The Prescription: Partnership For Safe Medicines India

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News Archive

EDITOR'S EMULSION

Pooja Khaitan

Greetings!

Welcome to yet another edition of our newsletter.

Its gives us great pride in announcing that Mr Bejon Kumar Misra, Founder of Patient Safety and Access Initiative of India Foundation got recognised at the Health and Wellness Congress as one of the Most Impactful Person in the Healthcare domaine in the World. We congratulate him and hope to do more for the cause under his able leadership.

Please do attend our International Forum of Patient Safety and Access to Safe Online Pharmacies today and tomorrow at New Delhi, India. More details on this under Psm India capsules.

Citizens of Delhi just got lucky as now they may avail free MRI and CT scan tests while on the other side private hospitals across the nation are making you pay for reused disposables while the Health Secretary launches ‘SAATHIYA’ Resource Kit and ‘SAATHIYA SALAH’ Mobile App for adolescents. These and more make some striking articles to read under National Injections.

The Medical Devices Rules, 2017 which was recently notified by the Union Health Ministry has made the Central Licensing Authority (CLA) as the competent authority for providing licence for manufacture of Class C and Class D medical devices, the Union health ministry is set to roll out prescription audits as part of a multi-pronged strategy against anti-microbial resistance and articles on incidence of sub-standard and banned drugs, from Drug law and policies and Drug Dopes. Enrich your knowledge on Sepsis from FAQs. Get refreshed with our little Laughter Dose and mark your calendar for upcoming important events.
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

“The budget estimates for health show an appreciable increase of more than 27%. From Rs. 37061.55 cr in 2016-17, the budget estimate for 2017-18 has been increased to Rs. 47352.51 cr (Net). This will help to attend tertiary care, human resources for health and medical education and to strengthen NHM.”

Shri J. P. Nadda
Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare

PSM India Capsules

International Forum on Patient Safety and Access to Safe Online Pharmacies

Poliomyelitis (Polio)

Poliomyelitis (“commonly known as Polio”) is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus that destroys the nerve cells in the spinal cord. Children below 5 years of age are more likely to contract the virus than any other group. The polio virus is so contagious that anyone living with someone who has the virus can catch it too. As a highly transmittable virus, polio transmits through contact with infected feces. For instances: objects like toys that have come near infected feces can also transmit the virus. Sometimes it can transmit through a sneeze or a cough, as the virus lives in the throat and intestines but this is less common.

Drug Laws & Policy Injections

Centre to audit prescriptions to fight antibiotic resistance NEW DELHI, FEB 2017: The Union health ministry is set to roll out prescription audits as part of a multi-pronged strategy against anti-microbial resistance (AMR) or antibiotic resistance. Anti-microbial resistance threatens the effective prevention and treatment of an ever-increasing range of infectious diseases like tuberculosis, malaria, urinary tract infection (UTI) and even HIV. The government will ask hospitals and pharmacists to upload all the prescriptions issued and received by them for evaluation by a central agency.

14 more medical devices may see price regulation Mumbai, February, 2017: After cardiac stents, around 14 more medical devices that are rampantly sold at inflated rates in hospitals, could see a price regulation in the coming months. The list includes orthopedic implants, intraocular lenses and artificial heart valves to consumables such as syringes, needles and catheters.

Government to act against firms creating artificial shortage of stentsNEW DELHI, FEB 2017: Government said it is keeping a close watch on some companies trying to create an artificial shortage of life-saving coronary stents and stringent action will taken against those engaging in unethical practices. There are reports of shortages of stents in hospitals after the government reduced their prices by up to 85 per cent by capping rates of bare metal stents at Rs 7,260 and drug- eluting ones at Rs 29,600 on February 13.

New Medical Devices Rules make Central Licensing Authority competent authority to licence Class C & D devicesMumbai, February, 2017: The Medical Devices Rules, 2017 which was recently notified by the Union Health Ministry has made the Central Licensing Authority (CLA) as the competent authority for providing licence for manufacture of Class C and Class D medical devices; while State Licensing Authorities have been given the authority to licence Class A or Class B medical devices.

Supportive policy needed for pharma industry to sustain growth momentum: FICCI presidentBengaluru, February, 2017 : Indian pharma industry wants a strong and supportive policy framework to continue its growth momentum, said Pankaj Patel, president, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry(FICCI). There is need for a stable regulatory environment to facilitate ease of approvals. The industry looks forward to harmonize regulatory frame work. It also recommends higher level of transparency from the NPPA. The need of the hour is a better clarity on the pricing norms, he added.

