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Health Ministry Calls for Local Action Plans on Climate Change and Health

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The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has urged States and Union Territories to draft district and city-level action plans under the National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCHH). The initiative aims to address the growing health challenges posed by climate change and air pollution. In a letter addressed to Chief Secretaries and Advisors of all States and Union Territories, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava emphasized the importance of including air pollution mitigation strategies in the action plans. She also called for the expansion of sentinel hospitals to monitor illnesses related to air pollution, ensuring a robust surveillance mechanism. The updated health advisories shared by the Ministry provide guidelines to strengthen existing healthcare systems and advocate for raising awareness among vulnerable populations and high-risk occupational groups. Srivastava highlighted that the combined efforts of local governments and stakeholders could effectively tackle the intertwined crises of air pollution and climate change. The NPCCHH framework encourages community participation, innovation, and capacity building to mitigate the health impacts of environmental challenges. The Ministry’s focus on air pollution reflects its acknowledgment of the urgent need to address respiratory illnesses and other health conditions exacerbated by poor air quality. This directive follows an increasing recognition of the impact of climate change on public health, including rising cases of heat-related illnesses, vector-borne diseases, and respiratory disorders. By empowering local authorities to devise actionable plans, the Ministry aims to create resilient health systems capable of addressing future challenges. With this initiative, the Ministry underscores the role of proactive governance and intersectoral collaboration in safeguarding public health amidst changing environmental conditions. Source: newsonair.gov.in Photo Credit: newsonair.gov.in

Trump Announces Cabinet Picks: Robert Kennedy Jr. for Health, Doug Collins for Veterans Affairs

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US President-elect Donald Trump announced a series of high-profile Cabinet nominations on Thursday, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) and former Congressman Doug Collins of Georgia as Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA). Both nominations are subject to Senate confirmation. In his announcement, Trump praised Kennedy, a former Democratic presidential candidate, for his commitment to addressing public health crises caused by industrial food, pharmaceutical companies, and harmful environmental factors. “Kennedy will restore these agencies to gold-standard scientific research and transparency, tackling the chronic disease epidemic to Make America Great and Healthy Again!” Trump stated. Doug Collins, a veteran and current chaplain in the US Air Force Reserve Command, was nominated to lead the VA. Trump highlighted Collins’ military service and dedication to veterans, calling him “a great advocate for our active duty service members, veterans, and their families.” Additionally, Trump announced Jay Clayton as US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, citing Clayton’s extensive experience in law, business, and public service, including his tenure as Chair of the SEC. Todd Blanche, recognized for his prosecutorial excellence, was named Deputy Attorney General, tasked with reforming the Justice Department. Dean John Sauer was chosen as Solicitor General, noted for his legal expertise and role in securing a landmark Supreme Court victory for Trump. Sauer, a Rhodes Scholar and Harvard Law graduate, was described as a “masterful appellate attorney” who will champion the administration’s judicial initiatives. Trump expressed confidence in his team’s ability to address national challenges and support the MAGA vision, emphasizing their qualifications and dedication to public service. These appointments signal the administration’s focus on health reform, justice system overhaul, and veterans’ welfare in Trump’s second term. Source: Business Standard Photo Credit: Business Standard

Altera Digital Health Joins The Sequoia Project to Strengthen National Health Information Interoperability

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Altera Digital Health, a leader in healthcare IT, has announced its membership in The Sequoia Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing secure, nationwide health information exchange. By joining, Altera will collaborate closely with government and industry stakeholders to drive interoperability initiatives, while supporting clients using its dbMotion™ Solution, a data platform designed to harmonize patient data across systems for improved outcomes. The Sequoia Project works to overcome interoperability challenges, promoting solutions that enable seamless data sharing and informed decision-making in healthcare. Through this collaboration, Altera aims to support its clients in meeting interoperability standards and facilitating better continuity of care across healthcare organizations. “As a strong advocate of frameworks like FHIR, Altera is fully committed to enabling the secure and efficient exchange of health information,” said Mariann Yeager, CEO of The Sequoia Project. “We welcome Altera’s contributions and look forward to our joint efforts to improve patient care and support providers nationwide.” Altera’s Executive Vice President of dbMotion, Kevin Ritter, emphasized that “true interoperability will revolutionize healthcare by improving quality, reducing costs, and enhancing accessibility. Joining The Sequoia Project reinforces our mission to empower clients with advanced digital frameworks to achieve these goals.” About Altera Digital Health: Altera Digital Health delivers innovative technology solutions designed to advance healthcare delivery. Altera empowers healthcare organizations with digital health solutions that drive better patient outcomes and guide healthcare into a more connected future. Learn more at www.alterahealth.com. About The Sequoia Project: The Sequoia Project is a non-profit collaborative that brings together public and private stakeholders to resolve interoperability barriers and facilitate nationwide health data exchange. As the Recognized Coordinating Entity (RCE) for the ONC’s TEFCA, The Sequoia Project plays a key role in implementing and maintaining secure, interoperable health information exchange across the U.S. Source: Business Wire Photo Credit: Business Wire

