Panel to finalise list of OTC drugs for sale at general stores
A 3-member committee of gynecologists has been formed to finalize a list of OTC drugs that will be available in regular stores without the need for a prescription. The committee, chaired by Directorate General of Health Services Atul Goel, aims to complete the list within 2 weeks. This move is part of India's new OTC policy for drugs, which seeks to reduce treatment costs & promote self-care while ensuring safety. The list will be based on factors such as safety, availability, and non-habit-forming nature of the drugs.
Curated by Economic Times
Shared on 23 April 2024
Govt expands committee for drug & medical device pricing reforms, includes more industry representation
The government has expanded a committee to include more industry representation for reviewing drug & medical device pricing reforms. This move aims to ensure better availability of medicines & devices, while also providing incentives for industry growth and export sustainability. The committee will engage with industry experts & associations to evaluate pricing & availability issues. Ultimately, the government will make the final decisions, with the committee focusing on balancing pricing.
Curated by Economic Times
Shared on 23 April 2024
No scientific evidence to show liver detox is safe and effective: Experts
The liver is a self-sufficient organ capable of filtering toxins without the need for special detox.
In recent years, liver detox has gained fame with several influencers and celebrities promoting concoctions of natural herbs and spices like milk thistle and turmeric, as well as some juices of ash gourd, and Indian gooseberry (amla).
However, health experts cautioned against their potential harm to the liver.
Detox diet refers to a diet based on liquids, fruits, and vegetables with a period of fasting. There is no scientific evidence that such therapy works and it's not understood what toxins are cleared, Dr. Piyush Ranjan, senior consultant and VC, Department of Gastroenterology at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.
Curated by The Tribune India
Shared on 22 April 2024
New immunotherapy to fight cancer, keep healthy cells safe
A team of US researchers has developed a new immunotherapy technique that uses cytokine proteins as a potential treatment, effectively targeting tumors without causing harm to healthy cells.
Cytokines are small protein molecules that help control inflammation in the body. They are released by the body's immune cells to fight against cancer and improve treatment effectiveness.
The new technique ensures that immune cell boosts cytokines which curbs tumour spread to other tissues or organs. It also preserved the cytokine's structure and reactivity levels to not expose toxicity to the rest of the body.
Curated by Tribune India
Shared on 22 April 2024
Liver diseases in kids up due to junk food, sugar consumption
Medical experts have found that 1 in 3 children have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), primarily caused by excess sugar consumption.
It has become a significant concern even among children aged 5-16 years. Previously, children were thought to be safe from this liver disease.
The number of children with NAFLD has risen alarmingly from 10-33% in just a decade.Paediatric hepatologist at Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences (RMLIMS), Piyush Upadhyay said the consumption of processed meals high in sugar & unhealthy fats is a major contributing factor to NAFLD in children.
Curated by The Tribune India
Shared on 21 April 2024
Report claims Nestle adds 2.7 g sugar in every serving of Cerelac in India
Global food and beverage giant Nestle sells baby products with higher sugar content in poorer south Asian (including India), African and Latin American countries as compared to markets in Europe, claims a report by a Swiss NGO, Public Eye and International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN). Around 150 baby products sold in different counties were scrutinised for the report, which was published by The Guardian. A Belgian laboratory tested the samples, which were found to be over and above international food safety guidelines.
Curated by Indian Express
Shared on 17 April 2024
Centre aims to improve quality of health services in CGHS hospitals
MoHFW recently entered into a 5 year collaboration with the Quality Council of India (QCI) to upgrade the ‘faltering’ CGHS ecosystem, focusing on a wide range of issues, including regular evaluation and quality monitoring mechanisms.
The collaboration will support facilities empanelled under CGHS in achieving accreditation by National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) and National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), to build the capacity of healthcare providers to deliver high quality services.
Curated by Business Standard
Shared on 20 April 2024
Remove Bournvita from category of ‘health drinks’: Government tells e-commerce firms
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has issued an advisory to the e-commerce companies, directing them to remove all drinks and beverages including Bournvita from the category of ‘health drinks’, on their portal and platforms as Bournvita contains sugar levels, much above the acceptable limits.
National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) concluded that there is no ‘health drink’ defined under FSS Act 2006, rules and regulations submitted by FSSAI and Mondelez India Food Pvt Ltd.
Curated by The Tribune India
Shared on 17 April 2024
Study finds 80% microplastics in blood clots behind heart attack, stroke
A team of scientists in China detected a whopping 80% of microplastics from blood clots that may have contributed to stroke, heart attack, and deep vein thrombosis.
The new study, published in the journal eBioMedicine, showed that the blood clot samples were found in the cerebral arteries in the brain, coronary arteries in the heart, and deep veins in the lower extremities of 30 patients.
“Microplastics found in 80% of clots retrieved from blood vessels after heart attack, stroke, or deep venous thrombosis.
Curated by The Tribune India
Shared on 16 April 2024
Diagnostic Companies poised for 10-11% revenue growth in FY25: CRISIL
Diagnostic companies are poised to register 10 - 11% growth in revenue in financial year 2025 due to a higher number of patients & improving revenue per patient, according to a study by ratings agency CRISIL.
The projected rise in revenue comes on the back of an estimated 8% growth in financial year 2024.
While geographic expansion by established players into Tier-II and Tier-III cities will drive higher patient volumes, growing demand for comprehensive preventive health packages will lead to higher realisation per patient,” the agency added.
Curated by Economic Times
Shared on 14 April 2024