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NATIONAL DIGITAL HEALTH BLUEPRINT

The government has released National Digital Health Blueprint (NDHB) which aims to create National Digital Health Eco-System, in public domain. Health Ministry has sought inputs from various stakeholders on its vision. Findings of the National Digital Health Blueprint (NDHB): It lays out the ‘building blocks’ for the implementation of the National Health Stack (NHS), which aims to deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI) in leveraging health records. Keeping true to the government

A Future for the World’s Children? report

Syllabus subtopic: Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.   Prelims and Mains focus: about the report and its key findings; India’s performance   News: A Future for the World’s Children? report was recently released by a Commission of more than 40 child and adolescent health experts from around the world. The Commission was convened by the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and

Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)

Syllabus subtopic: Statutory, Regulatory and various Quasi-judicial Bodies.   Prelims and Mains focus: about the move and its significance; about IRDAI   News: The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) is considering the possibility of allowing life insurance companies to offer health policies despite opposition from general insurance companies.   Background The IRDAI move follows intense lobbying by private life insurance companie

New Technical Committee for APIs

Syllabus subtopic: Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.   Prelims and Mains focus: about the new committee and its functions; about COVID-19 outbreak and its implications; about API   News: The government has decided to set up a 10-member technical committee to revive India’s lost capacity to make certain crucial drug ingredients.   Significance of the move The developme

International efforts to Fight Coronavirus

International efforts to Fight Coronavirus Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II- IR I. Amidst COVID-19 pandemic, G20 summit was held through video conferencing, recently. Key takeaways: G20 nations pledged a united front in the fight against coronavirus. They also committed to inject $5 trillion into the global economy to ensure the situation of deep recession doesn’t arise. G20 leaders also pledged to work with bodies such as the Internationa

Can drugs for Ebola be used to treat COVID-19?

Can drugs for Ebola be used to treat COVID-19? Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III-  S&T Medical research towards the development of drugs and vaccines against the coronavirus infection – COVID 19. Background: The virus, SARS-CoV-2, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), has caused the world’s largest pandemic. Over six lakh are infected and nearly 29,000 dead globally. In India, the number of cases is growing despite the unpreceden

Convalescent Plasma Therapy and COVID-19

Convalescent Plasma Therapy and COVID-19 Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III-  S&T Basis of the Therapy: The convalescent plasma therapy seeks to make use of the antibodies developed in the recovered patient against the coronavirus. The whole blood or plasma from such people is taken, and the plasma is then injected in critically ill patients so that the antibodies are transferred and boost their fight against the virus. Time Period f

Looking beyond just diagnosis and quarantine

Looking beyond just diagnosis and quarantine Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III S&T The author of the article calls for greater attention towards the development of therapeutic options against epidemics in India. Background: The world has suffered numerous pandemics and COVID-19 will certainly not be the last. Future pandemics are a certainty. Ebola, Zika, Nipah, SARS, MERS, H1N1 and COVID-19 are some of the viral diseases. Unlike bacterial infections such as ch

Indian Government’s Latest Moves - COVID-19

  Indian Government’s Latest Moves - COVID-19 Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- S&T Combination of Hydroxychloroquine and Azithromycin against COVID-19 instead of HIV drugs According to the new clinical management guidelines issued on 31st March, 2020, a combination of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) - used for treatment of auto-immune disorders, and azithromycin - the antibiotic has been recommended for use in severe patients. The earlier gu

The Orphan Drug Act – Rare diseases

Covid-19 and the Orphan Drug Act – Rare diseases Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- S&T Recently, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the Covid-19 outbreak a pandemic. However, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) declared Covid-19 an orphan disease, or a rare disease. Key Points The FDA granted Gilead Sciences orphan drug status for its antiviral drug, Remdesivir, on March 23, 2020. Ori

ICMR approves TB machines for Covid-19 testing

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has given its nod to Diagnostic machines used to test drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) for conducting Covid-19 tests. In this regard, Truenat beta CoV test on Truelab workstation will be used for screening test of COVID-19. A total of 800 truenat machines are available in India. Currently India is using real time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) testing approved by United States and Food and Drug Administration (FDA). About Truenat:

Animals affected through COVID-19

Animals affected through COVID-19 Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III-Health Owing to a recent news report on a Tiger being infected with Covid-19 in New York (Bronx Zoo), the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has issued an advisory regarding the containing and management of Covid-19 in National Parks/Sanctuaries/Tiger Reserves. Also, a tiger in Pench Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh) has died due to respiratory illness. The National Tiger Conservation Authori

Cognitive Science Research Initiative and SATYAM-Yoga

Cognitive Science Research Initiative and SATYAM-Yoga Part of: GS-III- S&T - Health (PT-MAINS-PERSONALITY TEST) Recently, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has initiated the Science and Technology of Yoga and Meditation (SATYAM) programme. Under SATYAM, DST has invited proposals to study appropriate intervention of yoga and meditation in fighting Covid-19 and similar kinds of viruses.   Aim: To provide assistance to soc

Chitra Gene Lamp- N makes confirmatory test results-COVID-19

Chitra Gene Lamp- N makes confirmatory test results-COVID-19 Part of: GS-III- S&T (PT-MAINS-PERSONALITY TEST) The confirmatory diagnostic test which detects the N Gene of SARS- COV2 using reverse transcriptase loop-mediated amplification of viral nucleic acid (RT-LAMP) will be one of world’s first few if not the first of its kinds in the world. The test kit, funded by the DST called Chitra GeneLAMP-N is highly specific for SARS-CoV-2 N-gene and can detect two regions of the ge

COVID19-Virtual Reality

Telemedicine The World Health Organization (WHO) refers to telemedicine as “healing from a distance“. It is the use of telecommunications technology and information technologies to provide remote clinical services to patients. Physicians use telemedicine for the transmission of digital imaging, video consultations, and remote medical diagnosis. Telehealth as “the utilization of electronic information and telecommunications technologies to support and promote long-distance

INDIAN scientists have developed low cost diagnostic kit for COVID -29

INDIAN scientists have developed low cost diagnostic kit for COVID -29 Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology in Thiruvananthapuram, under the Department of Science and Technology, has developed an innovative diagnostic test kit named, Chitra Gene LAMP-N  for the diagnosis of COVID-19. This detects the N-Gene of virus using reverse tranase loop-mediated amplification of viral nucleic acid or RT-LAMP technique. This new kit is considered as one of the first

Export curb removed from Paracetamol

Export curb removed from Paracetamol The Centre has permitted the export of formulations (medicinal products) made from Paracetamol. However, the restriction on export of Paracetamol Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) will continue. The API is the part of any drug that produces the intended effects.   Paracetamol Paracetamol is a common fever medication globally. Paracetamol is the most sought after and widely used drug ever sin

