After thanking Mr. Sachin, Mr. Partha continued the discussion. He claimed that since it is utilised for financial transactions and other things, the National Digital Health Mission is an exact clone of UPI. It has similar healthcare experience. He claimed that we had progressed from a paper-based system to one that uses less paper. Interoperability, which will allow for paperless transactions across organisations, is on the horizon. If we take a historical look at how we first began automating or digitising a portion of an organization’s operations then it is crucial to consider the data’s interoperability within the organisations. Preceding further, we looked at digitising and automating data within a single department, and later, we looked at data exchange between departments so that two Health Information System (HIS) departmental flows or perhaps two Health Management Information System (HMIS) apps could communicate among them utilising the earlier protocols. It is now necessary to develop a UPI counterpart so that any healthcare data can be accessed as needed. There are three things with which we must be extremely cautious while adding additional data digitally. The first is data privacy and confidentiality, and the second is how we make sure the security of the data is maintained. Third stated that everyone should have a digital health ID. Mr. Partha further asked Dr. Pushkar Kumar to identify himself and continue the discussion. Dr. Pushkar is the Project Director Division, Head of PHFI and a senior public health specialist. He gave a brief introduction before sharing some slides on PHFI. In 2006, the Ministry of Family and Welfare established the Public Private Partnership (PPP) known as the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) to serve as the partnership’s public face. He listed the several fields in which the PHFI operates. Mr. Partha expressed gratitude to Dr. Pushkar for his observations on the work being done at PHFI.

Dr. Amit Raj was invited by Mr. Partha for his insights about his early opinions on the National Digital Health Mission before being called to the panel discussion. Dr. Amit Raj expressed his gratitude and underlined the urgent need for training and coaching in AI and cyber security.

He said that training in AI had benefited every field, including cardiology, paediatrics, and other fields. He said that the trust gap between patients and doctors has been closed as a result of the use of digital technology. It has been made possible by the digital strategy since using VR has helped patients understand their own disease. Mr. Partha concurred with Dr. Amit that it was quite helpful. Knowing what is going on among the patients often causes worry, and searching for information on Google can be difficult. When patients only have partial information, it might be difficult. Dr. Amit Raj then continued by pointing out that protecting patient data is a challenge. He claimed that he has run into issues with both public and private insurance providers about the protection of both their own and the patients’ personal information.

Insurance companies frequently reject patients because of lack of information. Physician associates have benefited from the digital approach to data protection and patient participation in diagnostics and medicines. Mr. Partha stated that although we are the custodians of the data, ultimately the patient is the owner and is responsible for determining how and when the data should be accessed.

 What do you think we need to remove as a barrier for the deployment of digital programmes, Mr. Partha questioned Dr. Pushkar? Dr. Pushkar responded by stating that one of the obstacles is the lack of internet connectivity downstairs. If we move from state urban regions to rural areas, internet connectivity has not kept up. The main obstacle would be that regular data uploading is always delayed because internet access is not good. The second most important factor is acceptability. There were obstacles in the government system for many of us, including the elder generation.With time we are progressively accepting after the  epidemic and demonetization, and the government’s efforts in this direction have also been quite helpful. Additionally, because health is a state responsibility, it will take considerably longer because Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Maharashtra are more developed than Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Things are progressing as more people are using technology, some by requirement, some by compulsion, and others just out of habit.

Dr. Pushkar and Mr. Partha both agreed that these were the most typical obstacles. Even in major metropolitan regions, internet accessibility is not always as good as it is in rural areas. He further shared his insights and believed that it would get better with the introduction of 5G. He then noted that individuals these days are donating everything digitally, which was another point Dr. Pushkar had raised. It’s all on the site. It is now possible to share and retain records digitally.

The panel discussion extended an invitation to Mr. Abhinav Singhal, founder of O2i Tech.He expressed his gratitude and noted that at this stage, digital health has become a necessity for the entire country. From data analytics and predictive health to remote monitoring, there is a necessity. The importance of having access to healthcare nationwide is now better understood after the pandemic. The crux for the present time is the easy availability, time-bound, location-independent, cost-effective, and of better standard in terms of quality. Because of this, digital health records are essential, but they also present unique difficulties. First and foremost, the information must be accurate, available to all physicians in real time, and not all signals can be recorded. He continued by adding that although we still have a ways to go, telemedicine has a bright future and digital health will play a crucial role. An extremely useful tool for clinicians and patients alike is the perspective of infrastructure and national integration.

What problems do you have while interacting with the National Digital Health Mission portal and other providers, according to Mr. Partha’s query regarding his experience if he has dealt with National Digital Health Mission People? He said that as of right now, he has not integrated with the gateway of the National Digital Health Mission. They have just been able to integrate the devices to make them available to all clinicians and patients on a real-time platform. He continued by saying that since they haven’t integrated with it yet, it will be too early to assess the advantages and disadvantages.

