Government on High Alert Amidst Resurgence of Mpox in Africa
The Health Ministry had issued a communicable disease alert, sensitized airport health teams, and conducted a video conference with state health authorities to strengthen surveillance and response capabilities. A network of 32 laboratories is equipped for testing, and protocols for prevention and treatment are being widely disseminated.
NMC Issues Advisory for Safe Work Environment in Medical Colleges
The advisory emphasizes the importance of developing comprehensive safety policies encompassing the entire campus, including OPDs, wards, casualty areas, hostels, and residential quarters. Adequate lighting, CCTV surveillance, and robust security measures are deemed essential for ensuring the safety of all staff members.
Prohibition of Manufacture, Sale and Distribution Of S(+)Etodolac + Paracetamol
The Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) was tasked with examining the necessity of prohibition of the FDC. After careful deliberation and considering the scientific evidence, the DTAB concluded that the FDC lacked therapeutic justification and posed potential risks to human health. This finding was instrumental in the government’s decision to impose a complete ban on the drug.
Once Bitten And Twice Shy: India Battles Against Vector-Borne Diseases
The resurgence of dengue and malaria cases in India has ignited a pressing need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to combat this vector-borne disease. The high-level inter-ministerial meeting convened by the Union Health Secretary underscored the gravity of the situation and the urgent steps required to prevent an outbreak of dengue. Additionally, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has also issued a press release on its measures for prevention of malaria.
NOTTO Publishes Organ Transport SOPs – 2024
The National Organ & Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) has released new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to streamline and expedite the transport of live human organs across the country. The SOPs aim to ensure the safe and efficient transfer of organs for transplantation.
Draft Western Ghats Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) Notified
Several activities will be prohibited or regulated within the ESA, including mining, expansion of existing polluting industries, and large-scale construction projects. Existing mining operations will be phased out within five years. However, existing healthcare facilities and repair/extension of residential houses are exempted.
India Launches National One Health Mission for Pandemic Preparedness
Recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, the mission aims to foster collaboration among various sectors for a comprehensive approach to public health emergencies. The mission will establish a robust surveillance network to monitor disease outbreaks across different species.
New Format for Consent Forms Proposed Under PCPNDT Act
This proposed new consent will be required for all invasive or non- invasive techniques, tests or procedures. The new proposed consent form seeks to explicitly include consent from the husband, partner or father of the patient. Such consent also expressly states that breach of the consent shall make such person liable to be penalized under the Act.
Great Overhaul Proposed In Application and Registration Forms Under PCPNDT
The new proposed form seeks detailed information about the applicant, the facility, and the services offered. It also includes specific requirements for the disposal of old ultrasound machines and other equipment to prevent their misuse for sex determination. Additionally, the proposed revised certificate will specifically mention the procedures that are not specified in the current certificates such as echocardiography, ophthalmology, urology, veterinary purposes, etc.
Fixed Timelines Proposed For Registration and Renewal Under PNDT Act
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) is proposing to regulate processing time for registration and renewal applications under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC&PNDT) Act, 1994. The proposed amendments aim to expedite the decision-making process for registration and renewal applications, with a target turnaround time of 70 days.
