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India Emerges as Global Cancer Capital, Witnessing Alarming Surge in Cases, Reports Apollo Hospitals

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A recent study by Apollo Hospitals reveals concerning trends in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) across India, with cancer cases witnessing an unprecedented rise. The 4th edition of the Health of Nation Report, released on World Health Day 2024, designates India as the “cancer capital of the world.” The report highlights a surge in NCDs such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health disorders, significantly impacting the nation’s health landscape. Disturbingly, one in three Indians is pre-diabetic, two in three are pre-hypertensive, and one in 10 suffers from depression. Key Insights: Cancer cases in India have surpassed global rates, with the country experiencing a surge in diagnoses, particularly among younger demographics. Despite the lower median age for cancer diagnosis, cancer screening rates in India remain alarmingly low. Breast cancer, cervix cancer, and ovarian cancer are prevalent among women, while lung cancer, mouth cancer, and prostate cancer are common among men. Report Findings: Obesity rates have doubled from 9 percent in 2016 to 20 percent in 2023, while hypertension cases have risen from 9 percent to 13 percent during the same period. A significant proportion of Indians are at risk for obstructive sleep apnea, highlighting the need for urgent health interventions. The report underscores the critical need for regular health screenings to monitor conditions like obesity and hypertension, thereby reducing the risk of cardiac-related ailments. Dr. Preetha Reddy, Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals, advocates for collective efforts to combat NCDs through education and personalised preventive healthcare solutions. Dr. Madhu Sasidhar, President & CEO of Apollo Hospitals, emphasizes the importance of innovation in preventive healthcare and improved accessibility, leveraging technology for accurate diagnosis and patient-centric treatment methodologies. The findings of the report underscore the urgent need for unified action to address the growing epidemic of NCDs in India. Prioritising investments in health infrastructure, promoting preventive healthcare measures, and addressing health inequities are crucial steps towards sustainable development in the health sector.  

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UK’s NHS Recruits 2,000 Doctors from India to Address Medical Workforce Shortage

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The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) has embarked on an initiative to recruit 2,000 doctors from India. Under this fast-track program, doctors will undergo postgraduate training in India before being deployed to hospitals in the UK. The initiative aims to tackle the NHS’s longstanding struggle with medical workforce shortages, exacerbated by factors such as low wages, expensive training, and burnout due to heavy workloads. Brexit has further complicated the issue, leading to increased reliance on overseas-trained doctors. Notably, the recruited doctors will be exempted from the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) examination, typically mandatory for practicing in the UK, upon completion of their training program. However, concerns have been raised regarding the potential impact on India’s healthcare system, with fears of brain drain and the loss of skilled professionals. While some experts view this initiative as a valuable opportunity for Indian doctors to gain international experience, others emphasize the importance of offering ample opportunities and fair compensation to locally trained doctors in India. Additionally, the lack of widespread awareness about the initiative among the medical community in India highlights the need for better promotion and communication efforts. Ultimately, the initiative represents a significant stride towards global healthcare collaboration, with the potential to enhance healthcare standards and foster a mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and expertise between India and the UK. Key Points: The NHS plans to recruit 2,000 doctors from India to address medical workforce shortages. Recruited doctors will undergo six- to twelve-month postgraduate training in India before deployment to UK hospitals. Exemption from the PLAB examination will be granted upon completion of the training program. Concerns have been raised about potential brain drain and the impact on India’s healthcare system. Improved awareness and promotion efforts are needed to ensure the success of the initiative. The initiative signifies a step towards global healthcare collaboration and knowledge exchange. Currently, 25-30% of the NHS’ medical workforce consists of doctors trained overseas.

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The Present and Future of AI in Healthcare