With the session moving forward, Mr. Sachin has made an observation that large hospitals have some type of clinical evaluation team while deploying AI in the healthcare sector in India?

Mr.Partha then asked a question to Dr. Amit Raj that other than Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) what other digital initiatives are being used by him? What does he think as a clinician can we change the practice from today? 

He said that constant training and teaching especially in the nursing part and availability of doctors can be addressed as a problem statement. 

Then the club meeting moved forward with a Q & A session. 

Mr. Partha thanked everyone and invited Vijaya Tripathi, Head of market access and patnerships for the vote of thanks. Vijaya thanked all the speakers and participants for joining the session. This concluded the meeting.

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The Union Health Ministry is in the process to revise the outdated Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940 with an updated one where the focus will be more on laying down strict regulatory guidelines to keep pace with changing needs and technology. The ministry has called for suggestions, comments and objections from various stakeholders.

The bill proposes new definitions for clinical trials, over-the-counter drugs, manufacturers, medical devices, new drugs, bioavailability studies, investigational new drugs and imported spurious drugs, among others. It seeks to bring in regulations for online pharmacies and medical devices and penalties such as imprisonment and compensation in case of injury or death during clinical trials for drugs.
The draft also proposes that no clinical trial can be carried out without permission, medical management and compensation for injury or death, the draft proposes. The bill further mentions that no person shall himself or by any other person on his behalf sell, stock or exhibit or offer for sale or distribute any drug by online mode (e-pharmacy) except under and following a license or permission issued in such manner as may be prescribed.

The Centre has proposed a separate Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) and Medical Devices Technical Advisory Board (MDTAB). Other than officials from the health ministry, the board will also include people from the department of atomic energy, department of science and technology, Ministry of Electronics, DRDO, and experts in the field of biomedical technology, biomaterials, and polymer technology. The draft proposes to allow the Centre to waive the requirement of conducting a clinical investigation for the manufacture or import of a new medical device in the public interest.

It proposes medical device testing centres on the lines of drug laboratories in states and at the central level and states that medical management and compensation have to be provided to persons who are injured while participating in such trials. And, in case of death, the legal heir of the participant should be awarded compensation.

The Bill proposes that the Central government must come up with rules to regulate the online sale of drugs and for online pharmacies to operate “following a license or permission issued”. The Bill also includes a chapter on Ayurveda, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, Unani and Homeopathy, and their respective Drug Technical Advisory Boards.

Source: www.biospectrumindia.com/news

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FUJIFILM Corporation (President and CEO, Representative Director: Teiichi Goto) is pleased to announce the opening of two new “NURA” health screening centers focusing on cancer and lifestyle diseases screening in India. The new NURA centers will open in Gurugram on July 21 this year, and in Mumbai in September of the same year.

In February 2021, Fujifilm opened its first NURA health screening center in Bengaluru, India to launch a health screening service business in emerging countries. NURA utilizes Fujifilm’s medical devices, capable of providing high-definition images, as well as medical IT systems based on AI technology that are designed to support doctors carry out screening and tests for cancer and lifestyle diseases. With the addition of two sites in Gurugram and Mumbai, Fujifilm will offer screening for cancer and lifestyle diseases in a total of three NURA sites. The company will continue to establish new NURA sites to further expand its health screening service business in emerging countries. 

The five-year survival rate among cancer patients in India is said to be around 30 percent as opposed to 70 percent in Japan. It is considered that one of the factors behind the low survival rate in India is the low proliferation of health screening services, imposing practical difficulty in achieving early detection and early treatment of cancer. 

Speaking on the opening of NURA health screening center in Gurugram, Mr. Teiichi Goto, President, and CEO, Representative Director of FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, said, “Ensuring the highest health standards in every region we operate has been our utmost priority. We have a special connection with the Indian market; hence, our purpose is to ensure that health screening services are easily available in the country. We aim to position ourselves where access shall be easier and getting regular screening shall be achievable. We also plan to collaborate with different companies to ensure that a critical aspect of preventive and regular health check-ups is not ignored by the young working class of the country.” 

The NURA center is equipped with Fujifilm’s various medical devices including CT scan and mammography system, as well as an AI-based medical IT system that provides interpretation assistance to doctors, offering Japanese-style high-quality health screening services to local residents and employees of nearby companies / medical facilities. People of various age groups have experienced the screening service and are satisfied with the services NURA provides, especially the convenience of being able to finish all checks in just about 120 minutes and hearing results directly from a doctor after the screening. 

