PSM News

August 11,2024 Kolkata: A staggering number of Indians face financial hardship due to disability, with lakhs suffering temporary or permanent limitations each year and recognising this critical gap in financial security, insurance companies are stepping forward with innovative solutions, officials said on Sunday. A 2018 report by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) revealed that India, despite having only 1 per cent of the world’s vehicles, accounts for 6 per cent of all road crashes. According to experts, close to 5 to 7 lakh people in the country suffer from temporary or permanent disability each year due to the high rates of accidents and crippling diseases and lose their ability to work and earn a livelihood. “The onset of disability often brings substantial healthcare expenses, making comprehensive insurance coverage crucial to prevent social and financial decline,” Future Generali India Insurance, Chief Distribution Officer, Ramit Goyal said. A study titled ‘Measuring the financial impact of disabilities in India’ available on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) website, suggests around one-fifth (20.32 per cent) of the household’s monthly consumption expenditure was spent on out-of-pocket expenses for disability. More than half (57.1 per cent) of the households were pushed to catastrophic health expenditure due to one of the members being disabled. Almost one-fifth (19.1 per cent) of the households that were above the poverty line before one of the members was treated for disability were pushed below the poverty line. According to R Garg, Head-Term Insurance, Policybazaar.com, in a country like India where there is no social security coverage like those in developed nations and where 2.2 per cent of the population is disabled, having disability income protection becomes prudent. FGII’s said recently launched group health insurance product covers both temporary and permanent disabilities arising from physical or mental illnesses, accidents, and unforeseen events that result in income loss. The plan provides a safety net by replacing up to 75 per cent of pre-disability income per month, along with potential coverage for loan EMIs and credit card minimum payments. Bajaj Allianz another leading insurer said it has seen a steady increase in personal accident insurance uptake, which includes disability income protection. Bhaskar Nerurkar, Head of the Health Administration Team at Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, noted that rising living costs and greater awareness of financial security through insurance are driving this trend. He added that as accident rates climb, more individuals and companies are seeking disability and income loss coverage, leading to higher penetration rates. Continued support and favourable regulations from IRDAI can further boost this growth, Nerurkar emphasised. P Nanda Gopal, Founder and CEO of Upsure, emphasizes the critical need for DIP plans among vulnerable groups like daily wage earners and gig workers. “These individuals face a devastating financial situation when disability strikes,” said Gopal. Source: Healthworld

August 10,2024 Mumbai: Nearly a third of the health insurance claims recorded by insurers are due to seasonal infectious diseases. These include vector-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria, which give rise to high claims in July and August, or water-borne infections such as gastroenteritis. In winter, it is usually bronchitis or influensa. As many of these claims are related to hygiene conditions in the locality they are avoidable to a large extent. However, they impact all segments of society as evident from claims data. According to a study of reported health insurance claims by Policybazaar, vector borne diseases like Dengue and Malaria account for 15 per cent of total seasonal illnesses claims. The cost for treating these mosquito-borne diseases typically ranges from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1,50,000. These claims surge in July and August when humid conditions create ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Another illness that peaks during the monsoon is gastroenteritis or stomach flu which has the same treatment expenses as Malaria. This ailment accounts for 18 per cent of seasonal claims. Another 10 per cent of seasonal illness claims are due to allergic reactions where the periodicity varies according to region. Winter sees claims due to influensa and bronchitis peaking to 20 per cent and 12 per cent of seasonal illnesses. However, the cost of treatment is lower ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 1 lakh. “If you look at developed countries, the share of seasonal illnesses is much lower compared to developing countries. In case of India, even in developed parts of the country like Gurgaon there are problems of water accumulation and mosquito breeding which leads to an increase in these claims,” said Siddharth Singhal, head of health insurance, Policybazaar. “These seasonal illnesses add to the frequency of claims. However, the average claim amount is much lower than chronic illnesses, and in terms of value, the share of claims would be below 20 per cent ,” said Singhal. According to Singhal, the cases of hospitalisation for illnesses that would have earlier been treated at home have gone up. “This is a positive development as it is always good to have professional support. ,” he said. Source: Healthworld

