Neeraj Bajpai Archives - InnoHEALTH magazine

Agonizing Ankylosing Spondylitis is More Common in Young Men

InnoHEALTH Magazine — Tue, 18 Dec 2018 05:50:28 +0000

Agonizing Ankylosing Spondylitis is more common in young men between 20 and 30 years of age than women; occurs in children as well.

For young people, less heard ailment Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is an emerging disturbance, but that is a stark reality: initially, victims develop symptoms such as low back pain and stiffness that lasts for more than 30 minutes and worsens in the morning or after prolonged inactivity.

Panacea lies in regular exercise before AS grips individual like a wasp with stiffened ligaments and muscles. Dr. Uma Kumar, states that such cases were burgeoning, and timely treatment can only stave off complications.

Patients with AS must exercise regularly because it helps to limit spinal deformity and maintain their spinal movement and flexibility, while also relieving the back pain. Swimming and deep breathing are the best exercises. In addition, a hot shower in the morning can help to ease the pain and stiffness. Patients should avoid smoking, eat a healthy diet and maintain a healthy weight.

AS is not curable, but it is completely treatable if detected early. Only 10% of patients have a severely disabling disease. With the help of the correct medication and lifestyle modification, approximately 80% people with AS remain completely independent or just minimally disabled in the long-term.

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In an exclusive interview to InnoHEALTH magazine, Dr. Kumar traces the original meaning of the disease, and says the word Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is derived from the Greek words ankylosis meaning ‘stiffening’, spondylosis meaning ‘vertebra’, and – it means ‘inflammation’.

She answered several questions on the ailment.

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Question: Can you please explain in detail AS?

AS is a chronic inflammatory type of spondyloarthritis (a broad term for all types of arthritis that affects the spine) that is further classified as an ‘axial spondyloarthritis’ because it affects the joints of the spine and pelvis (where the sacral bone attaches to the iliac bone on either side of the body). When spinal ligaments get inflamed at the point where they attach to the vertebrae, the ‘bone-making cells’ of the body get stimulated and start to grow bone within the ligaments, which results in the formation of bony bridges between adjoining vertebrae – this is what leads to a stiff back.

Question: Does it affect other parts of the body as well?

Sometimes, other joints of the body such as the ankle, knee, and hip may also be affected. AS is more common in young men between 20 and 30 years of age than women. It can occur in children as well. The prevalence of AS ranges from 0.8% to 1.8% in the general population.

Question: Are genetic and environmental factors linked to AS?

The exact cause of AS is unknown. However, there is a strong genetic predisposition and most patients with AS have the HLA B27 gene. About 6% to 8% of the Indian population has the HLA B27 gene and amongst them, those with a family history of AS in a first-degree relative have a 30% chance of developing the disease. However, only 2% of individuals with this gene actually develop the disease. It is hypothesized that some stimuli (e.g. environmental factors, gut microbiome) trigger AS development in genetically predisposed individuals. Moreover, AS can also develop in individuals without HLA B27. It is likely that there are some undiscovered genetic factors that could also be involved in its etiology.

Question: Whether Initial symptoms itself are alarming or not?

Initial symptoms may not appear alarming, but they can be serious. Patients with AS initially develop symptoms such as low back pain and stiffness that lasts for more than 30 minutes and worsens in the morning or after prolonged inactivity. They often find it difficult to turn on the bed during the latter part of the night and the pain sometimes wakes them up from sleep. Typically, the back pain improves with activity. Some of the tendons and ligaments of the body may also get inflamed (e.g. costochondritis & Achilles tendinitis).

Question: What are the other symptoms?

Other symptoms of AS are chest stiffness; pain in the neck, hip, shoulder, glutes (buttock) and heel; as well as arthritis of the knee, ankle, toes or fingers. About 30% of the patients may develop uveitis (painful red eye) and a similar number of patient’s long-standing disease may develop osteoporosis (thin weak bones). The lungs, heart (valves) and kidneys may also get affected.

