Updates
Union Health Ministry to Ensure Healthcare Worker Safety
The Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare assured healthcare professionals of its commitment to their safety after a recent assault on a resident doctor in Kolkata. The Ministry announced the formation of a committee to develop measures for safeguarding healthcare workers across the country.
IMA Calls for Airport-Like Security in Hospitals, Issues Five Key Demands
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) is demanding a central law for doctors' safety and declaring hospitals as safe zones after the brutal murder of a PG student at RG Kar Medical College. A 24-hour strike is set for August 17, with emergency services remaining operational.
Government Directs Hospitals to File FIR Within Six Hours of Violence
The Union health ministry has issued a directive requiring heads of government hospitals to file an FIR within six hours of any incident of violence against healthcare workers. The move follows nationwide protests triggered by the recent rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata.
Nationwide Protests Erupt Over Rape and Murder of Doctor in Kolkata
Protests have erupted across India after the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata. Demonstrators demand justice and better security for women on medical campuses. The Indian Medical Association has called for a 24-hour strike, with the crime drawing comparisons to the 2012 Delhi gang rape.
WHO Urges Global Collaboration to Combat Emerging Monkeypox Variant
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged countries to enhance surveillance and collaborate to combat the monkeypox outbreak. Following Sweden's confirmation of the first Clade I variant case outside Africa, WHO calls for global cooperation and vaccine sharing.
IMA Calls for Nationwide Strike After Kolkata Doctor’s Tragic Death
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has announced a nationwide strike on Saturday in response to the brutal rape and murder of a doctor at Kolkata's R G Kar Medical College. The strike will affect all hospitals, both public and private, with emergency services remaining operational.
Biden Administration Negotiates Lower Drug Prices for Medicare
The Biden administration has announced significant savings for Medicare recipients on medications treating diabetes, heart disease, and other conditions, following successful price negotiations with drug companies. These price reductions, effective in 2026, will save about $1.5 billion in out-of-pocket costs for patients.
US FDA Targets New Sodium Reduction Goals in Packaged Foods
The US FDA proposes new guidelines to reduce sodium levels in packaged and processed foods by 20% over the next three years. This move aims to combat diet-related chronic diseases, targeting major food companies and fast-food chains.
IMA Declares Nationwide 24-Hour Strike to Protest Kolkata Medic Murder
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has announced a 24-hour nationwide withdrawal of non-emergency services on August 17, protesting the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata. Essential services and casualty wards will remain operational during the strike.
AIIMS and Safdarjung Doctors Continue Strike Over Kolkata Medic Murder
Doctors at AIIMS, Safdarjung, and other hospitals in New Delhi are continuing their strike, protesting the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata. While some associations have called off the strike, others remain steadfast, demanding stronger protections for healthcare workers.
Assam Hospital Withdraws Advisory for Women Doctors After Protests
Silchar Medical College in Assam cancels an advisory asking women doctors to avoid isolated areas at night, following protests from students demanding better security measures. The hospital administration promises to issue a revised advisory soon.
India Begins Phase 3 Trial for Indigenous Dengue Vaccine
ICMR and Panacea Biotec have started the Phase 3 clinical trial of DengiAll, India's first indigenous tetravalent dengue vaccine. The trial involves over 10,335 healthy adults across 19 sites in India, marking a critical step towards combating dengue in the country.
