HEALTHY UPDATE With frequent updates

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HEALTHY UPDATE is an attempt to collect and disseminate significant updates

related to the field of medicine and health-care.

Dedicated to all those who are hungry for knowledge

and are willing to share it with like minded.

EDITORIAL TEAM

HEALTHY UPDATE C. U. SHAH MEDICAL COLLEGE,

SURENDRANAGAR – 363001 www.cusmc.org, mail@cusmc.org

02752-287000 - 004

HEALTHY

UPDATE

C. U. SHAH MEDICAL COLLEGE,

SURENDRANAGARGUJARAT

INFORMATION ON ADVANCES IN HEALTHCARE

NEWS AND VIEWS

INDEX OF INTERESTING ARTICLES (Read earlier articles up to 14-10-16 in archives section-1) (Read earlier articles from 15-10-16 to 6-11-16 in archives section-2)

(Read earlier articles from 07-11-16 to 31-12-16 in archives section-3) (Read earlier articles from 01-01-17 to 31-03-17 in archives section-4)

(Read earlier articles from 01-04-17 to 31-07-17 in archives section-5) (Read earlier articles from 01-08-17 to 23-08-17 in archives section-5a)

(Read earlier articles from 24-08-17 to 31-10-17 in archives section-6) (Read earlier articles from 01-01-17 to 30-11-17 in archives section-6a)

(Read earlier articles from 30-01-17 to 31-12-17 in archives section-6b) (Read earlier articles from 01-01-18 to 31-01-18 in archives section-7)

(Read earlier articles from 30-01-17 to 31-12-17 in archives section-6b) (Read earlier articles from 01-01-18 to 31-01-18 in archives section-7)

(Read earlier articles from 01-02-18 to 28-02-18 in archives section-7a) (Read earlier articles from 01-03-18 to 31-03-18 in archives section-7b)

(Read earlier articles from 01-04-18 to 30-04-18 in archives section-7c (Read earlier articles from 01-05-18 to 31-05-18 in archives section-7d)

(Read earlier articles from 01-05-18 to 31-05-18 in archives section-7e) (Read earlier articles from 01-06-18 to 30-09-18 in archives section-7f)

(Read earlier articles from 01-10-18 to 31-10-18 in archives section-7g) (Read earlier articles from 01-10-18 to 31-10-18 in archives section-7h)

31-12-2018 Revisiting 2018: A roundup of Top health stories in India. Common Diabetes drug found effective in heart failure.

Daily intake of green leafy vegetables protects liver health.

Creation of Indian Medical Service Cadre: Doctors waiting for Centre, Centre

Waiting for states response

29-12-2018 Wet vs dry winter: How temperature and humidity interact.

Ayushman Bharat, MCI restructuring, MBBS curriculum- Health Ministry highlights

2018.

Cesarean Delivery on maternal request – ACOG Guidelines

28-12-2018 Gujarat: Surat Medical college gets 35 more PG Medical Seats, Rajkot 40 (Check

the statement).

Gujarat: Centre to decide place for setting up AIIMS, informs Nitin Patel.

Breakthrough device that will enable visually impaired to read again

27-12-2018 Sacubitril/valsartan combo superior to olmesartan for lowering BP.

ASH Guideline on management of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.

FDA approves inhaled levodopa for Parkinsons disease patients

26-12-2018 BMJ study proclaims Dosas as high calories food, not good for people on diet.

New Indian Guideline on continuous glucose monitoring.

New MRI Method may detect cancer without biopsy

25-12-2018 Quota for Government service doctors in DNB courses: Minister Apprises

Parliament.

Self-powered e-bandage speeds wound healing.

Just 6 months of aerobic exercise reverses brain ageing by 9 years

24-12-2018 MCI has failed Indian Healthcare- Niti Ayog calls for Enactment for National

Medical Commission.

Doctors in UK sceptical that Artificial Intelligence will replace them: Survey/

Novel imaging technique brings diagnostic potential into operating room

23-12-2018 Novel anti-scarring eye drops prevent blindness in corneal diseases.

Solriamfetol improves wakefulness in Sleep Apnea.

Over 11 lakh Allopathic Doctors in India, 8.93 lakh Availabe for active service:

Health Minster informs Parliament

22-12-2018 CT Angio reveals statins benefit even in non-obstructive atherosclerosis :

CONFIRM study.

Groundbreaking device – A tiny implant may boost weight loss.

Cutting-edge developments made in field of Anticancer vaccines

21-12-2018 Long term Vitamin C supplementation improves Diabetes , high BP.

Import of Doctors, Medical Teachers; Expansion of DNB, CPS: Niti Ayog pitches

reforms for healthcare.

Lok Sabha nod to Surrogacy Bill

20-12-2018 Exercise as effective as drugs for lowering BP, finds BMJ study.

Screen women for depression once during pregnancy : AAP Policy statement.

ICMR releases Draft of India’s First Essential Diagnostics List

19-12-2018 Fake PG Medical Certificates: Another 48 Doctors get Medical Council notice.

Management of outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy : Updated IDSA

guideline.

Drinking orange juice reduces risk of stomach cancer

18-12-2018 Infection prevention and control in operating room — New Guideline.

Study supports shorter antibiotics treatment for bacteremia.

Promotion of Diploma Doctors at medical colleges: Association meets MCI BOG,

Demands justice

17-12-2018 No antihypertensive for mild hypertension, JAMA Study defies guidelines

BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, BSMS, BYNS – All can use prefix DR; Health Minister informs

Parliament.