Question: How can it be diagnosed accurately?

We do clinical diagnosis with imaging and genetic tests. AS is diagnosed based on a patient’s clinical profile and radiological (X-ray) investigations. Blood tests include genetic tests to detect the HLA B27 gene; and tests that detect raised erythrocyte sedimentation rates (ESR) and increased C-reactive protein (CRP) levels to help support the diagnosis. X-ray imaging cannot detect bone changes during the initial stages of the disease making early diagnosis difficult. However, MRI scans of the sacroiliac joints can be used to diagnose AS in the early stages, when the X-ray of this region still appears ‘normal’.

Question: Can treatment help to slow down or stop the progression of AS?

The aim of treatment is to relieve pain; slow down or stop disease progression, and maintain mobility of the spine. Medicines for AS include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), analgesics, disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics (targeted therapy). NSAIDs provide pain relief and also retard the progression of AS and patients prescribed these medicines must take them regularly and NOT ‘as and when required’. DMARDs like methotrexate, sulphasalazine, and leflunomide are prescribed for patients with peripheral arthritis. Patients who do not respond well to these drugs may be prescribed biologics such as anti-TNF alpha agents and anti-IL-17 inhibitors, as long as they have not had TB or a similar significant illness in the past.

These biologics and other tools that help us assess the disease have made it possible for patients to lead an almost normal life. Oral or parenteral glucocorticoids have no role in the management of AS though intraarticular steroid injections may sometimes be needed.

Question: Is surgical intervention a solution?

Surgery is rarely required for correcting spinal deformity, though a hip or knee replacement surgery may be needed if there is significant joint damage.

Question: What should be a frequency for consulting doctors?

Regular follow-up with the doctor is extremely important to adjust the dose and to detect any drug adverse effects or any complication or comorbidity at the earliest.

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Arthritis includes more than 100 different conditions that affect joints and the surrounding tissue. The most common form of arthritis in the United States is osteoarthritis, followed by gout and rheumatoid arthritis. Symptoms include pain, aching, stiffness, and swelling in or around the joints. Arthritis affects people of all ages, including children. Although the risk of developing arthritis increases with age, more than half of adults with arthritis are younger than 65. About 1 in 4 adults has arthritis in US.

According to Centers for Disease Control And Prevention in US, Arthritis affects about 1 in 4 adults in the United States; That’s 54 million men and women; As the US population ages & obesity increases, the number of adults with arthritis is expected to increase to 78 million by 2040; one-third of adults living in rural areas have Arthritis; over 1 in 2 adults with Arthritis in rural areas are limited by it; Arthritis is a leading cause of disability in the US. Twenty-four million adults report limitations due to Arthritis. And, the most common form of Arthritis in US is osteoarthritis.

People with arthritis can manage symptoms & reduce pain by learning self-management strategies and being physically active.

Prevention tips – Early diagnosis and appropriate management of arthritis, including self-management activities, can help people with the condition live well without pain. Everyone should exercise regularly to stay healthy, including people with Arthritis. Physical activity has been proven to reduce the pain and restore function. There are proven exercise programmes that can help people with arthritis increase their physical activity safely and comfortably. Maintaining a healthy weight has shown to decrease the risk of developing Osteoarthritis and gout and may decrease disease progression and arthritis-related activity limitations.

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India’s Health Landscape Undergoing Tectonic Shifts

InnoHEALTH Magazine — Tue, 09 Oct 2018 07:50:26 +0000

The world’s most populous democracy’s health landscape is witnessing widespread tectonic shifts in its every swathe. The forthcoming biggest ever health protection plan in the world, ever-increasing role of artificial intelligence, rationalization of costs of expensive devices, the emergence of first ever AI fired Ayurveda protocol etc. are among such developments which mirror rapid shifts.

