BIS Invests in R&D to Drive Standardisation
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has announced the sanction of 82 research and development (R&D) projects to bolster its standardisation efforts. These projects, awarded to faculty members from institutions like IITs and NITs, will focus on cutting-edge domains such as artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, medical devices, renewable energy, and sustainability.
MoHFW Notifies New Draft Drug Rules (….Amendment),2024
On July 10, 2024, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare proposed amendments to the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, focusing on Schedule G drugs:
Rule 74: Includes Schedule G drugs in specific regulatory requirements.
Rule 74A: Adds guidelines for manufacturing and distribution of Schedule G drugs.
Rule 74B: Specifies safety measures for Schedule G drugs.
Rule 78: Strengthens oversight in licensing and registration for Schedule G drugs.
Rule 78A: Details responsibilities for manufacturers and distributors of Schedule G drugs.
Body Donation Encouraged As An Alternative To Organ Donation
The Director General of Health Services (DGHS) has issued a letter encouraging hospitals across India to promote body donation as an alternative when organ donation is not feasible. This initiative aims to address the shortage of human cadavers for medical education and research.
Government Launches New Initiatives To Enhance Healthcare & Ease of Doing Business in India
Union Ministers of State for Health and Family Welfare have unveiled three significant initiatives aimed at improving healthcare services and promoting ease of doing business in India. These initiatives include a virtual National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) assessment for Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAM); a dashboard which will help national, state and district health institutions and facilities in quickly monitoring compliance with respect to Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) and taking actions accordingly; and a spot food licence and registration initiative for food vendors.
Guidelines For Ethical Use Of Biological Samples For Commercial Purpose
Human biological samples, often collected during diagnosis or treatment, can be a valuable resource for therapeutic advancements and improving patient outcomes and diagnostic accuracy. These guidelines aim to ensure this process is conducted ethically and transparently.
FSSAI Warns Against Sale of Human Milk and Milk Products
The FSSAI has categorically emphasized that it has not authorized the processing or sale of human milk under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act) and its associated regulations. The FSSAI emphasizes that all activities related to the commercial sale of human milk and its products must cease immediately. Violators risk legal action under the FSS Act.
Clarification Issued on Blood Center Licensing for Hospitals
CDSCO has clarified that “blood centers run by hospitals” means blood center located in the hospital premises. Applications for grant / renewal of license for blood center run by a hospital will be considered according to where such centre is located.
CDSCO Warns Staff Against Improper Use of Digital Signatures
Digital Signature Certificates enable secure electronic signatures for online processes like form submissions, No Objection Certificates (NOCs), and document transmission. CDSCO emphasizes that employees must use their DSCs personally in their official capacities.
National Symposium on Organ Donation and Transplantation
The symposium underlined the pressing need for a national policy while acknowledging the importance of local considerations and addressing issues like privacy and inequity. The emphasis remains on promoting public trust, professional procedures, and policy and procedural uniformity across the country.
CDSCO Appoints Grievance Redressal Officer For Persons With Disabilities
This grievance redressal officer will redressing the grievances of Persons with Disabilities. This appointment was notified by the OM dated April 12, 2024.