Page 26 - Health Ministry

HMPV scare: Centre asks states to enhance surveillance, create awareness

Seven HMPV cases detected in India; health secretary says country prepared for any potential surge in respiratory illness cases

HMPV cases in India highlights: Health Secretary urges states to raise public awareness on HMPV

HMPV Cases in India updates: Catch all the major news updates on human metapneumovirus cases here

HMPV in India: Centre asks states to increase surveillance as cases rise

At least five cases of HMPV have been reported in India, all of them among children

HMPV outbreak: 5 children test positive, Nadda says 'no reason to worry'

Five infants tested positive for the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat on Monday, the first reported cases of the virus in India. Union Health Minister J P Nadda sought to assuage fears, saying the government is closely monitoring the situation and there is no reason to worry. HMPV is a globally recognised respiratory virus that recently gained attention after its outbreak was reported in China. It is a viral pathogen that causes respiratory infections in people of all age groups. While the Karnataka, Gujarat, and Maharashtra governments assured that there was no cause for alarm, the Delhi government directed all hospitals in the capital to remain fully prepared to manage a potential surge in respiratory illnesses with former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal urging the Centre to act swiftly to prevent a potential health crisis. Two cases were detected in Karnataka by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) through routine surveillance for .

Ministry issues guidelines to ensure fair treatment to CGHS beneficiaries

Empanelled hospitals are now required to follow standardised treatment protocols for common procedures and ailments

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