MCI orders all medical colleges hospitals to install cameras in emergency wards.

Antenatal care for uncomplicated pregnancies: 2018 NICE Guidelines

16-12-2018 Magnesium regulates Vitamin D levels in body , Trial finds.

New Smartphone App That measures Hemoglobin levels , detects anaemia.

Prioritize the elimination of the triple burden of malnutrition; under-nutrition, over-nutrition

and micronutrients deficiencies

15-12-2018

MCI – Public Notice on NEET 2019 eligibility

Time for National Essential Diagnostics List.

Coming soon- small ,portable, battery-operated X-ray for Imaging anywhere

Eating rice does not increase diabetes risk: European Journal of Nutrition.

Zika Alert: Over 280 cases of Zika reported from Rajasthan, MP and Gujarat, informs

Minister

14-12-2018 How is consent documented?.

Can drugs be supplied by the registered practitioner to his patient?/

Addressing specialists shortage- How DNB courses are helping Karnataka District

Hospitals

13-12-2018 India to increase public health spending to 2.5 percent of GDP: PM Modi.

Four dried fruits That are safe snacking options for Diabetics.

Analgesia and anesthesia for the breastfeeding mother: ABM Guidelines

11-12-2018 Central obesity is very prevalent in persons at high risk of heart disease and stroke WHO

updates provisional guidelines on HIV treatment.

Govt Hopeful to pass National Medical Commission Bill, this Winter Session,

Want to lower PP sugar? – consume whole-grains

09-12-2018 Medical College Director indicted after Video showing him using Table Salt on surgical

patients goes viral.

Rare infection by brain-eating amoeba leads to death of woman.

Organic food consumption lowers risk of cancer, claims JAMA study

07-12-2018 New study finds meat, not eggs, linked to type 2 diabetes.

Care of Women with Obesity in Pregnancy: RCOG Updated Guidelines.

Scientific marvel-First ever live birth via deceased donor uterus transplant

06-12-2018 Allegations of Crosspathy, Negligence: Medical Council Suspends Doctor for 3 months.

Metformin prevents endometriosis in breast cancer patients.

Antibiotic use in catheter-associated UTI: NICE Guidelines

PROUD MOMENT FOR GUJARAT – FIRST ROBOTIC CARDIAC INTERVENTIONA BY PADMASHRI DR TEJAS PATEL ON 5-12-2018 : Copy the link and past it in your browser to watch,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-Ai9VepRMQ

05-12-2018 Ayush Ministry releases Protocol for ‘Prevention and Control of Diabetes through

Ayurveda’.

Shocking -Indian women account for 36% of global suicide deaths : Lancet.

Prevention of hepatitis A Infection: ACIP updated recommendations

04-12-2018 Simple urine test to diagnose bacterial pneumonia : Innovative research.

Central Hypothyroidism management and diagnosis: ETA Guidelines.

Gujarat HC to pronounce verdict on Domicile Quota admission for 4 MBBS, BDS students

03-12-2018 All Doctors have to submit CME Credit Hours proof from Dec 1: TN Medical Council

Gazette.

World AIDS Day observed globally to show support for people living with HIV.

Hot bath may improve blood sugar in people unable to exercise

02-12-2018 Our Commitment- Healthcare for ALL: Health Minister.

ASH releases 2018 guidelines for venous thromboembolism.

New tool developed for instant diagnosis of bacterial infection

01-12-2018 Dynamic exercises better than resistance exercises for healthy ageing.

Breakthrough Vaccine may help eliminate polio worldwide.

Bring Down Cost of MBBS Education: Health Ministry tells MCI Board of Governors

SHRI C.U.SHAHBIRTH CENTENARY YEAR

LATEST

31-12-2018 Revisiting 2018: A roundup of Top health stories in

India 2018 has been an eventful year for the country, especially in the medical arena. A lot has happened and it has left all of us in anticipation of the coming year 2019.MBBS curriculum revised after more than two decades … an ambitious target for complete elimination of TB from the country by 2025… legislations have been passed …. some only by the Lower House….some have been tabled in the Parliament and are yet to be discussed before they can be enacted … outbreaks….natural calamities….These were but few of the stories that made headlines this year. India took a step closer to universal health coverage with the launch of Ayushman Bharat. But, perhaps the most momentous of all events this year was the dissolution of autonomy of medical profession and replacement of the Medical Council of India (MCI) with a Board of Governors. Let’s take a look at some of the top health stories in India in 2018. These have been listed in no specific order. Medical Council of India dissolved and so was the autonomy of the medical profession The Medical Council of India (MCI) was dissolved with immediate effect on Sept. 26, 2018 and superseded by a Board of Governors after the Govt. brought an Ordinance called the Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Ordinance, 2018 to set up a committee to run the MCI until Parliament passes the National Medical Commission (NMC). A 7-member Board of Governors was announced with Dr. VK Paul as its chairman. New MBBS curriculum The MBBS curriculum was revised. In November, the new undergraduate curriculum was finalized by the MCI BoG. It will be implemented in the 2019-20 academic session. The “Competency-based UG Curriculum for the Indian Medical Graduate” focuses on medical ethics, better doctor-patient relationship and outcome-based learning. Another new feature is the introduction of elective subjects. Now students can pick up subjects of choice and dedicated time has been allotted for self-directed learning and co-curricular activities. The new MBBS curriculum has a course called Attitude, Ethics and Communication (AETCOM) which will run across years. Students will be assessed for how they communicate with patients; how they counsel people for organ donations or other challenging procedures; how sensitively do they offer care and obtain consent. All these things will count along with competencies and skills.

