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Three Million Child Deaths Linked to Drug Resistance: A Global Health Crisis

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A recent global study has sounded alarm bells over the escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), revealing that 3 million child deaths in 2022 were linked to infections no longer responding to standard antibiotics. The report, compiled by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (Australia) and the Clinton Health Access Initiative, highlights how AMR is fast becoming a global health crisis—particularly affecting children in Africa and Southeast Asia. AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, or fungi evolve to resist the effects of medicines that once worked against them. As a result, common infections become harder—and sometimes impossible—to treat. This “silent pandemic” has been aggravated by the overuse and misuse of antibiotics, especially in countries like India, which has been flagged as a hotspot due to regulatory gaps and easy access to drugs. Key findings include: 3 million global child deaths in 2022 were AMR-related. 752,000 child deaths occurred in Southeast Asia, and 659,000 in Africa. Use of ‘watch antibiotics’ (for serious infections) rose by 126% in Africa and 160% in Southeast Asia from 2019 to 2021. Use of ‘reserve antibiotics’ (last-resort drugs) increased by 125% and 45%, respectively. The study attributes the rise to overcrowded hospitals, poor sanitation, lack of diagnostic access, and weak antimicrobial stewardship. It also underscores the slow pace of new antibiotic development, which further reduces treatment options for resistant infections. Experts recommend a “One Health” approach, integrating data on how infections spread among humans, animals, and the environment. They also urge stronger national policies, hospital-level antibiotic regulation, and the use of real-time health data to guide responsible treatment decisions. With the World Health Organization already warning about AMR’s impact on mortality and health systems, the report stresses that immediate action is critical to prevent a catastrophic rise in untreatable infections among the most vulnerable—our children. Source: Indiatoday

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India Plans Major HPV Vaccine Push with Frontline Training and Awareness Drive

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The Union Health Ministry is set to launch comprehensive capacity-building initiatives for frontline workers involved in administering the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, as part of its ongoing efforts to prevent cervical cancer among young girls. This follows Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s announcement in the 2024 interim budget encouraging HPV vaccination for girls aged 9–14. Sources indicate that multiple meetings have been held by the ministry to devise a detailed strategy for the rollout. “Capacity building for frontline health workers, along with sensitization through IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) activities, is being planned for smooth implementation of the HPV vaccination program,” a senior official confirmed. The National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) had recommended the inclusion of the HPV vaccine in India’s Universal Immunisation Programme in June 2022. Currently, India has access to vaccines from MSD Pharmaceuticals and Serum Institute of India. MSD’s Gardasil 4 and Serum Institute’s Cervavac target four HPV sub-types: 6, 11, 16, and 18. Gardasil 9 — India’s first gender-neutral HPV vaccine — offers protection against nine HPV sub-types and is available for girls (9–26 years) and boys (9–15 years). The vaccines provide protection against cervical, vulvar, vaginal, and anal cancers, as well as genital warts in both males and females. Sub-types 16 and 18 are the leading causes of cervical cancer, officials noted. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a single-dose vaccine for optimal protection. India, home to 16% of the world’s women, accounts for nearly 25% of global cervical cancer cases and 33% of related deaths. Each year, around 80,000 Indian women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and approximately 35,000 succumb to the disease. Source: Business Standard

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Health Ministry Releases National Guidelines on Medical Oxygen Management

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The Union Health Ministry has released the National Guidelines on Medical Oxygen Management, underscoring the critical importance of maintaining and utilizing medical oxygen infrastructure in healthcare facilities. The announcement was made at a workshop held at AIIMS Delhi, where Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava emphasized the need for efficient oxygen management to enhance clinical outcomes and emergency preparedness. The event also marked the launch of the National Capacity Building Programme on Oxygen Management, which aims to train 200 master trainers. These trainers will help hospital administrators and medical officers across India improve oxygen handling, reduce wastage, and optimize usage. Key Highlights of the Initiative: The National Guidelines provide a structured framework for the procurement, storage, and administration of medical oxygen. AIIMS Delhi will spearhead the capacity-building program, ensuring training at all levels of healthcare. The initiative, led by the Disaster Management Cell of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, is focused on patient safety, infrastructure preparedness, and best practices in oxygen management. Learnings from India’s COVID-19 response have been incorporated into the guidelines to strengthen future pandemic readiness. Addressing the gathering, Dr. M. Srinivas, Director of AIIMS, stressed the importance of awareness and training to ensure optimal oxygen management. The standardized guidelines are expected to enhance India’s healthcare resilience, ensuring hospitals nationwide are better equipped to handle medical oxygen needs during emergencies. Source: Business Standard

