Paediatric oncology has witnessed a boon with the opening of three childhood cancer units by the Tata Memorial Centre. The push will see the number of children able to access free cancer treatment from the Institute increase to 5,000 by the end of 2020, compared to approximately 2,500 at present. The takeover of hospitals by […]
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Ayushman Bharat fraud: More than 300 hospitals in hot water
In the implementation of the Centre’s flagship health insurance scheme Ayushman Bharat, fraud has been a major issue. The number of hospitals flagged for fraudulent and corrupt practices exceeds 300, the Government informed the Rajya Sabha earlier this week. “More than 338 hospitals have been served show-cause notice/suspended/de-empanelled in different states and penalties of over […]
Ayushman Bharat-empanelled hospitals: More needed
More Ayushman Bharat-empanelled hospitals are needed, the Union Cabinet has urged ministries. At present, there are 18,649 Ayushman Bharat-empanelled hospitals. It has previously been reported that hospitals are empanelled under the centrally-run scheme at a rate of 51 each day, around the time of the one-year anniversary of Ayushman Bharat’s launch. The majority of hospitals […]
Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries now number 64 lakh. How is the money being spent?
The reach of Ayushman Bharat – the Centre’s flagship healthcare accessibility scheme – continues to grow according to the latest reports. A Times of India article pegs the number of Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries at 63.7 lakh. The scheme – officially known as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) – provides health insurance coverage of […]
‘Progress has slowed down’ – The World Malaria Report and what it means for India
Earlier this year, experts said that a malaria-free world was possible with a bold approach from stakeholders. The most recent World Malaria Report has reinforced the importance of such measures to be undertaken as officials warn that the stagnation in efforts to tackle malaria is “unacceptably high.” “The world has shown that progress can be […]
‘No conclusive evidence’ – Government on pollution, disease and deaths
Air pollution is virtually universally acknowledged as a public health emergency in India, with swathes of the country choking beneath blankets of toxic air. However, a Government minister has informed lawmakers that there is a dearth of evidence to prove a link between pollution, disease, and deaths. “There is no conclusive data available in the […]
Robots in the operating room
Hospitals in Chandigarh are seeing a steady rise in the use of robotic assistance in the operating room. Could robots be the future of surgery in India? Robot-assisted surgeries have been taking place at the Postgraduate Institute (PGI) in Chandigarh since 2014. However, 2019 is likely to see more of these surgeries taking place than […]
Guidelines on the use of CPR issued by ICMR
In some instances, particularly for the elderly or those with severe chronic conditions, it is seen as simply prolonging their suffering if they are revived using cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). However, until now there has been no formal classification or guidelines provided by the Centre to establish an appropriate course of action in such a circumstance. […]
Antibiotic abuse is the norm in India
Third and fourth line-antibiotics — used as a last resort in cases where resistance is present to more commonly used medications — are being used indiscriminately within India, claims a paper authored by three researchers of Gurugram-based Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI). “Our estimates suggest [a] high proportion of antibiotic prescription for upper respiratory […]
Public health investment: The way to economic prosperity?
The Indian economy is currently perceived by many to be in a state of stagnation and employment opportunities are few and far between for many, leaving a significant portion of India’s working age population trapped in a cycle of poverty. Could a greater degree of investment into public health act as a kickstarter to spur […]