Confiscation of misleading medicines in Telangana Content Editor: Dr. Sakshi Aggarwal May 4, 2024 at 2:30:00 PM Medicines, Public Health Laws The medicines included in this confiscation, are as follows: 1. Khadirarishta - claimed to treat tumours 2. Ekangveer ras - claimed to treat paralysis 3. Simhadi guggulu - claimed to treat rheumatism and tumors 4. Stonil - claimed to treat kidney problems Steroids were also seized from various quacks during these raids. The confiscation was done in three cities and two districts of Telangana. Drug and Magic Remedies Act, of 1984, prohibits any such advertisements about drugs providing treatments for certain ailments because of their magical qualities . It is a punishable offense with imprisonment of about 6 months with or without a fine. It is extremely important to stop such medicines from being so easily available on the market, as self-medication of such drugs poses a great threat to humanity. These can be harmful in terms of antimicrobial resistance, rendering infections non-responsive to appropriate treatment and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death. Previous Next

Public Health Daily News Snippets WHO Bulletin Releases Special Edition on Traditional Medicine Ahead of Global Summit The WHO Bulletin published its first special issue on traditional medicine since 1977, featuring research and policy analyses. This release precedes the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine scheduled for December 2025 in New Delhi. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Global Health, Traditional Medicine Integration Read More Global Summit in Geneva Intensified Efforts to Curb Toxic Mercury Pollution A major international conference was held in Geneva from 3rd to 7th November 2025 to strengthen the global fight against mercury pollution . Delegates collaborated to accelerate the phase-out of this toxic metal from products and industrial processes, aiming to protect human health and the environment. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : United Nations Environmental Health, International Policy Read More Fitness & Nation-Building: Insights from the National Fitness & Wellness Conclave 2025 The first-ever National Fitness & Wellness Conclave 2025 in Mumbai brought together policymakers, athletes, and industry leaders to reaffirm one message: India’s progress towards becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047 depends on how seriously we take fitness today. With icons from sports and cinema joining the conversation, the conclave highlighted fitness as both a cultural shift and a public health necessity. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fit India Movement, Physical Activity, Non-Communicable Diseases, Viksit Bharat Read More Global Evidence Review of the Inequality- Pandemic Cycle: UNAIDS report The UNAIDS established the “Global Council on Inequality, AIDS and Pandemic ” in 2023. Its report “Breaking the inequality-pandemic cycle ” released in November 2025 is based on evidence from more than 1500 peer-reviewed literature and reports from government agencies and research institutions across multiple pandemics and its own empirical studies over the past 2 years. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), 2025 Pandemic preparedness, Social inequality, Global Health Read More Decomposition Analysis of Factors Driving Global Maternal Mortality Reduction A new Lancet Global Health paper highlights evidence that combining family planning with quality maternity services has driven a 41% global decline in maternal deaths since 2000. The study shows how contraception alone prevented more than 77,000 maternal deaths in 2023. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : The Lancet Global Health Maternal Health, Reproductive & Sexual Health, Gender Equality, Family Planning, Declining Global Maternal Mortality Read More Delhi’s Air Quality Sees Noticeable Improvement: CAQM 2025 Report The 2025 update from the C ommission for A ir Q uality M anagement (CAQM ) highlights significant enhancements in Delhi's air quality and a marked reduction in stubble-burning incidents in nearby states. The report offers data-backed evidence of collaborative efforts to reduce pollution through the use of cleaner fuels, improved waste management, and more stringent regulatory measures. Published on : Tuesday, November 18, 2025 Source : Press Information Bureau, New Delhi Air Pollution, Environmental Health, Public Health Policy Read More Genomic Collaboration for a Safer Future: India and Italy Unite for Pandemic Preparedness The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) round table in New Delhi emphasized the power of genomic research and collaboration in