Month: November 2020

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COVID-19 Government Guidelines Medical Updates Medicine & Health

‘India might not need Pfizer vaccine,’ says health minister Harsh Vardhan

India’s Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan has said that India may not need Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine as there are many other vaccine candidates being tested in India, including the indigenous Bharat Biotech candidate Covaxin, which is currently in the final stage of human trials.

In an interview with The Economics Time, Vardhan said, “United States has not even given license to Pfizer. So it does not make sense for other countries like India to consider it. We are in touch with everyone but I feel that we may not need Pfizer vaccine.”

Pfizer has recently applied for emergency use authorization of its vaccine candidate to the FDA. If granted, they will be able to use the vaccine “in high-risk populations…by the middle to end of December 2020.”

Vardhan also said the vaccine would have to first cater to its own country and then fulfil all the order placed by the other countries according to the deals they have signed. He added that Pfizer does not have the “linkages in India to manufacture the vaccine.”

Scroll reported that Vardhan said that no state will be given any preferential treatment and the distribution of vaccines will be equitable. He also stated that healthcare workers will be the first ones to receive the vaccine.

“There will be equitable distribution of vaccine,” he said. “States are part of the national expert group…nobody will get the vaccine by pulling a favor.”

India is currently testing three vaccines and are in various stages of clinical trials. Vardhan said that the vaccine will be made available by February or March 2021.

In Phase 3 of the trials is Oxford University’s vaccine that it has developed with AstraZeneca. The trials are being conducted by Pune based Serum Institute and they will also be responsible for distribution. The vaccine is expected to come out by January 2021.

Dr Reddy’s Laboratories has partnered with the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) to test its Sputnik V vaccine. It recently received approvals to start Phase 2/3 trials in India and has partnered with the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) which gives them access to its clinical trial centres. Dr Reddy’s will also distribute the vaccine if it gets approval in India.

Covaxin, being developed by Bharat Biotech in association with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and is in Phase 3 of clinical trials which are being conducted on 26,000 volunteers across 22 centre.

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COVID-19 Medical Updates Medicine & Health

Government launches ‘Mission COVID Suraksha’ with a corpus of Rs3K cr

mission-covid-suraksha

To accelerate the process of developing and manufacturing safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines in the country that can be easily accessible and affordable for the public, a ‘Mission COVID Suraksha’ has been proposed to be set up with a corpus of nearly Rs 3,000 crore, sources said.

Piloted by the Department of Biotechnology, the proposed mission will focus on end-to-end vaccine development from clinical trial stage to regulatory facilitation to manufacturing, sources added.

The aim of the mission is to accelerate the development of at least six vaccine candidates and ensure that they are licensed and introduced in the market for emergency use at the earliest, they said.

While there is no official word on the proposed mission as yet, multiple officials confirmed that a proposal has been made. A senior official said this is still in a proposal stage.

According to the draft proposal, the mission has been proposed to have a timeline of 12-18 months and a budget of approximately Rs 3,000 crore.

The proposed mission will also look to ensure that sufficient volumes are manufactured to meet India’s COVID-19 vaccine requirement and to introduce it in public health systems of the Ministry of Health post the approval by the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI), to combat further spread of COVID-19 infection.

While several efforts already underway have helped in quickly putting together best groups and for encouraging them to accelerate the COVID-19 vaccine development, it is now imperative that the vaccine development and manufacturing is taken up “in a mission mode and not in a project mode”, the draft proposal said.

“Efforts till now for vaccine development have been fragmented,” it noted.

“Therefore, to ensure a steady supply of vaccines in the next 12-15 months, there is a need to establish a mission with an end-to-end focus from pre-clinical development through clinical trials, manufacturing and scale-up development of the prioritized vaccine candidates that would consolidate all available and funded resources towards a warpath for accelerated product development,” it said.

Accordingly, it is proposed to launch the Indian COVID-19 vaccine development program — ”Mission COVID Suraksha”, it said.

The proposed mission also aims to make available clinical trial sites, immunoassay laboratories, ensure all vaccine candidates being introduced through this program have preferred characteristics applicable for India.

