Updates
ED Probes Financial Irregularities at RG Kar Medical College
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated a money laundering investigation into alleged financial irregularities at RG Kar Medical College during the tenure of former principal Sandip Ghosh. The probe follows a CBI FIR, focusing on suspicious transactions and procurement practices at the institution.
Jan Aushadhi Scheme Expands Nationwide
The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) is rapidly expanding across India, offering affordable medicines at up to 90% discount. With over 13,000 operational centers, the scheme aims to increase accessibility to quality healthcare by opening more Jan Aushadhi Kendras in the coming years.
IRDAI Urges Companies to Make Insurance Affordable by 2047
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has called on insurance companies to devise strategies to make insurance affordable, aiming to achieve "insurance for all" by 2047. The initiative addresses the high premiums in health insurance, particularly affecting senior citizens.
Study Reveals COVID-19 Spike Protein's Role in Brain Infection
A recent study uncovers how changes in the COVID-19 spike protein enhance the virus's ability to infect the brain, potentially explaining long COVID's neurological symptoms. Researchers found specific mutations in the spike protein that could lead to more effective treatments for brain-related symptoms in COVID-19 patients.
Germany Donates 100,000 Mpox Vaccine Doses to Aid African Outbreak Response
Germany announces the donation of 100,000 mpox vaccine doses from its military reserves to support African nations battling the outbreak. Additional financial assistance will be provided to the WHO and GAVI to enhance global efforts in controlling the spread of the virus.
Kerala Health Institutions to Receive ₹69.35 Crore Boost from National
The Centre has approved ₹69.35 crore under the National Health Mission for developing healthcare institutions in Kerala. This includes upgrading infrastructure at 29 facilities, with significant investments in hospitals, mother and childcare centers, and diagnostic blocks across various districts.
India's First Indigenously Developed Monkeypox RT-PCR Kit Launched
AMTZ in Vishakhapatnam introduces India's first Monkeypox RT-PCR Kit, marking a significant advancement in healthcare diagnostics with cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions.
Deadly Equine Virus Detected in Hudson Valley, Triggers Lockdowns in Four U.S. Towns
A deadly equine virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), with a 30% mortality rate, has been detected in the Hudson Valley. In response, four Massachusetts towns have implemented voluntary evening lockdowns to prevent its mosquito-borne spread.
B'desh Political Crisis Severely Impacts India's Medical Tourism Sector
The ongoing political turmoil in Bangladesh has led to a significant decline in the number of Bangladeshi patients seeking medical treatment in India. Major hospitals report up to a 50% drop in visits, raising concerns about the potential impact on India's medical tourism industry and pharmaceutical exports to Bangladesh.
South Korea Faces ER Crisis Amid COVID-19 Surge and Doctors' Strike
As COVID-19 cases rise in South Korea, the ongoing trainee doctors' strike raises fears of overwhelming hospital emergency rooms, particularly during the Chuseok holiday. The Korean Medical Association warns of potential strain, despite government assurances of additional support.
WHO Permits Partners to Purchase Mpox Vaccines Ahead of Approval
The World Health Organization (WHO) has allowed its partners, including Gavi and UNICEF, to begin purchasing mpox vaccines before the official approval to expedite the vaccination process in Africa amidst a growing outbreak. The WHO's emergency license is expected in September.
Supreme Court Orders Safety Measures for Doctors Amid Protests
The Supreme Court has directed the Union Health Ministry to collaborate with state authorities to ensure safety measures for doctors, following the rape and murder of a postgraduate medic in Kolkata. The court emphasized the need for immediate action and peaceful protests.