National Medical Commission Bill 2017 The government is hoping to pass the National Medical Commission (NMC) Bill. The bill is currently pending in Parliament and will be first taken up in the Lok Sabha. The Bill seeks to replace the MCI with a National Medical Commission as a regulatory body for medical education and practice in the country. Among other provisions, the Bill establishes four autonomous Boards under the supervision of the NMC: Under-Graduate Medical Education Board, Post-Graduate Medical Education Board, Medical Assessment and Rating Board and Ethics and Medical Registration Board. The Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Dec. 29, 2017; it was referred to a Standing Committee on January 4, 2018 on account of opposition from the Indian Medical Association (IMA) to certain provisions of the Bill. The Standing Committee submitted its report on March 20, 2018 following which the Union Cabinet approved certain official amendments to the NMC Bill. It is unlikely to get passed seeing the tough stand taken by the IMA. Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana launched Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, the world’s largest government funded healthcare program was launched by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at Ranchi, Jharkhand on Sept. 23, 2018. It provides a cover of up to Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year, at any government or empanelled private hospital, for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. More than 10 crore vulnerable entitled families - approximately 50 crore beneficiaries - will benefit from the scheme. The amount of 5 lakh would cover all investigations, medicine, pre-hospitalization expenses etc. All pre-existing conditions are covered. There is no restriction on family size, age or gender. India sets a target for complete elimination of TB by 2025 at the Delhi End TB Summit “India is determined to address the challenge of TB in mission mode. I am confident that India can be free of TB by 2025. The global target for eliminating TB is 2030, but today I announce that the target for India to eliminate TB is 2025, five years before the global target,” said the Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he inaugurated the Delhi End TB Summit and launched the TB Free India Campaign on March 13, 2018. The Delhi End TB Summit was jointly organized by the Government of India, Stop TB Partnership and WHO South East Asia Regional Office (SEARO). Supreme Court’s allowed “Living Will” in a landmark decision In a landmark judgement, the Supreme Court of India allowed an individual to draft a living will specifying that they not be put on life support if they slip into an incurable coma. The order was passed by a five judge Constitutional bench comprising Chief Justice of India, which said “Human beings have the right to die with

dignity.” Though the judges gave four separate opinions, all of them were unanimous that a Living Will should be allowed, because an individual should not be allowed to continue suffering in a vegetative state when they don’t wish to continue living, and know full well that they will not revive. However, the Apex Court has set forth strict guidelines on how to execute the mandate of the living will. Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill 2018 passed by the Lok Sabha The Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill 2018, which had been introduced in the Lok Sabha in 2016, was passed by the Lower House on Dec. 19, 2018. The Bill is to be debated in the Rajya Sabha and passed by the Upper House before it can be enacted. The Bill prohibits commercial surrogacy, and allows altruistic surrogacy. Altruistic surrogacy does not involve any monetary compensation to the surrogate mother other than the medical expenses and insurance coverage during the pregnancy. The intending couple must be Indian citizens and married for at least five years with at least one of them being infertile. The surrogate mother has to be a close relative who has been married and has had a child of her own. Only Indian citizens can avail surrogacy. Undertaking or advertising commercial surrogacy, exploiting the surrogate mother and selling or importing human embryo or gametes for surrogacy have been considered offences under the Bill with a penalty of 10 years and a fine of up to 10 lakh rupees. Consumer Protection Bill 2018 passed by the Lok Sabha The Consumer Protection Bill 2018 was passed by the Lok Sabha on Dec. 20, 2018. The bill, among other things, proposes setting up of the Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission and forums at the District, State and National levels to examine and decide on consumer complaints. Appeals from the District Commissions will be heard by the State Commission and from the State Commission by the National Commission. Appeals from the National Commission will be heard by the Supreme Court. The Bill has also defined the pecuniary jurisdiction of the three disputes redressal agencies, which have been substantially increased from those provided in the present Consumer Protection Act 1986. For District Forum, the jurisdiction has been increased to Rs one crore (from up to Rs 20 lakh at present).

• For State commission, the jurisdiction has been increased to between Rs one crore and up to Rs 10 crore (from more than 20 lakh but not exceeding Rs one crore at present).

•

• For National commission, the jurisdiction has been increased to above Rs 10 crore (from more than one crore at present).

• • Other amendments proposed are as follows:

District, state and national fora do not require judicial members.

• Not only persons but associations and other bodies can complain to consumer for a

• • Consumer Mediation cells at district, state and national level. • • District, state and national councils, which are advisory in nature • • A Central consumer authority which has judicial powers, can conduct

investigations, search and make judgements

Cabinet approves Allied and Healthcare Professions Bill, 2018 In November, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved the Allied and Healthcare Professions Bill, 2018 for regulation and standardization of education and services by allied and healthcare professionals. The Bill provides for setting up of an Allied and Healthcare Council of India and corresponding State Allied and Healthcare Councils which will play the role of a standard-setter and facilitator for professions of Allied and Healthcare. The Bill will also have an overriding effect on any other existing law for any of the covered professions. Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala In May, an outbreak of the Nipah virus was reported from Kerala. It was localized in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts of Kerala and claimed 17 lives. The outbreak was officially declared over on June 10, 2018. This was the third outbreak reported in India. An advisory released by the Health Ministry said that “the Nipah virus disease is not a major outbreak and is only a local occurrence”. The outbreak was traced to fruit bats. In July, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) confirmed fruit bats were the primary source of the virus. Zika virus outbreak in Rajasthan The third outbreak of Zika virus in less than two years was reported in India from Jaipur in Rajasthan. The first case was reported in the end of September. More than 130 cases were detected. For the first time, during this epidemic, scientists found mosquitoes that were infected with the virus, indicating that it was being transmitted locally. Sequencing of five Zika