strengthening pandemic preparedness. Experts called for sustained global surveillance and rapid translation of genomic data to safeguard public health. Published on : Friday, November 14, 2025 Source : Press Information Bureau, New Delhi Genomic Surveillance, Pandemic Readiness Read More WHO Unveils Global Agenda to Strengthen Paediatric Clinical Trials The World Health Organization has unveiled a new global research agenda to close gaps in evidence on child health. It prioritizes equitable, high-impact paediatric trials to ensure that treatments for children are safe, effective, and grounded in sound science. Published on : Friday, November 14, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Health Research, Pediatric Health, Clinical Trials Read More WHO refutes Tylenol-Autism Link: Urges Evidence-Based Care A statement by the current US President, which linked Tylenol use during pregnancy to autism, prompted an immediate response from the World Health Organization. The WHO clarified that no scientific evidence supports this claim and urged reliance on medical guidance. Published on : Friday, November 14, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Maternal and Child Health, Health Communication, Global Health Governance Read More 2025 Lancet Countdown Report on Climate Change and Health Impacts of climate inaction have led to a 23% increase in heat-related deaths since the 1990s. Food insecurity affected 124 million more people due to extreme weather in 2023, with losses reaching $1.35 trillion. Addressing climate change has prevented 160,000 premature deaths from coal pollution and supported 16 million jobs in renewable energy. With COP30 ahead, WHO, along with member states, plans to emphasize climate action and a swift transition away from fossil fuels. Published on : Friday, November 7, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Climate change, food insecurity, Sustainability Read More WHO Introduces New Global Framework to Enhance National Health Emergency Response The World Health Organization has unveiled a new global guide, the National Health Emergency Alert and Response Framework, to bolster countries' readiness for health crises. Developed from lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, it provides a standardized approach for managing emergencies. Published on : Friday, November 7, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Global Health Security, Emergency Preparedness Read More Training Modules to Strengthen Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Response in India The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has introduced three specialized training modules to enhance India’s capacity for managing chemical emergencies. This initiative aims to build a skilled, coordinated response system across healthcare and disaster management sectors. Published on : Friday, November 7, 2025 Source : PIB Delhi Chemical Emergencies Preparedness, IHR, Disaster management Read More Daily News Snippets Monthly Archives 01-10 February, 2024 View More 14-20 January, 2024 View More 19-25th November, 2024 (26) View More 23-31stOctober, 2023 (18) View More 28-31 January, 2024 View More 7-13 January, 2024 View More 5-11th November, 2023 (5) View More 15-21st October, 2023 (12) View More 21-27 January, 2024 View More 26-30th November, 2024 (20) View More 01-04th November, 2023(4) View More 08-14th October, 2023 (5) View More March 27 - 31, 2023 (15) View More March 6 - 12, 2023 (24) View More February 23 - 25, 2023 (3) View More February 15 - 16, 2023 (8) View More March 20 - 25, 2023 (18) View More March 1 - 5, 2023 (8) View More February 20 - 22, 2023 (2) View More February 07 - 14, 2023 (5) View More March 13 - 18, 2023 (8) View More February 26 - 28, 2023 (15) View More February 17 - 19, 2023 (3) View More February 01 - 06, 2023 (5) View More Subscribe to get Latest Public Health Updates SUBSCRIBE

Kerala strives to empower and educate their older adults Content Editor: Dr Urmimala Maiti October 30, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM Population health, Older adults, Healthy and active ageing As per the India Ageing Report 2023, the old age dependency ratio is highest, at 19.4%, in the south (constituting Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu) as compared to other regions. Kerala is projected to constitute around 23% of the older (>60 years) population in India by 2036. The Minister of Higher Education and Social Justice is taking steps consecutively to address the welfare issues of older adults. Initiatives like: Memory clinics Vayomithram project (provision of free medicines) Vayojana Park program. The Naipunya Nagaram programme (a digital literacy program for the elderly) Previous Next

