Latest news with #SGH
Independent Singapore
2 days ago
- Health
- Independent Singapore
Could tiny bubbles be the future of cancer care? Singapore's new clinical trial says 'yes'
SINGAPORE: In a quiet but potentially trailblazing move, Singapore is slated to introduce medical trials in the second half of 2025 for a novel, nonintrusive treatment that utilises bubbles. However, these are not ordinary bubbles; these are microbubbles designed to destroy liver tumours without taking out a single layer of skin. According to a recent Healthcare Asia article, this next-generation treatment, known as histotripsy, employs intensive ultrasound to generate microscopic bubbles in the liver. These bubbles quickly inflate and collapse, crashing tumours reflexively — not thermally — which could lessen problems and protect adjacent healthy tissues. 'This technique may also enhance other treatment strategies such as immunotherapy,' said Dr. Glenn Bonney, senior consultant at the National University Hospital and National University Cancer Institute, Singapore. A first for Southeast Asia The clinical trial, involving 40 patients at the Singapore General Hospital (SGH) and the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS), specifically targets individuals over the age of 21 with lumps smaller than three centimetres who are not candidates for surgical procedures. The trial will evaluate the tumour's reaction over six months and keep a close eye on possible complications and aftereffects. If the outcomes are encouraging, regulatory endorsement will be pursued, said Dr. Brian Goh, head of hepatopancreatobiliary and transplant surgery at SGH and NCCS. A decade in the making The expertise behind this invention came from the University of Michigan, where a team led by biomedical engineering professor Zhen Xu has spent over a decade finalising the science. 'Histotripsy uses microsecond-length ultrasound pulses at very high pressure,' Xu explained. 'This requires new instrumentation that did not exist commercially.' In contrast to high-intensity focused ultrasound, which scalds tissue employing heat, histotripsy functions more like an infinitesimal jackhammer, mildly disruptive, yet highly targeted. Xu, who co-developed the platform and co-founded the company HistoSonics, said the team had to build their equipment from nothing to bring this idea to life. Backed by big philanthropy Singapore's entry into this turf is boosted by a substantial $12 million contribution from the Li Ka Shing Foundation and Temasek Trust, which financed the city-state's first histotripsy system. This pioneering machine was bestowed upon NCCS and the National University Cancer Institute as part of a larger push to fast-track cancer innovation in the region. Histotripsy's future is not confined to liver tumours. Researchers are exploring the same platform as a possible treatment for haemorrhagic strokes, epilepsy, and even cardiovascular ailments. Scientists are also trying an all-in-one transcranial device that can 'awaken' the brain through the cranium, a sci-fi-sounding application that's getting closer to reality. A hopeful future With national recruitment projected to complete within the year, all eyes are now on the trial outcomes. If the results are satisfactory, Singapore may soon become a regional — or even global — leader in steering this next wave of cancer treatment. As Dr. Goh put it simply: 'If the results are positive, we will apply for the necessary approvals for treatment.' And just like that, the unassuming microbubble may rise as the improbable hero in the fight against one of the most fatal diseases of this era.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Sassoon Hospital urges NIV to return land amid healthcare expansion plans
The BJ Medical College (BJMC) and Sassoon General Hospital (SGH) have formally urged authorities not to renew the lease on a prime land parcel currently occupied by the National Institute of Virology (NIV) on Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Road. SGH has requested that the land, measuring approximately 8,311 square meters, be returned to the hospital once the current lease expires in June 2026, according to hospital officials. SGH has requested that the land, measuring approximately 8,311 square meters, be returned to the hospital once the current lease expires in June 2026, according to hospital officials. (HT) This issue was discussed during a review meeting with the Minister of State (MoS) for medical education, Madhuri Misal, on Friday. SGH officials have sent several letters to the State medical education department and the Pune district administration, requesting that the land be returned in accordance with the Bombay Government Premises (Eviction) Act, 1955, and its revised regulations from 2007. According to SGH officials, the NIV initially leased the land from SGH for 99 years. However, the lease expired in 2001, yet NIV continues to occupy the premises. Although NIV has its own campus in Pashan, the property on Ambedkar Road, which is owned by SGH, remains occupied. SGH officials emphasised this point in a letter to the Pune District Administration, a copy of which has been obtained by Hindustan Times. Furthermore, since the original 99-year lease is set to expire in June 2026, SGH has requested that the land not be re-leased for another term. Following the meeting, Misal confirmed the discussion, stating, 'During Friday's review meeting, SGH and BJMC officials raised the issue of land currently occupied by NIV. I have asked them to submit a detailed proposal for consideration. Once we receive the proposal, we will take an appropriate decision.' SGH officials highlighted a severe space crunch, which has been hindering their ability to meet the rising demand for healthcare services. The hospital has outlined plans to utilise the land for key infrastructure developments, including a physiotherapy college, a dental college, a super-speciality hospital, hostels for postgraduate students and a Dharmashala (rest house) for the families of patients. Dr Ekanth Pawar, dean of BJMC, emphasised the strategic importance of the land's location. 