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Gennova Biopharma Partners with CEPI to Develop mRNA Nipah Vaccine

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Gennova Biopharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Emcure Pharmaceuticals, has announced a partnership with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) to develop a self-amplifying mRNA (saRNA) vaccine for the Nipah virus. The collaboration has secured up to $13.38 million in funding from CEPI to accelerate research and development. Innovative Approach to Vaccine Development As part of this initiative, Gennova will work with the Houston Methodist Research Institute (HMRI), a CEPI partner based in the United States, to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into vaccine design. AI-driven analysis will be used to identify optimal vaccine targets, enhancing immune response efficiency. Clinical trials are set to begin in India, where Nipah outbreaks have previously occurred. The Nipah Virus Threat Nipah virus, a highly lethal pathogen from the Paramyxovirus family, has caused multiple outbreaks in South and Southeast Asia, with a fatality rate of up to 75%. Though outbreaks have been geographically limited, the virus’s natural reservoir—fruit bats—inhabits regions home to over two billion people, making it a serious global health concern. CEPI’s Commitment to Global Health Kent Kester, Executive Director of Vaccine R&D at CEPI, emphasized the urgency of the project, stating: “With no approved vaccines or specific treatments for Nipah, CEPI is leading the global effort to develop countermeasures. Gennova’s saRNA technology could not only help fight Nipah but also enhance pandemic preparedness, enabling rapid responses within 100 days of identifying a new viral threat.” The Advantage of saRNA Vaccines Unlike traditional mRNA vaccines, which introduce pre-made antigenic proteins, saRNA vaccines provide genetic instructions that enable the body’s own cells to produce these proteins. This approach enhances the immune response while requiring lower doses, making it a promising platform for future vaccine development. A Long-Term Collaboration Gennova’s partnership with CEPI is not new. In August 2023, CEPI granted the company $3.6 million to optimize its saRNA technology for developing vaccines against unknown pathogenic threats, often referred to as Disease X. Sanjay Singh, CEO of Gennova Biopharmaceuticals, commented on the collaboration: “By harnessing our saRNA platform, we aim to develop a next-generation Nipah vaccine. This partnership sets a new benchmark for rapid vaccine development while ensuring equitable access and strengthening global health security.” Ensuring Equitable Access CEPI has invested over $100 million in Nipah vaccine research. Through this collaboration, Gennova has pledged to uphold CEPI’s Equitable Access Policy, ensuring that the vaccine, if successfully developed, will be made available first to at-risk populations at an affordable price. The agreement also includes provisions for technology transfer, which could support future vaccine development efforts against emerging infectious diseases.

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Aster MIMS Becomes India’s First Hospital to Receive AHA’s Comprehensive Stroke Center Accreditation

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Aster MIMS, Kozhikode, has made history by becoming the first hospital in India to receive the prestigious Comprehensive Stroke Center accreditation from the American Heart Association (AHA). This global recognition highlights the hospital’s excellence in stroke care, encompassing advanced diagnostics, cutting-edge treatment, and comprehensive rehabilitation. Aster MIMS follows an integrated stroke care model, beginning at the pre-hospital stage with its innovative Response-Rescue-Resuscitation (R-R-R) system. The hospital also boasts one of South Asia’s first emergency department Biplane Cathlabs, enabling precise stroke diagnosis and rapid intervention. Lukman Ponmadath, COO of Aster MIMS, remarked, “This accreditation is a testament to our commitment to delivering world-class stroke treatment. It highlights our advanced diagnostics, modern therapies, and comprehensive post-stroke care, ensuring timely and effective treatment.” The hospital has already garnered multiple accolades in stroke management, including: World Stroke Organization’s Angels Awards (9 Diamond, 2 Platinum, 3 Gold) IHWS Patient-Centric Hospital in Stroke Care Award Voice of Healthcare’s Stroke Innovation and Excellence Award Dr. Venugopalan P P, Head of Emergency Medicine, emphasized the hospital’s commitment, stating, “With our state-of-the-art infrastructure, we ensure timely interventions that significantly improve recovery outcomes.” The hospital’s R-R-R system facilitates seamless communication between emergency teams, enabling real-time assessments and critical interventions even before patients arrive. Its Biplane Cathlab ensures immediate imaging and precise treatment, significantly reducing Door-to-Needle Time (DTNT) and Door-to-Groin Time (DTGT)—crucial for better patient outcomes. The achievement was formally announced at a press conference attended by key officials, including Lukman Ponmadath, Dr. Jacob Alappat, Dr. Abraham Mammen, Dr. Noufal Basheer, Dr. Venugopalan P P, Dr. Abdul Rahman, Dr. Rafeeque, and Dr. Paul Alappat. Source: daijiworld