August 11,2024 Raipur: The Chief Justice of Chhattisgarh high court, Ramesh Sinha, emphasized the need for concerted efforts in legislative enforcement, inclusive education practices, healthcare improvements, and societal sensitization to ensure a more equitable future for all children. He was addressing the 9th Round of the State Level Stakeholders’ Consultation on the Protection of Children with Disabilities, organized by The High Court Juvenile Justice Committee in collaboration with Chhattisgarh State Judicial Academy and Chhattisgarh State Legal Services Authority on Saturday. In his inaugural address, the Chief Justice highlighted the challenges faced by children with disabilities in accessing education, healthcare, and societal integration. He emphasized the need for concerted efforts in legislative enforcement, inclusive education practices, healthcare improvements, and societal sensitization to ensure a more equitable future for all children. The Chief Justice also stressed the significance of social safeguards for child victims in the form of Victim Compensation Schemes. Citing Mahatma Gandhi’s quote, “The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members,” the Chief Justice called for collaboration among stakeholders and inter-departmental cooperation to enhance policy effectiveness, securing a dignified life for every child with disabilities as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. The Chief Justice quoted the words of Justice P.N. Bhagwati, “The human rights of persons with disabilities are as sacred and inviolable as those of any other person. The Constitution of India guarantees this in no uncertain terms.” The Chief Justice also deliberated upon the need for sensitization and awareness among various stakeholders and common people regarding the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act to ensure that rape victims receive quick and necessary assistance for the termination of pregnancy caused due to rape. Furthermore, an informative flip chart was also released during the event, documenting the roles of each stakeholder to create awareness and support for the medical termination of pregnancy of rape victims, including minors and mentally disabled pregnant rape victims. The flip chart was distributed amongst all the stakeholders, participants, and representatives from concerned departments to ensure proper implementation of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act at the grassroots level. Justice Goutam Bhaduri, who is the Chairman of the High Court Committee in Juvenile Justice, and Justice Sanjay K. Agrawal also addressed the event. The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Justice Deepak Kumar Tiwari. Additionally, today’s event provided an excellent platform to showcase the artistic talents of children with disabilities. Their artwork, including painted canvases, jute bags, and various crafts, was displayed in the High Court gallery. This exhibition served as a significant source of promotion, inspiration, and encouragement for these young artists. Hon’ble The Chief Justice personally interacted with and encouraged these young artists. The inaugural session was followed by two technical sessions that deliberated upon issues to address the availability of services for the well-being of disabled children in Special Homes and Child Care Institutions and the provision of judicial process information to children in conflict with the law and child victims. The first technical session, delving upon the well-being of children with disabilities in Child Care Institutions, was chaired by Justice Goutam Bhaduri, with Justice Deepak Kumar Tiwari and Justice Rakesh Mohan Pandey serving as co-chairs. The second technical session was chaired by Justice Sanjay Agrawal and co-chaired by Justice Rajani Dubey. During this session, presentations were made by representatives from UNICEF, the Department of Police, the Department of School Education, the Principal Magistrate of the Juvenile Justice Board, and Chhattisgarh State Legal Services Authority. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by CSJA Director Sirajuddin Qureshi. Source: Healthworld

