Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package Insurance Scheme for Health Workers Fighting COVID-19 extended for another 6 months

Posted By educratsweb.com ❄ Health 🗓 Tuesday September 15 2020 👁 8

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1. CSIR-CMERI indigenously developed Oxygen enrichment technology may effective for treating COVID-19 patients: Dr. V R Sirsath
Monday April 26 2021 : CSIR-CMERI, Durgapur, in association with MSME-DI, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, Government of India jointly organised a Webinar on ‘Oxygen Enrichment' Technology on 25th April, 2021.     Dr. V R Sirsath, Jt. Director & HOO, MSME DI Raipur in his welcome address stated the entire nation is undergoing an unprecedented pandemic situation of COVID-19 & is running out of medical grade oxygen. The CSIR-CMERI indigenously developed Oxygen enrichment technology may effective for treating COVID-19 patients. This Technology has tremendous potential. He urged all the participant industries/Entrepreneurs to come forward in this crucial juncture & manufacture the device at earliest.     Prof. (Dr.) Harish Hirani, Director, CSIR-CMERI during his address stated that CSIR-CMERI developed an Oxygen enrichment unit requiring easily available oil free reciprocating compressor, Oxygen grade zeolite sieves and pneumatic components. This unit can safely be placed in the isolation ward of the hospital for patients who are in dire need of Oxygen. He also added that CSIR-CMERI will be providing manufacturing guidance to the technology transferees as well as provide information on raw materials sourcing. Dr. Anupam Sinha, Sr. Principal Scientist, CSIR-CMERI, Durgapur presented the technical note on the Oxygen enrichment unit, which has been transferred to two industries. The unit is capable of delivering medical air in the range of up to 15 LPM with oxygen purity of more than 90%. If required, this unit can even deliver up to 70 LPM at a purity of around 30%. President, Industry association, Raipur along with several others from the industry and entrepreneurs participated in the webinar and interacted with the speakers on the subject.  A good number of industries have shown their interest in CSIR-CMERI developed Oxygen Enrichment technology & expressed their willingness to start the manufacturing with the cooperation of CSIR-CMERI. CSIR-Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute, Durgapur is a premier Mechanical Engineering Research Institute of the country under Ministry of Science & Technology, Govt. of India. CSIR-CMERI has already invited Expression of Interest (EOI) from Indian Companies / Manufacturing agencies/ MSMEs / Start ups for manufacturing Oxygen Enrichment Units through Technology Transfer. Sources https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1714106

2. Leading Medtech player Healthium ramps up operations to ensure critical deliveries to healthcare providers are met within 24 to 48 hours
Wednesday May 26 2021 : Leading Medtech player Healthium ramps up operations to ensure critical deliveries to healthcare providers are met within 24 to 48 hours ·         Company has kept manufacturing facilities open during Lockdown and stepped up production of essential medical devices ·         Supply chain has been expanded 40% to support quicker deliveries and access healthcare facilities in remote parts of the country ·         Ramped up stock of critical product codes required for child birth and emergency surgeries   Bengaluru, India:Healthium Medtech, a global leader in medical devices, today announced that it has strengthened its operations to fast track delivery of essentialmedical devices as the country fights the ongoing battle against COVID-19. In order to address the country’s need for essential medical consumables, Healthium Medtech has scaled its production, extended its supply chain and fast-tracked the deliveries of essential medical devices and consumables to support healthcare frontline workers. To ensure adequate supply of medical devices for healthcare practitioners, the company is running its plants during lockdown with due permissions and pre-cautionary measures. The company has also expanded supply chain by 40% to fast track critical deliveries. Considering the surge in demand for gloves at hospitals across the country, the company has utilized multiple production lines, and also stepped up production of1st of its kind Anti-microbial gloves TRUSHIELD, that protects both surgeons and patients against microbes. A significant production of gloves have been earmarked for government hospitals. The company has also provisioned for up to 2 months of stock of critical products codes for emergency surgeries like cardio-vascular surgeries and OB-GYN led surgeries, which continue despite the pandemic. Commenting on the contribution, Mr. Anish Bafna, MD & CEO, Healthium Group said, “The Healthcare industry has been at the forefront in the fight against COVID. While we continue to supportthem withmedical devices and essential consumables by keeping our manufacturing facilities running during Lockdown with due safety precautions, we are also constantly evaluating how we can optimise on our operations and have reduced the time to market. We are acutely aware of the burden on the system that is not only catering to COVID emergencies but other emergency surgeries that need to be prioritised amidst the ongoing stretch and have provisioned essential products to support these.We are committed to work in solidarity with the industrythrough this situation.”  On its efforts towards safeguarding employee health and well-being the company has been organising vaccination drives, mental counselling sessions and several safety measures at the manufacturing facilities including availability of oxygen concentrators in case of need. For the financia

3. Ayush Minister lays Foundation stone of Post Harvest Management Centre and E-Launches 21 AYUSH Health & Wellness Centres in J&K
Sunday September 27 2020 : Shri Shripad Naik Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH and Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for the Prime Minister Office and Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, have laid Foundation Stone for Post Harvest Management Centre for Medicinal Plants at Bhaderwah and inaugurated 21 AYUSH Health & Wellness Centres in Jammu & Kashmir on 25th Sept 2020 through video conferencing. The purpose of establishing Post Harvest Management Centre for Medicinal Plants is to develop facilities for drying, sorting, processing, certification, packaging, and safe storage of herbal raw materials produced and collected by local people so that its quality is enhanced to fetch better price and augment the income of farmers associated. During the event, 21 AYUSH Health and Wellness Centres were also inaugurated under Ayushman Bharat in Jammu & Kashmir. A holistic wellness model would be created through these centres to reduce the disease burden and out of the pocket expenditure. The main focus of AYUSH interventions would be to empower masses for “self-care” on the prevention of diseases through a healthy lifestyle, food, Yoga, and medicinal plants. Shri, Shripad Naik in his address stated that the “Post Harvest Management Centre” of medicinal plants in the Bhaderwah region of Jammu & Kashmir was a long pending demand of people of this area and highlighted the big potential of the region in the cultivation of many Himalayan medicinal plant species. Minister appreciated the effort of UT Government officials in implementing a centrally sponsored program and stated that Govt. of India is according top priority to J&K for accelerating the pace of development. Dr. Jitendra Singh, during his address highlighted that this Post Harvest Centre will create Employment Avenue among the youth in addition to other facilities provided for the growers and collectors of medicinal plants. Further, he empathized that the AYUSH Health and Wellness Programme will not only provide services to the needy people but also promote AYUSH at the international level. Sources https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1659272

4. India Approves Emergency Use Of Remdesivir To Treat COVID-19 Patients
Tuesday June 2 2020 : India Approves Emergency Use Of Remdesivir To Treat COVID-19 Patients The government said on Tuesday it has approved Gilead Sciences Inc's antiviral drug remdesivir for emergency use in treating COVID-19 patients. Remdesivir is the first drug to show improvement in COVID-19 patients in formal clinical trials. It was granted emergency use authorization by the US Food and Drug Administration last month and has received approval by Japanese health regulators. "(Remdesivir) approved on June 1 under emergency use with condition for five dose administration," the Drugs Controller General said in an email statement. The drugmaker did not immediately respond to an email seeking further details. As of Tuesday, India has 198,706 cases of coronavirus and has recorded 5,598 deaths, health ministry data showed https://www.mohfw.gov.in. Gilead Sciences had on Monday reported that remdesivir showed modest benefit in patients with moderate COVID-19 given a five-day course, while those who received it for 10 days in the study did not fare as well. European and South Korean authorities are also looking at remdesivir, with South Korean health authorities last Friday saying they would request imports of the drug. Gilead is yet to gain regulatory approval in either market. Sources https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/covid-19-government-approves-remdesivir-under-emergency-use-for-covid-19-2239371

5. Why do new waves happen? Member (Health), NITI Aayog answers
Tuesday June 22 2021 : “There are countries where even the second wave has not occurred. If we do what is required and do not indulge in irresponsible behaviour, then outbreak should not occur. This is a simple epidemiological principle.” Dr. V.K. Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog was explaining the reasons behind emergence of new pandemic waves and how it can be controlled or even avoided by following COVID appropriate behaviours and taking measures such as vaccination. He was addressing the Union Health Ministry's media briefing on COVID-19, held at National Media Centre, PIB Delhi today. Why do new waves happen Dr. Paul said that there are four elements leading to the formation of a new wave. Behaviour of the virus: The virus has the capacity and ability to spread Susceptible host: Virus keeps looking for susceptible hosts for it to survive. So, if we are not protected either via vaccination or by previous infection, then we are a susceptible host. Transmissibility: The virus can become smart enough where it mutates and becomes more transmissible. The same virus which used to infect three hosts becomes capable of infecting 13! This factor is unpredictable. No one can pre-plan to fight such mutations.  The change of the very nature of the virus and its transmissibility is an X factor and no one can predict when and where it may happen. Opportunity: ‘Opportunities’, which we give to the virus to infect. If we sit and eat together, crowd, sit in closed areas without masks, then the virus gets more opportunities to spread. A call to do what is in our hands The NITI Aayog Member reminds us what is in our hands. “Out of the above four, two elements– Susceptibility and Opportunities for infection are totally under our control whereas the other two - Behaviour of the virus and Transmissibility, cannot be predicted or controlled. So, if we are protected and ensure we are not susceptible, then the virus will not be able to survive. We can control the susceptibility by wearing a mask or getting vaccinated. Hence if we decrease opportunities by following COVID Appropriate behaviour and decrease susceptibility to infection, then a third wave will not occur.” Dr. Paul also called for collective efforts of the citizens as well as the system in order to stop another wave. “Some of these require individual efforts, while some others such as isolation of clusters, contact tracing, ensuring testing capacity and building awareness require the system to act.” “Decision to open schools has to be taken very cautiously” Speaking about easing restrictions and reopening of schools, Dr. Paul said that the decision has to be taken cautiously and that we should take risks only when we are protected. “School is a crowd, a medium or large gathering, which gives opportunity for virus to infect. So, we should take that risk only when we are rather better protected, vir

6. Union Health Minister approves National Policy for Rare Diseases, 2021
Saturday April 3 2021 : Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Health & Family Welfare Minister approved the “National Policy for Rare Diseases 2021” on 30th March 2021. The policy document has been uploaded on the website of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.  For quite some time different stake holders have been demanding for a comprehensive policy for prevention and management of rare diseases.  The field of rare diseases is very complex and heterogeneous and prevention, treatment and management of rare diseases has multiple challenges.   Early diagnosis of rare diseases is a major challenge owing to a variety of factors that include lack of awareness among primary care physicians, lack of adequate screening and diagnostic facilities etc. There are also fundamental challenges in the research and development for the majority of rare diseases as relatively little is known about the pathophysiology or the natural history of these diseases particularly in the Indian context. Rare diseases are also difficult to research upon as the patients pool is very small and it often results in inadequate clinical experience. Availability and accessibility to medicines are also important to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with rare disease. Despite progress in recent years, there is a need to augment effective and safe treatment for rare diseases. The cost of treatment of rare diseases  is prohibitively expensive.  Various High Courts and the Supreme Court have also expressed concern about lack of a national policy for rare diseases. To address all these challenges, a very comprehensive National Policy for Rare Diseases 2021 has been finalized by the Ministry of H&FW after multiple consultations with different stakeholders and experts in the area.  Draft Policy for Rare Diseases was put in public domain on 13th January 2020 on which comments/views were invited from all stakeholders, general public, organization and States and Union Territories.  All the comments received were examined in depth by an Expert Committee constituted by the Ministry. The Rare Diseases Policy aims to lower the high cost of treatment for rare diseases with increased focus on indigenous research with the help of a National Consortium to be set up with Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare as convenor.  Increased focus of research and development and local production of medicines will lower the cost of treatment for rare diseases. The policy also envisage creation of a national hospital based registry of rare diseases so that adequate data is available for definition of rare diseases and for research and development related to rare diseases within the country. The Policy also focuses on early screening and prevention through primary and secondary health care infrastructure such as Health and Wellness Centres and District Early Intervention Centres (DEICs) and through counselling for the high-risk parents. Screening will also be supported by Nidan Kendras set up by Department of Biotechnology. Policy also aims to strengthen tertiary health care facilit

