The Prescription: Partnership For Safe Medicines India

The Prescription: 17th October 2016 Issue

Editor’s Emulsion PSM INDIA Capsules Drug Laws & Policy Injections Pharma Injections DRUG DOPES National Injections Global Injections PSM Pill DOSE OF THE DAY FAQ Subscriber's Symptom UpComing Events Laughter Dose Blog Addict Contact Us

News Archive

EDITOR'S EMULSION

Pooja Khaitan

Greetings!

On 2nd October, the occasion of The Birth Anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi who is also known as the "father of the Nation" and Lal Bahadur Shastri, the second prime minister of our country, Consumer Online Foundation and PSM India Initiative along with the International Alliance of Patients' Organisation launched a Postcard campaign to appeal to the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi to invest 5% of the GDP on Healthcare in the coming National Budget for the year 2017-18 and make Universal Health Coverage (UHC) a reality in India so that no one in India creates a debt or sell assets to seek safe and quality healthcare. We urge our aware readers of the Prescription to join this Movement, write your postcard, post it and upload your picture on our twitter and facebook page.

Air Pollution is now a common term, that our ears are attuned to. Air pollution generally refers to the contamination of the air, irrespective of indoors or outdoors. Smog hanging over in the atmosphere is the most familiar and oblivious form of air pollution, which has damaging effects on living creatures. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) recent report, it is found that Delhi’s air is the worst among world megacities. The Particulate matter (PM2.5) levels were almost 11 times above the WHO health standards. As the effects of Air pollution are alarming and are well-known to create several cardiovascular ailments along with cancer to most vulnerable populations, especially children and older adults, we need to be more concerned and cautious about it. We have featured pollution in our previous issue and do so again this time as we feel it's a grave health hazard our country faces today and something must be done to curb it. Read the complete report in this edition of PSM India Capsule.

Read More>>>

If you have any suggestions, comments or queries, please email me at pooja@jagograhakjago.com.
You may find our previous issues on jagograhakjago.com or in the NEWS ARCHIVE section of every issue of The PRESCRIPTION, in case you’ve missed any of them. You may also look us up on Facebook under Partnership for Safe Medicines India

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Happy Reading !
Stay Safe. Stay Healthy !

Pooja Khaitan
Chief Editor , The PRESCRIPTION Partnership for Safe Medicines India.

DOSE OF THE DAY

"AIIMS has contributed significantly in quality health care. It has discharged its roles as clinical provider, research institute and teaching institute with considerable accolades over the past six decades. During 2015-16, AIIMS Delhi, attended to 30 lakh outpatients, 2.5 lakh inpatients and performed about 1.5 lakh surgeries,"

Mr. JP Nadda
Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare

PSM India Capsules

Invest 50p today on your Health....JOIN the Postcard Campaign- A Pan India Success

On the occasion of The Birth Anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi who is also known as the "father of the Nation" and Lal Bahadur Shastri, the second prime minister of our country, Consumer Online Foundation and PSM India Initiative along with the International Alliance of Patients' Organisation launched a Postcard campaign to appeal to the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi residing at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, New Delhi 110011 to invest 5% of the GDP on Healthcare in the coming National Budget for the year 2017-18 and make Universal Health Coverage (UHC) a reality in India so that no one in India creates a debt or sell assets to seek safe and quality healthcare.

Delhi continues to top world's most polluted megacities list: WHO

Delhi’s air is the worst among world megacities, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed recently, even as IndiaSpend‘s #breathe network of air-quality sensors reported fine-particulate-matter (PM2.5) levels were almost four times above daily safe levels, on average, for the seven-day period from September 22 to 28, 2016. For long-term exposure, these 24-hour levels are nearly 11 times above the WHO health standards.

Drug Laws & Policy Injections

High Court notice to Centre on plea for better organ transplant policy CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 2016: Acting on a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking directions to frame policy regarding human organ transplants and setting up of more hospitals with the facility, the Punjab and Haryana high court on Tuesday issued notice to the Centre. Haryana and Punjab have also been asked to file their replies on the issue.

Modi government planning a major overhaul of country's drug policy NEW DELHI, OCTOBER 2016: The government is planning a major overhaul of the country's drug policy that includes reducing the number of drugs under price control, doing away with the practice of periodic renewal of manufacturing licenses, and making it easy to do medical and drug research in the country.

Bill to protect HIV community from bias gets approvalNew Delhi, October 2016: Establishments keeping records of information of HIV positive persons shall adopt data protection measures. The Union Cabinet, on October 5, approved the long-awaited amendments to the HIV Bill, granting stronger protection to the country’s HIV community.

CDSCO to start online submission of drug samples by drug inspectors soonMumbai, October, 2016: In a step further to digitize its services and usher in transparency in collection and analysis of drug samples, Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) will soon start online submission of drug samples by drug inspectors for lab testing. The sample analysis report will be put online by the respective CDSCO laboratory.

