Global Immunisation Efforts Save 154 Million Lives
Context: A recent study conducted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed that global immunisation efforts have saved an estimated 154 million lives over the past 50 years. The report was released on the occasion of World Immunization Week, ahead of the 50th anniversary of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) scheduled for May […]
AstraZeneca Acknowledges Covishield Vaccine’s Potential Side Effects
Context: AstraZeneca, the manufacturer of the Covishield vaccine for the Covid-19 pandemic, has admitted that the inoculation carries potential side effects. This admission was made in a legal document presented before the High Court of Justice in London. The document conveys that the Covid vaccine can, in extremely rare cases, induce Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome […]
Court’s Nudge on Hospital Charges
Context: The Supreme Court of India, during a recent hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), instructed the central government to explore methods for overseeing the pricing of medical procedures in private hospitals. This move came in response to concerns raised by the PIL regarding the high and widely varying costs of such procedures. Relevance: GS2- […]
Insuring the Future
Context: The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), as the principal overseer of insurance products, has issued a directive aimed at fostering inclusivity within health insurance coverage, particularly emphasizing the need to extend benefits to a broader spectrum of citizens. Relevance: GS3- Mains Question: The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has […]
National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization
Context: All cases of organ transplants will be allocated a unique National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO)-ID for both the donor and the recipient, according to a recent directive by the Union Health Ministry. Relevance: GS II: Regulatory Bodies Dimensions of the Article: Key Features Directive by Union Health Ministry: Mandatory NOTTO-ID: Stricter Monitoring: […]
Centre-State Relations and Poor Doctor-Population Ratio
Context: The intricate details of execution can often thwart even the grandest aspirations. Few examples illustrate this as poignantly as the saga of the Madurai AIIMS. The concept of establishing numerous All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) throughout the nation stemmed from a pressing need — to address the disparity between healthcare demand and availability […]
India Successfully Eliminates Visceral Leishmaniasis
Context: India has successfully achieved its target to eliminate visceral leishmaniasis, commonly known as kala-azar, as confirmed by data from the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC). Relevance: GS III- Health, Prelims About Kala Azar There are three types of leishmaniasis The Visceral leishmaniasis, which is commonly known as Kala-azar in India, is fatal […]
Review Highlights Limited Long-Term Protection from Vaccines
Context: A recent review of several vaccines revealed that only five offer protection lasting more than 20 years, and merely three provide lifelong immunity. This variability in vaccine efficacy raises concerns about the durability and effectiveness of immunization strategies. The findings underscore the need for ongoing research and development to enhance vaccine longevity and effectiveness, […]
WHO’s Global Hepatitis Report 2024 Highlights India’s Hepatitis Burden
Context: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has spotlighted India in its recently released Global Hepatitis Report 2024, identifying the country as grappling with a substantial burden of viral hepatitis, notably Hepatitis B and C infections. This recognition underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions, public awareness campaigns, and healthcare initiatives to combat and reduce the […]
The Advent of a Holistic Approach to One Health
Context: The intricate relationship among humans, animals, and the environment has become increasingly apparent in light of pandemics like COVID-19. These outbreaks don’t just affect human populations; they also impact livestock, as evidenced by the spread of diseases like lumpy skin disease across countries. Relevance: GS2- Mains Question: The One Health approach is not a static endpoint […]