India is to review its air quality standards next year, addressing an environmental and public health issue of significant concern. New national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) are likely, reports indicate. Discussions are said to be considering ultra-fine particulate matter (PM0.1), smaller than fine particulate matter or PM 2.5 which denotes particular matter of 2.5 […]
government policy
COVID-19 rule-breaking in Centre’s sights
The Centre has raised the issue of COVID-19 rule-breaking with state and union territory governments. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently expressed concerns over COVID-19 rule-breaking. “I will say very strongly that it is a matter of grave concern to see people without masks in the market and not following the protocol in hill stations,” he […]
Cabinet reshuffle: Vardhan out, Mandaviya in
![Dr Vardhan assuming charge of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in May 2014. His reappointment marks his second stint in the post. Image credit: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (GODL-India) [GODL-India (https://data.gov.in/sites/default/files/Gazette_Notification_OGDL.pdf)] This file or its source was published by Press Information Bureau on behalf of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India under the ID 54064 and CNR 56840. (direct link). Vardhan out after cabinet reshuffle concept.](https://www.healthissuesindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/800px-Dr._Harsh_Vardhan_taking_charge_as_the_Union_Minister_for_Health__Family_Welfare_in_New_Delhi_on_May_27_2014-150x150.jpg "Dr Harsh Vardhan returns to the Health Ministry")
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reshuffled his cabinet this week, with perhaps the most prominent changeover being at the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Dr Harsh Vardhan resigned in advance of the cabinet reshuffle and has been replaced by Mansukh L. Mandaviya. Mandaviya replaced Vardhan as Minister of Health and Family Welfare, as well […]
Free vaccines from the Centre; A federalised policy a welcome shift
Vaccines will be offered free of charge to those aged eighteen and over, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced. The Prime Minister announced the free vaccines policy during an address to the nation yesterday, in which he stated “the Government of India itself will buy 75 percent of the total vaccine production from vaccine manufacturers […]
India set to launch Arctic Policy strengthening climate change fight
India’s government is in the process of putting together an Arctic policy to further efforts to tackle issues surrounding climate change and sustainability. The Arctic Policy, currently released in a draft format publicly to invite feedback before January 26th, outlines plans for science and research activities; economic and human development cooperation; transportation and connectivity; governance […]
Assisted Reproductive Technology Regulation Bill, explained
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 […]
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 […]