'The site is ideal for a super-speciality hospital, and we have already submitted a proposal to the government. This facility will help us cater for the large number of patients who currently rely on private hospitals for specialised care. Additionally, we are seeking approval for a dental college and a physiotherapy college,' he said. Dr Pawar also noted, 'We were informed about the lease's expiration through a letter from the district administration. Given the significant growth in patient numbers and SGH being the only tertiary care government hospital in the region, there is an urgent need for more space to expand.' SGH is one of the largest government hospitals in the region, treating thousands of patients daily, many from rural and economically disadvantaged areas. The hospital serves patients from Pune, Solapur, Satara, Kolhapur, Sangli, and Ahilya Nagar. The administration has warned that without additional space, SGH's ability to efficiently serve the public could be severely impacted. Despite repeated attempts to contact them, officials from NIV were unavailable for comment.
Malay Mail
6 days ago
- Health
- Malay Mail
Tanoto Foundation Backs Landmark Research to Unlock the Code of Asian Prevalent Diseases
Understanding Asian Cancers and Diabetes Through an Asian Lens NCCS and SGH secure research funding from Tanoto Foundation for projects tackling Asian-prevalent cancers and young-onset diabetes to drive breakthroughs in regional health Breast Cancer in Asian Women, marked by earlier onset and biological differences compared to Western populations T/NK-Cell Lymphomas, an aggressive blood cancer dominant in East Asians with limited treatment options Bile Duct Cancer (Cholangiocarcinoma), increasingly linked to environmental exposures specific to Asia Rare Asian Cancers, collectively neglected but accounting for up to 25% of all cases in the region SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 27 June 2025 -Tanoto Foundation today announced the funding of two transformative, Singapore-based medical research projects focused on diseases that disproportionately affect Asian populations: prevalent and aggressive cancers, and young-onset Type 2 diabetes. The multi-year initiatives aim to generate data-driven insights that can accelerate diagnosis, improve patient outcomes, and guide public health global strides in medicine, Asia continues to face rising rates of cancer and diabetes – diseases that are biologically and clinically distinct in Asian populations but remain under-researched due to a lack of region-specific data. The two research projects, from National Cancer Centre Singapore and Singapore General Hospital, will focus on filling these gaps through deep genomic studies and innovative risk-prediction Tanoto, Member of the Board of Trustees, Tanoto Foundation said: "Singapore is well-positioned to lead in medical science. It has strong research institutions and a population that reflects the diversity of Asia. By supporting researchers here who are focused on health issues that affect Asians, we hope to help drive discoveries that make a real difference to people's lives — both in Singapore and across the region."Led by Dr Jason Chan, Medical Oncologist, National Cancer Centre Singapore, the research will investigate four types of cancers with high prevalence and poor outcomes in Asia:These cancers are devastating but remain poorly understood because most research has focused on Western populations," said Dr Chan. "By decoding their molecular and genomic landscapes in Asian patients, we want to uncover new diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities to benefit patients."A key feature of the project is its open-access commitment: anonymised data will be freely available to the broader research community to accelerate further discovery and second research project, led by Dr Daphne Gardner, Endocrinologist, Singapore General Hospital, will address the rising incidence of Type 2 diabetes in young adults, particularly prevalent in Singapore, where 1 in 5 young adults have prediabetes or diabetes, despite being of normal traditional assessments that rely heavily on BMI and family history, this project will develop a next-generation risk prediction tool by incorporating non-traditional indicators such as body fat distribution, continuous glucose monitoring, and health-seeking behaviour."Many young Asians with diabetes don't fit the usual risk profile. They're lean, active, and often overlooked by current screening models," said Dr Gardner. "We want to change that by identifying new risk signals and developing tools that are tailored to Singapore's population and beyond."Findings from the study aim to inform national diabetes screening guidelines and lead to earlier interventions that can curb long-term addition to previously supported research projects, these two initiatives reflect a growing recognition of Singapore's role in advancing precision medicine for Asian populations, driven by strong clinical infrastructure, genomic