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In addition to opening a specialised cancer outpatient department at Goa Medical College starting next month, the Goa government is planning to build a cancer institute in the state so that residents won’t have to leave for treatment elsewhere, according to health minister Vishwajit Rane. The minister met with representatives from Mumbai’s Tata Memorial Hospital on Thursday in Panaji to talk about how to establish a facility to treat cancer patients in the state. After the meeting, he tweeted, “With rising cancer cases in the state of Goa, we are working unabatedly to build a ‘State Cancer Institute’ so that citizens of Goa do not have to travel outside the state to seek treatment.” He stated in another tweet, “Tata Memorial Hospital provides world-class cancer treatment services and facilities. We intend to have a tripartite agreement between the Government of India, the Government of Goa and Tata Memorial Hospital, similar to the Assam model envisioned by Hon PM Shri @narendramodi.” According to Rane, Tata Memorial will offer all technical assistance in the fields of services, human resources, training, and research. “We shall be starting a pilot from 15th April 2023 where a dedicated cancer OPD will be started at GMC (Goa Medical College). I have given the necessary instructions to Dean of @GoaGmc and Health Secretary in this regard to ensure this is operational on 15th April,” he tweeted.

According to people with knowledge of the situation, Pfizer Inc. has agreed to extend its COVID-19 vaccination contract with the European Union from 2023 to 2026, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday. According to the report, the manufacturer has offered to delay the distribution of the shots and reduce the amount of doses being delivered by 40%. According to the updated terms, Pfizer is demanding payment for doses that were ordered but were never produced, according to an FT report. Stella Kyriakides, the European Union’s commissioner for health, stated in a statement, “Working together we have achieved a significant reduction of doses, an extension of our contract in time far beyond 2023, and security of supply in case more doses are needed.” “If we want to modify vaccines deliveries, we need a deal,” Kyriakides added.  According to the report, the new terms were revealed to the member nations’ health ministers in a private meeting. Four-member states, including Poland, opposed them. Bulgaria’s acting health minister, Assen Medzhidiev, stated that his nation, along with Poland, Hungary, and Lithuania, opposes the proposed agreement on surplus vaccines. The proposed deal, in its current form, would not be supported by other EU members, Medzhidiev continued. Given the dire situation of vaccine overstock in Bulgaria and the unwarranted financial burden for items that are meant for destruction, the proposed Pfizer change to the Pfizer agreement is categorically unacceptable to us, according to Medzhidiev. “We call on the Commission to return to the negotiating table, taking fully into account the mandate given. Until a solution is found, all the deliveries must be stopped,” he said. A request for comment from Pfizer was not immediately complied with. In January, Reuters published a story on the discussions taking place in Brussels between Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech in the midst of a global COVID-19 shot shortage, with Europe having a particularly large excess supply. The idea of Pfizer reducing the up to 500 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine that the EU has agreed to purchase this year in exchange for a higher price was discussed.

