Health - Gulf Insider

1 year ago

FDA Misled The Judiciary About Pfizer’s Vaccine Documents

On December 6, 2024, a federal judge ordered the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to release documents related to the emergency use authorisation of Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine. These documents had been hidden from public view. The legal battle traces back to September 2021, when attorney Aaron Siri filed a lawsuit under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) on behalf of the Public Health and Medical Professionals for Transparency. The plaintiffs sought access to the vast trove of documents the FDA relied on to approve Pfizer’s vaccine. Initially, the FDA proposed a slow release schedule. In November 2021, the agency stated it would release just 500 pages per month—a pace that would have stretched the full disclosure process to 75 years. However, in January 2022, District Judge Mark Pittman of Texas rejected the FDA’s proposal, ordering the agency to expedite its release to 55,000 pages per month, aiming to complete the disclosure of all 450,000 pages by August 2022. As the documents trickled out, researchers began uncovering glaring gaps that prevented a systematic review of the data. These gaps fueled suspicions about what else the FDA might be withholding. It became evident that the FDA had withheld records directly tied to its emergency use authorisation of Pfizer’s vaccine, estimated […]

1 year ago

FDA Lab Uncovers Excess DNA Contamination in COVID-19 Vaccines

An explosive new study conducted within the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) own laboratory has revealed excessively high levels of DNA contamination in Pfizer’s mRNA Covid-19 vaccine. Tests conducted at the FDA’s White Oak Campus in Maryland found that residual DNA levels exceeded regulatory safety limits by 6 to 470 times. The study was undertaken by student researchers under the supervision of FDA scientists. The vaccine vials were sourced from BEI Resources, a trusted supplier affiliated with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), previously headed by Anthony Fauci. Recently published in the Journal of High School Science, the peer-reviewed study challenges years of dismissals by regulatory authorities, who had previously labelled concerns about excessive DNA contamination as baseless. The FDA is expected to comment on the findings this week. However, the agency has yet to issue a public alert, recall the affected batches, or explain how vials exceeding safety standards were allowed to reach the market. The Methods The student researchers employed two primary analytical methods: Both methods confirmed the presence of DNA contamination far above permissible thresholds. These findings align with earlier reports from independent laboratories in the United States, Canada, Australia, Germany, and France. Expert Reaction Kevin McKernan, a former director of the Human […]

1 year ago

Saudi Arabia Moves To Ban Tobacco Sales In Small Shops And Grocery Stores

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has proposed a ban on the sale of tobacco products in kiosks, grocery stores, and central markets, as part of a comprehensive set of draft regulations aimed at tightening control over tobacco sales and public health standards. The draft rules, published on the government’s Istitlaa public consultation platform, seek input from citizens before being finalised. Under the proposed regulations, the sale of tobacco products must comply with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) standards and remain completely out of sight within commercial establishments. The rules also reinforce existing prohibitions on selling tobacco to individuals under the age of 18, requiring sellers to verify age and display prominent health warnings at checkout counters. These warnings must include graphic images and text highlighting the risks of smoking, stating: “Smoking and tobacco products are a major cause of diseases and cancer of the mouth, lungs, heart, and arteries.” The draft also bans all forms of tobacco advertising and promotion and prohibits smoking within retail establishments, both for employees and customers. Clear “No Smoking” signs must be displayed inside stores. Beyond tobacco restrictions, the draft rules introduce new guidelines for the sale of energy drinks, mandating that they be stored separately from other beverages in designated refrigerators or shelves with visible warning signs. The regulations […]

