Lifestyle

New Delhi, May 5 (IANS) The third Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) on Healthcare between India and Japan was held here on Tuesday, with both sides committing to deepen cooperation for stronger healthcare systems, resilient medical supply chains and enhanced collaboration in digital health, medical innovation and workforce development.

The meeting was co-chaired by Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda and Japan’s Minister in charge of Healthcare Policy, Kimi Onoda.

Nadda said the meeting reflected the shared commitment of both countries to strengthen cooperation in the health sector.

He noted that India-Japan collaboration in healthcare is guided by the Memorandum of Cooperation in Healthcare and Wellness and a shared vision of improving accessibility, strengthening health systems and promoting innovation for better health outcomes.

The long-standing and multifaceted relationship between India and Japan reiterated India’s commitment to inclusive development under the guiding principle of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas', according to the minister.

According to him, the JCM serves as a vital platform to advance bilateral healthcare cooperation.

Meanwhile, Onoda said Japan remains committed to strengthening engagement in healthcare cooperation through innovation, technology and research, and expressed readiness to further deepen bilateral collaboration.

Additionally, welcoming the Japanese delegation, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava said India and Japan share a partnership built on mutual respect, trust and a common vision for the future.

During the meeting, both sides held detailed discussions across major priority areas such as supply chain, digital health, and human resource.

On non-communicable diseases (NCDs), India highlighted its growing disease burden and presented its response framework based on screening, continuum of care and health promotion aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.

While Japan shared its ongoing cooperation initiatives, including cancer screening, early diagnosis and capacity-building projects.

On supply chain resilience and access to medical products, India highlighted its pharmaceutical and medical devices manufacturing capabilities and efforts to strengthen domestic production and ensure affordable access. Japan shared its model of public-private collaboration to enhance medical supply chains and technology deployment.

On digital health, India has outlined its 'Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission', which is enabling an interoperable and citizen-centric digital health ecosystem. Similarly, Japan shared its experience in digitalisation, AI-enabled medical technologies and collaborative research.

On human resource development, India highlighted its skilled healthcare workforce ecosystem and exchange programmes, while Japan outlined ongoing cooperation in joint research and personnel exchange initiatives.

--IANS

ag/

New Delhi, May 5 (IANS) The government on Tuesday said that the need for addressing rare diseases was first highlighted in the National Health Policy, 2017, and was subsequently institutionalized through the launch of the National Policy for Rare Diseases, 2021, which has positioned India among countries with a comprehensive national framework for rare diseases.

Addressing a conference here, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava said the core objective is to understand the challenges faced by stakeholders, encourage innovations, and generate new ideas for strengthening the management of rare diseases in the country.

She highlighted that the policy is implemented through Centres of Excellence (CoEs) , which are premier tertiary hospitals across the country.

The number of CoEs expanded from 8 to 15 over the years, including two CoEs in the north-east India, strengthening the national architecture for clinical care and support.

The Union Health Secretary also informed that the financial assistance under the policy has been progressively enhanced to Rs 50 lakh, enabling improved access to treatment for patients suffering from identified rare diseases.

Acknowledging the rising cost of therapies, she informed that the government has taken proactive steps to exempt life-saving drugs from basic customs duty, with further expansion announced in the recent Union Budget.

She also encouraged stakeholders to suggest additional drugs that may be considered for such exemptions.

Expressing appreciation for the contributions of the Indian Council of Medical Research, she highlighted its role in advancing indigenous research and development of therapies for rare diseases.

Dr Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, Department of Health Research (DHR) and Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research, reflected on the significant progress made in the field of rare diseases over the past three decades.

He noted that in the 1990s, identifying a patient with a suspected rare disease often led to a sense of helplessness, as diagnosis was extremely difficult and treatment options were virtually unavailable.

He emphasized that this evolution reflects a broader shift in healthcare priorities, where attention is not only given to common diseases but also to those affected by rare, often genetic conditions.

Dr. Bahl underscored the need for India to develop its own context-specific model for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of rare diseases, rather than relying solely on Western frameworks.

Highlighting ongoing efforts by ICMR, Dr. Bahl stated that the Council is actively working to expand the range of tools available for managing rare diseases.

Dr. Sunita Sharma, Director General of Health Services, emphasised the importance of strengthening health systems for early diagnosis and comprehensive management of rare diseases. She highlighted the need to integrate rare disease services across different levels of healthcare, ensuring timely referral and continuity of care through an efficient network of facilities.

--IANS

na/

Seoul, May 5 (IANS) Unionised workers at Samsung Biologics, the biotech arm of Samsung Group, continued their first general strike for a fifth day on Tuesday, demanding higher wages and expanded performance-based compensation.

The walkout began on Friday, with about 2,800 members out of the union's 4,000 members taking part, according to the union.