Australia to Ban Social Media for Under-16s to Support Youth Mental Health

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Australia has introduced a sweeping measure to protect young people’s mental health by restricting social media access for those under 16, placing the onus on social media platforms—not parents—to prevent underage users. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that companies failing to enforce these new age restrictions will face heavy penalties. “Social platforms must demonstrate reasonable steps to prevent access,” he stated, underscoring that penalties would target companies rather than families. This restriction forms part of a broader government agenda to tackle the influence of social media on mental health, including addressing misinformation. Australia has already taken significant tech regulation steps, such as requiring Google and Facebook to compensate for news content and challenging X Corp in court for its response to online content issues. These measures echo similar initiatives in Europe, where France and the UK are also enforcing social media age restrictions, further aligning with the EU’s GDPR. However, enforcing age restrictions globally remains complex due to varied regulations and technical challenges in age verification. Source: Business Standard Photo Credit: Business Standard  

Afghanistan Sees Surge in Measles Cases in 2024, Plans Nationwide Vaccination Campaign

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Afghanistan is witnessing a significant spike in measles cases this year, with the Ministry of Public Health reporting nearly 6,000 positive cases out of 10,000 suspected cases in 2024. Ministry spokesperson Sharafat Zaman Amarkhil confirmed this rise in infections compared to the previous year, as reported by local media TOLO News. In response to the outbreak, the ministry is set to launch a nationwide measles vaccination campaign to curb the spread of this highly infectious disease, which is caused by a virus and spreads through respiratory droplets when infected individuals cough, sneeze, or breathe. With measles’ ability to infect nine out of 10 unvaccinated individuals in close contact, officials are emphasizing vaccination as the most effective measure to prevent outbreaks. The ministry’s efforts underscore the critical need for immunization amid Afghanistan’s public health challenges. Source: dailyexcelsior Photo Credit: dailyexcelsior

Early Sugar Restriction in Childhood Could Reduce Diabetes Risk by 35%, Study Finds

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A new study published in Science suggests that restricting sugar intake during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life—from conception to age two—can significantly lower the risk of chronic diseases later in life. The research indicates a 35% reduction in type 2 diabetes risk and a 20% decrease in hypertension, with disease onset delayed by up to four years. Researchers at the University of Southern California analyzed data on nearly 60,000 individuals affected by sugar rationing in the UK during the post-WWII recovery period. The findings highlight that exposure to lower sugar levels in utero already offers protective benefits against chronic diseases, which increase further with extended low-sugar intake post-birth. Dr. Arun Gupta, convener of Nutrition Advocacy for Public Interest, noted, “Reducing sugar intake during pregnancy and early childhood has a profound, lifelong impact on health.” The analysis, based on UK BioBank data, compares individuals conceived just before or after the end of rationing in 1953. This “natural experiment” underscores the importance of the first 1,000 days in shaping long-term health. Babies exposed to sugar rationing in the womb and then weaned onto low-sugar diets experienced the most notable health benefits. WHO Guidelines on Sugar Intake: Children under two should consume no added sugars. Adults are advised to limit added sugar to 7 teaspoons (28g) daily. Maximum intake should not exceed 12 teaspoons (50g) per day. This study strengthens the case for low-sugar diets during early childhood, emphasizing the lasting impact on chronic disease prevention and lifelong health. Source: Indian Express Photo Credit: Indian Express

PM Modi Expands Ayushman Bharat Health Coverage for Seniors, Criticizes Non-Participating States

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an expansion of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), now offering health coverage for all senior citizens aged 70 and above. Speaking at the All India Institute of Ayurveda, he noted that this initiative, alongside several other healthcare projects worth ₹12,850 crore, aims to make quality healthcare universally accessible for seniors, regardless of income. During the event, Modi distributed Ayushman Vaya Vandana Cards to new beneficiaries, highlighting the scheme’s universal reach. Modi criticized Delhi and West Bengal for not implementing Ayushman Bharat, describing it as a “political” decision that denies the elderly access to free treatment. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal countered by urging the PM to consider Delhi’s own comprehensive healthcare model, while West Bengal’s TMC defended its Swasthya Sathi scheme. Focus on Digital Health and Ayurveda Modi launched the U-WIN platform, following the success of Co-WIN during the pandemic, aimed at creating a comprehensive digital health interface for India. He also highlighted the government’s emphasis on integrating Ayurveda with modern healthcare, inaugurating the second phase of the All India Institute of Ayurveda on Dhanvantari Jayanti. This expansion aligns with the government’s health policy priorities: preventive care, early diagnosis, affordable treatment, accessible healthcare, and digitalization. Commitment to Affordable Healthcare In addition to expanding Ayushman Bharat, the PM praised the 14,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras, which offer medicines at 80% discount, estimating a collective saving of ₹30,000 crore for low- and middle-income families. He emphasized the need for scientific validation of traditional herbs, such as ashwagandha, citing its growing demand in international markets. Progress in Medical Education Highlighting unprecedented advancements in India’s healthcare infrastructure, Modi stated that over the past decade, nearly 100,000 new MBBS and MD seats were created, along with numerous new AIIMS and medical colleges. He stressed that this growth contrasts sharply with limited achievements in prior decades, emphasizing the government’s commitment to creating a holistic health system. Source: Hindustan Times

