New Delhi (The Hawk): With a vision to provide quality medicines at an affordable rate for the common man especially the poor, Govt. has set a target to increase the number of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) to 10000 by the of March 2024. Till 31.05.2022, the number of stores has increased to 8735. Under the PMBJP, 739 districts of the country have been covered.A group of people standing in front of a signDescription automatically generated with medium confidencePMBI is committed to ensure uninterrupted availability of essential medicines at the PMBJKs. In its journey of last 8 years, starting from the annual turnover of Rs. 8 Crore in year 2014-15, PMBI has clocked its highest monthly sales turnover of Rs. 100 Crore in the month of May, 2022 which in turn has saved around Rs. 600 crore of citizens of the country. In May, 2021, total sales were Rs. 83.77 crore and that was COVID-19 second wave period. People have been able to reduce their out-of-pocket expenditure on medicines with the government intervention of this noble scheme. At present, these Kendras make available more than 1600 medicines and 250 surgical devices including nutraceuticals, Ayush products and Suvidha Sanitary pads which are sold at Rs. 1/- per pad.Under PMBJP, new applications have also been invited to cover 3579 blocks of 406 districts to provide quality generic medicines through Jan Aushadhi Kendras to every citizen of the country. Residents of small towns and blocks headquarters can now avail the opportunity to open Jan Aushadhi Kendras. The scheme provides for incentive of Rs. 5.00 lakh and special incentives of up to Rs. 2.00 lakh for various categories including women, SC/ST, Hill districts, Island districts and North-Eastern States. This will ensure easy reach of affordable medicine to the people in every nook and corner of the country. Accordingly, PMBI has strengthened the supply chain system by setting up of four warehouses at Gurugram, Chennai, Guwahati and Surat. In addition, there is a strong distributor network of 39 distributors across India to ensure timely supplies in every part of India.

With a vision to provide quality medicines at an affordable rate for the common man especially the poor, Govt. has set a target to increase the number of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) to 10000 by the of March 2024

PMBI, The Implementing Agency Of PMBJP For The First Time Ever Crosses Rs 100 Cr Sales In May 2022

Lahore: A huge fire broke out at The Children's Hospital in Lahore's Gulberg in Pakistan on Saturday, reported local media. The incident of this massive fire was confirmed by the rescue officials, reported Pakistan's local media outlet Samaa TV. The fire erupted in the pharmacy storage on the third floor where medicines worth millions of rupees were burnt to ashes. No loss of life has been reported so far in the incident. During the rescue operation, the hospital building has been evacuated.According to the Fire Department, at least seven fire engines have been dispatched to put out the fire. Meanwhile, additional fire engines have been summoned from across the city to help put out the fire. To contain the situation, more than 40 firefighters from Fire Department and Rescue 1122 have been deployed at the site. The cause of the fire remains unclear. As per the officials, the cause of the fire will be investigated once the fire has been put out. Earlier on Wednesday, one person was killed and three others fell unconscious after a fire broke out in the basement of a departmental store near Jail Chowrangi in Karachi.Station House Officer (SHO) Arshad Janjua of Ferozabad Police Station said the deceased was an employee of the store, while among the three who lost consciousness was a firefighter.Karachi Metropolitan Corporation's (KMC) Chief Fire Officer Mubeen Ahmed said that 11 fire tenders belonging to the corporation, two water bowsers, one snorkel, 13 water tankers from the Karachi Water, and Sewerage Board as well as tenders from the Pakistan Navy took part in dousing the flames. They had managed to control 70 percent of the blaze by the evening, he said. "However, officials are facing extreme difficulty as the fire erupted in the basement," he said, adding that there were no entry or exit routes. According to the SHO, the blaze had somewhat subsided but erupted once again at around 6 pm, prompting authorities to call fire tenders to the site. "The fire erupted again because of some unknown reasons and spread rapidly, and the firefighters are struggling to extinguish it," the officer added.—ANI

A huge fire broke out at The Children's Hospital in Lahore's Gulberg in Pakistan on Saturday, reported local media. The incident of this massive fire was confirmed by the rescue officials, reported Pakistan's local media outlet Samaa TV. The fire erupted in the pharmacy storage on the third floor where medicines worth millions of rupees were burnt to ashes.

