7 days in healthcare (June 30th-July 6th, 2025)
Summary
The most impactful health news of the week were:
- Biomedicine: The concept of the human exposome (all external interactions that increase the risk of disease) is being strengthened, compared to simple genetic screening.
- Global Health: USAID cuts threaten 14 million deaths by 2030, according to a study.
- International Health Policy: With a foreword by the Prime Minister, the “10-Year Plan for NHS England” is published, with many innovative proposals, but with doubts regarding the difficulties of its implementation.
- National Health Policy: Catalonia begins its battle against waiting lists in 27 outpatient clinics. These centers will be called CSIR (Comprehensive Reference Health Centers).
- Business: Quirón revolutionizes healthcare with generative AI: more than one million consultations thanks to its Scribe project.
Biomedicine
- The human exposome project. The exposome concept was introduced by Wild in 2005. It consists of the set of external elements that affect health: pollution, diet, medications and drugs, light, noise, radiation, the millions of chemicals in the environment, even the microbiome, etc. The exposome is responsible for 80% of the risk of developing non-communicable diseases. The project of genetic screening of all newborns is questioned. This risks affecting future generations in patients from the moment of birth, due to overdiagnosis and overtreatment.
- DNA damage from air pollution will contribute to lung cancer in non-smokers. While anti-smoking laws are taking effect, the problem of lung cancer in non-smokers is emerging, linked to air pollution.
Global Health
- USAID cuts threaten 14 million deaths by 2030, according to a study. The cuts primarily affect the fight against malaria and the HIV virus.
- GAVI falls short of its $9 billion budget. It has a 25% budget gap and will have to face difficult decisions.
International Health Policy
- The British government approves the “10-Year Plan for NHS England.” The document includes a foreword by Prime Minister Starmer, a year after his arrival and in a low period. The approach is “reform or die.” Key points: 1. From hospital to community; 2. From analog to digital; 3. From disease to prevention; 4. A new operating model; 5. Emphasis on transparency and quality; 5. A new personnel policy; 6. Innovation; 7. Innovation and a new financial approach. Leading British health think tanks, the Nuffield Trust and the King’s Fund, as well as editorials in major newspapers, have commented on the document. Basically, they say it is very well done and contains original ideas, but the government is taking a risk in its difficult implementation. The claim that digitalization will lead to significant savings is also disputed.
- Trump passes his “beautiful tax law” that will leave millions in the US without health coverage. It represents a cut of more than $1 billion in healthcare over the next decade. A major step backward compared to Obamacare, which further distances the US from the rest of the developed countries, all of which have universal coverage.
National Health Policy (Spain)
- Catalonia begins its battle against waiting lists in 27 outpatient clinics. These centers will be called CSIR (Comprehensive Reference Health Centers), and the role of administrative staff will be strengthened.
- CESM insists that a Statute and a specific negotiating framework for physicians are necessary. The medical union calls for direct discussions with the Administration, without other unions diluting their demands or imposing conditions.
Companies
- International
- Pfizer, GSK, and Moderna expand their scope of action for RSV following the new US recommendation for this vaccine. The CDC has adopted a new recommendation for RSV vaccination, increasing the target population, previously limited to those over 75 years of age.
- National
- Quirón revolutionizes healthcare with generative AI: more than one million consultations thanks to its Scribe project. Scribe has the ability to automatically transcribe doctor-patient conversations in real time, identify clinically relevant elements, and generate a structured report without the doctor losing eye contact with the patient. This process allows the professional to fully focus on providing care without having to divert their attention to a screen or keyboard.