7. Co-WIN is a platform for the citizens of India to Register for COVID-19 vaccination and schedule their vaccination slots at the nearest vaccination centers.
Saturday April 3 2021 : Co-WIN is a platform for the citizens of India to Register for COVID-19 vaccination and schedule their vaccination slots at the nearest vaccination centers.Co-WIN is a platform for the citizens of India to Register for COVID-19 vaccination and schedule their vaccination slots at the nearest vaccination centers. Find Your Nearest Vaccination Center : https://www.cowin.gov.in/home?cbps=1 How it Works Register Yourself Register using your Mobile no. or Aadhaar no. or any other Identity docs. Choose Vaccine Location Select your nearby Vaccine Center for vaccination Confirm your Slot Book your slot to Get Vaccine Know how to book your appointment visit https://prod-cdn.preprod.co-vin.in/assets/pdf/user-guide-citizen-registration-ver-1.2.pdf Dos and Don'ts Visit https://prod-cdn.preprod.co-vin.in/assets/pdf/Dos_and_Donts_for_Citizens.pdf Visit official website https://www.cowin.gov.in/home for Register/ Sign In yourself

8. President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovindwill confer the National Service Scheme (NSS) Awards for the year 2018-19 on 24th September, 2020
Tuesday September 22 2020 : The President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovindwill confer the National Service Scheme (NSS) Awards for the year 2018-19 on 24th September, 2020 from Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi through virtual mode. UnionMinister of Youth Affairs and SportsShri Kiren Rijiju will attend the ceremony from Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. The National Service Scheme (NSS) Award for the year 2018-19 will be given to 42 awardees in 3 different categories like University/ +2 Council, NSS Units and their Programme Officers and NSS Volunteers. Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Department of Youth Affairs confers every year the National Service Scheme Award to recognize and reward outstanding contributions towards voluntary community service made by the Universities/Colleges, (+2) Councils, Senior Secondary, NSS Units/ Programme Officers and NSS Volunteers, with a view to further promote NSS in the country. At present, NSS has about 40 lakh volunteers on its rolls spread over the country. NSS is a Centrally Sector Scheme which was launched in the year 1969 with the primary objective of developing the personality and character of the student youth through voluntary community service. The ideological orientation of the NSS is inspired by the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi. Very appropriately, the motto of NSS is “NOT ME, BUT YOU” in Hindi(‘स्वयंसेपहलेआप’). Briefly, the NSS volunteers work on issues of social relevance, which keep evolving in response to the needs of the community, through regular and special camping activities. Such issues include (i) literacy and education, (ii) health, family welfare and nutrition, (iii) environment conservation, (iv) social service programmes, (v) programmes for empowerment of women, (vi) programmes connected with economic development activities, (vii) rescue and relief during calamities, etc.  Sources https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1657792

9. COVID-19 vaccines do not cause infertility
Friday June 25 2021 : We are soon going to have the world’s first DNA-plasmid vaccine by Zydus Cadilla which has been Made in India. The other vaccine that we can expect soon is Biological E – a protein sub-unit vaccine, informs Dr. Narendra Kumar Arora, Chairman of COVID-19 Working Group of the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI). He further informs that the trials of these vaccines have been quite encouraging. “We are hopeful that this vaccine will be available by September. The Indian m-RNA vaccine which can be stored at temperature 2 - 8 Degree Celsius should also be available by September. Two other vaccines namely Novavax by Serum Institute of India and Johnson & Johnson may also be expected soon. By the third week of July, the production capacity of Bharat Biotech and SII are going to be increased phenomenally. This will enhance the vaccine supply in the country. By August, we expect to procure 30-35 crore doses in a month”. Dr. Arora says that this will enable us to vaccinate one crore persons in a day. The Chairperson spoke on these and various other facets of India’s COVID-19 vaccination drive, in an interview to Department of Science and Technology’s OTT - India Science Channel. How effective are the new vaccines going to be? When we say a certain vaccine is 80% effective, it means that vaccine reduces the chances of COVID-19 disease by 80%.  There is a difference between infection and disease. If a person has contracted COVID infection but is asymptomatic, this person only has an infection. However, if the person has symptoms due to the infection, this person has COVID disease. All vaccines in the world prevent COVID disease. There is very little chance of severe disease after vaccination while the chances of death after vaccination are negligible. If the efficacy of a vaccine is 80%, then 20% of the vaccinated people may contract mild COVID. The vaccines available in India are capable of reducing the spread of the Corona Virus. If 60%-70% people are vaccinated, the spread of the virus be checked. The Government started the COVID immunization drive by vaccinating the elderly, in order to vaccinate the most vulnerable population first and thus reduce casualty and the burden on our health services. There is a lot of mis-information regarding the COVID vaccine. Could you please clarify? Recently, I travelled to Haryana and Uttar Pradesh and spoke to people in both urban and rural areas in these states to understand issues of vaccine hesitancy. Many people mostly from rural areas do not take COVID seriously and confuse it with normal fever.  People need to understand that COVID may be mild in many cases. But when it takes a severe form, it may become a financial burden and may also lead to loss of life. It is very encouraging that we can protect ourselves from COVID through vaccination. We must all firmly believe that COVID-19 vaccines available in India are completely safe. I assure every one that all the vaccines have undergone rigorous tests, including clinical trials

10. 40% of health outcomes can be determined through achieving equity in Social Determinants – IIHMR University on World Health Day
Thursday April 8 2021 : 40% of health outcomes can be determined through achieving equity in Social Determinants – IIHMR University on World Health Day 40% of health outcomes can be determined through achieving equity in Social Determinants – IIHMR University on World Health Day Conducts a talk on ‘Transforming Public Health Education in Developing Nations’ under the SD Gupta School of Public Health ·         Integration of non-communicable diseases in primary health care ·         Contribution for health systems and social protection ·         Building capacities of public health professionals ·         Incorporating leadership and public health management from right based approach ·         Strengthening the data of health information systems for a stronger health system    Jaipur, 8th April, 2021: There is a dire need for Public Health Education to produce high-quality Public Health professionals. The Evolution for Public Heath that dates to the 19th century marks a conscious shift from medical health to Public Health education. To highlight the prime needs of Public Health as a discipline to be incorporated in the curriculum and must be considered more seriously in Developing Nations, IIHMR University organized a talk on ‘Transforming Public Health Education in Developing Nations. The experts Padmabhushan Dr. Srinath Reddy, President, Public Health Foundation of India and Dr. SD Gupta, Chairman, IIHMR University presented their views. Dr. D. K. Mangal, Dean Research at IIHMR University, moderator of the programme,and summarized their views by stating that there is a need of addressing changing requirements of public health education in India and also in developing nations.   Dr. Ashok Agarwal, Trustee, IIHMR, underlining the contribution by IIHMR and the need for Public Health Education, said, “IIHMR has a different approach where the institution began working and thinking about the specialist areas of public health. University has made a tremendous contribution in its research towards Polio Eradication. It has been working on the area of Public Health with an emphasis on implementation level in management practices. IIHMR University has been an apex institution in the field of Public Health, Training, Research and Academics. COVID-19 has exposed the acute need for further research as well as training in Public Health. To address, IIHMR University has recently launched the

11. COVID-19 vaccination for 18-45 age group is now open
Monday May 10 2021 : COVID-19 vaccination for 18-45 age group is now open In the third phase of the COVID-19 vaccination drive, all those above the age of 18 years are now eligible for a vaccine from May 1, according to the central government. Many states reporting a shortage of vaccines have said the program will start once there is enough stock.

12. Health A-Z
Sunday September 8 2019 : Health A-Z     Acne Adult ADHD Alcoholism Allergies Alzheimer's Disease Anorexia Nervosa Anxiety Appendicitis Arrhythmia Asthma Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Autism Back Pain Bipolar Disorder Birth Control Breast Cancer Bronchitis Bulimia Cervical Cancer Childhood Vaccines Cholesterol Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Chronic Kidney Disease Chronic Pain Cold, Flu, and Sinus Colorectal Cancer COPD Crohn's Disease Depression

13. Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs), BPPI and other stakeholders join hands to make available the essential medicines and other items at affordable prices
Friday May 14 2021 : Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs), Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI), Distributors and other stakeholders have come together and are contributing in the fight against the current wave of Covid 19 pandemic. As on 13.05.2021, 7733 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) are functional across the country in 36 State/UTs covering all districts of the country. 1449 medicines and 204 surgical & consumables are available in the basket of PMBJP for sale through these PMBJKs. Essential medicines and other items like face masks and sanitizers are easily available at PMBJKs, across the country. Under PMBJP, the best quality N-95 facemask is being made available at only Rs. 25/- per unit at all PMBJKs. In the current financial year 2021-22 till 13.05.2021, BPPI has made sales of Rs. 80.18 Crore which led to savings of approximately Rs. 500 Cr. to the citizens. The logistics system is being strengthened. At present three modern warehouses at Gurugram, Guwahati and Chennai for storage and distribution of drugs are functional and a fourth one is under construction at Surat. Further, 37 distributors have been appointed across the country to support the supply of medicines to remote and rural areas. In the year 2020-21, when the COVID 19 crisis started, Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) rendered essential services to the nation. The stores remained functional during lockdown and maintained operations as part of their commitment to ensure uninterrupted availability of essential medicines. A medicine under PMBJP is priced on the principle of a maximum of 50% of the average price of top three branded medicines. Therefore, the price of Jan Aushadhi Medicines is cheaper at least by 50% and in some cases, by 80% to 90% of the market price of branded medicines. In the financial year 2020-21, BPPI clocked appreciable sales turnover of Rs. 665.83 crore despite the lock down and testing times. This has led to savings of approximately Rs. 4000 crores of the common citizens of the country. BPPI maintained adequate stock of the medicines which were in demand, such as Face Mask, Hydroxychloroquine, Paracetamol and Azithromycin. BPPI sold about 25 lacs Face Masks, 1.25 lacs units of sanitizers, 137 lacs tablets of Hydroxychloroquine and 323 lacs Paracetamol Tablets in the financial year 2020-21 through more than 7500 Jan Aushadhi kendras functioning across the country, at affordable prices. BPPI has also supplied drugs worth Rs 30 crore to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for distribution to friendly countries. There are many medicines and OTC items, being used during the treatment of COVID 19, available in the PMBJP basket. Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya JanAushadhi Pariyojana added several Nutraceutical products to help boost the immunity of all (including women and children). PMBJP prices of all these products are 50%-90% lesser than the ones offered in the market. Last year, during the lockdown period, Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) rendered their essential services by making available quality generic m

14. Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendras accepting orders on WhatsApp and e-mail to facilitate medicine procurement during lockdown
Tuesday May 5 2020 : Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya  Janaushadhi Kendras accepting orders on WhatsApp and e-mail to facilitate medicine procurement during lockdown   Amid lockdown many Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendras(PMBJK)  under the Union Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers are accepting the orders for medicines on WhatsApp and e-mail, where on the basis of uploaded prescriptions medicines are delivered at the doorsteps of the patients. This novel move is ensuring use of technology for facilitating easier procurement of medicines by the users.  Complementing PMBJKs for this initiative Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers Shri DV Sadananda Gowda said, " it is heartening to note that many PMBJKs are using modern communication tools including social media plataforms like Whatsapp to provide better services in effecting faster delivery of essential medicines to the needy." PMBJKs are working under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana ( PMBJP). At present threre are over 6300 PMBJKs functioning in 726 districts of the country ensuring supply of quality medicines at affordable prices. These medicine are cheaper by about 50% to 90% on an average. In April 2020 around 52,crore Rupees worth of medicine have been supplied throught the country. In addition, supply arrangements with India Post has also been made for supply to remotely located stores. Moreover Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India(BPPI) under Department of Pharmaceuticals, Union Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, has paid its vendors within due date for solving their working capital issues for raw material & logistics. Dedicated Team has been created of BPPI Officers for every State to sort out bottlenecks in supply due to lockdown. Jan Aushadhi warehouses are working at full capacity and inhouse residential arrangements have been made for staff. Helpline numbers of BPPI is working to resolve any issues of consumers and store owners. For maintaining supply of essential Medicines during lock down period, BPPI has issued purchase orders for 178 fast moving medicines in the month of April having MRP of Rs 186.52 crore. Sources https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=202804

15. Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)
Friday July 23 2021 : Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) was launched on 23rd September 2018. The salient features of AB-PMJAY are: 1.         AB-PMJAY is the world’s largest Government funded health assurance scheme. 2.         AB-PMJAY provides health assurance of up to Rs.5 Lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary healthcare hospitalizations. 3.         AB-PMJAY is a completely cashless and paperless scheme. 4.         The benefits under AB-PMJAY are portable across the country. 5.         There is no cap on family size, or age or gender. 6.         The beneficiary families under Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) have been identified from the Socio Economic Caste Census (SECC) of 2011 on the basis of select deprivation and occupational criteria across rural and urban areas. Details are as below: Detailed list of criteria for eligibility under AB-PMJAY as per SECC 2011 Automatically included: Households without shelter Destitute/ living on alms Manual scavenger families Primitive tribal groups Legally released bonded labour Deprivation criteria in rural area: D1: Only one room with kucha walls and kucha roof D2: No adult member between age 16 to 59 D3: Female headed households with no adult male member between age 16 to 59 D4: Disabled member and no able-bodied adult member D5: SC/ST households D7: Landless households deriving major part of their income from manual casual labour Occupational criteria in urban area: Rag picker Beggar Domestic worker Street vendor/ Cobbler/hawker / Other service provider working on streets Construction worker/ Plumber/ Mason/ Labour/ Painter/ Welder/ Security guard/ Coolie and other head-load worker Sweeper/ Sanitation worker / Mali Home-based worker/ Artisan/ Handicrafts worker / Tailor Transport worker/ Driver/ Conductor/ Helper to drivers and conductors/ Cart puller/ Rickshaw puller Shop worker/ Assistant/ Peon in small establishment/ Helper/ Delivery assistant / Attendant/ Waiter Electrician/ Mechanic/ Assembler/ Repair worker/Washer-man/ Chowkidar 7.         The number of eligible beneficiaries under SECC 2011 is 10.74 crore (50 crore people). 33 States/UTs implementing AB-PMJAY have further expanded the coverage of the scheme to include 13.44 crore families (65 crore people). 8.        

16. Health challenges being solved through holistic methods with integrated medicine systems: PM
Friday November 13 2020 : Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today dedicated two future-ready national premier Ayurveda institutions to the nation to mark celebration of the 5th Ayurveda Day, here today through video conferencing. The Prime Minister dedicated to the nation the Institute of Teaching & Research in Ayurveda (ITRA), Jamnagar as an Institution of National Importance (INI), and the National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA), Jaipur as a Deemed to be University by the University Grants Commission. Shri Shripad Naik, Minister of State (IC), Ministry of AYUSH, Shri Kalraj Mishra, Governor of Rajasthan, Shri Ashok Gehlot, Chief Minister, Rajasthan, Shri Acharya Devvrat, Governor of Gujarat, and Shri Vijaybhai Rupani, Chief Minister of Gujarat participated virtually. The Prime Minister highlighted the rich legacy of traditional medicine that India has been blessed with. This has been recognized worldwide, more so during the times of the global pandemic of COVID-19 for its beneficial and health and wellness endowing supreme properties, he stated. The Prime  Minister stated that the focus has now shifted to prevention and wellness, and the importance of holistic and integrated medicine systems for overall wellness and health of the people. India’s traditional systems of medicine have amply demonstrated to the world the power of Ayurveda. It is now important to develop scientific evidence-based research structures to integrate with the modern knowledge repositories to move ahead in the 21st century. Integrative medicine is the need of the hour, he highlighted. While India has been known as Pharmacy of the World, with evidence-based research, we can take traditional medicine systems and Ayurveda to new heights, he stated. The Prime Minister pointed out that during the Corona period the demand for Ayurvedic products has increased rapidly all over the world. He said exports of Ayurvedic products increased by about 45 percent in September this year compared to the previous year. He added the significant increase in export of spices like turmeric, ginger, considered as immunity boosters shows the sudden boost in confidence in Ayurvedic solutions and Indian spices across the world. He said that during the Corona period, the focus is not only limited to the use of Ayurveda alone but to advance research related to AYUSH in the country and the world. The Prime Minister emphasized that Ayurveda is not an option anymore, but forms a fundamental pillar of the country’s national health policy and health interventions. The Prime Minister congratulated the two premier Ayurveda Institutes and urged them to work in the direction of developing new curriculum to explore and also match the new challenges and opportunities in the field of modern medicine. He urged the Ministry of Human Research and Development (MoHRD) and the University Grants Commission (UGC) to work on this, which shall in turn give a boost to the doctoral and post-doctoral studies. The Prime Minister also urged the private sector and the start-ups industry

17. Training programme for Capacity Development of Anganwadi Workers & Farm Women to achieve national nutrition goals organized
Friday September 18 2020 : A training programme for Capacity Development of Anganwadi Workers & Farm Women to achieve the national nutrition goals was organized by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) on 17th September 2020, as part of the 3rd Rashtriya Poshan Maah being celebrated in the month of September throughout the country. Around one lakh Poshan kits were also distributed among Anganwadi workers by Krishi Vigyan Kendras all over the country on the occasion of PM’s birthday on 17th September 2020. Addressing the women farmer training programme, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Narendra Singh Tomar said that to achieve the goal of sustainable development, it is necessary to eradicate malnutrition, and to achieve this ICAR is taking innovative initiatives like Poshan Smart Gram and distribution of Poshan kits through more than 700 Krishi Vigyan Kendras across the country. He said after ensuring food security to its citizens, country is moving towards achieving the nutrition security goal. Shri Tomar said that all children and mothers should have access to nutritious food and the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, ICAR, IFFCO and other organizations are continuously working in this direction.He said that since ancient times, there has been a tradition in our country that families maintain kitchen gardens and but with increasing materialism, the tradition of growing fruits and vegetables in our houses and courtyards has been forgotten. The Minister appreciated that the Ministry of Women and Child Development is making efforts to ensure availability of nutritious food in Anganwadis by motivating them to  plant in their kitchen/courtyard gardens. Shri Tomar said that the basic aim behind the concepts of  PoshanVatika and PoshanThaali is to make sure that the poor families have easy access to nutritious meals. Shri Tomar expressed his happiness that all KVKs are taking part in the celebration of Poshan Maah with full commitment. To spread nutrition awareness among mothers, many small meetings are being regularly organised by lady workers and IFFCO with its pledge to join this campaign is providing resources to these workers. Shri Tomar further added that under the supervision of 11 Agricultural Technology Application Research Institutes, 307 Poshan Smart Gram and 8,246 Poshan Vatikas have been established by KVKs. Technical evaluation related to nutrition has been done by 130 KVKs on 252 activities, benefiting 2,116 beneficiaries. He said 4,505 technical demonstration activities related to nutrition have been carried out benefitting 50,894 people. Among these technical demonstrations are 2,744 exhibitions on the PoshanVatika, 1,149 exhibitions are on value addition and 390 demonstrations on other nutrition related enterprises. These demonstration activities are proving beneficial in eliminating malnutrition in rural areas. On the occasion of PM’s birthday, one lakh Poshan Kits were distributed among Anganwadi w

18. Let's Thank Our Healthcare Workers
Monday July 5 2021 : Let's Thank Our Healthcare Workers Last Date Dec 31,2021 23:45 PM IST (GMT +5.30 Hrs) Login to Participate What the world witnessed in the form of the COVID-19 crisis was beyond anybody’s wildest dreams. Though the world beheld chaos unfolds before its eyes in starting 2020, it also saw the unprecedented courage, service, and sacrifice of our doctors, nurses & frontline workers during these tough times. As the second wave of COVID-19 once again tests India's strength & dedication in defeating this virus, we cannot thank our true COVID warriors enough for their spirit, fearlessness, and resolve. Doctors, nurses & frontline workers have isolated themselves away from their families & have been working day and night to battle all the atrocities of the raging pandemic. But are we doing enough for them? The least we can do is make their jobs easier by following COVID Appropriate Behaviour& take out our time to say a heartfelt thank you. Let's make them feel valued. Let’s tell them that they are appreciated every day, but also especially during this unprecedented time, we are all facing together. Let’s hail the selfless work done by the medical professionals in India in dealing with the virus. Though Thank you might sound like a small word against the momentous task they have undertaken, yet let’s make a small start. Join the Thank You Healthcare Workers Initiative & share your message to encourage them to move on to this difficult task of saving the lives during the COVID-19 pandemic.

