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Sep 7, 2024 New Delhi: The government has asked all medical devices associations to adopt a uniform code for marketing practices similar to the one for pharmaceuticals companies, prohibiting them from organising workshops abroad for healthcare professionals and offering them hotel stay, expensive cuisine or monetary grants. As part of its bid to check unethical practices in the pharma industry, the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DOP) has asked medical devices companie to upload the Uniform Code for Marketing Practices in Medical Devices (UCMPMD) 2024 on their website along with the detailed procedure for lodging of complaints with link to the UCMPMD portal of the department. It also asked companies to constitute an Ethics Committee for Marketing Practices in Medical Devices (ECMPMD). “Very welcome and long awaited,” said Rajiv Nath, forum coordinator at the Association of Indian Medical Devices Industry (AIMED). “It (the code) is nicely tweaked for medical devices separately from the code for the pharmaceutical industry.” According to the DOP notice, in exercise of the powers conferred by Para 14.1 of the UCMPMD, the department requires disclosure from medical devices companies of particulars related to distribution of evaluation samples and expenses incurred on continuing medical education, continuing professional development, conferences, workshops, trainings, seminars, etc.

Aug 01, 2024 Referring to the memo, the minister said, “Levying GST on life insurance premiums amounts to levying tax on the uncertainties of life. The Union feels that the person who covers the risk of life’s uncertainties to give protection to the family should not be levied tax on the premiums to purchase cover against this risk.” New Delhi: Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has requested Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to withdraw the IS per cent goods and sewices tax (GST) on life and medical insurance premiums. In his letter to the Finance Minister, Gadkari raised concerns of the Nagpur Division Life Insurance Corporation Employees Union, which had submitted to him a memorandum regarding the issues of the insurance industrY. Referring to the memo, the minister said, “Levying GST on life insurance premiums amounts to levying tax on the unceltainties of life. The Union feels that the person who covers the risk of life’s uncertainties to give protection to the family should not be levied tax on the premiums to purchase cover against this risk.” Further, he added that the main issue raised by the Union is related to the withdrawal of GST on life and medical insurance premiums. Gadkari also pointed out that the Union has also raised issues related to differential treatment to savings through Life Insurance, re-introduction of income tax deduction for health insurance premiums and consolidation of public sector general insurance companies. Both life insurance and medical insurance premiums are subject to an IS per cent GST rate. He further said, “Similarly, the IS per cent GST on medical insurance premiums is proving to be a deterrent for the growth of this segment of business which is socially necessary.” “In view of the above, you are requested to consider the suggestion of withdrawal of GST on life and medical insurance premiums on priority as it becomes cumbersome for senior citizens as per rules with clue verification,” he said. Source: Economic Times

Aug 27, 2024 The high OOP expenditure in India leads to a situation where consumers, often less aware and not backed by government support, face rising medicine prices. This creates a perverse incentive structure in the market and thus despite being a major producer of generics, medicines in India are often sold under brand names, preventing consumers from benefiting from the lower costs of generics. Healthcare expenditure is a critical indicator of a country’s commitment to its citizens’ well-being. India’s per capita government healthcare expenditure is approximately $83 as of 2023, reflecting thechallenges in providing adequate public healthcare services. Despite being known for its generic drug production, the high OOP expenditure, about 48.2 per cent of total healthcare spending, indicates that a significant portion of healthcare costs are borne by individuals. The USA leads with the highest per capita government healthcare expenditure at approximately $12,318 in 2021 and with a per capita government expenditure of around $583, China has made substantial investments in healthcare infrastructure. India stands similar to Bangladesh on per capita basis. Issues in the Indian Healthcare System The high OOP expenditure in India leads to a situation where consumers, often less aware and not backed by government support, face rising medicine prices. This creates a perverse incentive structure in the market and thus despite being a major producer of generics, medicines in India are often sold under brand names, preventing consumers from benefiting from the lower costs of generics. Doctors in India