Biomedicine
- A new project aims to synthesize a human chromosome. When the DNA sequence was identified in 2000, it was completed in 2022. DNA could be read, and CRISPR technology could be used to make small edits. The Synthetic Human Genome Project (SymHG) aims to create a chromosome from scratch. The goal is to develop gene therapies through which healthy cells are injected into a patient’s body to cure a genetic disease or organs that are malfunctioning (https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2025/07/02/a-new-project-aims-to-synthesise-a-human-chromosome)
- The Human Exposome Project. The concept of the exposome was introduced by Wild in 2005. It consists of the set of external elements that affect health: pollution, diet, medications and drugs, light, noise, radiation, the millions of chemicals in the environment, even the microbiome, etc. The exposome is responsible for 80% of the risk of developing non-communicable diseases (https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(25)01381-9/fulltext?rss=yes)
- From the genome to the exposome. This BMJ article questions the project of genetic screening of all newborns, recently announced by the British Health Secretary. Why doesn’t the government focus on more easily identifiable risks, such as those related to the exposome? This risks affecting future generations in patients from the moment of birth, resulting in overdiagnosis and overtreatment (https://www.bmj.com/content/389/bmj.r1349)
- Human proteins are synthesized with the help of artificial intelligence. This would allow for treating diseases, testing drugs, and improving crops (https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2025/07/02/ai-is-helping-to-design-proteins-from-scratch)
- Cancer immunotherapy: CAR-T cells produced in vivo. A study published in the journal Science shows that in rodents and monkeys, it is possible to reprogram immune cells in the body to attack cancers or autoimmune diseases (https://www.lemonde.fr/sciences/article/2025/07/02/immunotherapies-des-cancers-des-cellules-car-t-produites-in-vivo_6617417_1650684.html)
- Psychedelic nasal sprays show promise against depression (https://www.ft.com/content/c9ad1f8a-64b4-4606-a863-5356c4929eed)
- A simple brain scan determines the rate at which we age. The tool makes it possible to predict whether a person will develop dementia or other age-related diseases before symptoms appear (https://www.abc.es/salud/enfermedades/simple-escaner-cerebral-determina-velocidad-envejecemos-20250701140928-nt.html)
- DNA damage from air pollution will contribute to lung cancer in non-smokers. While anti-smoking laws are taking effect, the problem of lung cancer in non-smokers is emerging, linked to air pollution (https://elpais.com/ciencia/2025-07-02/hallada-una-fuerte-conexion-entre-contaminacion-atmosferica-y-cancer-de-pulmon-en-no-fumadores.html). Access the original Nature article: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09219-0.epdf?sharing_token=wGe-tJmlWnlW802MEP6ZstRgN0jAjWel9jnR3ZoTv0MBuQgXBZXD0M4xTxlIn0ITN_9kidXL_OHNGVJjqWmBul6T9nTa gg_z73IV5SKqgb7H6zU0BcaEy2btGiK-2-1mIliyOR4V22O1FL_W-y5XjhcOmiwZrp1f0xZ06dMnpBdViYkWr38jp5oydD1l791OB0D4zvK5A7C4YfF1RAmDjw%3D%3D&tracking_referrer=elpais.com
Global Health
- GAVI falls $9 billion short of its budget. It has a 25% budget gap and will face difficult decisions (https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(25)01380-7/fulltext?rss=yes)
- A call to action on MPOX in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(25)00673-7/fulltext?rss=yes)
- USAID cuts threaten 14 million deaths by 2030, according to a study. The cuts primarily affect the fight against malaria and HIV (https://www.ft.com/content/945a0301-2bf5-4e0f-bdc4-f07f82891cb1). Access to the original article in The Lancet: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(25)01186-9/fulltext
International Health Policy
- USA
- Trump passes his “beautiful tax law” that will leave millions in the US without health coverage. It represents a cut of more than $1 billion in healthcare over the next decade (https://www.elconfidencial.com/mundo/2025-07-03/trump-ley-fiscal-cobertura-sanitaria-eeuu_4164874/)
- NEJM article: The corporatization of American healthcare (https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp2415485)
- The decline in vaccination coverage in the US could have global consequences (https://www.lemonde.fr/idees/article/2025/07/02/le-declin-de-la-couverture-vaccinale-aux-etats-unis-peut-et-va-avoir-des-consequences-planetaires_6617406_3232.html#:~:text=Une%20étude%20publiée%20en%20avril,des%20vingt%2Dcinq%20prochaines%20années.)
