Medicine price regulations: Insights into drug price control order Medicine price regulations: Insights into drug price control order Content Editor: Dr. Sumana Mukhopadhyay April 11, 2024 Press Information Bureau Drug Costing, Inflation, Health Economics Drug Price Control Orders (DPCO) 2013 categorize drugs into scheduled and non-scheduled formulations. The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) annually revises the ceiling prices of scheduled medicines based on the Wholesale Price Index (WPI). Recent media reports falsely claimed a significant 12% hike in medicine prices starting in April 2024. However, for 2023 , WPI (Wholesale Price Index) increased by a negligible 0.00551%, resulting in no change in ceiling prices for 782 medicines up to 31.3.2025. Fifty-four medicines may see a small hike of Rs. 0.01, but companies may choose not to implement it. Manufacturers of non-scheduled formulations cannot increase MRP by more than 10% in the preceding 12 months under DPCO 2013. Click here to read more

40-Headlines of the day (All) Public Health News Snippets 07-14th October, 2023 Study exploring the effectiveness of Maternal COVID-19 vaccination A case-control study conducted across 26 hospitals in the United States sheds light on the effectiveness of the maternal COVID-19 vaccine in protecting infants<6 months from hospitalization. Maternal vaccination status was determined in women who had received at least two doses of the mRNA vaccine, at least one of which happened during pregnancy, or one dose of the viral vector vaccine followed by at least one dose of the mRNA vaccine during pregnancy. 377 cases and 339 controls were selected. Vaccine effectiveness (VE) was determined as (1 – adjusted odds ratio) x 100%. The VE was: 35%(15%–51%) among infants aged six months 54%(32%–68%) among infants aged three months Maternal vaccination significantly reduced the odds of COVID-19-related hospitalization among infants <6 months. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr Urmimala Maiti Centre for Disease Control and Prevention Source : Published on : Thursday, October 12, 2023 Vaccination, COVID-19 Interim analysis on universal access to essential medicines One of the key UN Sustainable Development Goals is universal access to essential medicines (UN's SDG 3). However, the progress towards universal access to essential medicines is lagging in 2023. The World Health Organization's 2025 target of "an additional billion people accessing medicines without financial hardship" is less than halfway achieved. The 2023 UN General Assembly (UNGA 78) is expected to bring outcomes that may significantly impact this issue. This assembly will provide a pivotal opportunity for change, including: Demanding new policies Increasing investments Global partnerships The UNGA 78 includes the SDG Summit and the U.N. high-level meetings, which were held in the month of September 2023. The focus was on: Meaningful private sector involvement Concrete action to bridge gaps in access Aid in achieving global health objectives A remarkable example was Viatris, a global medicines supplier, which reached a billion patients in 2022, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts. Content Editor: Dr. Sangya Chaudhary United Nations News Section Source : Published on : Thursday, October 12, 2023 Global Health, Sustainable Development Goals India's G20 leadership: Ambitious renewable goals amid fossil fuel dilemma One of the final decisions of the G20 over climate change was to triple the 2030 renewable energy target. The joint statement highlighted that $5.8-5.9T is needed for 2030 climate goals in low and middle-income countries. Although India champions a green agenda, no clear fossil fuel phase-out plan exists. Also, there has been an expression of reluctance against phasing out fossil fuels. Despite the country's increase in renewable energy capacity, coal fuels 70% of Indian electricity. G20 countries contribute 85% of global GDP and 80% of emissions. Also, India and China blocked a call during the COP 26 summit in Glasgow in 2021 to include phasing out coal use in the final declaration. However, transitioning to renewable energy is beneficial for the health of the individuals. Content Editor: Dr. Purnoor Kaur International Health News Source : Published on : Thursday, October 12, 2023 G20 Summit, Renewable Energy, Environment, One health The DARTS initiative: A project to combat drug resistance The Defeating Antibiotic Resistance through Transformative Solutions (DARTS) project received a $104 million grant from the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The project is being conducted to combat drug-resistant bacteria through the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H). It is being led by Harvard Medical School. The project targets compact diagnostic tools for challenging bacterial strains and screening for new antibiotics. It aims to develop diagnostic platforms that will enable: Rapid detection of antibiotic-resistant bacteria Real-time identification of effective antibiotics Insights into resistance mechanisms. Furthermore, ARPA-H aims for user-friendly platforms to enhance antibiotic stewardship in healthcare. Content Editor: Dr. Purnoor Kaur Centre for Infectious Disease Research and Policy Source : Published on : Thursday, October 12, 2023 Antibiotic resistance, Rapid detection, Identification Rising tide of Cholera: Global strategies in the battle for a healthier world The increase in cholera activity can be linked to an increase in extreme weather events connected to: Climate change Conflict Population displacement Weakening healthcare systems The rising demand for cholera materials has posed a hurdle to worldwide disease control efforts. Since October 2022, the International Coordinating Group (ICG), the organization supplying emergency vaccines, has halted the normal two-dose vaccination schedule in cholera epidemic response campaigns in favor of a single-dose approach. WHO is assisting nations in responding to cholera outbreaks on an emergency basis. WHO has requested US$160.4 million for cholera response under the global strategic preparedness, readiness, and response plan. The WHO Contingency Fund for Emergencies has also released US$ 16.6 million for cholera response in 2022 and 2023. Long-term development, including water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), is the long-term solution for preventing cholera , as stated by the World Health Organization. Content Editor: Anubhav Mondal WHO news section Source : Published on : Thursday, October 12, 2023 Infectious diseases, Cholera, Sanitation, Outbreak Daily News Snippets Monthly Archives 08-14th October, 2023 (5) View More 10-16th September, 2023 (9) View More 20-26th August, 2024 (20) View More 1-6th August, 2023 (25) View More 24-30th September, 2023 (5) View More 01-09th September, 2023 (11) View More 13 - 19 th August , 2024 (5) View More 23-31st July, 2023 (28) View More 17-23rd September, 2023 (10) View More 27-31st August, 2024 (16) View More 6-12th August, 2024 (16) View More 16-22nd July, 2023 (9) 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