Iran’s Imprisoned Nobel Laureate Narges Mohammadi Hospitalised Amid Severe Health Concerns

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Imprisoned Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi has been transferred to a hospital after enduring nearly nine weeks of illness, according to the Free Narges Coalition. The activist, who is serving a sentence in Iran’s infamous Evin Prison—known for detaining political prisoners and those with Western affiliations—faces severe health complications following prolonged neglect. The Free Narges Coalition released a statement on Sunday, urging Iranian authorities to grant Mohammadi a medical furlough, emphasizing that a single hospital transfer will not suffice to treat her deteriorating health. The activist reportedly suffers from heart disease, with recent medical assessments indicating that her primary artery has developed a significant complication. Mohammadi, 52, has consistently advocated for human rights despite facing multiple arrests and lengthy sentences by Iranian authorities. Initially serving a 30-month sentence, her imprisonment was extended by an additional 15 months earlier this year. This past Saturday, Iranian officials imposed a further six-month sentence after Mohammadi protested the August execution of another political prisoner within Evin’s women’s ward. As the 19th woman and second Iranian to receive the Nobel Peace Prize—following Shirin Ebadi in 2003—Mohammadi’s recognition underscores her courage and unrelenting commitment to human rights. Her supporters continue to call for her unconditional release, highlighting the urgent need for unrestricted medical care to address her pressing health issues. The global outcry continues to mount as Mohammadi’s health deteriorates, with international activists and rights organizations pressing Iranian authorities to take immediate action for her medical needs and overall release from detention. Source: Indian Express

Ayushman Bharat Scheme to Cover Senior Citizens Aged 70+ Regardless of Income Starting Next Week

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The enrollment process for senior citizens aged 70 and above under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is set to commence next week, extending comprehensive health coverage to this age group irrespective of income. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate this significant initiative on Tuesday, alongside other health projects, including the launch of the UWIN app. The UWIN app, a new platform developed by the government, is designed to record every vaccination event for pregnant women and children as part of the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP). By streamlining immunization data and appointment scheduling, the app is expected to enhance healthcare access and coordination across India. Last month, the government approved a policy to provide health coverage up to Rs 5 lakh annually on a family basis for senior citizens aged 70 and above under the AB-PMJAY scheme. Pilot projects conducted in various regions of India have assessed the scheme’s readiness for full implementation, with a positive response reported by officials. The inclusion of this age group under the Ayushman Bharat umbrella is expected to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenses for senior citizens, who are often at higher risk of requiring medical intervention. According to officials, the UWIN app will also serve as a tool to schedule healthcare appointments for seniors, ensuring more accessible and efficient services. This move aligns with India’s continued efforts to provide universal healthcare access to vulnerable sections of society, marking another milestone in the country’s health infrastructure expansion. Source: Times of India

Ministry of Ayush to Celebrate 9th Ayurveda Day with Focus on Global Health Innovations

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The Ministry of Ayush is set to celebrate the 9th Ayurveda Day on October 29 at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi. This year’s theme, Ayurveda Innovations for Global Health, highlights the expanding role of Ayurveda in addressing global health challenges. The event is expected to draw participation from over 150 countries, reflecting Ayurveda’s growing international recognition. Minister of State for Ayush, Prataprao Jadhav, emphasized the significance of Ayurveda Day as a global movement. He noted that this year’s theme underscores the contributions of Ayurveda to global health advancements. The government aims to promote Ayurveda as a robust medical system worldwide, benefiting public health across borders. In discussing the Ministry’s recent initiatives, Jadhav pointed to efforts to make Ayurveda knowledge more accessible to the public through digital platforms under the Ayush Grid. This includes innovative programs such as the Ayurgyan Scheme, the Ayush Research Portal, and the Namaste Portal. He further highlighted that Ayurveda is currently recognized in 24 countries, with Ayurveda products being exported to over 100 nations. The celebration of Ayurveda Day demonstrates the Ministry’s commitment to advancing traditional medicine in a modern context, while promoting holistic well-being and health innovation on a global scale. Source: newsonair. gov