03. Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya interacts with doctors and representatives of IMA December 26, 2022 at 6:27:11 PM MoHFW, COVID-19 Preparedness Dr Mandaviya urged the doctors and members of IMA to continue to spread authentic information about COVID19. “You have been our ambassadors during the country’s fight against COVID19. I value your contribution and salute the selfless dedication and service of the healthcare professionals. I urge you to be our partners and ambassadors to prevent an infodemic by educating the public on various aspects of the COVID19 disease and its prevention and management aspects”. He expressed confidence that doctors would continue to work dedicatedly in this fight, as they have been doing till now. He urged on adherence to ‘Test-Track-Treat-Vaccinate & Adherence to COVID Appropriate Behaviour’ and uptake of precaution doses for the vulnerable groups. “Only this way we will be able to preserve the gains made so far through continued collective efforts”, he stressed. Previous Next

Highlights of 2024 WHO and UNICEF Immunization Estimates Highlights of 2024 WHO and UNICEF Immunization Estimates Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala July 30, 2025 WHO News section Vaccination, Immunization, Inequities, WHO, UNICEF The 2024 estimates of global immunization coverage were released by UNICEF and WHO. The key highlights are: Worldwide, 89% of infants have received at least one dose of the DPT vaccine, and 85% have completed all three recommended doses. In 131 out of 195 countries, first-dose DPT vaccination coverage reaches 90% or higher. In 47 countries, progress is being held back. Moreover, 22 of these 47 countries had achieved 90% coverage of the first dose of DPT in 2019 but have seen a decline since then. Measles vaccination coverage for the first dose is 84%, and second dose coverage increased to 76% from 74%. The estimates emphasize the need to focus on addressing the issues leading to a decrease in vaccination coverage and sustaining the efforts in countries that have already achieved high coverage.

Newer tetravalent vaccine for Dengue Content Editor: Dr.Sakshi Aggarwal March 2, 2024 at 12:30:00 PM Recent advances, Adult Immunization According to the phase 3 trial data, individuals who have never had dengue before will receive 80% protection from the single-dose tetravalent Butantan-Dengue vaccine , whereas those who have previously had dengue will receive 89% protection. The phase 3 trial began in February of 2016 and included 16,235 participants in Brazil; roughly 10,000 were vaccinated with the one-dose vaccine, and about 6,000 received a placebo. As of now, the World Health Organisation has approved and recommended the use of two further dengue vaccines: TAK-003 (2 doses) and Dengvaxia (3 doses). However, dengue-naive recipients may experience antibody-dependent enhancement if they receive a vaccine before a natural infection. Dengvaxia is only advised for use in individuals aged 9 to 45 who have at least one recorded case of dengue. Previous Next

India emphasizes on maternal and child health care at the 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva India emphasizes on maternal and child health care at the 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva Content Editor: Dr. Himabindu Reddy June 5, 2024 Press Information Bureau MCH, Adolescent health, World Health Assembly 2024, RCH, WHO During this year’s World Health Assembly in Geneva, India hosted a meeting to campaign for sustained investment and the need for policy changes in MCH. Speakers from several nations discussed a range of topics related to adolescent health, including the need for increased funding. Head of the Indian delegation and Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra gave an address on the strides made by India in MCH and spoke of some Indian key initiatives , including: RCH-I, II Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram TeleManas They also underlined the need for youth group representatives and targeted effective communication strategies for the adolescent target population. Click here to read more.

The AusDiab Study: Unveiling the impact of vegetables and potatoes on Diabetes Type 2 risk The AusDiab Study: Unveiling the impact of vegetables and potatoes on Diabetes Type 2 risk Content Editor: Dr. Shubham June 17, 2024 The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. Diet, Diabetes Mellitus, Endocrinological disorders, Metabolic Disorders The AusDiab (Australian Diabetes, Obesity, and Lifestyle Study), conducted over 12 years, reveals a complex relationship between vegetable consumption and type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk. The research, which tracked the dietary habits of Australian adults, found that a higher intake of vegetables (recommended daily intake of at least 5 servings ), particularly green leafy varieties, is associated with improved markers of T2D, such as lower fasting plasma glucose and better insulin sensitivity. These vegetables, rich in essential nutrients, play a protective role against the onset of diabetes. Conversely, frequent consumption of potato fries and chips correlates with an increased 31% risk of poorer insulin sensitivity, a 25% lower acute insulin response, increased glucose tolerance, and T2D. Vegetables, particularly cruciferous ones, were found to be linked to a 25% lower risk of developing T2D over the follow-up period. The study underscores the importance of incorporating a variety of vegetables into the diet for better health outcomes and suggests that diet plays a crucial role in managing and potentially reducing the risk of diabetes. However, the study's limitations include recall bias, inaccuracies in dietary assessment, and the observational nature of the study. Click here to r ead more

