Stricter Rules Proposed for Disposal of Ultrasound Machines
Ultrasound clinics and imaging centers will be required to inform authorities within seven days of disposing of old, unused or obsolete ultrasound machines or imaging machines. Renewal of licenses for facilities operating these machines will be contingent upon the proper disposal of old machines. Additionally, there will be no permission granted for addition or procurement of a new machines until old machines are disposed in prescribed manner.
New Hand Transplant Registry System on NOTTO Web Portal
The National Organ & Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) has announced the registration for hand transplant recipients on its web portal. OTTO has authorized hand transplant centers and hospitals to register hand transplant recipients under the “BONE” category within the tissue section.
Government Enhances Recognition for Deceased Organ Donors and Families
In addition to the funeral assistance, the MoHFW has authorized a felicitation ceremony for deceased organ donors and their families. This involves presenting a shawl, certificate with frame, and flowers to the deceased donor’s family member(s) at the time of donation. The maximum cost per donor is Rs. 1,000.
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.
Ensuring Access to Antivenom: Transparency in Hospital Provision
In a recent directive from the Kerala Health Minister, the names of hospitals offering antivenom treatment for snakebites are set to be disclosed. Acting upon the Chief Minister’s guidance, the Health Department has been instructed to publicize these details both at district and state levels.
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.
