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.
Jharkhand HC Adopts The ‘Takes One To Know One’ Barometer For Proving Medical Negligence
The Jharkhand High Court has passed an order clarifying that a private complaint of medical negligence cannot be entertained unless there is prima facie evidence in the form of credible opinion of another doctor to support the stance of negligence. The High Court also relied on the judgments of the Supreme Court in determining this process for proving medical negligence.
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.
New CGHS Card Guidelines for Serving and Retired Employees
These updates reflect technological advancements and changes in CGHS contribution methods. This Office Memorandum (OM) was issued on June 28, 2024 and the revised guidelines contained therein shall come into effect from July 28, 2024.
Revised Guidelines For Referral Process in CGHS
The revised guidelines state that referral from a CGHS Wellness Centre Medical Officer (MO) is valid for three months. During this period, beneficiaries can consult up to three specialists on the referring doctor’s recommendation. A maximum of six consultations are allowed within the three-month validity. CGHS beneficiaries aged 70 and above can now avail consultations, investigations, and treatment procedures previously limited to those 75 and above. Moreover, teleconsultation through e-Sanjeevani remains an option.
Indian Organ Donation Day To Be Celebrated On August 3, 2024
The Government of India is launching a major campaign, “Angdaan Jan Jagrukta Abhiyaan” (Mass Awareness Campaign on Organ Donation), to promote organ donation and bridge the gap between those needing transplants and available donors. All Central Government Ministries, hospitals, and medical colleges (both public and private) are urged to organize activities during the July campaign month and on August 3rd, 2024.
India Mandates Polio Vaccination for Travelers Entering The Country
Travelers must obtain a valid OPV (Oral Polio Vaccine) or IPV (Inactivated Polio Vaccine) certificate issued by a designated health officer in their home country. The advisory is effective for travel since May 1, 2024. However, due to limited OPV availability in some listed countries, it is revised to now accept IPV vaccination.
India Leads the Way in Drafting Legal Framework for “One Health” Initiative
The consultation aims to assess India’s current legal framework for “One Health” activities. Participants will identify gaps and overlaps in existing laws and regulations, fostering multi-sectoral dialogue to develop actionable recommendations. The goal is to create a legal environment that facilitates collaboration between sectors responsible for human, animal, and environmental health.
Guidelines For Withdrawal of Life Support In Terminally Ill Patients
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) has issued new guidelines for healthcare providers on withdrawing or withholding life support in terminally ill patients. These guidelines will be available in the public domain for public comments for a period of 1 month.
Referral Policy For Hospitals in Delhi NCR
The policy discourages unnecessary transfers between tertiary hospitals. Resuscitation and first-aid are mandatory before referral. Terminally ill or brain-dead patients are generally not referred unless organ transplantation is a possibility, following patient counseling.