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Blog on health

As technology advances at an unprecedented rate, its impact on various aspects of our lives becomes increasingly significant. In the realm of healthcare, artificial intelligence (AI) stands out as a transformative force with immense potential. However, to truly appreciate its importance and potential, it’s essential to delve into what AI has achieved and how it continues to shape the present and future of healthcare. The numbers paint a compelling picture of AI’s growing influence in healthcare. With over 500 AI algorithms approved by the U.S. FDA, and digital health startups receiving billions in investments, it’s evident that AI is not just a theoretical concept but a tangible reality in the healthcare landscape. Projections indicate that the global market for AI-based healthcare solutions will exceed $208 billion by 2030, underscoring the significant investments and expectations surrounding AI in healthcare. The promise of AI in healthcare is multifaceted, ranging from early disease detection to optimizing treatment plans and enhancing patient outcomes. For instance, AI algorithms have the potential to revolutionize cancer screening by analyzing vast amounts of data, including family history, imaging results, and genetic markers, to identify individuals at higher risk of developing the disease. Additionally, AI-powered interventions can monitor patients in real-time, enabling early detection of deteriorating health conditions such as sepsis, and facilitating timely medical interventions. Despite the immense potential, the full-scale implementation of AI in healthcare presents numerous challenges. From regulatory hurdles to the need for extensive clinical trials and the integration of AI into existing healthcare workflows, realizing the promise of AI requires concerted efforts from various stakeholders. Moreover, it’s crucial to recognize that AI is not a replacement for human expertise but rather a powerful tool that complements clinical decision-making. Human clinicians bring invaluable insights and intuition to the table, which AI augments by processing vast amounts of data and identifying patterns that might elude human observation alone. Currently, AI is being utilized in various medical applications, including screening tests for complex illnesses, monitoring patient vitals for signs of deterioration, and enhancing patient safety through early warning systems. Institutions are also leveraging AI to optimize resource allocation, improve operational efficiency, and streamline administrative tasks such as billing and coding. As AI continues to mature, its role in healthcare is expected to expand beyond individual applications to encompass organization-wide workflows, clinical decision support, patient engagement, and revenue cycle management. Looking ahead, the future of AI in healthcare holds even more transformative possibilities. Medical assistants powered by AI are undergoing trials in medical facilities, with the potential to streamline scheduling, access relevant patient information, and assist healthcare providers in delivering personalized care. Moreover, AI-driven algorithms are expected to play a crucial role in organizing and analyzing vast amounts of medical data, leading to more precise diagnoses, personalized treatment plans, and better patient outcomes. However, as AI becomes more integrated into healthcare systems, concerns about privacy, data security, and algorithmic bias must be addressed. Robust measures must be implemented to ensure that patient data is protected, and AI algorithms are trained on diverse and representative datasets to avoid perpetuating biases or disparities in healthcare delivery. AI holds immense promise as a transformative force in healthcare, revolutionizing patient care, clinical decision-making, and operational efficiency. While challenges remain, the collaborative efforts of researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and technology developers are paving the way for a future where AI augments human expertise to deliver better healthcare outcomes for all. As we embark on this journey, it’s essential to recognize that AI is not a replacement for human judgment but a powerful tool that, when wielded responsibly, has the potential to revolutionize the practice of medicine.  

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Patiala Doctors Summoned to Lok Adalat as Health Department Defaults on Internet Bills

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Medical officers from the Punjab health department stationed at Aam Aadmi Clinics (AACs) in Patiala have been summoned to the National Lok Adalat after the department failed to clear the clinics’ internet bills. The civil judge, Arun Gupta, issued summons for the medical officers to appear on March 9, 2024, to address the outstanding payment issue. The internet service provider, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), initiated legal action by moving the National Lok Adalat to recover the pending payments, citing repeated reminders to no avail. The pending amount, totaling Rs. 1841, has prompted BSNL to resort to legal means to resolve the matter. A senior official from the Patiala BSNL office clarified that approaching the Lok Adalat was standard procedure when customers failed to clear bills despite repeated reminders. However, it was emphasized that this step was taken as a last resort. Expressing dismay over the situation, medical officers pointed fingers at the health department for administrative lapses. Despite significant investments in various health schemes, the inability to settle internet bills has become a cause for embarrassment for the doctors. Many clinics have faced internet disconnections due to unpaid bills, forcing staff to resort to mobile internet hotspots for essential online operations, including patient registration. Dr. Raminder Kaur, the Patiala civil surgeon, acknowledged the issue, noting that only a few clinics in the district had outstanding bills. She assured that directives had been issued to address the pending payments promptly.