virus strains collected during the Jaipur outbreak suggest that the known mutations linked to fetal microcephaly are not present in the current strain. In January-February 2017, the first three cases of laboratory-confirmed Zika virus infection in India were detected in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. In the same year in July, transmission of Zika virus was also confirmed from Krishnagiri District in Tamil Nadu. The World Health Organization (WHO) puts India in category 2 in the classification of Zika’s prevalence, which indicates an ongoing transmission of the virus. HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017 The HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017 was notified by the Government and came into force from Sept. 10, 2018. The Act aims to end the epidemic by 2030 and safeguard the rights of people living with or affected by HIV by addressing HIV-related discrimination through legal accountability and establishing mechanisms for complaint enquiry and grievance redressal. The Act lists various grounds on which discrimination against HIV positive persons and those living with them is prohibited. These include the denial, termination, discontinuation or unfair treatment with regard to: (i) employment (ii) educational establishments (iii) health care services (iv) residing or renting property (v) standing for public or private office and (vi) provision of insurance (unless based on actuarial studies). The Act also prohibits the requirement for HIV testing as a pre-requisite for obtaining employment or accessing health care or education. ICMR has a new Director General Professor Balram Bhargava, Professor of Cardiology at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi took charge as the new Director General of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Secretary of the Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. A new Director General of Health Services appointed Dr S Venkatesh is the new Director General of Health Services (DGHS). A new Drugs Controller General of India Joint Drugs Controller Dr S Eswara Reddy was appointed as the new Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI). New IMA National President Dr Santanu Sen, also a Member of Parliament, took over as the National President; Dr RV Asokan was elected as the Secretary General. India assumes office of CMAAO President-Elect Dr KK Aggarwal took over as the President-elect of Confederation of Medical Associations in Asia and Oceania (CMAAO).

Supreme Court bans sale of Bharat Stage IV vehicles from April 1, 2020 A three judge bench of the Supreme Court headed by Justice Madan B Lokur has said that no Bharat Stage IV vehicle shall be sold across the country with effect from April 1, 2020. The Bharat Stage VI (or BS-VI) emission norm would come into force from April 1, 2020 across the country. The BS IV norms have been enforced across the country since April 2017. In 2016, the Centre had announced that the country would skip the BS-V norms altogether and adopt BS-VI norms by 2020.The apex court was deciding whether grace period should be given to automobile manufacturers for the sale of BS-VI non-compliant vehicles after April 1, 2020. MTNL Perfect Health Mela celebrated its silver jubilee The MTNL Perfect Health Mela, the annual flagship event of the Heart Care Foundation of India, celebrated its silver jubilee with the theme “Affordable Healthcare”. A National Campaign on Hands-only CPR 10 in collaboration with Ministry of Youth Affairs, Govt. of India was launched on the inaugural day. “Evening Conclaves” thematic panel discussions with celebrity guests were the highlight of the Mela this year. Topics discussed at these Conclaves included antimicrobial resistance, indoor pollution, harm reduction, safe water and air, CSR, infertility and non-communicable diseases. A one-of-its-kind Spiritual Inter-Faith Conference on air, sanitation and antimicrobial resistance was also organized by HCFI along with the World Fellowship of Religions, in which eminent dharma Gurus of all religions participated as speakers. Kerala Floods In August, Kerala suffered its worst flood in 100 years. All 14 districts of the state were placed on red alert. According to the Kerala government, one-sixth of the total population of Kerala had been directly affected by the floods and related incidents. The Government of India declared it a Level 3 Calamity, or “calamity of a severe nature”. Viral load test for people living with HIV/AIDS The Viral Load testing for all People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) was launched by the Health Minister in February as “a big step forward in treating and monitoring people living with HIV”. The initiative will provide free of cost viral load testing for 12 lakh PLHIV on treatment in the country at least once a year. It will optimize the utilization of 1st line regimens, thus preventing drug resistance. It will also help in strengthening ‘Mission Sampark’ in tracking LFU (Loss to Follow Up) PLHIV.

Govt. ban on manufacture of oxytocin formulations set aside by Delhi High Court In May, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare restricted the manufacture of Oxytocin formulations for domestic use to public sector only. It also banned the import of Oxytocin and its formulations. This order was to come into effect from July 1, 2018. As per the order, no private manufacturer would be allowed to manufacture the drug for domestic use. Only Karnataka Antibiotics & Pharmaceuticals Ltd (KAPL), a public sector company, would be manufacturing this drug for domestic use and will supply the drug to registered hospitals and clinics in public and private sector directly. Oxytocin in any form or name would not be allowed to be sold through retail Chemist. But, on Dec. 14, the Hon’ble Delhi High Court set aside the Govt.’s decision to ban private firms from producing and selling oxytocin. The bench of Hon’ble Justice S Ravindra Bhat and Hon’ble Justice AK Chawla said that the government’s decision was arbitrary and unreasonable and that there was no scientific basis behind the Center’s decision restricting private companies from making or supplying the drug to prevent its alleged misuse in the dairy sector for increasing milk production. Cabinet approves the Protection of Human Rights (Amendments) Bill, 2018 The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved the Protection of Human Rights (Amendments) Bill, 2018 for better protection and promotion of human rights in the country. National Viral Hepatitis Control Program launched The National Viral Hepatitis Control Program was launched by the Health Minister on World Hepatitis Day (July 28) with the goal of ending viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030 in the country. India retains the WHO South-East Asia Regional Director position India retained the top WHO position in South-East Asia Region Office (SEARO) with Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh unanimously re-elected as Regional Director WHO South-East Asia for another five-year term beginning February 2019. She is the first woman to have been elected to the position of Regional Director for WHO South-East Asia Region after an illustrious career in the Indian civil service, World Bank and WHO. Last year Soumya Swaminathan an Indian Paediatrician and Clinical Scientist known for her work in Tuberculosis on 3 October 2017 was appointed as the Deputy Director General of Programmes at the World Health Organization.

