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Shimla, April 13 (IANS) A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) delegation on Monday met the Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta at Raj Bhavan here and submitted a memorandum opposing two key decisions of the state government, terming them "anti-people and impractical".

Raising concerns over the proposed shifting of gynaecology department from the century-old Kamla Nehru Hospital to Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMCH), the BJP leaders said the move could adversely impact maternal and neonatal healthcare services in the state.

They added that the Kamla Nehru Hospital has served as a critical healthcare institution for women and newborns for nearly a century.

The BJP said that the process is being carried out through a "silent shifting" mechanism without any formal notification or adequate planning.

"The IGMCH is already operating beyond its capacity. Forcing a 300-bed specialised facility into an overburdened institution will compromise healthcare delivery and patient safety," the delegation said.

The memorandum also highlighted that more than Rs 20 crore of public funds had been invested in upgrading the Kamla Nehru Hospital, which now risks being rendered ineffective.

The BJP also raised concerns regarding the possible alternative use of the hospital land and demanded a transparent inquiry into the matter.

In addition, the delegation objected to the steep increase in pass fees for restricted and regulated roads in Shimla city.

According to the BJP, the proposed revision increased the processing fee from Rs 100 to Rs 500 and the pass fee from Rs 2,000 to Rs 10,000, placing a significant financial burden on residents, traders and employees.

The party termed the move "arbitrary and revenue-driven", saying such measures would create unnecessary hardship and public resentment.

It also criticised the inclusion of stringent penal provisions, including heavy fines and possible imprisonment, calling them disproportionate and contrary to democratic norms.

The BJP urged the Governor to take cognisance of both issues and direct the state government to maintain the existing services at Kamla Nehru Hospital and roll back the proposed hike in pass fees.

The delegation, comprised party's state General Secretary Sanjeev Katwal, media convenor Karan Nanda and treasurer Kamal Sood, concluded by saying the BJP would intensify its agitation against what it described as 'anti-people' decisions of the state government.

--IANS

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New Delhi, April 13 (IANS) India is poised to lead the global pharmaceutical landscape due to its focus on biologics, biosimilars and specialty medicines, Health Minister JP Nadda said on Monday.

The minister highlighted that the government recently launched Biopharma Shakti Initiative with an outlay of Rs 10,000 crore, to advance capabilities in biopharmaceutical innovation, foster innovation and strengthen research capabilities.

Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Anupriya Patel, underlined the need for industry to intensify its focus on innovation-driven segments as innovative drugs account for nearly 87 per cent of the global pharmaceutical market value, the statement said.

Nadda mentioned complementary initiatives such as PRIP scheme for promoting research in pharmaceuticals and medical technology, Production-Linked Incentive programmes, and Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana, supporting domestic manufacturing, affordable access to medicines, and deepening industry-academia collaboration as well as development of innovative therapies.

He added that the 'India Pharma 2026' event provides a vital platform to foster dialogue, partnerships, and a forward-looking roadmap for the sector.

India is undergoing a significant transition from being a global generics leader to an emerging biopharma innovation hub, Patel said.

The country currently contributes nearly 20 per cent of global generic medicines and meets around 70 per cent of global vaccine demand, underscoring the country’s robust manufacturing capabilities, she added.

Emphasising future opportunities, Patel said that the global demand for biologics and biosimilars is expanding rapidly, with the biosimilars market projected to reach $75 billion by 2030.

She stressed focusing on human capital through premier institutions such as NIPERs and IITs to support advanced research and innovation.

The ministers attended 9th edition of 'India Pharma 2026', a two-day conference organised by the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP), in collaboration with FICCI and the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA). The event brings together key stakeholders from across the global pharmaceutical and healthcare ecosystem, with a strong focus on innovation, self-reliance, and global leadership.

—IANS

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New Delhi, April 13 (IANS) The National Health Authority (NHA) has received over 2,600 registrations so far for the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) Auto-Adjudication Hackathon 2026, aimed at driving digital innovation in health claims processing, the government said on Monday.

According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, AB PM-JAY - the flagship health assurance scheme -- currently processes nearly 50,000 claims daily across more than 1,900 treatment packages.

However, only 15–20 per cent of claims are auto-adjudicated, highlighting the need for scalable and technology-driven solutions, it said.

The hackathon seeks to develop advanced systems for automated claims adjudication by leveraging artificial intelligence, fraud detection tools, standardised documentation, and real-time verification to improve speed, accuracy, and transparency.

