NATIONAL HEALTH AUTHORITY
Why Africa is still waiting for mpox vaccines amid global health concerns
Africa was expected to receive its first 10,000 mpox vaccines, highlighting a slow global response compared to other regions. The WHO began the approval process only recently, hindering access for low-income countries. The U.S. donated the initial vaccine batch, as Africa struggled with the virus long before the new strain caused worldwide alarm.
ICMR-led study estimates 10-year risk of developing heart disease in adults in India
An ICMR-led study has found that unemployed adults in India have a significantly higher risk of developing heart disease over the next decade. The research analyzed nearly 4,500 adults aged 40-69 years, showing that men and urban residents have higher risks. High blood sugar and obesity also contribute to increased cardiovascular risks.
Antony Blinken to push for Gaza ceasefire; Israel launches fresh strikes
Israeli airstrikes in Gaza on Sunday killed at least 21 people, including six children, according to Palestinian health authorities. The strikes targeted a house in Deir Al-Balah, resulting in significant casualties. The Israeli military claimed the attacks aimed at rocket launchers and Palestinian fighters in Khan Younis. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is visiting the region to advance ceasefire negotiations amidst escalating violence and humanitarian concerns. With intensified diplomatic efforts and fears of regional escalation, the conflict's humanitarian toll continues to rise.
Reshuffle of top bureaucratic posts: Rajesh Kumar Singh is new defence secretary
Rajesh Kumar Singh has been appointed as the new defence secretary, succeeding Aramane Giridhar. Manoj Govil is the new expenditure secretary. Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Vivek Joshi, Nagaraju Maddrila, and Deepti Gaur Mukerjee have also been given new roles in a major reshuffle. Singh, previously DPIIT secretary, has led significant reforms, including easing FDI norms and reducing industry compliance burdens. The appointments are part of a wide-ranging bureaucratic restructuring, affecting various governmental departments and key positions within the Indian administrative framework.
Mpox virus detected in Pakistan, health authorities say
Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa health department reported three cases of mpox in patients who arrived from the United Arab Emirates. The World Health Organization has declared a recent outbreak of mpox, driven by a new variant, as a public health emergency. The specific variant detected in these patients has not yet been identified.
Govt formulates cashless treatment scheme for road crash victims: Nitin Gadkari
NHA, under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, in coordination with local police, empanelled hospitals, state health agency, national informatics centre and general insurance council is responsible for implementation of the programme.
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Epidemics such as Nipah virus outbreaks, Covid-19 originated from non-human source: J P Nadda to Rajya Sabha
Union Health Minister J P Nadda emphasized the importance of a One Health approach, integrating human, animal, and environmental health, to tackle zoonotic diseases like Nipah and Covid-19. The National One Health Mission aims to enhance disease surveillance, research, and pandemic preparedness, supported by a financial outlay of Rs 386.86 crore.
No panel formed for extending benefits to cover citizens above 70 under Ayushman Bharat: Govt
Union Minister of State for Health Prataprao Jadhav clarified in the Lok Sabha on Friday that no expert committee has been established to extend the health benefits under Ayushman Bharat to citizens aged 70 and above. This response came in reply to a query regarding the government's plan to include this age group by launching a national health claims exchange and potentially strengthening the scheme's format.
Parliament panel calls for in-built validation checks to avoid invalid entries into AB-PMJAY database
The committee also flagged that patients earlier recorded as having "died" in the Transaction Management System (TMS) (used for claims settlement) continued to avail treatment under the scheme.
No specific inputs available regarding biological attack threat at present: Govt
The Union home ministry had no specific inputs on biological attack threats, the Rajya Sabha was informed. Minister Nityanand Rai assured that the government was prepared, with Standard Operating Procedures and NDMA guidelines in place. States hold the primary responsibility for detecting biological threats, with support from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Air pollution crisis: Congress blasts Modi govt's policy, demands Budget action
The Congress accused the Modi government of "poor policy-making" in handling air pollution and demanded the upcoming Union Budget allocate significant resources to address this health crisis. They highlighted underfunding and mismanagement in the National Clean Air Program and called for a revamp of air pollution laws and stricter enforcement of emission norms.