An innovative Pan-India health scheme will be unveiled as announced by the PM Narendra Modi from Ramparts of the Red Fort on Independence Day on 25th September, the birth anniversary of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya. Pradhanmantri Jan Arogya Abhiyan would also go operational– it is set to get common man free treatment for serious diseases. The Pradhanmantri Jan Arogya Abhiyan and Ayushman Bharat Yojana will cover 10 crore families with a provision of 5 lakh rupees per annum health assurance for each family. It will also open new avenues of employment in the health sector for youth especially from middle-class families. New hospitals will be built in the tier-2 and tier-3 cities. They will require medical staff in large numbers. Such a gigantic plan will bring forth radical changes.

Also read: Innovation is the New Buzz Word

We, at InnoHEALTH Magazine, are confident to play a major role in highlighting the scheme for the benefit of various stakeholders – may it be public hospitals, private entities or the patients. In view of bringing focus on a slew of issues, which are constantly in debate among the medical fraternity members, our magazine aims to focus on diagnostic tools in the field of treatment through this issue.

In the global business scenario, now a witness to major changes due to growing political reasons, Trade tariffs, and Tax structure is bound to be affected badly by such developments. So, we are trying to keep the close watch on medical diagnostic tools, medicines price tags and a torrent of new diseases caused by current lifestyles. We had a discussion with Dr. Arvind Lal whose internationally famed pathology labs provide deep insight into disciplines of pathological tests and precise examination of diseases.

Since time immemorial, India is known worldwide for its ancient traditional medicines, but it is for the first time that a new protocol on Ayurveda medicines has been scripted. The AYUSH Ministry is closely studying the same while exploring ways for its effective usage. The protocol has been prepared on the basis of AI (Artificial Intelligence). In the current edition, we are also publishing a detailed report on AI that is making remarkable forays in the field.

As the old age is a natural phenomenon and each one of us has to face this stark reality, we have tried to rivet our eyes to problems afflicting the old people both socially and medically. The world is observing International Day for Older Persons on 1st October, so the topic gains more relevance.

Interesting stories list is unending and some of these are: A Consequence of Modern Day Living – Burnout; Fairy tales of Nanoparticles from Iceland to Jamia Millia Islamia; AI Engraving Footprints on Healthcare Transcontinental Canvas; National center for ageing coming in New Delhi; Lonely people run the risk of dying early; Low back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide; Religious people live four years longer than atheists; A study has unknotted long-term impact of stroke; etc. In addition to these, we are also publishing a host of latest researches which gives scientific explanations of many usual occurrences in human beings.

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Reason of Aggression After Drink

InnoHEALTH Magazine — Fri, 20 Jul 2018 10:40:39 +0000

A new study highlights how portions of the brain that temper aggression get veiled when people gulp alcohol
A new research has found the reason of aggression among people after a drink or two: it is caused because of changes in the working of the prefrontal cortex, the part normally involved in tempering a person’s level of aggression.
A report from Heidelberg, New York says researchers have used Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans that measure blood flow in the brain to better understand why people often become aggressive and violent after drinking alcohol.
Also Read: Alcohol Addiction: Counselling Can be of Great Help

After only two drinks, the researchers noted changes in the working of the prefrontal cortex of the brain. The part normally involved in tempering a person’s levels of aggression.
The study was led by Prof. Thomas Denson of the University of New South Wales in Australia in the journal Cognitive, Affective, & Behavioral Neuroscience which is an official journal of the Psychonomic Society.
According to most theories, alcohol-related aggression is caused by changes in the prefrontal cortex. However, there is a lack of substantial neuroimaging evidence to substantiate these ideas. In this study, Prof. Denson and his team recruited fifty healthy young men. The participants were either given two drinks containing vodka, or placebo drinks without any alcohol. While lying in an MRI scanner, the participants then had to compete in a task which has regularly been used over the past 50 years to observe levels of aggression in response to provocation.
The functional magnetic resonance imaging allowed the researchers to see which areas of the brain were triggered when the task was performed. They could also compare the difference in scans between participants who had consumed alcohol and those who hadn’t. Being provoked was found to have no influence on participants’ neural responses. However, when behaving aggressively, there was a dip in activity in the prefrontal cortex of the brains of those who had consumed alcoholic drinks. This dampening effect was also seen in the areas of the brain that are involved. Also, heightened activity was noted in the hippocampus, the part of the brain associated with people’s memory.
Also Read: Alarming! 26.7 Crore Tobacco Users in India