August 11,2024 Rajkot: Union Health Minister JP Nadda visited AIIMS in Rajkot on Saturday and said that the health institute (AIIMS Rajkot) which was earlier dependent on NIV (National Institute of Virology) Pune has now become self-sufficient for virus detection. “Earlier, this institute (AIIMS Rajkot) was dependent on NIV (National Institute of Virology) Pune for virus detection, now it is self-sufficient for virus detection. PM Modi envisioned providing tertiary (higher-end) healthcare facilities to the common people,” said JP Nadda after visiting AIIMS. The Health Minister also highlighted that only one institute of AIIMS was established under the Congress rule and now under PM Modi’s leadership, the country has 22 AIIMS, out of which 18 are operational. “During Congress’ rule from 1960 to 1998, only 1 AIIMS was established. Under the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, 6 AIIMS were established. Then in the 10 years of UPA’s leadership of UPA, only 1 AIIMS was established. Now, in PM Modi’s leadership India has 22 AIIMS, out of which 18 are operational,” said JP Nadda. Earlier in the day, JP Nadda along with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhpendra Patel flagged off the ‘Tiranga Yatra’ in Rajkot. Addressing a public gathering during the Tiranaga Yatra, Nadda said, “Today as we set out on ‘Tiranga Yatra’ and see ‘Tiranaga’ all around us, the period of freedom also comes to mind. The state (Gujarat) has played a big role in the independence movement of our nation.” Speaking about the contributions of Mahatma Gandhi in the freedom struggle, Nadda, said, “The nation can never forget the contributions of Mahatma Gandhi who played a big role in achieving independence. It is our pleasure that Mahatma Gandhi’s connection was also with the land of this state.” The Union Minister further said, “We also cannot forget the contributions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel who played a big role in uniting the princely states with India.” “It is our pleasure that PM Modi’s connection was also with the land of Gujarat, who has taken a resolve to make Viksit Bharat,” the BJP president said. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign across the nation. During this period, the central government urged the citizens to hoist the tricolour on every house, shop, and office. A cleanliness drive will also be carried out. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to the citizens to hoist the national flag at their homes as part of the party’s ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day on August 15. In the 112th ‘Mann Ki Baat’ on July 28, Prime Minister Modi called upon all Indians to take part in the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign to celebrate Independence Day. Har Ghar Tiranga’ is a campaign that forms part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. It was started in 2021 to encourage people to bring the Tiranga home and to hoist it to mark the 75th year of India’s independence. (ANI) Source: Healthworld

August 10,2024 New Delhi: The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers announced a milestone on Friday with the completion of 32 projects under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme aimed at promoting domestic manufacturing of critical Key Starting Materials (KSMs), Drug Intermediates, and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). According to a press release by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, these projects, with a cumulative installed capacity of 56,679 metric tons (MT) per annum, are expected to strengthen India’s pharmaceutical supply chain and reduce dependency on imports. The PLI Scheme, with a financial outlay of Rs 6,940 crores, was approved by the Cabinet with the objective of boosting domestic bulk drug production, enhancing supply chain resilience, and minimising reliance on imported raw materials. The scheme’s production period spans from the fiscal year 2022-23 to 2028-29. According to the Ministry, the scheme received an overwhelming response, with 249 applications submitted for consideration. Out of these, 48 projects have been selected for the manufacturing of identified bulk drugs, with 13 projects being implemented by 10 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The completion of 32 projects marks a critical step forward, with the remaining 16 projects still under development, read the press release. These ongoing projects are currently receiving support to facilitate necessary regulatory approvals, such as environmental clearances and drug manufacturing licenses. The Ministry emphasised that state governments are playing a crucial role in expediting these approvals to ensure timely project completion. One of the significant achievements under the PLI Scheme is the surpassing of the targeted investment. The scheme initially aimed for an investment of Rs 3,938 crores, but as of today, investments worth Rs 4,024 crores have been made, reflecting strong industry confidence and commitment to enhancing India’s pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities. The state-wise distribution of approved projects under the scheme is detailed in the attached annexure, highlighting the geographic spread and impact of these investments across the country. The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers reiterated its commitment to supporting the domestic pharmaceutical industry and ensuring that India continues to progress towards self-reliance in critical drug manufacturing. The successful completion of these projects is expected to significantly contribute to India’s goal of becoming a global pharmaceutical hub, while also ensuring the availability of essential drugs for domestic consumption. This development aligns with the government’s broader “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, which focuses on making India self-reliant in key sectors and reducing dependency on imports. The PLI Scheme for Pharmaceuticals is a cornerstone of this initiative, providing the necessary financial incentives and regulatory support to encourage domestic manufacturing and innovation Source: Healthworld

July 29,2024 Kolkata: A 54-year-old woman succumbed to swine flu at a private hospital in the city last Saturday (July 20), the first swine flu death reported in Kolkata this season and possibly the first death from the disease in three years. The woman was a leukaemia patient with comorbidities. Hundreds of Kolkatans and residents of the suburbs have been laid low by swine flu, apart from other forms of influensa. Before this, Kolkata’s last recorded swine flu death was in Aug 2021. The woman had been admitted to Peerless Hospital early last week with multiple ailments. She was suffering from acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, a form of blood cancer. Even though the cause of death in her death certificate mentioned sepsis with septic shock, she had tested positive for H1N1 or swine flu, the hospital said, adding it had notified the state health department, following protocol. “She had been frail due to cancer, comorbidities and her immunity was very low,” said a doctor at the hospital. “That could be a reason why she had contracted swine flu, which was not her only ailment.” The hospital has seen a steady flow of swine flu and influensa cases in July. During the first half of the month, 58 per cent had tested positive for Influensa A, out of 55 samples tested. As many as 18, or 56 per cent , of them were swine flu patients, while 14 or 44 per cent had seasonal influensa (H3N2). Eight swine flu patients are now in the hospital, though most have mild symptoms. The number of samples testing positive for swine flu, however, has climbed down at Peerless in the latter half of July. “Out of 100 samples tested between July 1 and 27, around 20 per cent have turned out to be swine flu. Around 70 per cent of the samples tested this month have are positive for various strains of Influensa A,” said Bhaskar Narayan Chaudhuri, chief microbiologist at the hospital. “Swine Flu cases have reduced over the last 8 to 10 days,” said Sayan Chakrabarty, infectious diseases physician, Manipal Hospitals. At Peerless Hospital, out of 55 samples of ‘Flu PCR’— between July 1 and 16 — 32 have tested positive for Influensa A virus. Eighteen were swine flu patients, 14 had seasonal influensa. BP Poddar Hospital had got 86 patients with flulike symptoms in a week. Source: Healthworld

July 29,2024 New Delhi: About 50,000 people lose their lives every year due to snakebite in the country, the highest in the world, BJP MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy said on Monday. Every year, 30-40 lakh people are bitten by snakes across India, the Saran MP said, raising the issue in the Lok Sabha during a discussion on matters of importance. “Bihar is the poorest state, enduring both poverty and natural calamities. Across India, 30 to 40 lakh people are bitten by snakes and 50,000 people die, which is the highest in the world,” Rudy said, emphasising the alarming mortality rate from snakebite. He stressed that many deaths could be prevented, pointing to the climate change impact on snakebite incidents that increased at temperatures above 28 degrees Celsius. Vellore MP M Kathir Anand voiced his concern on the plight of beedi workers, most of whom were women. He demanded an increase in their wages, citing inadequate central funding. Anand urged the Centre to consider budget allocations and provide pension for those older than 60, noting the workers’ significant exposure to dust and other occupational hazards. Kanyakumari MP Vijay Vasanth called for an increase in the quota of recommendations to 150 per year to better assist people. He also urged the government to re-evaluate Ayushman Bharat to ensure that all medical expenses were covered. “Let us work together to realise the full potential,” he said, advocating for improved healthcare coverage. Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur raised concern about corruption in the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) supplementary nutrition programme in Punjab and claimed that fake beneficiaries were allegedly receiving aid through private entities. “I want to bring to the women and child development ministry’s attention that there is corruption in the ICDS supplementary nutrition programme in Punjab, where aid is being given to fake beneficiaries through private entities,” Kaur said, calling for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry. She also pointed out that 28 lakh Anganwadi workers were paid only Rs 2,200 per month, calling it below standard and demanding justice for mothers and children. S Jothimani, the MP from Karur in Tamil Nadu, raised her opposition to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). “We strongly believe that only those who can afford it can clear NEET as it costs Rs 25 lakh to buy the question paper,” Jothimani asserted, highlighting the socioeconomic disparity caused by the exam. She noted that at least 18 students in Tamil Nadu had committed suicide due to NEET and demanded its complete abolition. Jothimani emphasised that fewer students from rural areas had secured admission after NEET was introduced, calling for the removal of “this rot” from the education system. Godda MP Nishikant Dubey claimed Advivasis’ rights were being usurped by “Bangladeshi immigrants” and recounted an incident where they were allegedly beaten after trying to protest. “Adivasis were trying to protest in Jharkhand because their rights were being taken by Bangladeshis and they were beaten in their hostels by police,” Dubey said, accusing the state government of settling Bangladeshi people in Jharkhand and calling for president’s rule to be imposed. Source: Healthworld

July 29,2024 New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the 112th episode of his monthly radio broadcast, ‘Mann Ki Baat,’ calls on people and organisations to use National Anti-Narcotics Helpline ‘Manas’ in India‘s fight against drugs. During his monthly broadcast, PM Modi said, “In Mann ki Baat, I have often discussed the challenges of drugs. Every family worries that their child might be exposed to drugs. Now, to help such people, the government has launched the National Anti-Narcotics Helpline ‘Manas.” “This is a very big step in the fight against drugs. A few days ago, the Manas Helpline and portal were launched. The government has also released a toll-free number–1933. Anyone can call on this number to get necessary advice or seek information related to rehabilitation,” he added. The Prime Minister also pointed out that if anyone has any other information regarding drugs, then they can also call this number and share it with the Narcotics Control Bureau. “All the information shared with Manas will be confidential. I urge all the people, families and organisations involved in making India drug free to use Manas extensively,” PM Modi said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the MANAS (Madak Padarth Nisedh Asuchna Kendra) Portal on July 18 with a toll-free number 1933 to seek advice on de-addiction and rehabilitation and share information on drug trafficking. MANAS will have a toll-free number 1933, a web portal, a mobile app, and a UMANG app so that citizens of the country can anonymously connect with NCB 24×7 to seek advice on de-addiction and rehabilitation and share information on drug trafficking. Illicit cultivation is one big menace to be tackled, and, NCB along with BISAG-N has developed a web portal and mobile app “MAPDRUGS” to curb illegal cultivation and provide accurate GIS information so that such illicit cultivation can be destroyed by the concerned agencies. (ANI) Source: Healthworld

July 23,2024 Mumbai: The Finance Minister in her Union Budget 2024-25 speech today proposed changes in the basic customs duty for X-ray tubes and flat panel detectors to support domestic manufacturing. This was a welcome move that has been lauded by all the stakeholders involved. Another announcemnt on the exemption of three cancer drugs from basic customs duty has been welcomed. The budget also provided an impetus to the digital infrastructure, allocating significant funds for healthcare and women-led development initiatives. Stakeholders are of the opinion that these steps will advance healthcare access and innovation in India. Welcoming the move, Dr Aakaar Kapoor, CEO and Lead Medical Advisor, City-X Ray & Scan Clinic said, “The nation embraces the Union Budget 2024 presented by our Finance Minister, Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, with several key initiatives standing out. The government has proposed changes in the basic customs duty for X-ray tubes and flat panel detectors used in medical X-ray machines are set to support domestic manufacturing. Additionally, the decision to fully exempt three more medicines from customs duties provide relief to cancer patients. The Finance Minister also proposed digital public infrastructure applications to enhance productivity and innovation across various sectors, including healthcare and announced the construction of a new medical college in Bihar. Furthermore, the Union Health Ministry’s budget has seen a 12.59 per cent increase, raising it from Rs 80,517.62 crore to Rs 90,658.63 