Massive fire erupts at Pak hospital, medicines burnt to ashes

Dallas: A class of blood pressure-lowering medications, reduced the risk of aneurysm rupture by 18 per cent in a multi-centre study of more than 3,000 people with high blood pressure and brain aneurysms, according to new research by the American Heart Association, RAAS inhibitors.The study has been published in the journal, "Hypertension". An aneurysm is a bulging or weakening in the wall of an artery. When this happens in an artery in the brain, it is called an intracranial aneurysm. If an intracranial aneurysm ruptures, it spills blood around the brain and cuts off oxygen to an affected area, which can cause a hemorrhagic stroke, coma and death.These strokes account for 3-5% of all strokes, but a larger proportion of morbidity and mortality than other types of strokes. Each year, approximately 30,000 adults in the United States have intracranial aneurysms that rupture, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Additionally, stroke is a leading cause of disability in the United States.The body's renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) includes hormones that affect blood pressure regulation, and dysregulation of the RAAS can lead to the development of high blood pressure. Two components of RAAS have been shown to be involved in the development of intracranial aneurysms, and previous research has found that dysregulation of RAAS may also contribute to aneurysm rupture. RAAS inhibitors, medications that block the effects of the RAAS, are often used to treat high blood pressure."Approximately half of the patients with intracranial aneurysms have high blood pressure, which can cause vascular inflammation and increase the risk of aneurysm rupture," said the study's senior author Qinghai Huang, M.D., PhD, professor of neurosurgery at Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University in Shanghai, China. "Given that one-third of patients with ruptured aneurysms die and another third remain dependent for daily life activities, there is a need to identify modifiable risk factors to prevent aneurysm rupture."This multi-centre study analyzed data collected from 2016 to 2021 at 20 medical centres in different regions across China, collected pre-and post-rupture, to evaluate the association between the use of RAAS inhibitors and other blood pressure medications, including beta-blockers and diuretics, on the risk of aneurysm rupture.More than 3,000 adults with high blood pressure and intracranial aneurysms were included. The study sample was one-third men and two-thirds women, with an average age of 61 years old. Participants' hypertension status was categorized as controlled (normal blood pressure with the use of antihypertensive medications) or uncontrolled (high blood pressure, defined as 140/90 or above, with the use of antihypertensive medications), and was determined by blood pressure measurements taken at one point in time, three months before they were hospitalized for aneurysm.The analysis found that 32% of participants who took RAAS inhibitors experienced an intracranial aneurysm rupture, compared to 67% of those who used non-RAAS inhibitors."We were surprised to find that even among people with controlled hypertension, those who took RAAS inhibitors still had a significantly lower rupture risk than individuals who used non-RAAS inhibitors. Our study highlights that using the proper antihypertensive medications to achieve normalization of blood pressure may remarkably decrease the risk of a ruptured aneurysm," Huang said. "Based on these data, we estimate that nearly 18% of ruptured aneurysms may be prevented if all patients with high blood pressure and intracranial aneurysms were prescribed RAAS inhibitors. Due to the strong potential benefit and high safety of RAAS inhibitors, these findings may also help clinicians to optimize treatment to help people with high blood pressure prevent aneurysm rupture." Using a multivariable model, the researchers calculated that women's risk of aneurysm rupture was 1.8 times higher than men's risk and that the following factors increased the risk of aneurysm rupture: uncontrolled hypertension; exposure to second-hand smoke; and untreated Type 2 diabetes."These findings confirm previous studies indicating that--in addition to blood pressure control--smoking cessation and aggressive treatment of Type 2 diabetes may also help reduce the risk of aneurysm rupture," Huang said. "However, more research is needed to understand how RAAS inhibitors are involved in the prevention of intracranial aneurysm rupture in adults with high blood pressure."—ANI

A class of blood pressure-lowering medications, reduced the risk of aneurysm rupture by 18 per cent in a multi-centre study of more than 3,000 people with high blood pressure and brain aneurysms, according to new research by the American Heart Association, RAAS inhibitors.

Chance of 'Aneurym Rupture' can be reduced via some blood pressure medicines

New York: Measuring the concentrations of medicines in wastewater could add another layer to disease-monitoring efforts and help curb spread of Covid-19, suggests a study.In a pilot project exploring ways to monitor Covid-19, University at Buffalo scientists hunted for pharmaceuticals and viral RNA simultaneously in wastewater in Western New York."Wastewater-based disease surveillance is being done worldwide through monitoring of viral RNA," said lead scientist Diana Aga, Professor of Chemistry in the UB College of Arts and Sciences. "The potential of complementing existing efforts with detection of pharmaceuticals is exciting. There are a lot of opportunities here, though more research is needed," she added. One interesting discovery in the new study, published in the journal Environmental Science &amp; Technology Letters, involves acetaminophen -- a pain reliever and fever reducer that serves as an active ingredient in over-the-counter medicines such as Tylenol, Theraflu, and other brands. At all four wastewater treatment plants included in the project, the research found that acetaminophen concentrations in wastewater spiked before other measures of Covid-19 in the community in early 2021, including concentrations of Covid-19 viral RNA in wastewater and the estimated number of confirmed Covid-19 cases. The spike in viral RNA, in turn, preceded the spike in the estimated number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 by about a week, scientists say. "Our biggest finding is that there's a huge increase in the concentration of acetaminophen, which is used in over-the-counter drugs, that predates the peak of viral RNA in wastewater and the peak in clinical detections in our area during the study period," Aga said."This was very interesting, as it suggests that detection of pharmaceuticals could act as an early warning of a potential disease outbreak in a community," Aga said.Wastewater data is becoming a crucial part of monitoring Covid-19 as home testing has become more popular, leading to many positive cases going unreported.In addition to identifying the spikes in acetaminophen, the study found residues of prescription medications associated with the pandemic in wastewater, including drugs whose emergency use authorisation for treating Covid-19 has been revoked by the US Food and Drug Administration. —IANS

Measuring the concentrations of medicines in wastewater could add another layer to disease-monitoring efforts and help curb spread of Covid-19, suggests a study.

Medicines Found In Wastewater May Signal Covid Spread

Washington: US State Secretary Antony Blinken during the ministerial forum on resilient supply chain appreciated India's steadfastness in supporting the country by providing medicines at a time when the US was hit badly by the COVID-19 outbreak, said sources."Back in 2020 when COVID-19 was hitting Americans the hardest, India provided medicines and bio-supplies to the United States," Blinken said at the Supply Chain Ministerial Forum while praising India.India had sanctioned lakhs of Hydroxychloroquine tablets to the US. Hydroxychloroquine is an anti-malarial drug deemed to be useful in dealing with COVID-19. Blinken and Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo co-hosted a Supply Chain Ministerial Forum July 19-20, 2022, to further build cooperation with stakeholders and key partner nations on supply chains.India came to the assistance of the United States during this country's time of need, and now the United States stands with the people of India as they continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) had said.In June 2021, the USAID also announced USD 41 million in support to help India respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthen the country's preparedness for COVID-19 and future health emergencies.Officials from Australia, Brazil, Canada, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the European Union, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, South Korea, Singapore, Spain and the United Kingdom participated in the meeting. "The shocks to global supply chains from pandemics, wars and conflicts, extreme climate impacts, and natural disasters have put in stark relief the urgent need to further strengthen supply chains, to work to reduce and end near-term disruptions, and to build long-term resilience," the participants said in a joint statement at the conclusion of the virtual event.Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez and Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Marisa Lago delivered opening remarks for the July 19 stakeholder sessions on Crisis Response, Enabling and Investment Environment, Transportation/Logistics, and Workforce Development/Labor.The virtual event convened stakeholders from labor, industry, civil society - including historically underrepresented voices - and subnational officials to address both short-term bottlenecks and longer-term supply chain challenges.At the Ministerial Plenary on July 20, the United States, allies, and partners made political commitments to work together to address near-term supply chain disruptions.They aimed to cooperate on building long-term supply chain resiliency by supporting transparency, diversification, security, and sustainability by adherence to high environmental and labor standards, including the prevention of forced labor, coupled with workforce development to meet tomorrow's needs.The participants' engagement at the 2022 Supply Chain Ministerial Forum is intended for working together on crisis response. It is an effort to alleviate near-term transportation, logistics, and supply chain disruptions and bottlenecks as well as the long-term resilience challenges that make supply chains vulnerable and cause spillover effects for consumers, large and small businesses, workers, and families., said a State Department release.&nbsp;—ANI