“Although there was an overall dampening effect of alcohol on the prefrontal cortex, even at a low dose of alcohol. We observed a significant positive relationship between dorsomedial and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex activity and alcohol-related aggression,” explains Prof. Denson. “These regions may support different behaviors, such as peace versus aggression, depending on whether a person is sober or intoxicated.”
The results are largely consistent with a growing body of research about the neural basis of aggression, and how it is triggered by changes in the way that the prefrontal cortex, the limbic system and reward-related regions of the brain function. The results of the current study are also consistent with several psychological theories of alcohol-related aggression.
“We encourage future, larger scale investigations into the neural underpinnings of alcohol-related aggression with stronger doses and clinical samples. Doing so could eventually substantially reduce alcohol-related harm” adds Prof. Denson.

The post Reason of Aggression After Drink appeared first on InnoHEALTH magazine.

An Interaction with J.P. Nadda on Health Plan

InnoHEALTH Magazine — Mon, 14 May 2018 10:23:03 +0000

World’s Largest Health Scheme Unspooled in India

Apparently bracing up to showcase India’s achievements in Health Sector management during general elections due within a year and a half, Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, who recently hogged limelight during mega health plan announced in the Union Budget 2018-19, and also played prominent role in the ruling party activities at the national and states’ level, says the NDA government is committed to advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda. World Health Organisation Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has recently said that India should have UHC.

In an interaction with InnoHEALTH magazine, the Minister asserts that the government would herald a new era of healthcare and the plan announced in the Union Budget would be implemented with full sincerity. It will take a few months to roll out all nitty-gritty’s of implementation. He dismisses apprehensions of those sceptical of the plan in wake of massive funds required for the implementation of the world’s largest healthcare plan. There would be no laxity in the successful implementation of the scheme and it had nothing to do with elections but it is a well-thought-out plan to ensure holistic healthcare to common people. Massive machinery has started churning out plans to bring the scheme to the ground reality. Informatively, a plan to provide health coverage to 50 crore people has been proposed in the current budget 2018-19 and is being viewed as a precursor to the UHC.

WHO’s definition of UHC — one of the goals of sustainable development — includes financial risk protection (against medical expenses), access to quality essential health care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.

The National Health Policy 2017 approved last year envisages the attainment of the highest possible level of health without anyone having to face financial hardship as a consequence. The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) has taken concrete steps to reduce the Out of Pocket Expenditure (OOPE).

Mission Indradhanush launched in 2014 which was one of the largest global public health initiatives. In its four phases till date, Mass Immunisation (MI) has successfully reached over 25 million children in over 528 Districts. The focus is also on increasing the basket of vaccines. Since 2014, Rotavirus vaccine, Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV), and the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine, and also the JE vaccine for adults have been launched.

Under Pradhan Mantri Dialysis Program (PMDP) 1.43 lakh patients have availed free services from 1,069 Dialysis Units and also under Free Drugs and Diagnostics Program; Affordable Medicine and Reliable Implants for Treatment (AMRIT) outlets nearly 47 lakh patients have benefitted and through the purchase of subsidized medicines from AMRIT Pharmacies.

To provide comprehensive primary care, the Government has announced of transforming 1.5 lakh sub-health centres to Health and Wellness centres i.e. MoHFW is now moving towards the provision of comprehensive primary care through the Health and Wellness Centres.

