In view of the recent reports of detection of certain newer variants of SARS-CoV-2 virus reported globally, Dr. P.K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to Hon’ble Prime Minister chaired a high-level meeting to review the global and national COVID-19 situation, newer variants in circulation and their public health impact.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Vinod Paul, Member, NITI Aayog; Shri. Rajiv Gauba, Cabinet Secretary; Shri. Amit Khare, Advisor PMO; Shri. Sudhansh Pant, Secretary, Health and Family Welfare; Shri. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary DHR and DG ICMR; Shri. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, Biotechnology and Ms. Punya Salila Srivastava, Additional Secretary to PM.
An overview of the global COVID-19 situation was given by Secretary (Health) including certain newer variants of SARS-CoV-2 virus like BA.2.86 (Pirola) and EG.5 (Eris), which have been reported globally. He underlined that as per World Health Organization (WHO), while EG.5 (Eris) has been reported from over 50 countries, the variant BA.2.86 (Pirola) is in four countries.
It was highlighted that while globally a total of 2,96,219 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in the past 7 days, India which contributes to nearly 17% of global population, has reported only 223 cases (0.075% of global new cases) in the past week. He added that the daily average of new COVID-19 cases continues to be below 50 from the entire country and the country has managed to maintain weekly test positivity rate of less than 0.2%. An overview of the Genome Sequencing of different variants circulating in India was also provided.
After detailed deliberations, Dr. P. K. Mishra highlighted that while the COVID-19 situation in the country remains stable and public health systems in the country remain geared up, there is need for States to monitor trends of ILI/SARI cases, send sufficient samples for testing of Covid-19 while ramping up Whole Genome Sequencing and maintain close watch on the new global variants.
“Always keep your nation first, this is not optional, this is not imperative, this is the only way, all of us owe it to the nation.” This was stated by Shri Jagdeep Dhankar, Vice President of India, as he delivered the convocation address at the 48th AIIMS, New Delhi Convocation, in the presence of Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, and Shri SP Singh Baghel, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare.
In his address, the Vice president said, “Those stepping out in the larger world of health sector from this prestigious institute will ever carry a message that is reflected in the motto of AIIMS:"शरीमाद्यम खलु धर्मसाधनम" (A healthy body is the vehicle of all our virtues).” The Vice President extended his greetings to six retired faculty member, who are being conferred the life time Achievement award, and said that their life and work will inspire the students graduating today.
Congratulating the students who were taking their degrees today, the Shri Dhankar said, “Congratulations to you, your parents who you have made proud today, and the faculty and staff, which are the spinal strength of an institute.” The Vice President also acknowledged AIIMS’s commitment to create an ecosystem of excellence in healthcare, “It is heartening to see AIIMS forging partnership with other premier institutions like IITs of Delhi, Kharagpur and many other institutions within the country and abroad.”
The Vice President remarked that the convocation which was taking place after the period of 3 years, is a reminder of the Covid pandemic. “This interregnum spelt out to the world how successfully India, home to one sixth of humanity, has combated and contained Covid menace. This was primarily due to painstaking efforts of our health warriors. The vision of the Prime Minister and his innovative strategy and its seamless execution has secured unprecedented participation of the people.” Enunciating India’s efforts in fighting the covid-19 pandemic globally, the Prime Minister said, “The challenge that the pandemic presented to humanity has revealed to the world our age old civilizational ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam in action. It is eminently befitting that the G-20 motto "One Earth One Family One Future" is definitive of our civilization essence. It is a moment of great pride for all of us that India while effectively tackling the Covid pandemic engaged in supporting more than 100 nations by making available Covaxin under Vaccine Maitri.”
The Vice President highlighted the success of several policy initiatives in healthcare, including the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), “This monumental success of SBM not only empowers the citizens, particularly women, with dignity but also fosters the health of the community at large.” Embracing another global contribution, International Yoga Day, Shri Dhankar said that Yoga is a gift from India to the world. This celebration has ushered in a positive transformation in the health and well-being of individuals worldwide. The Vice President further said that the establishment of a separate AYUSH Ministry signifies a dedication to holistic approaches to well-being, integrating traditional and modern practices for comprehensive healthcare solutions.