face a big dilemma. They often prefer prescribing branded generics over non-brancled generics due to concerns about quality. This trust in branded generics, which involves higher marketing costs, leads to higher medicine prices for consumers. So even if doctors want to write generics to consumers to provide them with affordable options, they restrict themselves to do so. Role of Government For a country with a population of around 1.5 billion, making swift changes in healthcare policy is challenging. However, the Indian government has taken steps to improve healthcare affordability, such as the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Yet, more rapid and structural changes are necessary. Recommendations: 1. Raise Manufacturing Standards: Ensure that all domestic pharmaceutical manufacturers meet the highest quality standards, similar to those enforced by the US FDA. This will ensure and entrust doctors that every medicine their patients take is of highest quality 1. Mandate Generic Prescriptions: With increasing the standards of the domestic manufacturing, the government can then implement laws requiring doctors to prescribe generics, assuring them of the quality of all medicines manufactured in India. Once the quality is assured there will be much higher buying from doctors fraternity on adoption of generics. 1. Involve Private Sector: Until domestic manufacturing standards are uniformly high, allow reputable private companies to sell generic alternatives like they have allowed government-sanctioned channels like Jan Aushadhi stores. Newer licensing and compliance laws can be made here to ensure the quality dispense is top notch. Conclusion: India’s healthcare system is at a crossroads. While public healthcare expenditure has increased from 1.6 per cent of GDP in FY 21 to 2.2 per cent in FY22, per capita spending remains low compared to countries like China and the USA. To reduce the financial burden on its citizens and make healthcare more accessible, India must continue to improve the quality of its generic medicines and ensure that these savings are passed on to consumers. Source: Economic Times

Aug 20, 2024 To elevate India’s position in the global pharmaceutical sector, the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and the Ministry of External Affairs, hosted an international delegation of policymakers and drug regulators from 15 countries. New Delhi: Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilisers, JP Nadda inaugurated the ‘First Policy Makers’ Fomm’, here on Monday, which will run until August 22. To elevate India’s position in the global pharmaceutical sector, the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC), in collaboration with the Minist1Y of Health & Family Welfare and the Ministry of External Affairs, hosted an international delegation of policymakers and chug regulators from 15 countries. The fomm featured the launch of innovative digital platforms for pharmacopoeia and drug safety monitoring. Underscoring India’s commitment to expanding the global recognition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP), the fontm witnessed palticipation from various countries, including Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Guyana, Jamaica, Lao PDR, Lebanon, Malawi, Mozambique, Nauru, Nicaragua, Sri Lanka, Syria, Uganda and Zambia. The forum aims to foster meaningful discussions on the recognition of the IP and the implementation of India’s flagship Pradhan Mantri Bhaltiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), popularly known as the Janaushadhi Scheme. Welcoming the delegates from drug regulatory authorities and the health ministries from Latin American, African, Southeast Asian, and Pacific regions participating in the programme, Nadda stated that “this fontm will provide an excellent oppcntunity to exchange views on the safety, efficacy, and quality of medical pharmaceutical products amongst the palticipating countries that will ensure that we uphold the highest standards for the benefit of the patients”. He added that “India has long been identified as the ‘pharmacy of the world’. We are proud that our generic drugs help treat diseases like malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis, which are usually considered the health problems of developing countries.” Emphasising India’s commitment towards the eradication of these diseases, Nadda stated that “this contribution underscores India’s commitment to global health and its responsibility in bridging the healthcare gap in developing nations.”. He also highlighted that “since administering drugs for HIV-AIDS is very costly and it became a burden for developing nations, the Indian manufacturers came fonvard and took the lead in providing effective and affordable chugs”. Nadda remarked, “India has made remarkable progress in global health diplomacy and pharmaceutical leadership through various initiatives and international collaborations, embodying the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.” Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India has launched several key initiatives, including the Jan Aushadhi Scheme. This program aims to provide high-quality medicines to all segments of society, especially the underprivileged, by establishing Jan Aushadhi centers nationwide. These centers offer generic medicines of equal quality to branded ones at more affordable prices, without compromising on quality. All medicines supplied through this scheme meet the standards set by the Indian Pharmacopoeia. The success of this initiative in India stands as a model that could be adapted by other countries to improve global access to affordable healthcare, a statement said. Additionally, the Government of India has launched several initiatives to enhance access to medicines and healthcare sewices. The Ayushman Bharat scheme, for instance, is the world’s largest government-funded healthcare programme, providing assurance and insurance coverage for more than 500 million people at a cost of 6,000 US Dollars. Under the Prime Minister’s leadership, this scheme is a “testament to our commitment to ensure healthcare to the most vulnerable section of society,” the minister said. Nadda added that “as India’s pharmaceuticals and the healthcare sector continue to grow, our focus remains on improving global health. India’s collaboration with various countries is a testament to its dedication to this goal.” He further added that “the discussions under the Policymakers’ Forum will pave the way for patient safety worldwide, successful implementation of shared goals and will strengthen our healthcare systems while building lasting relationships among our countries”. Arunish Chawla, Secretary’, Department of Pharmaceuticals stated that, “a global trend is emerging as patients increasingly opt for generic medicines. Generic medicines adhere to regulat01Y standardisation equivalent to WHO standards and practices and are at least 50 to 90 per cent cheaper than branded medicines. There is a rising feeling in the world to move towards generic medicines”. Highlighting the success of the Janaushadhi Programme, he stated that, “In just a short span of 10 years, the out-of-pocket expenditure has fallen over 40 per cent due to generic medicines which is evidence of the success of the Jan Arogya Programme and more than 10,000 Janaushadhi Kendras are nmning in every nook and corner of the country. Jan Arogya is a social service that we want to offer to help other countries in other parts of the world where Healthcare expenditure is a major concern.” A key highlight of the event was the launch of two significant digital platforms by the Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilisers –the IP Online Portal and the Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring System (ADRMS) software. The IP Online Portal represents a major step towards digitalising the Indian Pharmacopoeia, making drug standards more accessible to stakeholders worldwide. This initiative aligns with the Government of India’s commitment to promoting environmentally friendly solutions under the ‘Digital India’ campaign. The ADRMS software, developed as part of the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India, is India’s first indigenous medical product safety database tailored to the needs of the Indian population. It facilitates the collection and analysis of adverse events related to medicines and medical devices, thereby significantly strengthening the countlY’s pharmacovigilance infrastructure. This software not only streamlines the repolting process but also empowers consumers and healthcare professionals to directly report adverse events, ensuring a more comprehensive capture of safety information. These digital initiatives are expected to enhance the accessibility and efficiency of chug safety monitoring and standards compliance, further boosting India’s position as a leader in the global pharmaceutical landscape. The successful launch of these digital platforms and the ongoing discussions at the Policy Makers’ Fomm reflect the Government’s continuous efforts to ensure

Aug 19, 2024 India’s achievement of its long-term goal to become a developed economy also hinges on its population losing weight, the Economic Survey 2023-24 had indicated. As India is posed to capitalise on its demographic dividend—a large youth population—it is crucial that the population’s health improves. Rising obesity rates and unhealthy lifestyles are threatening this potential.   