The MoHFW has initiated universal screening of common Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension and common cancers at the sub-centre and Primary Health Centre (PHC), which will enable the strengthening of preventive and promotive health, improve patient referral and access to secondary care.

Excerpts

Q. Please share some major highlights of 2017 in promoting health initiatives?

I am proud to say that there have been several achievements. Few on top of my mind are—Release of the new National Health Policy 2017 after a gap of 15 years, the Passing of HIV & AIDS (Prevention & Control) Act, 2017, the Cabinet approves the Mental Healthcare Act 2017, and the most recent National Medical Commission Bill, 2017.

Besides these policy and legislature decisions, the MoHFW launched some major health initiatives. Starting with the most recent National Nutrition Mission 2017 with Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD), the intensified Mission Indradhanush. After the success of MI, the annual rate of increase of full immunisation coverage has increased from 1% to 6.7 % during the two rounds. We increased the basket of Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) with the introduction of new vaccines i.e. Rotavirus vaccine, MR vaccine and the PCV.

The PMSMA (Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan) has helped detect more than 5 lakh high-risk pregnancies. Similarly, MoHFWs Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) has screened 11.7 crore children, 43.4 lakh children were referred to secondary tertiary facilities, 27.8 lakh children availed services in secondary tertiary facilities. The MoHFW also launched the Mission Parivar Vikas (MPV) in 146 Districts of 7 states for substantially increasing the access to contraceptives and family planning services in Districts with Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 3 and above.

The MoHFW announced transformation of sub-health centres to Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) to expand the basket of services of primary care to make it comprehensive. The HWCs are expected to provide preventive, promotive, rehabilitative and curative care for a package of services related to reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health (RMNCH+A), communicable diseases, non- communicable diseases, ophthalmology, ENT, dental, mental, geriatric care, treatment for acute simple medical conditions and emergency and trauma services. In addition, the recently launched population-based Screening of Diabetes, Hypertension and Common Cancers (Oral, Breast & Cervical) represents a massive step in identifying and addressing the risk factors at the community level itself. More than 150 Districts are taking up in 2017-18.

There are global achievements in terms of India being declared Infective Trachoma free. The MoHFW has also signed MoUs with Italy, Morocco and Cuba.

Q. What challenges did you aim to achieve next year?

Provisioning UHC and to restrict the growing burden of Non – Communicable Diseases. We have initiatives in place to manage both.

Q. How to address the fund crunch issue?

There is no fund crunch. In 2017-18 Union Budget, the health allocation was increased by 27.7%. The MoHFW is committed to 2.5% of GDP to healthcare in a phased manner under the National Health Policy 2017. So I don’t foresee any fund crunch.

Q. Your comments on private sector role in healthcare? Is their contribution satisfies you?

Private sector engagement is a part of new National Health Policy 2017 for a reason. They have a very significant and important contribution to the country’s health services landscape. In terms of real-time support, we are satisfied with their contribution to the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) and provisioning dialysis services through PPP under the Pradhan Mantri Dialysis Program.

Q. Please throw light on Universal Health Coverage initiatives?
There are several, however, I can list a few:-

• In 2017-18, the MoHFW announced transformation of subhealth Centres to Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) to expand the basket of services of primary care to make it comprehensive. The HWCs are expected to provide Preventive, Promotive, Rehabilitative and Curative Care for a package of services related to RMNCH+A, Communicable diseases, Non-Communicable Diseases, Ophthalmology, ENT, Dental, Mental, Geriatric Care, treatment for acute simple medical conditions and emergency and trauma services. The indicative package of services envisaged is

a. Care in pregnancy and childbirth
b. Neonatal and infant health care services
c. Childhood and adolescent health care services
d. Family planning, contraceptive services and other Reproductive Healthcare services
e. Management of Communicable diseases: National Health Programmes
f. Management of Common Communicable Diseases and General Out-Patient care for acute simple illnesses and minor ailments
g. Screening and management of Non-Communicable diseases
h. Screening and basic management of mental health ailments
i. Care for common Ophthalmic and ENT problems
j. Provision of basic dental health care
k. Geriatric and palliative health care services
l. Trauma Care and Emergency Medical Services

