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, […]
WHO’s Global Hepatitis Report 2024 Highlights India’s Hepatitis Burden
Context: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has spotlighted India in its recently released Global Hepatitis Report 2024, identifying the country as grappling with a substantial burden of viral hepatitis, notably Hepatitis B and C infections. This recognition underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions, public awareness campaigns, and healthcare initiatives to combat and reduce the […]
The Advent of a Holistic Approach to One Health
Context: The intricate relationship among humans, animals, and the environment has become increasingly apparent in light of pandemics like COVID-19. These outbreaks don’t just affect human populations; they also impact livestock, as evidenced by the spread of diseases like lumpy skin disease across countries. Relevance: GS2- Mains Question: The One Health approach is not a static endpoint […]
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 […]