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Budget 2024: Pharma Industry Urges More Tax Breaks for R&D, Innovation, and Increased Healthcare Spending

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Amidst the anticipation surrounding the upcoming Union Budget on February 1, the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry has outlined a comprehensive wishlist for Budget 2024, aiming for policies that foster innovation, research and development (R&D), and increased healthcare spending. Sudarshan Jain, Secretary General of the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance, emphasized the need for conducive policies that offer direct and indirect tax benefits to pharmaceutical companies. The focus should be on critical areas such as innovation, R&D, and upgrading healthcare infrastructure. Jain highlighted the significance of continuous investments, especially in a sector with high risks and long gestation periods. Dr. Ashutosh Raghuvanshi, MD and CEO of Fortis Healthcare & President of NATHEALTH, called for a significant hike in healthcare spending to 2.5% of GDP. The proposals presented by NATHEALTH emphasize transformative changes to bridge regional healthcare disparities and strengthen the healthcare value chain. The aim is to enhance medical value travel, address MAT credit issues, and build local capabilities for healthcare services. Ameera Shah, Promoter and Managing Director of Metropolis Healthcare, underscored the importance of the upcoming budget in strengthening India’s healthcare ecosystem. Shah advocated for investments in critical areas like innovation, research, development, technology, and upgrading healthcare infrastructure. Additionally, she called for a 0% GST on diagnostic services, GST refunds on inputs, and rationalizing import tariffs on healthcare products to enhance accessibility and affordability. These recommendations collectively aim to position India as a reliable supplier of medicines and a custodian of global healthcare. The healthcare sector looks forward to policy stability, continuity, and transformative measures in the upcoming budget, recognizing the role it plays in combating present and future healthcare challenges. Source: CNBC-TV18

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From Panic to Precision: Revolutionizing Code Blue Responses in Healthcare

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The frequent blare of a “Code Blue” alarm signals critical, life-threatening emergencies demanding swift and accurate responses. A meticulous 24-month analysis across tertiary care hospitals reveals a daunting reality – 720 Code Blue calls, with 620 genuine emergencies and a survival rate plummeting to 11.13% for cardiac arrests. This stark scenario necessitates a paradigm shift in the approach to emergency healthcare, inspiring a journey from panic to precision. India’s healthcare sector, once plagued by high mortality rates due to limited access to intensive care and delayed data delivery, is now at a crossroads of transformation. Innovative technologies, such as the Medical Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning (ML), are heralding a revolution in wireless patient monitoring, bridging the gap between conventional methods and cutting-edge solutions. To avert Code Blue events, a multifaceted approach is imperative, transcending reactive measures to embrace proactive strategies. Wireless patient monitoring, empowered by AI and ML, emerges as a cornerstone in this transformation. By continuously analyzing real-time vital signs, these devices act as alert sentinels, allowing healthcare providers to identify subtle changes and intervene before emergencies escalate. Predictive analytics and machine learning algorithms enhance the system’s ability to recognize patterns, contributing to a shift from crisis management to prevention. The traditional Code Blue model, while vital, comes with limitations, often triggering rushed and unorganized responses. Communication breakdowns, unfamiliarity with patients, and the high-stakes nature of the situation contribute to chaos, potentially compromising patient outcomes. To address these challenges, a shift from a reactive, panic-driven model to a proactive, precision-based approach is imperative, facilitated by continuous patient monitoring solutions. Wireless patient monitoring, akin to watchful conductors, plays a pivotal role in reducing Code Blue emergencies. These devices provide real-time vital sign data, enabling healthcare experts to respond swiftly in critical situations. In a study involving 3100 patients, real-time data transmission resulted in an 87% decrease in hospital stays, a 77% drop in deaths, and significant cost savings for patients, emphasizing the transformative impact of wireless patient monitoring on healthcare outcomes. The success of wireless patient monitoring marks not only a transformation from panic to precision but also heralds an overture of proactive care. Continuous monitoring of vital signs allows healthcare providers to anticipate and address potential issues before they escalate, reshaping emergency healthcare into a proactive, preventive paradigm. As India embraces the era of wireless patient monitoring, the ripple effects on the healthcare system are evident, transcending statistics to impact lives and improve the quality of care. The journey from panic to precision in Code Blue responses signifies a chain of transformation, rewriting the narrative of emergency healthcare and ensuring timely and effective interventions. The evolution from traditional patient monitoring to wireless solutions, complemented by cutting-edge technologies, is a beacon of hope for the healthcare industry. It represents a symphony of progress, reshaping and redefining healthcare to be more precise, proactive, and ultimately, more humane. The future has arrived, ushering in a new era where emergencies are met with the precision of a well-conducted symphony, thanks to the marriage of innovation and compassionate care.