- United Kingdom
- The government approves the “10-Year Plan for NHS England.” The document includes a foreword by Prime Minister Starmer, a year after his arrival and in a slump. The approach is “reform or die.” Key points: 1. From hospital to community; 2. From analog to digital; 3. From disease to prevention; 4. A new operating model; 5. An emphasis on transparency and quality; 5. A new personnel policy; 6. Innovation; 7. Innovation and a new financial approach. Access the full version of the document (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6866387fe6557c544c74db7a/fit-for-the-future-10-year-health-plan-for-england.pdf). Executive summary: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/686639056569be0acf74db89/fit-for-the-future-10-year-health-plan-for-england-executive-summary.pdf
- King’s Fund reaction: https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/insight-and-analysis/press-releases/specific-topics-10-year-plan-for-health
- Nuffield Trust reaction: https://www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/news-item/nuffield-trust-response-to-the-nhs-10-year-plan
- The Guardian editorial: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jul/03/the-guardian-view-on-labours-nhs-plan-it-is-right-to-celebrate-medical-science-but-delivery-is-the-hard-part
- France
- Doctors will soon be forced to move to “medical deserts” (https://www.lemonde.fr/comprendre-en-3-minutes/video/2025/07/03/les-medecins-seront-ils-bientot-forces-de-s-installer-dans-les-deserts-medicaux-comprendre-en-trois-minutes_6617472_6176282.html#:~:text=les%20déserts%20médicaux%20%3F-,Comprendre%20en%20trois%20minutes,appliquera%20à%20partir%20de%20Septembre.)
- WHO
- The WHO proposes increasing the price of tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks. They call for higher taxes to reduce smoking (https://www.consalud.es/politica/oms-aumentar-precio-tabaco-alcohol-bebidas-azucaradas.html)
- European Union
- EU Initiative to Make Europe a Leader in Health Industries. The plan aims to make the EU the most attractive location in the world for health sciences by 2030 (https://commission.europa.eu/news-and-media/news/making-europe-global-leader-life-sciences-2025-07-02_en). Access the full document: https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/document/download/411698e8-6062-41af-96e5-af54474d70f5_en
National Health Policy
- Central Government Initiatives
- The Ministry of Health plans to submit the drug law to the Council of Ministers in September for final approval. The Ministry of Health has received more than 400 objections to the draft (https://www.elespanol.com/invertia/observatorios/sanidad/20250704/sanidad-espera-volver-llevar-ley-medicamento-consejo-ministros-septiembre/1003743834241_0.html)
- Green light for the advanced therapies plan and expansion of genetic testing (https://www.consalud.es/politica/sanidad-amplia-el-plan-de-terapias-avanzadas-es-un-antes-y-un-despues-para-miles-de-pacientes.html)
- The specialties of Medical Genetics and Laboratory Genetics are out for public consultation (https://diariofarma.com/2025/07/02/las-especialidades-de-genetica-medica-y-genetica-de-laboratorio-salen-a-consulta-publica)
- The Interterritorial approves a new Patient Safety Strategy 2025-2035. Seven strategic lines are proposed (https://www.consalud.es/politica/el-consejo-interterritorial-aprueba-la-nueva-estrategia-de-seguridad-del-paciente-del-sns-2025-2035.html)
- Autonomous community initiatives
- Navarra approves the order for hard-to-fill positions (in hospital, primary, and mental health settings) and their incentives (https://www.consalud.es/autonomias/navarra/navarra-aprueba-la-orden-foral-que-establece-los-puestos-de-dificil-cobertura-y-los-incentivos-para-cubiertalos.html)
- The first public proton therapy center in Madrid will be operational in 2027. It will be located at the Fuenlabrada Hospital (https://www.diariomedico.com/medicina/oncologia-radioterapica/madrid-primer-centro-publico-protonterapia-estara-operativo-2027.html#:~:text=Radioterápica%20En%20Fuenlabrada-,Madrid%3A%20el%20primer%20centro%20público%20de%20protonterapia%20estará%20operativo%20en,máxima%20precisión%20y%20mínima%20toxicidad.)