ENDS Controversy In August, the Ministry of Health released an advisory on Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) including e-cigarettes, Heat-Not-Burn devices, Vape, e-Sheesha, e-Nicotine Flavored Hookah, and the like products asking states not to allow its sale or distribution. But on 28th December Public Health England (PHE) released a new film showing the devastating harms that come from smoking, and how this can be avoided by switching to an e-cigarette or using another type of quit aid. The film has been released as part of PHE’s Health Harms campaign, which encourages smokers to attempt to quit this January, by demonstrating the personal harm to health from every single cigarette. The film features smoking expert Dr Lion Shahab and Dr Rosemary Leonard, visually demonstrating the high levels of cancer-causing chemicals and tar inhaled by an average smoker over a month, compared to not smoking or using an e-cigarette.Research estimates that while not risk-free, vaping is at least 95% less harmful than smoking. Dr Lion Shahab, leading smoking cessation academic from University College London, said: “The false belief that vaping is as harmful as smoking could be preventing thousands of smokers from switching to e-cigarettes to help them quit. Research we and others have conducted shows that vaping is much less harmful than smoking and that using e-cigarettes on a long-term basis is relatively safe, similar to using licensed nicotine products, like nicotine patches or gum. Using e-cigarettes or nicotine replacement such as patches or gum will boost your chances of quitting successfully.” Govt. bans use of antibody test kits to diagnose malaria The Health Ministry prohibited the manufacture for sale, sale and distribution of the test kits used in Antibody Detecting Rapid Diagnostic Tests for routine diagnosis of malaria after it was found that the test was triggering false alarms. As per the notification, although the test is economical, the false positive rates in endemic areas were high. People with fever who tested positive in the rapid antibody test, were later tested negative in antigen test. Plastic Waste Management (amendment) rules notified The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has notified the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules 2018. The amended Rules lay down that the phasing out of Multilayered Plastic (MLP) is now applicable to MLP, which are “non-recyclable, or non-energy recoverable, or with no alternate use.”

Common Diabetes drug found effective in heart failure

Daily intake of green leafy vegetables protects liver health

Creation of Indian Medical Service Cadre: Doctors waiting for Centre, Centre Waiting for states

response

29-12-2018 Wet vs dry winter: How temperature and humidity

interact The northern part of the country, including the national capital, is experiencing a severe cold wave. Winter can be divided as either wet or dry winter. Wet winter, or early winter, is characterized by fall in temperature along with high humidity. In cold weather, high humidity levels will make one feel colder. The body cools itself by sweating. During summers, when the humidity is low, sweat evaporates easily and cools the body because the process of evaporation requires thermal (heat) energy. But, when humidity is high in summers, evaporation rate is reduced. The resulting limited evaporation in hot and humid conditions is not enough to cool the body. And, therefore, high humidity in hot weather makes one feel sticky and warmer. This combined effect of temperature and relative humidity is called heat index, which is experienced as the felt air temperature. In winter, the cold air (low temperature) with high relative humidity "feels" colder. This is because the insulating effect of clothes decrease as the humidity rises. The moisture in the atmosphere is captured on the clothing, even though the clothes do not appear wet and results in greater heat loss from the body. Another factor to be considered during winters is the sun. Cold days are more likely to be overcast, which reduces the amount of direct sunlight reaching the surface; whereas, on a dry sunny day, the body is warmed by radiant heating from the sun. Fog and smog are common during wet winter. Whenever the humidity is high, air movement is less and temperature is low, fog is the automatic result. It occurs when water droplets are suspended in the air. When the level of pollutants is high in the atmosphere, the pollutants get mixed into the fog. This is called smog. Therefore, smog is the combination of smoke and fog and it further reduces the visibility. The smoke includes toxic emissions from vehicles and industries, dust and open burning of crops. Dry winter, or late winter is characterized by absence of fog, smog and presence of chilly airy winds. Cold and dry air generally feels warmer than cold and humid air at the same temperature.