Health Problems and New National Health Policy

National Health Policy,2017 The National Health Policy, 2017 (NHP, 2017) seeks to reach everyone in a comprehensive integrated way to move towards wellness.  It aims at achieving universal health coverage and delivering quality health care services to all at affordable cost. Objectives Improve health status through concerted policy action in all sectors and expand preventive, promotive, curative, palliative and rehabilitative services provided through the public health sector with

e-Raktkosh Portal

e-Raktkosh Portal Recently, the Union Health minister urged the use of the e-Raktkosh portal as a single point for maintaining real-time information on the status of stocks of each blood group. The Health Minister has termed the availability of blood in blood banks as 'essential'. In several blood disorders like thalassemia and haemophilia regular transfusion of the blood is necessary. Blood Disorder A blood disorder is any co

UVC disinfection trolley:

Context: UV disinfection trolley can effectively clean up hospital spaces in combating COVID-19. Coronavirus is sensitive to UVC light, as in the case of other viruses and bacteria The present system has been deployed at Employee’s State Insurance Corporation hospital in Hyderabad for field trials Developed by: International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI), an autonomous R&D Centre of Department of Science and Technology (DST), G

Coping with today, planning for tomorrow-COVID-19

Coping with today, planning for tomorrow Part of: GS-I- CULTURE (PT-MAINS-PERSONALITY TEST) (By Dr. Ramasubramanian is Consultant, Infectious Diseases, Apollo Hospital, and Director, Capstone Clinic; Dr. Aruna Mohan is Consultant Paediatric Dentist, and Director, Capstone Dental Care ) Quote for essay (Ethics) “And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure, whether the storm is really over.

Plasma therapy is no silver bullet

Plasma therapy is no silver bullet By, Dr. Balram Bhargava is Director General, Indian Council for Medical Research Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges to governments, health professionals and the general public at large, around the world. Every response, administrative, social, economic or medical is being subjected to intense public scrutiny, as it rightly should be in the spirit of mature democracy. Scientific research in medicine is the only

UN Chief said world should follow South Korean model to fight CoVID -19

UN Chief said world should follow South Korean model to fight CoVID -19 Part of: GS-III- S&T (PT-MAINS-PERSONALITY TEST) UN Chief Antonio Guterres has expressed hope that many countries in the world will follow the remarkable example of South Korea in addressing the coronavirus pandemic. Republic of Korea, the country has been extremely successful in addressing the coronavirus outbreak and is planning to tackle climate change in its recovery from COVID-19. South Korea has prese

Taiwan’s coronavirus protocol shows how it is done

Taiwan’s coronavirus protocol shows how it is done By, Dr. Chen Shih-chung is Minister of Health and Welfare, Taiwan Introduction Pandemics can spread rapidly around the world because of the ease of international transportation. The most salient examples are the Spanish flu of 1918, the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak of 2003, and the H1N1 influenza of 2009. Intermittently, serious regional epidemics, such as the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in

Using NFHS for population surveillance for coronavirus

Using NFHS for population surveillance for coronavirus Introduction Governments worldwide have been testing for coronavirus (COVID-19) in high-risk individuals, such as those with symptoms, close contacts of those tested positive, health-care professionals and those with travel history to an affected region. But this does not give an accurate number of those affected, making it impossible to understand the true prevalence in a population. Inaccurate data Lancet Global Health prop

National infant mortality rate at 32, Madhya Pradesh worst performer

National infant mortality rate at 32, Madhya Pradesh worst performer Data Madhya Pradesh has the worst infant mortality rate in the country while Nagaland has the best. Chhattisgarh has the highest death rate, while Delhi has the lowest. Bihar continues to remain at the top of list in birth rate while Andaman and Nicobar is at the bottom. These details were released by the Centre recently in its Sample Registration System (SRS) bulletin based on data collected for 2018.

Stringency Index

Stringency Index Part of: GS-III- S&T (PT-MAINS-PERSONALITY TEST) A Stringency Index created by Oxford University shows how strict a country’s measures were, and at what stage of the pandemic spread it enforced these. As per the index, India imposed its strictest measures much earlier than others. What is Stringency index? The Stringency Index is a number from 0 to 100 that reflects these indicators. A higher index score indicates a higher level of

Covid’s vitamin D link

Covid’s vitamin D link Context A new study has found an association between low average levels of vitamin D and high numbers of Covid-19 cases and mortality rates across 20 European countries. The research, led by scientists from UK’s Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) and Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn NHS Foundation Trust, is published in the journal Aging Clinical and Experimental Research. Vitamin D Vitamin D is known to modulate the response of white bloo

ICMR's clearance on using convalescent plasma therapy

ICMR's clearance on using convalescent plasma therapy Context The U.S. FDA and India’s ICMR have approved the use of plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients only for trial purposes. With the ethics committee approval in hand on May 8, the ICMR cleared the last hurdle to conduct a multicentric phase-2 trial using convalescent plasma on COVID-19 patients with moderate illness. Phase 2 trial- to check the efficacy of Plasma therapy Its three feasibility studies in about

Feluda Test

Feluda Test Part of: GS-III- S&T (PT-MAINS-PERSONALITY TEST) Recently, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research’s Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB) has developed India’s first paper strip test for Covid-19 namely, ‘Feluda’. Imp Points Description: The Feluda is a paper strip test that detects the coronavirus in an hour. Feluda is an acronym for FNCAS9 Editor Linked

Human Challenge Studies

Human Challenge Studies In new guidelines issued on May 6, the World Health Organization has said that well-designed human challenge studies could not only accelerate coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine development but also make it more likely that the vaccines ultimately deployed will be far more effective. Note:   In human challenge studies, healthy participants are first administered the candidate vaccine and then deliberately exposed to novel coronavirus.

Herd Immunity-Dangerous assumption

Aiming to achieve herd immunity naturally is ‘dangerous’, WHO warns Introduction The World Health Organization has condemned the “dangerous” concept of herd immunity for managing the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Dr. Michael Ryan, executive director of the WHO’s health emergencies programme said it was wrong to think that countries can “magically” make their populations immune to novel coronavirus. Herd immunity The concept of herd immu

Antimicrobial masks manufactured by IISC

IISc develops antimicrobial composite material and testing protocols for PPEs A team from Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru (IISc) has developed a three-layered antimicrobial composite material of low-cost for making masks. And another team, including members from IISc, is involved in testing masks and developing a way of recycling them. Antimicrobial masks The mask material consists of three layers. 1. The outermost layer is made of polyester fabric Awith polymeric nanofib

Where is health in the stimulus package?