The government also said that interested students, researchers, developers, startups, and professionals can register for the hackathon till April 13 -- which started on March 31 -- through the official portal.

To support participants, NHA will conduct a three-part masterclass series starting April 13, offering insights into claims processing systems and solution pathways. The sessions will be held on April 13, 15 and 16 from 2 pm to 4 pm.

Moreover, the hackathon will culminate in a two-day offline finale on May 8–9 at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, where shortlisted teams will present their solutions before a jury comprising experts from healthcare, technology, and public policy.

After the sessions, winners will receive cash prizes of Rs 5 lakh, Rs 3 lakh, and Rs 2 lakh for each problem statement, along with opportunities for potential collaboration with NHA.

The initiative is part of efforts to strengthen digital health infrastructure and enhance efficiency, transparency, and service delivery under the AB PM-JAY scheme, according to the government.

--IANS

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New Delhi, April 12 (IANS) The ‘World Homoeopathy Day 2026’ served as a comprehensive platform for deliberations on clinical advancements, policy frameworks, research priorities, and the future roadmap of homoeopathy, according to an official statement.

The two-day event here reaffirmed the growing significance of homoeopathy in advancing sustainable and integrative healthcare.

The event brought together senior officials from the Ministry of Ayush, experts, researchers, and representatives of leading homoeopathic institutions, said Ayush Ministry.

Alarmelmangai D, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting and integrating homoeopathy into the broader healthcare framework, emphasising its growing role in advancing accessible, sustainable, and patient-centric healthcare systems.

The ceremony also featured recognition of distinguished contributions to the field of homoeopathy.

The event further celebrated the next generation of practitioners through a group photo session of approximately 90 students, including STSH and MD awardees.

The convention, under the theme “Homoeopathy for Sustainable Health” and the vision of “Infinite Possibilities,” served as a comprehensive platform exploring the convergence of traditional principles with modern scientific innovation.

The National Institute of Homoeopathy (NIH) showcased its clinical leadership through evidence-based case presentations on complex conditions, including brain tumours, autoimmune disorders, and endometriotic cysts.

Expert-led sessions explored paediatric homoeopathy, the therapeutic potential of newer remedies such as Cassia fistula, and the evolving field of Agro-Homoeopathy in agricultural applications.

A multidisciplinary session brought together pulmonologists, oncologists, and neurologists to discuss the role of homoeopathy alongside conventional medicine, emphasising collaborative patient care.

Homoeopathy’s role within the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy was examined, highlighting global opportunities and challenges. Discussions also focused on modernising practices through scientific innovation and addressing issues like drug resistance.

The scope of homoeopathy extended into veterinary science, presenting evidence-based approaches for animal healthcare.

A high-level session led by the Ministry of Ayush and the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) outlined strategic priorities and the future direction of research in the field.

—IANS

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New Delhi, April 11 (IANS) Health Ministry is reportedly considering banning prescriptions of paediatric cough syrups for children under two years and discouraging their use for those under five.

Reports said that the move under a draft of the National Formulary of India (NFI) 2026, released by the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission, marks a notable shift in prescribing norms after a series of contamination-linked deaths last year.

There was, however, no official word from Health Ministry on the reports.

The draft NFI, which acts as a guide for doctors and pharmacists by standardising drug information on dosage, indications, contraindications and side‑effects, explicitly states that “cough and cold medications should not be prescribed or dispensed to children under two years”.

Further, it added that such medications are generally not recommended for those below five without careful clinical evaluation and close supervision.

The draft also placed the onus of independently testing inputs and final products on pharmaceutical firms to ensure accountability across the supply chain. Industry bodies, including the Indian Drugs Manufacturers Association, are currently reviewing the draft for feedback.

The move follows contamination‑linked deaths in 2025 linked to toxic industrial solvents such as diethylene glycol (DEG) and ethylene glycol (EG) found in liquid oral formulations.

The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) updated standards for high-risk excipients including glycerin, propylene glycol, sorbitol solution and liquid maltitol, to tackle the contamination issue as these ingredients may carry DEG impurities.

Manufacturers are mandated to use pharmacopoeial-grade solvents and conduct rigorous batch-wise testing of key inputs and finished products in approved laboratories, with detailed records maintenance.

Public health experts and doctors welcomed the move, saying cough syrups offer only limited therapeutic benefit for infants with disproportionate risks.