1 year ago

Daily Omega-3 Supplements May Slow Down Aging, Study Finds

Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and flax seeds, may slow down the body’s aging process, according to a new study. Last week, a team of researchers, including some from Harvard University in the United States and Switzerland’s University of Zurich, analyzed 777 Swiss people over the age of 70 to determine whether omega-3 or other supplements can reduce aging. Their findings were published on Feb. 3 in the journal Nature Aging. One of the tests conducted by the researchers showed that combining omega-3 supplementation with vitamin D and exercise was found to work better in slowing down aging in older adults, according to the paper. At the same time, their study found that vitamin D, exercise, and omega-3 had the largest impact on lowering the risk of cancer and premature frailty over a three-year period. But they noted that in particular, researchers “found that taking omega-3 fatty acids slowed down biological aging across several epigenetic clocks by up to four months—regardless of subjects’ gender, age or body mass index,” according to a statement by the University of Zurich. To purchase high-potency Omega3 fish oil with 5:1 ratio of DHA to EPA for brain, eye, and heart health, click here. During the study, which tested eight separate groups […]

1 year ago

Kuwait To Enforce Premarital Health Checks From April 1

Kuwait will require all couples seeking marriage to undergo medical examinations, regardless of nationality, under updated regulations set to take effect on April 1, the Ministry of Health said. Health Minister Dr Ahmad Al Awadhi has approved new executive regulations for Law No. 31 of 2008, which mandates premarital medical screening to help curb genetic and infectious diseases. The changes, published in the Official Gazette, broaden the scope of the tests to cover all marriage contracts in Kuwait, including those between non-Kuwaitis. The updated rules will also introduce digital applications to streamline the examination process, part of efforts to modernise health services and improve efficiency, the ministry said. Authorities say the move reinforces Kuwait’s commitment to protecting public health and ensuring early detection of potential health risks before marriage.

1 year ago

UAE: Unified National Platform For Health Licences Launched

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has recently launched a National Licensing Platform, an innovative initiative aimed at standardising the licensing of health professionals. The unified platform, launched in collaboration and integration with all health authorities in the country, offers all licensing services for health professionals. From standardising to streamlining licensing procedures and requirements, the platform shortens the time and effort needed to obtain licences. The national platform targets medical professionals, qualified specialised personnel in the healthcare sector, including doctors, nurses, health technicians, pharmacists, allied medical field specialists, and technical staff. Operating as an integrated digital system, the platform streamlines the governance of health profession licensing procedures. It facilitates the comprehensive registration of health personnel, manages and evaluates documents and professional qualifications, applies unified standards for evaluation and accreditation, and issues a standardised professional practice licence valid across the UAE. ‘Transformative step’ Dr Amin Hussain Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary for the Health Regulation Sector, said that the national platform is a transformative step that not only enhances the health licensing system but also standardises its criteria nationwide. “By launching the national licensing platform, we look forward to establishing a globally leading health system for a healthier community, underpinned by […]

1 year ago

SR2000 Fine Will Be Slapped If Cats Or Rodents Found Inside A Food Facility

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has proposed a maximum fine of SR50000 for any shop or facility that practices any food activity without obtaining a municipal license. It has also proposed fines up to SR 2000 as a penalty in the event of detecting cats or dogs or rodents inside a food facility. The penalty will be doubled in the event of the repeat of the violation. The SFDA published the proposals on the public survey platform Istitlaa, seeking public opinion and suggestions before putting the draft into its final shape. The authority proposes to make amendments in the table of violations and the penalties prescribed for them in the Food Law and its executive regulations. This is aimed to make fines proportionate to the size of the violations and their impact. It also targets to increase the efficiency of imposing penalties on violating establishments, and contributing to achieving the objectives of the law and its regulations so as to ensure food safety and security. According to the draft amendments, violators will be imposed with a maximum fine of SR5,000 in the event of practicing any commercial activity after the expiry of the license, or practicing an activity […]