Where is health in the stimulus package? By, A.K. Shiva Kumar is a Delhi-based development economist Introduction India has done well to limit the COVID-19 score and flatten the curve. Credit for containing the spread of the virus should go to our frontline medical and health workers in government who literally rushed in where angels fear to tread to save people’s lives. Putting aside threats to personal safety, family interests, and stigma, selfless government health workers

Preparing for a syndemic

Preparing for a syndemic By,Chirantan Chatterjee is a faculty member at IIM Ahmedabad and Visiting Fellow at Hoover Institution, Stanford University Introduction The World Health Organization has announced that COVID-19 will likely never go away. Experts warn that there will be a second wave of infections. Syndemic situation may arise Meanwhile, some people have also raised the alarm about diseases like dengue and malaria in the upcoming monsoon season. &n

Impact of weather on COVID-19 reproduction number

How far can weather impact Covid reproduction number? A new study by Harvard University has estimated the impact of weather on transmission of Covid-19 infections and found a negative relationship between temperatures above 25°C and estimated reproduction number, with each degree Celsius associated with a 3.1% reduction in the reproduction number. The study found that higher levels of relative humidity strengthen the negative effect of temperature above 25°C. But the findings

Working safely: On workplaces during the pandemic

Working safely: On workplaces during the pandemic Introduction Opening up economic production from a lockdown, even partially, when the COVID-19 pandemic has not peaked in the country poses an extraordinary challenge. Guidelines to be followed in a workplace Reducing the number of people present at any given time is a universal principle, either through resort to shifts, or arrangements to enable employees to work from home. Physical distancing of at least one metre, mandatory us

How public health boosts an economy

How public health boosts an economy By, K. Srinath Reddy is president, Public Health Foundation of India. Views are personal Introduction International Monetary Fund, called the present crisis the worst downturn since the Great Depression. The ?20-lakh-crore package recently announced includes proposals to prevent and respond to future pandemics. These include strengthening of health and wellness centres, establishment of infectious diseases hospital blocks in all districts, expansi

Backing the angels in white coats

Backing the angels in white coats By,Suneeta Reddy is Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals Introduction Never since the Second World War have we seen the size, scale and human impact of the lockdown. Yet, we have managed and continue to manage the worst health and economic crisis we have seen in our lifetimes. Over 1,01,000 Indians have so far become infected by the novel coronavirus. We are not yet fully able to test and isolate efficiently, we are yet to find a protocol for cure an

Rotavac

Rotavac Bharat Biotech’s diarrhea vaccine ROTAVAC gets WHO pre-qualification. The WHO pre-qualification paves the way for health and humanitarian organizations such as UNICEF to procure it for public health vaccination programs across the world. Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrhea and kills more than 200,000 children every year. ROTAVC is also included in the Universal Immunization Program

Shine a light: On retraction of a research paper

Shine a light: On retraction of a research paper Part of: GS-III- R&D (PT-MAINS-PERSONALITY TEST) About News Study in The Lancet, perhaps the most influential medical journal in the world, found no benefit from the use of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), a well-known antimalarial, to treat sick COVID-19 patients. Today, that study stands retracted. As it had relied on a huge dataset of about 96,000 patients sourced from 671 hospitals in six continents, the World Health Organization, citing

Global Virtual vaccine summit – GAVI and India’s Immunisation programme

Global Virtual vaccine summit – GAVI and India’s Immunisation programme Part of: GS-III- Health  (PT-MAINS-PERSONALITY TEST) PM Modi said this while addressing the virtual Global Vaccine Summit hosted by UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson in which over 50 countries - business leaders, UN agencies, civil society, government ministers, Heads of State and country leaders participated.   Imp Points He said, India’s civilization teaches to see the world as on

What are some of the key terms being used to describe the novel coronavirus outbreak? THE HINDU EXPLAINED

What are some of the key terms being used to describe the novel coronavirus outbreak? THE HINDU EXPLAINED Part of: GS-III- Health (PT-MAINS-PERSONALITY TEST) Here is a short glossary of terms that you might hear/use regularly, but may not understand entirely. COVID-19 — A term coined by the World Health Organization (WHO) to denote the disease that has led to a pandemic. On February 11, 2020, WHO announced a name for the mysterious disease originating in China, caused by a new co

Prevalence of diabetes among women high in southern India

Prevalence of diabetes among women high in southern India Part of: GS-III- Health  (PT-MAINS-PERSONALITY TEST) More than one in 10 women aged 35-49 suffer the disease          Researchers have identified a bunch of districts in India that have the maximum prevalence for diabetes among women. At least 50 of the 640 districts studied have high prevalence of diabetes — greater than one in 10 — among women aged 35-49 years.

Indian Air Force develops ARPIT

Indian Air Force develops ARPIT The Indian Air Force has designed, developed and manufactured an Airborne Rescue Pod for Isolated Transportation (ARPIT). This pod will be utilised for evacuation of critical patients with infectious diseases including COVID-19 from high altitude area, isolated and remote places. Requirement of an air evacuation system with facility to prevent spread of infectious aerosol from a COVID-19 patient during air travel was felt by IAF when COVID-19 was declared as

Needed, a transfusion for public health care

Needed, a transfusion for public health care Dr. Raj B. Singh is a pulmonologist in Chennai. The views expressed are personal Part of: GS-III- Health  (PT-MAINS-PERSONALITY TEST) Health services cannot be left to private medicine in a developing country, or indeed, in any country Context A news channel in India alleged recently that several private hospitals in the country were “exposed” by a “sting operation” to be levying fees in excess when CO

Call for action: On ICMR antibody test study

Call for action: On ICMR antibody test study Context The results of a serological test conducted across 69 districts by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) have indicated that the confirmed numbers of COVID-19 infections reported from the RT-PCR tests are likely an undercount. Serological or antibody tests # Serological or antibody tests are not as accurate as the PCR tests, but they are useful indicators of the spread of the novel coronavirus among people. # The ICMR

India may have undercounted COVID-19 cases

India may have undercounted COVID-19 cases The findings of a serological survey by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) from 69 districts across 21 States indicate that an estimated 7,00,000 people could have been infected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus in these districts even in early May. The number indicated by the survey is twenty times higher than the 35,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported as of early May in the entire country, suggesting that the actual COVID-19 count ov

COVID-19 taking an emotional toll on children

COVID-19 taking an emotional toll on children Context The fear of losing loved ones to the coronavirus (COVID-19) infection is most apparent among children who dabble with immense anxiety and emotional stress brought by the ongoing pandemic and lockdown. Doctors say that the toll on the mental health of the young ones is way more than the physical symptoms of COVID-19. Stress and anxiety rise amid coronavirus pandemic “Every age group is processing the events in a di

Hydroxychloroquine does not reduce mortality, RECOVERY trial finds

Hydroxychloroquine does not reduce mortality, RECOVERY trial finds Recovery trial The RECOVERY trial, a large randomised controlled trial in the U.K. to test five drugs, including hydroxychloroquine, has found no clinical benefit from use of hydroxychloroquine in hospitalised patients with COVID-19. The trial investigators found that there was no significant benefit in mortality reduction in the intervention group, which was the primary objective. The RECOVERY trial began in March.