capabilities, and public-private Tanoto added: "We believe precision health can change how we treat and prevent diseases. We're supporting researchers who are not only breaking new ground, but also making sure their work reaches people and communities across Asia. This is something deeply personal to us — it's about improving lives in a way that's inclusive, meaningful, and lasting."This announcement marks a key milestone in Tanoto Foundation's continuing effort to improve the quality of healthcare and health standards, leading to longer and better #TanotoFoundation The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Tanoto Foundation At Tanoto Foundation, we unlock human potential, help communities thrive, and create lasting impact. Founded in 1981 by Sukanto Tanoto and Tinah Bingei Tanoto, we are an independent family foundation that believes in providing every person with the opportunity to realize his or her full potential. To do so, we catalyse systems change in education and healthcare. Our approach is impact-first, collaborative, and evidence-based. We invest for the long term and strive to develop leaders who can drive sustained, positive outcomes. More information is available at
Borneo Post
25-06-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Sarawak's pressing need for palliative care
Sarawak is bracing for an increased need for palliative care, expected to be the highest in Malaysia by 2030. MIRI (June 25): With an ageing population and rising NCDs burden, Sarawak is bracing for an increased need for palliative care, expected to be the highest in Malaysia by 2030. In anticipation, the state has stepped up efforts to improve access and quality of care for patients with life-limiting illnesses. At the opening of the 15th Malaysia Hospice Council Congress 2024 in Sibu on July 25 last year, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian acknowledged that Sarawak will become the state with the highest need for palliative care by year 2030. As such, he said the state is actively strengthening its healthcare infrastructure to meet this future demand, adding that Sarawak is determined to ensure that palliative care becomes a mainstream service. Dr Sim, who is also the Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Minister said among the key initiatives is the expansion of the Domiciliary Palliative Care programme, which has now been rolled out in 34 government health clinics across the state. These clinics are tasked with delivering care and comfort to terminally ill patients in their own homes, especially in rural and underserved areas. He also revealed that the state is also working to ensure sustainability of palliative care services by training Master Trainers in collaboration with the Asia Pacific Hospice Palliative Care Network (APHN). 'Thirteen clinics are involved in the training programme, which aims to build capacity and strengthen palliative care services at the grassroots level,' he said at the Congress. He further disclosed that the Palliative Care Unit at Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) is now working with Kuching Life Care, a private hospice facility with 58 inpatient beds. Through this partnership, Dr Sim said SGH can refer overflow patients to the hospice, which provides care free of charge, thereby easing congestion and improving patient comfort. One year prior, Sarawak began its effort by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Asia Pacific Hospice Palliative Care Network (APHN) on April 13, 2023, which is a significant step to see the successful rollout of palliative care training and educational program across Sarawak. This collaboration marks the launch of Sarawak's first structured palliative care training programme, designed to train and certify healthcare workers across hospitals and clinics in the state. The MoU saw the first batch of trainees consists of 46 healthcare workers from 12 healthcare clinics, Sarawak General Hospital (SGH), Sibu Hospital and Miri Hospital trained with the necessary skills and knowledge required for providing holistic palliative care to patients. Apart from these initiatives, at a press conference after officiating the Asia Pacific Hospice Palliative Care Conference (ACPH 2025) at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching on April 24 this year, Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang announced the formation of a Sarawak state-level palliative care taskforce. The setting up of this taskforce, he said, aims to address service gaps and elevate the quality and accessibility of palliative care throughout the region. However, despite these efforts, one of the most pressing challenges remains the shortage of trained personnel. Jacqueline Buri Palliative Care Association of Miri (PCAM) vice president Jacqueline Buri noted that Sarawak's vast geographical landscape and widely scattered communities make this shortage particularly evident. 'Even if the population isn't dense, patients are spread out. I had hoped there would be palliative care centres in at least all major towns or divisions across the state, but look at where we are now,' she told The Borneo Post. In the northern region, Jacqueline noted that PCAM is the only non-governmental organisation (NGO) catering to patients from Baram, Batu Niah, Bekenu, Bakong, as well as from Lawas and Limbang. She said demand for palliative care from patients outside Miri continues to grow, but PCAM is already stretched thin. 