WHO Releases Global Report on Neglected Tropical Diseases 2024
Context: In preparation for the 77th session of the World Health Assembly, the World Health Organization (WHO) has published its Global Report on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) for the year 2024. This report offers an overview of the advancements achieved in 2023 concerning the execution of the Road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021-2030, providing […]
What is Xenotransplantation?
Context: Recently, the first recipient of a modified pig kidney transplant passed away after hisgroundbreaking xenotransplantation surgery. His death was not linked to the transplant. Relevance: GS III- Science and Technology, GS II- Health Dimensions of the Article: What is Xenotransplantation? Why are Pigs Often Used for Xenotransplantation? Historical Utilization: Anatomical and Physiological Resemblance: Cost-Effectiveness and Accessibility: Organ […]
International Thalassemia Day 2024
Focus: GS II- Health Why in News? International Thalassemia Day is a global healthcare event commemorated every year on May 8th to raise awareness on Thalassemia among the masses. About Thalassemia: Importance of preventive screening and awareness:
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 […]
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, […]