PLI scheme for pharmaceuticals : An effort to boost domestic production against import dependency February 23, 2023 at 12:19:04 PM Product Linked Incentive, Department of Pharmaceuticals The government of India is focusing on the production of high-value pharmaceuticals and high-end medical devices through indigenous production, with the vision of reducing import dependency. Under the Atmanirbharta initiative of the Government, the Department of Pharmaceuticals launched the Product Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for pharmaceuticals in 2021. The financial outlay under this PLI scheme is Rs.15,000 Cr over a period of six years . 3 different categories of products are being supported under the scheme, viz, Category 1: Biopharmaceuticals; Complex generic drugs; Patented drugs or drugs nearing patent expiry; Cell-based or gene therapy drugs; Orphan drugs; Special empty capsules, Complex excipients Category 2: Bulk drugs (except those 41 eligible products notified under PLI Scheme for Bulk drugs) Category 3: Drugs not covered under Category 1 and Category 2 such as Repurposed drugs; Autoimmune drugs, anti-cancer drugs, anti-diabetic drugs, anti-infective drugs, cardiovascular drugs, psychotropic drugs, and anti-retroviral drugs, including In vitro diagnostic devices. The Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) released the first tranche of incentives under the Product Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme of pharmaceuticals amounting to Rs 166 crore to four selected applicants on 21st February 2023. Previous Next

CDC Panel Urges Shift to Thimerosal-Free Flu Vaccines Amid Safety Reassurance CDC Panel Urges Shift to Thimerosal-Free Flu Vaccines Amid Safety Reassurance Content Editor: Dr. Sampriti July 4, 2025 CIDRAP International Health News, Vaccines On June 26, 2025, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the CDC voted 5-1 in favor of recommending that everyone in the United States aged 6 months and older receive a yearly flu shot. They also advised opting for thimerosal-free vaccines whenever feasible. Thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative used in multi-dose vaccine vials, has been under scrutiny since 1999 when federal agencies recommended its removal from most childhood vaccines as a precaution, despite no evidence of harm at low doses . Currently, the majority of flu vaccines in the U.S. are thimerosal-free, with single-dose pre-filled syringes widely accessible. The ACIP's recommendation is largely symbolic , aimed at addressing public concerns and reducing vaccine hesitancy. The CDC maintains that thimerosal is safe , highlighting that scientific studies have found no link between thimerosal in vaccines and health risks.

Quantification of the benefits of electric buses: Findings from a research study Content Editor: Dr. Soundhar June 5, 2024 at 12:30:00 PM International health, climate, Health research Many qualitative studies explain the benefits of switching over to electric buses. But, this is the first to quantify that electric buses can improve human and planetary health. To quantify this, researchers compared the amount of carbon dioxide emitted from diesel bus tailpipes with electricity generation and battery production in electric school buses. They also compared how respective emissions contributed to fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5), which is linked to adult mortality and childhood asthma. Electric buses produced 181 metric tons less carbon dioxide emissions than their diesel counterparts, amounting to $40,400 in climate benefits. In addition to reduced air pollution, mortality rates, and childhood asthma, electric buses are associated with $ 43,800 in health savings. However, the study could not assess the impact of in-cabin air pollution on electric buses, which requires further studies. Electric school buses have tangible benefits. They can save and improve the lives of low-income communities and racial minorities who are affected by the health risks of air pollution. Click here to read more. Previous Next

Unique Nano-Composite coating to prevent Surgical Site Infections (SSI) Unique Nano-Composite coating to prevent Surgical Site Infections (SSI) February 16, 2023 Press Information Bureau Research, Infection prevention Post-operative surgical site infections (SSIs) affect 11% of patients in low and middle-income countries. Development of antibiotic resistance due to biofilm formation on the incision site or in the soft tissue inside, is one of the major causes. Researchers from ARCI, Hyderabad, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have developed a nanocomposite coating (named as ATL) by combining water repellent (hydrophobic) and biocidal properties using a combinatorial approach. The ATL-coated sutures have demonstrated Higher percentage of biofilm inhibition Non- cytotoxicity when compared to triclosan-coated antibacterial sutures, which have shown cytotoxic properties.

Bivalent conjugate vaccine against paratyphoid A and typhoid Bivalent conjugate vaccine against paratyphoid A and typhoid Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy April 9, 2024 The Lancet Typhoid, Vaccinations, Infections To address the most common cause of enteric fever, a study was conducted to assess the safety and immunogenicity of a new bivalent paratyphoid A- typhoid conjugate vaccine (Sii- PTCV ). The study was a phase 1, double-blind study among 60 participants , who were randomized into 2 groups. The intervention group received a single intramuscular injection of Sii-PTCV, whereas the control group received a single intramuscular injection of Typbar TCV. The safety of the intervention was assessed at 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months. The immunogenicity was assessed at 1 month and 6 months using the following: Against typhoid: Anti-capsular polysaccharide antigen Vi (anti-Vi) IgG and IgA. Against paratyphoid A: Anti-lipopolysaccharide (LPS) IgG and functional antibody. The most common solicited side effects were pain and myalgia , which were comparable among the two groups. The study did not report any unsolicited adverse events. The two vaccines had comparable immunogenicity against typhoid, whereas Sii-PTCV showed 100% seroconversion for anti-LPS IgG at day 29. However, further trials are needed to strengthen the evidence. Click here to read more