It also aims to support manufacturing capacity in the country for different vaccine platforms and ensure vaccine deployment and its uptake by the National Immunisation Programme. Besides, it aims to work with indigenous and global candidates to ensure their successful trial and manufacture in the country.

source: https://www.expresspharma.in/covid19-updates/govt-may-set-up-mission-covid-suraksha-with-rs-3000-crore-corpus/

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COVID-19 Medical Updates

Over 50,000 Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres established, Maximum in Maharashtra

Ayushman

Announcing that more than 50,000 Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB HWCs) have been established in the country, Union Health Minister, Dr. Harsh Vardhan plans to meet the target of making 1.5 lakh AB-HWCs operational by December 2022. The break up of AB HWCs showed that maximum numbers of such centers have been functional in Maharashtra with a total of 6381 including 4117 SHC,1825 PHC, and 439 UPHC followed by Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and others.

A recent release by the Government in this regard stated, “India has crossed a landmark milestone on the journey of universal healthcare. More than 50,000 (50,025) Ayushman Bharat – Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) are now operational across the country. Aiming at providing Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC) services to the communities closer to their homes, 1.5 lakh AB-HWCs are to be established by December 2022. With more than 50,000 having been established, 1/3 of the target has been met. This has led to improved access to affordable primary healthcare services for more than 25 crore people.”

Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare congratulated the States/UTs for their efforts in operationalizing the HWCs despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. “This has been possible due to the joint efforts of the Center and the States/UTs in planning, monitoring at all levels, standardization of processes, the flexibility for adaptation provided to the States/UTs, and building on the health systems created thus far”, he stated. The HFM specially thanked the frontline health workers, the Medical Officers, the Community Health Officers, and ASHAs for their dedication to the cause of providing Comprehensive Primary Health Care services and for supporting millions of people with necessary services in these difficult times. “They are the backbone of the healthcare delivery system. Their contribution during the COVID period has been exemplary”, he said. HWCs have helped in interventions such as risk communication, contact tracing, community surveillance and early identification of cases, and seamless provisioning of non-COVID essential health services for ensuring the protection of vulnerable groups, such as the newborn, elderly, and those with co-morbidities.

Ayushman Bharat was launched in 2018 with its twin pillars of Health & Wellness Centers (HWCs) and Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) with bidirectional linkages between the two for providing the full range of services across the continuum of care. The first AB-HWC was launched by Hon. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on the 14th of April 2018 at Jhangla in Bijapur District of Chhattisgarh.

source:https://medicaldialogues.in/ayush/ayurveda/news/pg-ayurveda-will-soon-be-allowed-to-practice-general-surgery-ent-orthopedics-and-dentistry-71691?infinitescroll=1

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COVID-19 Medical Updates Medicine & Health

By December, India may get 100 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine AstraZeneca

Astrazeneca

Serum Institute of India, the world’s largest vaccine producer, is ramping up production of AstraZeneca’s potential Covid-19 vaccine so that it can deliver 100 million doses by December for the vaccination drive that may begin across the country.

Serum Institute of India has joined hands with AstraZeneca for the production of a coronavirus vaccine named ‘Covishield’, developed by Oxford University. The coronavirus vaccine candidate is currently in phase 2-3 clinical trial in the country. Serum Institute of India and AstraZeneca has partnered to produce at least 1 billion doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.

Adar Poonawalla, the CEO of Serum Institute of India, said the SII may get emergency authorization from New Delhi by December if the coronavirus vaccine candidate shows the effective results, Bloomberg report.

According to the report, Adar Poonawalla said that “the initial amount will go to India”.

The AstraZeneca vaccine, co-developed by Oxford University, is the most advanced in human testing in India, Serum said, adding that the company and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) will pursue “early availability” of the shot in India.

The ICMR had funded the clinical trial site fees for the AstraZeneca vaccine, Serum said. The company and the ICMR are currently conducting Phase 2/3 clinical trials of the shot at 15 centres across India.

While there are no Covid-19 vaccines approved yet and trials are still underway to prove they are safe and effective, leading drugmakers have been funded to begin production early to expedite deliveries, as the pandemic has killed more than 1.2 million people worldwide.

AstraZeneca AZN.L said last week that it was holding back deliveries of its Covid-19 vaccine candidate while it awaits the data from late-stage clinical trials, which got delayed due to a summer dip in UK coronavirus infections.

For the production of the Novavax NVAX.O vaccine, Serum said it has received the bulk of the vaccine from the US company and will soon fill and finish them in vials.

Novavax, which is testing its vaccine in a late-stage study in the UK, last month postponed the start of its US trial by roughly a month due to delays in scaling up the manufacturing process. The vaccine made in the UK is currently being tested in large efficacy trials in the UK, Brazil, South Africa and USA.

