Strategic revisions in Nikshay Poshan Yojana for timely TB treatment support Strategic revisions in Nikshay Poshan Yojana for timely TB treatment support Content Editor: Dr Sumana Mukhopadhyay January 11, 2024 Ministry of Health and Family Welfare NTEP, Nikshay Poshan, Tuberculosis The Indian government is executing the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) with a determined plan to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of ending TB by 2025, instead of 2030. Since 2018, a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) of INR 500 has been provided monthly in the Nikshay Poshan Yojana during the treatment duration. The Nikshay portal automatically generates benefits of INR 1000 at diagnosis and another INR 500 after 56 days of treatment. This will be processed through a maker/checker/approver method. To address delays, loss to follow-up, and resource optimization, the first benefit will be revised to INR 1500, followed by another INR 1500 at 84 days and subsequent monthly INR 500. This will reduce transition frequency from 5 to 2 and enhance implementation efficiency. The revised benefit system will be applied to patients notified after January 1, 2024, while existing patients will continue with the current frequency.

Safety of Rotavirus vaccine among infants exposed to biologic agents in-utero Safety of Rotavirus vaccine among infants exposed to biologic agents in-utero Content Editor: Dr Ashwini Priyadarshini Singh August 1, 2023 The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health Maternal and Child Health, Vaccine administration A Canadian prospective cohort study investigated the efficacy of giving live rotavirus vaccine to infants exposed to immunomodulatory biologics during pregnancy. Of the 202 assessed infants, 191 were enrolled, with exposure to various biologic agents. In most cases, exposure to the biological agent continued into the third trimester. There were no detectable abnormalities in the mitogen responses, quantitative immunoglobulins, or lymphocyte subsets that were clinically significant. After the assessment, 98% of infants were recommended for rotavirus vaccination, of whom 80% completed the series. No serious adverse events were reported, indicating that rotavirus vaccination is generally safe for infants exposed to anti-TNF agents in utero. Click here to read more

Addressing disparities: Evaluating and advocating for uniform cancer notification laws in India Content Editor: Dr.Sumana Mukhopadhyay February 5, 2024 at 1:30:00 PM Cancer, Non-communicable diseases, Cancer Registries Cancer is a major public health concern in India, but cancer registries cover less than 10% of the population. A study explored cancer notification laws in India's 28 states to understand reporting differences and recommend improvements. Only 12 states responded to the Right to Information requests, with four having laws mandating cancer notification. Inconsistencies were found in patient identity protection and privacy requirements, inclusion of death certificate-only cases, and penalties for non-compliance. Various problems such as differing time limits for reporting cases and different enforcement orders were found, which highlight the need for standardized cancer reporting laws. The study underscores the importance of consistent, exclusive, and standardized cancer notification laws across Indian states. Click here to read more. Previous Next

Nagaland's first medical college - road to brighter future Content Editor: Dr Sumana Mukhopadhyay November 20, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM Medical Education The inauguration of the first medical college marked a historic day for Nagaland, bridging a 60-year gap in higher education institutions within the state. The health minister encouraged the state to establish Jan Aushadi Kendras in health facilities and explore partnerships with Ayushman Bharat and CM Health Insurance Scheme to enhance healthcare access. The NIMSR aims to be a centre of excellence in academics, research, and patient care, producing well-rounded medical professionals and aids in promotion of medical tourism. Nagaland's doctor-patient ratio is among the lowest in India , and the increase in MBBS seats aims to alleviate the doctor shortage. The college's establishment began in 2013-14, and it has commenced formal classes with the first batch of 100 students. Notably, the event saw a generous donation of pathological specimens for academic purposes by Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhütso, adding value to medical education at NIMSR. Previous Next

Building resilient rural economies: NITI Aayog’s focus on livelihoods Content Editor: Dr. Dheenadhayalan V September 28, 2024 at 6:09:28 PM Rural Development, NITI Aayog held a National Seminar on 'Sustainable Rural Livelihoods '. The seminar highlighted key issues like market linkages, resilient agriculture , and rural entrepreneurship .. Discussions stressed India's growth potential through SMART Villages and inclusive rural economies, focusing on financial inclusion, job creation, and decentralized community-led initiatives ,also highlighted the importance of Gram Panchayats, women-led institutions, and civil society in driving rural progress. Experts emphasized on climate vulnerabilities and the need for a comprehensive groundwater law. The seminar advocated for empowering rural communities , connecting producers to larger markets, and expanding employment in emerging sectors such as construction and green economies Click here to read more Previous Next