It marks the first strike since the company's establishment in 2011, reports Yonhap news agency.

After wrapping up the five-day strike, the union plans to shift to a work-to-rule campaign on Wednesday.

The unionised workers are demanding a 14 percent increase in base pay and performance-related pay, a one-time cash incentive of 30 million won (US$20,390) per worker, and bonuses equivalent to 20 percent of annual operating profit.

The company has proposed a combined 6.2 percent increase in base and performance pay.

The two sides resumed talks on Monday but failed to reach an agreement. They plan to hold two more meetings later this week to narrow their differences.

The unionised workers staged a three-day partial strike last month, which the company said caused at least 150 billion won (US$101.5 million) in losses.

"Our decision to respond to the labour ministry's arbitration request during the walkout was part of our sincere efforts to sort the issue out through dialogue," a company source said.

The representative urged the labour union to stop its "irrational" demands and collective action and return to the negotiation table.

During the first arbitration meeting held last week, the labour union reportedly demanded the company change all of its bargaining committee members as a prerequisite for talks.

Around 2,800 of 4,000 unionised members have participated in the collective action, according to the company's labour union.

The company claims the walkout could cause at least 640 billion won worth of damage, which is equivalent to around half of the company's sales for the first quarter.

—IANS

na/

Seoul, May 3 (IANS) Samsung Biologics, the biotech arm of Samsung Group, has agreed to return to the negotiation table this week, a corporate official said on Sunday.

The two sides will renegotiate on Monday under the mediation of the Jungbu regional employment and labor office, after the first round of talks fell through on Thursday.

The strike is the first ever for the union, with the walkout entering its third day on Sunday, reports Yonhap news agency.

"Our decision to respond to the labor ministry's arbitration request during the walkout was part of our sincere efforts to sort the issue out through dialogue," a company source said.

The representative urged the labor union to stop its "irrational" demands and collective action and return to the negotiation table.

During the first arbitration meeting held last week, the labor union reportedly demanded the company change all of its bargaining committee members as a prerequisite for talks.

Unionized workers of Samsung Biologics have been staging a strike since Friday. They have demanded a 14 percent increase in both base and performance-related pay, a one-off cash incentive of 30 million won (US$20,389.9) per worker, and bonuses equivalent to 20 percent of annual operating profit.

The company has proposed a combined 6.2 percent increase in base and performance pay.

Around 2,800 of 4,000 unionized members have participated in the collective action, according to the company's labour union.

The company claims the walkout could cause at least 640 billion won worth of damage, which is equivalent to around half of the company's sales for the first quarter.

The union said it plans to continue the strike until Tuesday.

Unionized workers of Samsung Biologics called for the company to establish "fair and transparent" personnel management standards.

"What the labour union demands is that the management should exercise personnel and management authority in a transparent manner so that the employees can work while trusting the company," the labor union said in a release.

The labour union is said to have proposed a collective bargaining agreement that includes clauses requiring prior consent by the union in regard to new hiring, personnel evaluations and decisions on mergers and acquisitions.

—IANS

na/

New Delhi, May 3 (IANS) Pharmaceutical major Alkem Laboratories has come under regulatory scrutiny after the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) issued inspectional observations at its manufacturing facility in Amaliya, Daman, following a recent audit.

The inspection, conducted over 12 days from April 20 to May 1, concluded with the issuance of a Form 483, in which the US regulator flagged seven observations.

A Form 483, formally known as a “Notice of Inspectional Observations,” is issued when investigators identify conditions that may potentially violate provisions of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, particularly those related to manufacturing practices, quality systems, or product safety.

While the company acknowledged receiving the observations, it did not disclose specific details about the issues raised by the regulator.

Alkem Laboratories said it would respond to all seven observations within the stipulated timeline.

The development was formally communicated to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India on May 2, 2026, in line with regulatory disclosure requirements.

The latest scrutiny comes weeks after a positive regulatory milestone for the company. In March, Alkem Laboratories announced that its Daman facility had received a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliance certificate from the Malta Medicines Authority.

The certification followed an inspection conducted on December 9, 2025, and confirmed that the facility met European Union GMP standards. The certificate is valid for a period of three years.

Meanwhile, last month, US health regulator issued a 'Form 483' with three observations to drug maker Lupin.

In a regulatory filing, the pharmaceutical company said that the inspection by the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) was conducted this week between April 13 and April 17.

"The inspection was completed with the issuance of a Form 483 carrying three observations," the drug maker said.

--IANS

pk

New Delhi, May 2 (IANS) Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, said on Saturday that there is no cause for panic over predicted heat conditions in May and unwarranted reactions can be avoided by following weather forecasts and simple precautions.