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WHO Calls for Regulation of AI in Healthcare Due to Risks, Citing Bias and Privacy Concerns

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The World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare due to the associated risks, according to a report. WHO emphasizes the need to establish safety and efficacy in AI tools, make them accessible to those who require them, and encourage communication among AI developers and users. While recognizing AI’s potential to enhance healthcare by strengthening clinical trials, improving diagnosis and treatment, and enhancing healthcare professionals’ knowledge and skills, the report by data and analytics company GlobalData highlights the rapid deployment of AI technologies without a full understanding of their long-term implications, which could pose risks to healthcare professionals and patients. Alexandra Murdoch, a Senior Analyst at GlobalData, acknowledges the significant benefits of AI in healthcare but also highlights the risks associated with rapid adoption. AI systems in healthcare often have access to personal and medical information, necessitating regulatory frameworks to ensure privacy and security. Other challenges with AI in healthcare include unethical data collection, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and the reinforcement of biases and dissemination of misinformation. An example of AI biases is found in a Stanford University study, which revealed that some AI chatbots provided inaccurate medical information about people of color. In this study, nine questions were posed to four AI chatbots, including OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Bard, and all four chatbots provided inaccurate information related to race and kidney and lung function. The use of such false medical information is a cause for concern, as it could lead to issues like misdiagnoses and improper treatment for patients of color. WHO has identified six areas for regulating AI in healthcare, with a focus on managing the risks associated with AI amplifying biases in training data. These areas for regulation include transparency and documentation, risk management, data validation and clarity of AI’s intended use, a commitment to data quality, privacy and data protection, and the promotion of collaboration. Alexandra Murdoch hopes that by outlining these regulatory areas, governments and regulatory bodies can develop regulations to safeguard healthcare professionals and patients while fully harnessing the potential of AI in healthcare.

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India Leads Global Preterm Births in 2020, Lancet Study Reveals

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In 2020, India witnessed the highest number of preterm births globally, with a staggering 3.02 million cases, constituting over 20 percent of all premature births worldwide, as revealed by a study published in The Lancet journal. This research, conducted by experts from the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK, further disclosed that more than half of all premature births in 2020 occurred in just eight countries. Following India, the countries with the highest preterm birth rates were Pakistan, Nigeria, China, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the United States, according to the researchers. The notable prevalence of preterm births in these regions is partly attributable to their substantial population sizes, high numbers of total births, and underdeveloped healthcare systems that struggle to provide high-quality family planning, antenatal care, and childbirth services to all those in need. Globally, approximately 13.4 million babies were born prematurely in 2020, with nearly one million succumbing to complications associated with preterm birth. This data equates to roughly one in ten babies being born prematurely, before completing 37 weeks of pregnancy worldwide. Given that prematurity ranks as the leading cause of child mortality in their early years, there is an urgent need to bolster both preterm infant care and preventative measures, particularly focusing on maternal health and nutrition to enhance child survival, emphasize the authors of the study. Furthermore, preterm birth significantly increases the likelihood of major illnesses, disabilities, developmental delays, and even chronic diseases like diabetes and heart conditions in adulthood for those who survive. This study derives its estimates from data that is representative of populations and national statistics, enabling internationally comparable assessments for the year 2020. It highlighted that India had the highest incidence of preterm births in 2020, totalling 3.02 million cases, accounting for over a fifth of all preterm births worldwide. While most high preterm birth rates were observed in low and middle-income nations, rates of 10 percent or higher were also evident in high-income countries such as Greece and the United States. Within South Asia, Bangladesh reported the highest preterm birth rate in 2020 at 16.2 percent, followed by Pakistan at 14.4 percent, and India at 13.0 percent. In Latin America, the rates ranged from 5.8 percent in Nicaragua to 12.8 percent in Suriname. As birth registration and facility-based deliveries have increased, data on the prevalence of preterm births has improved. Nevertheless, there are still 92 countries lacking sufficient nationally representative data. Consequently, the authors call for sustained efforts to enhance data availability, quality, and sharing to better target support and action where it is most needed. Dr. Anshu Banerjee, Director of Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health and Ageing at WHO, emphasized the vulnerability of preterm babies to life-threatening health complications and the necessity for dedicated care and attention. He stressed the urgency of substantial investments in services supporting preterm infants and their families, as well as a heightened focus on prevention, particularly ensuring access to quality healthcare before and during pregnancies. The researchers underscored that preterm birth is not exclusive to low and middle-income countries, as the data clearly reveals its impact on families worldwide, including some high-income countries such as Greece (11.6 percent) and the United States (10 percent).