19. Health and AYUSH Ministers formally launch inter-disciplinary studies involving AYUSH interventions for COVID 19 situation
Friday May 8 2020 : Health and AYUSH Ministers formally launch inter-disciplinary studies involving AYUSH interventions for COVID 19 situation Health Minister Sh. Harsh Vardhan and Minister of State for AYUSH  Sh. Shripad Yesso Naik jointly launched clinical research studies on Ayurveda interventions as an add-on to standard care to COVID 19 situation and Ayush Sanjivani application today at New Delhi. AYUSH Minister was participating in the programme through Video Conferencing from Goa. Speaking on the occasion Dr Harsh Vardhan informed that through a graded, pre-emptive and pro-active approach, Government of India is taking several steps for prevention, containment and management of COVID-19. These are being regularly reviewed and monitored at the highest level. Dr Harsh Vardhan said, “India has a history of traditional medicine since long and being the pioneer in the field of Ayurveda, the Ministry of AYUSH is working to address the COVID 19 pandemic problem in the country through clinical studies (prophylactic and add-on interventions) of AYUSH systems. The Union Health Minister said that the Ayush Sanjivani mobile app developed by Ministry of AYUSH will be useful to generate data on acceptance and usage of AYUSH advocacies and measures among the population and its impact in prevention of COVID 19. On this Occasion Shri Shripad Naik said that the Ministry of AYUSH has taken initiatives to address the COVID 19 pandemic problem in the country through clinical studies (prophylactic and add-on interventions) of AYUSH systems and also studying the impact of AYUSH based prophylactic interventions in high risk population. The ministry is also studying the impact of AYUSH advocacies and AYUSH measures for prevention of COVID 19 among the population. Shri Naik futher informed that the Ministry of AYUSH has undertaken four clinical and population based studies to find a better solution to the problem and to assess the role of AYUSH for prevention of the disease. Speaking on this occasion Secretary, Ministry of  AYUSH Vaidya Rajesh Kotech informed that the Ministry  has setup an Interdisciplinary Ayush R&D Task Force with a group of experts under the chairmanship of Dr Bhushan Patvardhan, Vice Chairmen, University Grant Commission (UGC) to formulate and develop strategies for this initiative. The Joint Secretary, AYUSH Shri P.N.Ranjit Kumar gave presentation and explained in detail about three AYUSH based studies related to COVID-19. He also informed the gathering about the Sanjivni App and explained the benefit of Ayurveda.  While talking about the three AYUSH based studies, he gave full details about development of the idea, crowd sourcing, making of the task force, alliance of various institutes like SGPGI, AIIMS, ICMR, CSIR & bringing the idea to reality. The following studies were formally launched in the programme: Clinical research studies on Ayurveda interventions as prophylaxis and as an add-on to standard care to COVID 19: Collaborative clinical studies as a joint initiati

20. Yoga in Helping Recovery of COVID-19 Patients
Tuesday September 15 2020 : The Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy (CCRYN), has undertaken a research project to verify the efficacy of Yoga in facilitating early recovery of COVID – 19 patients in collaboration with Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi, AIIMS Delhi, AIIMS Rishikesh and RML Hospital, Delhi. Due to stringent restrictions on mass gatherings arising from the contagious nature of COVID-19, the theme for International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2020 was adopted as ‘Yoga at Home, Yoga with Family’. The Ministry of AYUSH made various online resources available on its digital platforms like the Yoga Portal and the social media handles like YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to provide ample opportunities for the people to learn Yoga from their homes. The Ministry also organized the ‘My Life, My Yoga (MLMY)’ i.e. the Jeevan Yoga video blogging contest with attractive prizes for the winners and runners-up. Additionally, the Ministry of AYUSH, in association with PrasarBharati, telecasted a trainer led Yoga session on DD National on the sixth International Day of Yoga. Numerous online discourses on Yoga by prominent Yoga gurus and experts were also organized as a part of the promotional campaign for IDY 2020. 16 Yoga gurus and experts delivered their discourses from the 5th of June 2020 to the 20th of June 2020, which were streamed live on the official Facebook page of the Ministry of AYUSH. Also, as a part of observation of IDY this Ministry has reached out to Gram Pradhans with suggested plan of action for Yoga promotion in villages. Common Service Centers (CSCs) of the Ministry of Electronics & IT have also been roped in for promotion of Yoga in rural areas. To facilitate training from home, daily telecast of the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) was organized on DD Bharti for making more and more people familiar with CYP and preparing them for the main event. Prominent celebrities from the entertainment industry gave promotional messages on Yoga, encouraging the people to be active participants from their homes in the IDY. This information was given by the Minister of Health and Family Welfare Dr. Harsh Vardhan in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.  Sources https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1654498

21. Treatment of Non-COVID-19 Patients During Pandemic
Friday September 18 2020 : The patients who were not suffering from Corona but still have been treated in AIIMS and Central Government run hospitals in IPD as well as in OPD after 24th March, 2020 in the country is given in Annexure. As per the National Health Accounts (NHA) Estimates 2016-17 (latest available), public expenditure on health  as a percentage of GDP is 1.2%. No such patient who was already admitted in AIIMS or Central Government run hospitals whether serious/critical or non-serious was discharged from the hospitals without adequate treatment, due to pandemic situation in the country.   S.No. Name of the Hospital No. of patients treated since 24.3.2020   1. AIIMS, New Delhi 401506 2. Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi 253220 3. RML Hospital, New Delhi 268471 4. LHMC, New Delhi 211796 5. AIIMS, Bhubaneswar 94999 6. AIIMS, Jodhpur 127631 7. AIIMS, Raipur 126486 8. AIIMS, Rishikesh 48765 9. AIIMS, Patna 15491 10. AIIMS, Bhopal 62862   The Minister of State (Health and Family Welfare), Sh Ashwini Kumar Choubey stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha here today.

22. Tele-Medicine Platform for Health Care Delivery
Friday September 18 2020 : Public health is a state subject. Under the National Health Mission (NHM), support is being provided to States/UTs to strengthen their healthcare systems including Tele-consultation services based on requirements posed by the States in their Programme Implementation Plans (PIPs).        eSanjeevani Telemedicine solution developed by CDAC-Mohali is being rolled out under Ayushman Bharat – Health & Wellness Centres program.   Under Ayushman Bharat, 1.5 lakh Sub Health Centres (SHCs) and rural and urban Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across the country are being transformed by December 2022 as Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) with an aim to provide Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC) that includes preventive and health promotion at the community level with continuum of care. The state- wise details of funds approved under NHM for Tele-consultation for FY 20-21 are given below:   State-wise details of funds approved under NHM for Tele-consultation at Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres   Sl. No. State Total Amount Approved for Tele-Consultation in FY 20-21 (Rs. in lakh) as on 15.09.20       1 Andaman & Nicobar Islands 0 2 Andhra Pradesh 69.55 3 Arunachal Pradesh 63.2 4 Assam 33.84 5 Bihar

23. DoPT issues guidelines for strict compliance by Ministries/Departments of the Central government in the wake COVID-19 situation
Monday April 19 2021 : In view of the unprecedented rise in the number of COVID-19 cases and to take measures to prevent its spread, Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT), Ministry of Personnel has issued certain/instructions guidelines for strict compliance by Ministries/Departments of the Central government. These instructions/ guidelines shall come into effect immediately and will remain in force until 30.04.2021 or further orders, whichever is earlier. Elaborating on this, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh referred to the Official Memorandum(OM) issued today with certain specific instructions to be followed in all the government offices.     These include physical attendance of the officers of the level of Under Secretary or equivalent and below to be restricted to 50% of the actual strength. Secretary/HoD may regulate the attendance of officials and may, on administrative grounds, direct more officials to attend office. A roster may be prepared accordingly. All officers of the level of Deputy Secretary, equivalent and above are to attend office on a regular basis. The officers/staff shall follow staggered timings, to avoid overcrowding in offices, as indicated below: 9.00 A.M. to 5.30. P.M. 9.30 AM to 6.00 PM

24. Healthium acquires VitalCare Group in U.K. to strengthen its global urology portfolio
Wednesday July 7 2021 : Healthium acquires VitalCare Group in U.K. to strengthen its global urology portfolio Mumbai, India: Healthium, a global player in medical devices, announced that it has acquired VitalCare Group, a manufacturer of urology consumable care products, through its subsidiary Clinisupplies Ltd.  This acquisition will help Healthium expand its urology franchise in Europe and other developed markets. Healthium has a diverse portfolio of medical devices and consumables, which includes surgical sutures, needles, a patented arthroscopy portfolio, urology portfolio, hernia meshes, haemostats, gloves, ligation clips, surgical staplers and other wound closure devices. The Company holds 60 patents in India and U.S (including those under process). VitalCare is a manufacturer of urology consumable care products, with relationships with healthcare customers worldwide. The company is headquartered in U.K. with manufacturing operations in China. With the acquisition of VitalCare, Healthium adds to its manufacturing capabilities in urology and boosts its in-house R&D, which will strengthen its presence in the urology segment in Europe and the U.S. Mr. Lewis Calcutt, Managing Director, VitalCare will continue with the company, building on its global presence and creating a truly differentiated product portfolio.  Commenting on the acquisition Mr. Anish Bafna, MD & CEO, Healthium Medtech said, “It is our ambition to cater to needs of India and the world when it comes to quality medical devices and consumables. We continue to invest in R & D as we aim to make products that address unmet needs of patients and medical professionals. The acquisition of VitalCare will bring together global talent, diverse cultures, differentiated expertise, strengthen our product portfolio and presence in Urology care to drive continuous value for our customers. The combined leadership and synergies in offerings from both companies will further strengthen distribution, offer more choices to our customers and enable us to deliver better patient care worldwide.”  Mr. Paul Cook- CEO Clinisupplies also added, “Given the rapid changes we are witnessing in the global healthcare system, the time is right for both companies to join forces and take on the larger market opportunity. The acquisition will help us expand our footprint in Europe and U.S. Together, we will continue to focus on bringing forward best in class and innovative solutions that will continue to redefine urology care.” Mr. Lewis Calcutt, Managing Director, VitalCare said, “We are extremely excited about our association and are looking forward to expanding our urology care portfolio under the leadership of Healthium. This relationship will be a strong contributor to our growth and give us access to attractive geographies.”  About Healthium Healthium is a global player in Medical Devices focused

25. Children impacted by Covid-19 Pandemic being provided Tele Counselling through SAMVEDNA
Monday May 17 2021 : With an objective of providing psychological first-aid and emotional support to children affected during COVID-19 Pandemic, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)is providing Tele-Counselling to children through SAMVEDNA(Sensitizing Action on Mental Health Vulnerability through Emotional Development and Necessary Acceptance) - a Toll-Free Helpline launched to provide psycho-social mental support for Children affected during COVID 19 Pandemic. Tele-counselling is being provided through a network of qualified Experts/Counselors/Psychologists trained under the guidance of Dr. Shekhar Seshadri, Professor, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and his team from NIMHANS, on various psychosocial issues in reference to COVID-19, using different Tele counselling strategies. SAMVEDNAtele counselling service is for psychological support to children to address their stress, anxiety, fear and other issues during the Pandemic.  This service is available on a toll-free No: 1800-121-2830 from Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.  This service is exclusively for children who are willing to talk and arein need of counseling. When a child/ caretaker/Parent dials SAMVEDNA1800-121-2830,they get to speak to a professional counselor in a safe environment. Tele counselling is provided to the children under three categories: 1.Children who are in Quarantine/isolation/COVID Care centers. 2.Children who have COVID positive parents or family members and near ones. 3. Children who have lost their parents due to Covid-19 Pandemic. This Toll-free Tele-Counselling cater to the children from all over India in various regional languages like Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Oriya, Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali etc. This service was launched in September,2020 and continuing to support children in the difficult times of COVID-19 pandemic. NCPCRis a statutory body and works under the aegis of Ministry of Women and Child Development, Govt. of India. Sources https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1719426

26. Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic
Tuesday September 15 2020 : The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying with a view to avoid adverse impact on fisheries due to COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in the country, had issued advisory to State Governments/Union Territories(UTs) to include fish and shrimp in the list of commodities to exempt from lockdown and also allow movement of fish and fish products, fish seed & fish feed for fish-farmers/fishers, aquaculture farms and other commercial establishments like aquarium shop etc. Besides, the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Guidelines dated 10th April,2020 also allowed operations of the fishing(marine)/aquaculture industry including feeding & maintenance, harvesting, processing, packaging, cold chain, sale and marketing, hatcheries, feed plants, commercial aquaria, movement of fish/shrimp and fish products, seed/feed and workers. In addition, the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying has launched a flagship scheme namely Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) as a part of Atma Nirbhar Bharat COVID-19 relief package with an estimated investment of Rs.20,050 crores for implementation in all States/Union Territories over a period of 5 years from Fy 2020-21 to Fy 2024-25. This answer was given by the Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri Pratap Chandra Sarangi in a written reply. Sources https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1654544