The union government has advised states and union territories (UTs) to increase community awareness on adherence to respiratory and hand hygiene in light of the growing A Influenza type H3N2 cases across the nation. The centre has additionally requested that the state units of the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) keep vigil over cases of influenza-like illnesses and severe acute respiratory illnesses (ILIs and SARIs) and refer a sufficient number of samples for testing for influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and adenovirus. In a letter to the states and UTs sent after an interministerial review conference with the NITI Ayog, Rajesh Bhushan, Secretary of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), acknowledged that an increasing trend in ILI/SARI cases was being seen nationwide. Integrated sentinel-based surveillance of ILI and SARI has detected an increase in influenza A cases during the second half of December 2022. Bhushan specifically raised as a matter of particular concern the prevalence of Influenza A (H3N2) observed in the samples examined in several labs in his letter. Young children, the elderly, and those with co-morbidities are more at risk for and vulnerable to H1N1, H3N2, adenoviruses, etc., according to the Government of India (GoI). The letter also highlighted the growing incidence of other respiratory ailments across the nation. The steadily rising COVID-19 test positivity rates were brought up by the Union Health Secretary as an urgent concern. The health official stated, “Despite low number of new cases, equally low number of hospitalisations and significant advances made in terms of COVID-19 vaccination coverage, there is still a need to remain vigilant and focus on the five-fold strategy of test-track-treat- vaccination and adherence to COVID-appropriate behavior.” The “Operational Guidelines for Revised Surveillance Strategy in Context of COVID-19” are to be put into full effect by the states and UTs in order to conduct integrated surveillance of respiratory pathogens that manifest as ILI/SARS cases. The number of Adenovirus cases in the nation has also increased. According to the testing of the samples being done by many of the ICMR’s VRDL network labs, over 25.4% of respiratory samples have tested positive for adenoviruses since January 1, 2023. The letter continued that while the majority of these agents typically result in a similar mild and frequently self-limiting illness, in some instances an acute respiratory infection with fever and cough, especially in older people, people with obesity and other comorbidities (like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic renal and liver disease, etc.), as well as pregnant women, may experience a more severe manifestation of these diseases requiring immediate medical attention. The centre has urged more community awareness of issues including often washing hands, not spitting in public, using a mask in crowded locations, covering one’s mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, etc. The union health secretary also gave state governments advice on improving human resource capacity based on current recommendations, ensuring that people are immunised against COVID-19 and influenza, and assessing hospital preparedness, including the availability of pharmaceutical drugs, medical equipment, medical oxygen, etc.

According to the market research firm Euromonitor, the global market for children’s over-the-counter cough, cold, and allergy medications was expected to reach $2.5 billion in 2022. These medications combine active components like paracetamol, often known as acetaminophen in the US, to lower the body temperature with a glycerin or propylene glycol syrup that is safe, sweet, and simple to take. Global health authorities in Gambia found two extremely toxic substances, ethylene glycol (EG) and diethylene glycol (DEG), in imported children’s cough syrup. According to Dr. Chaitanya Kumar Koduri, director of regulatory engagement at U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), a non-profit that aids in setting worldwide standards for the manufacturing of drugs, both may be byproducts of the production of propylene glycol. According to Kumar Koduri, manufacturers of propylene glycol for medicinal usage must purify it to get rid of any toxins. Only trace levels of EG and DEG are permitted by international standards in medicines; this equates to 0.10 percent of weight per volume or 0.10 grammes per 100 millilitres of syrup. Similar properties can be found in all the substances. Propylene glycol is not toxic, however DEG and EG are very harmful. If not treated quickly after ingestion, pathologists warn that they can cause kidney failure and ultimately death. The dosage’s lethality is partially influenced by the patient’s weight. Children are more susceptible than adults since they are smaller. Human error is a possibility, according to Kumar Koduri. However, suppliers or manufacturers have in the past used industrial grade propylene glycol or even pure DEG or EG as a substitute because they are less expensive. Two websites selling the chemicals claim that EG and DEG can be less expensive than half the cost of propylene glycol. Over 90 children in Haiti and over 200 in Bangladesh died in the 1990s as a result of DEG in paracetamol syrups. Children have recently died in separate incidents in Panama, India, and Nigeria. Since then, the World Health Organization’s international guidelines have been tightened, and manufacturers are being urged to test more of their -ingredients and finished products. But, it is up to individual countries to enact laws to make sure they are followed at both the manufacturing and consumption points. Source: Reuters

Due to a packaging error, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories is recalling over 4,000 bottles of a generic drug in the US. 4,320 bottles of Tacrolimus Capsules, which are aimed at preventing the body from rejecting a transplanted organ, are being recalled by the Hyderabad-based pharmaceutical company. A unit of the company, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Inc., based in New Jersey, is recalling the affected lot as a result of “the presence of one Tacrolimus 1 mg capsule co-mingled in a bottle containing and labelled as Tacrolimus 0.5 mg capsules,” according to the USFDA’s latest Enforcement Report. The company’s production facility in Bachupally, India, produced the impacted lot, which its American division then marketed in the United States. On February 8 of this year, Dr. Reddy’s started the Class II nationwide recall. According to the USFDA, a Class II recall is started when using or being exposed to a product that is in violation may result in short-term or medically treatable adverse health effects or when the likelihood of substantial adverse health effects is remote.

