The Assisted Reproductive Technology Regulation Bill, 2020 – one the Government has billed as “historic” – has won the approval of the Union Cabinet in a significant overture towards regulation of the assisted reproductive technology sector. Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the Cabinet meeting where the Bill secured the approval of ministers. The legislation outlines […]
government policy
Essential medicines export ban on the cards?
The Government of India is contemplating imposing a ban on the exports of twelve essential medicines amidst the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) which has infected tens of thousands of people worldwide. The twelve essential medicines that could be affected include antibiotics, hormone drugs, and vitamins. A report is planned to be submitted to […]
Union Health Ministry lauds Ayushman Bharat
The Union Health Ministry lauded the Centre’s flagship health insurance scheme Ayushman Bharat in its end-of-year review. Officially known as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), the initiative has been of considerable benefit to public health according to the Union Ministry of Health of Family Welfare. “So far 33 states and [union territories] are […]
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 […]
Enforce ban on e-cigarettes, Home Ministry urges
State-level authorities are being urged to take steps to enforce the Government’s ban on e-cigarettes by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. Earlier this year, the Centre imposed a ban via an executive order which was approved by the Union Cabinet and submitted to President Ram Nath Kovind for approval. The ban on e-cigarettes, or […]
Vardhan speaks out on ENDS ban
Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan has reiterated support for the government ban on electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) such as e-cigarettes, arguing in favour of the measure for the benefit of public health. “ENDS have a net negative impact on public health,” the Minister said during a recent interview, citing statistics which indicate that […]
Ayushman Bharat: One year in
Today marked the one-year anniversary of the launch of Ayushman Bharat, with reports indicating the scope of the initiative’s success – and plans for its future. Officially known as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), Ayushman Bharat offers health insurance coverage of Rs 5 lakh per family per year to economically vulnerable families – […]
Online retailers to act against e-cigarette sales
Online retailers have said they will take action to make sure e-cigarettes are not sold on their platforms in the wake of the Centre’s ban on the devices. Following the announcement of the ban on Wednesday, it was reported that some online retailers such as Amazon and Flipkart still had e-cigarettes listed for sale. Both […]
Decision to ban e-cigarettes praised by WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) has praised India’s decision to ban e-cigarettes and other electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), as it follows in the footsteps of other southeast Asian nations. India banned the devices earlier this week, with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman citing growing usage among young people and public health as being among […]
Centre continues push for primary healthcare
Government plans for strengthening India’s primary healthcare infrastructure are continuing, with Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan announcing an ambitious target of constructing 1.5 lakh health and wellness centres (HWCs) by 2022. HWCs form a core part of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), or Ayushman Bharat, the Centre’s flagship health insurance scheme which […]