Persistent global transmission of chikungunya from India

Persistent global transmission of chikungunya from India Context Studying the geographic distribution and evolution of the chikungunya virus over the period from 2005-2018, a team from ICMR-National Institute of Virology, Pune, has noted India as an endemic reservoir for the virus with persistent global transmissions from the country. The paper published recently in Infection, Genetics and Evolution adds that “dispersal of the strains from India was noted to neighbouring and di

Vector-borne diseases

What are Vectors? Vectors are living organisms that can transmit infectious pathogens between humans, or from animals to humans. Many of these vectors are bloodsucking insects, which ingest disease-producing microorganisms during a blood meal from an infected host (human or animal) and later transmit it into a new host, after the pathogen has replicated. Often, once a vector becomes infectious, they are capable of transmitting the pathogen for the rest of their life during each subse

Beginning of the Rural wave-COVID-19

Rural India, the new viral flash point By, M.S. Seshadri is retired Professor of Medical Endocriniology, Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore and now Medical Director, Thirumalai Mission Hospital, Ranipet, Tamil Nadu. T. Jacob John is retired Professor of Clinical Virology, CMC, Vellore and past President of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics Context à The initial misplaced optimism that India is somehow protected from the COVID-19 pandemic has proved to be illusory, with rapid

Can a COVID-19 vaccine be developed soon?

Can a COVID-19 vaccine be developed soon? Purpose of a vaccine à The great hope in the control of infectious diseases is always a vaccine. à A vaccine could be a weakened biological or synthetic agent administered to humans that will protect them from contracting infectious diseases by supplying specific antibodies to neutralise the disease-causing pathogen, while not making a person actually sick from it. à Vaccines have always sounded the bugle of relief from

What must schools do before reopening?

What must schools do before reopening? Context àSchools in India have been shut since the first 21-day national lockdown from March 25, some from a week or two earlier, due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. àWith the number of COVID-19 cases spiking this week, there is a growing clamour to protect children from going to examination centres and keep them away from school for some time longer. Many schools are offering online classes, but that has its own perils. What a

Jan Aushadhi Suvidha Oxo-Biodegradable Sanitary Napkin @Rs.1

Sanitary Napkins available for Rs. 1/- per pad at Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras It may be stated that menstruation and menstrual practices still face some social, cultural, and religious restrictions which are a big barrier in the path of menstrual hygiene management. In many parts of the country especially in rural areas girls and women do not have access to sanitary products or they do not opt for them as most of these items available in the market are bit costly. This

A prescription of equitable and effective care (Solutions for COVID-19 management)

A prescription of equitable and effective care By, Anand Zachariah is a Professor of Medicine at the Christian Medical College, Vellore. George Thomas is an Orthopaedic Surgeon at St. Isabel’s Hospital, Chennai. The views expressed are persona Context # Medical care has been disrupted by the novel coronavirus. # Fear, anxiety, uncertainty and confusion have all overtaken clinical services. # The private sector, which delivers the major part of medical services, is now funct

Maternal health matters

Maternal health matters By, Jashodhara Dasgupta writes on gender, rights and health Context # In a shocking incident earlier this month, a pregnant woman died in an ambulance in Noida after being turned away from a number of private and government hospitals. Questions to be raised # This raises a chilling question for all of us: if this can happen somewhere so close to the nation’s capital, what is happening in the corners of the country? # A second question that comes

Ban on export of HCQ lifted

Ban on export of HCQ lifted Government has lifted ban on export of anti-malerial drug Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) API and formulation.with immediate effect. An Inter-ministerial High-Level Empowered Committee meets regularly on fortnightly basis for assessing the availability of drugs in the country and will continue to meet to monitor the situation. In the meeting it was noted that during March-May, 2020 period (COVID-19 period) numbers of manufacturing units of Hydroxychloroquine have

COVID poses trying times for Diabetics

COVID poses trying times for Diabetics Context Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, who is also a renowned Diabetologist, said here today that COVID poses trying times for Diabetics. Delivering the inaugural address, as chief guest, at the "World Congress of Indian Academy of Diabetes" being held for the first time on Virtual platform under the name “Dia-V Con 2020”. Diabetes and COVID19 Those suffering from Diabetes have an immuno-comprised status, which t

The many questions about Favipiravir (Analysis of Favipiravir Drug)

The many questions about Favipiravir S.P. Kalantri is Professor of Medicine at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences and Medical Superintendent of Kasturba Hospital, Sevagram, Maharashtra; Dinesh Thakur is a public health activist Context # The pandemic has not only exposed the dire situation of the public health infrastructure, but also the opacity with which drug/medical device approvals are granted in India. # We have had many controversies over the last few months: th

Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle Cell Disease It is a blood disorder that arises when both parents have the problem gene and pass it on to their child. If only one parent has the problem gene, then the child will not have symptoms but will have the gene called the ‘sickle cell trait’. With sickle cell disease, the red blood cells have an abnormal crescent shape, taking the shape of a sickle, hence, its name. The sickle shape results in the red blood cells becoming rigid and sticky, getti

Science vs nonsense: On Patanjali’s COVID-19 claim

Science vs nonsense: On Patanjali’s COVID-19 claim # Patanjali Ayurved’s recent claim of having discovered a “cure” and the publicity that this garnered, bypassing every regulatory requirement without any serious consequence so far, shows that India’s regulatory checks and balances are wanting. # The company said in Haridwar that its product, ‘Coronil’, had cured everyone in a clinical trial. # While quackery and the potency of ‘magic dru

TB during COVID-19

India has the highest burden of tuberculosis (TB) in the world. Even as the government was pushing to end TB by 2025, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a massive disruption in TB services. TB case notifications across India have dropped by over 50% since March, with an estimated 3,00,000 missed case notifications (until May 30). This is worrisome, since undiagnosed TB can worsen patient outcomes and increase transmission in the

Why is there a stress on randomised controlled trials?

Why is there a stress on randomised controlled trials? Context # On June 23, the claim by Patanjali Ayurved [Haridwar (Uttrakhand)] that its preparations, ‘Coronil’ and ‘Swasari’, would cure COVID-19 in only seven days, was met with robust disbelief in some quarters, even as it hogged media space soon after the announcement. # Ramdev, the yoga guru, and who is associated with the company, claimed that a randomised controlled trial (RCT) among COVID-19 positive p

MMR vaccine can help fight sepsis in Covid patients

MMR vaccine can help fight sepsis in Covid patients A new paper suggests that live attenuated vaccines such as MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) may prevent the severe lung inflammation and sepsis associated with Covid-19 infection. The paper is published online in the journal mBio.   A live attenuated vaccine is derived from a disease-causing pathogen, which has been weakened in the laboratory so that it does not cause severe illness when a person is vaccin

On India’s first COVID-19 vaccine-COVAXIN

Promise and delivery: On India’s first COVID-19 vaccine Context # India’s first indigenous COVID-19 vaccine (COVAXIN) developed by a Hyderabad-based company in collaboration with the ICMR is all set to be tested on humans.   Clinical Trials of COVAXIN # The permission from the Drugs Controller General of India to carry out phase-1 and phase-2 human clinical trials was based on the safety and efficacy results of studies on mice, rats and rabbits. # The phase-1

Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme

  Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme The Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme has been activated as a response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Integrated Disease Surveillance Project was launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in assistance with the World Bank, in 2004. It continued as the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) during 12th Plan (2012–17) under the National Health Mission with a domestic budget. Under it, a Central Surv

Staying alert

Staying alert: On monitoring non-COVID-19 diseases Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) # The Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), the backbone of India’s disease monitoring network, is responsible for alerting the Centre and the wider world, on a weekly basis, about the emergence of disease outbreaks, a surge in novel pathogens, the rate of spread and remedial action taken.   Major focus –only on COVID-19 # On average, there are 30-40 su

Bend it like Italy: On flattening the COVID-19 curve

Bend it like Italy: On flattening the COVID-19 curve Context * Five months after WHO declared COVID-19 as a  public health emergency of international concern and three-and-half months after it called the disease a pandemic, its spread does not seem to be slowing down globally.   Spike in the cases globally * Instead, infections and the death toll continue to rise alarmingly. After a sharp increase in March, the fresh cases reported have steadily increased, breaching the

Covaxin 

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Measles and Rubella

Measles and Rubella The COVID-19 epidemic snatched two years from the programs therefore the government opted to shift the Measles-Rubella eradication target to 2023. India set the goal of eradicating measles and rubella by 2023 in anticipation that the 2020 target would not be feasible. Why is it important to eradicate diseases? Elimination of measles:  Prior to vaccination, measles killed 1% of all children under the age of five, whereas polio paralyzed around 1%

NOROVIRUS

NOROVIRUS Recently, two pupils in Kerala were found to have norovirus. A group of viruses known as norovirus causes gastrointestinal sickness. In addition to severe vomiting and diarrhoea, it also results in inflammation of the lining of the stomach and intestines. Norovirus outbreaks aren't usually dangerous, but if the right precautions aren't done, the virus can spread quickly. The typical infectious agent is tainted water or food. The faecal-oral pathway is how the virus sp

Immune imprinting

Immune imprinting Recent research suggests that "immune imprinting" may reduce the effectiveness of bivalent boosters. More on the news:  With the aim that boosters would offer superior protection against the coronavirus infection compared to the original vaccine, nations like the UK and the US have introduced variant-specific or bivalent boosters. Studies have revealed that immunological imprinting, a characteristic of our body, maybe render these new boosters

Skyglow

Skyglow Skyglow's brightness has recently been found to have increased by 9.2-10% annually between 2011 and 2022 as a result of artificial lighting, with serious ecological, health, and cultural implications. Researchers looked at a global database that indicated the dimmest star that could be viewed from a certain location and comprised more than 51,000 entries supplied by citizen scientists. WHAT is SKYGLOW? The Skyglow is a continuous sheet of light that covers the nigh

World Leprosy Day 2023

World Leprosy Day 2023 The final Sunday in January is designated as World Leprosy Day (WLD). The World Leprosy Day falls on January 29, 2023. This global day offers the chance to honor those who have battled leprosy, increase public understanding of the condition, and demand an end to prejudice and stigma connected to the disease. About World Leprosy Day: The theme of World Leprosy Day 2023 is “Act Now. End Leprosy.” This year's theme calls attention to thre

World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day: 30 Jan

World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day: 30 Jan World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Day was designated by the 74th World Health Assembly, which is currently in session. The United Arab Emirates proposed the day to be recognized. The delegates unanimously agreed to adopt it. Informally, the inaugural World NTD Day was observed in 2020. The World Health Assembly is the decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO). About Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD): A se

Snakebites in India

Snakebites in India According to recent research by the Kerala Forest Department, snakebites cause nearly twice as many human fatalities as wild elephants. More on the news: According to an Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) study, India has seen an estimated 12 lakh snakebite deaths since 2000, or an average of 58,000 each year. India is responsible for over 50% of all snakebite deaths worldwide. The monsoon season, which lasts from June to September, s

Cholera

Cholera Due to the rising number of cholera cases in the area, cholera vaccine shortages are a serious concern for African countries. In five African countries, there have been 27,300 new cases of cholera since the year 2023, with 687 deaths. According to the WHO (World Health Organization), cholera epidemics may become more frequent as a result of climate change because the bacteria that cause the disease can grow faster in warmer water. About cholera: It is a  bac

Sickle Cell Disease - Aspire IAS

Sickle Cell Disease The states are receiving assistance from the Indian government in their efforts to treat and prevent Sickle Cell Disease through the National Health Mission. The government declared a goal to end Sickle Cell Anaemia by 2047 in the Union Budget 2023–24. What is SCD, or Sickle Cell Disease? The devastating systemic illness caused by SCD, a chronic single gene defect, includes chronic anaemia, acute painful episodes, organ infarction, chronic organ damag

Marburg Virus Disease

Marburg Virus Disease After at least nine fatalities, Equatorial Guinea has verified its first-ever Marburg virus illness epidemic. About Marburg virus: Humans are susceptible to Marburg virus disease (MVD), formerly known as Marburg hemorrhagic fever. The Filoviridae family includes both the Marburg and the Ebola viruses (filovirus). Although the two diseases are brought on by distinct viruses, they are clinically identical. Haemorrhagic fever is the result of the extremely viru

Monkeypox

Monkeypox Recently, the Fourth meeting of the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR), Emergency Committee on the Multi-Country Outbreak of monkeypox was held. 196 nations have entered into a legally binding agreement known as the International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005 to develop the capacity to identify and report potential public health emergencies globally. WHO's Most Recent Worldwide Statistics: Since January 1, 2022, reports of (monkeypox) have come fro

National Guidelines for Organ Transplantation

National Guidelines for Organ Transplantation The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization's guidelines contained a stipulation that only allowed patients under the age of 65 to register for transplants. This rule has been abolished by the Union Health Ministry. The Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994 in India sets up a number of rules regarding the removal and preservation of human organs. Additionally, it controls the transplantation of human organs for medical treat

Lead poisoning

Lead poisoning The enormous environmental damage, human exposure, and serious public health issues brought on by the widespread use of lead have affected many regions of the world. Regarding Lead Poisoning: Lead poisoning, also known as chronic intoxication, is brought on by the body absorbing lead, and symptoms include weakness or paralysis of the muscles, as well as weariness, nausea, diarrhoea, nausea, lack of appetite, anaemia, and a dark line along the gums. Lead poisoning can

National Strategy Plan & Roadmap for Leprosy 2023–2027

National Strategy Plan and Roadmap for Leprosy 2023–2027 To achieve zero cases of leprosy infection by 2030, the Union Health Ministry has created the National Strategy Plan and Roadmap for Leprosy 2023–2027. More on the news: India still accounts for around 52% of the world's new leprosy sufferers, despite being designated "Leprosy Eliminated" in 2005, according to the Union Health Ministry. It should be mentioned that past successes in India's l

Tsetse Flies

Tsetse Flies According to a recent study, tsetse flies emit volatile pheromones that regulate both their mating habits and the harmful diseases they transmit. More people and animals are anticipated to contract these diseases in the upcoming years as climate change is predicted to increase the places where tsetse flies may survive. African trypanosomes, a type of parasite, are known to be carried by tsetse flies. The parasites carry diseases like nagana, which affects livestock and ot

Sickle Cell Anaemia

Sickle Cell Anaemia The Finance Minister recently declared that India will eradicate sickle cell anaemia in a mission mode by 2047 in the Budget 2023–24. About: In terms of anticipated births with Sickle Cell Anaemia (SCA), or the likelihood of having the condition, India is the second worst impacted nation. Haemoglobinopathies, or blood disorders, are more prevalent among tribal groups in India than non-tribal tribes, according to research and screening programmes.