Serum said it had enrolled 1,600 participants in India for the late-stage trials of AstraZeneca’s candidate, and also plans to seek regulatory approval to run late-stage trials for the Novavax vaccine.

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COVID-19 Medical Updates

India’s COVID-19 tally crosses 8.8 million: Kerala tops the chart

India's Covid-19 tally crosses 8.6 million mark, recovery rises to 92.79%

India’s COVID-19 caseload went past 8.8 million to reach 88,45,617 on Sunday. The nation reported 30,681 new COVID-19 incidences, and the overall active cases totaled 4,65,579 as of now. Meanwhile, the number of people who have recuperated from the disease reached 82,47,950, pushing the national recovery rate to 93.09%, according to the Union Health Ministry data. The death toll climbed to 1,30,109 with 434 new fatalities.

With 4,581 new incidences reported on Sunday, Kerala’s cumulative case burden rose to 5,24,998. The state had tested 46,126 samples on the day. The test positivity rate went down below 10 to reach 9.93%. More recoveries than new cases were reported on the day, with 6,684 COVID-19 patients getting discharged during the day. So far, 4,48,207 persons who contracted COVID-19 recovered from their disease. The active caseload stood at 74,805 cases. Of the active cases, 905 patients were critically ill and in ICUs, with 225 patients on ventilator support.

The state’s cumulative death toll rose to 1,869, with the addition of 21 more deaths. Of the new cases reported on Sunday, 3,920 cases (98%) were locally acquired infections, with the infection in 527 cases remaining untraced to a known source of infection. Among this, the number of healthcare workers who contracted the infection is 49.

Kozhikode district reported the highest cases at 574 cases, followed by Malappuram 558 and Alapuzha 496.

West Bengal added 3,053 new infections taking the total caseload to 4,31,551. The active infections stood at 29,314 in the state. As many as 4,480 patients were recovered yesterday while 51 patients succumbed to ailments from the infection. The total recoveries went up to 3,94,576 till now and the fatalities totaled 7,661.

Delhi reported 3,235 new COVID-19 infections, 7,606 recoveries, and 95 deaths on Sunday. The case tally rose to 4,85,405, of which 39,990 are active infections. The total recoveries have reached 4,37,801 and the deaths stood at 7,614.

Maharashtra reported a low number of cases at 2,544 on Sunday. The overall case tally stood at 17,47,242 with 84,918 active infections. As many as 3,065 patients were found negative during the day taking the total recoveries to 16,15,379. 60 new deaths took the overall deaths due to the pandemic in the state to 45,974.

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COVID-19 Medical Updates Medicine & Health

FELUDA, cheaper COVID-19 test launched by TataMD

FELUDA

TataMD has announced the launch of CHECK

Tata Medical and Diagnostics Ltd (TataMD), the healthcare venture from Tata Group, has announced the commercial launch of TataMD CHECK, novel diagnostic testing for COVID-19. TataMD CHECK is powered by FELUDA, a CRISPR Cas-9 technology that was developed in India by CSIR- IGIB for COVID testing. It is the world’s first CRISPR Cas-9 based diagnostic tool to be launched globally.

Commenting on the launch, Girish Krishnamurthy, CEO, Tata Medical and Diagnostics said, “With TataMD CHECK, we are committed to significantly enhance the testing experience of the consumers as well as work with laboratories and hospitals to ensure wider availability and easier access to testing.” The test kits will be manufactured at a Chennai production facility, which presently has a capacity of producing one million kits in a month.

Outlining the advantages of TataMD Check testing, the company said that it was a paper strip-based test with an image-based visual result read out. It requires standard laboratory equipment and small batches of tests can be conducted, which simplifies the diagnostics process.

The test reaction time in a laboratory is 45-50 minutes and the total testing time from RNA-extracted sample in the lab to result is 75 minutes only. Additionally, it can provide high quality, quick results using standard equipment and minimally trained staff. This allows for rapid adoption and scale with potential to reach remote locations of the country.

