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 […]
Djibouti Launches Pilot Program with GM Mosquitoes to Combat Malaria
Context: Djibouti, an East African nation, is taking a bold step in the fight against malaria by deploying genetically modified (GM) mosquitoes. This pilot program, launched in May 2024, represents a significant milestone in the battle against this deadly disease. Relevance: GS II: Health Dimensions of the Article: Why Use Genetically Modified (GM) Mosquitoes for […]
Tobacco Epidemic in India
Context: Tobacco is the most widely recognized preventable cause of disease and death globally. India has the world’s second-highest number of tobacco consumers, following China, with nearly 26 crore (260 million) people using tobacco products. Relevance: GS II: Health Dimensions of the Article: Reports on Tobacco Consumption in India Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS): Global […]
Neglect of Menstrual Hygiene for Female Prisoners in India
Context: Despite significant progress in menstrual hygiene management, with around 80% of young women aged 15-24 using safe menstrual products according to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS 2019-2020), women in Indian prisons remain neglected. Improvements have been seen in urban areas and among certain groups, but societal biases against female prisoners, who are often […]
PRAGATI-2024 and CCRAS
Context: The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) has launched a groundbreaking initiative called “PRAGATI-2024” (Pharma Research in AyurGyan And Techno Innovation) to foster collaborative research and innovation in the field of Ayurveda. Relevance: GS II: Health Dimensions of the Article: PRAGATI-2024 and CCRAS PRAGATI-2024 Initiative: Role of CCRAS: About Traditional Medicine: The traditional Indian system of medicine […]