Using wearable wireless technology, Amala Hospital has introduced a brand-new smart ward. This smart ward, the first of its kind in Kerala, is outfitted with cutting-edge technology that offers ongoing patient monitoring with the goal of enhancing patient outcomes and lowering the possibility of medical error. To apply its iMS technology across cardiology and medicine departments at its hospital in Thrissur, Kerala, the hospital chain has teamed with Chennai-based health-tech startup, LifeSigns. The wireless patient monitoring system with early warning scores that enables real-time monitoring of vital signs and other significant health indicators is one of the major components of the smart ward. Using this technology, patient health can be monitored more effectively and efficiently than with conventional wired monitoring devices, which can be cumbersome and uncomfortable for patients. The smart ward is equipped with patient information systems for the hospital, as well as monitors at the nursing station, in addition to the wireless monitoring system. These components all work together to enhance patient care and speed up the medical process.

Mukesh Ambani is aiming to advance the field of genetic mapping, which may be helpful in determining a person’s predisposition for certain illnesses and diseases including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, cardiac risks, etc. The comprehensive Rs 12,000 genome sequencing test, developed by Strand Life Sciences, would be made available by Reliance Industries. According to Strand CEO Ramesh Hariharan, the genome test, which costs $145, is around 86% less expensive than comparable local options. It will be the least expensive genomic profile in the world, he said. He predicts that adoption will be sparked by the low price. Strand will use the most recent findings in science, according to Hariharan, while evaluating the test results. The testing will enable the building of a database of biological information that could help in the development of drugs. Businesses like the US-based 23andMe offer ancestry reports for $99, while the company’s health plus ancestry reports cost $199. Indian companies like MapmyGenome and Medgenome charge over $1,000 for full genome sequencing for health red flags. Chinese companies who give the results for less money do not include all of the tests, though. In the upcoming weeks, Reliance intends to actively promote the test on the MyJio app. Finding one’s heritage or traits like athleticism, hair texture, or a propensity to gain weight are very popular among consumers in the US. The focus of the longer-term business plan is on preventive healthcare. Genetic test regulations have not yet been set up in India.

Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, jointly known as keratinocyte carcinoma and the most prevalent types of cancer diagnosed in the United States, are likely to be preventable with simple laser skin treatments, according to new research. The work was undertaken by a team of researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital, a founding member of Mass General Brigham. It provides an approach to safeguarding people’s skin health that is simple to execute and was published in Dermatologic Surgery. In contrast to ablative fractional lasers, which remove the top layer of skin after treatment, nonablative fractional lasers (NAFL) deliver heat in a fractional manner, leaving the skin completely intact after treatment. They are currently used to treat scars, age spots, sun-damaged skin, and other conditions; however, it is unknown whether or not they are effective at preventing skin damage. The Mass General Dermatology Laser & Cosmetic Center’s Mathew Avram, MD, JD, and his team looked at patients who had previously undergone successful treatment for facial keratinocyte carcinoma as a way to learn more. After 3 years, these patients have a 35% chance of developing a second keratinocyte carcinoma, and in 5 years, they have a 50% chance. In the study, 52 patients served as controls and did not get NAFL therapy, whereas 43 patients received this treatment. Over an average follow-up of more than 6 years, the rate of subsequent facial keratinocyte carcinoma development was 20.9% in patients treated with NAFL and 40.4% in controls, showing that patients receiving NAFL had about a 50% lower risk. Control patients had a 2.65-times higher risk of developing a new facial keratinocyte carcinoma than NAFL-treated patients, even after accounting for age, gender, and skin type. Moreover, in patients treated with NAFL compared to untreated patients, the time to development of a face keratinocyte carcinoma was noticeably longer. According to Avram, “These findings suggest that NAFL treatment may have an important role in protecting against subsequent keratinocyte carcinomas.”  While the exact mechanism underlying NAFL’s protective action is unknown, it is hypothesised that the drug reduces the overall number of photodamaged keratinocytes while also possibly promoting a wound healing response, which favours healthy skin cells. Avram pointed out that more research is necessary to more thoroughly evaluate NAFL’s contribution to the prevention of skin cancer, to show how long its preventive effects last, and to establish the ideal treatment parameters. According to this research, patients are advised to undergo nonablative laser treatments if they are at risk or detect anomalies in order to help avoid skin cancer. Also, it’s crucial to take the right precautions to lower your chance of developing skin cancer, such as wearing sunscreen every day, wearing helmets and other sun-protective gear, and performing self-skin examinations.