TataMD does continuous quality control using sensors and AI-based result reporting tool. This helps patients and authorities with the traceability of the sample and to access the results anywhere, since the findings are stored on cloud storage.

source:https://www.healthcareradius.in/clinical/27030-tatamd-launches-check-a-diagnostic-testing-technology-for-covid-19

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COVID-19 Medical Updates Techniques

Precautions to celebrate safe Diwali in COVID-19

Stay safe and healthy during diali

Diwali 2020 is here but the global pandemic of the novel coronavirus has subdued the vibe and energy of the festival. However, don’t worry, keep your excitements intact as you can still have a lot of fun by following a few guidelines. To ensure the safety and security of the people government has issued some rules and regulations on how to celebrate festivals this year. Mostly, large gatherings and events have been cancelled and the experts are suggesting to stay indoors and follow strict rules of safety. Therefore, we are here with a few tips on how to have safe Diwali celebrations this year keeping in mind the physical distancing and hygiene amidst the COVID-19 outbreak.

Don’t use sanitizer before lighting diya/candles

Refrain from using hand sanitizers which are alcohol-based before lighting diyas, candles or any such thing. This is because sanitizers are inflammable and can cause fire hazards. It is recommended by the experts that you wash your hands with soap and water before doing anything which involves lighting fire.

Keep sanitizer away from fire

Sanitizer bottles are common in household and people keep it handy due to ward off the germs during COVID-19 pandemic. But, since maximum sanitizers are alcohol-based, they can easily catch fire. Therefore, keep your sanitizer bottles on a safe place.

Maintain physical distancing

Yes, we know Festivity is all about togetherness and strengthening bonds. This festive season, try and adjust to the new normal and avoid meeting people physically. It is recommended that you celebrate Diwali this year staying indoors mostly. However, if you are meeting someone, fold your hands in namaste or greet in any other way without physical contact.

Don’t forget your mask

It is significant to be responsible and take mandatory precautions. COVID-19  pandemic this year has made the use of mask necessary. Therefore, every time you step out, don’t forget to cover your nose and mouth to save yourself from getting infected.

source: https://www.indiatvnews.com/health/healthcare-tips-how-to-keep-yourself-safe-during-diwali-in-covid-times-660159

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Medical Updates Medicine & Health

Air Pollution: 5 easy ways to cleanse your lungs

Air pollution: 5 easy ways to cleanse your lungs

With the onset of the winter season and festivities, the national capital and its adjoining cities are dealing with rising levels of air pollution amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Pollution and novel coronavirus both can damage your lungs, which makes it necessary to include proper measures to keep our lungs healthy.

Regular detoxification and cleansing of the lungs can help get rid of environmental toxins, irritants, and other harmful organisms. It also helps improve lung function, reduces swelling, inflammation, and strengthens lung capacity.

We spoke to Dr. Vishakha Mahindroo, MD, Ph.D. (Sch), Senior Ayurveda Consultant, and Panchakarma Expert to know some easy ways to cleanse and detox your lungs.

  • Ginger tea

One of the most widely used home remedies to cure cough and cold, ginger tea is known for its anti-inflammatory property. Ginger helps remove toxins from the respiratory tract. It also has vitamins and minerals like potassium, magnesium, zinc, and beta-carotene. Some studies have even found that ginger extract can kill lung cancer cells. Thus, one of the best ways to strengthen your lungs and immunity is by having ginger tea every day.

  • Cinnamon tea

Having cinnamon tea also helps a great deal in cleansing your lungs. Cinnamon has been used for ages to treat respiratory issues. The use of cinnamon dates back to the time when Romans used it to treat digestive and respiratory tract issues. Add a small piece of cinnamon to one glass of water and boil it until the water becomes half its quantity. Have it lukewarm. You can also add cinnamon to your regular tea.

  • ​Steam

Steam therapy is one of the best and easiest ways to cleanse your lungs. Inhaling water vapor opens up the air passage and helps the lungs to drain mucus. As winter comes, it’s good to take steam every day for cleaning your congested air passages. Inhaling water vapour can help improve breathing in a short period of time.

  • Gargling with turmeric

Gargling with turmeric water right before you sleep is another easy way to detox your lungs. Add a pinch of turmeric to hot water and gargle with it. Turmeric is loaded with an active compound called curcumin, which helps in dissolving the mucus. It also helps relieve chest congestion and has healing properties that kill the bacteria and treat cold and cough.