Cough is a natural protective reflex and treatment should focus on underlying causes rather than symptom suppression, they said.

—IANS

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New Delhi, April 11 (IANS) Aligned with India’s vision of emerging as a global pharma innovation hub, the ‘India Pharma 2026’ aims to accelerate the sector’s transition from a volume-driven model to a value- and innovation-led global powerhouse, according to an official statement on Saturday.

The Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, is set to organise the 9th edition of India Pharma 2026, in association with FICCI and the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA) on April 13-14 here.

The event will be inaugurated by JP Nadda, Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers, and Anupriya Patel, Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers.

According to the ministry, the conference serves as a platform for sectoral growth and international collaboration, focusing on India’s pharmaceutical capabilities, research and development (R&D), and the resilience of global supply chains.

The theme, titled ‘Discover in India: Leapfrogging Life-Sciences Innovation,’ highlights the transformative potential of life sciences in enhancing healthcare access, driving economic growth, and strengthening global health systems.

India continues to play a pivotal role in the global supply of affordable, high-quality medicines. Building on this strong foundation, India Pharma 2026 aims to accelerate the sector’s transition from a volume-driven model to a value- and innovation-led global powerhouse, said the ministry.

The event will witness the participation of a distinguished lineup of policymakers, industry leaders, and domain experts from across the pharmaceutical sector.

Prominent dignitaries include Manoj Joshi, Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals; Punya Salila Srivastava, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; and Prof. Vinod K. Paul, Member, NITI Aayog.

The event will also feature eminent domain experts such as Dr. Renu Swarup, Former Secretary, Department of Biotechnology; and Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, CEO, Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).

Apart from a dedicated special session, ‘Start-up Showcase’, the two-day event will feature six plenary sessions.

--IANS

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New Delhi, April 11 (IANS) The clinical laboratory at the Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI), Bengaluru, has been awarded ‘ISO 15189:2022’ accreditation for both biochemistry and haematology — becoming the first institute under the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) to achieve this distinction, it was announced on Saturday.

In a significant milestone for quality-assured healthcare under the Ministry of Ayush, the accreditation assures patients that the laboratory delivers accurate, reliable, and safe diagnostic results in line with globally accepted quality standards.

According to Ayush Ministry, the achievement marks the laboratory’s transformation from an entry-level NABL-certified facility to a fully established, accredited centre of excellence.

“Accreditation to international standards ensures that patients receive reliable and precise diagnostic services, which are essential for effective treatment and improved health outcomes. This achievement by CARI Bengaluru showcases how the Ministry is steadily transforming Ayush infrastructure into a benchmark of quality and reliability,” said Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush.

The recognition of CARI Bengaluru as the first CCRAS institute with ISO 15189:2022 accreditation in both Biochemistry and Haematology is a landmark step in integrating high-quality diagnostics with traditional systems of medicine. It reinforces our focus on evidence-based practice, research, and patient-centric care, added Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush.

The laboratory currently holds NABL accreditation for 50 test parameters across Biochemistry and Haematology.

It offers a comprehensive range of diagnostic services, including blood glucose, HbA1c, liver and kidney function tests, lipid and thyroid profiles, electrolytes, and complete blood counts, among others—enabling accurate assessment of metabolic, hormonal, and blood-related conditions.

During 2025–26, the laboratory conducted over 1.52 lakh investigations, serving more than 9,300 patients — demonstrating its growing capacity and commitment to quality diagnostics.

Professor Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General, CCRAS said that the recent NABL accreditation of CARI Bengaluru, building on its earlier NABH and NABL entry-level certifications and ongoing BIS IS/ISO 9001:2015 progression, along with its role as an Ayurveda Science Incubation Centre under the Ministry of Ayush, significantly elevates quality standards, positioning Ayurveda research and innovation at the highest level of scientific rigour and excellence.

--IANS

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Ranchi, April 10 (IANS) The Jharkhand government has taken a strict stance on the disposal of bio-medical waste, making it clear that untreated waste must not be stored for more than 48 hours under any circumstances.

At a high-level meeting held on Friday, chaired by Ajay Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary of the Department of Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare, Jharkhand, it was decided to formulate a comprehensive new framework for bio-medical waste management in the state.

Under the proposed government guidelines, the existing barcoding and GPS-based tracking systems will be further strengthened to ensure end-to-end monitoring of waste handling.

The government said special emphasis has been placed on enforcing the 48-hour disposal deadline to reduce the risks of infection and environmental contamination.