New Delhi: India’s achievement of its long- term goal to become a developed economy also hinges on its population losing weight, the Economic Survey 2023-24 had indicated. As India is posed to capitalise on its demographic dividend—a large youth population—it is crucial that the population’s health improves. Rising obesity rates and unhealthy lifestyles are threatening this potential. The Economic Survey 2023-24 had flagged the urgent need for Indians to adopt a balanced diet to harness demographic dividends fully. Obesity is highlighted as a significant concern, with the survey noting a rise in obesity rates among adults Obesity in India Data from the National Family Health Survey 5 (NFHS-5) indicates that obesity among men aged 18-69 increased to 22.9 per cent from 18.9 per cent in the previous survey (NFHS-4). Similarly, for women, the rate rose to 24.0 per cent from 20.6 per cent . “Obesity is emerging as a serious concern among India’s adult population. According to National Family Health Survey 5 (NFHS-5), the percentage of men facing obesity in the age bracket 18-69 has increased to 22.9 per cent in NFHS-5 from 18.9 per cent in NFHS-4. For women, it has increased from 20.6 per cent (NFHS-4) to 24.0 per cent (NFHS-5),” the survey stated. Unhealthy diets, excessive social media usage, prolonged screen time, and sedentary lifestyles are increasing the risk of non-communicable diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and some cancers. These factors also undermine India’s economic potential by affecting the working-age population. Experts want thinner India for better economy Experts have stressed the urgency of addressing these health issues to boost India’s economic prospects. They want individuals o monitor their waist size, according to a Tol report. Dr Neelam Mohan, senior director and head of pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology, and liver transplantation at Medanta Medicity, highlighted the importance of government intewention in combating obesity effectively: “Govt involvement is crucial in driving the momentum needed to combat obesity effectively.” Dr Mohan pointed out that addressing obesity and related health issues like diabetes and heart disease can also help alleviate the burden of associated ailments, such as fatty liver, liver cirrhosis, and strokes. She noted the worrying trend of young adults experiencing cardiac issues, which were previously uncommon in this demographic. Want to lose weight? You are what you eat Emphasising individual responsibility in weight management, Dr Mohan said, “You are what you eat.” She pointed out that dietary habits significantly impact weight management, contributing 80-90 per cent of the effect compared to physical activity. She stressed the importance of educating young parents and adolescents about nutritious eating habits to curb obesity from teenage years into adulthood. Urban India is more obese than Bharat Data from NFHS-5 also illustrates that obesity is more prevalent in urban areas compared to rural regions, with 29.8 per cent of urban men facing obesity versus 19.3 per cent of rural men, and 33.2 per cent of urban women versus 19.7 per cent of rural women. “Combined with an ageing population in some states, obesity presents a concerning situation. Preventive measures must be taken to enable citizens to have a healthier lifestyle,” the survey added. It also noted that the NFHS-5 Survey coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, potentially increasing sedenta1Y lifestyles; a potential reversal in this trend in NFHS-6 would be a positive sign. What can the government do to shed weight Dr Girdhar Gyani, director general of the Association of Healthcare Providers (India), recommends integrating Body Mass Index (BMI) into the national policy for preventive healthcare. “Increased screen time is the primalY culprit for the current situation,” he said. Gyani advocates for stalting with BMI awareness and then promoting better dietary habits, physical activity, and reduced screen time.He flagged the importance of ongoing awareness efforts about health issues, including stroke, cewical cancer vaccination for women, and annual vaccinations. However, Gyani stressed the need for promoting awareness about BMI as a crucial next step, explaining that when BMI surpasses 25, individuals are at higher risk of health problems, with a BMI over 30 indicating obesity. Obesity root cause of problems Dr Devi Prasad Shetty, founder chairman of Narayana Healthcare, identified obesity as the root cause of most contemporal•y medical problems. He noted that many early-stage diseases due to obesity are reversible, and emphasised the importance of individuals knowing their health metrics. “Know your number” is his key message, urging individuals to be aware of their body weight, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and other critical health parameters.For obese individuals, Dr Shetty recommended undergoing preventive checkups to obtain baseline readings of various health metrics. “An obese person feels I can walk a hundred miles. I have no problem,” he said. Dr Shetty stressed the importance of understanding that perceived fitness level does not always correlate with actual fitness and advocated for comprehensive evaluations of heart, kidney, liver, and other organs since obesity affects all bodily systems.Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, co- chairman of the National IMA Covid Task Force, highlighted waist circumference as a simple and affordable way to assess health risks. How to reduce waist size? Is it easy? “Focusing on waist circumference is the most accessible and cost- effective approach, as it can be easily measured without the need for laborat01Y tests,” he said. Reducing waist size can improve health markers such as blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and lessen the likelihood of chronic conditions like diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. He also emphasised the importance of educating children about health, stalting from ages 10 to 12, with carefully curated information to avoid misinformation. This approach ensures children receive correct guidance for maintaining well-being during their developmental years.NFHS-5 data shows that the prevalence of abdominal obesity is