US State Secretary Antony Blinken during the ministerial forum on resilient supply chain appreciated India's steadfastness in supporting the country by providing medicines at a time when the US was hit badly by the COVID-19 outbreak, said sources.

Blinken Praises India For Supporting US With Medical Supplies During COVID-19 Outbreak

New Delhi (The Hawk): The Government of India has signed 25 Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) for country to country cooperation in the field of medicine Nepal, Bangladesh, Hungary, Trinidad &amp; Tobago, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mongolia, Turkmenistan, Myanmar, World Health Organization,&nbsp;&nbsp;Germany, Iran, Sao Tome &amp; Príncipe, Equatorial Guinea, Cuba, Colombia, Japan, Bolivia, Gambia, Republic of Guinea, China, St Vincent and The Grenadines, Suriname, Brazil and Zimbabwe. 37 MoUs for undertaking collaborative research and development of Traditional Medicine has been signed with foreign Institutes/Universities/Organizations from USA, Germany, UK, Canada, Malaysia, Brazil, Australia, Austria, Tajikistan, Saudi Arabia, Ecuador, Japan, Indonesia, Reunion Island, Korea and Hungary etc.. 15 MoUs have been signed for setting up of Ayush Academic Chairs in foreign Institutes/Universities from Hungary, Latvia, Mauritius, Bangladesh, Russia, West-Indies, Thailand, Indonesia, Slovenia, Armenia, Argentina, Malaysia, South Africa, Australia and Mexico.The constituent laboratory of Council of Scientific &amp; Industrial Research namely Institute of Himalayan Bio-resource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur has signed an MoU with National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan, to collaborate in the areas of mutual interest which included medicinal plants, bioactive molecules, herbal formulations etc.CSIR and Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation have signed an MoU to identify the opportunities for scientific and technological research between researchers located within and outside of India, including collaborations with foundation-funded entities in the areas including but not limited to traditional medicine (AYUSH)-guided by specific applications to disease/ health priorities.Under the Central Sector Scheme for Promotion of International Co-operation in Ayush (IC Scheme), Ministry of Ayush supports Ayush drug manufacturers, entrepreneurs, Ayush institutions and Hospitals etc. for international propagation of Ayush by participating in international exhibitions, trade fairs, road shows etc. to display their products and services.Ayush Oushadhi Gunvatta evam Uttpadan Samvardhan Yojana (AOGUSY) of Ministry of Ayush has been initiated for augmenting quality of Ayush drugs during the 15th Finance Cycle (2021-22 to 2025-26) by merging the existing Central Sector Schemes of Pharmacovigilance initiative, Central Drug Controller of Ayush and Quality Control of ASU&amp;H drugs {Component of National Ayush Mission (NAM)} and inclusion of certain new elements to facilitate standardization, effective enforcement of rules/regulations, technology up-gradation for manufacturing and analytical testing, certification/accreditation, training and capacity building activities intended towards quality assurance of Ayush drugs.The Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) of Ministry of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India is available to the Industry for availing benefits under Manufacturing and Service Sector including Ayush. Indian medicine Pharmaceutical Corporation Limited (IMPCL) which is a Mini Ratna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Ayush (Government of India) is manufacturing of Ayurveda &amp; Unani Medicines in India.India is a biodiversity rich country and as per the Botanical Survey of India estimation, more than 8,000 species of medicinal plants are found in the country including state of Maharashtra.This information was given by Minister of Ayush Shri Sarbananda Sonowal in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

The Government of India has signed 25 Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) for country to country cooperation in the field of medicine Nepal, Bangladesh, Hungary, Trinidad & Tobago, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mongolia, Turkmenistan, Myanmar, World Health Organization,  Germany, Iran, Sao Tome & Príncipe, Equatorial Guinea, Cuba, Colombia, Japan, Bolivia, Gambia, Republic of Guinea, China, St Vincent and The Grenadines, Suriname, Brazil and Zimbabwe. 

