universal-health-care-reality-or-myth Archives - InnoHEALTH magazine

Belly bump: With dental care

InnoHEALTH magazine digital team — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 08:57:15 +0000

There is an old wives’ tale that you lose a tooth for each baby, which is false, and the reasons could be due to the underlying changes during pregnancy.” Patient arrives, and you greet and ask about her health. She beams a beautiful smile and says that she’s expecting a baby! How do you reassure her that the old wives’ tale of losing a tooth for every baby is not going to happen to her?

Studies have shown that women who have tooth problems (periodontal disease) are more likely to give birth prematurely, have babies with a low birth weight, and possibly even more likely to miscarry. There are infections causing miscarriage which are Toxoplasmosis, a protozoal infection, may cause a miscarriage, death of the fetus, and serious birth defects.Listeriosis, a bacterial infection, increases the risk of preterm labor, miscarriage, and stillbirth.

Pregnancy brings a unique situation. Being pregnant comes with many responsibilities – and the way you care for your teeth is no exception. As your body progresses through each term, your cells increasingly retain fluids, including your gum tissues. Coupled with elevated hormone level, this can cause a heightened inflammatory response to the presence of plaque, resulting in puffy, inflamed gums in expectant mothers. Those puffy gums make you more susceptible to periodontal disease.

If you are planning on getting pregnant, it is more convenient to have elective procedures done before you conceive. Pregnancy and dental work questions are common for expecting moms. Preventive dental care and annual exams during pregnancy are not only safe but are recommended. Thus, you are less likely to have dental problems during pregnancy if you already have good oral hygiene habits. Few tips to follow – brush your teeth atleast twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste, floss between your teeth, visit your dentist regularly.

Dental care precautions during pregnancy, such as cavity fillings and crowns, should be treated to reduce the chance of infection. If dental work is done during pregnancy, the second trimester is ideal and to maintain healthy circulation by keeping your legs uncrossed while you sit on the dental chair and take a pillow to help keep you and the baby more comfortable. Once you reach the third trimester, it may be very difficult to lie on your back for an extended period of time. The safest course of action is to postpone all unnecessary dental work until after the birth. However, sometimes emergency dental work, such as a root canal or tooth extraction, is necessary. Elective treatments, such as teeth whitening and other cosmetic procedures, should be postponed until after the birth. It is best to avoid this dental work while pregnant and avoid exposing the developing baby to any risks, even if they are minimal.

Before you have your dental appointment, check with your obstetrician to see if she has any special precautions or instructions for you. Tell your dentist the names and dosages of all drugs you are taking – including medications and prenatal vitamins prescribed by your doctor. Dentist may need to alter your dental treatment plan based on this information.

Some things which need to be taken under consideration and are asked by expecting mom are:

Medications used in dental work during pregnancy: Currently, there are conflicting studies about possible adverse effects on the developing baby from medications used during dental work. Lidocaine is the most commonly used drug for dental work. Lidocaine does cross the placenta after administration. If dental work is needed, the amount of anaesthesia administered should be as little as possible, but still enough to make you comfortable. Lidocaine with epinephrine is safe, but as with any patient, proper aspiration is required for effective anaesthesia and to avoid the cardiovascular side effects of epinephrine. Too rapid a heartbeat and systemic vasoconstriction can lead to fetal hypoxia. Dental work often requires antibiotics to prevent or treat infections. Antibiotics such as penicillin, amoxicillin, cephalosporin and clindamycin, are safe to use in pregnancy, which may be prescribed after your procedure. Tetracycline of any type should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding to avoid any discoloration of the teeth. Aspirin and other nonsteroidal, anti- inflammatory drugs (e.g. ibuprofen) should not be prescribed. For severe pain, oxycodone is considered safe. Codeine, hydrocodone, or propoxyphene are probably safe for a short time. Nitrous oxide is controversial but probably safe as long as there is oxygen administered. But as said before, a consent form from the obstetrician is required at the dentist to check the drugs and dosages to be given.

X-rays safe during pregnancy: Dental X-rays can be done during pregnancy. Your dentist will use extreme caution to safeguard you and your baby, such as shielding your abdomen and thyroid. Advances in technology have made X-rays much safer today than in past decades.