New AI-based Tool Facilitates Non-invasive Blood Testing and Diagnosis New AI-based Tool Facilitates Non-invasive Blood Testing and Diagnosis Content Editor: Dr. Manu June 19, 2025 PHC Editorial Desk Artificial Intelligence, Medical Technology, Non-Invasive Diagnostics Niloufer Hospital in Hyderabad became the first institution to roll out a new AI based diagnostic tool called Amruth Swastha Bharat developed by Quick Vitals , a trademark by Bisam Pharmaceuticals Private Limited to provide non invasive diagnostic blood and vitals testing. The app uses smartphone or tablet cameras to test for various parameters in the body using the principle of Photoplethysmography (PPG) which detects the changes in the spectrum of light emitted by blood due to movement and pressure on the vessel walls. The app can assess the hemoglobin level, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, HbA1c, stress levels and autonomic system activity . Tested against FDA controlled diagnostic devices, the app has received approval from the Drugs Control Administration, Telangana. It is aimed at women and children in primary healthcare settings to ensure rapid diagnosis (within 20-60 seconds) for conditions like anemia. The company is planning to test the tool in Maharashtra in collaboration with the state government to further scale up the access to AI based diagnostic tools.

Launch of the Global Initiative on Digital Health Launch of the Global Initiative on Digital Health Content Editor: Dr Urmimala Maiti August 24, 2023 Press Information Bureau Global health, Digital health, Digital Equity The Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH) was the focus of the G20 Health Minister's Meeting on August 19, 2023. Dr. Tedros emphasized the importance of digital health in enabling equity in health care across countries, leaving no one behind. GIDH will be a Network of Networks managed by WHO under the pillars of: Country Needs Tracker Country Resource portal Transformation toolbox Convening and Knowledge exchange. It aims: To put the "Global Strategy on Digital Health" into existence Support best practices standards by developing and strengthening systems Facilitate the management of an individual country's digital health transformation journey.

FSSAI clears the air around Indian spices Content Editor: Dr. Sakshi Aggarwal May 29, 2024 at 2:00:00 PM Food safety, Food Standards, Carcinogens, Public Health Spice factories across India were inspected, and domestic products were tested following export recalls of MDH and Everest spices. Authorities collected samples from both MDH and Everest manufacturing facilities to ensure the safety and quality of spices consumed in India. These samples, 25 from MDH and nine from Everest underwent comprehensive testing across various parameters, such as potential contaminants like insect and rodent infestations, heavy metals, and harmful toxins like aflatoxins . Additionally, moisture content, pesticide residues, and the presence of microbes were all scrutinized to guarantee the spices met safety standards. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) declared that samples of spices taken from MDH and Everest facilities across the nation contained no evidence of the carcinogen ethylene oxide (EtO). According to the food regulator, no similar levels were discovered in 300 samples of other Indian spices taken from manufacturing facilities. Previous Next