Research and Development for traditional system of medicines

New Delhi (The Hawk): Government of India is aware that despite the orders of the Courts and the relevant regulations of the Medical Council of India, generic medicines are not being prescribed by most medical practitioners. In this regard, clause 1.5 of&nbsp;Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics)&nbsp;&nbsp;Regulations, 2002 prescribes that every&nbsp;physician should&nbsp;prescribe&nbsp;drugs&nbsp;with&nbsp;generic&nbsp;names legibly&nbsp;and&nbsp;preferably&nbsp;in&nbsp;capital letters and he/she shall ensure that there is a rational&nbsp;prescription and use of drug. Further, the erstwhile Medical Council of India (MCI) had&nbsp;issued&nbsp;circulars where all&nbsp;the&nbsp;Registered&nbsp;Medical Practitioners&nbsp;have&nbsp;been&nbsp;directed&nbsp;to&nbsp;comply&nbsp;with&nbsp;the&nbsp;aforesaid&nbsp;provisions.&nbsp;The National Medical Commission Act, 2019 empowers the appropriate State Medical Councils&nbsp;or Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB) of the Commission, to take disciplinary&nbsp;action&nbsp;against&nbsp;a&nbsp;doctor&nbsp;for&nbsp;violation of the provision of the aforesaid Regulations. When complaints are received against the violation of code of ethics for doctors, such complaints are referred by EMRB (previously by erstwhile MCI) to the concerned State Medical Councils where the doctors/medical practitioners are registered. States have been advised to ensure prescription of generic drugs and conduct regular prescription audits in public health facilities.Practice of prescription audit is one of the prerequisites for getting certified under the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS).Under National Health Mission (NHM), support is provided for provision of essential generic drugs free of cost in public health facilities. The support is not only for drugs but also for various components necessary for effective implementation of Free Drug Service Initiative viz. strengthening/setting up robust systems of procurement, quality assurance, IT backed supply chain management systems like Drugs and Vaccines Distribution Management Systems (DVDMS) developed by CDAC, warehousing, prescription audit, grievance redressal, Information, Education and Communication (IEC) training.The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

Government of India is aware that despite the orders of the Courts and the relevant regulations of the Medical Council of India, generic medicines are not being prescribed by most medical practitioners. 

Promoting Use Of Generic Medicines In The Country 

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to hear a plea by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) seeking action against yoga guru Ramdev for criticising allopathic medicine. The apex court has issued notice to Ramdev and the Centre seeking a reply on the plea seeking initiation of action.

The <a href="https://www.cnbctv18.com/tags/supreme-court.htm/amp" target="_self">top court</a> observed, "Ramdev popularised Yoga but how can he criticise allopathic medicine? "What is the guarantee that ayurvedic medicines perform better than allopathic medicines? Baba <a href="https://www.cnbctv18.com/tags/ramdev.htm" target="_self">Ramdev</a> is accusing doctors, and other medical systems of hurting public health."

The <a href="https://www.cnbctv18.com/tags/ima.htm/amp" target="_self">IMA</a> in its plea alleged that a smear campaign against the vaccination drive and modern medicines are being conducted in the country.

Ramdev's <a href="https://www.cnbctv18.com/tags/patanjali.htm/amp" target="_self">Patanjali </a>Ayurved had on February 19, 2021, said that the Coronil tablet had received certification from the Ayush Ministry as a medicine supporting Covid-19 treatment as per the World Health Organization's certification scheme.

However, Patanjali's managing director Acharya Balkrishna later made a clarification about the certification through a tweet saying, "We want to clarify to avoid confusion that our WHO GMP compliant COPP certificate to Coronil is issued by DCGI, Government of India. It is clear that WHO do not approve or disapprove any drugs. WHO works for building a better, healthier future for people all over the world (sic)."

The announcement regarding the Ayush certification for Coronil and release of research paper calling it the "first evidence-based medicine for <a href="https://www.cnbctv18.com/tags/covid-19.htm/amp" target="_self">COVID-19</a> by Patanjali" was done at an event attended by former health minister Harsh Vardhan.

Patanjali had launched Coronil on June 23. Balkrishna claimed that the medicine could cure Covid-19 patients within 5-14 days.&nbsp;
—PTI

The Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to hear a plea by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) seeking action against yoga guru Ramdev for criticising allopathic medicine. The apex court has issued notice to Ramdev and the Centre seeking a reply on the plea seeking initiation of action.

Supreme Court issues notice to Centre, Ramdev for criticising allopathic medicines

The Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to hear a plea by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) seeking action against yoga guru Ramdev for criticising allopathic medicine. The apex court has issued notice to Ramdev and the Centre seeking a reply on the plea seeking initiation of action.


Jakarta: The deaths of nearly 100 children in Indonesia have prompted the country to suspend sales of all syrup and liquid medication, the media reported.
It comes just weeks after a cough syrup in The Gambia was linked to the deaths of nearly 70 children, the BBC reported.
Indonesia said some syrup medicine was found to contain ingredients linked to acute kidney injuries (AKI), which have killed 99 young children this year.
It is not clear if the medicine were imported or locally produced.
On Thursday, Indonesian health officials said they had reported around 200 cases of AKI in children, most of who were aged under five. Earlier this month, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a global alert over four cough syrups that were linked to the deaths of almost 70 children in The Gambia.
The WHO found the syrups used there -- made by an Indian pharmaceutical company -- contained "unacceptable amounts" of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol. The syrups have been "potentially linked with acute kidney injuries", said the organisation.
Indonesia's Health Minister on Thursday said the same chemical compounds were also found in some medicines used locally. "Some syrups that were used by AKI child patients under five were proven to contain ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol that were not supposed to be there, or of very little amount," said Budi Gunadi Sadikin, BBC reported.
However, he did not disclose how many cases involved the toxic medicines. Indonesian authorities said the cough syrups used in The Gambia were not sold locally.
One epidemiologist said the true death toll could be even higher than reported. "When cases like these happen, (what we know is) the tip of the iceberg, which means there could be far more victims," Dicky Budiman, an epidemiologist from Griffith University told BBC Indonesia. —IANS

The deaths of nearly 100 children in Indonesia have prompted the country to suspend sales of all syrup and liquid medication, the media reported.