Approval of regulatory agencies for medical products as WHO Listed Authorities (WLA) Content Editor: Dr. Soundhar June 5, 2024 at 12:30:00 PM International health, Health safety, Health standards Since the launch of the WHO list of regulatory authority initiatives in March 2022, a total of 36 regulatory authorities from 34 member states are now designated as WLAs It includes the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) and the European Medicines Regulatory Network (EMRN), which is composed of the European Commission, the European Medicines Agency, and medicines regulatory authorities of 30 countries. The previously designated WLA Health Sciences Authority (HSA) of Singapore was approved for an expanded scope of functions. This decision was based on the WHO technical advisory group's following performance evaluations that were in accordance with international standards and regulatory practices for ensuring quality, safety, and efficacy. Attaining WLA status means complying with these standards and seeking continuous improvement and excellence. Click here to read more. Previous Next

Global Diabetes Burden quadruples since 1990: A Lancet study Content Editor: Dr Tanya November 26, 2024 at 3:31:09 PM Diabetes, Non Communicable Diseases, WHO The global Diabetes burden has risen from 7% to 14% between 1990-2022, with the largest increase in LMICs. The report was a collaboration between NCD Risk FactOR Collaboration (NCD-RisC) and WHO . There are substantial global statistical differences in diabetes-related parameters, with diabetes burden in people aged 18 years or older accounting for 20% in WHO South-East Asia and Eastern Mediterranean regions. The South-East Asia, Eastern Mediterranean region and the African region have the lowest treatment coverage as well. This alarming rise in the global Diabetes burden can be attributed to: Rising obesity prevalence Physical inactivity due to sedentary lifestyles Marketing of packaged and unhealthy food Economic Hardship The WHO launched the global monitoring framework on diabetes , representing the need for more comprehensive steps to tackle the burden of diabetes. Click here to read more. Previous Next

MERS-CoV cases reported in Saudi Arabia: Update from May 2024 Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay May 18, 2024 at 3:00:00 PM MERS-CoV, Surveillance, International health news Recent Cases : Three MERS-CoV cases (including one death) occurred in Riyadh in April 2024. All patients were men with underlying health conditions. Transmission : The cases are linked to a healthcare facility , with two suspected to be secondary infections from the first case. Yearly Totals : Four cases and two deaths reported in Saudi Arabia in 2024 so far. Globally, there have been 2613 cases and 941 deaths. Public Health Response : Saudi Arabia is conducting contact tracing, improving testing, and reinforcing infection control measures. WHO Assessment : The risk remains moderate , and additional cases are expected. WHO has asked the officials to focus on the following to control the situation: Strong surveillance Early case identification Proper infection control in healthcare settings. Click here to know more. Previous Next

Health Ministry's heat wave and fire safety meeting: States gear up for a sweltering summer Content Editor: Dr. Prachi June 22, 2024 at 12:30:00 PM Climate change, Heat wave Dr. Atul Goel led a virtual meeting with States and UTs to assess heat waves and fire/electrical safety preparedness in healthcare facilities . States were urged to ensure dedicated heat stroke facilities, ORS corners, and bolstered surveillance. They were also tasked with enforcing critical fire and electrical safety measures in healthcare facilities. IMD forecasted above-normal temperatures for June 2024, prompting proactive measures. Directives issued include health system preparedness guidelines, public advisories, emergency cooling protocols, and autopsy guidelines. States/UTs urged the implementation of heat action plans, enhanced surveillance, and staff training. Detailed steps covering health facility resilience, fire safety, and mock drills were discussed. States like Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and others have initiated awareness campaigns, mock drills, and allocated resources for safety measures . Click here to read more. Previous Next