Government weighs stricter norms, heavy fines in draft Drugs and Cosmetics ActNew Delhi, October 2016: The government is considering measures, including imposing heavy fines and imprisonment, in the draft Drugs and Cosmetics Act to prevent pharmaceutical companies from violating manufacturing norms, according to two health ministry officials.

Bombay HC directs state govt to curb illegal online sale of Sch H drugsMumbai, October, 2016: Bombay High Court (HC) has asked the state government to take steps to curb illegal online sale of drugs based on a petition filed against advertisements of Schedule H drugs in electronic media and other digital media which is detrimental to patient safety.

Pharma Injections

How antibiotic-resistance are making kidney infections more deadly New York, October 2016: Medication-resistant bacteria are making it more difficult to treat a common but severe kidney infection, says a study. Pyelonephritis -- infection of the kidney usually caused by E. coli bacteria and which can start as a urinary tract infection -- causes fever, back pain and vomiting.

New drug target for asthma, autoimmune disorders identified October 2016: Using a new tool for probing the molecular makeup of cells, researchers have discovered that PD-1 - a marker that already serves as a drug target for some cancers - may also serve as a drug target for asthma and other autoimmune disorders.

Novel device detects bacteria and suggests apt antibiotic October, 2016: An interdisciplinary team of engineers and pharmaceutical researchers at the University of Alberta has invented a device that can rapidly identify harmful bacteria and can determine whether it is resistant to antibiotics. The device could save precious hours in patient care and public health, and prevent the spread of drug-resistant strains of bacteria. The team's findings can help in detecting bacteria and measure their susceptibility to antibiotics in small confined volumes.

Stool transplant can help patients with gastric ailments October, 2016: Stool transplants are being used to treat those with serious gastric ailments. Three years ago, Manas Shukla was a newly-married 33-year-old ready to enjoy the prime of his life. But a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis left him struggling with bloody diarrhoea several times a day. "It left me weak, depressed and I couldn't even work properly," recalls Shukla, who runs his own business in Delhi. Eventually he got relief from a very unlikely source - another man's poo.

Additional Drug May Cut C-Section Infection Rates By Half WASHINGTON, OCTOBER 2016: Scientists, including one of Indian origin, have discovered that administering the antibiotic azithromycin alongside a standard recommended drugs reduces infection rates by 50 per cent for women who undergo a cesarean delivery.

Some children with asthma may need different treatment approach, study finds October, 2016: A new study by Henry Ford Health System in collaboration with eight other health systems in large U.S. cities, has identified a group of children with asthma that may require a different treatment approach.

Chikungunya can affect your eyes too, says expert October, 2016: For the past two months Delhi NCR has been riding the tsunami of two most distressing disease outbreaks- Chikungunya and Dengue fever.

Drug Dopes

Updated LIST OF NEW DRUGS APPROVED FROM 01-01-2016 TILL DATE BY NEW DRUGS DIVISION, CDSCO, FDA Bhawan, New Delhi List of New Drug Approved by FDA

Maha FDA seizes drug stocks worth Rs. 1.52 cr, detects 263 cases of misleading ads Mumbai, October, 2016: Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seized drug stocks worth Rs. 1.52 crore based on 263 cases detected of misleading advertisements claiming to cure ailments like diabetes, obesity, sexual impotency, mental disorders, cancer and rheumatism.

Wilson's disease drug goes off the shelves October, 2016: A life-saving medicine D-Penicillamine, used in treatment of Wilson's disease, is unavailable across the country, jeopardising lives of many patients.

Drug crisis in store if Sino-Indian ties worsen New Delhi, October 2016: The growing tension between India, Pakistan and China has triggered concerns over India's health security as well. While there are signs of China siding with Pakistan, authorities are evaluating options to ensure that India's pharma industry, which is hugely dependent on raw material sourced from China, is not impacted. India imports around 85% of the raw material or Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) used in medicine formulations from China. This poses a major risk of severe drug shortage if India's diplomatic relations with China worsen.

Maha FDA to prosecute Mumbai based firm for stocking drugs without license Mumbai, October, 2016: Against the backdrop of illegal stock and sale of medicines, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is planning to prosecute a Mumbai-based firm which was procuring and stocking drugs without a license in contravention to the provisions of Drugs & Cosmetic Act, 1940.

$2.2m in fake drugs seized in Myanmar Myanmar, October, 2016: Myanmar has cracked down on counterfeit medicines, with recent raids seizing 2.8 billion kyats ($2.2m) worth of fake drugs and production materials.

National Injections

Supreme Court tells Jung, Kejriwal to Meet Over Chikungunya, Dengue New Delhi, October 2016: The Supreme Court asked Delhi's Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung to convene on Wednesday a meeting with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the civic bodies to discuss ways and means to deal with the spread of chikungunya and dengue.

