Healthcare
Drugs panel considering proposal to rein in sale of OTC medicines to prevent misuse
India's drug advisory board is considering restricting over-the-counter medication sales to prevent misuse and ensure patient safety. The proposal limits OTC sales to 27 drugs, including antipyretics and painkillers, with dosage and quantity restrictions. The board aims to increase accessibility while ensuring patient safety by excluding several currently available drugs and recommending smaller pack sizes for safe use.
Pharma & healthcare deals see shifting focus on scalable, global models: Grant Thornton Bharat
India's pharma and healthcare sector demonstrates resilient investor interest, marked by a 34% year-on-year increase in deal volumes and a 326% surge in values for Q1 2025. Despite a slight quarterly dip due to macroeconomic factors, high-value deals are on the rise, particularly in M&A and PE activity, signaling confidence in scalable models and strategic acquisitions.
India faces a silent cervical cancer crisis: Every 8 minutes, a woman dies, but HPV vaccine and early screening could prevent it
The National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS) has recommended categorising cancer as a notifiable disease to improve prevention and treatment in India. The organisation emphasised the importance of indigenous HPV tests and vaccines in cancer screening, alongside strengthening diagnostic infrastructure. Key recommendations include early detection, timely treatment, and a national cancer screening programme to reduce mortality rates, particularly from cervical and breast cancer.
Shivinder Mohan Singh moves NCLT, files plea for personal insolvency
Shivinder Mohan Singh, the former Fortis Healthcare promoter, has sought personal insolvency before the NCLT, citing liabilities exceeding assets. Facing a Rs 3,500 crore recovery to Daiichi Sankyo, Singh's assets are largely attached or devalued due to litigation and mismanagement within RHC Holding.
Centre pushes for 'one nation, one swap transplant' system to boost kidney donations
India is set to promote kidney swap transplants nationwide, aiming to increase transplant numbers by up to 15%. Following a directive from NOTTO, states and union territories are encouraged to implement swap transplants, a practice already recognized but underutilized. The initiative includes a standardized document list and the potential creation of a national swap registry.
Yoga vs Strengthening exercises: Which is better for knee osteoarthritis? Study reveals surprising results
A recent study indicates yoga is as effective as strengthening exercises for managing knee osteoarthritis, offering improvements in pain, quality of life, and depression. Experts highlight yoga's comprehensive approach, addressing mental health, balance, and joint mobility. Both yoga and resistance training achieve similar physiological goals through different methods, promoting synovial fluid circulation and reducing joint pressure.
Govt bans select cough syrups for kids below 4 years
The government has prohibited cough syrups containing chlorpheniramine maleate and phenylephrine hydrochloride for children under four due to safety concerns. Drug regulators are mandating manufacturers to include explicit warnings on labels and packaging. This decision follows recommendations from India's apex drug body after examining the fixed-dose combination.
Assam govt plans to transform GMCH into one of India's largest hospitals
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is undertaking steps to transform Gauhati Medical College and Hospital into one of India's largest. The upcoming Mother and Child Care Hospital on GMCH premises will offer specialized pediatric care with 800 beds.
Delhi HC seeks Daiichi Sankyo’s response on RHC appeal over Fortis trademark sale
The Delhi High Court is reviewing RHC Healthcare's challenge to the 'Fortis' trademark sale to Fortis Healthcare, alleging undervaluation. RHC seeks an independent valuation, claiming the Rs 200 crore sale was based on an erroneous report by Daiichi Sankyo. While the court didn't halt the sale, further actions regarding the Fortis brand are subject to the appeal's outcome.
India's healthcare expenditure expected to surge from 3.3% to 5% of its GDP by 2030: CareEdge
India’s healthcare spending is projected to rise from 3.3% to 5% of GDP by 2030, according to a CareEdge report. The sector is poised for major transformation driven by investments, government initiatives, and demographic shifts.