'Patients in remote or interior areas often have to travel long distances to urban centres like Miri, Sibu, or Kuching — not just for treatment, but also for consultations, medication refills or basic pain management. This poses logistical, emotional and financial challenges for families already in distress,' she said. On another note, she revealed that PCAM is currently building its first standalone facility, which is expected to be completed within five years. Jacqueline highlighted that one of the biggest challenges in running an NGO like PCAM is the limited budget and funding needed to expand its services to reach more communities in need. She expressed hope that both the federal and state governments would step in to support NGOs like PCAM in completing the facility on time. 'We are hopeful for government assistance in making this building a reality. It's not just for the association—it's a community facility. This new building will serve not only the people of Miri, but also communities from Limbang, Lawas, Bekenu, Batu Niah and Baram,' she said. Jacqueline also expressed hope that the Sarawak government would accelerate the training of more palliative care nurses and doctors to meet rising demand, especially given the increasing prevalence of NCDs in the state. 'As for palliative care — if you're familiar with it — you'll know the need is only going to grow with the increasing number of patients. We'll need more staff and more resources to operate effectively. That's why government grants are essential. We simply cannot rely on donations alone,' she stressed. She also warned that Sarawak has just two years to catch up, as the state is projected to attain ageing state status by 2028. As Sarawak stands on the brink of becoming Malaysia's most palliative care-dependent state by 2030, the question is no longer whether action is needed—the numbers speak for themselves. The question is whether the country is prepared to act and to do so swiftly. For frontline NGOs like PCAM, driven by compassion but limited by resources, the next few years will be critical. Whether Malaysia's palliative care system can move from patchy access to a comprehensive safety net will not be measured in budgets alone—but in the lived experiences of individuals like Nur Atikah. The stakes are deeply personal. Every delay, every missed opportunity for care, translates into suffering that could have been prevented. As PCAM nurse Melissa Desmond often reminds her patients: 'We cannot add days to your life, but we can add life to your days.' For families across Sarawak and beyond, that promise may be the difference between isolation and support, between fear and hope. See related reports: A light in the dark: Need for palliative care surges amid challenges, resource gaps 'Who will pack her lunches?': A mother's final days with cancer A light in the dark: Finding comfort in community care palliative care Palliative Care Association Miri
Newsweek
22-06-2025
- Newsweek
Neglected Mom Dog 'Gave Everything' So Puppies Could Live—Now It's Her Turn
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A mom dog rescued in an alarming state of neglect, having given everything to make sure her puppies survived, is seeking a forever home to call her own. An estimated 10 million animals die from abuse each year in the U.S., according to Shelter Animals Count, a nonprofit organization dedicated to collecting, analyzing, and sharing data on animal sheltering. When Deb was first spotted wandering around outside the home of one of the foster carers at Shultz's Guest House (SGH), a dog rescue shelter located in Dedham, Massachusetts, it was obvious she needed help. "She was emaciated and clearly nursing. One of her puppies was seen wandering alongside her," Merrill Fortier, from SGH, told Newsweek. "We later discovered that the person responsible for her care hadn't been feeding her or her litter, who were about 7 or 8 weeks old at the time. Deb was starving, and her milk was the only thing keeping her babies alive." According to Fortier, Deb's owner was a "known drug user" who did little to care for his canine companion. "Deb had been left to survive on her own. Her owner had told our foster that the filthy mattress by the side of the road was 'her bed,'" she said. "Despite all this, she held on through the hardships. She's only 2 or 3 years old, but what she's endured is unimaginable." Aware there were likely more puppies around the property, the foster carer asked the man living with Deb and her pups to willingly surrender all of the dogs as it would "be in their best interest." He agreed and, soon enough, Deb and her puppies were taken away. It was good timing. "Just four days later, their owner's house was destroyed in a meth-related fire," Fortier said. All of the dogs have made incredible progress in the time since their rescue. Having nursed them through such a difficult period, Deb has now watched each and every one of her puppies get adopted. Fortier would like to see the same happen with Deb. "She's great with other dogs, adores people including kids, and carries herself with confidence," Fortier said. "Her strength and gentle heart shine through and there's no trace of bitterness in her." As a video posted to the shultzsguest Instagram detailing her journey account sums up best, Deb "gave everything" so that her puppies could survive and ultimately thrive despite such difficult beginnings. Now it's her turn. "Mama dogs like Deb are among the most resilient and loving we encounter," Fortier said. "As a pit bull, she also stands as a reminder of how misunderstood these dogs still are even though they make the most loyal, affectionate family pets."