Every minute in India, three girls are forced into child marriage
Shocking stats reveal three girls forced into child marriage per minute in India. NCRB recorded 3,863 cases (2018-2022); 16 lakh estimated annually. Assam achieved an 81% decline via strict enforcement and 3,000+ arrests. Alarming 23.3% of women aged 20-24 married before 18, impacting maternal health, labor force participation, and gender equality.
At least 33 major health insurance companies join govt's centralised claims-related info exchange
This new system aims to expedite the insurance claims process and make it more transparent, with real-time access to claims settlement status by the Insurance Regulatory Development Authority of India (IRDAI). Citizens will also be able to monitor their insurance claim status through their mobile devices.
33 major health insurers live on new national claims exchange; policyholders to get claims settled quicker on NHCX
The National Health Claims Exchange (NHCX) is a centralized platform developed by the government to streamline insurance claims processing. 33 health insurance companies have joined this platform, which aims to provide real-time claim status updates and enhance transparency in the process.
Faster health insurance claim settlement via single-window platform NHCX begins; how it will help policyholders
Health insurance rule change: The National Health Claims Exchange (NHCX) portal is set to simplify, accelerate, standardise the health insurance claim settlement process through the seamless exchange of information and documents between hospitals and insurance companies. For the the health insurance policyholders, the NHCX platform will speed up the claim settlement process so the waiting time to get discharged from the hospital will be reduced. What is going to change for health insurance policyholders?
Budget 2024: Is a Rs 10 lakh insurance the vitamin India's healthcare system needs?
The Centre is considering doubling the beneficiary base of the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme over the next three years, starting with those aged above 70, alongside raising annual coverage to Rs 10 lakh. These proposals are anticipated in the upcoming Union Budget. The interim Budget increased Ayushman Bharat's allocation to Rs 7,200 crore for secondary and tertiary care, with Rs 646 crore for health infrastructure.
Union Budget 2024: Govt mulls doubling number of AB-PMJAY beneficiaries, insurance amount
Budget 2024: The government plans to double Ayushman Bharat's beneficiary base over three years, starting with those aged 70 and above. Insurance coverage may increase to Rs 10 lakh per year, potentially costing an additional Rs 12,076 crore annually. These proposals might be announced in the upcoming Union Budget, enhancing healthcare accessibility and financial protection.
Need to sensitise foreign nationals on organ transplant guidelines in India: Health ministry
"It is essential for these foreign nationals visiting India for organ transplant to understand the specific guidelines and legal requirements that regulate the process of organ transplantation in India," Chandra said in the letter addressed to Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Union Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra on June 19.
At least 39 people killed in Israeli strikes across northern Gaza, officials say
Israeli airstrikes killed at least 39 people in northern Gaza on Saturday, with rescue workers searching for survivors. Fadel Naem, director of al-Ahli Hospital, reported receiving over three dozen bodies. The Palestinian Civil Defense dug through rubble in Gaza City’s Shati refugee camp, uncovering dozens of bodies. Israel confirmed strikes on two Hamas military sites in Gaza City. This follows recent deadly strikes near Rafah, worsening the humanitarian crisis. Additionally, an Israeli strike in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley killed an al-Jamaa al-Islamiya member. The Israel-Hamas conflict has claimed thousands of lives since October 7.
Heatwaves: A reminder to focus on health as part of climate action
Heatwaves are affecting a huge proportion of India’s population with health problems, including heatstroke, dehydration and worsened chronic health conditions. With over 25,000 cases of heat stroke being reported since March, hospitals have witnessed a spike in heat-related illness cases, stretching already strained public health systems.