Shri Dhankar stressed on the role of healthcare providers in society and said, “Everything in life can be regained – a wife, a kingdom, a friend, and wealth. However, the body stands as an exception, unreplaceable and priceless, which is why the role that healthcare providers play in society is irreplaceable. Drawing from the timeless wisdom encapsulated in the Sanskrit mantra, "सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः, सर्वे सन्तु निरामयः" – "May all be happy, may all be free from illness" – the Vice President concluded his address.
Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya congratulating the students said, “Today marks a very important day for those receiving their degree, as they have finished one innings in life, and are starting a new chapter in their lives.” He reflected on the moment of change in the life of the students and said, “You stand at the precipice of change, as now you will be able to put into practice all that you have learnt in your education, and wherever you decide to go, remember that the nation looks at you with hope, that you will use this platform to make healthcare more accessible and affordable.” The Minister acknowledged that two years later, AIIMS will be celebrating it’s 50th convocation, and said “On the 50th Convocation of AIIMS, let us honour all the doctors from this prestigious institution, wherever in the world they may be.”
The Minister highlighted that health is also a form of development, “If citizens of a country are healthy, only then can a nation be prosperous.” He further stressed that medical colleges in the country had doubled to 1,07,000 now, from 48,000 in 2014. Dr. Mandaviya reflected that to plug the gaps in healthcare, Rs. 64000 crores are being invested across the 750 districts of India, to create a more resilient healthcare system in the country.
He exhorted the students to take a resolution to serve their country, and be inspired from that resolution daily. Dr. Mandaviya further thanked the role that the parents of the students, as well as faculty had played in the education of these students.
Ramesh Bidhuri, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, Dr. M Srinivas, Director, AIIMS, and several senior officials from AIIMS, and the Union Health Ministry were part of the convocation ceremony.
T“Collective and collaborative efforts within South East Asian Region countries would be key to ending TB.” This was stated by the Union Health Minister, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya delivered keynote address at the Ministerial meeting – Sustain, Accelerate and Innovate to end TB in the South-East Asia Region co-chaired by Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General, WHO at Gandhinagar today. They were joined by Dr Hans Henri Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Director, WHO SEARO today.
Health Ministers of Member States of the WHO South- East Asia Region H. E Mr Zahid Maleque Hon’ble Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Bangladesh, H.E. Ms Lyonpo Dechen Wangmo, Hon’ble Minister of Health, Bhutan, H.E Ms Safiyya Mohammed Saeed, Hon’ble Deputy Minister of Health, Maldives, H.E. Mr Mohan Bahadur Basnet, Hon’ble Minister of Health and Population, Nepal, H.E. Dr Keheliya Rambukwella, Hon’ble Minister of Health, Sri Lanka also participated in the event. Mr. Budi G. Sadikin, Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia shared a recorded message virtually. Ms. Dra Odete da Silva Viegas, Director General of Health Services, Timor-Leste, Ms. Francoise Vanni, Director of External Relations and Communications, Global Fund also participated in the event.
The event witnessed a significant milestone in the signing of the Gandhinagar Declaration, the joint declaration by the Health Ministers and WHO SEARO. The Declaration is cognizant that despite progress, the SE Asia Region has missed the 2020 milestones of the End TB Strategy and the 2022 coverage targets as per the political commitment made during the UN High-Level Meeting on TB (UNHLM-TB) in New York on 26 September 2018. It expresses confidence that the WHO SEARO Region will be able to end TB by 2030 with unrelenting, concerted and synergistic actions in the right direction by all Member States with the support of partners, stakeholders and communities. The Gandhinagar Declaration commends the initiatives taken by Member States to enhance community approach against tuberculosis such as nutritional support to patients by individuals and groups, family-centric care, and financial support to patients for nutrition- and treatment-related transportation, which accelerates progress towards better outcomes and also reduces stigma.
Lauding the visionary leadership of Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, Dr. Mandaviya reiterated India’s commitment of eliminating TB from India by 2025, five years ahead of the global Sustainable Development Goals. Dr. Mandaviya noted collaborative efforts, equitable access to diagnostic prevention, and treatment options are pivotal to ending TB as demonstrated by the pandemic. Elaborating further, he added “combating the prevalent stigma against TB in the society, India has been committed to providing, enabling and patient-centric support to all, individuals suffering from TB.”