Ayushman Bharat, MCI restructuring, MBBS curriculum- Health Ministry highlights 2018

Cesarean Delivery on maternal request – ACOG Guidelines

28-12-2018 Gujarat: Surat Medical college gets 35 more PG

Medical Seats, Rajkot 40 : (Check statement)

Gujarat: Centre to decide place for setting up AIIMS,

informs Nitin Patel

Breakthrough device that will enable visually

impaired to read again

27-12-2018 Sacubitril/valsartan combo superior to olmesartan

for lowering BP

ASH Guideline on management of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia

FDA approves inhaled levodopa for Parkinsons disease patients

26-12-2018 BMJ study proclaims Dosas as high calories food,

not good for people on diet

New Indian Guideline on continuous glucose monitoring

New MRI Method may detect cancer without biopsy

MERRY CHRISTMAS

25-12-2018

Self-powered e-bandage speeds wound healing

Just 6 months of aerobic exercise reverses brain ageing by 9 years

24-12-2018

MCI has failed Indian Healthcare- Niti Ayog calls for Enactment for National Medical Commission

Doctors in UK sceptical that Artificial Intelligence will replace them: Survey

Novel imaging technique brings diagnostic potential into operating room

23-12-2018

Novel anti-scarring eye drops prevent blindness in corneal diseases

Solriamfetol improves wakefulness in Sleep Apnea

Over 11 lakh Allopathic Doctors in India, 8.93 lakh Availabe for active service: Health Minster informs

Parliament

22-12-2018

CT Angio reveals statins benefit even in non-obstructive atherosclerosis : CONFIRM study

Groundbreaking device – A tiny implant may boost weight loss

Cutting-edge developments made in field of Anticancer vaccines

21-12-2018

Long term Vitamin C supplementation improves Diabetes , high BP

Import of Doctors, Medical Teachers; Expansion of DNB, CPS: Niti Ayog pitches reforms for healthcare

Lok Sabha nod to Surrogacy Bill

20-12-2018

Exercise as effective as drugs for lowering BP, finds BMJ study

Screen women for depression once during pregnancy : AAP Policy statement

ICMR releases Draft of India’s First Essential Diagnostics List

19-12-2018

Fake PG Medical Certificates: Another 48 Doctors get Medical Council notice

Management of outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy : Updated IDSA guideline

Drinking orange juice reduces risk of stomach cancer

18-12-2018 Infection prevention and control in operating room

— New Guideline

Study supports shorter antibiotics treatment for

bacteremia

Promotion of Diploma Doctors at medical colleges: Association meets MCI BOG, Demands justice

17-12-2018 No antihypertensive for mild hypertension, JAMA

Study defies guidelines

BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, BSMS, BYNS – All can use prefix DR; Health Minister informs Parliament

MCI orders all medical colleges hospitals to install cameras in emergency wards

Antenatal care for uncomplicated pregnancies: 2018

NICE Guidelines

16-12-2018 Magnesium regulates Vitamin D levels in body ,

Trial finds

New Smartphone App That measures Hemoglobin levels , detects anaemia

Prioritize the elimination of the triple burden of malnutrition; under-nutrition, over-nutrition and

micronutrients deficiencies

15-12-2018 MCI – Public Notice on NEET 2019 eligibility

Medical Council of India Pocket -14, Sector -8, Dwarka, New Delhi -110077 PUBLIC NOTICE This is to inform all concerned that the Medical Council of India (MCI) with the prior approval of the Government of India, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, New Delhi has made Amendments in the {{Screening Test Regulations, 2002" and also in ({Eligibility Requirement for Taking Admission in an undergraduate medical course in a Foreign Medical Institution Regulation, 2002" vide Notifications dated 1 st March, 2018, for the requirement of National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) in respect of the Indian Citizen/Overseas Citizen of India who are desirous for taking admission in MBBS or its equivalent medical course in a medical University/College/Institute outside the country on or after May, 2018 Subsequently, as per Public Notice dated 14th September, 2018 issued by the Medical Council of India and Order dated 27/09/2018 passed by the Hon'ble High Court of Delhi at New Delhi in WP(c)No.8091/2018 and connected matters, Indian Citizens/OCI who had not registered/appeared/qualified NEET 2018, were allowed to take admission in MBBS or equivalent medical course in a medical university outside the country in the academic year 2018-19. However, such candidates are required to obtain/apply for an eligibility certificate from the Medical Council of India u/s 13(4B) of the IMC Act, 1956 Now, all concerned persons are hereby reminded/informed that as per provisions made in the {{Screening Test Regulations, 2002" and also in "Eligibility Requirement for Taking Admission in an undergraduate medical course in a Foreign Medical Institution Regulation, 2002", Indian Citizens/Overseas Citizen of India intending to take admission in primary medical education course (MBBS or equivalent) in any medical institution/university outside the country from the academic year 2019-2020, shall have to mandatorily qualify the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET) and the result of the NEET for admission to MBBS or equivalent course shall deem to be treated as the eligibility certificate, provided that such persons fulfils the eligibility criteria for admission to the MBBS course prescribed in the Regulations on Graduate Medical Education, 1997.

However, an Indian national/Overseas Citizen of India who intends to take admission in MBBS or equivalent medical course in any medical college of Pakistan will be required to obtain eligibility certificate from the Medical Council of India in addition to qualifying NEET and such person(s) would not be exempted from the requirement of obtaining eligibility certificate from Council u/s 13(4B) of the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956. Dated: 11th December, 2018

(Dr. Sanjay Shrivastava) Secretary General)

