Updates

China's Drug Regulator Approves Mpox Vaccine for Clinical Trials
China’s drug regulator has approved the first mpox vaccine for clinical trials. Developed by Sinopharm, this experimental vaccine aims to combat mpox infections, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to prevent the disease.

Fortis Healthcare Seeks Approval for Major Stake in Agilus
Fortis Healthcare has applied to the Competition Commission of India (CCI) for approval to increase its shareholding in diagnostics arm Agilus from 57.68% to 89.2%. The acquisition, worth ₹1,780 crore, aims to strengthen its diagnostics services.

Health Ministry Calls for Integration of Digital Health Portals
Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra emphasizes the need to integrate the Health Management Information System (HMIS) portal with other ministry portals for timely data uploads and improved analysis in a meeting on healthcare infrastructure.

Mpox Case Confirmed in Traveler from Affected Country
The Union Health Ministry confirmed a case of Mpox in a man who recently returned from a country where the virus is being transmitted. The patient is isolated, and public health measures are in place to ensure containment.

India Confirms First Mpox Case, Not Part of Current Public Health Emergency
India has confirmed its first Mpox virus case, identified as a travel-related infection. The Union Health Ministry clarified that this case is isolated and not connected to the ongoing global public health emergency declared by the WHO.

Key Document Discovered in RG Kar Rape-Murder Case as Supreme Court Awaits Autopsy Report
The missing document in the RG Kar rape-murder case, under scrutiny by the Supreme Court, has been found. The court awaits the crucial autopsy form, which details injury marks and clothing, as the investigation progresses.

GST Council Forms GoM to Reduce Health Insurance Taxes and Cancer Drug Rates
The GST Council, led by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, announced a Group of Ministers (GoM) to address reducing tax rates on life and health insurance and cut GST on cancer drugs from 12% to 5%.

GST Reduction on Cancer Drugs: A Step Towards Affordable Healthcare
India cuts GST on cancer drugs from 12% to 5%, making life-saving treatments more affordable and accessible, aiming to alleviate financial burden on patients and families.

Doctors Protest Against Government, Defy Supreme Court Deadline in Kolkata
Despite the Supreme Court's order to return to work, protesting doctors in Kolkata refuse to end their demonstration, citing unresolved demands. West Bengal Government Invites Doctors for Talks, but Standoff Persists

Excess Abdominal Fat Associated with Increased Chronic Pain in Women
A study reveals that excess abdominal fat, especially visceral adipose tissue, is linked to a higher prevalence of chronic pain in women. The research highlights the health risks associated with abdominal fat, particularly in relation to musculoskeletal pain.

Pet Ownership Fails to Show Mental Health Benefits, Study Reveals
A 12-month study on over 6,000 participants has found that owning a pet does not improve mental health as popularly believed. Surprisingly, pet owners showed slightly higher levels of depression and anxiety compared to non-owners. However, pet owners living alone were found to be less lonely.

Healthcare Workers at Higher Risk of Tuberculosis: Study Reveals
A recent study reveals that healthcare workers in India have a much higher risk of tuberculosis compared to the general population. It recommends urgent preventive steps, such as PPE use and regular screenings, to protect them from this occupational risk.