The sector is growing rapidly in the country. Most of the patients come from Indonesia, but Kuala Lumpur aims to become a global medical hub challenging Thailand in Southeast Asia. To do so, it aims to optimise services, streamline immigration and invest in international partnerships.

According to a study by Frontline AIDS, while the disease saw a 39 per cent overall drop in the past 15 years, the epidemic is escalating in the Middle East and North Africa, with a record 609 per cent jump in Egypt. Marginalised groups, in particular homosexuals, sex workers and drug addicts, are at great risk.

China’s official Xinhua news agency released the data while the National Health Commission presents a three-year plan to deal with rising mental disorders. The issue has come to prominence following a string of violent incidents, but it is also the legacy of the government’s zero-COVID policy.

The initiative, scheduled from 3 to 10 October, coincides with World Temperance Day. The health costs due to alcohol use (or abuse) in the country are around 726 million euros. There are 20,000 alcohol-related deaths and associated illnesses each year. A decalogue to relaunch the fight against abuse.

A report by the China Labour Bulletin documents 10 years of violations and critical issues in healthcare. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed and aggravated existing systematic issues and unresolved disputes, such as unpaid wages, violence against staff by patients and family members, excessive workloads, and disparities.