Located at DLF phase 5, sector 43, Gurugram, ‘NURA’ health screening center will tap into insight gained through health screening services. Elaborating on the need for health screening, Dr. Tausif Ahmed Thangalvadi, Medical Director, NURA, said, “As the complexities in lifestyle have increased, we have become complacent towards our health and wellbeing. It is important that health screening should be a regular part of everyone’s life as there are so many diseases that can be treated when diagnosed at the right time. With the state-of-the-art facilities and technologically advanced equipment manufactured by Fujifilm, we aim at providing the best services and initiating a change in the habits of people in the country.”

Source: www.health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/

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Aditya Birla Health Insurance Co. Ltd. (ABHICL) has launched ‘OPD Add-on’ for its customers. This product can be added to existing indemnity plans to provide unlimited medical consultation at affordable prices. The add-on cover aims to provide hassle-free physical and virtual consultation, and offers a range of special consultations such as gynaecology, orthopaedic, paediatric, ophthalmologist, physiotherapist and nutritionist, referred or prescribed by a general practitioner, in relation to any illness or injury.

Mayank Bathwal, chief executive officer, Aditya Birla Health Insurance, said, “New-Age insurance is all about being proactive, taking preventive measures and being there for our customer. Hence, we came up with an OPD Add-on cover with both physical and tele-consultation which can be easily accessible for policyholders. This cover will help them consult doctors virtually as well, irrespective of their location.”

Types of OPD Add-on Cover:

1. Option (1) ₹599 per insured (excluding tax) – Unlimited Physical Outpatient consultations by a general medical practitioner
2. Option (2) ₹799 per insured (excluding tax) – Unlimited Physical & Virtual Outpatient consultations by a general medical practitioner
3. Option (3) ₹999 per insured (excluding tax) – Unlimited Physical & Virtual Outpatient consultations by a general medical practitioner

There is no waiting period and the add-on kicks in from day one, and covers more than 32,000 doctor networks in over 70 cities. Selection of OPD Add-on will be applied at policy level and all insured will receive the benefit on an individual basis by default. The minimum and maximum age at entry will be as per the base policy.

Sarbvir Singh, CEO, Policybazaar.com, said, “Health insurance with OPD coverage is an urgent need for the country as 60% of all healthcare expenses are OPD, and these are currently paid out of pocket. This product solves a large un-met need. We have always had customers coming and asking for OPD plans and this should really help address that market gap. This completely aligns with our vision of making financial security accessible to every Indian household when they truly need it.”

Source: https://www.livemint.com

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Punjab Health Minister Chetan Singh Jouramajra on Tuesday said 109 mohalla clinics will be set up by the end of this financial year in the state. The Bhagwant Mannled government will operationalise 75 ‘Aam Aadmi clinics’ on August 15, he said.

The ‘Aam Aadmi Clinic’ project will provide the best health services to people and they are going to be functional from August 15 across the state, he said in a statement here. “By the end of this fiscal year, 109 mohalla clinics will be set up to ensure that the common man will not remain deprived of basic health facilities in the state,” he said. After the opening of ‘Aam Aadmi clinics’, people will get treatment near their houses. They will visit big hospitals only if they will be undergoing any major surgery, he stated. Consequently, these clinics will reduce the burden on the government hospitals across the state, said the health minister.

He hit back at opposition parties, accusing them of trying to defame the AAP government with baseless allegations over the issue of ‘mohalla clinics’. The AAP government led by Mann is committed to transforming the health system and eradicating corrupt practices to facilitate the people of Punjab, he said. These clinics are not only being whitewashed but the AAP government will also provide outpatient care for a range of common illnesses, first aid for injuries, dressing and management of minor wounds at the doorstep of the people by doctors, he said. He further said referral and subsequent follow-up for specialized care will be done through these clinics. Essential drugs and tests will also be made available free of cost in these clinics, he said.

The Congress on Monday had questioned the logic and rationale behind setting up of ‘Aam Aadmi Clinics’ in Punjab, saying it already has a nationally and internationally acknowledged robust and vibrant healthcare system.

“There are already thousands of better equipped and better staffed government run dispensaries across the state, which the AAP government wants to replace with such clinics, which have already failed in Delhi,” Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring had said. People really do not need refurbished ‘Suvidha’ centres as their first-aid centers, when they have easy access to better facilities across the state, Warring had said.

Earlier, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) had asked CM Mann to stop trying to “befool” people by changing name plates of buildings and schemes. The party had slammed the government for trying to secure cheap publicity by converting ‘Suvidha Kendras’ established by the erstwhile SAD government, into ‘Aam Aadmi clinics’. The party had said that these ‘Suvidha Kendras’ were established to provide citizen-centric services under one roof to the people of the state.

Source: www.health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/

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