Blue Food

Blue Food According to a recent study, blue food from aquatic habitats can aid in reducing nutritional deficiencies, creating jobs, and increasing export revenue in India. About blue food: It is widely acknowledged that food systems need to change Rs 250 million people may be on the verge of hunger as nearly 700 million people go hungry. Conflict, economic slowdowns, and climate variability and extremes are some of the major factors that are contributing to an increase i

SUPOSHIT MAA Initiative

SUPOSHIT MAA Initiative The Lok Sabha Speaker's efforts to advance mother and child health as part of the "Suposhit Maa" initiative have been commended by the Prime Minister of India. About Suposhit Maa: The Lok Sabha Speaker started the "Suposhit Maa Abhiyan" in Kota, Rajasthan, in March 2020 with the goal of making India malnutrition-free. The ceremony was overseen by the Union Minister for Women and Child Development. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha announ

Gut Microbiome link To Autism

Gut Microbiome link To Autism A study was done to determine how the gut microbiome and autism spectrum disease are related (ASD). It has been discovered that human gut microbiome makeup is linked to several disorders, including autism, Crohn's disease, and others. The bacteria, archaea, fungi, and viruses that inhabit human digestive tracts are known as the gut microbiome or gut microbiota. These microorganisms have an impact on the body from birth and throughout life by regulating

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) With the virus undetectable in his body even 4 years after discontinuing the medication, a man from Germany has become at least the third person to have been cured of HIV. Main point: The third person to have an HIV "cure" after receiving a bone marrow transplant from an HIV-resistant donor is a 53-year-old German male. The transplant was done to cure blood cancer, and even four years after he stopped taking antiretroviral medic

India’s First DNA Vaccine for Dengue

India’s First DNA Vaccine for Dengue The first and only Dengue Fever DNA vaccine candidate in India has been created by scientists at India's National Centre for Biological Sciences in partnership with nine other institutions in India, Africa, and the US. In early tests on mice, the candidate elicited a potent immune response and increased survival rates following illness exposure. About Dengue Vaccine The four strains of dengue are DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-

Duty Exemptions for Rare Disease medicine

Duty Exemptions for Rare Disease medicine The National Policy for Rare Diseases 2021 lists all the rare diseases that must be treated, and the Central Government has granted complete exemption from basic customs duty on all pharmaceuticals and food imported for personal use. About The individual importer must present a certificate from the district's medical officer or civil surgeon, or the central or state director of health services, to be eligible for this exemption.

Erythritol

Erythritol Several studies have linked the popular Artificial Sweetener Erythritol to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. What was the Research's Outcome? The study's findings showed that erythritol facilitated platelet activation and clot formation. The blood cells called platelets, which form clots when they group together, are activated by erythritol. Such platelet accumulation restricts blood flow in blood arteries located throughout the body. Cardiovascular

Coronary Heart Disease

Coronary Heart Disease Researchers are particularly concerned about coronary heart disease because it is the primary cause of death worldwide from cardiovascular illnesses. About Coronary Heart Disease Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a condition where the blood channels that bring oxygen-rich blood to the heart become constricted as a result of the accumulation of fatty deposits (plaques) inside the arteries. The arteries may stiffen and constrict as a result of these deposits

Digital Health Summit 2023

Digital Health Summit 2023 Recently, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) held the Digital Health Summit 2023 in Goa. The CII is a non-profit, business-led, and industry-managed organisation. Major highlight It discussed the relevance of technological breakthroughs in health care, including robotics, bioinformatics, and genomics, and how they potentially enable revolutionary medical treatments. It attempts to create a framework for digital public goods to p

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis In the US, there were 100 confirmed or suspected cases of blastomycosis, including at least one death. It is an infection brought on by the fungus Blastomyces. The environment is where the fungus thrives, particularly in damp soil and in organic materials that is degrading, such wood and leaves. Transmission: Breathing in the minute fungus spores from the air can cause blastomycosis in humans.  There is no airborne transmission of blastomycosis between

R21 Malaria Vaccine

R21 Malaria Vaccine With the clearance of the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine, which was created by the University of Oxford and produced by the Serum Institute of India, Nigeria made medical history. After Ghana, it is the second nation to accomplish so. About The R21, also known as the Matrix-M malaria vaccine, is the second disease-specific vaccination ever created. In 2021, the WHO authorised RTS, S or mosquirix, the first-ever malaria vaccine. Nine nations, including the

Zika Virus

Karnataka has stepped up surveillance after a mosquito pool in Chickballapur was found to be positive for Zika virus. It is a vector-borne flavivirus. Zika virus is a mosquito-borne virus 1st identified in Uganda in 1947 in a Rhesus macaque monkey followed by evidence of infection and disease in humans in other African countries in the 1950s. Transmission – Primarily by the bite of Aedes mosquitoes, mainly Aedes aegypti and Aedes Albopictus. It is a

World Local Production Forum (WLPF)

The Indian delegation is going to participate in the 2nd World Local Production Forum (WLPF) at the World Forum, The Hague in Netherlands in November 2023. WLPF is a platform to generate actionable recommendations to support local production of medicines and healthcare technologies. Created by – World Health Organisation (WHO). The 1st edition of WLPF was organized virtually in 2021. Aims To emphasize the importance of health product production

Global TB Report 2023

According to the Global TB Report 2023, India accounts for 27% of the total TB cases in the world. It is annual report by World Health Organisation (WHO) since 1997. Global Tuberculosis Report 2023 – It provides a comprehensive and up-to-date assessment of TB epidemic Progress in prevention, diagnosis and treatment At global, regional and country levels. Data source – Data from national ministries of health. Coverage –

Chikungunya Viral Infection (CHIKV) and Vaccine

Recently, the world’s 1st vaccine for chikungunya was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the U.S.A. It is a ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus that belongs to the alphavirus genus of the family Togaviridae. Chikungunya outbreak was 1st recognized in 1952 in southern Tanzania. Transmission to humans – By the bites of infected female ‘Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes’. CHIKV has been described as &lsqu