Innovative technology for accurate HIV detection unveiled by JNCASR Content Editor: Dr Sumana November 28, 2024 at 2:47:59 AM HIV Diagnosis, genetics Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR ) developed the GQ-RCP diagnostic platform for detecting HIV with high precision. It targets the unique G-Quadruplex (GQ ) DNA structure in the HIV genome, reducing false positives common in existing diagnostic methods. It uses benzobisthiazole-based fluorescent probes (TGS64) for selective and reliable detection via reverse transcription and amplification of a 176-nucleotide sequence. Featuring a pH-mediated single-step DNA transition into GQ conformation, enabling efficient recognition. This new method offers significant advantages over conventional diagnostics by mitigating non-specific amplification issues. Originally designed for pathogens like SARS-CoV-2, the platform is adaptable for diagnosing various DNA/RNA pathogens, including bacteria and viruses. Click here to read more. Previous Next

Variations in the incidence of stroke: Findings from the stroke registries Variations in the incidence of stroke: Findings from the stroke registries Content Editor: Dr. Shayari Nag May 10, 2024 The Lancet Stroke, Stroke Burden, Research Findings, Noncommunicable diseases The National Stroke Registry Programme established five population-based stroke registries (PBSRs ) to measure stroke incidence, mortality, and its subtypes in urban and rural populations. The registry uniquely employs the STEPS approach and tracks both fatal and non-fatal strokes in hospitals, imaging centers, and the community, including deaths recorded within 28 days of stroke onset. The study's findings reveal: The average stroke incidence rate was 138.1 per 100,000 people but varied significantly between regions (from 96.6 to 187.6). Case fatality rates also varied widely , ranging from 15.3 to 46.6 per 100,000 population. Stroke risk was higher in men over 30 (1 in 10 chance vs. 1 in 15 chance for women). Rural areas in three specific locations (Cuttack, Cachar, Tirunelveli) had twice the stroke incidence compared to urban areas. Ischemic stroke was the most frequent type observed. Hypertension, diabetes, and current tobacco use were identified as the most common risk factors. Recognizing the higher stroke burden in rural areas, this study provides crucial data to guide policy and resource allocation for improved stroke prevention and treatment across India. Click here to read more.

Unlocking healthcare for all: One step closer to universal health coverage Unlocking healthcare for all: One step closer to universal health coverage Content Editor: Dr. Sangya Chaudhary September 18, 2023 Press Trust of India LGBTQ, Transgender Health The Jharkhand government has extended its universal pension scheme to include the transgender community. This extension aims at providing them with social security and integrating them into mainstream society. This decision also grants transgender individuals benefits under the backward class category. The cabinet secretary stated that eligible beneficiaries will receive Rs 1,000 per month as financial aid through the Mukhyamantri Rajya Samajik Suraksha Pension Yojana. To qualify: Transgender individuals must obtain a certificate from the deputy commissioner’s office. Be 18 years of age or older with a voter ID card. The Department of Women, Child Development, and Social Security (WCDSS) also proposed the construction of separate toilets for transgender individuals in hospitals. Those not covered by any caste reservation will receive benefits from the backward category. Chief Minister Soren expressed that this inclusive move aims to ensure respect and honor for every citizen of the state.

2025 Lancet Countdown Report on Climate Change and Health 2025 Lancet Countdown Report on Climate Change and Health Content Editor: Dr. Shubham November 7, 2025 World Health Organization Climate change, food insecurity, Sustainability The 2025 Lancet report highlights the significant health impact of climate inaction, which has led to heat-related deaths rising by 23% since the 1990s, with 546,000 deaths annually. Extreme heat conditions have led to increased food insecurity affecting 124 million people and financial losses from heat exposure amounting to $1.35 trillion. It contrasts climate finance and fossil fuel spending , highlighting that governments spent $956 billion on fossil fuel subsidies in 2023, surpassing their climate support commitments and exceeding the health budgets of 15 countries. Furthermore, the advantages of addressing climate change are evident, with 160,000 premature deaths avoided from reduced coal pollution and 16 million jobs supported by renewable energy. The health sector has seen a 16% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, and many WHO Member States have developed adaptation plans. Looking forward to COP30, WHO aims to publish a report emphasizing that addressing climate change offers a critical opportunity to improve health and save over 10 million lives annually, advocating for the phasing out of fossil fuels and promoting sustainable agriculture. In 2023, fossil fuel subsidies amounted to $956 billion. Transitioning to sustainable agriculture and renewable energy could prevent over 10 million deaths annually.

Charting vulnerabilities in improper waste handling Content Editor: Dr Urmimala Maiti October 25, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM Environmental Health, Public health laws and regulations The NCR of Delhi produces around 11.36 tons per day (TPD) of hazardous industrial waste. The hazardous waste generated is supposed to be channeled to the treatment, storage, and disposal facility (TSDF) at the Bawana industrial area. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee pinned down 164 vulnerable industrial sites practicing improper waste disposal. The identified spots dump the waste on vacant grounds and burn it illegally. The Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, and the DPCC will undergo weekly monitoring of these sites to prevent any unauthorized dumping of waste. Previous Next