Latest news with #RAPS
CTV News
5 days ago
- CTV News
‘Such a shame': B.C. animal charity receives fraudulent $95K donation
One of the hundreds of cats in the care of a B.C. rescue, which was recently the target of a scam, is shown in this image. A Richmond, B.C., animal shelter thought it had struck it big after receiving an email about a large donation – but it turned out to be part of an elaborate scam. In late June, the Regional Animal Protection Society (RAPS) was contacted by someone posing as a law firm employee, claiming a person had left the organization a $95,000 donation in their will. A few days later, a cheque, seemingly from the Ontario Ministry of Finance, arrived in the mail. RAPS president Catherine Ellsmere said the cheque was deposited, and construction began at the charity's cat sanctuary, which houses more than 400 animals. But several days later, the organization received another email from the fake lawyer, claiming there had been a mistake and the donation was only meant to be $25,000. The fraudster asked RAPS to send back the remaining $70,000. 'Luckily, that same day the bank called and said the cheque was fraudulent, so no money was sent on our behalf,' Ellsmere told CTV News. Although RAPS didn't send any money to the scammers, the organization had already launched projects based on the assumption it had received the full amount. Ellsmere said they are now out about $25,000. 'It is very disheartening,' she said.'Everyone is getting targeted with fraudulent activities. But with charities, it is literally donor dollars given to us to use in a positive way. It doesn't get much worse than that, taking food out of the mouths of all of the animals here. It's such a shame.' Ellsmere said she hopes sharing their story will help other charities avoid a similar fate. 'We want to make them aware that it's out there, that it's happening,' she said. The case is now being investigated by the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Anyone who wishes to donate to RAPS can do so through its website.
Zawya
30-01-2025
- Health
- Zawya
135 global regulators, health authorities, notified bodies and industry partners gather in Dubai
Dubai UAE — Mecomed and the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS) hosted 2025 MEA MedTech Regulatory Summit at the voco Dubai in Dubai UAE on 30 January 2025. The event was the first ever collaboration between the two organizations and attracted 135 global regulatory professionals, industry leaders, and policymakers —across 25 countries—to address the evolving regulatory landscape for medical devices in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. 'The summit represents a vital step forward in harmonizing regulatory approaches across the MEA region,' said Rana Chalhoub, Regulatory Affairs Director, Mecomed. 'By aligning our efforts, we ensure compliance and create pathways for innovation that can transform patient care and improve healthcare outcomes on a broader scale.' This one-day, interactive summit provided an exceptional platform for dialogue and innovation with a focus on enhancing patient safety, streamlining regulatory processes, and encouraging technological advancements. Through a series of insightful panel discussions, interactive workshops, and keynote speeches, participants explored practical strategies and actionable insights to navigate the MEA region's unique healthcare challenges. The programme for this summit was carefully curated by experts across the medtech community to ensure the highest quality discussions, knowledge exchange, and collaboration opportunities. The agenda consisted of 29 expert speakers across six interactive sessions. Key highlights included in-depth discussions on regulatory updates and challenges specific to the MEA region, networking opportunities with leading MedTech professionals and regulatory authorities, and workshops designed to address practical challenges in compliance and market entry. The summit also highlighted the increasing importance of digital health solutions, with dedicated sessions on the integration of AI, telemedicine, and data-driven approaches into regulatory frameworks. Esteemed speakers included: Dr. Bassil Akra, Founder/Executive Consultant, AKRA TEAM Dr. Ruqaya Al Bastaki, Director of Drug Development, Emirates Drug Establishment, UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention Eng. Faiza Al Zadjali, Director of Medical Device Control, Oman MOH - Directorate General of Pharmaceutical Affairs and Drug Control Asmaa Awad, Head of Eastern Europe, Middle East, Africa Regulatory Policy, Roche Middle East Dario Belluomini, Director of Drug Department, Emirates Drug Authority (EDA) Peter Bischoff-Everding, Legal Officer, European Commission Dr. Miriam Boles, Head of Central Administration of Medical Devices, Egyptian Drug Authority Nataliya Deych, Vice President Regulatory Affairs EMEA, LATAM, Canada, Edwards Life Sciences Tracey Duffy, Chairs, IMDRF PMD Working Group and First Assistant Secretary, Medical Devices and Product Quality Division, Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) Australia Dr. Mohamed Hani, Head of Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Registration, Ministry of Health and Prevention – UAE Peter Schroeer, Vice President Regulatory Affairs EMEA and Canada, Johnson & Johnson Agnes Sitta Kijo, Technical Officer, WHO HQ Graeme Tunbridge, Senior Vice President Global Regulatory and Quality, Medical Devices, BSI Brian Savoie, Senior Vice President, Education & International Programs, Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS), commented that 'by bringing together diverse perspectives and promoting collaboration, the summit has set the stage for a more coherent regulatory environment that prioritizes patient safety while encouraging innovation.' To learn more about 2025 MEA MedTech Regulatory Summit, visit ABOUT MECOMED Mecomed is the medical devices, imaging and diagnostics trade association serving as the voice of international medical technology (MedTech) manufacturers and their regional partners across the Middle East & Africa. Mecomed aims to bring all healthcare stakeholders together to improve the quality of people's health through the timely introduction of MedTech innovations, which ultimately benefits the MEA region community. We foster good citizenship and promote ethical business behavior, working proactively with governments, regional bodies and healthcare professionals to deliver quality solutions for better patient outcomes. ABOUT REGULATORY AFFAIRS PROFESSIONALS SOCIETY (RAPS) The Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS) is the largest global organization of professionals involved with regulatory and quality for healthcare products, including medical devices, pharmaceuticals and biologics, diagnostics, and digital health. Founded in 1976 as a neutral, nonprofit organization, RAPS supports and elevates the regulatory profession with education and training, professional standards, publications, research, networking, career development, and other valuable resources. RAPS is home to the Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC), the only post-academic professional credential to recognize regulatory excellence. The society is headquartered in suburban Washington, D.C., with chapters and affiliates worldwide. Media Contacts: Gloria Nathaniel ProGlobal Media