Pregnancy gingivitis: Beginning in the second or third month of pregnancy, about half of pregnant women experience gingivitis due to increased estrogen and progesterone. Pregnancy gingivitis typically peaks during the third trimester. Women who have gingivitis before pregnancy are more prone to exacerbation during pregnancy. Thus, rise in hormone levels during pregnancy causes the gums to swell, bleed, and trap food causing increased irritation to your gums, talk to your dentist or periodontist as soon as possible. Undiagnosed or untreated periodontal disease – pregnancy may worsen this chronic gum infection, which is caused by untreated gingivitis and can lead to tooth loss. Pregnancy epulis or pyogenic granuloma – a localised enlargement of the gum, which can bleed easily. This may require additional professional cleaning, and rarely excision.

Coping with Morning Sickness: If morning sickness is keeping you from brushing your teeth, change to a bland-tasting toothpaste during pregnancy. Ask your dentist or hygienist to recommend brands. Morning sickness is common and may cause permanent damage to the tooth enamel. The patient should rinse her mouth with water after vomiting rather than causing further damage with toothbrush abrasion. If you don’t have a fluoridated mouthwash, put a dab of fluoridated toothpaste on your finger and smear it over your teeth. Rinse thoroughly with water. Erosion oftoothenamelmaybemorecommon because of increased exposure to gastric acid from vomiting secondary to morning sickness, gastric reflux during late pregnancy.

Dental caries: Brush your teeth along the gum line twice a day with a small, soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. It’s also a good idea to visit your dentist before you conceive. Dental treatment before pregnancy can help to keep your teeth and gums healthy and reduce the risk of premature birth, tooth decay could simply mean a woman has increased risk for premature birth and not that her tooth decay was what caused her baby’s premature birth. Thus, tooth decay would be a risk factor for premature birth but not necessarily a cause of premature birth.

Eating right for your teeth and baby: Avoid sugary snacks. Sweet cravings are common during pregnancy. However, keep in mind that the more frequently you snack, the greater the chance of developing tooth decay. Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Your baby’s first teeth begin to develop about three months into pregnancy. Healthy diets containing dairy products, cheese, and yogurt are a good source of these essential minerals and are good for baby’s developing teeth, gums, and bones.

Some pregnant women find that brushing their teeth, particularly the molars, provokes retching. However, you risk tooth decay if you don’t brush regularly:

Use a brush with a small head, such as a brush made for toddlers.
Take your time. Slow down your brushing action.
It may help to close your eyes and concentrate on your breathing.
Try other distractions, such as listening to music.
If the taste of the toothpaste seems to provoke your gag reflex, switch to another brand. Alternatively, brush your teeth with water and follow up with a fluoridated mouthwash. Go back to brushing with fluoridated toothpaste as soon as you can.

Increase your calcium during pregnancy: You need to increase your daily amount of calcium during pregnancy. Sufficient calcium will protect your bone mass and meet the nutritional needs of your developing baby, but it is possible that mom may lose some of her bone density to help supply the baby’s skeletal requirements. This calcium loss is quickly made up after breastfeeding is stopped. Good sources of dietary calcium include products such as milk, cheese, unsweetened yoghurt, calcium-fortified soymilk, fatty fish,
such as salmon, eggs.

Post Pregnancy: After you have had your baby, in case you experienced any gum problems during your pregnancy, see your dentist soon after delivery to have your entire mouth examined and periodontal health evaluated.

‘A woman has two smiles that an angel might envy, the smile that accepts a lover before words are uttered, and the smile that lights on the first-born baby, assures it of a mother’s love.’

About the author

Dr. Vishaj S. Maru is a dental surgeon. She studied dentistry at the D.Y. Patil School of Dentistry. She does clinical practice in Mumbai with a keen interest in academia and clinical dentistry.

The post Belly bump: With dental care appeared first on InnoHEALTH magazine.

How PMBJP is providing affordable healthcare to all

InnoHEALTH Magazine — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 07:40:44 +0000

With the vision of providing quality Generic-Medicines to all citizens of the country, several regular and fiscal measures have been taken time to time by the government. With government’s constant efforts and people’s unbreakable trust, has transformed Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) from a concept to reality, with a chain of over 5600 Jan Aushadhi Kendras.

