Government News

A team of scientists has developed a new technology, platform for fluorometric detection of pathogens such as viruses by measurement of fluorescent light emitted. The potential of the new technology has been demonstrated for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. This technology platform can also be used to detect other DNA/RNA pathogens such as HIV, influenza, HCV, Zika, Ebola, bacteria, and other mutating/evolving pathogens.

The National Health Authority (NHA) under its flagship scheme of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) announced completion of 27 major integrations across Government and private sector. These integrations with organizations offering Health Management Information Systems (HMIS), Laboratory Management Information Systems (LMIS), health locker services, health tech services and other digital services are a step towards developing a user-inclusive, integrated and interoperable digital healthcare eco-system for the country.

Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI) provides exclusive licensing to Aveta Biomics, USA of its patented technology of Caviunin-based drug compositions for further clinical development and commercialization.

Worldwide, one in three women and one in five men over the age of 50 years will suffer an osteoporotic fracture. In the US alone, an estimated 10 million people over the age of 50 years have osteoporosis and one in two women in the United States will sustain a fragility fracture in her lifetime.

The Health Ministry says that Acitretin will be included in Schedule H after making an amendment in the Drugs Rules, 1945. Acitretin is an oral retinoid used in the treatment of severe resistant psoriasis.

Schedule H is a class of prescription drugs in India appearing as an appendix to the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945. These are drugs which cannot be purchased over the counter without the prescription of a qualified doctor. The manufacture and sales of all drugs are covered under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Rules.

Pharmacy Council of India proposed to the principal secretary, Health or technical education of all states and union territories that M.Pharm pharmacy practice to be included as qualification for clinical pharmacist besides Pharm.D.

The Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) is a statutory body working under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Government of India, New Delhi. It is constituted under the Pharmacy Act, 1948 to regulate the profession and practice of pharmacy in the country.

Zydus announced that the company has started the supplies of its COVID-19 vaccine ZyCoV-D, to the Government of India against their order from its newly commissioned state-of-the-art, Zydus Vaccine Technology Excellence Centre at the Zydus Biotech Park in Changodar, Ahmedabad. The group is also planning to make the vaccine available in the private market. ZyCoV-D is a three dose vaccine administered intradermally using the painless PharmaJet® needle free system, Tropis®, on day 0, day 28 and day 56.

Budget 2022 disallows pharmaceutical companies to claim tax cut on freebies to doctors under section 37 of the act. It simply means such expenditure can not be claimed as business deduction, and it will be counted as taxable profit of pharmaceutical industries.

Technology has taken a centre-stage for the Health Sector in the General Budget presented in the Parliament by Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Minister of Finance. Two new digitally underpinned Schemes have been announced which indicate the key role that digital technology is playing in expanding the access of health and medical care across the country.

Union Minister of State Science & Technology; Minister of State Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said here that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Medicine are critical to future healthcare.