Unhealthy Urban India

Unhealthy diets, reduced physical activity and air pollution are posing a greater risk to morbidity and mortality in urban areas. Status of Urban India The number of people who live in places that are closer together and have a higher population density as compared to the rural areas is referred to as the "urban population." The urban population of India attained a value of 475 million people in 2021. India’s urban populat

Concerns with Generic Medicine

Patients in India rely on the advice of unqualified medical shop sellers instead of doctors when buying medicines. What is the difference between generic and branded medicines? About Branded drugs Generic drugs Definition They are also called as the “Innovator drugs” and are at first available in the market as new chemical entities It is a pharmaceutical drug that contains t

AGNI Initiative

Ministry of Ayush has launched AGNI Initiative for physicians practicing in the field of Ayurveda. AGNI – Ayurveda Gyan Naipunya Initiative Objectives To provide a platform to Ayurveda practitioners for reporting their innovative practices in various disease conditions. To create of a database by identifying and collaborating with interested practitioners. To mainstream pragmatic practices through scientific validation and evidence-bas

Pneumonia

Recently, World Health Organization (WHO) has requested China for a detailed report of a widespread outbreak of an undiagnosed pneumonia like respiratory illness affecting children. Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that affects the lungs. Causes – Infectious agents like viruses, bacteria and fungi Bacteria – Streptococcus pneumonia, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) Virus – Resp

Gene Therapy for Sickle Cell Anaemia

The first therapy based on gene editing technology Crispr-Cas9 for sickle cell disease and thalassaemia has been approved in UK. What is sickle cell anaemia and thalassemia? About Sickle Cell Anaemia Thalassemia Disease An inherited blood disorder where people who inherit a pair of genes from both parents experience symptoms like severe anaemia. Effect on haemoglobin chain

DISHA

Diagnostic Services in Healthcare - Availability and Geo-mapping of Laboratory services in India (DISHA) is a portal that helps the public access nearby diagnostic healthcare facilities. It was launched by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Institute of Pathology (NIP). The portal provides information on the type of facility, distance, test availability, test cost, and turn-around time.

Gene therapy for Sickle cell Disease

The world’s 1st gene therapy “Casgevy” for sickle cell disease has been approved in Britain recently. It is made by Vertex Pharmaceuticals (Europe) Ltd. and CRISPR Therapeutics. Gene therapy for sickle cell disease uses a non-infectious lentivirus to silence the BCL11A gene. It approved the treatment for patients with sickle cell disease and thalassemia who are 12 years old and over. Both sickle cell disease (common in people with African

Project Collaboration Agreement

WHO and the Ministry of AYUSH signed the Traditional and Complementary Medicine 'Project Collaboration Agreement' recently. It aims to standardize Traditional and Complementary Medical Systems, integrate their quality and safety aspects into the National Health System, and disseminate them at the international level.

Mabella Vaccine

Vaccine maker Indian Immunologicals (IIL) has recently launched measles and rubella vaccine Mabella for children. It was launched as part of the 25th celebrations of the IIL division Human Biologicals Institute (HBI) in Udhagamandalam (Ooty), Tamil Nadu.

Vector Borne Diseases

Vector Borne diseases are the illness caused by the vectors. A vector is a carrier of the causative microbe for various diseases such as mosquitoes, ticks and fleas. The reproduction rates of vectors are influenced by climate and weather. Such diseases are widespread and found throughout the world. More than 700,000 patients die of vector-borne diseases. The major vector-borne diseases constitute about 17% of the infectious diseases in the world. The poorest populations of the tropi

Osteoporosis

According to a new study, India has 6 crore osteoporosis patients, of which 80% are women. It is a progressive disease that weakens bones, increasing the risk of fractures. Causes – Hormonal changes at menopause where oestrogen levels decline initiating bone loss as higher oestrogen protects bone strength in adulthood. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 30% of postmenopausal women suffer from osteoporosis. While the outcomes of disease are co

Snakebites in India

India has the biggest burden of deaths due to snakebites in the world, with most of the cases in rural India. Avoidable Deaths Network (ADN) has set up a hub in an Odisha village to look into lifesaving solutions for snakebites. ADN is a global membership network working on avoiding human deaths from natural hazards. In 2015, India ratified the WHO’s Snakebite Envenoming Strategy for Prevention and Control, along with UN’ Sendai Framework for halving the deaths

World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day is observed on December 1st each year, is an opportunity to highlight the work of eliminating HIV/AIDS. The theme for World AIDS Day 2023 is "Let Communities Lead". Nagaland tops the list of States India with the highest prevalence (1.61%) of AIDS. At 0.29%, Karnataka’s HIV prevalence rate is higher than the national average of 0.22%.

Pompe Disease

It is also known as Glycogen Storage Disease Type II. It is a rare genetic disorder caused by a deficiency of the enzyme acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA) (crucial for breaking down glycogen into glucose within the lysosomes of cells). Its prevalence estimates range from 1 in 40,000 to 1 in 300,000 births. Currently, there is no cure for Pompe disease and to improve quality of life Enzyme Replacement Therapy (ERT) is a standard treatment.

Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpes Virus (EEHV)

A new study assessed the circulation of the elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus Subtypes (EEHV) responsible for the recent rise in the disease, as well as its pathogenesis. Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) is a double-stranded DNA herpesvirus. It can cause a fatal hemorrhagic disease in young Asian elephants. The disease has a mortality rate of up to 85%.

Kidney Transplants in India

The Indian government has ordered a probe into an allegation that poor Myanmarese villagers were being lured into giving their kidneys to rich patients. Regulated by– Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994. A transplant can be either From organs of deceased persons donated by their relatives From a living person the recipient knows Only 16% of the total transplants in the India use deceased organs. Types of donations

Noma

Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) has added the health challenge noma to its official list of neglected tropical diseases (NTD). It is a severe gangrenous disease of the mouth and face. Origin - Greek word “nom?”, meaning ‘to devour’, as noma eats away facial tissue and bones if not treated early. It is also known as cancrum oris or gangrenous stomatitis. Susceptible population – Children aged 2-6 years old. Sp

Lyfgenia

U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved two treatments, Casgevy and Lyfgenia, representing the 1st cell-based gene therapies for the treatment of sickle cell disease (SCD) recently. Lyfgenia is a cell-based gene therapy, uses a lentiviral vector (gene delivery vehicle) for genetic modification. Lyfgenia modifies a patient's blood stem cells to produce a modified version of the HBB gene. It is approved for the treatment of patients 12 years of age and o

AKTOCYTE

AKTOCYTE is a nutraceutical developed by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and IDRS Labs. The tablets are intended for radiotherapy patients, especially those with pelvic cancer suffering from radiotherapy-induced Cystitis (Blood in urine).

JN.1

A case of JN.1, subvariant of COVID19 has been detected in Kerala, as part of surveillance activity by Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) recently. It is a descendant of the Pirola variant (BA.2.86), carries an additional mutation on its spike protein. It is capable of spreading faster and evading immunity.