DGHS directives to hospitals to ensure (ToC) - Transition of Care Content Editor: Dr Prayag Khandelwal January 18, 2024 at 11:36:36 AM DGHS, ToC, Continuum of Care A policy for the implementation of Transition of care (ToC) has been proposed by a team of doctors at DGHS, which says: The pediatric team at a hospital will organize joint clinics for patients to be transitioned to the adult care team. They will also transfer the complete record to the latter to provide uninterrupted care to the youths with special healthcare needs. A follow-up on the transition will also be done 3-6 months after the actual transfer of the patient. DGHS has requested health officials in all states to circulate the policy among all healthcare facilities. DGHS has also requested the National Medical Council to include the transition of care (ToC) policy in the postgraduate curriculum of pediatrics and internal medicine. Previous Next

Public Health Daily News Snippets WHO Bulletin Releases Special Edition on Traditional Medicine Ahead of Global Summit The WHO Bulletin published its first special issue on traditional medicine since 1977, featuring research and policy analyses. This release precedes the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine scheduled for December 2025 in New Delhi. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Global Health, Traditional Medicine Integration Read More Global Summit in Geneva Intensified Efforts to Curb Toxic Mercury Pollution A major international conference was held in Geneva from 3rd to 7th November 2025 to strengthen the global fight against mercury pollution . Delegates collaborated to accelerate the phase-out of this toxic metal from products and industrial processes, aiming to protect human health and the environment. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : United Nations Environmental Health, International Policy Read More Fitness & Nation-Building: Insights from the National Fitness & Wellness Conclave 2025 The first-ever National Fitness & Wellness Conclave 2025 in Mumbai brought together policymakers, athletes, and industry leaders to reaffirm one message: India’s progress towards becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047 depends on how seriously we take fitness today. With icons from sports and cinema joining the conversation, the conclave highlighted fitness as both a cultural shift and a public health necessity. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fit India Movement, Physical Activity, Non-Communicable Diseases, Viksit Bharat Read More Global Evidence Review of the Inequality- Pandemic Cycle: UNAIDS report The UNAIDS established the “Global Council on Inequality, AIDS and Pandemic ” in 2023. Its report “Breaking the inequality-pandemic cycle ” released in November 2025 is based on evidence from more than 1500 peer-reviewed literature and reports from government agencies and research institutions across multiple pandemics and its own empirical studies over the past 2 years. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), 2025 Pandemic preparedness, Social inequality, Global Health Read More Decomposition Analysis of Factors Driving Global Maternal Mortality Reduction A new Lancet Global Health paper highlights evidence that combining family planning with quality maternity services has driven a 41% global decline in maternal deaths since 2000. The study shows how contraception alone prevented more than 77,000 maternal deaths in 2023. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : The Lancet Global Health Maternal Health, Reproductive & Sexual Health, Gender Equality, Family Planning, Declining Global Maternal Mortality Read More Delhi’s Air Quality Sees Noticeable Improvement: CAQM 2025 Report The 2025 update from the C ommission for A ir Q uality M anagement (CAQM ) highlights significant enhancements in Delhi's air quality and a marked reduction in stubble-burning incidents in nearby states. The report offers data-backed evidence of collaborative efforts to reduce pollution through the use of cleaner fuels, improved waste management, and more stringent regulatory measures. Published on : Tuesday, November 18, 2025 Source : Press Information Bureau, New Delhi Air Pollution, Environmental Health, Public Health Policy Read More Genomic Collaboration for a Safer Future: India and Italy Unite for Pandemic Preparedness The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) round table in New Delhi emphasized the power of genomic research and collaboration in strengthening pandemic preparedness. Experts called for sustained global surveillance and rapid translation of genomic data to safeguard public health. Published on : Friday, November 14, 2025 Source : Press Information Bureau, New Delhi Genomic Surveillance, Pandemic Readiness Read More WHO Unveils Global Agenda to Strengthen Paediatric Clinical Trials The World Health Organization has unveiled a new global research agenda to close gaps in evidence