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Access to Healthcare

Democratising healthcare: Gil Bashe talks to HII

Often, we discuss whether or not we can afford to fund healthcare. Rarely do we discuss whether or not we can afford disease. This sentiment is expressed by Gil Bashe, Managing Partner, Global Health at Finn Partners, in his interview with Health Issues India. You can watch the interview here. Mr Bashe, a veteran of …

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Gujarat High Court calls for an infrastructure upgrade

The Gujarat High Court has taken the state government to task over the conditions of its health infrastructure amidst renewed complaints about the quality of the state’s public health system.  The Times News Network reports that the Gujarat High Court has “directed the government to strengthen its health infrastructure. It has been directed to provide …

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Suicide of AIIMS doctor noted by Harsh Vardhan

Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Dr Harsh Vardhan has paid tribute to a resident doctor at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi, following his death by suicide.  “Shocked & distressed to hear of the painful death of young & most brilliant Dr Anurag Kumar, Junior Resident at AIIMS Delhi,” …

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HIV/AIDS medicines: COVID hits access

Lost access to HIV/AIDS medicines is no less than a matter of life and death for those affected – but the COVID-19 pandemic has imperilled access to such drugs and, in turn, the lives of those living with HIV/AIDS.  This week marks the 23rd bi-annual International AIDS Conference. The event “provides a platform for discussing …

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Progeria: The importance of raising awareness and hope

Earlier this year, I wrote about the efforts of the Progeria Research Foundation to offer new hope to children affected by the rare disease progeria, by boosting access to the drug lonafarnib. To better understand the lives of those affected progeria and the work of the Progeria Research Foundation, I interviewed Audrey Gordon, President and …

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ASHAs undervalued during COVID-19 crisis

India’s rural healthcare workers are vital in efforts to track COVID-19 cases in rural locations that are hard to reach. Despite this they remain an undervalued, and underpaid, segment of India’s healthcare workforce. Accredited social health activists (ASHAs) are Indian women who act as a liaison point between individuals in the community and the often …

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United we stand in the fight against COVID-19

Fiscal stimulus, such as the removal of the health cess and customs duty, will greatly support patient access to critical medical products, as will addressing operational challenges and the early release of Government payment to providers. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a sense of urgency and the responsibility to think long-term to improve access …

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The Lancet concerned regarding state endorsed Hydroxychloroquine

The Lancet Infectious Diseases has expressed concern regarding the endorsement of use of hydroxychloroquine by the Indian Government. The endorsement comes despite a dearth of evidence regarding its specific use against COVID-19 – the disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), commonly simply referred to as the coronavirus. The Indian Council of …

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Telehealth, pandemic, and privacy

In the era of the coronavirus pandemic, telehealth has become a valuable tool for healthcare providers and patients alike – allowing consultations to be had even during a period of stringent lockdown. India is no exception – as if to underscore this point, the Delhi government announced earlier this week free online consultations for the …

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PPE shortages: No need to fear, but use responsibly

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has said there is no need to panic concerning personal protective equipment (PPE) shortages in the country, but that PPE ought to be used responsibly.  “No need to believe any rumour or have any fear regarding PPE,” said Lav Agarwal, joint secretary in the Union Health Ministry. …

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