The Health Minister elaborated “India has leveraged the power of data-driven decisions by developing its own mathematical model to estimate TB burden using local evidence. Through its dedicated efforts, India has achieved a 13% reduction in TB incidence and a 15% decrease in mortality from 2015 to 2022, performing better than global averages.” He further added “Through enhanced private sector engagement and sustainable models the notification of TB has improved by as high as 7 times in the past decade.” Highlighting the ‘RATION’ trail which was recently published, Dr. Mandaviya stated “it validates the importance of nutrients in reducing, TB mortality as well as incidence.”
In its mission to eliminate TB and combat stigma, the Health Minister enumerated measures of implementing a family-centric care model, a first of its kind community engagement mechanism known as ‘Ni-kshay Mitras’ under Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan to provide additional nutritional, diagnostic, and vocational support to TB patients. He further added Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana initiative for providing monthly nutritional support to those on TB treatment through Direct Benefit Transfer. It has successfully provided 7.5 million TB patients with over $244 million in their respective bank accounts.
Lauding the progress and efforts for combating TB, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated “I applaud the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya for their remarkable steps towards ending TB.” He further added “I commend India for its innovative approach, multi-sector partnership efforts, and funding for ending TB. This has given inspiration to other countries.” He stressed that global health crisis such as the pandemic have reversed the progress gained in many countries, and though the goal of eliminating TB by 2030 seems ambitious, it is still achievable. He further added “We have new and powerful tools which reduce testing times, which are game- changers in treatment and healing of TB patients.”
Shri Sudhansh Pant, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare shared best practices implemented in India in combating TB thus far, and enumerated measures on way forward stating “there is an increasing focus on prevention more than cure”. Leading the measures is expansion of prevention interventions, followed by galvanizing community support, decentralized TB services through health and wellness centres, He further recommended the use of technology using AI, adopting newer evidence-based drugs and diagnostics and driving innovation in programme operations.
Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh emphasized on allocating adequate and sustainable domestic resources to meet TB service coverage targets, building on the substantial increases already achieved and stated “We must continue to engage and empower TB-affected communities, not just listening to but truly hearing them.” She highlighted that it is imperative to “actively accelerate access to new TB tools, technologies and treatment regimens that are people-centered, and which are delivered at the primary health care level, within the community.” She further added the vision of a South-East Asia Region where TB is no longer a public health problem, menacing millions of people with disease, death, poverty, and despair will require the highest the highest level of political and operational commitment. Elaborating further, Dr Poonam stated “I urge leaders from each country to establish a high-level multisectoral commission on TB, which could also help build health systems resilience and advance universal health coverage and health security.” Addressing the gathering she said “Together we are bending the curve, and must now accelerate momentum, shaping history to our will. Let us seize the moment; together, let us end TB.”
Hailing the transformative progress of treatment for TB, Dr Hans Henri Kluge stated “this is a revolution, that we now have a treatment regimen that reduces testing time from three days to two hours and treatment regimens that reduce treatment time from eighteen months to six months.”
Dr. Atul Goel, Director General Health Services, Ms. Lamchonghoi Sweety Changsan, Additional Secretary and Mission Director (NHM), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Shri Vishal Chauhan, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government Officials, WHO officials, senior leaders of health organizations and agencies (ADB, Gates Foundation, Global Fund to Fight AIDS TB Malaria, JATA, Stop TB partnership, The Union, UNAIDS, UNITAID, World Bank, and others), academics, civil society organizations, high level representatives from partner countries of Australia, Japan, South Korea, United Kingdom and the United States also attended the event.
The Union Health Minister, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya delivered keynote address at One Earth One Health Advantage Healthcare India event in the presence of, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister, Ministry of AYUSH, Dr. Bharti Pravin Pawar, Minister of State, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Prof. S.P. Singh Bhagel, Minister of State, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Munjpara Mahendrabhai Kalubhai, Minister of State, Ministry of AYUSH, Dr. V.K Paul, Member, Niti Aayog, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General, World Health Organization and Shri Rushikesh Patel, Gujarat Health Minister at Gandhinagar today.