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U-Win Portal Revolutionizes Routine Immunization Records

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The government is gearing up to introduce the ‘U-Win’ portal, modelled after the successful Co-Win COVID-19 vaccine management system. This new platform is aimed at maintaining a digital registry of routine immunizations as part of the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP). Currently, the U-Win initiative is undergoing a pilot phase in two districts of each state and Union Territory. The U-Win portal, similar to Co-Win, was initially launched on January 11 in 65 districts nationwide. At present, UIP vaccination records are managed manually, but U-Win will eliminate the need for physical records. It will facilitate the digitization of session planning and provide real-time updates on vaccination statuses. This will address challenges posed by multiple vaccines and doses, as well as the absence of an individual tracking mechanism. Furthermore, it aims to raise awareness among beneficiaries regarding session details, locations, and dates, especially in urban areas, while also addressing disparities in immunization coverage among states and Union Territories. A significant issue to tackle is the lack of record-keeping for immunizations administered at private health facilities. U-Win seeks to become the centralized repository for immunization service information, encompassing pregnancy details, newborn registrations, and vaccinations at birth. The system will also maintain live updates on vaccination statuses, delivery outcomes, and the planning of routine immunization sessions. It aims to provide personalized tracking for pregnant women and newborns, sending reminders for upcoming doses and following up on dropouts. The U-Win platform will empower healthcare workers and program managers with real-time data on routine immunization sessions and vaccine coverage, facilitating better planning and distribution. Additionally, it will offer information on upcoming sessions in specific areas for the following month and a list of beneficiaries due for vaccination. Pregnant women and children will receive vaccine acknowledgments and immunization cards linked to their Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA ID). States and districts will have access to a common database for efficient tracking and vaccination of beneficiaries. Citizens can also check nearby routine immunization sessions and book appointments through the platform. Lastly, all electronic vaccination certificates, similar to COVID vaccination certificates, will include pictures of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As of August 28, U-Win has registered over 6.8 million beneficiaries and digitally tracked more than 13 million vaccine doses. This includes registrations for 33,58,770 infants aged 0-1 years, 20,98,338 children aged 1-5 years, and 14,20,708 pregnant women, with 1,32,60,903 doses being tracked digitally.

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PM Modi Highlights India’s Inclusive Tech Initiatives and Global Impact

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In an interview with a news agency, Prime Minister Modi discussed how India’s digital public infrastructure is promoting social inclusion and democratizing technology. He emphasized that India’s efforts have gained global recognition and are paving the way for a broader global movement. Prime Minister Modi highlighted the success of the CoWIN initiative, which facilitated the world’s largest vaccine drive, providing over 200 crore free doses. The platform, CoWIN, was even made open source for other countries to adopt. Referring to the UPI initiative, Modi noted that digital transactions are empowering businesses of all sizes, from street vendors to major banks, and contributing to financial inclusion. He praised India’s Digital Public Infrastructure for its role in delivering public services during the pandemic, citing the Jan Dhan-Aadhar-Mobile (JAM) Trinity’s effectiveness in ensuring financial inclusion and benefit transfers. Modi also mentioned the ONDC e-commerce initiative, which is seen as a significant step in democratizing digital platforms and creating a level playing field. He discussed the adoption of India’s digital public infrastructure by the G20 forum, which has established principles for a secure digital economy and laid the foundation for the One Future Alliance to coordinate global efforts in this regard. Prime Minister Modi highlighted the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission’s impact on healthcare service delivery and India’s commitment to global health through the G20’s Global Digital Health Initiative. He stressed India’s approach of using technology to promote inclusion and equality, turning it into a force for good. Modi also addressed the government’s efforts to enhance cybersecurity, acknowledging the challenges posed by technology in combating illicit financial activities and terrorism. The Prime Minister celebrated India’s achievements across various domains, including the space sector, startups, sports, and education, expressing optimism about India’s economic prospects in the near future. This interview provides valuable insights into India’s efforts to leverage technology for social inclusion and global cooperation. Interview link: https://www.pmindia.gov.in/en/news_updates/ptis-exclusive-interview-with-prime-minister-narendra-modi/

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