Indonesia Bans All Syrup And Liquid Medicines After Death Of 99 Children

Edinburgh (Scotland): A severe illness that can cause the kidneys to cease working unexpectedly could be managed with existing medications, according to a new study.
In a study in mice, scientists found that medicines usually used to treat angina and high blood pressure prevented much of the long-term damage to the kidney and cardiovascular system caused by acute kidney injury (AKI).
The study is published in Science Translational Medicine. It was funded by the Medical Research Council and the British Heart Foundation.
Experts hope the findings will pave the way for improved treatment of AKI - a common illness that occurs in approximately 20 per cent of emergency hospital admissions in the UK.
The condition is usually caused by other illnesses that reduce blood flow to the kidney, or due to toxicity arising from some medicines.
AKI must be treated quickly to prevent death. Even if the kidneys recover, AKI can cause long lasting damage to the kidneys and the cardiovascular system. Of those who survive an episode of AKI, 30 per cent are left with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The remaining 70 per cent that recover full kidney function are at an almost 30-fold increased risk of developing CKD.
A team from the University of Edinburgh found that patients with AKI had increased blood levels of endothelin - a protein that activates inflammation and causes blood vessels to constrict. Endothelin levels remained high long after kidney function had recovered.
After finding the same increase in endothelin in mice with AKI, experts treated the animals with medicines that block the endothelin system. The medicines - normally used to treat angina and high blood pressure - work by stopping the production of endothelin or by shutting off endothelin receptors in cells. The mice were monitored over a four-week period after AKI. Those that were treated with the endothelin-blocking medicines had lower blood pressure, less inflammation and reduced scarring in the kidney. Their blood vessels were more relaxed and kidney function was also improved, compared with untreated mice.
Dr Bean Dhaun, Senior Clinical Lecturer and Honorary Consultant Nephrologist at the University of Edinburgh's Centre for Cardiovascular Science, said: "AKI is a harmful condition, particularly in older people and even with recovery it can have a long-term impact on a person's health. Our study shows that blocking the endothelin system prevents the long-term damage of AKI in mice. As these medicines are already available for use in humans, I hope that we can move quickly to seeing if the same beneficial effects are seen in our patients."
Professor James Leiper, Associate Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation, said: "Impaired kidney function that results from acute kidney injury can also increase a person's chance of developing and dying from heart and circulatory diseases, so it's vital we find ways to reduce this risk. "This promising research suggests that widely available medicines could help to tackle the impact of acute kidney injury before it can cause damage and further complications. While further studies will be needed to demonstrate whether this treatment is safe and effective for patients, this early research is an encouraging first step." —ANI

A severe illness that can cause the kidneys to cease working unexpectedly could be managed with existing medications, according to a new study.

Existing Medicines Prevent To Cause Kidney Disease: Study

New Delhi (The Hawk): Union Minister of Health &amp; Family Welfare and Chemicals &amp; Fertilizers, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya reviewed the status, adequacy of COVID management drugs and production capacities with representatives of pharma companies through a VC, here today, so that India is equipped to effectively handle any situation. This review meeting was taken in view of the spike in COVID19 cases in some countries worldwide.
Through a presentation, the Union Minister was briefed regarding the evolving global scenario. Dr Mansukh Mandaviya appreciated and congratulated the pharma companies for their invaluable contribution during the COVID pandemic in the country. “India’s pharmaceutical industry is robust, resilient and responsive. It is due to their strength that we could not only meet our down demand during the pandemic, but also be in a position to supply medicines to 150 countries.” This was achieved without any fall in quality and no hike in the price of the medicines, he stressed.&nbsp;
The pharma companies were asked to keep a close watch on the global supply chain scenario. They were also asked to closely monitor production and availability of APIs as well as formulations of essential medicines for COVID management. They were asked to ensure adequate stocks and availability of all drugs including COVID drugs in the supply chain up to the retail level.
The pharma companies hailed the timely review meeting chaired by the Union Minister and assured their continued support. They expressed confidence that they will be able to manage the supply chain of COVID drugs.
Shri Rajesh Bhushan, Union Health Secretary, Ms. S Aparna, Secretary (Pharma), Shri Kamlesh Pant, Chairman, NPPA, Dr V G Somani, DCGI, and representatives from pharmaceutical companies were present during the review meeting.

Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya reviewed the status, adequacy of COVID management drugs and production capacities with representatives of pharma companies through a VC, here today, so that India is equipped to effectively handle any situation. 

Mandaviya Review Status Of Essential Medicines And Drugs With Pharma Companies In View Of Spike In COVID-19 Cases In Some Countries

Dehradun: The Health Department of Uttarakhand has successfully completed the trial of drone technology to deliver medicines and vaccines in a time-bound manner.
To deliver medicines to remote areas of the state, the unique initiative by the health department to provide vaccines to the beneficiaries living in remote districts of the state through information technology proved successful in the shortest possible time. Secretary Uttarakhand Medical Health and Medical Education Department R Rajesh Kumar said the vaccine dose was successfully delivered from Dehradun to the border district of Uttarkashi in just 40 minutes by the health department using drone technology. Under the immunisation programme, 400 doses of Diphtheria Tetanus (DPT) and Penta have been delivered by drone to the Chief Medical Officer's office, Uttarkashi. Normally it takes 5-6 hours by road.
Kumar said the road is used to deliver medicines or vaccines in the state, which takes a lot of time and sometimes there is difficulty in delivering medicines due to disaster.
It is the endeavour of the Health Department that there should not be any delay in the distribution of medicines and medicines and vaccines should be available on time in all medical units and in such places and villages where there is no road facility, he added.
In the near future, the facility of drone technology will prove to be a milestone in delivering first aid medicines and other materials on time in case of accident, disaster or any other critical situation, he said. "We will maintain the availability of vaccine in all the medical units of the state so that the vaccination of the eligible beneficiaries is easy," Kumar said. —ANI

 The Health Department of Uttarakhand has successfully completed the trial of drone technology to deliver medicines and vaccines in a time-bound manner.