The Health and Wellness Centre (H&WC) will deliver comprehensive primary healthcare using a team-based approach and would be led by a mid-level service provider with a primary healthcare team including ANMs, ASHAs, and AWWs, of the sub-centre area. Altogether, 4000 sub-centres are targeted to be transformed to HWCs by March 2018 and 1.25 lakh HWCs by March 2022. So far approval has given for 3871 HWCs.

• National Programme for Prevention & Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS)— -In order to prevent and control major NCDs, the MoHFW is implementing the NPCDCS in all states across the country with the focus on strengthening infrastructure, human resource development, health promotion, early diagnosis, management and referral. As on date, the programme is under implementation in total 436 Districts, with setting up of NCD clinics in 435 District Hospitals, and 2145 Community Health Centres. Cardiac Care Units have been set up in total 138 Districts and Day Care Centres for Cancer Chemotherapy have been set up in 84 Districts. Provision has been made under the programme to provide free diagnostic facilities and free drugs for NCD patients attending the clinics at the District and CHC levels.

• Population-based screening for Diabetes, Hypertension and Common Cancer (Oral, Breast & Cervical)—The recently launched Population-based Screening of Diabetes, Hypertension and Common Cancers represents a massive step in identifying and addressing the risk factors at the community level itself.

More than 150 Districts are being taken up during 2017-18. As of September 2017, approvals given for about 170 Districts in 16309 sub-centres and screening has been initiated in about 60 Districts, 12 states, 2 UTs and 20,15,474 people have been screened.

Q. How the Ministry ensures safe pregnancy in rural/remote and tribal areas where access to hospitals is not that easy?
The issue focuses on our entire Reproductive Child Health (RCH) programme and National Health Mission To list a few viz.-
a. Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY)
b. Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK)
c. HBNC/HBIC (Home-Based Neonatal Care/Infant Care)
d. National Ambulance Service (108/104)
e. Tribal Birthing/Waiting Homes
f. Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA)

Q. What message do you want to share with the community in their fight against dengue and chikungunya?

I want to focus solely on prevention viz. preventing water logging around the house. And other measures which we keep reiterating through our regular Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns. This requires community partnership and ownership.

Q.8. What has been the status of constructing of new AIIMS across the country?

The Government has been at the forefront to strengthen the tertiary care. As such six new AIIMS are functioning and six will come up in due course.

Q. Pl throw light on MoU signed with Morocco. What will be the major gains?
The main areas of cooperation include the following:
a. Non-communicable diseases, including child cardiovascular diseases and cancer
b. Drug Regulation and Pharmaceutical quality control
c. Communicable Diseases
d. Maternal, child and neonatal health
e. Hospital twinning for the exchange of good practices
f. Training in administration and management of health services and Hospitals
Q. Generic medicines: How to address availability issue?

The MoHFW recently issued a draft gazette notification making it mandatory for Pharma companies to carry the generic name of drugs on packs that are at least two fonts larger than the brand name. This clause will be a legal provision as a rule under the existing Drugs and Cosmetics Act. And any violation will be punishable under the provisions of the law. The Ministry has sought public comments on the draft, after which it is likely to become part of the drug law.

Also, issued orders to the Medical Council of India (MCI), state governments and all central government hospitals asking them to ensure that doctors write prescriptions with generic names of medicines in legible handwriting.

In last three years, the government has capped prices of around 700 essential medicines. It has also capped prices of stents and is working to make drugs for critical diseases like cancer and heart disorders available through various schemes. It has also launched several programmes to make free drugs and diagnostics available under the National Health Mission.