Southern peninsular India, parts of the northeast and northwest India may see above‑normal temperatures and heat‑wave conditions, but most of the country is likely to experience normal to below‑normal temperatures during the month, an official statement said.

Dr Singh urged citizens to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure during peak heat hours, and remain attentive to the needs of vulnerable individuals in their surroundings. He said that following IMD’s daily updates and impact-based forecasts will help minimise any potential health risks.

Minimum temperatures in several regions are also likely to remain above normal, he added, referring to the latest monthly outlook and extended-range forecast issued by India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Heat wave conditions can be effectively managed through timely preparedness and adherence to advisories issued, he said.

IMD's forecast indicated that heat wave conditions are expected over the Himalayan foothills, parts of the east coast including Odisha, Coastal Andhra Pradesh and adjoining Tamil Nadu, as well as Gujarat and Maharashtra, with an increase of about 2-4 heatwave days above normal in these regions.

Relatively higher temperatures are expected during the second and the fourth weeks of May, which may lead to heat wave conditions across parts of Northwest, Central and West India, along with the East Coast.

The Minister said that higher nighttime temperatures during certain periods may add to heat discomfort, particularly in urban and coastal areas. Hot and humid weather conditions are also likely along the East Coast, Gujarat and Maharashtra.

The prevailing conditions remain generally favourable for harvesting of late Rabi crops in northern and northwestern regions, the minister said.

However, localised heat stress in parts of southern and northeastern India may affect certain summer crops such as rice (Boro), maize and pulses.

Farmers have been advised to carry out field operations during morning and evening hours, ensure light and frequent irrigation, and take protective measures for livestock.

The minister said that the government is fully prepared to deal with heat-related conditions. He emphasized coordinated efforts at the state and district levels to ensure availability of drinking water, functional cooling arrangements and uninterrupted power supply, with special attention to vulnerable groups including infants, the elderly and outdoor workers.

--IANS

aar/na

New Delhi, May 2 (IANS) India is emerging as a leading hub for 'Medical Value Travel' (MVT), with the medical tourism market estimated at about $8.7 billion in 2025 to nearly double to $16.2 billion by 2030, the government said on Saturday.

The global MVT market is valued at about $115.6 billion in 2022 and is estimated to reach around $286.1 billion by 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 10.8 per cent.

"Across the world, rising healthcare costs, long waiting times, and the growing burden of lifestyle diseases are driving patients to seek treatment abroad," an official statement said.

India's rise in MVT is driven by integration of advanced medical infrastructure with traditional wellness systems such as AYUSH. Strong policy support, digital facilitation, and initiatives like AYUSH Visa and Regional Medical Hubs are strengthening the ecosystem.

India’s MVT ecosystem comprises medical tourism for curative interventions and wellness tourism centred on AYUSH systems such as Yoga and Ayurveda.

These two pillars address both advanced clinical treatment needs and the rising global demand for preventive healthcare, the statement noted.

India recorded 9.15 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2025, of which 5,07,244 were for medical treatment. The data showed that medical tourism constitutes approximately 5.5 per cent of total foreign tourist arrivals.

India's top source countries for medical tourists in 2025 were Bangladesh (325,127 arrivals), Iraq (30,989), Uzbekistan (13,699), Somalia (11,506), Turkmenistan (10,231), Oman (9738), and Kenya (9,357).

According to the Medical Tourism Index 2020–21, India ranked 10th among the top 46 medical tourism destinations globally, and fifth among the top 10 wellness destinations in the Asia-Pacific region.

India’s healthcare system is supported by robust quality assurance mechanisms and internationally recognised accreditation standards.

Hospitals and healthcare providers across the country obtain accreditation from the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) which has rigorous benchmarks for patient safety and quality of care.

Looking ahead, the government highlighted that the Union Budget 2026–27 proposed five Regional Medical Hubs with integrated medical, educational and research facilities. Each hub will include AYUSH centres and MVT facilitation centres, the statement noted.

—IANS

aar/na

Seoul, May 2 (IANS) Unionized workers at Samsung Biologics, the biotech arm of Samsung Group, continued to stage a strike on Saturday for a second day, according to union officials, with the union and the company showing little signs of bridging gaps over wages and other issues.

The union of Samsung Biologics began the strike on Friday, marking the first walkout since the company's establishment in 2011, reports Yonhap news agency.

The union is seeking a 14 percent increase in both base and performance-related pay, a one-off cash incentive of 30 million won per worker and bonuses equivalent to 20 percent of annual operating profit.

The company has proposed a combined 6.2 percent increase in base and performance pay.

Samsung Biologics said earlier it was deploying all available personnel to minimise disruption but acknowledged that some impact to operations may be unavoidable.

The company estimated that losses from a full-scale strike could exceed 640 billion won (US$433 million), roughly half of its first-quarter sales of 1.26 trillion won.