U'khand Successfully Conducts Trial Of Delivering Medicines By Drone In Remotest Areas

Patna News: In the last 24 hours, Bihar recorded 38 new Covid-19 cases amid an ongoing resurgence.

Of the new cases, 17 were reported from Patna, six from Bhagalpur and three each from Gaya and Munger.

The health department had conducted tests of 32,302 samples on Monday.

With the new figure, the number of total active cases in the state stood 174.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has directed hospitals across Bihar to make adequate arrangements of medicines, hospital beds, ventilators, oxygen cylinders, ambulances and other necessary equipment to combat Covid-19.

Medical experts have however, claimed that the severity of the virus is not intense this time, but people have been advised to follow Covid protocols like washing their hands, taking steam at least once or twice in every 24 hours, wearing masks and maintaining social distance. IANS

In the last 24 hours, Bihar recorded 38 new Covid-19 cases amid an ongoing resurgence.

Bihar logs 38 new Covid cases in 24 hours

New Delhi: Ukraine's First Deputy Foreign Minister Emine Dzhaparova has handed over a letter from President Volodymyr Zelensky, addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting for additional humanitarian supply, including medicines and medical equipment.

The minister, who was on official visit to India between April 10 to 12, handed over the letter from the Ukraine president to Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi on Tuesday, according to a statement issued by the External Affairs Ministry on Wednesday.

On the issue of Indian medical students, Dzhaparova mentioned that Ukraine will allow foreign medical students to take the Unified State Qualification Exam in their country of domicile.

During her meeting with secretary (West) in the external affairs ministry Sanjay Verma, Dzhaparova briefed him about the prevailing situation in Ukraine.

The Ukrainian minister also proposed that rebuilding infrastructure in Ukraine could be an opportunity for Indian companies, official sources informed further.

Verma shared that India has provided medicines, medical equipment and would provide school buses among other things to Ukraine.

The two sides agreed to hold the next round of Foreign Office Consultations in Kiev on a mutually convenient date.

During bilateral talks with Verma, Dzhaparova discussed issues of economic, defence, humanitarian assistance as well as global issues of mutual interest, sources said.

During the Ukraine minister's meeting with Lekhi, it was agreed that the next Inter-Governmental Commission between the two countries would be held in India on a mutually convenient date. IANS

Ukraine minister hands over Zelensky's letter to PM Modi, seeks additional humanitarian aid

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government has taken action against two doctors who were allegedly involved in "unethical activities" including black marketing of medicines, state Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said on Friday.
The Deputy Chief Minister warned of stringent actions against those who work against the rules.
The two doctors against whom action was taken include Dr Anil Kumar Sharma, posted as Chief Medical Superintendent in Jaunpur and Dr Ramsharan, posted at Chitrakoot's Primary Health Center Kho.
Sharma has been accused of negligence in discharge of duties while in office, black marketing of medicines. He was dismissed for the same.
"Some serious complaints like indecent behavior with women workers were also received. After receiving the complaint, the accused doctor was attached to the Directorate General of Medical and Health. After investigation, the committee found the allegations correct. After this Dr. Anil Kumar Sharma has been dismissed with immediate effect," an official statement said. Ramsharan, the other accused was accused of involvement in unethical activities.
"This is tarnishing the image of the department. After receiving the complaint, Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak has suspended the doctor. He has been immediately attached to the office of Divisional Additional Director, Chitrakoot, Boda. The Principal Secretary, Medical and Health has issued an order in this regard," the statement said.
The process of action is going on against the doctors who tarnish the image of the government. On Friday, the doctor, who was involved in other serious allegations including illegal recovery and black marketing of medicines, has been dismissed after investigation. Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak has bluntly said that no doctor-employee working against the rules will be spared. On the other hand, the Chitrakoot doctor involved in unethical activities has been suspended. Earlier on April 14, on the instructions of Brajesh Pathak, two hospitals in Amroha were sealed on the allegations of negligence.
The state government has also given instructions to different district administrations regarding action against hospitals indulging in negligence.
Notably, the round of action is continuously going in the health department, the government stated. Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak has said, "Based on the complaint of women's death due to negligence, action has been taken against two hospitals. The hospitals are namely, Hasan Nursing Home in Gajraula of Amroha district and Apollo Hospital in Dhanaura". "Both the said hospitals have been sealed and orders have been issued to investigate the matter. The investigation report will come in a week. A case is also being registered in the matter," he added.
At the same time, Dr Abhishek Biswas, who was posted on emergency duty at CHC Bikapur (Ayodhya), has been transferred taking cognizance of the case of prescription of outside medicines to the patient. Along with this, the government has also given directed the officials to seek clarification from the Superintendent of CHC. The Principal has been directed to send the report in three days in the case of assault on the Timardars in the District Medical College, Pratapgarh.&nbsp;&nbsp;
—ANI

The Uttar Pradesh government has taken action against two doctors who were allegedly involved in "unethical activities" including black marketing of medicines, state Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said on Friday.