Time for National Essential Diagnostics List ICMR publishes India’s first draft National Essential Diagnostics List The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is steering the process of compilation of National Essential Diagnostics List (NEDL) for the country. The draft NEDL, which has been collated with contributions from all relevant stakeholders is now available for comments on ICMR website at https://www.icmr.nic.in/sites/default/files/whats_new/Draft_NEDL.pdf The NEDL builds upon the Free Diagnostics Service Initiative and other diagnostics initiatives of Health ministry (Indian Public Health Standards, Health and Wellness Centers etc.) to provide an expanded basket of tests at different levels of the public health system. EDL has been developed for all levels of health care – village level, Sub-center/Heath & Wellness Centers, Primary Health Center (PHC), Community Health Center (CHC), Sub District Hospital (SDH) and District Hospital (DH). Tests for each level of care have been proposed based on the utility and requirement of tests at that level, infrastructure, training available or proposed to be made available through other parallel initiatives of Government of India. NEDL consists of 130 general lab tests required for routine patient care and for diagnosis of a wide array of both communicable and non-communicable diseases. The 26 disease-specific tests are for diagnosis of specific diseases like Malaria, Dengue, Chikungunya, endemic diseases like Filariasis, Scrub typhus, Japanese Encephalitis and diagnostic tests for TB, HIV and Hepatitis among others. Tests in the list have been prepared with the description of test category (e.g., Hematology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pathology and Serology), specimen type for each test and the product/equipment on which the test is best conducted at the respective level of health care. An option of following a ‘hub and spoke model’ has been also suggested for implementing the EDL for certain tests. This will ensure availability of the required number of tests at different levels of facilities in a cost-efficient way. Availability of comprehensive diagnostic services at all levels will improve patient care and minimise referral of patients because of unavailability of tests. The list has been put up on ICMR website and comments are solicited from the wider audience by 31st January, 2019.

Coming soon- small ,portable, battery-operated X-ray for Imaging anywhere

Eating rice does not increase diabetes risk: European Journal of Nutrition

Zika Alert: Over 280 cases of Zika reported from Rajasthan, MP and Gujarat, informs Minister

14-12-2018 How is consent documented?

Patients may not accurately remember all the facts disclosed in a discussion. A physician must therefore document the content of informed consent sessions.

1. The informed consent discussion and its documentation should be done by the physician who will be performing the procedure.

2. Delegating the responsibility to obtain consent to someone else does not absolve the physician of liability if that consent session is incomplete or ineffective.

3. The physician should note the date and time of the written summary of what was said and to whom. Presence of relatives, friends or support staff such as nurses or interpreters should be noted.

4. All elements of the discussion should be reduced to writing: Diagnosis, proposed treatment with its risks and benefits, and alternative treatments with their risks and benefits.

5. It is not sufficient to state that “the risks and benefits were discussed” without further description of the specifics.

6. The physician should document that the patient understood the concepts as discussed, and agreed to proceed.

7. In addition, the physician should document that the patient was provided with appropriate literature, the patient had the opportunity to ask questions, and that those questions were answered.

8. The standard consent document means little, particularly in its generic form. The real work of obtaining informed consent is documented in office or in hospital notes.

9. Documentation is particularly important when patients refuse intervention. The physician must note in the record the specific risks associated with delay or refusal which were disclosed.

10. When informed consent cannot be obtained due to an emergency situation or diminished capacity due to intoxication, trauma or disease, physicians must document in the written record what facts were considered in determining the patient’s ability to process information and make reasonable decisions

Can drugs be supplied by the registered practitioner to his patient?

The registered medical practitioner is entitled to supply the drugs to his patients which have been prescribed by him but the same are with certain conditions of exemptions as mentioned in Item No. 5 of the Schedule K of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945. However, the registered medical practitioner is not entitled to exploit his patients or keep an open shop or sell across the counter or engage in the import, manufacture, distribution or sale of drugs. The import, manufacture, distribution and sale of drugs and cosmetics in India is being regulated by Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945. Chapter IV of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 deals with the manufacture, sale and distribution of drugs and cosmetics thereby laying down certain conditions for the same. According to Rule 123 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, the drugs specified in Schedule K of the Rules, 1945 are exempted from the provisions of Chapter IV of the Act and the rules made thereunder to the extent and subject to the conditions specified in that Schedule.

According to Item No. 5 of the Schedule K of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, Drugs supplied by a registered medical practitioner to his own patient or any drug specified in Schedule C supplied by a registered medical practitioner at the request of another such practitioner if it is specially prepared with reference to the condition and for the use of an individual patient provided the registered medical practitioner is not (a) keeping an open shop or (b) selling across the counter or (c) engaged in the importation, manufacture, distribution or sale of drugs in the provision of Chapter IV of the Act and the rules thereunder. However, there are certain conditions mentioned in Item No. 5 of the Schedule K of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 which need to be followed:

1. The drugs shall be purchased only from a dealer or a manufacturer licenced under these rules and records of such purchases showing the names and quantities of such drugs together with their batch numbers and the names and addresses of the manufacturers shall be maintained. Such records shall be open to inspection by an Inspector appointed under the Act, who may, if necessary, make enquiries about purchases of the drugs and may also take samples for test.

2. In the case of medicine containing a substance specified in Schedule G, H or X the following additional conditions shall be complied with:-

a. The medicine shall be labelled with the name and address of the registered medical practitioner by whom it is supplied

b. If the medicine is for external application, it shall be labelled with the words “For external use only” or if it is for internal use with the dose

c. The name of the medicine or ingredients of the preparation and the quantities thereof, the dose prescribed, the name of the patient and the date of supply and the name of the person who gave the prescription shall be entered at the time of supply in register to be maintained for the purpose

d. The entry in the register shall be given a number and that number shall be entered on the label of the container;

e. The register and the prescription if any on which the medicines are issued shall be preserved for not less than two years from the date of the last entry in the register or the date of the prescription as the case may be.