Mr. Shah Mahir, Minister of State, Ministry of Health, Government of Maldives, Ms. Safiyya Mohamed Saeed, Deputy Minister of Health, Government of Maldives, Dr. Mohamed Hassan Mohamaed, Deputy Minister of Health, Government of Somalia, Mr. Mohan Bahadur Basnet, Minister of Health and Population, Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal and Hon. Dr. Keheliya Rambukwella, Minister of Health, Government of Sri Lanka were present at the event.
Lauding the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of achieving Universal Health Coverage by imbibing the notions of Sarvodaya and Antyodaya, the Health Minister stated that India has made significant contributions to health globally as well as in its own nation in the fields of primary and digital healthcare. The Health Minister launched the ‘The Advantage Health Care India - One Stop Digital Portal For Patient’ and ‘Workforce Mobility’, stating “the launch of these two portals is not just a milestone for India, but a significant step towards fulfilling our global responsibilities. India has always been at the forefront of healthcare innovation.” Dr. Mandaviya further added “Through these portals, we are offering a tangible solution to some of the most, pressing challenges in healthcare today.”
Elaborating on the Indian health system, the Health Minister cited that India today is supported by a workforce of 1.3 Million Allopathic Doctors, 800,000 AYUSH doctors and 3.4 Million Nurses & Auxiliary Nurse and Midwives. Through this highly qualified and skilful workforce, India plans to contribute to an organised system of workforce mobility, wherein India’s healthcare professionals travel to different parts of the world, to serve the global community. Reiterating that health is perceived as a service in India, he highlighted that nation aspires to create a people-centric, value-based system of healthcare. Dr. Mandaviya emphasized that medical value travel will enable greater knowledge-sharing, sustainable partnerships and increased synergies contributing to building a stronger global health architecture. He said “We strive to build a more inclusive and equitable world where healthcare knows no boundaries and where skilled healthcare professionals can make a difference wherever they are. Our collective efforts will be towards creating a healthcare ecosystem that embraces the voice of every nation, every citizen and every being.”
Praising the visionary leadership of Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal noted that the theme of India G20 Presidency ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’ incorporates medical value travel and health workforce mobility as an important facet in its pursuit to build resilient global healthcare systems. He further added “the preventive and promotive approach of our traditional health care systems has played a significant role in modern age today, particularly when global health was afflicted in recent times.” The Union AYUSH Minister underscored the importance of implementing harmonized and coordinated strategies of traditional medicine through effective governance at international, regional, and national levels. He emphasized that “India being a soft power in the traditional system of medicine can play a pivotal role here in mitigation of these alarming changes in health care scenarios.”
Dr. Bharti Pravin Pawar noted “In present times, the concept of health needs a holistic approach and India has the unique advantage of offering Traditional Healthcare Therapies or AYUSH treatments for the purpose of well-being to Medical Value Travellers from across the globe. She emphasized that “integration of traditional medicine and modern medicine is an essential aspect of achieving affordable and accessible healthcare for all, especially in remote areas.”
Prof S P Singh Baghel underlined that “Universal health coverage is not limited within the territorial borders of the country. India holds the vision of One Earth One Heath we intent to provide health services to other country through Heal by India and to those visiting through Heal in India.” The Minister of State further added “We must create synergies across the stakeholders – hospitals, medical facilitators, insurance companies, healthcare associations and government bodies to facilitate a global healthcare network, with patient well-being at its core.”
Underscoring the importance of Value-Based Health care services supported by the framework of medical value travel, Shri Sudhansh Pant added “we must focus on a patient-centric health system to achieve several of our health priorities. An inclusive health system will be achieved when patients are empowered to choose from a comprehensive range of services, including medical consultation, treatment, post-operative treatment, and follow-up care cutting across geographic limitations.”
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that Medical Value Travel can serve to complement countries in building their national capacities. Leveraging Medical Value Travel, countries can offer specialized resources and services that may not be available, affordable or accessible in other parts of the world. He further added Digital Health is a great asset as it enables patients to access medical healthcare services via telemedicine at platforms such as Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres. Digital Health bridges the gap of affordability rendering medical care to the innermost areas and to those patients who may not be able to afford the services.
Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya held various bilateral meetings with European Union, Germany and Saudi Arabia today. The bilateral meetings provided an opportunity to reflect on areas of collaborations and shared priorities in pursuit of a healthier tomorrow.
The bilateral meeting with the European Union focused on exploring areas of collaboration in fortifying healthcare systems and enhancing capacities for disease surveillance and capacity building amongst other domains with a particular focus on Ayurveda Telemedicine; clinical trials and research in India for EU-based pharmaceutical companies, Medical Value Travel, and potential joint collaborative ventures in medical education and research. The way forward will focus on discussions on establishing minimum viable product, global initiative for digital health and medical counter measures.
The meeting with Saudi Arabia involved exchanging of experiences and best practices on regulatory requirements, Joint ventures, technology transfer especially in APIs, towards de-risking supply chains and boosting resilience therein. They also expressed interest in cooperation in pharmaceutical sector amongst Drug Regulators and in Pharmacopeia, enhancing Value-based Healthcare through Medical Value Travel, Promotion of Digital Public Goods and Cooperation in Digital Health and cooperation in Traditional Medicine and Yoga. There is an increasing focus on attracting investments, R&D, and collaboration in the form of joint ventures to reap benefits and realize the immense potential of the Indian Medical Devices industry. Futuristic aspirations include signing of Memorandum of Understanding in the field of health sector cooperation, recognition and acceptance of Indian Pharmacopeia (IP) including traditional medicines and proposing Letter of Intent in the field of Medical Value Travel.
Germany and India’s meeting focused on Cooperation in Pharmaceutical sector/amongst Drug Regulators and in Pharmacopeia, ICMR & Federal Ministry of Education and Research, strengthening Value-based Healthcare through Medical Value Travel, cooperation in traditional medicine, promotion of digital public goods and cooperation in digital health. Future orientation will include cooperation under MoU between ICMR, & German Research Foundation, cooperation under Special arrangement between ICMR & Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), Germany Delhi under Indo-German S&T Agreement, revision in Minimum Viable Product, signing of Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) between CDSCO and the Federal institute for Drug and Medical devices of the Federal Republic of Germany (BfarM) the Paul-Ehrlich-Institute of the Federal Republic of Germany (Pei) on cooperation in the field of medical products regulation.
Shri G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, CEO FSSAI, Shri Vishal Chauhan, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Aradhana Patnaik, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Shri Abhishek Singh, Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, government officials, representatives from more than 70 countries, including CIS, ASEAN, SAARC, Africa, and the Middle East regions and industry officials were also present at the event.
Union Health Minister, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya invited 50 nurses along with their family members at his residence today to honor them, who were invited as Special Guests to witness and participate in the Independence Day celebrations from the ramparts of the Red Fort in New Delhi. These Special Guests were part of the 1800 special guests from various walks of life ranging from Sarpanches, teachers, farmers, and fishermen.
Union Health Minister appreciated the nurses for their marvelous and tireless noble work for changing the fortunes of the country. He said that there were many motivational factors which were responsible for boosting our morals to work hard and support the country. Underscoring the phenomenal contribution of the nursing profession and medical fraternity, Dr. Mandaviya emphasized that “their efforts laid the foundation for the global recognition, trust and praise garnered by India from the world.” The Union Health Minister lauded the dedication of nurses and stated “their service during the pandemic will be remembered forever. This is our culture that taught us to serve people. Health is not a commerce but a service which is inherent in our culture.” He further added “the world was skeptical about our health infrastructure but when Covid-19 was over, I visited World Economic Forum at Davos where Bill Gates congratulated India on its triumph over Covid-19.”
Sharing their experience from the pandemic times, nurses said that the pandemic was a tough time for all of us especially for the medical fraternity. During this period, we realized how difficult it is to work at the border to safeguard it. Initially, we were apprehensive but when PPE kits were provided and we started following covid protocol, then we had a sigh of relief. We kept PPE kits at our homes and took many people to hospital from our society and saved their lives.