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CDC Retracts $11.4B in Covid Funds, Sparking Concerns Among Health Departments

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is withdrawing $11.4 billion in Covid-related funding from state and community health departments, NGOs, and international recipients, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) confirmed Tuesday. HHS Communications Director Andrew Nixon stated, “The COVID-19 pandemic is over, and HHS will no longer waste billions of taxpayer dollars responding to a non-existent pandemic. We are shifting focus to tackling chronic diseases and making America healthy again.” The funding retraction notices were sent Monday, giving recipients 30 days to reconcile expenditures. The affected grants primarily covered: Covid testing & vaccination Community health workers Health disparity initiatives for minority & rural populations Global Covid projects Wider Impact on Public Health While the federal public health emergency ended in May 2023, concerns remain over long Covid and ongoing infections, with hundreds of deaths still reported weekly. Health officials fear the cuts may undermine broader public health efforts. Kristina Iodice, spokesperson for Colorado’s Department of Public Health, warned the loss of funding could hamper outbreak response, disease tracking, and immunization efforts. Several state health departments confirmed receipt of the withdrawal notice, including Mississippi, Utah, and nine others. Officials in Texas and Florida were hit hardest, with $877 million and $482 million in grants canceled, respectively. HHS Budget Cuts Under New Leadership Under HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the department has also canceled funding for: Vaccine hesitancy research LGBTQ+ health initiatives HIV prevention programs The CDC reviewed its Covid-related grants and determined which were no longer necessary, though a full list of rescinded projects has not been made public. As federal health funding undergoes a major shift, state agencies are now scrambling to assess the long-term effects of these sudden budget cuts. Source: NBC

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Sangam City Sees Major Healthcare Boost with New Hospitals and Facilities

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Over the past eight years, the state government has made significant strides in strengthening healthcare infrastructure in Sangam City. With the expansion of both state and central health schemes, residents now have access to improved medical facilities and treatments. Dr. Vatsala Mishra, Principal of Motilal Nehru (MLN) Medical College, highlighted several key developments, including a 160-bed PMSSY Super Specialty Block at Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital, built at a cost of ₹160 crore, benefiting patients from Prayagraj and nearby districts. Additionally, a ₹25 crore, 250-bed advanced children’s hospital is set to become operational by August. Healthcare advancements were further supported by a ₹75 crore budget from Maha Kumbh, enabling new constructions and equipment purchases. A new OPD facility was built at Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital, while a ₹9 crore Central Diagnostic Center now offers all tests in one place. A ₹36 crore L1 Trauma Center project was also approved, with ₹16 crore allocated for modern medical equipment. Furthermore, a ₹7 crore Green Corridor was created to facilitate safe patient transfers between hospital blocks. These developments have significantly increased outpatient department (OPD) visits, now ranging between 3,000 to 4,000 per day. Beyond urban centers, healthcare services have expanded into rural areas. Three new Community Health Centers (CHCs) were established, along with a 100-bed hospital in Bhagwatpur. The district now operates 551 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, offering primary healthcare and telemedicine consultations. Additionally, 12 Health ATMs have been installed for convenient medical testing. Under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, 13.64 lakh golden cards have been issued, ensuring financial coverage for medical expenses. These advancements mark a transformative era in healthcare accessibility and quality in Sangam City. Source: TOI

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Swine Flu Cases Surge in Delhi-NCR: How to Stay Safe During Flu Season