UP Doctors Suspended Due To Unethical Activities, Complaint Of Negligence

Kabul: The European Union (EU) has delivered nearly 100 tons of medicines and medical supplies to Afghanistan, Khaama Press reported. The Khaama Press News Agency is an online news service for Afghanistan. Deputy political representative of the European Union for Afghanistan, Raffaella Iodice, on Wednesday, tweeted that nearly 100 tons of medicine and medical supplies were delivered to Kabul, Afghanistan. "Close to 100 tons of medicines and medical items safely arrived in Afghanistan via the EU's humanitarian Air Bride," Iodice tweeted.  She also emphasized that the EU is committed to stand by the people of Afghanistan, as per Khaama Press. "These cargo flights are a truly visible example of our humanitarian assistance to the country. The EU continued to stand by the people of Afghanistan," she added. This comes as the 28th air bridge humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan since the Taliban took control of Power in August 2021. The European Union said: "With this 28th air bridge operation from Afghanistan since 2021, we reconfirm our commitment to helping Afghans in need." These medical supplies come at a critical time when most people need life-saving medicine and medical equipment amid a dire humanitarian crisis in the country, according to Khaama Press. (ANI)

 The European Union (EU) has delivered nearly 100 tons of medicines and medical supplies to Afghanistan, Khaama Press reported

European Union delivers 100 tons of medicines, medical supplies to Afghanistan

New Delhi (The Hawk): The Ministry of Ayush with support from the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Mission to ASEAN and the ASEAN Secretariat is gearing up to host the Conference on Traditional Medicines for ASEAN Countries on 20th July 2023. The Conference on Traditional Medicines aims to strengthen the platform between India and ASEAN Countries to share their best practices and draw a roadmap for future cooperation in the field of Traditional Medicines. Addressing the Media at the Curtain Raiser event today, Union Minister for Ayush Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “The multi-dimensional relationship between India and ASEAN stands on a strong foundation of shared geographical, historical, and civilizational links which is far older that goes back to more than two millennia.” He continued, “Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi at the 12th ASEAN India Summit at Myanmar in November 2014 enunciated ‘Act East Policy’, giving a new momentum to the strategic partnership. The India ASEAN conference on Traditional Medicine being held after almost a decade is a major step towards deepening cooperation of India with ASEAN.” Sharing details about the achievements of the Ministry, he added, “The Ayush sector has grown multi-fold in the last 9 years since the year 2014, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi elevated the then Department of Ayush under Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to an independent Ministry of Ayush. Today the Ministry is engaged with many top class International organizations from UK, USA, Japan, Brazil, Germany as well as National organizations like CSIR, DST, DBT, IITs etc. to undertake high quality research on Ayush systems in various Non Communicable disease conditions like Diabetes Mellitus, Cancer, Mental Health as well as infectious diseases like Covid. The ASEAN conference will provide a platform to share the research outcomes of various projects implemented by the Ministry of Ayush. Similarly, ASEAN countries will also share their experiences.” Further highlighting the goals of the conference, the Union Minister added, “The Conference will also provide a platform to share the recent developments in regulatory framework in ASEAN member states for promoting Traditional Medicine.” The Ministry of Ayush has already established robust International Co-operation in Ayush to boost export of Ayush Products and services and has also successfully signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on ‘Cooperation in the field of Traditional Medicines’, ‘Setting up of Ayush Chairs in Foreign Universities/Institutes and for undertaking ‘Collaborative Research’ at various levels. This has resulted in Ayush gaining a strong recognition in not only ASEAN but other countries also. A total of 75 participants - International delegates from 8 ASEAN countries and 2 International delegates through virtual mode will brainstorm and share their ideas on Traditional Medicines during this one day conference which will be held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.

The Ministry of Ayush with support from the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Mission to ASEAN and the ASEAN 

India To Host ASEAN Countries Conference On Traditional Medicines On 20th July 2023

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted on Thursday that his work in the last 10 years has led to people having immense confidence in his government as he faulted past dispensations for acting like 'mai baap' of citizens, with vote bank considerations guiding their development initiatives.
In his address to beneficiaries of different schemes as part of the government's Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra for saturation coverage of welfare schemes, he said four biggest 'castes' for him are the poor, youth, women, farmers, and their rise will make India developed.  The yatra, under which government 'raths' (chariots) are travelling to all corners, has generated huge enthusiasm among people with some describing the vehicles as 'Modi ki guarantee wali gaadi' (vehicles carrying Modi's guarantees), the prime minister said, asserting that the masses know that he will fulfil all his promises.  For this he needs their blessings, he said, underscoring that the programme will identify everyone left out of welfare schemes aimed for them and that he will ensure their saturation coverage in the coming years.  A voice is emerging from people across the country that Modi's guarantee begins from where people's expectations from others end, he said.
In his remarks after interacting with the beneficiaries, Modi said Bharat is neither going to stop nor tire as the people have resolved to make the country developed.  'In various corners of the country there is such enthusiasm for the yatra and there is a reason for it, as people have seen Modi, his work, in the last 10 years and therefore, they have immense confidence in the government and its efforts.' 'People have also seen that period when past governments used to consider themselves 'mai-baap' of the people. Therefore, even after decades of independence, a big portion of the population was deprived of basic facilities,' Modi said.  Mai-baap is a Hindi term which loosely translates here as a government having a feudal mindset.  More than half the population had lost faith in government as they had to depend on middlemen and running around offices to seek any benefit while his dispensation is reaching out to the masses to enrol them for various welfare measures, he said. Earlier governments were driven by political calculations and vote bank considerations, he said.
'Therefore, the people never used to trust the announcements of such 'mai-baap' governments. We have changed this and the government in place now considers people as form of God and we work with 'seva bhav' not 'satta bhav',' Modi said.  He said that in just 15 days of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, people are walking along and joining it. Until now, the vehicle of 'Modi ki guarantee' has reached over 12,000 panchayats and more than 30 lakh people have benefited from it, the prime minister said.  'Mothers and sisters are reaching out to this vehicle of 'Modi ki guarantee'. The initiative has taken the shape of a people's movement and people are taking it forward,' he said.  Many panchayats have received saturation coverage without any discrimination, he said, asserting that the youth are taking the lead in popularising the exercise and spearheading the goal to make India developed.  Underscoring his commitment, he said he went to a remote tribal region in Khunti to launch the yatra instead of doing it at a place like Vigyan Bhawan, a venue associated with official programmes.  The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra is being undertaken across the country with an aim to attain saturation of flagship schemes of the government by ensuring that the benefits of these schemes reach all targeted beneficiaries in a time bound manner, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).  During the event, Modi also launched an initiative to increase number of Jan Aushadhi Kendras, which sell medicines at subsidised rates, from 10,000 to 25,000 after inaugurating the landmark 10,000th Kendra at AIIMS, Deoghar. He also launched the 'Drone Didi Yojana'.  The scheme aims to provide drones to 15,000 select women Self Help Groups during the period 2024-25 to 2025-2026 for providing rental services to farmers for agriculture purpose.  He said he wanted these women to receive 'naman' (respect) in their villages and that some people have suggested the name of 'Namo Drone Didi' for the initiative. Women trained as drone pilots will be financially empowered and receive people's respect, he said.  'My dream is to make 2 crore women living in villages and working with self-help groups lakhpati,' he said.  The prime minister's high standing among voters seen as the biggest strength of the ruling BJP as it gears up for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, he mentioned as to how people have been associating his name with a flagship welfare initiative like Jan Aushadhi Kenra.
Jan Aushadhi Kendras are now being called 'Modi's medicine shop', he said, noting that nearly 2000 types of medicines are sold at an 80 to 90 percent discount at such centres.  Noting that the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojna, which provide free grains to over 80 crore people, has been extended for another five years, he asserted that 'Modi's guarantee means the guarantee of fulfilling all guarantees'.
—PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted on Thursday that his work in the last 10 years has led to people having immense confidence in his government