Sep 06, 2024 The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai) has enforced stricter timelines for insurance companies to boost accountability and customer service. Changes include faster settlement of death claims, quicker processing of policy surrenders, and prompt handling of health insurance claims. Customers can approach the ombudsman if these deadlines are not met. MUMBAI: Insurance Regulator and Development Authority of India (Irdai) has tightened timelines for various services undertaken by insurance companies, aiming to enhance accountability and customer service. In life insurance, death claims that do not require investigation must be settled within 15 days, down from 30 days earlier. For early death claims that require a probe, the resolution period is now 45 days while earlier it was “not later than 90 days”. Maturity claims, survival benefits, and annuity payments should be settled on their due dates, and policy surrenders or partial withdrawals must be processed within seven days, Irdai said in its master circular on protection of policyholders’ interests. ‘Insurers must allow 30-day free-look for life, health plans’ Insurance companies are also expected to send premium due intimations and information regarding policy payments, such as maturity or survival benefits, at least one month before the due date. The regulator has said that if the companies fail to meet the timelines, customers can approach the ombudsman who has the power to direct insurance companies. For new business proposals, insurance companies are required to process them and request any additional information within seven days. A copy of the policy, along with the proposal form, must be provided to the policyholder within 15 days. In case of health insurance, the regulator has reiterated that cashless claims must be settled within three hours and non-cashless claims within 15 days. New business proposals should be processed within seven days and policy documents issued in a fortnight. For customers exercising their right to free- look cancellation, insurance companies are required to process the refund within seven days of receiving the request. Services related to policy loans and alterations in original policy conditions are also bound by a seven-day timeline. In unit-linked insurance policies (ULIPs), services such as switch and top-up requests must be fulfilled within seven days. In cases of customer complaints, the insurer must acknowledge the complaint immediately and initiate action within 14 days. If the issue is not resolved within this period, the insurer must inform the complainant within 14 days of the original complaint date. Key features of the master circular include providing essential information at various stages of the insurance contract and mandating Customer Information Sheets (CIS) with policy details. Additionally, insurers must offer proposal forms and CIS in regional languages and allow a 30-day free-look period for life and health insurance policies. Source: India Times

Aug 29, 2024 The Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) report by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (Epic) said that meeting WHO guidelines of 5 micrograms per cubic metre (pg/m3) could increase the life expectancy of Delhi’s 18.7 million residents by 7.8 years. Even if the air quality matches the national standards of 40 pg/m3, life expectancy could rise by 4.3 yea rs, it added. New delhi: Bad air is reducing the life expectancy of people in Delhi by a whopping 7.8 years, according to a new report. The Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) repolT by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (Epic) said that meeting WHO guidelines of 5 micrograms per cubic metre (gg/m3) could increase the life expectancy of Delhi’s 18.7 million residents by 7.8 years. Even if the air quality matches the national standards of 40 gg/m3, life expectancy could rise by 4.3 years, it added. As per the report, ‘if all of India were to reduce particulate pollution to meet the WHO guideline, residents in Delhi would see the maximum benefits’. “In North 24 Parganas, the country’s second most populous district, residents would gain 3.6 years of life expectancy,” stated the report. As per the report, Delhi was the most polluted city/state in India, with an average PM2.5 level of 84.3 gg/m3 in 2022. Uttar Pradesh followed with a PM2.5 level of 65.5 gg/m3. However, Delhi has made significant improvements compared to previous years. Delhi’s PM2.5 levels declined to 84.3 gg/m3 in 