Real-time surveillance of Acute Respiratory Illness Real-time surveillance of Acute Respiratory Illness Content Editor : Dr. Urmimala Maiti March 7, 2023 Press Information Bureau Acute Respiratory Illness, Influenza, IDSP, ICMR One death each in Haryana and Karnataka was attributed to H3N2 influenza . The real-time surveillance data of IDSP (Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme) reported 3,038 laboratory-confirmed cases of various subtypes of influenza up till 9th March 2023 and 1,33,412 cases of Acute Respiratory Illness/Influenza Like Illness (ARI/ILI) in the first nine days of March 2023. ICMR is conducting integrated surveillance of Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) to detect human Influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 through a network of 28 sites. For the first nine weeks of 2023, Influenza A H3N2 has been the predominant sub-type followed by Influenza B Victoria and Influenza A H1N1pdm09 , across India.

Unemployment rate of graduate degree holders shows a declining trend as per the annual PLFS reports Unemployment rate of graduate degree holders shows a declining trend as per the annual PLFS reports Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav Mondal March 21, 2023 Press Information Bureau Youth Affairs, Demography, Unemployment According to PLFS Reports, the estimated unemployment rate (UR) for people with graduate degrees who are 15 or older was 17.2%, 15.5%, and 14.9% during 2019–20, 2020–20, and 2021–22, respectively. This data illustrates a declining trend in the UR for people with graduate degrees . With effect from 1st October 2020, the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rojgar Yojana (ABRY) was introduced to encourage employers to create new jobs and replace those lost due to the Covid-19 epidemic. The "National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) " is implemented to increase the employability of young people. Under this program, the government reimburses apprentices for 25% of their monthly stipend . The Government has brought in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Scheme for Higher Education Youth in Apprenticeship and Skills (SHREYAS), and more programs to improve the employability of youth.

Hnahthial Leads as NITI Aayog Unveils NER District SDG Index 2023–24 Hnahthial Leads as NITI Aayog Unveils NER District SDG Index 2023–24 Content Editor: Dr. Lopamudra July 30, 2025 NITI Aayog Sustainable Development, Policy and Governance, Regional Planning NITI Aayog , along with the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MoDoNER) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) , released the revised 2023–24 edition of the North Eastern Region (NER) District SDG Index. Out of 121 districts, 85% showed a rise in their composite scores compared to the previous edition. Hnahthial district in Mizoram achieved the top score of 81.43, whereas Longding district in Arunachal Pradesh registered the lowest score of 58.71. All districts in Sikkim, Tripura and Mizoram have now achieved the status of Front Runners. Sikkim stood out for having the most consistent scores among its districts. Assam demonstrated significant progress across key Sustainable Development Goals such as Decent Work, Clean Water and Sanitation, Zero Hunger and Quality Education. The index is a valuable reference for data-driven planning, helping states track and strengthen local development efforts.

Empowering millets: Insights from the expert meeting Empowering millets: Insights from the expert meeting Content Editor: Dr. Sumana Mukhopadhyay March 22, 2024 Press Information Bureau Food security, Nutrition, Millets CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR) held an expert review meeting on enhancing nutritional security through millets. It was highlighted that there has been a 60% decline in millet cultivation since 1950 and now requires immediate policy intervention. Emphasis was given to the dietary shifts post-green revolution and the importance of raising awareness among farmers. As proposed in the meeting, a dedicated millet board was also initiated to coordinate policy efforts. An overview of the current status and plan forward was given with insights from industry stakeholders and experts. The event aimed to shape policies for nutritional security and sustainable health through millets in India. Click here to read more

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