Gross Mismanagement in Tuberculosis Control
Context: A circular dated March 18, 2024, issued by the Health Ministry to all States, acknowledges that the supply of certain drug-sensitive medicines of Tuberculosis may face delays due to unforeseen and external circumstances. While States have been instructed to procure drugs locally for a three-month period, the circular also provides an option for States to […]
Implementing Universal Health Coverage
Context: Universal health coverage (UHC) embodies the principle of providing all individuals with unrestricted access to comprehensive, top-tier healthcare services, without imposing financial burdens. UHC guarantees that individuals can access healthcare whenever and wherever they require it, encompassing a wide range of essential health services, spanning from health promotion and prevention to treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care. […]
Global Spread of H5N1 Bird Flu Poses Threat to Wildlife
Context: Since 2020, a highly pathogenic strain of bird flu, H5N1, has been rapidly spreading across the world, presenting an existential threat to birds and wildlife. As of December 2023, the virus has been detected in birds in over 80 countries, highlighting its widespread impact. In January 2024, the Executive Director of Health at the […]
Decline in Global Immunization During Covid-19
Context: A recent paper published in The Lancet Global Health titled “Estimating the Health Effects of Covid-19-Related Immunization Disruptions in 112 Countries During 2020–30: A Modelling Study” has highlighted a concerning trend. The study reveals that global immunization rates have declined significantly during the Covid-19 pandemic. This decline has led to an increase in disease […]
Fair Share for Health and Care report
Context: Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a new report titled- Fair Share for Health and Care report, addressing the gender gap in global healthcare. Relevance: GS II: Health Dimensions of the Article: Key Highlights of the Report on Gender Disparities in Global Health and Care Work Gender Disparities in Health and Care Work: Representation and Leadership: Economic […]
World Tuberculosis Day 2024
Context: World Tuberculosis (TB) Day is celebrated on March 24 annually to spread awareness around the deadly disease. Relevance: GS II: Health Dimensions of the Article: World Tuberculosis (TB) Day: Objective: Historical Background: Origin of World TB Day: Theme for World Tuberculosis Day 2024: Significance: About Tuberculosis India’s TB Elimination Target: Goals and Challenges India […]
Prevalence of Diabetes in India
Context: A nationwide study published in 2023 estimates that India has approximately 10.13 crore individuals with diabetes, along with an additional 13.6 crore people classified as pre-diabetic. Relevance: GS II: Health Dimensions of the Article: About Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) Test How Does the Test Work? Sugar and Hemoglobin Interaction: Measurement of Glycated Haemoglobin: What is […]
The Power of Centralised Labs in Modern Healthcare
Context: In today’s era, medical assessments and clinical evaluations are greatly complemented by laboratory investigations. Medical practitioners and surgeons rely laboratory tests to diagnose medical conditions. Laboratory diagnostics furnish highly valuable insights that aid in accurate diagnoses, facilitate the monitoring of disease progression, and inform treatment decisions. Relevance: GS2- Health Mains Question: A centralised approach […]
National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming
Context: Recently, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched a National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NAP-SE), under the ‘One Health’ approach. Relevance: GS II: Health Dimensions of the Article: National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NAP-SE): Aim: Strategic Actions: Human Health: Wildlife Health: Animal and Agriculture Component: Snakebite Envenoming […]
Karnataka Government Bans Harmful Colorants in Food
Context: The Karnataka Government’s recent announcement regarding the ban on harmful colorants in popular food items such as cotton candy and Gobi Manchurian is a significant step towards ensuring food safety and public health. Relevance: GS II: Health Ban on Harmful Colorants: Food Safety Regulations: Public Health Impact: -Source: The Hindu