The state government has allocated Rs 1,062 crore for the development of the healthcare infrastructure. In addition to upgrading primary and community health services, the approved works also included new construction at district headquarters hospitals (DHH) and sub-divisional hospitals. The letter sent to all chief district medical and public health officers stated, “The health and family welfare department has approved action plan for construction of new buildings and maintenance and repair of existing health institutions for 2022-23 to the tune of Rs 1,062 crore for 863 number of works under the state sector of scheme — Mukhya Mantri Swasthya Seva Mission.” Nine district headquarters hospitals would receive additional construction at a cost of around Rs 26.7 crore, according to the action plan. Similar to this, the department has set aside Rs 240 crore to construct sub-divisional hospitals (SDH) in accordance with Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS). Six community health centres (CHCs) have been designated by the government as SDHs. The government would invest Rs 5,964 crore to develop new CHC buildings in accordance with IPHS norms, and Rs 355 crore to create primary health centres (PHC) and staff quarters. PHC and CHC maintenance and repair will cost around Rs 46 crore, according to official sources. The government will spend Rs 580 crore on the development of Ayush hospitals. The health secretary has directed all CDMPHOs to confirm the budgetary allocations from other sources for the same work or project, such as the National Health Mission Implementation Plan, PMAyushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission, Ama Hospital, District Mineral Funds, and Odisha Mineral Bearing Areas Development Corporation, and to make sure there isn’t any duplication of funding sources. Additionally, the officers have been instructed to inform higher authorities of any site, land, or other obstructions to the execution of projects or works.

According to a senior health department official, the Odisha government will set up a cutting-edge cancer care institute, upgrade 147 hospitals, and set up four new medical colleges as part of the “Ama Hospital” programme. Speaking at the two-day collectors conference that started on Tuesday, Health and Family Welfare Secretary Shalini Pandit made this statement. Kalahandi, Talcher, Jajpur, and Kandhamal are the proposed locations for the new medical colleges, according to Pandit, who also noted that the state government has approved Rs 750 crore under the “Ama Hospital” programme. Pandit stated that the government was developing dedicated cancer and cardiac care hospitals in Jharsuguda in a PPP mode and that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had set a motto of “every life is precious.” Seven new medical colleges, according to her, have opened in the last several years, and four more are in the planning stages. Capital Hospital Bhubaneswar has been transformed into a Post Graduate Institute. She added that the establishment of the Odisha University of Health Sciences is already underway and that PPP projects for inexpensive healthcare have been planned in four areas, including Angul, Barbil, Jharsuguda, and Bhadrak, to create up hospitals providing specialist care. The health secretary also mentioned the establishment of the “Bagchi Srishankar Cancer Hospital” in the state capital, which will have 750 beds and all modern amenities. On the NISER campus, Tata Memorial Center is working with the Government of Odisha and the Department of Atomic Energy to build a second 200-bed state-of-the-art cancer hospital. Pandit added that Odisha is the first and only state in the nation to impose a requirement that all patients receive free treatment in all public health facilities. In all government healthcare facilities, from primary health centres to medical college hospitals, the free services include free medications, diagnostics, OPD, IPD, surgery, and ICU.