3 The drug will be stored under proper storage conditions as directed on the label. 4 No drug shall be supplied or dispensed after the date of expiration of potency recorded on its container, label or wrapper or in violation of any statement or direction recorded on such container, label or wrapper. Further, according to Clause 6.3 of the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002, a physician should not run an open shop for sale of medicine for dispensing prescriptions prescribed by doctors other than himself or for sale of medical or surgical appliances. It is not unethical for a physician to prescribe or supply drugs, remedies or appliances as long as there is no exploitation of the patient. Drugs prescribed by a physician or brought from the market for a patient should explicitly state the proprietary formulae as well as generic name of the drug.

Addressing specialists shortage- How DNB courses are helping Karnataka District Hospitals

13-12-2018 India to increase public health spending to 2.5

percent of GDP: PM Narendra Modi

Four dried fruits That are safe snacking options for Diabetics

Analgesia and anesthesia for the breastfeeding mother: ABM Guidelines

11-12-2018 Central obesity is very prevalent in persons at high

risk of heart disease and stroke Results of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) EUROASPIRE V survey presented yesterday at the World Congress of Cardiology & Cardiovascular Health in Dubai, UAE show that almost two-thirds of people at high risk of heart disease and stroke have excess belly fat or central obesity. EUROASPIRE is a series of cross sectional surveys on the prevention of heart disease in ESC member countries. The survey found that almost two-thirds (64%) were centrally obese, with waist circumference ≥88 cm for women and ≥102 cm for men). Some 37% were overweight (body mass index [BMI] 25-29.9 kg/m2) and 44% were obese (BMI ≥30kg/m2 ). Less than half (47%) of those on antihypertensive medication achieved the target BP of less than 140/90 mmHg (less than 140/85 mmHg in patients with self-reported diabetes). And, only 43% of the participants on lipid-lowering drugs attained the LDL cholesterol target of less than 2.5 mmol/L, while 65% of those being treated for type 2 diabetes achieved the A1c target of less than <7.0%. About 18% were smokers and just 36% achieved the recommended physical activity level of at least 30 minutes, five times per week. The EUROASPIRE V was conducted in 2017 to 2018 in 78 general practices in 16 primarily European countries and involved 2,759 participants. Each general practice enrolled consecutive individuals under the age of 80 years with no history of coronary artery disease or other atherosclerotic disease, but who were at high risk of developing CVD. High risk was defined as having high BP, high cholesterol, and/or diabetes; the study therefore recruited individuals who had been prescribed antihypertensive, lipid-lowering, and/or anti-diabetes treatments (diet and/or oral hypoglycemics and/or insulin). BMI is generally used as a measure of obesity. It takes into consideration height and body weight, but not body fat. A correct measure of obesity therefore is via measurement of body fat, especially the fat around the abdomen. A high waist-to-hip ratio indicates high amounts of abdominal fat. A person can be obese even if the body weight is within the normal range. This is called normal weight obesity, where the BMI is normal as per the age and height, but the body fat percentage is high. Typically, such individuals have a potbelly but otherwise appear normal. Abdominal obesity is more dangerous than generalized obesity. Any weight gain after puberty is invariably due to fat as most organs also stop growing, once the height stops increasing. One should not gain weight of more than 5 kg after the age of 20 years in males and 18 years in females. And, after the age of 50, the weight should reduce and not increase.

WHO updates provisional guidelines on HIV treatment

Govt Hopeful to pass National Medical Commission Bill, this Winter Session

Want to lower PP sugar? – consume whole-grains

09-12-2018 Medical College Director indicted after Video

showing him using Table Salt on surgical patients goes viral.

Rare infection by brain-eating amoeba leads to

death of woman

Organic food consumption lowers risk of cancer,

claims JAMA study

07-12-2018 New study finds meat, not eggs, linked to type 2

diabetes

Care of Women with Obesity in Pregnancy :RCOG Updated Guideline

Scientific marvel-First ever live birth via deceased donor uterus transplant

06-12-2018 Allegations of Crosspathy, Negligence: Medical

Council Suspends Doctor for 3 months

Metformin prevents endometriosis in breast cancer

patients

Antibiotic use in catheter-associated UTI: NICE

Guidelines

05-12-2018 Ayush Ministry releases Protocol for ‘Prevention

and Control of Diabetes through Ayurveda’

Shocking -Indian women account for 36% of global suicide deaths : Lancet

Prevention of hepatitis A Infection: ACIP updated recommendations

04-12-2018 Simple urine test to diagnose bacterial pneumonia :

Innovative research

Central Hypothyroidism management and diagnosis: ETA Guidelines

Gujarat HC to pronounce verdict on Domicile Quota admission for 4 MBBS, BDS students

03-12-2018 All Doctors have to submit CME Credit Hours proof

from Dec 1: TN Medical Council Gazette

World AIDS Day observed globally to show support for people living with HIV

Hot bath may improve blood sugar in people unable to exercise

02-12-2018 Our Commitment- Healthcare for ALL: Health

Minister

ASH releases 2018 guidelines for venous thromboembolism

New tool developed for instant diagnosis of bacterial infection

01-12-2018 Dynamic exercises better than resistance exercises

for healthy ageing

Breakthrough Vaccine may help eliminate polio

worldwide

Bring Down Cost of MBBS Education: Health

Ministry tells MCI Board of Governors

HEALTHY UPDATE

Acknowledges Medical dialogues, medinexus, emedinews as the sources of information