1 year ago

7 Saudi Hospitals Advance In Brand Finance’s 2025 Rankings

Seven Saudi hospitals have been included in Brand Finance’s list of the world’s top 250 hospitals for 2025. The King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center is at the forefront of Saudi and regional hospitals, ranking 15th globally and making it the best medical facility in the Middle East and North Africa. This recognition is in confirmation of Saudi Arabia’s continued global achievements in the health sector, driven by Saudi’s Vision 2030. The list, which includes King Faisal Specialist Hospital, King Fahad Medical City, King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud Medical City, King Abdullah Medical City, National Guard Health Affairs, King Fahad University Hospital, reflects the rapid development in health infrastructure, advanced medical technologies, and scientific research. This achievement confirms Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading destination in healthcare, and enhances its path toward achieving the goals of Saudi’s Vision 2030 in building a sustainable and globally competitive healthcare system. The Brand Finance ranking is based on a survey of the opinions of thousands of experts from more than 30 countries, where the American Johns Hopkins Hospital came in first, while the Britain’s Oxford University Hospitals was placed second, becoming the first non-American institution to reach this advanced ranking.

1 year ago

Wellness Membership Platform, Privilee To Launch Soon in Bahrain

Privilee, a leading lifestyle and wellness membership platform, is set to launch in Bahrain this year, expanding its presence in the Middle East following its successful launch in Qatar in 2024. Initially established in the UAE a decade ago, the platform has grown rapidly to become a key player in the wellness and leisure sectors across the region. By offering a broad range of benefits, Privilee allows members access to an array of high-end hotels, resorts, gyms, and fitness classes throughout the Middle East, all through a single membership. The move to Bahrain comes as part of Privilee’s strategic regional expansion plan. With the growing demand for premium lifestyle and wellness services, Bahrain is an ideal market for the platform. The service aims to provide both residents and visitors with a seamless and accessible way to enjoy wellness, fitness, and leisure experiences. Users can take advantage of the platform to access hotel pools, beaches, exclusive fitness sessions, and family-friendly activities, without the need for separate memberships at each venue. Privilee: Flexible Memberships A key feature of Privilee’s offering is its ability to centralise access to a wide variety of wellness and leisure services. Whether for a relaxing day by the […]

1 year ago

United States: Weight-Loss Drugs Linked To Increased Risk Of 19 Health Conditions

Popular weight-loss drugs like semaglutides (Ozempic and Wegovy) may help protect against over 40 conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, drug addiction, and seizures, a new review has found. However, researchers warn that these benefits come with an increased risk of 19 health conditions, such as syncope (fainting), arthritic disorders, and kidney and pancreatic problems. In a study published in Nature Medicine on Jan. 20, researchers from Washington University’s WashU Medicine in St. Louis systematically evaluated health outcomes among roughly 2 million veterans with diabetes who were taking the popular weight-loss medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) for about 3.5 years. The media, patients, and even some doctors have dubbed the medications “miracle drugs” due to their profound weight-loss effects. Administered weekly via injection, GLP-1RAs simulate naturally produced hormones that suppress appetite and slow digestion, allowing people to feel full longer. However, data on these medications’ comprehensive effects across the body’s organ systems have been sparse. Health Benefits and Risks Disorders affecting the heart, blood vessels, liver, and respiratory system (such as pneumonia) were among the risks GLP-1RA use reduced the most. Studies have shown that GLP-1RAs may improve the health of cells lining the blood vessels. Improved endothelial function can lead to better regulation of blood […]

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Search Here

FDA Misled The Judiciary About Pfizer’s Vaccine Documents

FDA Lab Uncovers Excess DNA Contamination in COVID-19 Vaccines

Saudi Arabia Moves To Ban Tobacco Sales In Small Shops And Grocery Stores

Daily Omega-3 Supplements May Slow Down Aging, Study Finds

Kuwait To Enforce Premarital Health Checks From April 1

UAE: Unified National Platform For Health Licences Launched

SR2000 Fine Will Be Slapped If Cats Or Rodents Found Inside A Food Facility

7 Saudi Hospitals Advance In Brand Finance’s 2025 Rankings

Wellness Membership Platform, Privilee To Launch Soon in Bahrain

United States: Weight-Loss Drugs Linked To Increased Risk Of 19 Health Conditions

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Now It Takes Just 48 Hours To Get UAE’s Single Entry Tourist Visa Valid Up To 60 Days

MoH Issues Summer Heat Guidelines As Temperatures Soar Above 48°C

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