Healthcare
More health packages focused on elderly care likely to be added to AB-PMJAY
The National Health Authority is set to extend the Ayushman Bharat scheme to include those aged 70 and above, benefiting around six crore citizens. The scheme will offer expanded health packages focusing on geriatric care and provide free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh annually.
Star Health says it received $68k ransom demand after data leak
Star Health, India's largest health insurer, received a $68,000 ransom demand following a significant customer data leak. The hacker, using Telegram and a website, exposed sensitive information. The company has taken legal action and is cooperating with Indian cyber security authorities to identify the perpetrator.
No easy access for morning-after pill?
The government is considering a proposal requiring prescriptions for emergency contraception pills due to concerns about misuse and health risks. Experts argue that limiting access could result in more unwanted pregnancies, emphasizing the need for balanced information rather than restrictive measures.
Rural households' out-of-pocket spend on hospitalisation stay Rs 4,129/yr, urban Rs 5,290: Govt Report
A government survey reported that the average out-of-pocket medical expenses for hospitalization over the past year were Rs 4,129 in rural areas and Rs 5,290 in urban areas. For non-hospitalization treatments in the last 30 days, the costs averaged Rs 539 in rural households and Rs 606 in urban ones.
CMC Vellore gets Rs 500 crore grant from Azim Premji Foundation to set up medical college & teaching hospital in Andhra Pradesh
CMC Vellore is partnering with the Azim Premji Foundation to establish a new medical college and upgrade an existing hospital on its Chittoor campus. With a Rs 500 crore grant, the project aims to enhance MBBS education and healthcare delivery, contributing to reducing disparities in India's healthcare sector.
IIT develops affordable device that can detect cancer at one-tenth the cost of current methods
IIT Indore has created a compact, low-cost device for early breast cancer detection. Designed by Prof Srivathsan Vasudevan, it uses Photoacoustic Spectral Response technology. This indigenous tool aims to improve cancer screening in rural areas by providing an affordable alternative to expensive diagnostic methods, potentially saving many lives through early detection.
Govt waives testing of cough syrups for export to key markets
India has waived off mandatory testing of cough syrups for export to countries like USA, UK, and EU if their regulatory authorities have approved the manufacturing plants. This change follows earlier requirements due to contamination concerns in Gambia and Uzbekistan. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade updated the export policy to reflect this exemption for specific approvals.
WHO felicitates India for elimination of trachoma as public health problem
India was honored by the WHO for eliminating trachoma, following Nepal and Myanmar. Other recognitions included Bhutan for achieving cervical cancer interim targets, Maldives and Sri Lanka for Hepatitis B control, and Timor-Leste for eliminating lymphatic filariasis. Additionally, six countries were commended for meeting SDG targets in reducing under-five mortality and stillbirth rates.
Ayushman Bharat to expand coverage for elderly healthcare to include Alzheimer's, Cancer, and more
Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) will expand to cover treatments for conditions like Alzheimer's, dementia, heart failure, and cancer in the elderly. This move aims to help six crore senior citizens, offering crucial healthcare access. A committee of medical experts is developing new packages to address these needs effectively.
Garmin, Apollo Hospitals join hands for health monitoring & wellness
Garmin and Apollo HealthAxis have partnered to bring advanced fitness tracking and personalized wellness programs to India. Garmin fitness trackers will be integrated with Apollo Health Plans, offering health monitoring and AI-powered health prediction. The collaboration also aims to improve healthcare in rural areas by combining Garmin's technology with Apollo's expertise.
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