WHO urges action to protect children from contaminated medicines January 28, 2023 at 9:26:03 PM Bio-Medical Safety, Pharmoco-Vigilance Over the past four months, countries have reported on several incidents of over-the-counter cough syrups for children with confirmed or suspected contamination with high levels of diethylene glycol (DEG) and ethylene glycol (EG). The cases are from at least seven countries, associated with more than 300 fatalities in three of these countries. WHO’s medical product alerts were rapidly disseminated to all 194 Member States. These medical product alerts requested; (a) the detection and removal of contaminated medicines from circulation in the markets, (b) increased surveillance and diligence within the supply chains of countries and regions likely to be affected, (c) immediate notification to WHO if these substandard products are discovered in-country. Previous Next

India strengthens snakebite surveillance with mandatory reporting Content Editor: Dr. Dheena December 3, 2024 at 3:02:50 AM Notifiable Diseases, Surveillance The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched the National Action Plan for Prevention & Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NAPSE) , targeting a 50% reduction in snakebite-related deaths by 2030 . Farmers, tribal populations, and rural communities are at the highest risk, making enhanced surveillance essential. Under NAPSE, all government and private healthcare facilities , including medical colleges, are now required to report snakebite cases and deaths as a Notifiable Disease under the State Public Health Act. Mandatory notification will provide crucial data on high-risk areas, the burden of snakebites, and factors contributing to fatalities, thereby improving clinical management and intervention strategies. The Ministry has urged healthcare providers to submit reports using a standardized format that tracks critical details such as bite location, first aid given, and the use of anti-snake venom. This effort aims to strengthen snakebite prevention, enhance treatment outcomes, and improve reporting from private healthcare providers, marking a significant step toward reducing the public health burden of snakebite envenoming in India. Previous Next

Digital healthcare: Is it the road ahead for healthcare systems? Content Editor: Dr. Prachi July 31, 2024 at 1:00:00 PM Digital health, Technology, Innovation, Telemedicine Telemedicine has increased the accessibility of healthcare and reduced the burden on doctors as well. Since 2013, Indian doctors have taken 20 million appointments online on Practo, compared to 638,000 in 2009, a trend supported by the American Medical Association (AMA) . Doctors in Bangalore and Delhi were the earliest in this digital race, followed by Mumbai, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai. The greatest increase in digital appointments is seen in gynecology, orthopedics, pediatrics, physiotherapy, and psychiatry. This digital revolution is helping to create a healthcare system that is more efficient, accessible, and and patient-centered. Previous Next

The Union Budget 2023 was unveiled by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on 1st Feb 2023. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare was allocated 89,155 crores as health budget for the financial year 2023-24, which is 0.34% higher than last year’s 86,200 crores. After accounting for inflation . . . Public Health News Analysis Highlights of the Union Health Budget 2023 Image Credit : Freepik Author : Dr Swati Ray Updated on : February 27, 2023 Union Health Budget - 2023, MoHFW The Union Budget 2023 was unveiled by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on 1st Feb 2023. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare was allocated 89,155 crores as health budget for the financial year 2023-24. This year's health budget was 0.34% higher than last year’s 86,200 crores. After accounting for inflation this is a decline. Allocations to health research were reduced to Rs 2980 Crore in 2023-24 from Rs 3200 Crore in 2022-23. Key announcements for the healthcare sector Facilities in select ICMR labs will be made available for research by public and private medical faculties. A mission to eliminate sickle cell Anemia by 2047 will be launched to create awareness creation & universal screening of 7 crore people under the age of 0-40. The implementation of dedicated multidisciplinary courses for medical devices is to be supported by the government in institutions to ensure skilled manpower for futuristic medical tech and high-end manufacturing and research. The establishment of three centers of excellence for artificial intelligence to enable ‘Make AI for India’ and ‘Make AI work for India’ to enhance India’s digital prowess. A National Data Governance policy will be introduced which will enable access to anonymized data. 157 new nursing colleges will be established in colocation with the existing 157 medical colleges that have been established since 2014. Proportion of distribution of funds in the Union Health Budget 2023 (Image credit : Dr Swati Ray) Areas that need more focus and fund allocation Child and maternal nutrition Antimicrobial resistance Mental Health Critical areas of Pandemic Preparedness Non-Communicable diseases Preventive Medicine Strengthening public health facilities & their infrastructure Medical Tourism Health insurance/assurance Covid 19 pandemic exposed glaring weaknesses in India's Healthcare System. These shortcomings can only be fulfilled through improved financial allocation for health services. Ensuring the availability of free medicines and diagnostics in all public facilities would help decrease out-of-pocket expenditures substantially. At least 30% of the population, or 40 crore individuals – called the missing middle in NITI Aayog 2021 report (Health Insurance for INDIA's Missing Middle) - are devoid of any financial protection for health. Health insurance, both public & private sectors require remodelling to decrease the incidence of catastrophic health expenditure. Non-communicable diseases contributed 61.8% of deaths in 2016 (ICMR study 2021). Major NCDs are covered under the Tertiary Care Programme of the Centre. The union government transfers funds to states to implement centrally sponsored schemes for cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, health care for the elderly, the national blindness control program, telemedicine, mental health, and tobacco control. Its budget was almost halved to Rs 289 crore from Rs 500 crore. Is the Health budget in line with UN Sustainable Development Goals ? Being a signatory to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, India should strive to provide equitable health care to all. More funds should be allotted to primary and community health centers for prioritising preventive medicine. Health programs, public education, screening, and diagnostic programs for the early detection of diseases are the need of the hour. More teaching hospitals should be established at the district level to make tertiary care accessible to everyone near their residence. Specialist doctors should be incentivized & provided with tools to work in peripheral facilities. An announcement to make 157 nursing colleges is a welcome move to address the human resource shortage. However, it remains to be seen how the government will create vacancies and place the newly trained workforce in rural settings. Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) has received higher funds than last year . NITI Aayog data says that 78 percent of the PMJAY funds flow into private hospitals. This may further weaken the public health system. Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) funding is reduced by 66% (from 10000 crores in 2022-23 to 3365 crores in 2023-24). PMSSY aims at correcting imbalances in the availability of affordable healthcare facilities in the different parts of the country in general and augmenting facilities for quality medical education in the under-served States in particular. National Tele-Mental Health Programme One of the most pressing issues in India is mental health. WHO estimates that the burden of mental health problems in India is 2443 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) per 10,000 population . The economic loss due to mental health conditions, between 2012-2030, is estimated at USD 1.03 trillion. The scale of mental disorders in India accounts for nearly 15 percent of the global mental health burden. Although the launch of the National Tele-Mental Health Programme is a step in the right direction, a mere allocation of 133 crores is inadequate to address the magnitude of the problem. The pharmaceutical industry received a major upgrade to 1250 crores against 100 crores last year. T his will go towards the promotion of Bulk drug parks and medical device parks. Conclusion This Health Budget is technologically forward, focused on economic growth, skilling, innovation, and strengthening of pharmaceutical industry & medical devices infrastructure. Unfortunately, a myriad of basic issues and healthcare infrastructure needs immediate attention. As we move forward in the next decade, we should aim to improve financial allocation for the health sector significantly to build a robust healthcare system for all. comments debug Comments (1) Rated 5 out of 5 stars. 5.0 | 1 Rating Rate the Article* Write a comment Write a comment Sort by: Newest Guest Apr 05, 2023 Rated 5 out of 5 stars. Great clarity in thoughts and precisly written! 1 Reply Join the team Public Health Chronicle! APPLY NOW