Nursing officers expressed their gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for steering the nation and encouraging clapping and flowering by the people of the nation which was such a kind and motivational gesture for all of us which emboldened our spirit and morale.
Union Health Secretary, Shri Sudhansh Pant congratulated the nurses community on Independence Day. He also noted that for the first time, 50 nursing officers have been invited for Independence Day. During the pandemic, your contribution is invaluable, he added.
V.Hekali Zhimomi, Additional Secretary, M/o HFW and other officials were present on this occasion.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during his Independence Day speech at Red Fort said that the government has plans to increase the number of 'Jan Aushadhi Kendras' from 10,000 to 25,000.
He said Jan Aushadhi Kendras given a new power to the people special the middle class. If someone is diagnose with diabetes then a monthly bill of Rs. 3000 get accrued.
Through Jan Aushadhi Kendras, the medicines that cost Rs 100, we are giving it at Rs 10 to Rs 15," he said.
The Government will launch Vishwakarma scheme with an allocation of ₹13,000 to 15,000 crore in the next month for those with traditional skills. He said the government is working to increase the number of 'Jan Aushadhi Kendra' (subsidised medicine shops) from 10,000 to 25,000.
“India is set to become the global hub of medical technology and devices with the market size estimated to reach US$ 50 billion by 2050”. This was stated by Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, here today during his address at the Curtain Raiser of India’s first medical technology expo, ‘India MedTech Expo 2023’, scheduled to be held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat from 17th to 19th August, 2023 on the sidelines of the G20 Health Ministers’ Meeting. He was also joined by Shri Bhagwant Khuba, Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers.
Dr Mandaviya said that “the medical device sector is considered as one of the sunrise sectors in the country and the Government under the Hon’ble Prime Minister is taking every possible step to make India a manufacturing hub for medical devices”. “From a market share of 1.5 per cent, we hope to increase India’s market share to 10-12 per cent share over the next 25 years,” he added. He further stated that, “with effective implementation of the recently unveiled National Medical Devices Policy 2023, we are confident of fostering the Medical Devices Sector growth from present $11 Bn to $50 Bn by 2030.”
The Union Minister said that “earlier, we looked at different segments of the health sector including Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices in silos. Under the Modi Government, India is taking a holistic approach to health with a vision to transform the health landscape in the country by 2047”. He stated that “several new initiatives taken by the government such as the PLI scheme has led to 43 critical APIs being produced within the country which were earlier imported from abroad. The govt is also creating bulk drug parks and medical devices parks in the country to make India self-reliant in this sector.”
Dr Mandaviya stated that the upcoming MedTech Expo 2023 will showcase India’s innovations and achievements in medical and surgical procedures, drugs, equipment and facilities. He highlighted that the event will enhance visibility of medical devices ecosystem in India and create a brand identity for Indian MedTech sector.
Shri Bhagwant Khuba said that the government under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister is committed to make the country atmanirbhar in the health sector. He urged all stakeholders including industries and media personnel to visit the expo and witness the transformative work being done in this segment.
Smt. S Aparna, Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals said, “the medical devices sector is one of the fastest growing segments today. Several interventions have been taken by the govt to provide impetus to the industry for domestic manufacturing of medical devices. These interventions have led to 37 unique products which were earlier imported, now being domestically manufactured.”
The Union Pharma Secretary noted that these “policy interventions are being made to cater to both the manufacturing and demand side of medical devices”. She informed that four new industrial parks are being constructed across the country for medical devices manufacturing. “The National Medical Devices Export Promotion Council has also been set up recently to boost exports of medical devices”, she further stated. She also informed that the Expo will have a future pavilion and an R&D pavilion and will see participation of States, Industries, MSMEs, Academia and Innovators etc.
“India is committed to eliminating Lymphatic Filariasis by 2027, three years ahead of the global target through mission mode, multi partner, multi sector targeted drive.” This was stated by Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare Dr Mansukh Mandaviya as he inaugurated the second phase of the Annual Nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) initiative, here today, in the presence of Dr. Bharti Pravin Pawar, Minister of State, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Prof. S.P. Singh Bhagel, Minister of State, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
The Union Minister further stressed that “Through Jan Bhagidaari and ‘Whole of Government’ and ‘Whole of Society’ approach, we shall be able to eliminate this disease from the country”. The second phase, commencing on August 10, 2023, will cover 81 districts in 9 endemic States (Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh).
