ArdorComm Media Group

Contact Us
logo
Menu
logo
ArdorComm ArdorComm ArdorComm

Healthcare Policy

HIV Cases in Mizoram Surge to 32,287 – Understanding the Crisis

Leave a Comment / / Health & Wellness Community

Mizoram is witnessing a concerning surge in HIV cases, with 32,287 individuals testing positive and 5,511 reported deaths as of January 2025. The state now holds the highest HIV prevalence rate in India at 2.73%, far exceeding the national average of 0.2%. State Health Minister Lalrinpuii has urged lawmakers to take immediate action to combat the epidemic. During a meeting of the Mizoram Legislative Forum on AIDS, Mizoram State AIDS Control Society (MSACS) Project Director Dr. Jane R. Ralte provided an update, revealing that 1,769 new cases were detected between April 2024 and January 2025. According to Dr. Ralte, 67% of infections are attributed to unprotected sexual activity, while 30.44% stem from the use of unsterilized syringes. However, a decline in new infections and HIV-related deaths has been observed due to increased testing and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). To support those affected, the state legislators have pledged Rs 50,000 each from their MLA funds for 2024-25, ensuring continuous ART treatment access through MSACS. Additionally, the Health Ministry has introduced HIV self-testing (HIVST) as a discreet, accessible testing method to combat stigma and improve early detection. HIV primarily spreads through unprotected sexual contact, sharing contaminated needles, blood transfusions, and from mother to child during pregnancy or breastfeeding. High-risk groups include individuals with multiple partners, intravenous drug users, sex workers, and healthcare workers exposed to infected blood. With strengthened policies, awareness programs, and self-testing initiatives, Mizoram aims to curb the HIV crisis and ensure better healthcare access for affected individuals. Source: Business Standard

HIV Cases in Mizoram Surge to 32,287 – Understanding the Crisis Read More »

Arunachal Cabinet Sets Up Administrative Reforms Commission for Enhanced Governance

Leave a Comment / / Governance Community
News on Governance

The Arunachal Pradesh cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Pema Khandu, has announced the establishment of an Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) to streamline state governance and tackle administrative challenges. The decision, taken during a cabinet meeting in Tawang, mandates the ARC to undertake a comprehensive review of the state’s administrative framework and propose recommendations for a more efficient, citizen-centric, and accountable governance system. Key initiatives discussed in the meeting include a new transfer and posting policy for nurses across health facilities in Arunachal Pradesh, aimed at ensuring equitable staffing and quality healthcare services. Additionally, the cabinet approved the renaming of the Special Investigation Cell (Vigilance) to the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), underscoring the government’s commitment to addressing corruption. The ACB will continue to handle major investigations within the state. Another significant decision is the proposed renaming of Naharlagun Railway Station to Itanagar Railway Station, which has been recommended to the Government of India for consideration. The cabinet also endorsed the amendment of the Arunachal Pradesh Victim Compensation Scheme, enhancing the compensation rates for victims of various crimes. Further administrative advancements include the amendment of the Arunachal Pradesh State Human Rights Commission Service Rules, 2022, and the approval of special grades for various ranks within the police department, including constables, head constables, and ASIs. The cabinet also granted one-time recruitment relaxations for contractual ANM and nursing officers, enabling their absorption on a seniority basis and advancing career growth for healthcare workers. Source: Times of India

Arunachal Cabinet Sets Up Administrative Reforms Commission for Enhanced Governance Read More »

Health Ministry Initiates Recruitment for Technical Resource Centres

Leave a Comment / / Human Resource Community

The Union Health Ministry, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), is advancing efforts to establish Technical Resource Centres (TRCs) aimed at synthesizing and evaluating evidence to develop and promote evidence-based healthcare policies. These centres will play a pivotal role in formulating clinical guidelines and enhancing the adoption of best practices within the healthcare sector. ICMR has issued a call for Expressions of Interest (EoI) from researchers, faculty, and scientists to join these centres. Each TRC will receive financial support of up to ₹20 lakh per year, with funding initially set for three years and subject to annual performance reviews. The TRCs will conduct systematic reviews and meta-analyses to generate high-quality evidence, utilizing the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) approach. The centres will also organize training programs and workshops to disseminate best practices and support effective guideline development. Regular monitoring visits, professional development plans, and biannual training programs are integral components of the TRCs’ operations. Manuscripts based on completed evidence tables are expected to be submitted within three months. The ICMR has outlined eligibility criteria for applicants, including regular employment at medical institutes, research centres, universities, or colleges, along with the necessary experience, resources, and preferably access to relevant databases. Applications will be reviewed by an expert committee, with selected participants to be notified via email and the DHR website in September 2024. The evaluation of applications will be based on expertise in evidence synthesis, available infrastructure and resources, publication history, and the extent of collaboration and networking capabilities. Source: The Hindu

Health Ministry Initiates Recruitment for Technical Resource Centres Read More »

Budget 2024: Healthcare Sector Urges Government to Boost Public Health Spending

Leave a Comment / / Health & Wellness Community

The healthcare sector in India is advocating for increased public health spending in the upcoming Budget 2024, urging the government to raise public health expenditure above 2.5 percent of the GDP. The industry is also calling for an Ayushman Bharat-like scheme specifically for the middle class to address healthcare needs more comprehensively. Key Recommendations: Increase Public Health Expenditure: The Healthcare Federation of India (NATHEALTH) has emphasized the need for the government to boost healthcare spending to over 2.5 percent of GDP. This increase is seen as crucial for enhancing infrastructure, addressing demand and supply challenges, and improving overall social insurance. Expand Healthcare Facilities: Abhay Soi, president of NATHEALTH and chairman of Max Healthcare Institute, highlighted the necessity for two billion square feet of advanced healthcare facilities. Expanding healthcare infrastructure in smaller cities and advancing digital healthcare services are also top priorities. Comparison with Other Countries: According to the Economic Survey 2022-23, healthcare expenditure by the Centre and state governments reached 2.1 percent of GDP in FY23. In comparison, OECD data shows that the US had the highest health expenditure to GDP ratio at 16.6 percent in 2022, while India’s was at 2.9 percent. Middle-Class Healthcare Scheme: Industry leaders, including PD Hinduja Hospital CEO Gautam Khanna, suggested implementing a healthcare scheme similar to PM-JAY for the middle class. This would require allocating 2.5-3.5 percent of GDP to healthcare to ensure broader coverage and affordability. Policy Reforms and Innovations: Suneeta Reddy, Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals, emphasized the need for the government to prioritize the healthcare sector to spur growth and productivity. The industry is also advocating for easing compliance burdens, promoting medtech innovation, rationalizing the goods and services tax (GST), and reviewing the health cess on medtech products. As the first Budget of Modi 3.0 approaches, the healthcare sector’s recommendations highlight the critical need for increased investment and policy support to enhance India’s healthcare infrastructure, improve access to quality healthcare, and ensure affordability for all citizens. Boosting public health spending is seen as a vital

Budget 2024: Healthcare Sector Urges Government to Boost Public Health Spending Read More »