Healthcare is a fundamental right under Article 9 of the Constitution. Unfortunately, governments, political parties and the establishment have consistently failed to uphold this basic right for the people. Instead, substantial sums of money are spent on constructing buildings, purchasing equipment, establishing so-called training institutions, acquiring substandard medicines, and funding salaries, perks, tours, and seminars. The criminal inefficiency of successive governments has been slightly offset by philanthropists and individuals who have built better healthcare systems, including hospitals, to provide free or subsidized care to Pakistan’s disenfranchised poor. These individuals and organizations deserve recognition and respect for their invaluable contributions. Failure of traditional model The traditional healthcare model is increasingly failing to meet the needs of the population, and this failure can be attributed to several critical factors. First and foremost, Pakistan’s rapidly growing population places immense pressure on an already overstretched healthcare system. As the population expands, so too does the demand for medical services, infrastructure, and healthcare professionals, creating a supply-demand imbalance that the old model simply cannot sustain. Secondly, the rising prevalence of unhealthy foods and lifestyles has exacerbated the burden on healthcare. Diets high in processed foods, sugar, fats, coupled with sedentary habits, and polluted environment, are contributing to an alarming increase in chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular problems, respiratory diseases and obesity. These preventable health conditions place additional strain on the healthcare system, further stretching limited resources and capacities. Corruption and mismanagement have also played havoc in the deterioration of the healthcare system. Funds that could have been used to improve infrastructure, procure quality medicines, and enhance services are often diverted or wasted. The inefficiency of public healthcare institutions, along with the lack of accountability and transparency, has led to poor-quality care, substandard facilities, and an overall loss of public trust in the system. The old model’s reliance on reactive rather than proactive care has resulted in unnecessary wastage of resources. Large sums are often spent on treating advanced stages of diseases that could have been prevented through earlier intervention, preventive care, or health education. This inefficiency not only increases the financial burden on the system but also leads to poorer health outcomes for individuals and communities. Furthermore, the absence of a clear vision and strategy for modernizing healthcare has hindered progress. New techniques, methods, and technologies—such as telemedicine, digital health records, AI-driven diagnostics, and personalized medicine—are reshaping healthcare globally. However, Pakistan’s healthcare system has been slow to adopt these innovations, often due to complete lack of vision and apathy of ‘leaders’, bureaucratic inertia, lack of investment, and a resistance to change. The failure to integrate such technologies means that the system remains outdated, inefficient, and unable to meet the evolving needs of the population. Need to change the old model The cornerstone of this model is universal access to essential healthcare services without financial barriers. Every individual, irrespective of socioeconomic status, should have access to preventative, primary, and family health care. This inclusivity ensures that no one is left behind, reducing disparities and promoting a healthier population overall. Advanced technologies play a pivotal role in modernizing healthcare delivery. The model should integrate technologies that: Ensure Public Health Essentials: Guarantee access to safe drinking water, non-adulterated food, and healthy cooking oils. AI and IoT sensors can monitor water quality, detect contaminants in food, and ensure supply chain transparency in food and oil production. Support Family Health Management: Maintain comprehensive health data for families, allowing providers to track hereditary risks, vaccination records, and regular check-ups. This system can identify at-risk individuals for early interventions. Enable Virtual Monitoring and Consultation: A robust virtual healthcare ecosystem can support patients remotely through wearable devices, apps, and telemedicine platforms. This reduces the need for frequent hospital visits, alleviating the strain on healthcare infrastructure. Preventive care must take centre stage. Regular health education campaigns should focus on teaching individuals about healthy lifestyle choices, the importance of vaccinations, and how to monitor their own health indicators. The healthcare system should actively promote wellness to reduce the prevalence of diseases. Primary healthcare facilities at village and Mohalla, etc., levels must be reinforced to become the first point of contact for most health concerns. Equipped with virtual consultation capabilities, diagnostic tools, and preventive care resources, these centers can manage the majority of healthcare needs locally, reducing reliance on secondary and tertiary care. Efficient use of secondary and tertiary healthcare By prioritizing preventive and primary care, the burden on secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities can be minimized. These higher-level facilities should focus exclusively on specialized and emergency cases, ensuring resources are used efficiently. The role of awareness and education Public awareness is a cornerstone for the success of the new healthcare model. It