April 2010

April 16, 2010 — In compliance with a rule about ozone-depleting substances, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that 7 available asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) metered-dose inhalers that use chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as propellants are being removed from the marketplace.

An experimental drug that boosts production of the immune system protein interferon worsens tuberculosis (TB) in mice, according to scientists from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The drug acts indirectly by drawing certain immune cells, in which Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) bacteria thrive, to the lungs. The findings may have potential implications for the care of people infected with TB, the authors note. The research is reported in the May 3 issue of Journal of Clinical Investigation, now available online.

Although India remained a major supplier of doctors and nurses to the developed countries over the years, the domestic scenario looked bleak with the country ranking 67th among the developing nations in the case of doctor-population ratio.

Western Ghats Task Force Board has now designated Medicinal Plants Conservation Areas (MPCAs) in more number of locations in the State. The plan of action is to have one MPCA in every district. The matter is being taken ahead in consultation with the Bangalore-based Foundation for Revitalization of Local Health Traditions (FRLHT). A meeting of scientists and officials of the state forest department would be held to discuss the plan of action, said Ananth Hedge Ashisara, chairperson Western Ghats Task Force.

The exports of Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (Ayush) medicines, medicinal plants and their by-products have recorded a commendable growth in the 10th five year Plan period and also in the beginning of the subsequent five year plan, according to a report from the Department of Ayush.