Progress of the National Sickle Cell Anemia Mission Progress of the National Sickle Cell Anemia Mission Content Editor: Dr. Kishore February 5, 2024 Press Information Bureau Tribal Health, Sickle Cell Anemia, Noncommunicable diseases As per the MoHFW health expert committee, SCD is one of 10 special problems affecting tribal people making it a public health concern To address this problem, MoHFW in collaboration with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs launched the Mission to eliminate SCD by 2047 The Mission objectives emphasize strategies based on three pillars Health Promotion – Awareness & Genetic Counselling Prevention – Universal screening & Early detection Holistic Management & Continuum of Care As per recent updates, more than 1 crore population have been screened in 6 months with the Mission focusing on screening 7 crore in 3 years. Click here to read more.

2025 World Population Report Highlights Shifting Fertility Patterns Globally 2025 World Population Report Highlights Shifting Fertility Patterns Globally Content Editor: Dr. Manu Goel July 3, 2025 United Nations Population Fund Demography, Population Dynamics, Fertility, UNFPA The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) authored the State of The World Population Report 2025 tackling the real fertility crisis facing the world today. The report was conducted through online poll surveys in 14 countries with 14000 responses received. The key findings from the report about India are as follows - India was ranked first in the world with 146 crore people. The population is projected to rise to 170 crore by 2050 and then it will start declining. India has dipped below the replacement rate of Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 2.1 and reached 1.9. 17% of people in India belong to the adolescent age group (10-19 years) with 7% belonging to the geriatric age group (65 and older) . The numbers for the geriatric age group are expected to rise as life expectancy rises to 71 for men and 75 for women in 2025. Meanwhile, the report states that the real crisis is neither underpopulation nor overpopulation, but, it is the amount of unmet reproductive goals for women. In India, 36% of individuals report experiencing unintended pregnancies , while 30% have more or fewer children than they intended. Additionally, 23% face both challenges simultaneously. 40% of Indians faced financial barriers in achieving desired fertility like job insecurity, housing issues and reduced support for child rearing. Meanwhile poor health , infertility and poor access to reproductive care were reported as barriers by 15%, 13% and 14% of people. The adolescent fertility rate of India was still high at 14.1 births per 1000 women belonging to the age group of 15-19 years. The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has fallen below the replacement level of 2.1 in 31 Indian states and Union Territories.. The solution according to the authors was focussed on providing greater reproductive agency to women by allowing a 150% choice about sex, contraception choices and conception .

Discussions on the reforms in organ donation in India: A roadmap for the future Discussions on the reforms in organ donation in India: A roadmap for the future Content Editor: Dr Ghurumourthy October 3, 2024 Press Information Bureau Organ Donation, Advancements, Public health A two-day Chintan Shivir on "Reforms for Augmenting Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation" was organized by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in New Delhi. The event gathered government officials, transplant professionals, NGOs, and state representatives to discuss critical reforms in technology, processes, and legislation aimed at improving organ donation and transplantation in India. The Shivir focused on several key objectives, such as: Discussing reforms needed to boost organ and tissue donation Exploring technological advancements to improve donation and allocation processes Proposing legislative changes to strengthen the legal framework . The sessions also covered topics such as "One Nation, One Policy," transparency, and improving access and affordability of organ transplants , while preparing a roadmap for the future. Click here to read more.

Current status to AB - PMJAY. Current status to AB - PMJAY. Content Editor: Dr. Tanya Tanu January 29, 2024 Press Information Bureau Ayushman Bharat, AB-PMJAY Ayushman Cards can be created on the beneficiaries’ mobile phones using the Ayushman App. According to the latest data available from the Press Information Bureau: Around 16.7 crore Ayushman cards have been created only during the last two financial years. 14.6 crore women have been issued Ayushman cards. Uttar Pradesh tops the list of states with the highest number of cards issued, followed by Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. 6.2 crore free hospital admissions under the scheme have saved out-of-pocket expenditure on more than 1.25 lakh crore of poor and vulnerable population. The app has been downloaded 52 lakh times since its launch on September 13, 2023.

“People Power – Intention to Action” by WHO- A Publication series Content Editor: Dr. Ranjitha R April 21, 2023 at 4:22:28 PM Global Health, NCDs, Mental Health WHO launched a new publication series dedicated to lived experiences of people living with NCDs, Mental health conditions, and neurological conditions. Employing Participatory Research Action methods case studies developed on basis of specified themes. This publication will help provide insights about overlooked topics like informed decision-making, health literacy, diversities in best practices, advocacy and individual rights in different countries, etc. It will help the policymakers and public health professionals understand the in-depth experiences better. Previous Next