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With swine flu (H1N1) and Influenza B cases rising in Delhi-NCR, hospitals are witnessing a surge in patients affected by the virus. Experts link this increase in cases to poor air quality, which has exacerbated the spread of infections. After the 2009 swine flu outbreak, the World Health Organization (WHO) and Director-General of Health Services warned that localized outbreaks would occur in the future. The current spike in New Delhi and nearby regions is a result of environmental factors, air pollution, and seasonal changes. What is Swine Flu (H1N1)? Swine flu is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the H1N1 virus, which originates in pigs but spreads among humans. The virus is transmitted through the air via coughs and sneezes or through contaminated surfaces. Symptoms of Swine Flu: Fever Cough Sore throat Runny or stuffy nose Body aches and fatigue In some cases, nausea and diarrhea How to Protect Yourself from Swine Flu: Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. If no tissue is available, sneeze or cough into your elbow. Wash hands regularly with soap and water. Avoid touching your face (eyes, nose, mouth) to prevent infection. Stay away from sick individuals to reduce exposure. If feeling unwell, stay home to prevent spreading the virus. Treatment & Recovery: Most people with swine flu recover without medical intervention. Doctors recommend: Rest and hydration A light diet to boost immunity Staying indoors until symptoms subside Health experts urge residents in Delhi-NCR to take preventive measures and stay vigilant during the flu season.

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Ahmedabad Hospitals to Suspend Cashless Facilities for Three Insurers

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The Ahmedabad Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association (AHNA) has announced that its members will indefinitely suspend cashless facilities for policyholders of Star Health & Allied Insurance, Care Health Insurance, and Tata AIG Health Insurance starting April 2. In a statement, AHNA cited prolonged and unresolved grievances from both patients and hospitals regarding alleged unfair practices by these insurers. Key Issues Raised by AHNA: Unjustified claim deductions Unwarranted claim rejections Unexplained delisting of hospitals from insurer networks Despite multiple discussions and assurances from the insurers, AHNA claimed that the issues remain unresolved, leading to this decision. The association emphasized that these practices are unfair and go against principles of fairness and natural justice. Alternatives for Affected Patients AHNA is exploring financial tie-ups to offer alternative cashless payment solutions, though these may not apply to Star Health patients. AHNA stated: “We have made every effort to resolve these issues amicably. However, insurers have failed to reform their policies, leaving us with no choice but to take this firm stand to protect both our patients and our member hospitals.” Response from Insurers Star Health Insurance: “As India’s leading health insurer, we are committed to providing affordable and customer-centric healthcare. The health insurance sector adheres to stringent IRDAI regulations, whereas the hospital industry lacks similar oversight, leading to challenges.” Tata AIG Health Insurance: “We remain committed to ethical healthcare partnerships and customer-centric services. We are actively working with stakeholders to resolve the issue and ensure uninterrupted healthcare access for policyholders.” With hospitals suspending cashless facilities, patients may need to arrange alternative payment methods until a resolution is reached.

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Maharashtra Cuts Health Budget by 6.03%, Raising Concerns Among Experts

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Maharashtra’s budget estimates for the health sector have dropped by 6.03% for the upcoming financial year, sparking concerns about the potential impact on healthcare services. The state has allocated ₹27,164.91 crore for 2024-25, down from the revised estimate of ₹28,906.92 crore in the previous year. Despite the reduction, key flagship announcements include: Primary healthcare services promised within a five-km radius of every home. Time-bound distribution of Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana identity cards. Expansion of hospitals under Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MPJAY) as per demand. However, the MPJAY budget remains stagnant at ₹650 crore for both 2024-25 and 2025-26, despite revised estimates reaching ₹1,687 crore in the previous financial year. Key Budget Cuts & Concerns: Public Health Department: Urban health services saw a sharp decline, with hospitals and dispensaries’ budgets reduced from ₹6,098 crore to ₹4,709 crore. National Health Mission (NHM): Budget slashed from ₹3,805 crore to ₹2,860 crore. Medical Education: Allocation fell from ₹9,667 crore to ₹9,057 crore. HBT Clinics: Funding cut from ₹196.79 crore to ₹100 crore. Health economist Dr. Ravi Duggal criticized the budget, stating that it signals a lack of expansion in public healthcare and fails to address critical needs like medicine supply improvements. He warned that urban health infrastructure will suffer due to the funding shortfall, while rural health services see only selective increases. Upcoming Healthcare Developments: Finance Minister Ajit Pawar announced plans for: A 200-bed referral hospital in Thane. A 100-bed referral hospital in Ratnagiri. A 200-bed super-specialty hospital in Raigad. A forthcoming state health and senior citizens policy. As Maharashtra moves forward with these initiatives, experts remain concerned that budget constraints could limit healthcare accessibility and service quality, particularly in urban areas. Source: TOI

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