India is the largest supplier of generic drugs in the world, and Indian pharmaceutical companies have been trying to push down the cost of medication in many countries across the world. To ensure every Indian has access to quality healthcare at affordable prices, an initiative with the name of Jan Aushadhi Scheme was being implemented through Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI) which is a society set up by five pharma PSUs and works under Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India.,/p>

Though ‘Jan Aushadhi Scheme’ was launched by Department of Pharmaceuticals in November 2008 across the country, the scheme didn’t take off and by 2014, only 80 stores were functioning.

In 2015, committee of secretaries was set up by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi to look into the health related issues which had recommended that “Jan Aushadhi Kendra” should be expanded and the budget of 2015-16, announced a target of 3000 kendras.

For achieving the target of 3000 stores, scheme was revamped. A franchise like model was adopted and an intensive media campaign in national and regional newspapers inviting individual entrepreneurs to apply for establishing and running PMBJP kendra was undertaken. In response, the applications received were scrutinized and eligible applicants were assisted with drug license and other infrastructure facilities to open the kendras. By December 2016, target of 3000 stores was achieved and the name of the scheme renamed as “Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana” (PMBJP). In September 2019 more than 5600 PMBJP Kendra were functional across the country.

“I have monthly income of 12,000. I had to spend 8000 to 10,000 per month for my son’s health, but with PMBJP I get those medicines at 1000-1200. Now, I save 8000 to 9000 per month and can provide regular medicines to my son” shared Karni Singh Rathod, a beneficiary from Bikaner, Rajasthan.

Objectives of PMBJP

Ensure access to quality medicines for all sections of population especially for the poor and the deprived ones.
Create awareness about generic medicines through education and publicity to counter the perception that quality is synonymous with high price only.
Generate employment by engaging individual entrepreneurs in opening of Jan Aushadhi Kendra.

Milestones Achieved

As on 30th Sept, 2019, 5624 Jan Aushadhi Kendra are functional across the nation.
1000 medicines and 154 surgical and consumables available in the basket for sale through.
Central Warehouse is established as per WHO guidelines for ensuring better quality storage and logistics services.
3 regional warehouses have been established.
A distribution network of 8 Chemicals & Fertilizers agents and 57 distributors spread over different states is functional.
Implementation of IT enabled (SAP based) end-to-end Supply Chain Management System.
‘Point of Sale’ software application at all PMBJP kendras.
729 districts have been covered.
A mobile application “Jan Aushadhi Sugam” to enable people to search Jan Aushadhi generic medicine stores has been launched.
Jan Aushadhi Suvidha Sanitary Napkins are now available at Rs 4 per pack.

Prices of Jan Aushadhi Medicines as compared to branded medicines

A medicine under PMBJP is priced on the principle of a maximum of 50% of the average price of top three branded medicines. Therefore, the cost of the Jan Aushadhi Medicines is cheaper atleast by 50% and in some cases, by 80 to 90% of the market price of branded medicines.

166 medicines – cheaper by 80-90%

073 medicines – cheaper by 70-80%

080 medicines – cheaper by 60-70%

383 medicines – cheaper by 50-60%

PMBJP has drastically brought down the prices of quality medicines and making medicines available within the reach of a large section of the population, especially the poor.

The endeavor of Bureau of Pharma Public Sector undertakings of India (BPPI) is to make available all therapeutic medicines at the PMBJKs. A list of medicines with their MRPs which are presently available are given under the heading “Price List of PMBJP medicines” on the website: janaushadhi.gov.in

Jan Aushadhi Medicines are procured on an Open tender basis from WHO (World Health Organisation), GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) compliant manufacturers only. Jan Aushadhi Medicines undergo two stage stringent quality check process at the nationally accredited labs.

How the PMBJP is benefiting the Jan Aushadhi Kendra owners

The Scheme is operated by government agencies as well as by private entrepreneurs.

For PMBJP kendras run by government agencies, a financial support of Rs. 2.50 lakh is given by Department of Pharmaceuticals of which Rs 1.00 lakh is for medicine and the rest for furniture & IT infrastructure, Space is provided free of cost by concerned state government.
PMBJP Kendra opened by any individual entrepreneur is extended an incentive of 15% of monthly sales up to Rs. 2.5 lakh in total. Individual SC/ST and differently abled entrepreneurs are provided medicines worth of Rs. 50,000/» in advance.