27. Alternative Therapies for Covid-19 in Ayurveda
Tuesday March 9 2021 : Ministry of AYUSH has formed an Inter-disciplinary AYUSH R&D Task Force chaired by Prof. Bhushan Patwardhan and having representation from scientists including Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Department of Biotechnology(DBT), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and AYUSH Institutions.  The Interdisciplinary AYUSH Research and Development Task Force has formulated and designed clinical research protocols for prophylactic studies and add-on interventions in COVID-19 positive cases through thorough review and consultative process of experts of high repute from different organizations across the country for studying four different interventions viz. Ashwagandha, Yashtimadhu, Guduchi + Pippali and a poly herbal formulation (AYUSH-64).The task force have taken up the proposals received from screening committees of Councils and proactively explored possibilities based on available leads. Ministry of AYUSH has constituted core group of experts under the Chairmanship of Prof. Bhushan Patwardhan to identify and propose formulations on COVID-19 which are in line with Classical Ayurveda principles and have substantial leads on COVID-19 viz. one for prophylaxis as immunomodulatory, another for management of COVID-19 with antiviral properties and one product for post COVID-19 care. Ministry of AYUSH has launched interdisciplinary studies involving AYUSH interventions for COVID-19 based on recommendations of Task force. Under various research organizations and National Institutes under Ministry of AYUSH, 112 research studies at 141 centres in the country are being conducted on AYUSH interventions as prophylactic interventions. AYUSH Sanjivani mobile app developed by Ministry of AYUSH and has documented the impact assessment of effectiveness, acceptance and usage of AYUSH advisories & measures in the prevention of COVID-19 through Mobile app base population study in around 1.5 crores respondents. 85.1% of the respondents reported use of AYUSH measures for prevention of COVID-19, among which 89.8% respondents agreed to have benefitted from the practice of AYUSH advisory. The Ministry of AYUSH has released “National Clinical Management Protocol based on Ayurveda and Yoga for management of COVID-19” prepared by National Task force which in consensus from expert committees from All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Delhi, Institute of Post Graduate Training and Research in Ayurved (IPGTRA), Jamnagar, and National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA), Jaipur , Central Council for Research in Ayurveda (CCRAS), Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy (CCRYN) and other national research organizations as per the Report & Recommendations of the Interdisciplinary Committee. The Minister of State (The Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy), Sh. Kiren Rijiju (Additional Charge) stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha here today.

28. New Healthcare Scheme for Covid-19 Victims
Tuesday September 15 2020 : There is provision made under ‘Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package for Health Workers Fighting COVID-19. This is a Central Sector scheme.   The scheme provide an insurance cover of Rs. 50 lakh to healthcare providers, including community health workers, who may have to be in direct contact and care of COVID-19 patients and who may be at risk of being impacted by this. It will also include accidental loss of life on account of contracting COVID-19.   The scheme also covers private hospital staff/ retired/volunteer/ local urban bodies/contract/daily wage/ ad-hoc/outsourced staff requisitioned by States/ Central hospitals/autonomous hospitals of Central/States/UTs, AIIMS & INIs/ hospitals of Central Ministries drafted for COVID-19 related responsibilities.   The insurance provided under this scheme would be over and above any other insurance cover being availed of by the beneficiary.   In addition for treatment of those affected by COVID, Government is implementing Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) to provide health cover of Rs. 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to around 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable families (approx. 50 crore Individuals) as per Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data. To effectively cover AB-PMJAY beneficiaries for testing and treatment of COVID-19, packages for ‘Testing for COVID-19’ and ‘Treatment of COVID-19’ have been notified.   The Minister of State (Health and Family Welfare), Sh Ashwini Kumar Choubey stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha here today. Sources https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1654457

29. Increase in Mental Health issues during the Pandemic
Tuesday September 15 2020 : Realizing the impact that COVID-19 may have on the mental health of the people, including children, the Government has taken a number of initiatives to provide psychosocial support during COVID-19. These initiatives include:   Setting up of a 24/7 helpline to provide psychosocial support, by mental health professionals, to the entire affected population, divided into different target groups viz children, adult, elderly, women and healthcare workers.   Issuance of guidelines/ advisories on management of mental health issues, catering to different segments of the society.   Advocacy through various media platforms in the form of creative and audio-visual materials on managing stress and anxiety, and promoting an environment of support and care for all.   Issuance of detailed guidelines by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru- "Mental Health in the times of COVID-19 Pandemic - Guidance for General Medical and Specialized Mental Health Care Settings".   All the guidelines, advisories and advocacy material can be accessed on Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website under “Behavioural Health – Psychosocial helpline” (https://www.mohfw.gov.in/)   Online capacity building of health workers by NIMHANS in providing psychosocial support and training through (iGOT)-Diksha platform.   Lack of sufficient mental health professionals is one of the challenges faced in the mental healthcare service delivery. The year-wise, State-wise details of mental health practitioners however is not maintained centrally.   With a view to augment the availability of qualified manpower in field of mental health, the Government, under NMHP, is implementing manpower development schemes for establishment of Centres of Excellence and strengthening/ establishment of Post Graduate (PG) Departments in mental health specialties. Till date, support has been provided for establishment of 25 Centres of Excellence and strengthening/ establishment of 47 Post Graduate (PG) Departments in mental health specialties in the country.   The Government is also augmenting the availability of manpower to deliver mental healthcare services in the underserved areas of the country by providing  online training courses to various categories of general healthcare medical and para medical professionals through the Digital Academies established at the three Central Mental Health Institutes namely National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru, Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Regional Institute of Mental Health, Tezpur, Assam, and Central Institute of Psychiatry, Ranchi. The Minister of State (Health and Family Welfare), Sh Ashwini Kumar Choubey stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha here today. Sources https

30. Columbia Pacific Communities (CPC) and Fortis Healthcare launch #ReachOut, a mental health initiative supporting India’s elderly amid the second COVID wave
Tuesday May 18 2021 : Columbia Pacific Communities (CPC) and Fortis Healthcare launch #ReachOut, a mental health initiative supporting India’s elderly amid the second COVID waveColumbia Pacific Communities (CPC) and Fortis Healthcare launch #ReachOut, a mental health initiative supporting India’s elderly amid the second COVID wave  The ten-day social media campaignencourages senior citizens to seek help for their mental health allowing them to deal with trauma, hopelessness and stress. Mumbai, May 17, 2021:With India battling the second wave of COVID-19, people of all ages are experiencing miasma, hopelessness and are unable to process the whirlpool of negative news surrounding them. Seniors in particular are feeling increasingly anxious and overwhelmed by the situation, and often tend to shy away from opening up about their mental health for the fear of being judged.  While the pandemic has largely focused on physical health (the importance of hygiene and sanitisation, building one’s immunity), there has not been much focus on the mental distress caused by the pandemic.   To help senior citizens address their mental health issues, Columbia Pacific Communities, India’s largest senior living community operator has partnered with Fortis Healthcare, one of India’s most reputed healthcare service providers to launch a mental wellness initiative titled #ReachOut.  The objective of the10-day social media led initiative is to provide senior citizens with free and easy access to experts who can provide them with counselling, therapy andno-judgement, confidential conversations.   Mohit Nirula, CEO, Columbia Pacific Communities, said, “Even after a year of the pandemic, mental health is a topic that is not discussed much. We believe that mental wellness is an integral part of overall wellness, a primary driver of positive ageing, and have always created space and opportunities for our residents to retain charge of their lives. In these difficult times, when seniors staying on their own are feeling lonely, isolated, overwhelmed and hopeless, this initiative in association with Fortis Healthcare, one of India’s most reputed healthcare service providers, will encourage them to open up and reach out for help.”   The objective of this initiative by Columbia Pacific Communities is to stand with India’s senior citizensduring this difficult time and provide them a safe space encouraging them to ask for help.     ‘Fortis Stress Helpline’ by Fortis National Mental Health Program, is a free 24x7 helpline providing support, crisis intervention and guidance by psycholog

31. Stimulus Package for COVID-19
Tuesday September 15 2020 : The Central Government, on 26th March, 2020 announced a relief package under the “Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana”, totaling Rs.1.70 lakh crore for the poor to help them fight the battle against Corona Virus. Around 42 crore poor people have received financial assistance of Rs. 68, 820  crore under this scheme. Central Government allowed the State Governments to use the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) on 14th March, 2020 for taking measures for quarantine facilities,  sample,  collection and  screening, procurement of essential equipments/labs for COVID-19. Thereafter, on 28th March, 2020, Central Government also allowed State Governments to use SDRF for making provisions of temporary accommodation, food, clothing, medical care, etc., to homeless people including migrant labourers. To augment the funds with the States, Central Government released in advance Rs.11, 092 crores from the SDRF to the States on 3rd April, 2020. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare approved the India COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health Systems Preparedness Package of Rs. 15,000 crores. The said Package seeks to support States/UTs in establishment of COVID dedicated facilities for treatment of COVID-19 cases including for critical care, enhancement in testing capacities, engagement and training of necessary human resources and procurement of essential equipment and protective gear for the health care personnel engaged in COVID-19 duties, etc. Additionally, State Governments have been allowed additional borrowing limit of up to 2 percent of Gross State Domestic Product (GSPD) for the year 2020-21. As against the additional borrowing limit of 2% of GSDP, consent for borrowing of 0.50 percent of GSDP amounting to Rs. 1,06,830 crore has already been issued to the States to raise Open Market Borrowing (OMB) during the year 2020-21. This was stated by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Nityanand Rai in a written reply to question in the Lok Sabha today. Sources https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1654599

32. Lucknow lab records shortest average time to process Covid-19 samples among institutions in India
Wednesday September 23 2020 : As the COVID 19 patient numbers are recorded, a testing hub in Lucknow for the disease has recorded the shortest average time to process samples among institutions in the country.   With 1000 to 1200 samples being tested per day, the story of the rise of Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology, to the top institution not only in the state but throughout the country in terms of average processing time of samples is one of sheer grit and dedication.   With a small team of 8 members, the lab is running 24x7 to test samples from various districts of Uttar Pradesh. The number of samples tested by BSIP has crossed 50,000, of which approximately 1600 samples were reported positive for SARS-CoV-2 with zero pendency. Keeping in light the present scenario and to aid the authorities to contain this pandemic, BSIP has provided testing reports (on daily basis) to the concerned districts in record time of 24 hours.   BSIP joined hands with the Government of Uttar Pradesh to combat COVID-19 in the state, becoming one of the five Central Government research institutes in Lucknow, which took initial steps to start laboratory testing of COVID-19. Availability of a BSL-2A laboratory, primarily for ancient DNA work in the Institute, became the advantage needed to immediately prepare for testing.   The BSIP approached the GOI and the UP Government in early April for the necessary approvals for COVID-19 testing. Subsequent to inspection and approval of the laboratory by the ICMR and the UP Government, BSIP became the first of the five Central Govt. Institute in Lucknow to start with RT-PCR based testing, from 2nd May 2020.   The institution started with testing 100-150 samples per day that has now scaled up to 1000-1200 samples per day in from the month of July 2020. With proper lab management and dedication of the lab staff, BSIP decreased its average time to process the samples. The BSIP is currently processing and reporting the samples in an average time of 18 hours. Furthermore, the pendency of the samples is almost zero within 18 hours after receiving the samples.   Apart from diagnostic service, the BSIP is also actively involved in research activities related to COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, a real-time tracking of COVID-19 spread in India, using SARS-CoV-2 genotype-based analysis, is being developed.   “RT-PCR is a perfect example of repurposing the existing human resources and infrastructure built for research to effectively address the needs in the time of crisis with speed, scale and resolve,” said Prof Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, DST.   The 8 members of the team work with determination and commitment under the supervision of Dr. Vandana Prasad, Director, BSIP, and Dr. Anupam Sharma, Nodal-in-charge of the COVID-19 lab. Dr. Niraj Rai, in-charge of the ancient DNA laboratory, is also in-charge of COVID-19 facility. Nagarjuna P., as the COVID-19 lab manager