2022, down from 126.5 gg/m3 in 2021, 111.6 gg/m3 in 2020, and 124.4 gg/m3 in 2019. The report previously claimed that Delhi’s residents were on track to lose 11.9 years of life expectancy on average relative to WHO guidelines and 8.5 years relative to national guidelines if 2021 pollution levels persisted. After a decade of experiencing palticulate pollution levels averaging about 49 gg/m3—more than nine times the WHO norms—particulate concentrations in India dropped to 41.4 gg/m3 in 2022, stated the latest report. “If these reductions are sustained, an average Indian is likely to live nine months longer compared to what they would have if they were exposed to levels similar to the last decade. Further, if pollution met WHO guidelines, Indian citizens could gain 3.6 years,” the report said. The report also highlighted other health risks in India. While particulate pollution takes 3.6 years off the life of an Indian resident, malnutrition shortens life by 1.6 years, tobacco by 1.5 years, and unsafe water and sanitation by 8.4 months. Tanushree Ganguly, director, AQLI, said, “Delhi’s PM2.5 levels in 2022 were 17 per cent lower compared to 2021. Since this is a single-year trend, it is difficult to distinguish between temporary factors like weather and permanent ones like policy implementation as the cause of this decline. However, if Delhi sustains this reduction, the average resident could live 1.6 years longer. One path to continuous improvement is by implementing forceful policies and making deliberate efforts to enforce standards. Many countries like the US, China, and Japan have successfully reduced pollution through robust policies and effective implementation.” Source: Economic Times

Aug 27, 2024 Leading the Japanese delegation was Kiyokazu Nakajima, Professor in the Department of Next Generation Endoscopic Intervention at Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine. The discussions revolved around the technical aspects and proposals for creating a state-of- the-art, publicly-funded research centre for medical device development, validation and skill training New Delhi: A delegation from Osaka University, Japan, accompanied by officials from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), visited the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi to discuss the establishment of a NationalCentre for Medical Device Development, Validation and Skill Training at AIIMS, a statement by AIIMS said. The visit was marked by a high-level meeting chaired by M Srinivas, Director of AIIMS Delhi, at the Ramalingaswami Boardroom. The focus of the meeting was an ambitious project in line with India’s “Make in India” initiative for medical devices, AIIMS stated. According to a statement, this visit is a continuation of the collaborative efforts initiated nearly a decade ago following the joint statement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the late Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, during their summit in Tokyo on September 1, 2014. As a result of that summit, AIIMS and Osaka University signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on October 13, 2014, aimed at the development of novel and affordable surgical instruments, marking the first such R&D collaboration between medical institutions in India and Japan, the statement said. Leading the Japanese delegation was Kiyokazu Nakajima, Professor in the Department of Next Generation Endoscopic Intervention at Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine. The discussions revolved around the technical aspects and proposals for creating a state-of-the- art, publicly-funded research centre for medical device development, validation and skill training. The delegation also visited the proposed site for the centre at AIIMS Delhi’s Jhajjar campus, the statement said. This visit builds on the foundation laid by earlier collaborative efforts, including the onsite training of delegations from AIIMS to Japan, where they visited prominent facilities such as the Fukushima Medical Device Development Support Centre at Fukushima, Medical Device Development Centre (MEDDEC) at Kobe and medical device manufacturing company CASTEM Co. Limited at Hiroshima. Additionally, they had meetings with Overseas Medical Equipment Technical Assistants (OMETA) at Tokyo to understand and learn the sustainability of the proposed centre in India. The AIIMS delegations, led by Hemanga K Bhattacharjee, Professor of Surgical Disciplines at AIIMS New Delhi, along with specialists from other departments, scientists and technical officers from AIIMS gained valuable insights into cutting-edge technological research and hands-on experience on prototype conceptualisation, computer assisted designing, 3D printing for rapid prototype and subsequent manufacturing experience, which will be crucial in the establishment of the proposed centre in India, per the statement. This innovative project aims to reduce India’s reliance on imported medical devices, which currently stands at over 70 per cent . The centre is expected to provide a platform for Indian surgeons, physicians, and engineers to conceptualise, design, develop, and test medical device prototypes. Japan’s support, palticularly in technology and knowledge transfer, will be instiumental in establishing this first-of-its-kind facility, which promises to make high-quality, affordable medical devices accessible to the Indian population and promote an ecosystem for the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises in the sector which is in line with the “Make in India” policy of the Government of India, the statement said. Source: Economic Times

