Page 26 - Health Ministry

Delhi govt directs hospitals to stay prepared amid concerns over HMPV

Delhi government on Monday directed all the hospitals in the capital to remain fully prepared to manage a potential surge in respiratory illnesses following the detection of two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka. In a directive marked "Most Urgent", Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj instructed the health and family welfare department to closely monitor the situation, and remain in constant touch with the Union health ministry for timely updates. "Hospitals under the Delhi government must be fully equipped to handle any potential increase in respiratory illnesses, as advised by the Union health ministry," the directive issued by Bharadwaj said. The health secretary has been tasked with inspecting three government hospitals daily, beginning with the largest facilities, and submit detailed reports on several key parameters, including availability of medicines as per the essential drug list, ICU beds, and the operational status of PSA oxygen plants and radiologica

No HMPV cases in Andhra Pradesh, no need to panic: Health official

There are no reported cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Andhra Pradesh, a health official said on Sunday, assuring the public that there is no need to panic about the virus. Public Health and Family Welfare Director K Padmavathi stated that the virus spreads from person to person, similar to Covid-19, primarily affecting children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immunity. "There are no HMPV cases in Andhra Pradesh. The virus, detected in China, does not warrant any panic," Padmavathi said in an official press release. According to the director, individuals in close contact with HMPV-infected persons are at risk of contracting the virus. She added that it can also spread through coughing, sneezing, touch, and handshakes with infected individuals. Similarly, Padmavathi noted that the disease can spread through utensils used by infected individuals. The symptoms of the disease typically appear 3 to 10 days after infection and include flu-like signs such as cough, .

No unusual rise in flu-like cases in India, says govt amid China HMPV surge

Health Ministry convenes monitoring group meeting over hMPV surge in China

MSME Pharma units get breather as govt extends Schedule M deadline

Pharma cos with turnover of Rs 250 cr or less can submit an application to the central drugs regulator for one one-year extension

Ayushman Bharat extended to those above 70; here's list of key initiatives

Boosting the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme by extending coverage to people aged 70 and above and launching of the U-WIN portal to digitise vaccinations of pregnant women and children stood out among the key initiatives of the health ministry in 2024, a year which was free from the Covid shadow. The RG Kar rape-murder case of West Bengal prompted the health ministry to devote considerable attention towards addressing the gaps in medical infrastructure, improving working conditions of healthcare workers and ensuring their security on hospital campuses amid demands from doctors across the country for a central law to deal with violence against healthcare professionals. There was a change at the helm in the health ministry after the elections with Mansukh Mandaviya making way for J P Nadda who took charge for the second time. His previous stint was in the Narendra Modi government's first term (from November 9, 2014 to May 30, 2019) before he took over as the BJP's working ...

India to fund projects worth Rs 237.1 cr in Sri Lanka's eastern province

India is to provide Rs 2,371 million to Sri Lanka for 33 development projects in education, health and agriculture sectors in the eastern province, it was announced on Tuesday. The cabinet has approved a proposal to sign an MoU to boost socio-economic development and bilateral ties between the two countries, cabinet spokesman and the Health Minister Nalinda Jayathissa told reporters here. India is to provide Rs 315 million for education, Rs 780 million for health and Rs 620 million for agriculture under the arrangement. These projects, among the slew of others, are aimed at enhancing infrastructure, growth and empowering local communities.

Centre mulls adding more Centres of Excellence for rare disease patients

2-3 new CoEs likely to be added to the current count of 12

Over 14,000 PMBJK centres set up to provide generic medicines: JP Nadda

Over 14,000 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) have been opened in the country as on October 21 to provide quality generic medicines at affordable prices, Union Health Minister J P Nadda told the Lok Sabha on Friday. Under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) Scheme, 2,047 types of medicines and 300 surgical devices have been brought under its ambit, including cardiovascular, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic drugs, he said in a written response to a question. The PMBJP scheme was launched by the government to set up dedicated outlets known as PMBJKs to provide quality generic medicines at affordable prices. On the progress made under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and stroke in the country, Nadda said non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are diagnosed and treated at various levels in health care facilities. The treatment in government hospitals is either free or highly subsidised for the p

Govt proposes crisis management plan to tackle zoonotic disease outbreaks

The plan emphasises the need for rapid action and continuous monitoring to minimise the impact of these diseases

Health Minister Nadda launches five DHR-ICMR research initiatives

Union Health Minister J P Nadda launched five Department of Health Research-Indian Council of Medical Research (DHR-ICMR) health research initiatives planned under the 100 days agenda here on Friday. One of the key initiatives launched is the 'First in the World' Challenge, inspired by the success of Chandrayaan-3, according to a statement. These initiatives aim to propel India to the forefront of global health research and innovation, aligning with the nation's vision of a Viksit Bharat. "These ground-breaking initiatives exemplify our commitment to a healthier and more self-reliant India. By fostering indigenous innovation and investing in advanced research, we are equipping our nation to tackle pressing health challenges effectively," Nadda said. Dr Rajiv Bahl, Secretary DHR and DG ICMR, said, "Initiatives like the 'First in the World' Challenge will empower our scientists and innovators to develop cutting-edge technologies that can benefit not just India but the entire world. W