In response to the announcement of the Union Budget of India for 2023–24, regarding the utilization of resources of ICMR labs by the research community, the Department of Health Research and the Indian Council of Medical Research has developed a draft policy on the sharing of research infrastructure called the Policy on Research Infrastructure Sharing Ecosystem (P-RISE). Public Health News Analysis Research Infrastructure Sharing Ecosystem (P-RISE): A Policy Review Image Credits: Dr. Thamizhmaran Author: Dr. Anubhav Mondal Updated on : August 23, 2023 Health Research, Data Quality, Research Infrastructure, Policies, Fund utilisation, Cost-effective research DHR's P-RISE Policy document was created to offer guidelines on appropriate sharing and responsible management of research infrastructure available in ICMR institutes, taking into consideration the need for having a defined research infrastructure sharing and access policy. This will maximize lab capability and is a step in the right direction to enhance health research. Why in the news? The resources in a few ICMR Labs would be made available for research by academics from public and private medical colleges as well as private sector R&D teams, as announced in the Union Budget of India for 2023–24. The Department of Health Research and the Indian Council of Medical Research has developed a draft policy on the sharing of research infrastructure called the Policy on Research Infrastructure Sharing Ecosystem (P-RISE) in response to this. Purpose of the policy This plan seeks to Create a framework that will give researchers access to the ICMR's centralized network of infrastructure for scientific research, ensuring the optimum use of the facilities that are currently in place and improving health research. To give a detailed overview of how researchers from medical colleges, universities, and other institutions can use the excellent research resources in ICMR labs (even through institutes in Tier II cities ). To encourage research outreach and networking. To improve the quality of data used in health research. To ensure cost-effective research outcomes and. To prevent duplication of research infrastructure. To make it easier for researchers working in institutions with limited infrastructure to access sophisticated instrumentation , enabling them to perform good research. To establish a system of incentivization for the host institutes/researchers to facilitate sharing and utilization of the research facilities. This would ensure optimal use of the research infrastructure that is now accessible. Why was this done? ICMR has been working hard to advance biomedical health research in the nation. The Council has established a strong network of biomedical research facilities across the nation in response to the growing demand from the Indian research community for access to cutting-edge technology and equipment for medical and scientific study. The ICMR's highly developed laboratories, which have been built and maintained throughout the years, can also be used efficiently and effectively for national academic advancement and scientific advancement in the field of health research. By ensuring high-quality research findings and fostering new research, the plan to share and effectively utilize these research laboratories created with public funds with researchers around the nation will enhance health research. Challenges in the past Due to the high cost of equipment and the ensuing maintenance and operating expenses, access to state-of-the-art facilities for health research infrastructure is restricted in India. Another constraint is a small pool of skilled workers capable of using such complex equipment. Since there are more researchers in the health field every day, it is crucial that mechanisms for access to vital scientific infrastructure be put in place to enable qualified researchers and institutions who don’t have access to such resources. The colleges and universities in the medical, dental, and pharmacy fields as well as other research-focused organisations comprise a sizable pool of researchers whose scientific output is constrained or compromised because they have little or no access to the necessary research infrastructure. By making the current lab facilities accessible to all researchers, this gap can be closed to a large extent. Benefits To ensure that the research facilities and equipment offered by ICMR institutes are utilized as efficiently as possible by the Indian research community. To make better use of the funds allocated by DHR-ICMR, MOHFW by transferring advanced infrastructure and equipment to ICMR institutions. As a result, the price of acquiring and maintaining research infrastructure would be reduced. To meet the unmet needs of researchers, academics, and private groups for access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure, thereby encouraging research and boosting the country's scientific output. The majority of ICMR labs around the nation undoubtedly include very advanced research equipment, but there is no information and no clarification on this. When numerous of them exist and are likely not being used at multiple facilities, investments are made in comparable or similar instruments. Therefore, the policy on the sharing of research infrastructure might maximize investment and the capacity of experts to utilize cutting-edge technology. This will provide cost-effective research outcomes, and higher-quality health research data, and it should operate within set time frames to avoid duplication of research infrastructure. Concern However, there are certain problems and worries with this approach as well; chief among them is the implementation. The implementation needs to be straightforward and practical to motivate researchers. The directors of these labs should make sure that these facilities are required to be opened and that they are used for carrying out thorough testing. All permits must be quick and should be valid for a limited duration, as to allow other researchers to use equipments as well. Conclusion This document was created to offer guidelines on appropriate sharing and responsible management of research infrastructure available in ICMR institutes, taking into consideration the need for having a defined research infrastructure sharing and access policy. In fact, the announcement of 157 new nursing colleges and a new program for research by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman gave this initiative to share research infrastructure momentum in pharmaceuticals, compelling businesses to make investments in priority sectors for research and development. Scientists claim that although ICMR labs have cutting-edge infrastructure and sophisticated apparatus, these components are underused because of lengthy approval processes, onerous paperwork, and bureaucratic hurdles. DHR's P-RISE action on structured research infrastructure is here sharing to maximize lab capability is a step in the right direction for the research community. References: 1. Research Infrastructure Sharing Ecosystem (P-RISE) [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2023 Aug 10]. Available from: https://dhr.gov.in/sites/default/files/New%20Policy%20on%20Research%20Infrastructure%20Sharing%20Ecosystem%20(PRISE)_0.pdf 2. Ramesh S. ICMR boost to health research is a pragmatic but belated move [Internet]. www.bizzbuzz.news . 2023 [cited 2023 Aug 10]. Available from: https://www.bizzbuzz.news/eco-buzz/icmr-boost-to-health-research-is-a-pragmatic-but-belated-move-1225570 3. Scientists view DHR’s P-RISE move on structured research infrastructure sharing to maximize lab capability [Internet]. pharmabiz.com . [cited 2023 Aug 10]. Available from: http://pharmabiz.com/NewsDetails.aspx?aid=159674&sid=1 comments debug Comments Rated 0 out of 5 stars. No ratings yet Rate the Article* Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Join the team Public Health Chronicle! APPLY NOW

Global Polio Eradication Initiative reports new cases Global Polio Eradication Initiative reports new cases Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay October 28, 2024 CIDRAP Polio, Polio Eradication The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) reported new polio cases this week in Pakistan, Angola, Nigeria, and South Sudan. Pakistan added four cases of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) , bringing its 2024 total to 28, with the latest cases in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh. Angola reported one more vaccine-derived polio case , reaching seven cases for the year, while Nigeria and South Sudan added four and one cases, respectively, totaling 61 and nine. In addition, environmental samples in Spain and French Guiana tested positive for vaccine-derived poliovirus for the first time. Spain’s sample from Barcelona confirmed circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) , while three samples collected in Cayenne, French Guiana, detected circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 3 (cVDPV3) . These findings underscore ongoing challenges in eradicating polio globally.