOP. India's First Inclusive Mobility Retail Experience Try-and-buy experience zones Wheelchair-friendly layouts and live demo areas In-store physiotherapists and expert consultations EMI and rental options Pan-India delivery and support From essential aids like wheelchairs, hospital beds, and orthopaedic supports to advanced solutions such as stair-climbers, mobility robots, and standing wheelchairs, NONSTOP provides future-ready mobility technologies for all needs and budgets. Its MEXPLE product line further enhances accessibility through ergonomic, affordable, and internationally certified devices. Building a Holistic Mobility Ecosystem NONSTOP's vision extends beyond retail, evolving into India's most trusted mobility ecosystem, including: Physical retail stores E-commerce with nationwide shipping Home assessments and physiotherapy services Equipment rentals and B2B hospital support With stores already operational in Mumbai, Coimbatore, Bangalore, and Chennai, and soon expanding to Delhi, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, and Calicut, NONSTOP plans to reach 20+ cities within two years, bridging the accessibility gap across India. Partnering for Impact NONSTOP works closely with physiotherapists, orthopaedic surgeons, geriatric experts, and rehab specialists to ensure clinical relevance and ease of use. It also invites global brands to test, launch, and scale their mobility innovations through its trusted retail network. 'Our stores are not just showrooms—they are testing grounds for the future of mobility. We invite innovators and partners to join us in co-creating scalable solutions' adds Iftekhar Ahmed. Driven by a Social Mission: Mobility with Dignity NONSTOP's philosophy centres around mobility as a right, not a privilege. This is reflected in its community programs, free demo services, caregiver training, and rural outreach. The company actively hosts product trials, awareness camps, and physiotherapy workshops in partnership with senior care institutions and hospitals. Recognised Leader, Expanding Horizons NONSTOP has quickly earned recognition as a category leader in organised healthcare retail, transforming lives through better access, education, and care. Looking ahead, it plans to expand its offerings with: NONSTOP Cares: At-home patient care services NONSTOP Physio: Clinic and home-based physiotherapy NONSTOP Digital: A mobile platform for consultations and bookings Rural Access Vans: Reaching Tier 2/3 towns Franchise Model: Partnering with local entrepreneurs The Future is Mobile, Inclusive and Empowered NONSTOP is setting a bold new benchmark for mobility and healthcare retail in India—combining cutting-edge products, inclusive design, community-first services, and a powerful social mission. As the country ages and awareness grows, NONSTOP is leading the charge towards a more accessible, dignified, and mobile future for all. If you object to the content of this press release, please notify us at We will respond and rectify the situation within 24 hours.
