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

Last-Mile Connectivity and Parking Utilization: Addressing Delhi's Transportation Woes Last-Mile Connectivity and Parking Utilization: Addressing Delhi's Transportation Woes Content Editor: Nikhil Kumar Khatri June 24, 2023 The Hindu Public Health Transportation, Mohalla bus, overcrowdedness, Parking utilization • In a span of a few years, the Delhi metro, which began its first service in December 2002, faces the challenge of being overly crowded during peak business hours. • The strategies adopted by the government of Israel and Tokyo are very efficient in tackling overcrowdedness. • One of the biggest problems that get the least attention is the lack of focus on last-mile connectivity in Delhi public transportation as well as the unutilized parking spaces. • The new budget proposal tabled by the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi makes promises of upscaling the bus transport system and augmenting its electric bus fleet. This will not only be the efficient way to tackle overcrowdedness but also a sustainable step towards saving environment. • The ‘mohalla bus ’ scheme will ensure the last mile connectivity and the development of three ISBTs (Inter-State Bus Terminus) with airport-like facilities in Delhi will help in addressing Delhi’s transportation woes.

Breathe easy, or try to in 2022-2023: Delhi dominates top 10 pollution chart Breathe easy, or try to in 2022-2023: Delhi dominates top 10 pollution chart Content Editor: Dr Urmimala Maiti October 19, 2023 The Times of India Environmental Health, AQI, PM 2.5 A study conducted by independent organizations, Climate Trends, and Respirer Living Sciences, analyzed PM 2.5 from October 1, 2022, to September 30, 2023. The PM 2.5 of the top 10 most polluted cities ranged from 100.1 to 71.8. Delhi topped the list with almost: Three times the Central Pollution Control Board standards (40µg/m3) 20 times the WHO recommended annual level of PM2.5 (5 µg/m3). Mizoram and Aizawl, with a minimum PM 2.5 of 11.1 µg/m3, were still higher than the WHO standards. During the peak pollution winter months, six of the ten cities showed a relative decline compared to the previous years.

Integrating AYUSH and modern medicine: A holistic approach Integrating AYUSH and modern medicine: A holistic approach Content Editor: Dr. Kishore February 28, 2024 Press Information Bureau AYUSH, Comprehensive primary health care Co-location of AYUSH facilities at various healthcare centers will enhance patient choice and accessibility. Integration of AYUSH with new AIIMS institutions is facilitated through a Joint Coordination Committee Wellness activities like Yoga are conducted in Ayushman Arogya Mandirs , promoting holistic health Over 1.64 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs delivered comprehensive primary healthcare services, including preventive, curative, and rehabilitative care Teleconsultation services at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs enable access to specialist care closer to home, benefiting millions with improved healthcare accessibility and continuity of care Click here to read more.

ICMR dietary guidelines 2024 ICMR dietary guidelines 2024 Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala May 14, 2024 ICMR National Institute of Nutrition Nutrition, ICMR, Food safety, Dietary Guidelines The ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition document outlines 17 guidelines dedicated to health promotion and disease prevention across all age groups. It stresses dietary diversification, particularly targeting vulnerable demographics like infants, adolescents, pregnant/lactating women, and the elderly. Additionally, it emphasizes nutrient-rich diets for children and adolescents during illness. Specific chapters highlight the inclusion of green leafy vegetables and legumes in all age group diets, including complementary feeding for infants. The document advocates moderation in consuming oil-rich and minimizing ready-to-eat and ultra-processed food consumption. It also underscores the importance of age-appropriate physical activity to combat and prevent obesity. Furthermore, it dedicates sections to the significance of handwashing, proper storage, and cooking methods for food safety. The recommendations include preferring earthen cookware over materials like Teflon-coated ones and reading food labels before consumption. Click here to read more.