Also, our AMRIT stores provision generic drugs. 19 states have set 105 pharmacies for providing medicines for Diabetes, CVD, Cancer and other diseases at discounted prices to the patients. A total of more than 5000 drugs and other consumables are selling at up to 50% discounts.

As of 15th November 2017, 44.54 lakh patients benefitted from AMRIT pharmacies. The value of drug dispensed at MRP is Rs 417.73 crore and savings of Rs. 231.34 crore from AMRIT stores thereby reducing theirs out of pocket expenditure.

Q. Doctors’ shortage: What measures should be put in place to address the concern?

• The MoHFW has granted permission for the establishment of 83 new medical colleges in the last 3 years including 31 in the government sector. The country has today 479 medical colleges with more than 67,000 MBBS seats.

• The Ministry has taken various measures to facilitate the setting up of new colleges viz.

a. norms for medical colleges rationalized
b. urban areas have dispensed with the minimum area of land within notified
c. Companies have to allowed to set up medical colleges.

• The MoHFW is implementing a Centrally Sponsored Scheme namely “Establishment of new medical colleges attached with existing district/referral hospitals”

• Under this Scheme, 58 Districts in 20 States/UT has identified to establish new Medical Colleges attached with existing district/referral hospitals. Out of these, 56 have been approved to date.

• Out of 56 approved medical colleges, 8 are functional and 29 have applied for MCI’s permission to start new medical colleges from the academic year 2018-19.

• The increase of PG seats:

• In January 2017 the teacher-student ratio was revised in government medical colleges in clinical subjects and consequently around 3,000 PG seats added as a one-time measure.

• In the normal course of permission under IMC Act added 700 seats. Combined with the increase of DNB seats, the ministry could achieve an increase of nearly 5800 PG seats in 2017.

• The country has today around 38,000 PG seats including Diplomate of National Board (DNB).

Q. Please throw light on Mental Healthcare Act, 2016. What steps the did government plan to create awareness on this?

• The Act adopts a rights-based statutory framework for mental health in India and strengthens equality and equity in the provision of mental healthcare services in order to protect the rights of people with the mental health problem to ensure that they are able to receive optimum care and are able to live a life of dignity and respect.

• Mental Healthcare Act strengthens the institutional mechanisms for improving access quality and appropriate mental health care services.

• The Act increases accountability of both government and private sectors in the delivery of mental health care with the representation of persons with the mental health problem and their caregivers in statutory authorities such as Central and State Mental Health Authority.

• The most progressive features of the Act are the provision of advance directive, nominated a representative, special clause for women and children related to admission, treatment, sanitation and personal hygiene; restriction on the use of Electro-Convulsive Therapy and Psychosurgery.

• Decriminalization of suicide is another significant facet of the Act, which will ensure proper management of severe stress as a precursor for suicide attempts.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley recently has announced two major initiatives in the health sector, as part of Ayushman Bharat programme. This is aimed at making path-breaking interventions to address health holistically in primary, secondary and tertiary care systems, covering both prevention and health promotion.

THE INITIATIVES ARE AS FOLLOWS:-

(i) Health and Wellness Centre:- The National Health Policy, 2017 has envisioned Health and Wellness Centres as the foundation of India’s health system. Under this 1.5 lakh centres will bring healthcare system closer to the homes of people. These centres will provide comprehensive healthcare, including for non-communicable diseases and maternal and child health services.

These centres will also provide free essential drugs and diagnostic services. The Budget has allocated Rs. 1200 crore for this flagship programme. In adopting these centres is also envisages the contribution of the private sector through CSR and philanthropic institutions.

(ii) National Health Protection Scheme:- The second flagship programme under Ayushman Bharat is National Health Protection Scheme, which will cover over 10 crore poor and vulnerable families (approximately 50 crore beneficiaries) providing coverage up to 5 lakh rupees per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. This will be the world’s largest government-funded healthcare programme. Adequate funds will be provided for smooth implementation of this programme.