- The SESCAM is finalizing a law on maximum waiting list times. The law, which will be published in 2026, guarantees maximum waiting times with the possibility of referral if they are violated (https://www.consalud.es/autonomias/castilla-la-mancha/el-sescam-se-planta-contra-las-listas-de-espera-y-ultima-su-nueva-ley-de-tiempos-maximos.html)
- Catalonia begins its battle against waiting lists in 27 outpatient clinics. These centers will be called CSIR (Comprehensive Reference Health Centers), and the role of administrative staff will be strengthened (https://elpais.com/espana/catalunya/2025-07-01/cataluna-refuerza-a-los-administrativos-de-la-primaria-para-reducir-listas-de-espera-tenemos-una-organizacion-mejorable.html)
- Canary Islands promotes the development of its Public Health Agency. The draft bill is being prepared (https://diariofarma.com/2025/07/01/canarias-impulsa-el-desarrollo-de-su-agencia-salud-publica-hacia-un-modelo-evaluador-y-coordinador)
- The 24 strategic lines of the Basque Health Pact are approved. However, there were many “disengagements” from entities initially in the Pact (both professional and union). The most controversial point was public/private collaboration (https://gacetamedica.com/politica/intrahistoria-reunion-tercera-fase-pacto-salud-vasco/)
- Sick Leave
- Sick leaves of more than one year have increased by almost 400% and now exceed 200,000. AMAT (the Association of Workers’ Accident Insurance Companies) and the Bank of Spain have raised concerns about this issue (https://www.vozpopuli.com/economia/macroeconomia/las-bajas-medicas-superiores-al-ano-se-disparan-casi-un-400-y-rebasan-ya-las-200000.html#:~:text=Las%20bajas%20médicas%20superiores%20al,y%20rebasan%20ya%20las%20200.000)
- Framework Statute
- CESM insists that a Statute and a specific negotiating framework for doctors are necessary. The medical union is calling for direct discussions with the Administration, without the other unions diluting their demands or imposing conditions (https://www.diariomedico.com/medicina/profesion/cesm-insiste-son-necesarios-estatuto-ambito-negociacion-propios-medicos.html
Companies
- International
- Pfizer, GSK, and Moderna expand their RSV vaccination range following the new US recommendation for this vaccine. The CDC has adopted a new recommendation for RSV vaccination, increasing the target population, previously limited to those over 75 years of age (https://www.elespanol.com/invertia/observatorios/sanidad/20250704/pfizer-gsk-moderna-amplian-radio-accion-vrs-nueva-recomendacion-eeuu-vacuna/1003743832079_0.html)
- National
- The Magnum fund enters the market in aesthetic medicine and surgery and injects 55 million into the Gournay clinics (https://www.elespanol.com/invertia/observatorios/sanidad/20250704/fondo-magnum-adentra-medicina-cirugia-esteticas-inyecta-millones-clinicas-gournay/1003743833041_0.html)
- Quirón revolutionizes healthcare with generative AI: more than one million consultations thanks to its Scribe project. Scribe has the ability to automatically transcribe doctor-patient conversations in real time, identify clinically relevant elements, and generate a structured report without the doctor losing eye contact with the patient. This process allows the professional to focus completely on care without having to divert their attention to a screen or keyboard. (https://www.consalud.es/industria/sanidad-privada/quironsalud-revoluciona-la-atencion-medica-con-ia-generativa-mas-de-un-millon-de-consultas-gracias-a-su-proyecto-scribe.html)