on child health. It prioritizes equitable, high-impact paediatric trials to ensure that treatments for children are safe, effective, and grounded in sound science. Published on : Friday, November 14, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Health Research, Pediatric Health, Clinical Trials Read More WHO refutes Tylenol-Autism Link: Urges Evidence-Based Care A statement by the current US President, which linked Tylenol use during pregnancy to autism, prompted an immediate response from the World Health Organization. The WHO clarified that no scientific evidence supports this claim and urged reliance on medical guidance. Published on : Friday, November 14, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Maternal and Child Health, Health Communication, Global Health Governance Read More 2025 Lancet Countdown Report on Climate Change and Health Impacts of climate inaction have led to a 23% increase in heat-related deaths since the 1990s. Food insecurity affected 124 million more people due to extreme weather in 2023, with losses reaching $1.35 trillion. Addressing climate change has prevented 160,000 premature deaths from coal pollution and supported 16 million jobs in renewable energy. With COP30 ahead, WHO, along with member states, plans to emphasize climate action and a swift transition away from fossil fuels. Published on : Friday, November 7, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Climate change, food insecurity, Sustainability Read More WHO Introduces New Global Framework to Enhance National Health Emergency Response The World Health Organization has unveiled a new global guide, the National Health Emergency Alert and Response Framework, to bolster countries' readiness for health crises. Developed from lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, it provides a standardized approach for managing emergencies. Published on : Friday, November 7, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Global Health Security, Emergency Preparedness Read More Training Modules to Strengthen Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Response in India The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has introduced three specialized training modules to enhance India’s capacity for managing chemical emergencies. This initiative aims to build a skilled, coordinated response system across healthcare and disaster management sectors. Published on : Friday, November 7, 2025 Source : PIB Delhi Chemical Emergencies Preparedness, IHR, Disaster management Read More Daily News Snippets Monthly Archives 01-10 February, 2024 View More 14-20 January, 2024 View More 19-25th November, 2024 (26) View More 23-31stOctober, 2023 (18) View More 28-31 January, 2024 View More 7-13 January, 2024 View More 5-11th November, 2023 (5) View More 15-21st October, 2023 (12) View More 21-27 January, 2024 View More 26-30th November, 2024 (20) View More 01-04th November, 2023(4) View More 08-14th October, 2023 (5) View More March 27 - 31, 2023 (15) View More March 6 - 12, 2023 (24) View More February 23 - 25, 2023 (3) View More February 15 - 16, 2023 (8) View More March 20 - 25, 2023 (18) View More March 1 - 5, 2023 (8) View More February 20 - 22, 2023 (2) View More February 07 - 14, 2023 (5) View More March 13 - 18, 2023 (8) View More February 26 - 28, 2023 (15) View More February 17 - 19, 2023 (3) View More February 01 - 06, 2023 (5) View More Subscribe to get Latest Public Health Updates SUBSCRIBE

MTBVAC- In the quest of TB vaccine trials in India MTBVAC- In the quest of TB vaccine trials in India Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala March 29, 2024 International Journal of Infectious Diseases, Bharat Biotech Vaccine, Tuberculosis, Communicable Disease Tuberculosis has claimed millions of lives since ancient times. Despite having effective treatment, the complexity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis has hindered progress towards disease control. Numerous tuberculosis vaccine candidates are in the pipeline of development. Prediction modeling studies have found that preventing the disease among adolescents and adults is one of the quickest means to achieve global tuberculosis control . Among those in the Phase III clinical trial, MTBVAC is the first live, genetically- attenuated vaccine developed by Biofabri , a Spanish biopharmaceutical company. Bharat Biotech in partnership with Biofabri is conducting an efficacy, immunogenicity, and safety trial in India aiming for: Prolonged effect in newborns compared to the BCG vaccine Prevention of disease among adolescents and adults. The vaccine is under trial in different countries on safety and immunogenicity in HIV-infected and non-infected populations. The limiting step is the cost of conducting trials on late-stage efficacy and the long post-vaccination follow-up. Following the successful trial, vaccines would be required to obtain WHO policy recommendations for roll-out, globally. C lick here to read more.