In order to further enhance the accessibility of quality medical education and healthcare, 24 new Government Medical Colleges and Hospitals will be set up, . This would ensure that there is at least 1 Medical College for every 3 Parliamentary Constituencies and at least 1 Government Medical College in each state of the country.

Want to write for InnoHEALTH? send us your article at magazine@innovatiocuris.com

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Medical tourism needs systematic structure

InnoHEALTH Magazine — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 07:21:05 +0000

The Medical Tourism Industry, poised to be a whooping USD 8-9 Billion Industry in India by the year 2020, is highly unorganized & unstructured. According to various reports of Industrial bodies, Indian Medical Travel Industry or Healthcare services is growing at a compounded rate of 20-25 per cent.

The Medical and Wellness Industry in India, being a highly unorganized and unstructured industry, is currently driven by limited market players and requires a systematic structural presentation, according to an in-depth study titled “Medical Tourism Opportunities and Challenges”.

The study, conducted in Delhi and National Capital Region (NCR), found if structural development of the sector is ensured, it will facilitate creation of a level playing field for the medical & ancillary service providers which in turn will put the country as one of the most premier Medical Travel destination in the world.

Jitin Kapoor, Joint Secretary at International India Medical Tourism Congress (IIMTC), who spearheaded the study along with a team of researchers, told “Inno Health” in an exclusive interview that the Medical Tourism Industry is undoubtedly one of the most promising sector for the country’s economy, and shall be one of the major source of revenue generation, as well as job creation in near future.

The study finds positioning India in the world market as a bigger and valued prospect for medical travelers from around the world. Mr Kapoor, also a chartered accountant, recommended that there is a dire need to improve the local travel and accommodation facilities for the medical tourists. The available ancillary services need to be adequately marketed and showcased for the medical travelers as a lot of difficulty is faced by them due to lack of awareness.

According to him, the payment security for service providers as well as medical travelers needs to be developed through a dedicated digital payment platform.

A common organizing platform, integrating all the medical service providers, along with the related service providers is highly desirable. They are required to be brought on single digital platform which will assist in providing transparent and conducive environment leading to a positive feedback and in turn help the industry to flourish.

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Medical Tourism, also known as Health & Wellness tourism, in recent years, has been coined as a term to represent the movement of people from one place to another for their medical treatment care, and wellness needs. People from across the world travel to other countries for their surgical, medical, dental requirements, etc.

And at the same time make some time for family vacations, tours & travels to experience the local attractions of the destinations. Such movement has in itself evolved as one of the most rapidly growing industry integrating travel & tourism sector with healthcare and wellness sector; both being the most revenue generating sectors for an economy.

India, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Greece, Peru, to name a few are some of the major Medical Travel destinations. This phenomenon has been actively prevalent in the healthcare sector across the globe for last one and half decade and is growing tremendously.

With high cost of treatment in the West, to the long waiting time for treatment in the EU Countries, the people from developed and industrialized nations are looking for destinations that have a ready availability for treatments with the facilities that are at par with their own country. The countries like Africa, Oman, Afghanistan, etc. are also looking for better healthcare infrastructure as compared to their own.

India can serve as an enormous potential destination for all the international medical travelers owing to its healthcare facilities that match the best in the world, along with a vast number of West trained medical practitioners. Another major factor is the cost effectiveness the Indian Healthcare sector provides viz-a-viz the International healthcare costs. People travelling for medical processes can get the treatment readily available and that too with a 5-Star Hospitality (in a fraction of the cost they incur in their own countries). Travelers also have an option to explore the country with amazing picturesque destinations, backed with rich heritage culture.

This exceptional combination has already made the Medical Tourism Industry worth 2.5 Billion USD in India, growing at a compounded rate of 20-25 per cent, as per various reports of Industrial Bodies.

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