Deputy Chief Minister, Chhattisgarh, Shri. T.S. Singh Deo, Deputy Chief Minister Uttar Pradesh, Shri Brijesh Pathak, Shri Niranjan Pujari, Health Minister, Odisha, Shri Keshab Mahanta, Health Minister, Assam and Shri Banna Gupta, Health Minister, Jharkhand joined the inauguration event in a virtual mode.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mandaviya emphasized that “efforts must not be limited to taking medicines, but also aid in eliminating spread of diseases via mosquitos, without which progress to achieve our goal will be significantly restricted.”
The Union Health Minister also stressed on enhancing synergy between state and central governments for ensuring a healthier nation for all. Enumerating the success of Jan Andolan movements in health by citing the example of Ni-kshay Mitra among others, Dr. Mandaviya highlighted that “community engagement will contribute significantly in garnering success in this mission by the involvement of all stakeholders starting from the grassroot levels.” Underscoring the wide reach of mass movement, the Health Minister further added “Incorporating awareness generation, and ensuring communication campaigns at villages, panchayats will galvanize the movement leading to wide reach across the nation.” To further strengthen efforts, Dr. Mandaviya advocated that greater emphasis should be placed in consumption of medicine in front of healthcare workers or professionals as measure in eradicating this disease.
The occasion witnessed the launch of National Guidelines for Clinical Management of Dengue Fever 2023 and Chikungunya Fever by Dr Mandaviya.
Shri Sudhansh Pant, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, added, "The launch of the Mass Drug Administration campaign against filariasis marks a pivotal moment in our nation's health agenda. In our quest to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis, it is vital that endemic districts consistently achieve robust MDA coverage. Our collective determination will serve to transform lives in endemic regions by elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis.”
Dr. Atul Goel, Director General Health Services, Principal Secretaries and Mission Director of the 9 states, Ms. Lamchonghoi Sweety Changsan, Additional Secretary and Mission Director (NHM), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Shri Rajiv Manjhi, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Joint Secretaries of Allied Ministries, Dr Tanu Jain, Director, National Centre for Vector-Borne Diseases Control, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. M. Indumati, Director, Directorate of Health and Family Welfare Services, Karnataka, Senior Regional Directors and Regional Directors of 9 states and senior government officials were also present in the meeting.
“There cannot be a greater service to humanity than giving life to another person”. This was stated by Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare during his address at the 13th Indian Organ Donation Day (IODD) ceremony, here today. Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar and Prof S P Singh Baghel, Union Ministers of State for Health and Family Welfare and Shri Ma Subramanian, Minister of Health, Tamil Nadu were also present. The 13th IODD ceremony was held to felicitate deceased donor families for their brave decision of donating organs of their loved ones, to spread awareness on deceased organ donation and to recognize the contribution of medical professionals working in the field of organ donation and transplantation by awarding them.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Mandaviya stated that it is important to recognize and appreciate the contribution of all the people who have been a part of this endeavour. The Union Minister highlighted that “in 2013, around 5000 people came forward to donate their organs. Now there are over 15,000 organ donors annually”.
The Union Health Minister also felicitated donor families, transplant professionals, transplant coordinators, athletes of World Transplant Games and teams from MyGov, MoCA (Ministry of Civil Aviation), Delhi Police and Indigo Airlines during the occasion.
The Union Minister informed that the Union Govt has taken several steps towards increasing organ donations in the country. He said that leave duration for organ donors have been increased from 30 days to 60 days, age limitations of 65 years have been removed and the process of organ donation has been further streamlined. He further stated that the Govt is committed to bring in more policies and reforms to popularise organ donation in the country.
Appreciating the contribution of organ donors, their family members and members from the civil society, Dr Mandaviya applauded their motivation and dedication. In this context, the Minister also urged the organ recipients to promote this noble service and encourage others to also donate their organs for the service of mankind.