Lens on stent bills to ensure lower pricesNEW DELHI, FEB 2017: With reports of several hospitals seeking to beat the price cap on stents by shifting charges under other heads, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) plans to seek billing data from the insurance regulator and insurance providers to ensure price reductions are passed on to patients.

MTaI expresses dismay over capping of prices of stents by NPPAMumbai, February, 2017: The Medical Technology Association of India (MTaI), an association of research based medical technology companies who have made remarkable investments in India, has expressed disappointment over the broad-brushed announcement of price capping of coronary stents by NPPA as it feels that this move will reduce the options available for the Indian patient for their specific medical condition or deprive them the satisfaction of choosing from the most advanced and cutting edge technologies.

Pharma Injections

Stent-makers may sell directly to hospitalsNew Delhi,Feb 2017 : With the drug price regulator capping the price of stents, many manufacturers are exploring options to supply their products directly to hospitals, bypassing distributors or retailers to save on margins.

Submit weekly production report: Govt to stent makersNew Delhi, Feb 2017: Cracking the whip on stent manufacturers, the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) on Tuesday asked them to provide weekly reports on the production and distribution of the medical device.

Reduce Chinese pharma imports New Delhi, Feb 2017: Observing that India's major import in the pharmaceutical sector are Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API), from China, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has strongly recommended to the Department of Pharmaceuticals to boost indigenous manufacturing of the raw materials.

People suffering mini-strokes at higher risk of suffering major strokes: Study New Delhi, Feb 2017: A new study says that people suffering mini-strokes at higher risk of suffering major strokes.

Vapi firm becomes India's first to take on Abbott in biodegradeable stents Ahmedabad, 24 Feb 2017: Medical devices company Meril Life Sciences based out of a non-descript town like Vapi made it to the big league of med-tech players in the country by developing the country's first indigenously made bio-resorbable cardiac scaffold (BVS) called MeRes100, that has been approved by the health ministry.

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

First India-Made Dissolvable Stent Gets Ministry Nod New Delhi,Feb 2017: The health ministry has approved the country's first locally made bioresorbable cardiac scaffold, or naturally dissolving stent for clearing blockages in arteries that carry blood to the heart.

Survey takes lid off drug impurity in JK hospitals Srinagar, Feb 2017: At a time when state government is trying to brush aside the warnings by the J&K Drug and Food Control Organization (DFCO) regarding supply of sub-standard drugs to state hospitals, a survey by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has found that the menace of spurious drugs is more severe in J&K as compared to national average. Shockingly, the survey "Extent of Problems of Spurious and Not of Standard Quality Drugs" has found that the percentage of drug formulations found "Not of Standard Quality" (NSQ) is much higher in case of samples lifted from government sector compared to retail market in J&K.

Health dept cracks down on alternative meds containing sildenafil citrate Jaipur, Feb 2017: After registering a case against a pharmaceutical company based in Bihar, the health department suspects that there are other ayurveda and homeopathy drugs containing sildenafil citrate, an active ingredient in Viagra, in the city.

Officials bust scam of fake medical degrees worth Rs 300 crore in Mohali Mohali, Feb 2017: A 7-Member team of Registration Board of Punjab Ayurvedic Practitioners (RBPAP) on Friday busted a gang which was duping people by providing them fake medical degrees. The scam is estimated to be of around Rs 300 crore. The raiding team seized the documents which were kept in an office in Phase 7. The RBPAP officials also lodged a complaint with the local police. The team will submit their inquiry report within three days.

Cancer drugs at low prices tough to find in open market Hyderabad, February, 2017: Although the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) brought in advanced drugs to treat cancer and other oncology related disorders under the National List of Essential Medicines and in the Drug Price Control Order, 2013 and slashed their prices more than 50 per cent, cancer patients are finding it tough to get at lower prices from the retail pharmacy shops.

Gujarat FDCA seizes spurious products from two retailers Mumbai, Feb 2017: Gujarat Food and Drug Administration (FDCA) has detected two Jamnagar based retailers for marketing spurious products manufactured in the name of Gujarat based Mapro Pharmaceuticals India Ltd. The seized samples of Boric Acid IP which is a pharmacopoeial medicine used as disinfectant in hospitals has been sent to Vadodara based lab for further testing and analysis.