is essential to utilize cost-effective and widely accessible platforms, particularly social media, to disseminate information and engage the public effectively. The reliance on costly avenues such as commercial media advertisements and seminars can be minimized by strategically leveraging social media platforms. This approach ensures broader outreach and more sustainable engagement. Social media campaigns should focus on the following key areas: The importance of drinking clean water and unadulterated food. Identifying and avoiding harmful cooking oils and ingredients. Utilising virtual healthcare tools for monitoring and consultation. Adopting preventive measures for chronic and lifestyle-related diseases. The path to a sustainable future Achieving a sustainable future in healthcare requires addressing fundamental human needs alongside the seamless integration of advanced technologies. Providing safe drinking water, unadulterated food, a clean environment, and uninterrupted electricity are not merely necessities but constitutionally protected rights. In the age of generative AI and cutting-edge technologies, these foundational elements can be complemented by transformative innovations to create a truly inclusive and efficient healthcare system. This vision encompasses virtual healthcare access, universal diagnostic services, and integrated facilities, ensuring that even the most remote communities receive quality care without the need for extensive travel. Prerequisites Safe water and food: AI monitors contaminants in water and detects food adulteration, while blockchain ensures traceability and certification. Clean air: IoT and AI provide real-time air quality updates, predict pollution trends, and influence government policies. Reliable electricity: AI-powered grids optimize energy distribution, integrate renewables, and ensure underserved areas receive electricity for healthcare and digital needs. Internet is essential for education, healthcare, and opportunities. Satellite internet and AI-driven network optimization can bring connectivity to remote areas. Virtual consultations, telemedicine with integrated data, and AI chatbots enable remote care, personalized diagnoses, and reduced patient burden. Mobile units collect samples remotely, AI automates analysis, and results integrate with patient records for quicker diagnoses. AI enhances radiology, point-of-care devices, and predictive analytics for early detection and preventive healthcare. AI-powered hubs unify consultations, diagnostics, and treatment planning. Centralized data repositories ensure continuity, while remote tools enable real-time prescriptions. AI optimizes hospital resource management and decentralizes care to primary systems, allowing hospitals to focus on critical cases. AI creates personalized health plans, educates professionals and the public, and supports decision-making through data analysis. The government, policymakers, managers, international organizations, and economic stakeholders must recognize that a nation’s progress hinges on the health and well-being of its people. How can a country achieve optimal development when the majority of its population struggles with inadequate sleep, family medical issues, unreliable electricity, limited or disrupted internet access, and the need to travel long distances for basic healthcare? A healthy workforce with a sound mind is essential for driving economic and societal transformation. The inadequacy of the healthcare system is a significant contributor to this country’s stagnation. It is time to move forward by leveraging Agentic AI and other transformative technologies to address these challenges and build a brighter future. (The writer is an Advocate and techno-economist) Copyright Business Recorder, 2024
Utica Chamber announces winners of 2024 Business of the Year AwardsCheers and beers for Ruud van Nistelrooy as Leicester reign starts with winPHILADELPHIA and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BriaCell Therapeutics Corp. (Nasdaq: BCTX, BCTXW) (TSX: BCT) ("BriaCell” or the "Company”), a clinical-stage biotechnology company that develops novel immunotherapies to transform cancer care, today announced the closing of its previously announced underwritten public offering of 7,400,000 common shares and warrants to purchase 7,400,000 common shares at a combined public offering price of $0.75 per share and associated warrant. The warrants have an exercise price of $0.9375 per share and are immediately exercisable upon issuance for a period of five years following the date of issuance. Total gross proceeds from the offering, before deducting the underwriter's discounts and other offering expenses, is $5.55 million. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for working capital requirements, general corporate purposes, and the advancement of business objectives. ThinkEquity acted as the sole book-running manager for the offering. The securities were offered and sold pursuant to the Company's currently effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-276650), including a base prospectus, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC”) on January 22, 2024 and declared effective on January 31, 2024. The offering was made by means of a prospectus supplement and prospectus which have been filed with the SEC and are available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. You should read the prospectus supplement and prospectus for more complete information about the Company and the offering. You may obtain these documents free of charge by visiting the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, you may obtain copies by contacting ThinkEquity, 17 State Street, 41st Floor, New York, New York 10004. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. About BriaCell Therapeutics Corp. BriaCell is a clinical-stage biotechnology company that develops novel immunotherapies to transform cancer care. More information is available at https://briacell.com/ . Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements” that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate,” "believe,” "contemplate,” "could,” "estimate,” "expect,” "intend,” "seek,” "may,” "might,” "plan,” "potential,” "predict,” "project,” "target,” "aim,” "should,” "will,” "would,” or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are based on BriaCell's current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks, and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties” in the Company's most recent Management's Discussion and Analysis, under the heading "Risk Factors” in the Company's most recent Annual Information Form, and under "Risks and Uncertainties” in the Company's other filings with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, all of which are available under the Company's profiles on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov . Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and BriaCell Therapeutics Corp. undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law. Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Toronto Stock Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Company Contact: William V. Williams, MD President & CEO 1-888-485-6340 [email protected] Media Relations: Jules Abraham CORE IR [email protected] Investor Relations Contact: CORE IR [email protected]
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The new LNP government claims Cross River Rail will cost more than $17 billion and not be ready until 2029. Labor had promised Cross River Rail would be delivered with a budget of $5.4 billion, with most construction finished by 2025 and passenger services starting in 2026. But the LNP says when finished, the tunnel must be independently certified by the National Safety Regulator, which would take at least two years, and also pointed the finger at lost workdays due to industrial action. The government says $5 billion was “hidden” and included integration works to connect the tunnel with the existing rail network, stabling to park the trains, a new signalling system, buses to carry passengers while stations and tracks were being built, and additional maintenance equipment. But opposition transport spokesman Bart Mellish accused Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg of “cooking the books”. “No government, business or person has included the cost of maintenance for the life of an asset when calculating the cost to build the project,” he said. “It’s also concerning that the new government isn’t committed to a 2026 opening of the project. “Also, adding the cost of buses to be used across the whole of south-east Queensland to the project is also laughable.” In a first for the state, Logan City Council has rolled out AI-powered surveillance systems at a town pool to safeguard against drowning. The technology at Gould Adams Park Aquatic Centre uses cameras focused on the pool to identify signs of struggle in the water, then sends real-time alerts on smart watches worn by lifeguards. Mayor Jon Raven said the alert system would give “greater peace of mind” to swimmers. “For those in our community who can’t swim or are not confident in the water – this could help save someone’s life,” he said. “While there’s no replacement for adequate supervision from parents, caregivers and lifeguards, this technology will be an extra layer of safety around pools.” The council said the cameras only detected generic behaviours, and could not capture facial or body imagery. It expected to continue rolling out the technology to other pools it managed across the next few years. Debate has kicked off in Queensland parliament over the government’s youth justice bill, with Labor trying – and failing – to have key parts delayed until early next year. Shadow attorney-general Meaghan Scanlon moved opposition amendments after the dinner break last night to address many stakeholders’ concerns about consultation lasting just days, and adverse outcomes. The amendments, voted down by the LNP and Katter’s Australian Party, would have returned more than a dozen clauses for “full and proper examination” by a committee. “While we acknowledge the outcome of the election and the policy that was taken to it by the LNP, that policy was in slogan and infancy form at best,” Scanlon said. Attorney-General Deb Frecklington accused Labor of simply trying to delay the laws and “laughing about victims ... about the people of Queensland who want to be safe in their homes over Christmas”. “All they want to do with this amendment is say to the people of Queensland, ‘Be afraid over Christmas. Be afraid on Boxing Day.’” Debate resumes today, with the bill set to pass by 5.30pm on Thursday with what Frecklington described as “technical amendments”, yet to be detailed, she would introduce to “strengthen and clarify the bill”. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has delivered an extended defence of his response to antisemitism, in the wake of the terror attack on the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne on Friday, and the vandalism in Sydney this morning. Facing criticism from the Coalition, including Liberal senator Jane Hume’s accusation that he had “emboldened and enabled” antisemtic crimes”, the prime minister detailed his initial response to the Adass synagogue firebombing. [On Friday], I’d been briefed by the AFP. I’d rung in to ... ABC Melbourne and responded publicly. We put out a statement. I’d spoken to Josh Burns, I’d spoken to Mr Spiegelman. I’d spoken to other Jewish community leaders as well. I visited a synagogue in Perth. On Saturday evening, we received a request for additional security funding, because the $20 million we had provided was almost expended. On Sunday morning, less than 24 hours later, I responded with support for $32.5 million of additional funding.” He continued that on Monday the National Security Committee met, and the authorities formally declared the firebombing an act of terrorism. The AFP operation Avalite was then formed and announced at a press conference. Albanese also pointed to other responses including the “landmark” ban on the Nazi salute and hate symbols, and the appointment of Jillian Segal as the special envoy to combat antisemitism. “We criminalised doxxing, something that was called for, but which unfortunately, the opposition voted against,” Albanese said. “We now have legislation before the parliament to criminalise hate speech, including the urging or threatening, of course, or violence against other individuals or groups because of who they are and what their beliefs are.” Bringing the man believed to have seriously scalded a Brisbane baby with hot coffee to justice will likely be a “slow burn” after he escaped to an unknown country. The suspect reportedly came up behind a young mother at Hanlon Park in Stones Corner about midday on August 27, and tipped the contents of a Thermos on her nine-month-old boy before running away. Four days later – and just hours before investigators say they confirmed his identity – the man flew out of Sydney Airport to an unknown country. “That remains an active investigation, so you know that may well be a slow burn,” Queensland Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski told Brisbane Times yesterday. When asked for a rough time frame, he said it would be inappropriate to comment. “I can’t speculate on that. It’ll depend on the offender and our ability to identify, locate and bring him back to justice.” Labor Minister Clare O’Neil says reports that claimed the prime minister was heckled on his visit to the Adass synagogue in Melbourne on Tuesday were overblown. In an interview on Seven’s Sunrise , it was put to O’Neil that people yelled phrases at Anthony Albanese including “You’re late” and “Nice day for tennis,” referring to the tennis match Albanese played in Perth the day after the firebombing of the synagogue. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited the Adass Israel synagogue on Tuesday. Credit: Justin McManus “I’d just say I saw some of the reporting of that, I think, you know, some of those people weren’t even from that local community,” O’Neil said. “I was actually at the Adass synagogue a little bit later that afternoon speaking to members of the community. People were grateful that the prime minister was there, they were pleased to have him there and of course to see him make that commitment to help rebuild the synagogue there and to invest to try to rescue those sacred Torahs that have been damaged in the fire.” O’Neil said that while she was “sure there angry and upset people”, she did not think that was the “universal experience of having the PM there”. “The PM, in my view, has shown real leadership, he’s come to the synagogue, done the things people want a prime minister to do, he has made that commitment to rebuild the synagogue, has set up this task force to show we’re cracking down on any of this behaviour.” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has responded to the antisemitic vandalism in Sydney’s east, the second time the suburb of Woollahra has been targeted in a month. Albanese said the incident was an “outrage” and “another antisemitic attack”. He said he would be briefed by the Australian Federal Police’s Operation Avalite, the task force that was assembled this week in response to the Adass Israel Synagogue terror attack in Melbourne on Friday. “I stand with the Jewish community and unequivocally condemn this attack. There is no place for hatred or antisemitism in our community.” Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke also posted a statement to X, calling the attack an “abhorrent attempt to intimidate our Jewish community”. “It will not be successful,” Burke wrote. Don’t forget your umbrella today – the Bureau of Meteorology predicts more rain across Brisbane, this morning and this afternoon, following the downpour late yesterday, although it should be clearing by this evening. The top temperature isn’t expected to hit 30 degrees – warmer days are ahead, however. Here are the stories making the rounds beyond Brisbane this morning: The organisers of alternative music festival Good Things have been accused of ignoring allegations of sexual assault, harassment and anti-social behaviour – including men groping women, filming up girls’ skirts, and abusing those who turned down their advances. A group of Australian women who underwent hysterectomies after reporting severe side-effects from a permanent sterilisation device has lost a class action against pharmaceutical giant Bayer , with a judge noting that chronic pelvic pain was common for many women. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called out the influence of News Corp’s alleged bias, warning colleagues during a cabinet meeting that Rupert Murdoch’s media empire was openly working to back Opposition Leader Peter Dutton . ‘An insult to the intelligence of the American people’: The alleged shooter of a CEO in the US has broken his silence after his arrest. Tourists at the famous monkey forest in Bali have been crushed to death by falling branches . New York prosecutors have filed a murder charge against Luigi Mangione, 26. In the hours since his apprehension, his baffling journey from star student to murder suspect has begun to come into focus. Good morning, thanks for joining us for Brisbane Times’ live news blog. It’s Wednesday, December 11, and we’re expecting more rain today and a top temperature of 28 degrees. In this morning’s local headlines: A culture of discrimination in Queensland Police is making it harder to recruit and retain officers, according to a 236-page Queensland Human Rights Commission report which identified ingrained prejudice against female, Indigenous and minority officers. Premier David Crisafulli has moved to make good on his campaign promise there would be no changes to abortion laws under an LNP government: by stopping parliament from discussing the topic . What began as a trickle has become a flood, with Brisbane’s sunny climate, a vibrant hospitality scene and the looming Olympics luring Melbourne restaurateurs north . Dolphins forward Josh Kerr has declared Max Plath will go where Plath’s famous father could not, and help Queensland regain the State of Origin shield as early as the 2025 series.New look Mitchell girls basketball to rely on teamwork, athleticism on the floor
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Mary Fowler's has been overshadowed by a serious injury to captain Alex Greenwood, with fans left devastated for the English star. Fowler and helped City defeat St Polten in the women's Champions League on Thursday night to maintain top spot in Group D. It was Fowler's second win in two games since returning to action following her decision to against Brazil and Chinese Taipei to prioritise her physical and mental health. The break appears to have done the trick, with Fowler scoring a cracking goal earlier this week in the Super League and following it up with another solid performance on Wednesday night. But her successful return was overshadowed when Greenwood went down with a horrible-looking injury against St Polten. The England defender went down in obvious pain during the first half and was clutching her left knee. She covered her face with her shirt as she was carried off the field on a stretcher. City will be hoping the injury isn't as bad as it looked, but there are fears she might have done her ACL. There was been a plague of ACL injuries to hit the women's game in recent years, with Matildas captain with one. Greenwood's injury also marred a night which saw a debut to remember for 18-year-old Lily Murphy, who only signed her first professional contract last week. The teenager was lively throughout the game and held her arms aloft in delight when she tapped in the opening goal in the 55th minute, with Kerstin Casparij also scoring her first goal for the club. The victory maintained City's perfect record in the Champions League. However Barcelona's 3-0 victory over Hammarby means Fowler's team are not yet assured of top spot in the group ahead of a trip to Catalonia next week. Hope she's back on the pitch soon 🙏 — Aabid (@theabuabid) Was absolutely heartbreaking to see her so distressed, wish the cameras would have for respect for the players and not show them in those situations. — Toni Hazell (@tonihazell) I’m praying it’s not as bad as it looked. 🤞🏻🤞🏻 — Nicole (@nrstanley01) If Alex Greenwood has torn her ACL cancel the whole of next years euros I’m so serious — Eden Morgan (@EdenVMorgan) genuinely praying that alex greenwood is okay and makes a safe and speedy recovery. such an important player for both club and country right now in such consistent form, an absolutely heartbreaking thing to see☹️ — emily (@emilykatrinah_) Wishing a super speedy recovery. Such a warrior of a player, she doesn’t go off the pitch without a real reason. That looked serious. — Jenni 🏳️🌈❤️🔥🏳️⚧️ (@Jenwah) Meanwhile, fellow Matildas players Caitlin Foord and Kyra Cooney-Cross started in Arsenal's 3-1 win at Valerenga, while Steph Catley wasn't required. Alessio Russo scored a double as the Gunners took a big step towards securing top spot in Group C. Arsenal were already guaranteed a quarter-final berth after a narrow victory at home to Juventus last month, but the three points in Norway keep alive the prospect of beating current leaders Bayern Munich to first position in the group. First-half goals by Russo and Frida Maanum put Renee Slegers' side in control before England forward Russo grabbed a second after the break. Foord was brilliant on the wing and set up a number of attacking raids, including one that resulted in Maanum's goal. Arsenal earned an eighth win in nine under interim coach Slegers ahead of Wednesday's visit of Bayern, who are one point ahead of the English club following a 4-0 triumph over Juventus.Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark showdown ticket prices revealed as WNBA duo reach record-breaking levelsArticle content Sault Ste. Marie MPP Ross Romano announced Thursday he will retire from provincial politics. According to a CBC Radio report Thursday evening, the Progressive Conservative member told the Ontario Legislature he was keeping a promise to his family that he would not seek re-election so he could spend more time with them. Romano was first elected in a 2017 byelection and became the first Progressive Conservative to represent the district in more than 30 years. He has held a host of cabinet positions, including minister of colleges and universities and minister of government services. Share this Story : Sault MPP Romano will not seek re-election Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr