Updates
India Develops Indigenous Mpox RT-PCR Kit
India has developed an indigenous RT-PCR kit to detect Monkeypox (Mpox), marking a significant advancement in the country's healthcare capabilities. The Siemens Healthineers kit has been approved by the CDSCO, reflecting India's commitment to fighting the global Mpox outbreak with locally manufactured solutions.
National Task Force Begins Work on Healthcare Safety
The Supreme Court-appointed National Task Force convened its first meeting on August 27 to draft a protocol ensuring the safety and security of medical professionals in India. The task force will submit an interim report within three weeks, focusing on preventing violence against healthcare workers and creating a safe working environment.
Supreme Court Panel Meets to Ensure Safety for Healthcare Workers
A Supreme Court-appointed panel convened to discuss protocols for improving the safety and security of healthcare professionals in India. The panel plans wider consultations with stakeholders to draft a comprehensive framework addressing the pressing issues faced by medical professionals.
WHO Launches $135M Plan to Control Mpox Outbreaks
The WHO has unveiled a six-month, $135 million plan to combat mpox outbreaks, focusing on improving vaccine access and ramping up staff in affected countries, particularly in Africa. The initiative includes enhanced surveillance and response strategies to stop the virus's spread.
ED Probes Financial Irregularities at RG Kar Medical College
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated a money laundering investigation into alleged financial irregularities at RG Kar Medical College during the tenure of former principal Sandip Ghosh. The probe follows a CBI FIR, focusing on suspicious transactions and procurement practices at the institution.
Jan Aushadhi Scheme Expands Nationwide
The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) is rapidly expanding across India, offering affordable medicines at up to 90% discount. With over 13,000 operational centers, the scheme aims to increase accessibility to quality healthcare by opening more Jan Aushadhi Kendras in the coming years.
IRDAI Urges Companies to Make Insurance Affordable by 2047
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has called on insurance companies to devise strategies to make insurance affordable, aiming to achieve "insurance for all" by 2047. The initiative addresses the high premiums in health insurance, particularly affecting senior citizens.
Study Reveals COVID-19 Spike Protein's Role in Brain Infection
A recent study uncovers how changes in the COVID-19 spike protein enhance the virus's ability to infect the brain, potentially explaining long COVID's neurological symptoms. Researchers found specific mutations in the spike protein that could lead to more effective treatments for brain-related symptoms in COVID-19 patients.
Germany Donates 100,000 Mpox Vaccine Doses to Aid African Outbreak Response
Germany announces the donation of 100,000 mpox vaccine doses from its military reserves to support African nations battling the outbreak. Additional financial assistance will be provided to the WHO and GAVI to enhance global efforts in controlling the spread of the virus.
Kerala Health Institutions to Receive ₹69.35 Crore Boost from National
The Centre has approved ₹69.35 crore under the National Health Mission for developing healthcare institutions in Kerala. This includes upgrading infrastructure at 29 facilities, with significant investments in hospitals, mother and childcare centers, and diagnostic blocks across various districts.
India's First Indigenously Developed Monkeypox RT-PCR Kit Launched
AMTZ in Vishakhapatnam introduces India's first Monkeypox RT-PCR Kit, marking a significant advancement in healthcare diagnostics with cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions.
Deadly Equine Virus Detected in Hudson Valley, Triggers Lockdowns in Four U.S. Towns
A deadly equine virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), with a 30% mortality rate, has been detected in the Hudson Valley. In response, four Massachusetts towns have implemented voluntary evening lockdowns to prevent its mosquito-borne spread.