Homeopath told to compensate for prescribing allopathic drug AHMEDABAD, FEB 2017: A homeopath has been asked to pay Rs 2 lakh to his patient for prescribing him allopathic medicine. A consumer court considered the practice of prescribing allopathic medicines by the homeopath as medical negligence.

National Injections

Delhiites can avail free MRI, CT scan tests now New Delhi, February 2017: Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain said that Delhi residents can avail the facility of MRI, PET and CT scan tests for free at 21 private laboratories after showing referral letter from the selected 30 government hospitals.

Private hospitals reuse disposables, make you pay for them New Delhi, February 2017: Disposables like catheters, guide wires and balloons used in every angioplasty are reused and billed repeatedly in many private hospitals.

Health Secretary launches ‘SAATHIYA’ Resource Kit and ‘SAATHIYA SALAH’ Mobile App for adolescents New Delhi, Feb 2017: The mobile app is linked to toll-free Saathiya Helpline (1800-233-1250) which will act as an e-counsellor

World Health Organisation calls for national framework to address health issues in India New Delhi, Feb 2017: Health issues in India are a highly debatable topic and one that needs urgent attention, primarily because of the way the problem is eating its way into the system.

Live dual transplant on a 20-month old toddler successfully performed at Aster medcity Kochi, February, 2017: This is the first time in the world that a dual live-donor- liver and kidney transplant surgery has been performed in such a small child.

Doctors successfully removes 11.5 kg adrenal tumour from 55-year-old man in Delhi New Delhi, Feb 2017: Doctors were successfully in removing a giant 11.5 kg adrenal tumour from a 55-year-old man, who had a body mass index (BMI) of 48 which is considered extremely obese and went for a weight-loss surgery.

Global Injections

China updates key drug list in boost for pharma SHANGHAI, FEB 2017: China has updated a key list of medicines covered by basic medical insurance schemes, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security said in a statement on Thursday, a fillip for drugmakers in the world's second-largest drug market.

New malaria vaccine found 100 percent effective February 2017: A new vaccine for malaria is up to 100% effective when assessed at 10 weeks after last dose, according to the results of a clinical trial. The vaccine called Sanaria PfSPZ-CVac incorporated fully viable — not weakened or otherwise inactivated.

Mexico finds small amount of fake anti-cancer drug

Veracruz, Feb 2017: The federal Health Department said the fake medication was found in the Gulf coast state of Veracruz, where the current governor has accused his predecessor in the medical scandal.

Walking can improve life quality for cancer patientsLondon, February 2017: Walking for just 30 minutes three times per week could improve the quality of life for those with advanced cancer, a new study has found.

Eating mercury-rich seafood may up ALS riskNew York, February 2017: Seafood lovers, take note! Eating fish rich in mercury may put you at risk of developing motor neurone diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), scientists have warned.

Common food-borne bacteria may up early miscarriage riskWashington, February 2017: Moms-to-be, take note! Listeria, a common food-borne bacterium, may pose a greater risk of miscarriage in the early stages of pregnancy than previously thought, a new study has warned.

Antibiotics may replace surgery as appendicitis treatmentLondon, February 2017: Antibiotics may be an effective treatment for acute non-complicated appendicitis in children, instead of surgery, a new study published today has found.

PSM PILL

Fake online pharmacy owner sentenced to 8 years in prison

Juan Gallinal, a former Virginia police officer, acted as the head of a Florida conspiracy that used a valid brick-and-mortar pharmacy as a cover for series of fake pharmacy websites that sold misbranded and addictive drugs.

WHO opposes drug importation? every head of the FDA and HHS since 2000

Ordering prescription drugs from non-FDA approved foreign sources is a dangerous path, opposed by all of the previous heads of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) since 2000.

Frequently Asked Questions Q1. What is Sepsis?
Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening complication of an infection. Sepsis occurs when chemicals released into the bloodstream to fight the infection trigger inflammatory responses throughout the body. This inflammation can trigger a cascade of changes that can damage multiple organ systems, causing them to fail. If sepsis progresses to septic shock, blood pressure drops dramatically, which may lead to death. Read More>>>

SUBSCRIBER'S SYMPTOM

One must include these foods in their diet- To lower cholesterol level!

Article contributed by one of our Subscriber: Ms. Nikita Sabharwal, Medical Student, Jaipur

Having a balanced diet is very important to lead a healthy lifestyle. Our diet plays an important role in keeping our cholesterol level in check. High cholesterol continues to afflict countless of individuals. One can easily reduce their cholesterol levels by eating a decent diet with some physical activities.

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