How Is Methanol Procured and used as Liquor?
Context: The Kallakurichi illicit liquor tragedy , which has claimed more than 50 lives, follows a distressingly familiar pattern in its cause, sequence of events, and aftermath. Such incidents occur periodically across various Indian states. Postmortem reports almost universally attribute the cause of death to methanol consumption. Relevance: Mains Question: How is spurious alcohol produced in India? […]
Patent Filing Error by Bharat Biotech for Covaxin
Context: Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL), the creator of the Indian coronavirus vaccine Covaxin, admitted to an unintended mistake in its patent filings. These filings aim to protect the vaccine’s Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). Relevance: GS II: Health Dimensions of the Article: Controversy Surrounding the Covaxin IPR Roles of BBIL and ICMR What are Patents […]
Tragic Incident in Tamil Nadu
Context: Recently, approximately 34 people lost their lives, and around 100 others were hospitalized after consuming illicit or spurious liquor in the Kallakurichi district of Tamil Nadu. Relevance: GS II: Health Dimensions of the Article: Understanding Hooch Production Process of Hooch Alcohol Content in Liquor Spurious Liquor Regulation Key Facts About Methanol and its Consumption […]
Managed Care Organizations
Context: A leading healthcare chain in South India has announced its foray into comprehensive health insurance. This new venture will integrate insurance and healthcare provision functions under one roof, emulating a managed care organisation (MCO) model. Relevance: GS II: Health Dimensions of the Article: Managed Care Organizations (MCOs): Background and Development Definition: Historical Context: Development […]
Japan on High Alert Due to Streptococcal Toxic
Context: Recently, health officials in Japan are on high alert after close to 1,000 cases of a deadly infection were reported across the country. The disease is known as Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS). Relevance: GS II: Health Overview of Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS) Definition: Symptoms: Transmission: Prevention: -Source: India Today
Digital Health Incentives Scheme
Context: The central government has given a year-long extension to the Digital Health Incentive Scheme (DHIS) meant for digitising patients’ health records and linking them with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Account (ABHA ID). Relevance: GS II: Health Dimensions of the Article: Digital Health Incentives Scheme (DHIS) Here are the key aspects of the scheme: […]
About Kala Azar
Context: In the wake of the rising public health threat caused by the parasitic infection visceral leishmaniasis (VL),(kala-azar), the WHO launched a new framework to guide health authorities, policymakers and other stakeholders to eradicate the disease in eastern Africa. Relevance: GS III- Health, Prelims Dimensions of the Article: About Kala Azar There are three types of […]
About Child Nutrition Report 2024
Context: One in four children under age 5 around the world is experiencing severe food poverty, according to the recently released Child Nutrition Report 2024. Relevance: GS III: Health Dimensions of the Article: About Child Nutrition Report 2024: Highlights of the 2024 Report: -Source: UNICEF
Launch of National Health Claim Exchange (NHCX)
Context: The Health Ministry and the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) are collaborating to launch the National Health Claim Exchange (NHCX). This digital platform aims to enable patients to access quality healthcare quickly and reduce out-of-pocket expenses. NHCX will connect insurance companies, healthcare service providers, and government insurance scheme administrators to streamline […]
ICMR Seeks Partners for Hydroxyurea Development for Children
Context: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) seeks partners for a new project to develop and commercialize a low-dose or children’s version of hydroxyurea, aimed at treating sickle cell disease in India. Eligible organizations are invited to express their interest in this initiative. Relevance: GS II: Health Dimensions of the Article: Hydroxyurea for Treating […]