Four biggest 'castes' for me are poor, youth, women, farmers; their rise will make India developed: PM

Ahmedabad (Gujarat): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday flagged off 10 high-speed Vande Bharat trains across the country from Ahmedabad, Gujarat. In a major boost to the Railway infrastructure, connectivity and the petrochemicals sector, the Prime Minister visited DFC's Operation Control Centre in Ahmedabad laid the foundation stone and dedicated a slew of railway and Petrochemicals projects worth over Rs 1,06,000 crores.

<div style="text-align:left;"><img src="https://thehawk.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/PM%20Modi%20flags%20off%20Vande%20Bharat%20trains.webp" alt="PM Modi flags off Vande Bharat trains" style="height: auto;width: auto"/></div>

The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of Railway Workshops, Loco Sheds, Pit lines/ Coaching Depots; the Phaltan - Baramati New line; Electric Traction System upgradation work and dedicated to the nation two new sections of the Dedicated Freight Corridor between New Khurja to Sahnewal (401 Rkm) section of Eastern DFC and New Makarpura to New Gholvad section (244 Rkm) of Western DFC; Western DFC's Operation Control Center (OCC), Ahmedabad. PM Modi also flagged off ten new Vande Bharat trains between Ahmedabad-Mumbai Central, Secunderabad-Visakhapatnam, Mysuru- Dr MGR Central (Chennai), Patna- Lucknow, New Jalpaiguri-Patna, Puri-Visakhapatnam, Lucknow - Dehradun, Kalaburagi - Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal Bengaluru, Ranchi-Varanasi, Khajuraho- Delhi (Nizamuddin). The Prime Minister flagged off the extension of four Vande Bharat trains. Ahmedabad-Jamnagar Vande Bharat is being extended till Dwarka, Ajmer- Delhi Sarai Rohilla Vande Bharat is being extended till Chandigarh, Gorakhpur-Lucknow Vande Bharat is being extended till Prayagraj and Thiruvananthapuram- Kasargod Vande Bharat is being extended till Mangaluru; and two new passenger trains between Asansol and Hatia and Tirupati and Kollam stations. He also flagged off freight trains on the Dedicated Freight Corridor from various locations - New Khurja Jn, Sahnewal, New Rewari, New Kishangarh, New Gholvad, and New Makarpura. He dedicated to the Nation 50 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras at Railway Stations. These Jan Aushadi Kendras will offer affordable and quality generic medicines to the people. The Prime Minister also dedicated 51 Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminals to the Nation. These terminals will promote seamless movement of goods between different modes of transportation. Prime Minister Modi dedicated to the nation 1045 Rkm of Automatic Signaling in 80 sections. This upgrade will enhance the safety and efficiency of train operations. Prime Minister dedicated to the nation's Digital Controlling of Railway stations at 2646 stations. This will improve the operational efficiency and safety of the trains. The Prime Minister dedicated 35 Rail Coach Restaurants to the nation. The Rail Coach restaurant aims to cater to the needs of passengers and the public apart from generating non-fare revenue for railways. Prime Minister dedicated more than 1500 One Station One Product Stalls to the nation spread across the country. These stalls will promote local products and generate income for local artisans and businesses. The Prime Minister also dedicated to the nation Solar Powered Stations/buildings at 975 locations. This initiative will contribute to India's renewable energy goals and reduce the railways' carbon footprint. He laid the foundation stone of the Petrochemicals complex of Petronet LNG including Ethane and Propane handling facilities worth over Rs. 20,600 crores at Dahej, Gujarat. Setting up the Petrochemicals complex in proximity to the existing LNG regasification terminal would result in significant savings in the capex and the opex cost of the project. Implementation of the project is likely to create an opportunity for direct and indirect employment to the tune of 50,000 persons during the execution phase and an opportunity of employment of over 20,000 persons during its operational phase ushering in huge socio-economic benefits in the region. The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for Ekta Malls in two states; Gujarat and Maharashtra worth around Rs 400 crores. Meanwhile, Ekta malls celebrate and support the rich and diverse heritage of Indian handlooms, handicrafts, traditional products and ODOP products. Ekta malls are a symbol of the unity and diversity of India, as well as a catalyst for the development and empowerment of our traditional skills and sectors.
—ANI

PM Modi flags off new Vande Bharat trains and dedicates vast railway and petrochemical projects worth Rs 1,06,000 crores.

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