Sep 06, 2024 Chris Free, a research professor at UCSB and co-lead author of the study, described the research as a major advancement. IIOur study not only estimates inadequate micronutrient intake for 34 different age-sex groups in nearly every country, but it also makes the methods and results accessible to other researchers and practitioners.” New Delhi: A new study has highlighted a major global health issue: millions of people around the world are not getting enough essential vitamins and minerals from their diets. Researchers from Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, UC Santa Barbara (UCSB), and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) conducted a comprehensive analysis to uncover the extent of micronutrient deficiencies. Published in The Lancet Global Health on August 29, this study is the first of its kind to estimate the global inadequacy of 15 critical micronutrients. The study reveals that over half of the global population is falling short on key nutrients such as calcium, iron, and vitamins C and E. Chris Free, a research professor at UCSB and co-lead author of the study, described the research as a major advancement. “Our study not only estimates inadequate micronutrient intake for 34 different age-sex groups in nearly every country, but it also makes the methods and results accessible to other researchers and practitioners.” The researchers analysed data from multiple sources, including the Global Dietary Database, the World Bank, and dietary surveys from 31 countries. They examined nutritional intake across 185 countries, breaking down the data into 17 different age groups, from zero to 80 years old, plus an 80+ category. The study looked at 15 essential vitamins and minerals: calcium, iodine, iron, riboflavin, folate, zinc, magnesium, selenium, thiamin, niacin, and vitamins A, B6, B12, C, and E. The findings were concerning. Nearly all of the micronutrients studied were found to be inadequately consumed by a significant poltion of the population. Iodine was particularly deficient, affecting 68 per cent of people globally, followed by vitamin E (67 per cent), calcium (66 per cent), and iron (65 oer cent). Other nutrients like riboflavin, folate, and vitamins C and B6 also showed high rates of inadequate intake. Niacin was the closest to adequate levels, with 22 per cent of the population falling sh01T, while thiamin and selenium showed deficiencies in 30 per cent and 37 per cent of people, respectively. Source: Economic Times

Sep 10, 2024 The National Quality of Care Network (NQOCN) organized a two-day International Conference on Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety, hosted by Amrita Hospital, Faridabad. The event included workshops, presentations, and discussions aimed at fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement in healthcare delivery. Delegates from India and SAARC countries participated, according to the hospital. Faridabad: Amrita Hospital,  Faridabad, hosted the third  International Conference on  Healthcare Quality and  Patient Safety, organized by  the National Quality of Care  Network (NQOCN),  focusing on strategies to  enhance healthcare quality and patient safety Speaking at the conference, Punya Salila Shrivastava, Secretary of the Union Minist1Y of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, said, “The Government of India is committed to transforming healthcare under Ayushman Bharat, with over 1.74 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. However, the real challenge now is ensuring quality. With your support (delegates and industry players), I’m confident that we can make a significant difference in improving patient safety and healthcare outcomes across the nation. Dr. Sanjeev Singh, Medical Director at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, remarked, “Patient safety is a critical global agenda, and the WHO’s theme for 2024, ‘Improving Diagnosis for Patient Safety,’ emphasizes its importance. Equally important is the involvement and engagement of patients themselves in efforts to further the ‘Patients for Patients’ Safety’ initiative.” A white paper was also presented following a roundtable discussion on the economics, demand, and quality of cost-effective care. The two-day conference featured workshops, presentations, and discussions aimed at fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement in healthcare delivery. Over 1,000 delegates from India and SAARC countries participated in the event, the hospital said. Source: Economic Times