33. 11 Proven Health Benefits of Garlic
Tuesday April 20 2021 : 11 Proven Health Benefits of Garlic11 Proven Health Benefits of Garlic Garlic Contains Compounds With Potent Medicinal Properties Garlic Is Highly Nutritious But Has Very Few Calories Garlic Can Combat Sickness, Including the Common Cold The Active Compounds in Garlic Can Reduce Blood Pressure Garlic Improves Cholesterol Levels, Which May Lower the Risk of Heart Disease Garlic Contains Antioxidants That May Help Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Garlic May Help You Live Longer Athletic Performance Might Be Improved With Garlic Supplements Eating Garlic May Help Detoxify Heavy Metals in the Body Garlic May Improve Bone Health Garlic Is Easy to Include in Your Diet and Tastes Absolutely Delicious

34. DBT-BIRAC is supporting Covid-19 vaccine development by facilitating establishment of r-VSV vaccine manufacturing platform for first time in India
Tuesday September 15 2020 : Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), set up by Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India is supporting COVID-19 vaccine development by facilitating  the establishment of the r-VSV vaccine manufacturing platform for the first time in India under the National Biopharma Mission. This support to establishing r-VSV vaccine manufacturing platform is being extended to Aurobindo Pharma Limited which is developing a vaccine for SARS COV-2 (COVID-19). This SARS COV-2 vaccine candidate is based on the company’s proprietary replication-competent, attenuated, recombinant vesicular stomatitis (VSV, VesiculoVax™) vaccine delivery platform. Aurobindo is in the process of setting up a state-of-art manufacturing facility for viral vaccines which will be used to produce the COVID-19 vaccine and other viral vaccines.The plant will comply to global standards. Commenting on the collaboration with Aurobindo, Dr Renu Swarup, Secretary, DBT and Chairperson, BIRAC said, “The partnership with Aurobindo is to serve the country’s need for a vaccine to fight this pandemic. The government is focussed on creating an ecosystem that nurtures and encourages new product innovation to address the most relevant issues to our society.”   About BIRAC:   Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) is a not-for-profit Section 8, Schedule B, Public Sector Enterprise, set up by Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India as an Interface Agency to strengthen and empower the emerging Biotech enterprise to undertake strategic research and innovation, addressing nationally relevant product development needs.   About National Biopharma Mission: The Industry-Academia Collaborative Mission of Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Govt of India for accelerating discovery research to early development for Biopharmaceuticals approved by the Cabinet for a total cost US$ 250 million and 50% co-funded by the World Bank is being implemented at Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC). This program is dedicated to deliver affordable products to the nation with an aim to improve the health standards of India’s population. Vaccines, medical devices and diagnostics and biotherapeutics are few of its most important domains, besides, strengthening the clinical trial capacity and building technology transfer capabilities in the country.   For Further Information: Contact Communication Cell of DBT/BIRAC @DBTIndia@BIRAC_2012 www.dbtindia.gov.inwww.birac.nic.in

35. COVID Vaccination Administration Training Programme for health care workers belonging to target group of NBCFDC
Tuesday February 2 2021 : The National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC) has signed an MOU with M/s. Apollo Medskills Pvt Ltd. for providing COVID Vaccination Administration training programme (as per guidelines of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare) to Nurses, Medical & Nursing students and Pharmacist belonging to the target group of National Backward Classes Finance and Development (NBCFDC) on a co-funding basis. The programme has been sanctioned with the aim of Up-Skilling the competency level of the health care-workers as well contributing to the national programme of Vaccination under progress. The Corporation has sanctioned training programme for 1000 trainees in the state of Bihar, Delhi, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh, which are expected to be commenced in due course. This information was given by Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri Krishan Pal Gurjarin a written reply in Lok Sabha today. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1694468

36. Additional free-of-cost foodgrains to be distributed to NFSA Beneficiaries under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana in May and June 2021
Friday April 23 2021 : In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to the poor, the Government of India has decided to allocate free-of-cost food grains @ 5 Kg per person per month to nearly 80 Crore beneficiaries covered under National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA) over and above NFSA foodgrains for next two months i.e. May and June 2021 on the same pattern as the earlier “Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PM-GKAY)” . Under this special scheme (PMGKAY), around 80 Crore NFSA beneficiaries covered under both categories of NFSA, namely Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Priority Householders (PHH), will be provided with an additional quota of free-of-cost foodgrains (Rice/Wheat) at a scale of 5 Kg per person per month, over and above their regular monthly entitlements under NFSA. Government of India will bear all expenditure of over  Rs 26,000 Crore on account of food subsidy and Central assistance to states/UTs on account of intrastate transportation etc. Sources https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1713561

37. Ministry of Tourism organises a webinar titled “Yoga for Immunity and Respiratory Health”
Saturday June 19 2021 : Ministry of Tourism and its domestic as well as overseas offices have already initiated weeklong programmes for celebration of International Day of Yoga 2021. Based on this year’s theme given by Ministry of Ayush “Be With Yoga Be At Home”. The Ministry of Tourism organised a webinar titled “Yoga for Immunity and Respiratory Health” in association with Isha Foundation today , Saturday the 19th June 2021. The webinar started in guidance of Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudevji, a multi-facet personality famous world-wide for its Isha Foundation dedicated to raising human consciousness and fosters global harmony through individual transformation. Sadhguruji explain about the importance of yoga and its benefits and later explained the Simha Kriya in detail. Simha Kriya, a simple but powerful yogic practice to improve immunity, strengthens the respiratory system and enhances lung capacity. A volunteer from Isha foundation demonstrated the kriya. Ms. Mahima Chopra from Isha Foundation also explained about the Simha Kriya, Sashtanga Makarasana, do & don’ts while following the kriya. On International Day of Yoga that on 21st June 2021, the Ministry of Culture in association with the Ministry of Tourism have organised live streaming celebration of Yoga from 30 sites across India identified by the Ministry of Culture following covid protocols strictly. Culture is increasingly an important element of the tourism product, which creates distinctiveness in a crowded global marketplace. At the same time, tourism provides an important means of enhancing culture and creating income  which  can  support  and  strengthen  cultural  heritage,  cultural  production  and  creativity.  Creating a strong relationship between tourism and culture  can  therefore  help  destinations  to  become  more  attractive  as  well  as  more  competitive as locations to live, visit, work and invest in. In the presence of Union Minister of State for Tourism & Culture (I/C)Shri Prahlad Singh Patel and Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji, on Monday, the 21st June 2021, the Ministry of Tourism would be organising one more webinar “Yoga: The way of life” at 1200 hrs .   To join the webinar, please register at: https://digitalindia-gov.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8bYtqL-fSKWjFdtrcuJCwQ   For more information follow Incredible India on :  Instagram - https://instagram.com/incredibleindia?igshid=v02srxcbethv  Twitter - https://twitter.com/incredibleindia?s=21  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/incredibleindia/ &nbs

38. Medical waste management during COVID-19 pandemic
Sunday September 20 2020 : As informed by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), disposal of bio-medical waste including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kit worn by healthcare professionals as well as general public became a challenge during the on-going Corona Virus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.         Public Health’ being a State subject, information relating to increase in COVID-19 cases among individuals employed in garbage collection and disposal, due to mismanagement in disposal of bio-medical waste including PPE kit etc., is not centrally maintained. As per Bio-medical Waste Management (BMWM) Rule, 2016, waste generated from Healthcare Facilities is required to be treated and disposed as per provisions under said Rules. CPCB has also prepared guidelines, which gives guidance on Handling, Treatment & Disposal of bio-medical waste in line with provisions under BMWM Rules, 2016.           Further, CPCB issued separate guidelines for ‘Handling, Treatment & Disposal of bio-medical waste generated during Treatment/Diagnosis/Quarantine of COVID-19 patients’ which gives guidance on management of COVID-19 related bio-medical waste including used masks and gloves. These guidelines were initially issued on 19.03.2019 and later revised on 17.07.2020. As per CPCB Guidelines, used PPEs like face shields, goggles, hazmat suit, plastic coverall, used masks, head cover, shoe cover etc. generated from COVID-19 isolation wards at Healthcare Facilities shall be segregated and sent to Common Facilities for disposal as per Bio-medical Waste Management Rules, 2016 (BMWM Rules). However, used PPEs like masks and gloves generated in Common Households, Commercial Establishments, Institutions, etc., are required to store separately for minimum 72 hours for disposal along with solid waste after cutting or shredding. Such shredded used masks from household can be collected as dry solid waste by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). Guidelines issued by CPCB have been circulated to all stakeholders and specific Directions were also issued by CPCB to all State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)/ Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) to ensure compliance. The following additional measures have been taken by CPCB for improvement of management of bio-medical waste during COVID-19 pandemic: In order to monitor COVID-19 related bio-medical waste, CPCB developed COVID-19 waste tracking App named “COVID19BWM”. Both Android Mobile and Web versions of software application were designed for waste generators, CBWTF Operators, SPCBs/PCCs and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). 1st version of the App. has been introduced and a demonstration was given to SPCBs/PCCs and other stakeholders in May, 2020. SPCBs and CBWTFs were directed to ensure usage of Tracking App. CPCB vide it’s letter dated 21.07.2020 issued Show Cause Notice to 106 CBWTFs for not using the COVID19BWM tracking App. Directions under section 5 of Environment (Protection) Act were issued in July, 2020 to all the SP