  • ​Pranayama followed by sesame oil drops installation

Practicing pranayama helps clear the mucus in the air passages, relieves congestion, reduces bloating, and improves lung function. Putting one drop of sesame oil in each nostril after practicing pranayama can double the benefits of the exercise.

source:https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/air-pollution-5-easy-ways-to-cleanse-your-lungs-as-per-an-ayurvedic-expert/photostory/79084448.cms?picid=79084485

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COVID-19 Medical Updates

Targeted COVID-19 testing begins in crowded areas in Delhi

Covid-19

The Delhi government has started conducting targeted COVID-19 tests in markets and other crowded areas to strengthen its surveillance mechanism, the city’s Heath Minister Satyendar Jain said on Wednesday amid a surge in daily coronavirus cases in the national capital in the last few days.

Delhi recorded over 6,700 fresh COVID-19 cases for the first time on Tuesday taking the infection tally in the national capital to over four lakh, while the positivity rate was recorded at 11.29 percent amid the festive season and rise pollution levels.

Interacting with reporters, Jain said, the current pandemic situation in the national capital, can be termed as its “third wave”.

It was decided to concentrate efforts in certain key areas, such as targeted RT-PCR testing in sensitive and critical zones such as restaurants, market places, barber shops, and salons; gear up the availability of medical resources including beds, ICUs, and ventilators as a preemptive measure and ensure a high degree of contact tracing along with monitoring of quarantined contacts so as to suppress and break the chain of transmission, the statement said.

Jain told reporters, “Targeted testing has started in market places and other densely crowded areas”. Asked if there these tests will be all RT-PCR ones, he replied RT-PCR tests will also be increased.

As to why COVID-19 cases in Delhi are rising whereas it is showing a declining trend elsewhere, he said, “We are doing aggressive testing and contact tracing. These may be why daily cases are high. About other places, I cannot comment.”

Jain also acknowledges that he was getting reports that many people were either lax in adhering to safety norms or not wearing masks at all.

Jain also said in the initial days of the pandemic, more cases were coming from congested areas.

“This time, more cases are being recorded in upper-middle-class and middle-class segments, and they have an inclination to go to private hospitals. But treatment protocols are the same in private and government hospitals. Beds are available in government facilities,” he said.

Delhi had recorded over 5,000 daily cases for five days on the trot, ending Sunday when the count stood at 5,664. The number of containment zones in Delhi increased to 3,453 on Tuesday from 3,416 the previous day.

The sudden spike in cases comes amid the festive season and rising pollution level. While Durga Puja celebrations ended on October 25, the next major festivals are Diwali and Chhath in November.

source: https://www.financialexpress.com/lifestyle/health/targeted-covid-19-testing-begins-in-market-places-crowded-areas-in-delhi-satyendar-jain/2120942/

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COVID-19 Medical Updates Medicine & Health

Lung Cancer Awareness Month: November

Lung Cancer Awareness Month November

Lungs are one of the most vital organs in the human body. Responsible for the fundamental act of breathing, the lungs play a very important role in keeping the body healthy, and the body functions running efficiently. However, in recent times, diseases such as lung cancer have become extremely common. In fact, lung cancer is the most common type of cancer around the world and is responsible for millions of deaths, every year. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, lifestyle factors, and air pollution only add to the already high risk of lung cancer.

Let us understand the factors that make lung cancer the most common cancer globally, and what we can do to minimize our risk of the deadly disease.

What makes lung cancer the most common cancer around the world?

  • Smoking – The number of people who use cigarettes has gone up around the world. Smoking has become extremely common among young people, and even teenagers. Smoking is one of the leading causes of lung cancer. About 80 percent of total lung cancer deaths can be attributed to tobacco smoking, and many others to exposure to second-hand smoke. Smoking has also been found as a risk factor for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
  • Gene changes – Changes in genes can also spike the risk of lung cancer, even in people who do not smoke. Certain risk factors for lung cancer can cause changes in the DNA of lung cells. These changes can sometimes lead to abnormal growth of cells in the lungs, and cause cancer. DNA, as most people know, can influence our risk of developing certain diseases, including lung cancer.
  • Increased exposure to pollutants – Air pollution, global warming, and other climatic emergencies can also lead to a rise in the risk of diseases such as lung cancer. Exposure to pollutants can spike the risk of lung diseases such as asthma and COPD, and also lung cancer. Exposure to second-hand smoke from cigarettes also has a similar effect on the body.

It’s important to go organic. Making organic fruits and vegetables will not only keep cancer away but will also bring several lifestyle diseases under control. Of course, the government needs to play an important role by instituting measures to control pollution and adulteration of all types.

source:https://www.timesnownews.com/health/article/lung-cancer-awareness-month-what-makes-it-the-most-common-cancer-globally-tips-for-prevention/675661