Saudi aid agency KSrelief is providing critical medical treatment for children from the Gaza Strip suffering from severe illnesses like cancer and congenital heart defects. This includes transferring patients to specialized facilities in Jordan and Saudi Arabia, as part of a broader humanitarian effort to alleviate suffering in the region.
Seven injured children from the Gaza Strip, accompanied by 27 family members, have arrived in Switzerland for highly specialized medical care. This humanitarian operation, a collaboration between the Swiss government, WHO, MSF, and Rega, marks the first phase of a broader initiative to treat approximately 20 children.
The Global Health Exhibition 2025 in Riyadh, scheduled for October 27-30, will highlight Saudi Arabia's rapid advancements in digital health transformation. Driven by Vision 2030, the event will feature key initiatives, substantial investments, and innovative technologies like the SEHA Virtual Hospital, positioning the Kingdom as a global leader in healthcare innovation.
The Healthcare Future Summit 2025 has commenced at the Dubai World Trade Centre, gathering over 4,500 participants. The three-day event, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, focuses on innovation, medical technologies, and key healthcare trends, alongside co-located medical conferences.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has asserted that the government's recently approved 2026 budget plan optimally utilizes available resources. The €18.7 billion package, approved by the cabinet, focuses on tax cuts for middle-income earners, support for families and businesses, and increased healthcare funding, while aiming to meet EU fiscal targets.
Doctors in Portugal, represented by the National Federation of Doctors (FNAM), have announced a nationwide strike for October 24. The action stems from stalled negotiations with the Ministry of Health over salary demands, working conditions, and concerns regarding the centralization of emergency services, which FNAM argues will compromise patient care.
Federal, provincial, and territorial health ministers are meeting in Calgary on October 16-17, 2025, to discuss critical issues facing Canada's healthcare system. Key agenda items include interprovincial credential recognition, health funding agreements, mental health and addiction services, and strategies to alleviate workforce shortages. The meeting is co-chaired by Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel and Alberta's Minister Adriana LaGrange.
Brazil's Supreme Federal Court has authorized former President Jair Bolsonaro to receive medical visits and undergo treatment at his residence. Bolsonaro is currently under house arrest following his conviction for plotting a coup and a 27-year prison sentence.
Gauteng Health and Wellness MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko announced the province's commitment to prioritizing hospital infrastructure maintenance and quality refurbishments. This initiative aims to enhance patient experience and address aging facilities, despite a challenging R67 billion budget for 2025/26, with ongoing projects across numerous healthcare institutions.
Bulgaria has officially endorsed a partnership with Nigeria's Ebonyi State for the development of a 1,200-bed Multifunctional University Hospital. This collaboration aims to significantly enhance healthcare delivery and strengthen bilateral ties, with funding contributions from both the state government and international partners.
Turkey has announced plans to restore its military hospitals, including the prominent Gülhane Teaching and Research Hospital, nearly a decade after their closure following the 2016 coup attempt. The move aims to address a shortage of military medical capacity and improve support for deployed units.
Bahrain and Kuwait have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to significantly enhance health cooperation, focusing on preventive and curative services, medical training, and technology exchange. The agreement, signed by the Health Ministers, aims to improve healthcare quality and regional health security.
Doctors and medical professionals across Spain initiated a one-day nationwide strike on October 3, 2025, protesting proposed reforms to the Framework Statute for health services. Unions demand a distinct legal status for doctors, improved working conditions, and better recognition of their specialized roles, citing a lack of agreement with the Ministry of Health.
Argentina's Senate has overwhelmingly overridden President Javier Milei's vetoes on critical legislation, ensuring continued funding for public universities and pediatric healthcare. This move, following a similar rejection by the Chamber of Deputies, marks a significant legislative setback for Milei's austerity agenda ahead of crucial midterm elections.
Mark Suzman, CEO of the Gates Foundation, acknowledged Nigeria's significant strides in healthcare, particularly in vaccination and malaria campaigns, despite the country facing substantial challenges like poverty and a high disease burden. His remarks were made in New York ahead of the annual Goalkeepers event, emphasizing the long-term commitment required for sustained health improvements.
All GP surgeries in England are now required to offer online appointment bookings from 8 am to 6:30 pm, Monday to Friday. This move aims to modernize patient access and end the '8am scramble,' though the British Medical Association has raised concerns about patient safety and increased workload.
As of October 1, 2025, doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies across Germany are now required to integrate and utilize the electronic patient file (ePA) system. This marks a significant step in the nation's healthcare digitalization, following the Digital-Gesetz and an earlier opt-out rollout for insured individuals in January.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans for 'NHS Online,' a new 'online hospital' service set to launch in 2027. Accessible via the NHS app, it aims to deliver up to 8.5 million extra appointments in its first three years, connecting patients to specialist clinicians and reducing waiting times.
Lean Business Services, a Saudi firm owned by the Public Investment Fund, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Syrian Ministry of Health to develop digital healthcare services. The agreement focuses on technical support, staff training, data management, and establishing national health standards to modernize Syria's health infrastructure.
The King Hamad Institute of Nursing and Associated Medical Sciences (KHINAMS) was inaugurated in Islamabad on September 24, 2025, marking a significant milestone in Pakistan-Bahrain relations. The institute aims to elevate medical education and produce skilled healthcare professionals, reflecting Bahrain's commitment to supporting Pakistan's health sector.
