Health News Updates

A novel monoclonal antibody against the deadly Nipah virus is set to undergo human clinical trials in India and Bangladesh in 2025. Developed by Mapp Biopharmaceutical with significant funding from CEPI, the antibody MBP1F5 aims to offer immediate protection and prevent infection.

A prominent hepatologist advises limiting saturated fats like ghee and coconut oil to combat fatty liver disease in India. The condition is linked to obesity and diabetes, with risks including fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.

The Bihar government will offer medical courses in Hindi from the next academic session, a historic step to promote the language. Health Minister Mangal Pandey announced this move, which follows committee recommendations and aligns with AIIMS Delhi's syllabus.

Low-dose aspirin may reduce flu-induced blood vessel inflammation, improving placental blood flow during pregnancy, according to a groundbreaking study in mice by RMIT University and Trinity College Dublin.

Eating pani puri containing artificial colors can increase the risk of cancer, asthma, and other health issues. Karnataka Food Safety officials found 22% of roadside stall samples failed quality tests, with 41 samples containing harmful agents. Experts advise using natural color alternatives.

The State Health Department has mandated all government and private doctors to provide medical reports of rape victims within seven days, in line with the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. This directive includes detailed procedures for timely medical examinations and documentation.

The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) and the Commissionerate of Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy (CIM&H) signed an MoU to collaborate on testing, training, and research for standardising higher-order medicines. This partnership aims to enhance the quality and safety of Ayurvedic and Homoeopathic medicines.

Dengue cases have surged in states like Karnataka, Kerala, and Telangana following the monsoon. Doctors stress early detection to improve outcomes. Dengue is spread by mosquitoes thriving in humid environments. Symptoms include high fever and joint pain, with severe cases leading to hemorrhagic fever. Preventive measures include avoiding standing water and using repellents.

Surgeons at SGPGIMS have performed the world's first multiport transvesical robotic radical prostatectomy. This innovative approach, led by Dr Uday Pratap Singh, removes the prostate gland through the bladder using a multiport robot, offering faster recovery and reduced complications for prostate cancer patients.

A low-salt diet and reduced body fluids may stimulate kidney repair and regeneration, according to a US study showing promising results in mice. This approach targets macula densa cells, potentially leading to new therapies for kidney disease.

The government has introduced three initiatives to enhance healthcare quality: virtual NQAS assessments for Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, a compliance monitoring dashboard for IPHS, and instant food licence registration. Significant advancements include doubling medical colleges and AIIMS since 2014.

Oncologists highlighted the role of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors in breast cancer cases as actress Hina Khan announced her stage three breast cancer diagnosis. Experts emphasized the importance of early detection and the impact of non-modifiable and modifiable risk factors.

An anthrax outbreak is suspected in Padeiguda village, Koraput district. Two people tested positive among six samples sent for testing. The CDMO has instructed the affected individuals to remain isolated to prevent further spread.

[The Central government has allocated Rs 700 crore to establish centres of excellence at NIPERs over five years. Rs 243 crore is approved for 2024-25 by the Department of Pharmaceuticals. There are seven NIPERs across India focusing on various pharmaceutical research areas. The PRIP scheme, with an outlay of Rs 5,000 crore, was approved in 2023 to promote innovation in the pharma-MedTech sector.]

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda launched the STOP Diarrhoea Campaign 2024, aiming to eliminate child deaths from diarrhoea under age five in India. The campaign enhances the previous initiative with extended duration, ORS, and zinc distribution, supported by national health missions and cleanliness drives.