Odisha Issues Notification To Treat Dead With Dignity, Respect BHUBANESWAR, OCTOBER 2016: The Odisha government on Wednesday ordered the state's health facilities to ensure that the dead are treated with dignity and respect. "The dead body must be treated with all dignity and respect. On no account should a dead body, whether Medico Legal Case (MLC) or non-MLC, unclaimed or not, be allowed to be carried on shoulders, or strung on a pole, or in any manner that compromises the dignity of the dead," the state's health department said in a notification issued on Wednesday.

Polluted Ganga River can treat infections: Scientists October, 2016: The waters of the Ganga do have unusual healing properties despite all its muck and pollution. Until now, these properties were believed to be in the realm of belief and myth.

One in every four men in Aizawl facing cancer threat Aizawl, October, 2016: Men in Mizoram's capital Aizawl have much higher probability of developing cancer than their counterparts in any other part of the country, an official said. According to the Population Based Cancer Registries (PBCR), the probability of contracting any type of cancer in a lifetime (up to 74 years of age) is one in four males in Aizawl against one in seven to eight men in important cities in India.

Doctor caught taking Rs 10 thousand bribe in Odisha BERHAMPUR, OCTOBER 2016: Sleuths from the vigilance wing on Friday arrested the assistant professor of paediatric surgery department at MKCG Medical College and Hospital here for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000. The doctor was apparently keeping the patient, a new born baby, hostage and had been refusing to discharge the patient who underwent a surgery at the hospital last week unless the bribe money was paid to him.

Health department to warn private hospitals over sharing samples for vector-borne diseases NOIDA, OCTOBER 2016: The health department will warn the private hospitals which are reporting cases of dengue and Chikungunya etc, but are not sharing the blood samples of the patients with the department.

Global Injections

World’s first robotic surgeon with a sense of touch developed! Melbourne, October 2016: Researchers, including one of Indian-origin, claim to have developed the world's first robotic surgical system that can give surgeons the sense of touch while they conduct keyhole surgery using a computer.

World's first dengue vaccine approved in over 10 countries October 2016 : Sanofi-Pasteur, the vaccines global business unit of Sanofi, announced today that the dengue vaccines have received approval in 14 countries.

UK scientists on verge of curing HIV?

OCTOBER 2016: A British man could become the first person in the world to be cured of HIV using a new therapy designed by a team of scientists from five UK universities.

New evidence supports biological link between Zika infection, Guillain-Barre SyndromeOctober 2016: In a collaborative effort with scientists at six Colombian hospitals, Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers report what they believe to be the strongest biological evidence to date linking Zika virus infection and Guillain-Barré syndrome.

PSM PILL

Tehachapi gynecologist spent 6 months in jail for implanting women with NON-FDA approved IUDs

Dr. Paul S. Singh is currently serving one year of home detention after pleading guilty to charges that he deceived his patients and defrauded Medicare by implanting his patients with non-FDA approved IUDs purchased on the Internet.

It’s not just the United States: fake diet pills are a real problem in the U.K.

The United Kingdom’s Medicines & Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has launched an information and safety campaign concerning dangerous fake diet pills. The MHRA is asking U.K. residents to not take chances with lose-weight-fast promises with their “Dodgy Diet Pills” campaign, warning consumers that “fake or unlicensed medical products sold as slimming pills are untested,” and the contents of the pills as well as the impact on users are unknown.

Frequently Asked Questions Q1. What is Asthma?
Answer: Asthma is a lung disease caused by inflammation (swelling) that leads to wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. Many people with asthma also have a family history of allergies, such as hay fever or pet allergies. It's a common ailment and complaint.
Although asthma cannot be cured, it can be controlled with medications and patients can live an active and normal lifestyle. Follow along for tips and treatment.Read More>>>

SUBSCRIBER'S SYMPTOM

Simple tips to stay mentally fit

Article contributed by one of our Subscriber: Ms. Nupur Kashyap, New Delhi

World Mental Health Week is held every October to concur with World Mental Health Day (10 October). The main objective of the event is to promote social and emotional well-being as well as promote community consciousness about mental health issues.

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Blog Addicts

Mr. Aashish Shah, Blogger tweets: Thanks for keeping us updated on healthcare researchers from around the globe.

Dr. Sapna Mandol, Physician says:Congrats! PSM-India for delivering such an informative fortnightly newsletter ‘The Prescription’ to us.

Dr. Anjali Desai, Social Activist, tweets: Great Applause to PSM-India on the Postcard Campaign initiative, and nonetheless Thanks to all who have actively participated in this novel initiative!

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Disclaimer : Our newsletter endeavors to compile patient safety information from various sources . PSM India may not be held responsible for any article published in The Prescription.