Empowering food safety: Union Health Minister applauds FSSAI's initiatives Content Editor: Dr. Anamika July 25, 2024 at 4:00:00 PM Food safety, FSSAI, Nutrition Union Health Minister Shri J P Nadda reviewed FSSAI's initiatives, highlighting significant progress in enhancing food safety nationwide. He emphasized the critical role of food safety in protecting citizens' health and the importance of providing evidence-based information to empower consumers. He appreciated FSSAI's advancements since 2016, especially its work to strengthen the food safety ecosystem, promote awareness, and lead initiatives like millet promotion and adherence to CODEX standards . The Health Minister emphasized proactive engagement with industries and stakeholders to foster partnerships to promote healthy eating initiatives across India. The 'Manual on Methods of Analysis of Foods—Microbiological Examination of Food and Water' and the 'Guide for Food Analysis—Opinion on Test Reports as per FSS Act, 2006’, along with 'Food Safety Bytes,' a series of videos featuring social media influencers, were launched to raise public awareness about safe food practices. Click here to read more. 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

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

Government to implement “Nari Adalat” in a phased manner under Mission Shakti Content Editor: Dr. Aishwariya S Women Safety It was planned under the 15th Finance Commission period across the country. It functions by addressing issues affecting women and making them equal partners in nation-building through convergence and citizen ownership. It has two sub-schemes: SAMBAL : It features a One-stop center , Women helpline-181 , Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, and Nari Adalat. SAMARTHYA : It includes Pratan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, Palna, Shakti Sadan, Sakhi Niwas, and a hub for the empowerment of women. “Nari Adalat ” 1st phase is being implemented in Assam in 7 blocks of 7 districts and UT of Jammu and Kashmir. Previous Next

Re-emergence of western equine encephalitis (WEE) infection Content Editor: Dr.Sakshi Aggarwal March 2, 2024 at 12:30:00 PM Outbreak, Infection, Viral Encephalitis A human case of western equine encephalitis (WEE) viral infection was reported to the World Health Organisation (WHO) on January 30, 2024 , by the Uruguayan International Health Regulations National Focal Point (IHR NFP). Since the last documented human cases of WEE were in 2009, this is the first confirmed case to be recorded in Uruguay in almost ten years. Although the patient has now recovered, the emergence of this infection might be a sign of an upcoming outbreak , if not taken care of timely. People who live, work, or engage in outdoor activities in endemic areas or locations where animal disease outbreaks are ongoing are considered to be members of at-risk populations for WEE infection. Vaccines are available for equines. According to WHO, high vaccination coverage among susceptible equines in areas considered at risk should be done along with annual vaccination boosters. Previous Next

AI-Powered DNS Management Tools Revolutionize 2025 Sophia Nguyen AI, DNS management, automation, cybersecurity Artificial intelligence is now integral to DNS management, offering predictive analytics and automated threat detection to streamline operations. Previous Next