39. MyGatebrings affordable health insurance scheme for support staff of its 3 million households
Tuesday August 24 2021 : MyGatebrings affordable health insurance scheme for support staff of its 3 million households Users can now purchase a daily cash benefit from Rs. 500 to Rs. 3000, with premium starting at Rs.155 per annum, which will be particularly useful to maids, drivers, cooks or nannies   Mumbai, 24 August 2021: The pandemic has laid bare the tenuous financial situation of India’s lower income groups, such as those employed as daily help. Simultaneously, there is growing evidence of a willingness among gated community residents to support their staff; for example, the MyGate Trust Circle report revealed that 76.04% of residents are now more likely to provide monetary assistance to their daily help as compared to pre-Covid times. Taking a cue from this behavioural shift, MyGate now enables its 3 million users to purchase a hassle-free Group Health Insurance cover. This comes at a low cost and is relevant to their domestic help, such as maid, nanny, cook or driver.   MyGate’s members can buy a group health cover that allows beneficiaries to claim daily cash benefit (Hospi Cash) for hospital admissions ranging from Rs.500 per day to Rs. 3000 per day for 30 days in a year with no deductibles. The policy premium starts at Rs. 155 and goes up to a maximum of Rs. 900. The policy is available for 12 months for those aged 18 years to 65 years. This cover is underwritten by Care Health Insurance.    “It has been heartening to learn of growing empathy toward support staff, as illustrated in the MyGate Trust Circle report. It is clear that gated community residents are looking for meaningful ways to give more to their support staff and we believe that Hospicash is a valuable benefit they can provide their maid, driver or nanny with” said Abhishek Kumar, COO and Co-founder,MyGate.    Since March 2020, MyGate has made the health and safety of its users and the broader gated community ecosystem a priority. For example, it has launched more than 10 features specifically to combat the coronavirus, such as Leave at Gate, Temperature & Mask Check and Quarantine at Home. The organisation also organised mass RT-PCR and vaccination drives within gated communities and made the facility open to support staff as well.   About MyGate Founded in 2016, MyGate is the largest community app in the country, simplifying urban living of over 3 million homes in 20,000+ housing societies. It was ranked #4 on YourStory’s list of India’s Most Disruptive Start-ups in December 2019 and one of India’s coolest start-ups by Business Today in 2019. MyGate was founded by Vijay Arisetty, an ex- IAF pilot (Shaurya Chakra awardee), Abhishek K, former VP at Goldman Sachs, and ShreyansDaga, former project head at Oracle and Digit. For more information, please see https://mygate.com/

40. Quess Corp launches new vertical to transform Healthcare Services in India
Tuesday August 24 2021 : Quess Corp launches new vertical to transform Healthcare Services in India   Mumbai, India. August 23, 2021. Quess Corp, India’s leading business services provider, today announced the launch of its new healthcare vertical to address the shortage of healthcare professionals. The vertical aims to provide trained healthcare manpower, home care solutions, and end-to-end hospital management services by identifying, training & upskilling healthcare professionals through a network of accredited medical training institutes, enabling quick & on-demand deployment.   Quess Corp has signed an MoU with the Association of Healthcare Providers (India) (AHPI), a not for profit representative body of healthcare providers, to evangelize formalization of training and staffing services for healthcare professionals and create a talent marketplace for private and public healthcare institutions. The collaboration aspires to create a pipeline of trained paramedical and healthcare service professionals through a proposed hire-train-deploy model, besides building a digital pool of highly skilled, experienced, ready-to-hire doctors across India. In addition to creating an organized demand and supply support service for healthcare manpower such as nurses, paramedics, doctors, phlebotomists, and lab technicians, the collaboration will also enable corporates to set up safer workspaces with adequate medical facilities, and to train candidates with endorsements from reputed domestic and international accreditations. Through this alliance, Quess Corp and AHPI plan to jointly work towards industry advocacy in critical areas of staffing and healthcare manpower management.    Mr. Guruprasad Srinivasan, Chief Operating Officer-India Region, Quess Corp, said, “The healthcare industry in India has witnessed increasing staffing demands since the advent of the pandemic. There are nearly 600 investment opportunities worth USD 32 Billion in the hospitality/medical infrastructure sub-sector on Indian Investment Grid (IIG). We look forward to effectively bridging the talent gap and challenges in the Indian healthcare infrastructure, which was largely brought to the fore during the pandemic.” Dr. Naresh Shetty, President, Quess Healthcare said, “In India, the healthcare segment faces dismaying challenges with an acute shortage of skilled manpower to the tune of six million paramedics today. We hope to bridge this gap and indisputably impact skill development and knowledge enhancement of the healthcare sector, which is the absolute need of the hour. Through tech-enabled skilling and access to a talent pool of trained professionals, we want to empower healthcare providers to cater to a wide public reach while providing access to quality healthcare for all.” Dr. Alex Thomas, President of AHPI said, “Having been associated with both organisations for many years, I

41. Fortis Healthcare hands over cheque of Rs 2.5 crore to ICMR from CSR fund in the presence of MoS Health and Family Welfare Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey
Sunday September 27 2020 : Private sector medical service provider Fortis Healthcare handed over a cheque of Rs 2.5 crore to ICMR in the presence of Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey in his office. Fortis Healthcare’s MD and CEO Dr Ashutosh Raghuvanshi, senior Vice President (Corporate Affairs and CSR) Manu Kapila, SRL’s CEO Anand Kumar presented the cheque to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Director General Prof (DR) Balram Bhargav and senior financial advisor Rajiv Roy. At the event, Shri Choubey said that the ICMR has “established an outstanding parameter in the field of research”. Not only in India, this institute one of the best research institute in the world. Scientists have worked tirelessly day and night since day one of Covid-19 pandemic.” He also said “the Fortis Hospital has done a commendable job and I am sure this would inspire many.” Sources https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1659305

42. The CAR-T therapies market is characterized by a healthy pipeline of promising therapies, claims Roots Analysis
Monday August 2 2021 : The CAR-T therapies market is characterized by a healthy pipeline of promising therapies, claims Roots AnalysisReport Keywords - CAR-T Cell, Therapies Market, Rootsanalysis, Report, Biotech   Given the success of approved CAR-T cell therapies, such as KYMRIAH®, YESCARTA®, TECARTUS® and BREYANZI®, this upcoming class of biologics are anticipated to carve out a significant share of the multi-billion dollar cancer immunotherapy market   Roots Analysis has announced the addition of “CAR-T Cell Therapies Market (3rd Edition) by Target Indications (NHL, Multiple Myeloma, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Follicular Lymphoma, Mantle Cell Lymphoma, Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Others), Target Antigens (CD19, BCMA, CD19 / CD22, GPC3 and EGFR), Key Players and Key Geographies (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and North Africa, and Rest of the World) – Industry Trends and Global Forecasts, 2021-2030” report to its list of offerings.   Given their ability to selectively direct a cell mediated immune response against cancer cells and, thereby, offer prolonged periods of disease remission, several CAR-T cell therapies provide a promising therapeutic strategy for advanced stage cancers and are expected to achieve blockbuster status. With four approved products and many candidate therapies under evaluation for the treatment of multiple disease indications, the CAR-T cell therapy market is characterized by a healthy and growing pipeline. Further, with lucrative financial support and notable increase in partnerships, the CAR-T-cell therapies market is abuzz with activity.   To order this 795+ page report, which features 165+ figures and 270+ tables, please visit https://www.rootsanalysis.com/reports/view_document/car-t-therapies-market/269.html   Key Market Insights   Over 755 CAR-T cell therapies are currently approved / under development Close to 40% of the aforementioned candidates are in preclinical and discovery stages, while more than 25% are being evaluated in clinical stages (phase I/II and above). Examples of late-stage clinical candidates include bb2121, CD123/CLL1 CAR-T CD19 CAR-T and LCAR-B38M CAR-T / JNJ-68284528.   Currently, the focus is on developing product candidates to treat various types of cancers Over 95% of the products in the development pipeli

43. World Health Organisation applauds India for Fitness Ka Dose Aadha Ghanta Roz campaign; celebrities from all walks support the movement
Thursday December 10 2020 : The clarion call made by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to all Indians of Fitness Ka Dose Aadha Ghanta Roz has received praise from the World Health Organisation. In a tweet, WHO said, "WHO applauds India's initiative on promoting physical activity through its campaign Fitness Ka Dose Aadha Ghanta Roz." The campaign launched as part of the nation-wide Fit India Movement by Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Kiren Rijiju on December 1, has gained the support of celebrities from different fields - Bollywood, sportspersons, writers, doctors, fitness influencers, among others, who have enthusiastically urged Indians to follow the basic mantra of 30 minutes of fitness every day. Badminton World Champion and Olympic Medalist PV Sindhu tweeted "Fitness is a huge part of my life and this is the chance for everyone to come together and unite for this great movement!" Writer Chetan Bhagat further added that one’s fitness has a “profound effect on immunity, mood, health and overall wellness in life.” And thus, is great that all of us can do. Lifestyle and wellness expert Luke Coutinho agreed to their thoughts and added “Working out for just 30 minutes a day can go a long way in contributing to your fitness and overall health levels! Thank you so much @narendramodi & @KirenRijiju for making me a part of this wonderful initiative!” ISSF World Cup Gold Medalist shooter Apurvi Chandela also supported their view and tweeted “Do something today, that your future self will thank you for!! A minimum of 30 minutes of daily exercise can bring about many positive changes in your body, mind and soul. #NewIndiaFitIndia #FitIndiaMovement.” They were also joined in their call by two time Olympic Bronze medalist & wrestler Sushil Kumar, Olympic Bronze Medalist shooter Gagan Narang, Former India Cricketer Suresh Raina, Paralympic Silver Medalist Deepa Malik, sprinter Hima Das, Commonwealth Gold medallist Manika Batra, actor Anil Kapoor, TV actress Saumya Tondon, cricketer Mithali Raj, CWG Silver Medalist Manish Kaushik, writer Chetan Bhagat, among many others.

44. Scientists working on SUTRA model for charting trajectory of COVID-19
Sunday May 2 2021 : We, the scientists working on the SUTRA model for charting the trajectory of COVID-19, would like to clearly point out some facts related to predictions of our mathematical model, especially since some of these have been misunderstood and misquoted. Recent reports in some media seem to suggest that scientists working on the SUTRA model cautioned in March about the second wave but attention was not paid to it. This is incorrect.  A meeting was called on 2nd April to seek our inputs by one of the very senior officers of the government coordinating the national pandemic response. We indicated that the SUTRA model predicted the second wave to peak by the third week of April and to stay most likely around 1 lakh daily cases.  Clearly the model predictions in this instance were incorrect because of the reasons below. We have been working on a mathematical model to predict the spread of the virus. It is important to note that a mathematical model can only predict future with some certainty so long as virus dynamics and its transmissibility don’t change substantially over time. Mathematical models can also provide a mechanism to predicting alternate scenarios corresponding to various policy decisions such as non-pharmaceutical interventions. In the case of COVID-19, it is clear that the nature of the virus has been changing very rapidly. In such a context, any prediction for COVID-19 must be continually readjusted, sometimes almost daily. We are working closely with the government and our inputs have always been received positively. While we could not predict the exact nature of the second wave earlier, we continue our efforts to better estimate its future trajectory. Manindra Agrawal, Professor, IIT Kanpur Madhuri Kanitkar, Deputy Chief, Integrated Defense Staff M Vidyasagar, Professor, IIT Hyderabad Sources https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1715485