crore. Over Rs 3 lakh crore is allocated for women-led development, and the PMGKAY scheme, benefiting over 80 crore people, has been extended for five more years. Five new schemes will support 4.1 crore youth over the next five years with a central outlay of Rs 2 lakh crore.” Cancer incidence has been on the rise in the country and the exemption of three cancer drugs from basic customs duty would make cancer treatmetns more accessible, Uday Deshmukh, Founder & Chairman, Onco Life Cancer Group of Hospitals remarked, “Exemption of three cancer treatment drugs – Trastuzumab deruxtecan, Osimertinib and Durvalumab from basic customs duty is a great initiative by the Government to provide custom duty exemptions on the a few Cancer medications. With Cancer cases growing exponentially every year, it is an important starting step towards affordable healthcare. Hopefully, in the near future, government will be able to provide custom duty exceptions/relief on most cancer medications for the benefit of the patients. We are happy and satisfied with the important decision taken by the government in public interest.” Adding Deshmukh’s views, Dheeraj Jain, Founder and Chairman, Redcliffe Labs, following the budget announcement said, “The exemption of custom duty on cancer medicines will enhance their accessibility and affordability for many. With cancer responsible for 71 per cent of deaths in the 30 to 69 age group and 15 per cent of cancer patients being children and adolescents in India, timely diagnosis and personalized care are paramount. Notably, 63 per cent of Indian women who succumb to cancer could be saved through timely screening, highlighting the urgent need for early diagnosis. By combining early diagnosis with immediate access to treatment for advanced-stage patients, we can significantly improve the overall healthcare landscape across the nation.” Source: Healthworld

July 24,2024 Michigan: A Michigan Medicine study found that high systolic blood pressure (the top number on the blood pressure reading and how hard the heart pumps blood to the arteries) increases the risk of the two most common types of strokes over time. The study looked at the average systolic blood pressure years before the first stroke in over 40,000 adults aged 18 and older who had no history of stroke. Researchers covered three types of stroke: ischemic, a clot that cuts blood supply to the brain and the cause of over 85 per cent of all strokes; intracerebral hemorrhage, a bleed within the brain; and subarachnoid hemorrhage, bleeding between the brain and the tissues that cover it. They found that having a mean systolic blood pressure that is 10-mm Hg higher than average was associated with a 20 per cent higher risk of overall stroke and ischemic stroke, as well as a 31 per cent greater risk of intracerebral hemorrhage. “Our results suggest that early diagnosis and sustained control of high blood pressure over the lifespan are critical to preventing stroke, ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage, especially in Black and Hispanic patients who are more likely to have uncontrolled hypertension than white patients,” said senior author Deborah A. Levine, M.D., M.P.H., professor of internal medicine and neurology at University of Michigan Medical School. Black patients had a 20 per cent higher risk of ischemic stroke and a 67 per cent higher risk of intracerebral hemorrhage than white patients. Hispanic patients had a 281 per cent higher risk of subarachnoid hemorrhage, but not any other stroke type, compared to white patients. While Black and Hispanic patients had a higher risk of stroke, researchers found little evidence to suggest that race and ethnicity affected the association between cumulative systolic blood pressure and the type of stroke that affected any patient. “Examining racial inequities advances our understanding of the social, economic and political structures that affect health behaviors and risk for stroke among racial and ethnic minority groups,” said Kimson E. Johnson, Ph.D., M.A., M.S.W., first author and postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Michigan. While systolic blood pressure is a modifiable target for preventing stroke and other cardiovascular diseases, a national study conducted in 2020 found that blood pressure control in the United States worsened from 2013 to 2018, especially for Black and Hispanic adults. Self-monitoring of blood pressure improves blood pressure diagnosis and control and is accurate and cost-effective, but it remains an underused tool, Levine says. “Two major barriers to self-monitoring of blood pressure are lack of patient education and insurance not covering the home blood pressure monitors, which cost $50 or more,” she said. “Health care systems and providers must educate and urge their patients to do home blood pressure monitoring, and insurers must pay for home blood pressure monitors to optimise people’s blood pressure and reduce their chances of having a stroke.” Source: Healthworld