Expert panel recommends banning 16 more FDCs over safety concerns: Report

In August, the government banned 156 FDCs, including antibiotics, antiallergics, pain relievers, multivitamins, and combination treatments for fever and hypertension, citing health risks

Kerala reports second Mpox case, third in India; strain being analysed

The first Mpox case in India this year involved a man from Haryana, with a less concerning strain. The second case, detected in Kerala, was the first instance of the more concerning clade 1b strain

Tirupati laddoo row: Odisha officials to test ghee at Jagannath Temple

The row over the Tirupati temple erupted last week after Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu alleged that adulterated ghee was being used at the temple during the regime of his predecessor Jaganmohan Reddy

Punjab govt in talks with health ministry over Ayushman Bharat backlog

Sources indicate Punjab state health agency has not submitted audit reports since 2020-21

Kerala to revise Mpox rules after reporting India's first new strain case

The Kerala health department announced plans to release revised guidelines for the prevention and treatment of Mpox, a decision that came in the wake of the southern state reporting the country's first confirmed case of the new strain on Monday. The State Level Rapid Response Team (RRT) held a meeting to assess the overall situation in the state. After the meeting, state Health Minister Veena George said instructions have been given to take necessary action if the number of cases increases. "Isolation facilities have been set up in all districts, and monitoring has been strengthened, including at airports. Currently, testing facilities have been arranged in five laboratories. If required, testing facilities will be expanded to more labs," she said in a statement. Although the minister, in her statement, did not mention that the first confirmed case of the Mpox strain in India was found in a patient from Kerala, she announced that revised guidelines for the prevention and effective

Aiims Darbhanga to be built by NBCC arm; Centre awards Rs 1,261 cr contract

Aiims Darbhanga, approved by the Union Cabinet in 2020, will be built over 182 acres of land at a cost of Rs 1,261 crore, which will be fully funded by the Centre

Health ministry plans mandatory 'non-skippable' anti-tobacco spots on OTT

The Union health ministry has proposed mandatory display of "non-skippable" anti-tobacco health spots of at least 30 seconds and audio-visual disclaimer on ill-effects of tobacco use for 20 seconds on OTT platforms as soon as one starts streaming them. The ministry recently released draft amendments for anti-tobacco rules for over-the-top (OTT) platforms. According to the draft norms, all films of Indian and foreign origin irrespective of their CBFC certification status published and released on or after September 1, 2023 will have to display anti-tobacco health spots of minimum 30 seconds duration each at the beginning and middle of the movie. It also proposed displaying anti-tobacco health warnings as prominent static messages at the bottom of the screen during the scenes that show use of tobacco products in all content. "The Cigarette and other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Amendment Rule

One more test negative for Nipah, 134 fall under high-risk category

Kerala Health Minister Veena George said on Thursday that the Nipah virus test result for another individual who had been in contact with the 24-year-old man who died of the virus in Malappuram last week has come negative, bringing the total number of negative results to 37. She said this after a high-level meeting led by her reviewed the situation here. Speaking to reporters, the minister said that two more people have been added to the contact list, both of whom are in the high-risk category. Among those on the contact list, 81 are healthcare workers. The minister said a total of 177 people are on the primary contact list, while 90 are on the secondary contact list. Out of those on the primary list, 134 individuals fall under the high-risk category. "Today, two people with symptoms have been admitted to the Manjeri Medical College Hospital. Including these two, a total of six people are undergoing treatment at the Manjeri Medical College Hospital, while 21 people are being treate

Centre sets up surveillance as undiagnosed fever claims 15 lives in Kutch

In the wake of an undiagnosed fever claiming 15 lives in Gujarat's Kutch, the Union health ministry has set up a surveillance mechanism to immediately respond to such outbreaks, official sources said on Saturday. They said points of entry such as airports, land ports and seaports are also being monitored for the disease. The government has established an effective surveillance mechanism through the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), IHIP network and also through the One Health Mission to immediately respond to any such outbreaks, according to the sources. The ICMR's network of laboratories will take care of diagnostics and there is enough capability to step up the supply of diagnostic kits if required, they said. Under the PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), the government has strengthened tertiary care across the country through AIIMS institutes, apart from bolstering emergency services through ...

Rs 5 lakh health cover for seniors under Ayushman Bharat: Who can avail

All senior citizens aged 70 and above, who belong to families already covered under AB PM-JAY, will be eligible for an additional top-up cover of Rs 5 lakh per year