Additional Chief Secretary Ajay Kumar Singh stressed that negligence in bio-medical waste management will not be tolerated, citing its direct impact on public health and the environment.

He directed officials to ensure that the entire process -- from collection to final disposal -- is carried out scientifically and transparently.

Officials informed the meeting that five Common Bio-medical Waste Treatment Facilities are currently operational in the state and are handling waste disposal safely. The new measures are expected to further improve the system’s efficiency in the state.

They said strict action will be taken against hospitals and healthcare institutions found violating the norms, including the imposition of environmental compensation and possible cancellation of registration.

Additionally, directions have been issued to ensure scientific disposal methods, such as deep burial, are followed in remote and inaccessible areas.

Officials expressed confidence that the new guidelines will make Jharkhand’s bio-medical waste management system more effective, accountable, and secure.’

Bio-medical waste management is a systematic process of segregating, collecting, transporting, treating, and safely disposing of waste generated during the diagnosis, treatment, or immunisation of humans/animals at a health facility.

--IANS

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New Delhi, April 8 (IANS) The government is set to celebrate the 8th edition of ‘Poshan Pakhwada’, reaffirming the commitment to improving nutritional outcomes across the country.

According to the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the Pakhwada from April 9-23 focuses on “Maximising Brain Development in the First Six Years of Life”, recognising that early childhood — particularly the first 1,000 days — is critical for brain development, physical growth, and overall well-being.

Scientific evidence indicates that over 85 per cent of brain development occurs by the age of six, underscoring the importance of optimal nutrition, responsive caregiving, and early learning.

Underscoring the importance of nutrition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasised that “a well-nourished child is the foundation of a strong nation. Poshan Abhiyaan is not just a government programme, but a people’s movement to ensure holistic nutrition for every mother and child.”

The national launch of ‘Poshan Pakhwada 2026’ will take place in Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, under the visionary leadership of Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Annpurna Devi, in the presence of Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Savitri Thakur.

The key focus areas under this year’s theme include Maternal and Child Nutrition; Early Stimulation for Brain Development (0–3 years); Play-Based Education in Early Years (3–6 years); Role of Parents and Community in Minimising Screen Time; and Strengthening Anganwadi Centres through Community Participation – Enhancing infrastructure and service delivery through Jan Bhagidari and CSR.

During the Pakhwada, activities will be organised across states and Union Territories through Anganwadi Centers, with participation from mothers, caregivers, families, community institutions, and local bodies. These will include Poshan Panchayats, awareness sessions, early stimulation activities, play-based learning initiatives, and campaigns promoting healthy lifestyles and reduced screen time among young children, according to the government.

--IANS

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Ulan Bator, April 8 (IANS) At least 20,000 women in their 30s and 40s will undergo screening for the human papillomavirus (HPV), a leading cause of cervical cancer, in Mongolia this year, local media reported, citing the country's health ministry.

The ministry emphasised that cervical cancer is preventable and urged women in the targeted age group to actively participate in the screening programme.

According to the National Centre for Communicable Diseases, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in Mongolia and the fourth most common cancer nationwide.

In 2025, Mongolia, with a population of 3.5 million, recorded 551 new cases of cervical cancer and 171 related deaths, Xinhua news agency reported.

HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection. Almost all sexually active people will be infected at some point in their lives, usually without symptoms.

HPV can affect the skin, genital area and throat.

Condoms help prevent HPV but do not offer total protection because they do not cover all the genital skin.

HPV usually goes away on its own without treatment. Some HPV infections cause genital warts. Others can cause abnormal cells to develop, which go on to become cancer.

Cancers from HPV can be prevented with vaccines.

The vaccine does not contain any live virus or DNA from the virus so it cannot cause cancer or other HPV-related illnesses. The HPV vaccine is not used to treat HPV infections or diseases caused by HPV, but instead to prevent the development of cancers.

Currently, cervical cancer is the only HPV-caused cancer for which screening tests are available. Screening tests are used to check for disease when there are no symptoms. The goal of screening for cervical cancer is to find precancerous cell changes before they become cancer and when treatment can prevent cancer from developing. Screening for cervical cancer is an important part of routine health care for people who have a cervix. This includes women and transgender men who still have a cervix.

Cervical cancer is the most common type of cancer caused by HPV, other less common cancers affecting men and women, including anal, vulvar, vaginal, mouth/throat and penile cancers.

--IANS

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