45. Karnataka ASHA: Demonstrating the true spirit of a Social Health Activist
Friday July 3 2020 : Karnataka ASHA: Demonstrating the true spirit of a Social Health Activist Annapurna is an ASHA working in Tunganagar in Shivamogga District, Karnataka. She covers a population of 3000 in the slum area and has been working there since 2015, when urban ASHA were introduced as part of the National Health Mission. One of her key tasks as part of COVID-19 activities is to conduct household surveys. Karnataka’s 42,000 ASHAs have emerged as a crucial pillar in the State’s success in combating COVID-19. They have been actively participating in the COVID-19 household surveys and screening inter-state passengers, migrant workers, and others in the community for symptoms of COVID-19. Recognizing the increased vulnerability of certain population groups to COVID-19, in a one-time survey to identify households with the elderly, persons with co-morbidities, and immuno-compromised individuals, about 1.59 crore households were covered. ASHAs regularly monitor such high-risk groups in their area with periodicity of follow-up visits varying from once a day in the Containment Zones to once very 15 days in other areas. They also visit the houses of persons expressing complaints of ILI/SARI symptoms, and high-risk individuals who have called the State Health Department helpline numbers. Uniquely, ASHAs are part of the Rural Task Force headed by Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) at the Gram Panchayat level for addressing public grievances on both COVID-19 and non COVID-19 related services. Urban ASHAs have been on the forefront of dissemination of various awareness activities in the Fever clinics and Swab Collection Centres in Urban areas. They have also actively screened cases of ILI and SARI in the urban areas.  They are also part of the screening teams at the International and Interstate check-posts. Glimpses from Karnataka: ASHAs at work against COVID-19  

46. Minister of State for Education Shri Sanjay Dhotre launches the Rapid Antigen Test Kit for COVID-19 developed by IIT Delhi
Friday June 25 2021 : Minister of State for Education Shri Sanjay Dhotre launched a Rapid Antigen Test kit for COVID-19 developed by IIT Delhi today. The Rapid Antigen Test kit has been developed by the IIT Delhi researchers led by Dr. Harpal Singh, professor at the Institute’s Centre for Biomedical Engineering. Congratulating the IIT Delhi researchers and their manufacturing partners on the launch of the test kit, MoS, Shri Sanjay Dhotre said, “I am confident that this technology will revolutionize the Covid test availability in the country. I am glad to know that the kit has been developed entirely using the internal resources at IIT Delhi.” Shri Dhotre also complimented the researchers Prof. Harpal Singh and Dr. Dinesh Kumar and thanked IIT Delhi for helping the nation in becoming Atmanirbhar in fighting the pandemic using indigenously developed technologies and made in India products. Shri Dhotre commended the efforts of premier institutions during COVID-19 by promoting the development of test kits, ventilators. He lauded the efforts of IIT Delhi for promoting research and development in the field of technology. He informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi led government is focussed on Atmanirbhar Bharat through research, development, and innovations. The focus on research in National Education Policy, National Research Foundation and initiatives like PM Research Fellowship will help further to improve quality of research in our country. Technology plays important role in wealth creation. IITs being premier technology institutions play major role here. He further asked the premier institutes to make the research centres and innovation parks in their campuses more vibrant and activate industry academia linkages. For popularising science technology among general citizens, he asked the scientists and technologist to write more on these issues in print and other media, to deliver lectures for general public, and to venture into the field of popular science fiction and non-fiction writing. Mechanisms to be developed for regular interaction of IIT professors and students with the school students in the vicinity, and vice versa, in order to inspire the school students to venture in the field of science and technology. Speaking on this occasion, Prof. V Ramgopal Rao, Director, IIT Delhi said, “IIT Delhi had in July 2020 launched a Rs. 399 RT PCR kit, which helped bring the RTPCR test costs to the current level. Using the technologies developed in the Institute, over 8 Million PPE kits have been supplied so far. With the launch of this Antigen based rapid test kit, we hope to make the diagnostics easy and affordable for the rural areas.” Prof. Harpal Singh mentioned the salient features of the technology, as certified by the ICMR. 1. This kit is used for in vitro qualitative detection of SARS-CoV-2 antigen. 2. The SARS-CoV-2 Ag Rapid Test is a colloidal gold enhanced double antibody sandwich immunoassay for the qualitative de

47. Advisory issued for induction of trained AYUSH human resources for clinical management of COVID-19
Friday May 7 2021 : Continuing with the efforts to augment human resources for the management of COVID-19 cases, the Ministry issued advisory to deploy the trained AYUSH human resources available with them for clinical management of COVID-19 cases.  The decision to deploy AYUSH professionals to the frontlines of the COVID-19 war is in continuation of decisions taken a few days back to boost availability of medical personnel to fight COVID-19 such as postponement of the NEET-PG Exam, giving priority to medical personnel completing 100 days of Covid duties in forthcoming regular Government recruitments and deployment of medical interns in Covid Management duties under the supervision of their faculty. AYUSH doctors are institutionally qualified professionals, well-trained in various aspects of medical care. They have already proven their competence in various COVID-19 management roles in different institutions across the country. Some of the institutions under the Ministry of AYUSH like the All-India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi which functions as a COVID -19 Care Centre, are efficiently managing Covid-19 cases at present. Further, States/UTs have trained nearly 1.06 lakh AYUSH professionals in different aspects of COVID-19 management, and 28,473 professionals have been deployed for COVID-19 activities. Training to AYUSH professionals in different aspects of COVID-19 management was also provided by the Ministry of AYUSH through the Integrated Government Online Training (iGOT) digital platform (https://igot.gov.in/), and 66045 AYUSH professionals completed the same. In addition, the Ministry of AYUSH and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have jointly provided training to 33,000 AYUSH master trainers. Thus, a large number of AYUSH professionals have already been prepared through various efforts to take up frontline tasks in the fight against the pandemic. Details of about 8.32 Lakhs of AYUSH manpower have been compiled through the initiatives of the Ministry of AYUSH and provided on the Covid Warriors portal (covidwarriors.gov.in). The following are the highlights of the advisory being issued: I - FACILITATION/EXTENSION Considering the current situation in the wake of resurgence of COVID – 19, the State/UT Governments are advised to reach out to all qualified AYUSH practitioners and persuade them to join the Covid – 19 workforces in this hour of need. The services of these AYUSH doctors can be utilized in the management of COVID – 19 at appropriate levels. The deployment of AYUSH physicians, Post Graduate students and interns in clinical set ups for Covid management may be done under the supervision of medical doctors / specialists. Necessary prescriptions may be issued by medical doctors / specialists and clinical care to the patients will be provided by AYUSH doctors under supervision as mentioned as a part of the treating team. This mechanism will augment the available human resources for Covid management. AYUSH doctors, PG Students and interns may be deployed to manage e-Sanjivini digital platform (including local languages), where t

48. Research on Ayush Medicines to Curb Covid-19 Outbreak
Tuesday July 20 2021 : During the second wave of this pandemic, AYUSH-64 and Kabasura Kudineer were repurposed for COVID 19 after the robust scientific studies found them useful in asymptomatic, mild and moderate COVID-19 infection as standalone and/or as an adjunct to Standard care as per the studies conducted by Ministry of Ayush in collaboration with Ministry of Health and family Welfare, Ministry of Science and Technology (CSIR & DBT), Department of Science and Technology and reputed scientific organisations and hospitals. However, Govt. of India has released “National Clinical Management Protocol based on Ayurveda and Yoga for management of COVID-19”. States/ UTs licensing authorities / Drug Controllers has been informed to allow the licensed manufactures for AYUSH-64 under their jurisdiction to include new indication of AYUSH-64 for repurposing as an intervention for the management of asymptomatic, mild to moderate COVID-19 in addition to existing indication(s). Further, States/ UTs Licensing Authorities have been requested to expedite the process of the licensing/ approval of application for the manufacturing of AYUSH-64. The Ministry has undertaken following steps to reduce/ exterminate the effects of COVID-19:- i. Ministry of Ayush has formed an Inter-disciplinary AYUSH Research & Development Task Force chaired by Prof. Bhushan Patwardhan having representation from scientists of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and Ayush Institutions.  The Interdisciplinary AYUSH Research and Development Task Force has formulated and designed clinical research protocols for prophylactic studies and add-on interventions in COVID-19 positive cases through thorough review and consultative process of experts of high repute from different organizations across the country for studying four different interventions viz. Ashwagandha, Yashtimadhu, Guduchi + Pippali and a poly herbal formulation (AYUSH-64). ii. Ministry of Ayush has also launched interdisciplinary studies involving AYUSH interventions for COVID-19 based on recommendations of the Task force. Under various Research Organizations and National Institutes under Ministry of Ayush, 126 research studies at 152 centres in the country have been initiated on AYUSH interventions. iii. Ministry of Ayush has constituted an Interdisciplinary Technical Review Committee (ITRC) for COVID-19 for the examination of applications/ claims on patent & proprietary ASU&H medicines/ Classical ASU&H medicines forwarded by State Licensing Authorities/ Individuals. This information was given by Minister of State for Ayush Shri Mahendrabhai Munjapara in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today. Sources https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1737188

49. Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package : Progress so far
Monday April 13 2020 : More than 32crore poor people received financial assistance of Rs29,352crore under the Pradhan MantriGaribKalyan Package 5.29 Crore beneficiaries distributed free ration of food grains under Pradhan MantriGaribKalyan  Ann Yojana 97.8 Lakh free Ujjwala cylinders delivered 2.1 Lakh members of EPFO taken benefit of online withdrawal of non-refundable advance from EPFO account amounting toRs 510crore First instalment of PM-KISAN :Rs14,946crore transferred to 7.47crore farmers Rs 9930 crore disbursed to 19.86 crore to Women Jan Dhan account holders Rs 1400 crore disbursed to about 2.82 crore old age persons, widows and disabled persons 2.17crore Building & Construction workers received financial support amounting to Rs 3071crore.   In order to ensure that weaker sections of the society continue to get the basis amenities and do not get impacted during the lock down period due to COVID 19, Rs1.70 lakh crore Pradhan MantriGaribKalyanPackage (PMGKP) was announced by Union Finance Minister SmtNirmalaSitharaman on 26th March 2020 to protect such people from the impact of the lockdown.  As part of the Pradhan MantriGaribKalyan Package, the Government announced free food grains and cash payment to women and poor senior citizens and farmers. The swift implementation of the package is being continuously monitored by Central and State governments. Finance Ministry, the concerned Ministries, Cabinet Secretariat and PMO are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the relief measures reach the needy swiftly and in line with the intent of the lock down. Fintech and digital technology have been employed for swift and efficient transfer to the beneficiary. Direct benefit transfer, i.e. transfer that ensures that the amount is directly credited into the account of the beneficiary, eliminates leakage and improves efficiency has been employed. This has also ensured credit to the beneficiary’s account without the need for the beneficiary to physically go to the branch. As on 13th April, 2020, 32.32crore beneficiaries have been directly given cash support through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)amounting to Rs29,352crore under the package. Pradhan MantriGaribKalyanAnn Yojana : So far 20.11 Lakh MT of food grains have been lifted  by 31 States/UTs out of 40 Lakh MT for April. 2.65 lakh MT has been distributed by 16 States/UT to 5.29Crore beneficiaries covered by 1.19 Crore Ration cards as April 2020 entitlement.

50. Patanjali Product for Health Care
Sunday September 8 2019 : Patanjali Product for Health Care / स्वास्थ्य देखभाल Full List     Patanjali Badam Pak / बादाम पाक Badam Pak / बादाम पाक - 250 gm MRP - 130 Rs Patanjali Badam Pak / बादाम पाक Badam Pak / बादाम पाक - 500 gm MRP - 240 Rs Patanjali Chyawanprash / च्यवनप्राश Chyawanprash / च्यवनप्राश - 1 kg MRP - 190 Rs Patanjali Chyawanprash / च्यवनप्राश Special Chyawanprash / स्पेशल च्यवनप्राश - 1 kg MRP - 250 Rs Patanjali Chyawanprash / च्यवनप्राश Special Chyawanprash / स्पेशल च्यवनप्राश -