NHCX, a single portal for all health insurance claims soon: what is the claims process, benefits to policyholders
The digital platform, to be launched in 2-3 months, will speed up and standardise claim settlement process, leading to cost benefits for the insured.
Netanyahu says no Gaza ceasefire until Hamas destroyed
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the idea of a permanent ceasefire with Hamas until the group's military and governing capabilities are destroyed, despite a proposed truce involving an initial six-week ceasefire. Biden had mentioned Israel's proposal for a temporary truce and partial withdrawal. Netanyahu's stance contrasts with Hamas, which seeks a permanent ceasefire, Israeli troop withdrawal, and prisoner release. The conflict, ongoing since October 7, has led to significant casualties and displacement, with peace talks struggling to find common ground.
Israeli airstrikes hit Rafah, kills two senior Hamas commanders
Israeli airstrikes on Rafah on Sunday night killed two senior Hamas commanders and 35 others, injuring dozens more. The strike targeted a Hamas compound following Hamas's rocket attack on Tel Aviv. The IDF confirmed the deaths of Yassin Rabia, Hamas's West Bank headquarters commander, and Khaled Najjar, another senior commander. Rabia managed military operations and directed attacks in the West Bank, while Najjar coordinated shooting attacks and funneled funds to Hamas operatives. Despite an ICJ order to halt operations, Israel continued its assault in Rafah.
EU foreign chief says Israel must respect UN court, control settler violence in the West Bank
Borrell insisted Israel had driven the Palestinians to the edge of a catastrophe because "the situation in Gaza is beyond words. The occupied West Bank is on the brink, risking an explosion any time." While most of the global attention is centered on Gaza, Borrell said that "we should not forget what's happening in the West Bank," where the seat of the Palestinian Authority is based.
Epidural during labour associated with 35% reduced risk from complications: BMJ Study
Research in the British Medical Journal found that epidural during labour reduces the risk of severe maternal morbidity (SMM) by 35%. SMM includes heart attack, sepsis, and hysterectomy. Epidural analgesia is recommended for high-risk pregnancies due to obesity, multiple births, or premature delivery.
Spain, Ireland and Norway will recognise a Palestinian state on May 28. Why does that matter?
Spain, Ireland, and Norway announced on Wednesday their intention to recognize a Palestinian state on May 28, responding to international outcry over the civilian casualties and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This move may encourage other EU nations to follow suit, potentially leading to further steps at the United Nations and increasing pressure on Israel. The recognition of a Palestinian state is seen as a crucial step towards resolving the long-standing conflict in the Middle East, with implications for peace negotiations and the broader international community. Israel has reacted negatively to the recognition, viewing it as a setback to the negotiation process and a reward for Hamas.
Responsible Innovation, how a blueprint for collaborative action is advancing global healthcare
On the occasion of the Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week (ADGHW), Dr. Asma Ibrahim Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Research and Innovation Centre, discusses the UAE's prioritisation of healthcare in driving investments and partnerships focusing on advancing technology and attracting top talent and fostering collaboration with India reflecting shared challenges and opportunities in healthcare. Overall, collaboration with global partners and investment in manufacturing capabilities exemplify the UAE's commitment to healthcare excellence and innovation, while initiatives like Malaffi enhance data-driven services. Read on to discover how ADGHW aims to faciliate responsible innovation in healthcare, even as the UAE emphasises patient rights protection in an era of advancing AI and data usage.
Nepal returns to locally manufactured spices after govt bans Indian spices
Nepali consumers are increasingly turning to locally manufactured and packaged spices following the ban on Indian spices due to high levels of ethylene oxide. The ancient market of Ason in Kathmandu has witnessed a surge in the purchase of locally produced spices, both processed and raw, as consumers prefer products made with traditional formulas passed down through generations. The ban on Indian spices, including MDH and Everest brands, was prompted by concerns raised by several countries, including Singapore and Hong Kong, regarding the presence of ethylene oxide, a carcinogenic pesticide.
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