“By the year 2024, 10,000 Jan Aushadhi stores will be opened in the country. The aim is to have at least one such store at every block level,” CEO BPPI Sachin Singh. Urging the people to buy the generic medicines from the nearest Jan Aushadhi stores, he said the medicines sold at these stores are cheaper and consumers must take the benefit.

“Health is one sector which is on priority of our government. Government is continuously working to provide affordable treatment and medicines at cheaper prices. Today if a patient starts his/her treatment, 70% of money goes on buying medicines,” Hon’ble Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Mansukh L Mandaviya said. He further said that the demand of generic medicine is growing and Jan Aushadhi stores across the country are serving 10-15 lakh people per day. He also urged the doctors to prescribe generic medicines and provide affordable healthcare.

Ruchika Puri, a Delhi based freelance writer, specializes in writing articles about the various healthcare schemes launched by the Government of India. Given her passion for writing, she likes to use her expertise and insights to create awareness among people about the healthcare system prevalent in India – like making healthcare affordable & accessible through Government’s Pradhan Mantri Jan-Aushadhi Yojana (PMBJP).

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Are you filling the Health Insurance Claim?

InnoHEALTH Magazine — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 08:21:32 +0000

5 things to watch out for when filing health insurance claim
The insurance company lives with the lurking fear of being trapped in fraudulent activities. And therefore, they follow the strict evidence checking rule in the claims process. Only when the insurance company is satisfied with all the evidence and proof, they will allow the claimant to get out of the line of fire.
You don’t need to find an escape route as you are not fraudulent instead you need to know how to get out of the line of fire like a hero. To know-how, read the 5 things to watch out for when filing a health insurance claim below:
1. Duly filled claim form
A medical claim form is an application form that every insurance company demands to start the claim process. Generally, the claim form comes with two sections Part A & Part B. Part A includes A to G sections that need to be filled by the claimant and Part B is filled by the hospital. Part A of form informs the insurer about the incident, medical expenses, and details of the policyholder and dependent who needs coverage, details of hospitalization, and a checklist of documents that one needs to submit with the claim form to the insurer. To avoid mistakes, fill the medical reimbursement claim form with the help of the SureClaim expert.
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2. Intimation & claim within the time limits
The insurance company expects the insured to intimate the insurance company about the hospitalization 3 days before for planned hospitalization and within 24 hours in emergency hospitalization. Once the intimation is done, you can file a claim within 30 days from the date of hospitalization. On exceeding this time limit, you will have to submit the reason for the delay with your claim, failing which your claim can get delayed.
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3. Whether treatment is covered or not
Having a health insurance policy doesn’t mean that you can claim any medical expenses arising out of any medical conditions. Every health insurance plan comes with certain limitations mentioned in the terms and conditions of the policy. Before filing a claim, you must read the policy wordings which include the exclusion list and all the terms and conditions of your policy. Claim filed for anything that falls under the limitation or exclusion list will be rejected by the insurance company.
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4. Documents
After filing a claim form, you need to submit the documents as evidence and proof of the incident. The documents should be in the order that it should include the first consultation letter to all the medical bills related to medicine, hospitalization, lab reports and for which you are covered under the policy. The documentation process plays a very crucial role in your claim process as the entire decision of approval depends upon the documents you have submitted to your insurer. When people fail to justify the medical expenses by not submitting the supporting documents, the insurance company raises query which makes the process complex and time taking. It is important to note that all the supporting documents are to be submitted in original to the insurance company.
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5. Submit it to the right address
Now when you are ready with your duly filled claim form and all the supporting documents, it is time to verify the correct address of your insurer to send your claim. This point might sound obvious but let me tell you insurance companies have a specific address to receive the claim and process them. Make sure you find the correct address and send your claim via mail or submit by hand to the right address.
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Insurance companies take somewhere around 5 to 7 weeks to process your claim. Wait, your job is still not complete, you will have to do a regular follow-up of your claim with your insurer. First, you will have to verify if the insurance company has received your claim. Second, you will have to follow up for your claim id, which is usually generated by the insurance company within 3 to 4 days after receiving your claim documents. Third, take regular follow-up with your insurer for your claim status via call or online.

About the author

Anuj Jindal co-founded SureClaim to fix the broken claim experience of insurance customers. He believes technology can play a major role in empowering customers. His understanding is shaped by his decade long stint in healthcare and health-tech companies.

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