In a message to employees released Friday, the company's President and Chief Executive Officer John Rim urged them to carefully consider whether to participate in the strike, warning it could lead to irreversible losses for both the company and its employees.

"The company will continue sincere dialogue with the union to help stabilise labor-management relations and build a workplace based on mutual trust and respect," he said.

Negotiations between the two sides have failed to bridge significant differences despite 13 rounds of talks held between December and March.

Last month, Samsung Biologics filed for a court injunction to block the planned strike. The court partially upheld the request, restricting industrial action across three of the company's nine production stages while allowing strike activities to proceed in the remaining six. The company immediately appealed the ruling.

Samsung Biologics and its union are scheduled to meet again on Monday under mediation by a regional labour office of the labour ministry to discuss the direction of future negotiations.

—IANS

na/

New Delhi, May 1 (IANS) The six new Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for medical assistive technologies, part of the NLEAP (National List of Essential Assistive Products) initiative brought about by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), aim to serve as a guideline for policymakers, healthcare providers, and the concerned stakeholders for provision of assistive products as well as support the development of assistive technologies across the country, the government said on Friday.

Standards for ‘elbow crutches’ specifies requirements and test methods, fully equipped with handgrip and tip including requirements relating to safety, ergonomics, performance, and information to be supplied by the manufacturer, including marking and labelling.

New Standards for ‘walking sticks’ covers the requirements pertaining to material, shape, dimensions, workmanship, finish and performance of walking sticks (including wooden, cane, aluminium, plastic and rubber).

This is an indigenous standard developed after consultation with the technical experts from the Indian industry, said Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.

Moreover, the Standards for ‘Walking sticks’ specifies requirements and methods of walking sticks with three or more legs and fully equipped with handle and tips. It also gives the requirements relating to safety, ergonomics, performance, marking and labelling.

The Standards for ‘Accessible Design’ explains what information tactile guide maps should include and how they should be designed and displayed. These maps help people who are blind or have low vision understand buildings (like public places, transport areas, and parks) and nearby routes, so they can move around safely and easily, according to the ministry.

Another ‘Accessible Design’ Standards specifies the fundamental requirements for braille used on signage, equipment and appliances, including the dimensional parameters of braille and the characteristics of materials used, and the guidelines for practical implementation.

The ‘portable ramps’ Standard specifies the requirement for ramps for wheelchair users, as well as people pushing strollers, carts, or other wheeled objects, to more easily access steps, buildings, and other transportation systems.

This standard is applicable to portable ramps used for people with a range of mobility problems using powered or manual wheelchairs, mobility aids, older people, and children on with or without assistance of a caregiver to improve freedom of movement around a variety of environments, including the home, place of work, or local community.

“There is a growing need for standards in the area of Assistive Products that are crucial for enhancing the quality of life and promoting independence among individuals with functional impairments. By developing standards aligning with the global practices and their compliance would ensure that products of Indian Domestic Manufacturers meet international quality benchmarks and eligible for export to international markets,” said the statement.

--IANS

na/

Mumbai, April 30 (IANS) Dr Lal PathLabs on Thursday reported a decline of 15.2 per cent in its net profit for the fourth quarter ended March 31 (Q4 FY26).

The diagnostic chain posted a net profit of Rs 131.3 crore for Q4, compared to Rs 154.8 crore in the corresponding period previous financial year (Q4 FY25), according to its stock exchange filing.

The drop in profit came despite a healthy rise in revenue, which grew 16.6 per cent year-on-year to Rs 702.7 crore compared to Rs 602.6 crore, driven by steady demand and higher test volumes across its portfolio.

Operating performance showed moderate growth, with EBITDA increasing 11 per cent to Rs 186.8 crore from Rs 169 crore a year ago, as per its regulatory filing.

However, margins came under pressure during the quarter, with EBITDA margin slipping to 26.6 per cent from 28 per cent in the year-ago period.

In a shareholder-friendly move, the board has recommended a final dividend of Rs 4 per equity share, equivalent to 40 per cent on a face value of Rs 10, for FY26.

The dividend payout is subject to approval at the upcoming annual general meeting, and the record date to determine eligible shareholders has been set as June 26, 2026.

Following the earnings announcement, shares of Dr Lal PathLabs ended 1.7 per cent lower at Rs 1,374 on the NSE on April 30.

In last five days, the shares of the firm were dropped by Rs 41 or 2.90 per cent. The stock has delivered a positive return of Rs 50.40 or 3.81 per cent in last one month.

In last six months, it has dropped nearly Rs 194 or 12.36 per cent. On year-to-date (YTD) basis, it gave negative return of Rs 135.80 or 8.99 per cent to its investors.

--IANS

pk