Ketamine

Ketamine is an illegal recreational anaesthetic drug that has been listed as a hallucinogen by the US Drug Enforcement Administration. It is used to treat mental health treatments like depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Noma Disease

Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) has added the health challenge noma to its official list of neglected tropical diseases (NTD). It is a severe gangrenous disease of the mouth and face. Origin - Greek word “nom?”, meaning ‘to devour’, as noma eats away facial tissue and bones if not treated early. It is also known as cancrum oris or gangrenous stomatitis. Susceptible population – Children aged 2-6 years old.

JN.1 variant COVID

India recently reported a case of JN.1 from Kerala, as part of routine surveillance and genome sequencing by INSACOG. INSACOG is an Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium, a network of genomic laboratories. JN.1 - It is a descendant of the Pirola variant (BA.2.86), which itself stems from the Omicron sub-variant. It carries mutations in the spike protein that may increase its infectivity and ability to evade immune responses. The lineages are assigned

Loneliness: A Public Health Concern

Recently, World Health Organisation (WHO) declared a pressing, albeit underappreciated, global health threat ‘loneliness’ in its report. What is loneliness? Definition – It is largely understood to be “the unpleasant experience that occurs when a person’s network of social relations is deficient in some important way, either quantitatively or qualitatively,” and is computed as an experience other than ‘social isolation.

Cancer treatment-Molecular Jackhammers

Scientists have discovered a new method to fight cancer using aminocyanine molecules. Aminocyanine molecules - These aminocyanine molecules are termed molecular jackhammers. These molecules show a remarkable capability to break apart cancer cell membranes when stimulated by near infrared light. The use of near infrared light holds significant importance, as it facilitates deeper penetration into the body. In comparison to their predecessors, these molecular jackhammers demonstra

Zombie Deer Disease

Experts have termed the zombie deer disease a slow-moving disaster and have urged governments to prepare for the possibility of it spreading to humans. The deadly and infectious chronic wasting disease (CWD), also known as zombie deer disease, affects cervids, which are deer, elk, caribou, reindeer, and moose. The neurological symptoms of the disease, which include weight loss, lack of coordination, lethargic behavior, listlessness, and drooling. It is brought on by a protein call

INSUQUICK

Drug firm USV and bio-tech company Biogenomics have launched INSUQUICK, India's 1st biosimilar Insulin Aspart recently. InsuQuick is a rapid-acting insulin that helps control blood sugar levels and treats diabetes mellitus in children over 2 years old. It is a 'Make in India' product.

Huntington’s disease

Huntington's disease (HD) is a rare, inherited disease that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. It's also known as Huntington's chorea. HD attacks areas of the brain that help to control voluntary movement, as well as other areas. Symptoms usually start between the ages of 30 and 50. No cure exists, but drugs, physiotherapy and speech therapy can help manage some symptoms.

Louis Pasteur

Louis Pasteur (1822 - 1895) was a French chemist and microbiologist who is known for his discoveries in vaccination, microbial fermentation, and pasteurization. He is considered one of the first scientists to discover the role of microorganisms in disease and how vaccines can prevent sickness. He developed the vaccine against Rabies.a

Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG)

Established by - Ministry of Health and Department of Biotechnology, Council for Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Aim – To assess SARS-CoV-2 Variants in India. To generate Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) data of the virus which can be correlated with clinical epidemiological data for advanced preparedness for public health interventions.

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare – YEAR REVIEW

The Ministry is charged with health policy in India, which is also responsible for all government programs relating to family planning in India. Departments Department of Health and Family Welfare Department of Health Research Union Minister- Mansukh L. Mandaviya Health Missions National Health Mission (NHM) – It was launched in 2005 to provide accessible, affordable and quality health care to the rural population, especially to the vulnerable gr

No sale of blood

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) said that blood at hospitals or private banks and centres is “not for sale” but allowed for a “processing charge”. The revised guidelines said that processing fees can be charged for blood or blood components, which ranges from Rs 250 to Rs 1,550. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) is a statutory body established under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

TM Module-2 in ICD-11

Recently ICD-11 was launched with the inclusion of Traditional Medicine Module 2. ICD-11 – International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision, the global standard for diagnostic health information. Launched by – World Health Organisation (WHO). Prepared by – WHO in collaboration with Ministry of AYUSH. Aim - To modernize Ayush medicine by integrating it with global standards in India as well as across the world.

Mannhit App

The Union Health Minister and the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh jointly launched the Mannhit app recently. It is an initiative facilitating screening for mental health.

Cervical Cancer Vaccine

Indian government is set to roll out a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign for girls in the 9-14 years age group. Cervavac is an indigenously developed quadrivalent vaccine by the Serum Institute of India (SII) in Pune, is already available commercially. Immunisation drive – It will be conducted through schools and existing vaccination points, planned in 3 phases over 3 years and is likely to start from the 2nd quarter of 2024 for fre

Gut Microbiota and Human Health

Scientists are finding that the gut microbiota may be linked to heart health, some cancers, and even the colour of urine. Gut Microbiota The human gut microbiota refers to the trillions of microbes, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, that live in the human gut. Previously, people referred to the gut microbiota as the microflora of the gut. The gut microbiome is the environment they live in. Establishment of the human gut microbiota: Infants inherit t

Anti-Microbial Resistance Cause and Solution

Recently the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in a study found that over half of the nearly 10,000 hospital patients surveyed were given antibiotics to prevent, rather than treat, infection. What is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)? Antimicrobials - including antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and antiparasitic - are medicines used to prevent and treat infections in humans, animals and plants. It is defined as resistance of micro-organisms to an antimicrobial

National Essential Diagnostics List

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has begun the process of revising the current National Essential Diagnostics List (NEDL) and invited relevant stakeholders to offer suggestions on adding or deleting diagnostic tests to the current list by the end of February. National Essential Diagnostics List The NEDL lists the essential and most basic tests that should be available at various levels of healthcare facilities in the country, including at the village level, in sub-he

Hepatitis A vaccine ‘Havisure’ 

Recently, the Indian Immunologicals Ltd (IIL) a wholly owned subsidiary of National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) launched India’s first indigenously developed Hepatitis A vaccine ‘Havisure’ in Hyderabad. About Havisure vaccine It is a two-dose vaccine — first dose administered at above 12 months of age and the second at least six months after the first dose. The vaccine is recommended for children as part of the routine immunization as wel

Project BHISHM

BHISHM -Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita and Maitri). It is a project that aims to provide immediate medical assistance during humanitarian crises or natural disasters. It is a joint project of the Indian Navy and the DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation). The project also includes the world's first indigenous portable hospital.

Operation AMRITH

The Kerala Drug Control Department launched Operation Amrith (AMRITH - Anti Microbial Resistance Intervention for Total Health) recently. It is a strategy launched to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The initiative aims to reduce the use of antibiotics by conducting surprise raids on retail medical shops to detect the sale of antibiotics without a prescription.

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