Updates
India's Air Quality Improves with 19.3% Drop in Pollution
India experienced a 19.3% reduction in particulate pollution in 2022, the second highest globally, according to the Air Quality Life Index 2024 report. This decline added an average of 51 days to life expectancy, though challenges remain in achieving WHO air quality standards.
Africa’s Mpox Outbreaks Driven by Neglect, Experts Warn
African scientists highlight that decades of neglect have exacerbated Mpox outbreaks in Africa, leading to a new, more transmissible virus variant. WHO declares an international emergency, urging immediate action to combat the worsening situation in vulnerable populations.
WHO Confirms Droplets as Minor Mpox Transmission Route
The WHO has stated that droplets are a minor transmission route for Mpox, with close physical contact being the primary way the virus spreads. The organization emphasizes the need for further research to fully understand transmission dynamics as cases surge, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Supreme Court Stays Ayush Ministry's Notification on Drug Rules
The Supreme Court has stayed the Ayush Ministry's notification omitting Rule 170 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, which aimed to regulate misleading advertisements for Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani drugs. The court emphasized that the notification contradicts its earlier directive to curb such ads.
India Develops Indigenous Mpox RT-PCR Kit
India has developed an indigenous RT-PCR kit to detect Monkeypox (Mpox), marking a significant advancement in the country's healthcare capabilities. The Siemens Healthineers kit has been approved by the CDSCO, reflecting India's commitment to fighting the global Mpox outbreak with locally manufactured solutions.
National Task Force Begins Work on Healthcare Safety
The Supreme Court-appointed National Task Force convened its first meeting on August 27 to draft a protocol ensuring the safety and security of medical professionals in India. The task force will submit an interim report within three weeks, focusing on preventing violence against healthcare workers and creating a safe working environment.
Supreme Court Panel Meets to Ensure Safety for Healthcare Workers
A Supreme Court-appointed panel convened to discuss protocols for improving the safety and security of healthcare professionals in India. The panel plans wider consultations with stakeholders to draft a comprehensive framework addressing the pressing issues faced by medical professionals.
WHO Launches $135M Plan to Control Mpox Outbreaks
The WHO has unveiled a six-month, $135 million plan to combat mpox outbreaks, focusing on improving vaccine access and ramping up staff in affected countries, particularly in Africa. The initiative includes enhanced surveillance and response strategies to stop the virus's spread.
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.