An e-News Letter of National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO); Transplant Manual and National Curriculum for Transplant Coordinator Course were released on the occasion. During the event, ‘Make in India’ Products like Novel Hemophilia A Rapid Card Test and Von Willebrand Disease Rapid Card Test’ of ICMR and an eCARe portal (e-clearance of afterlife remains) of International Health division of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare were also launched by the Union Health Minister.
eCARe Portal: When a person passes away in other country, it leads to lot of paperwork and processes to bring the mortal remains of the deceased back to India which leaves the family and friends in dismay. Understanding the sensitivity of this issue and following the principle of minimum government and maximum governance, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India launched the eCARe (e-clearance of afterlife remains) portal to streamline and expedite the process of transporting human remains to India from different countries.
Haemophilia A and von Willebrand Disease Diagnostic Kits: Haemophilia A and von Willebrand Disease are the two most common lifelong inherited bleeding disorders. The common clinical manifestations include bleeding into the joints causing swelling and pain, bleeding into the skin (bruising) or muscle and soft tissue bleeding. ICMR-National Institute of Immunohematology (ICMR-NIIH), Mumbai has developed for the first time in the world; a Kit for diagnosis of Haemophilia A and von Willebrand Disease. The present kit is likely to change the diagnostic landscape of bleeding disorders not only in our country but in several other developing countries where diagnostic facilities are either lacking or not up to the acceptable standards.
The Union Health Minister also felicitated donor families, transplant professionals, transplant coordinators, athletes of World Transplant Games and teams from MyGov, MoCA (Ministry of Civil Aviation), Delhi Police and Indigo Airlines during the occasion.
Indian Organ Donation Day (IODD) is observed annually since 2010, to augment awareness about brain stem death and organ donation, dispel myths and misconceptions associated with organ donation and motivate and encourage the citizens of the country to donate organs and tissues after death, as well as to imbibe the values of organ donation in their lives. To reduce the demand for organ transplantation campaign activities also promote healthy lifestyles & wellness.
This year as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, an awareness campaign for organ donation “Angdaan Mahotsav” has been kick-started. Angdaan Mahotsav is being observed all over the country reaching from city to village level with involvement of Central Government Ministries, State/UT Government/Hospitals/Institutions and medical Colleges, NGOs and other stakeholders. As part of the campaign, the month of July 2023 was observed as the Organ Donation month. Various activities towards promotion of organ and tissue donation namely National Webinar, Cyclothon, Walkathon, Organ donation pledging and National Slogan competition through Government of India’s digital platform, MyGov have been initiated.
Every donated organ is precious, lifesaving and a national resource. A person after his death can give new life to up to 8 people by donating vital organs namely Kidney, Liver, Lung, Heart, Pancreas and Intestine and improve quality life of many more by donating tissues like cornea, skin, bone and heart valve etc. The 13th IODD is an opportunity to motivate people to donate organs in order to bridge the existing gap between the number of people in need of organs for transplant and the number of donors. People are encouraged to come forward to pledge for a noble cause and contribute in this national endeavour. For any information on organ donation and transplantation one can visit the website of NOTTO www.notto.mohfw.gov.in or call tollfree helpline number 180114770. Online pladging facility is available at aforesaid NOTTO website and also at https://pledge.mygov.in/organ-donation/.
The event was also attended by Dr Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services, Dr Anil Kumar, Director, NOTTO, donor families, organ recipients, students as well as senior officials from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has issued show- cause notices to various firms engaged in online/internet sale of Drugs on 8th & 9th February 2023. The firms have mostly responded by stating that they are only providing an online platform for facilitating the sale of pharmaceutical products to customers and the platform operates solely as intermediaries, connecting the users and the licensed pharmacies.
In order to regulate the online sale of medicines comprehensively, the Government had published draft Rules vide G.S.R. 817 (E) dated 28th August 2018 for amendment to the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 for incorporating provisions relating to regulation of sale and distribution of drugs through e-pharmacy.
The draft Rules contain provisions for registration of e-pharmacy, periodic inspection of e-pharmacy, procedure for distribution or sale of drugs through e-pharmacy, prohibition of advertisement of drugs through e-pharmacy, complaint redressal mechanism, monitoring of e-pharmacy, etc.
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prof. S.P. Baghel stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.