The Ministry

The Ministry of Health has delivered four new mobile breast‑screening units, bringing the national fleet to 14. Each unit carries a mammography machine, IT equipment for image transmission, and an internal waiting area, and is expected to screen about 5,000 women annually. Two units will serve Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Lakes District; one will cover Manawatū, Horowhenua, Tararua, Whanganui, Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne and the East Coast; the remaining unit, the only self‑drive mobile in New Zealand, will operate in Waitematā and Northland, reaching remote communities such as Russell and parts of the Hokianga that were previously difficult to service. Alongside the units, new or redeveloped sites in Whangārei, Takapuna, Greenlane and Kāpiti are opening. The expansion supports the free screening extension for women aged 70‑74, which will add roughly 120,000 eligible women. Since the rollout began, 42,768 women in the new age groups have been invited, 24,470 have been screened, and 339 breast cancers have been detected early.

Beijing's plan to inject capital into five state-owned insurers is expected to ease capital constraints and solvency pressures. The Ministry of Finance will issue 300 billion yuan in special bonds to fund the injections, which will be used to raise up to 360 billion yuan. This move marks the first time China has used special bonds to support insurers. The recapitalisation could help state insurers invest more in the stock market and support regulators in managing smaller insurance companies.

Lebanon's health system is facing significant pressure due to insecurity, population movements, access restrictions, damaged infrastructure, and resource limitations. Despite efforts to maintain service continuity, 21 Primary Health Care Centers and 3 hospitals remain closed in conflict-affected areas. The Ministry of Public Health has reopened its center in Tyre, restoring essential TB services, and Tebnin Governmental Hospital has resumed maternity services. However, two hospitals in Bint Jbeil District remain unable to resume vital maternity services. Partners continue to provide PHCCs and hospitals with essential medicines and medical supplies, and vaccination delivery has improved with a 19% increase in children vaccinated and a 22% increase in doses administered compared to the first quarter.

The UK Foreign Travel Advice website has issued an update for travelers heading to Qatar, clarifying the rules for bringing prescription and controlled medication into the country. The Ministry of Public Health now requires travelers to obtain an online permit through the Health page of its portal before departure. The updated guidance explains the application process, the types of medications covered, and the need to submit documentation in advance. Travelers are urged to review the Health page carefully, complete the permit application, and keep a copy of the approval when traveling to avoid potential delays or confiscation of medication upon arrival.

The New Zealand Government has announced plans to scrap the 'offensive trades' list under the 1956 Health Act. This move aims to save time and money for hundreds of businesses that were previously required to register annually. The list included activities such as fish curing, leather tanning, and nightsoil collection, which can now be managed through environmental and industry-specific systems. The change is expected to deliver savings for businesses and reduce regulatory burdens. The Government's Red Tape Tipline played a key role in identifying the issue and proposing a solution. The Ministry of Regulation is working to implement the change and reduce unnecessary compliance costs for businesses.