The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu graced and addressed the 22nd convocation of the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) in New Delhi today (May 10, 2024). 

Underlining the importance of golden hour in medical emergencies, the President said that the life of patients could be saved if they get treatment during this period. She said that specialist doctors should be sensitive towards emergency patients and they should never ask an emergency patient to go somewhere else for treatment.

Giving reference of the saying -‘justice delayed is justice denied’, President Murmu stressed that in the healthcare sector, the time is even more important because treatment delayed may be life denied. She said that sometimes we hear the sad news that if timely treatment had been given, the life of the person could be saved. Even if life is saved, in many situations, treatment delayed is health denied. Such examples are often seen in paralysis patients. Due to lack of timely treatment, patients lose the ability to move their limbs and become dependent on others.

The President appreciated the past and present members of NBEMS for their contribution to medical education over the past nearly four decades. She noted that the efforts of NBEMS have significantly increased the availability of specialist doctors in the country.

The President urged doctors to pay attention towards prompt healthcare, sensitive healthcare and in-expensive healthcare. She said that they can make an invaluable contribution to the country and society by giving their time free of cost to poor patients. She told the medical students that if they have chosen medical as a profession, then they definitely have the desire to serve humanity. She called upon them to protect, enhance and spread the spirit of service.

The President said that in view of the vast population of our country, there is a need to continuously increase the availability of doctors. She stated that it should be the endeavor of all to give priority to quality along with quantity.

The President said that Indian doctors have made their mark globally. Due to affordable Medicare, India has become a major center of medical tourism. She described doctors as the most important part of the country's healthcare system and expressed confidence that they will take the health services of the country to greater heights.

The appointment of Rizwan Koita as the new Chairperson of the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) signals a significant advancement in India's healthcare quality and accreditation standards.

NABH, under the auspices of the Quality Council of India (QCI), plays a pivotal role in establishing quality benchmarks, accrediting, and certifying hospitals and healthcare organizations nationwide.

Koita, who has been actively involved in digital health initiatives at NABH and served on its board for the past two years, expressed his enthusiasm for the new role. He underscored NABH's vital role in revolutionizing healthcare and ensuring patient safety in India, emphasizing its potential to promote the adoption of digital health initiatives.

"NABH can serve as a catalyst in improving healthcare, particularly in small and mid-sized healthcare facilities across India, which constitute a significant portion of the healthcare ecosystem. It can enhance healthcare accessibility, measurability, and cost-effectiveness for patients nationwide. Additionally, NABH can drive the adoption of digital health and the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), a critical national priority," Koita remarked.

Accredited by the International Society for Quality in Health Care (ISQua), NABH has seen its standards embraced by over 20,000 hospitals throughout India.

Jaxay Shah, Chairman of QCI, expressed confidence in Koita's leadership, citing his global healthcare and technology perspective as invaluable assets.

"I am pleased to welcome Mr. Rizwan Koita as the Chairman of NABH. His global insights into healthcare and technology, as well as his expertise in scaling businesses, will enable us to expand NABH's influence across India and cater to all segments of the healthcare ecosystem," Shah commented.

An alumnus of IIT Bombay and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Koita co-founded CitiusTech and played a pivotal role in establishing it as one of the world's fastest-growing healthcare technology firms, achieving unicorn status in 2019.

Since transitioning from his CEO role at CitiusTech, Koita has focused on his philanthropic endeavor, the Koita Foundation, which is dedicated to advancing digital health in India. The foundation has forged partnerships with prestigious academic institutions, hospitals, and industry associations, including IIT Bombay, Ashoka University, Tata Memorial/National Cancer Grid, Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI), and Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS).

To honor the amazing work nurses do, Wockhardt Hospitals held special events across its centers in Mira Road, Mumbai Central, Rajkot, and Nagpur for International Nurses Day. The theme attributed to this year’s International Nurses Day is "Our Nurses. Our Future. The economic power of care" to celebrate nurses hard work and care for patients around the world. The theme also emphasizes the importance of empowering nurses with the resources, support, and recognition they deserve to deliver quality care to individuals and communities.

Nurses are like the unsung heroes of healthcare, taking care of patients' needs with skill and kindness. Wockhardt Hospitals thanked them with a whole week of celebrations, including things like singing the Wockhardt Anthem, saying the Nursing Pledge, and honouring nursing leaders. Moreover, the celebration embraced creativity and talent through diverse competitions, including poster drawing, singing, and talent exhibitions, providing nurses with a platform to unwind and express themselves artistically. These activities not only served as avenues for relaxation but also reinforced the bonds within the nursing community, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.

In a gesture of appreciation for their unwavering dedication, nurses reaching significant service milestones were honoured with gold coin awards, presented by the respective Chief of the Hospital. This recognition underscored the hospital's deep appreciation for the enduring contributions of nurses and their commitment to patient care.

Acknowledging and celebrating the contributions of nurses within healthcare organizations, Ms. Zahabiya Khorakiwala, Managing Director of Wockhardt Hospitals, “Investing in the professional development and well-being of nurses is paramount to ensuring quality patient care. At Wockhardt, we provide ongoing training opportunities, mentorship programs, and support for further education to empower nurses in their careers. Additionally, prioritizing nurse wellness through initiatives such as wellness days, mental health resources, and work-life balance programs is essential for sustaining a healthy and resilient nursing workforce.” 

Dr. Parag Rindani, CEO of Wockhardt Hospitals, echoed Ms. Khorakiwala's sentiments, emphasizing the indispensable role of nurses in delivering comprehensive and high-quality care. He said, “I commend the nursing staff for their resilience and unwavering commitment to helping people heal, like lights shining in the dark, ensuring timely and compassionate patient care, particularly in the face of unprecedented challenges. At Wockhardt Hospitals, we are committed to fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for nurses, ensuring their professional growth and well-being.”

Expressing his grateful tribute to the nurses, Dr. Clive Fernandes, Group Clinical Director & Group Chief Operating Officer of Wockhardt Hospitals commented, “As we celebrate International Nurse Day, let us express our heartfelt gratitude to nurses worldwide. Their unwavering dedication, expertise, and compassion make a profound difference in the lives of patients and families every day. Whether in times of crisis or moments of joy, nurses stand as beacons of hope and healing, embodying the very essence of healthcare excellence. Today, and every day, let us honour and celebrate the extraordinary contributions of nurses to our communities and the world.” . As rightly said by Donna Wilk Cardillo – “ Nurses are the heart of healthcare”.

Overwhelmed by the love and compassion showered by the management, the Dr. Elizabeth Joseph, Nursing Head at Wockhardt Hospital concluded, “"Being part of these hospital events is always a highlight for us, even with our busy days. It's heart-warming when the hospital acknowledges our efforts and shows us kindness. Our main aim is to help patients heal and improve their lives. We're grateful for everyone who joined us in making this event a success.”

As the celebrations concluded with a spirit of camaraderie and appreciation, the nursing staff expressed profound gratitude for the recognition and support extended by Wockhardt Hospitals. Their dedication to enhancing patient outcomes and improving healthcare delivery remains unwavering, underscoring the timeless significance of International Nurses Day and the enduring impact of nurses worldwide

Bengaluru and San Francisco-based healthcare startup, Triomics, has successfully raised $15 million in its Series A funding round, marking a significant milestone in its mission to streamline cancer center workflows using generative artificial intelligence (GenAI).

Led by prominent Silicon Valley investors including Lightspeed, Nexus Venture Partners, General Catalyst, and Y Combinator, this funding injection underscores the growing recognition of Triomics' potential to reshape oncology research and patient care.

Founded in 2020 by Samir Khan and Hrituraj Singh, Triomics is committed to leveraging advanced AI technologies to address critical challenges in oncology. The newly acquired capital will fuel the continued development and deployment of its platform, empowering it to serve a broader customer base.

Hrituraj Singh, the Co-founder and CTO of Triomics, expressed his excitement about the company's unique blend of AI expertise and clinical experience. He emphasized the strategic allocation of resources towards refining their AI models to suit the complexities of cancer research and care, ensuring a seamless integration of technology into clinical workflows.

Triomics' flagship AI model, "OncoLLM," combines oncology-specific language models with tailored software solutions, enabling automated processing of vast amounts of unstructured patient data. This transformative approach significantly accelerates tasks such as clinical research and patient-trial matching, previously hindered by manual chart review processes.

The startup has already established partnerships with six cancer centers and hospitals, with plans to double its reach by the year's end. Targeting hospital staff directly involved in oncology research and care, Triomics aims to empower clinical research coordinators and other stakeholders with tools to enhance patient outcomes and streamline trial enrollment processes.

Triomics CEO, Sarim Khan, highlighted the broader impact of their technology across the healthcare ecosystem, emphasizing its potential to expedite drug development, improve patient access to trials, and enhance overall clinical decision-making.

While Triomics faces competition in the AI-driven clinical trials space, its innovative approach and strategic partnerships position it as a formidable player in driving transformative change in oncology care. As the healthcare industry increasingly embraces AI solutions, Triomics remains at the forefront, pioneering advancements that hold the promise of revolutionizing cancer treatment and research.

The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has released comprehensive guidelines regarding the diagnosis and management of heat-related deaths, aiming to streamline procedures and improve accuracy in identifying such cases.

According to the guidelines, deaths with a measured antemortem body temperature equal to or exceeding 40.6 degrees Celsius should be certified as heat stroke or hyperthermia. Additionally, the document defines heat-related death as one in which exposure to high ambient temperatures either directly caused or significantly contributed to the loss of life.

Even in cases where the body temperature cannot be established, but environmental temperatures were high at the time of collapse, an appropriate heat-related diagnosis should be recorded as the cause of death or a significant contributing condition.

The guidelines underscore the challenge in recognizing and confirming heat-related mortality, attributing discrepancies to varying case definitions and assessment mechanisms across sectors. To address this, the document emphasizes the importance of understanding exposure characteristics, physiological factors affecting heat strain, underlying illnesses, and adaptation measures.

Regarding autopsy procedures, the guidelines recommend that while they are not mandatory in all cases of heat-related illnesses, the decision to conduct an autopsy should consider the circumstances of death and available resources. Moreover, the collection and preservation of blood, urine, and vitreous humor for toxicologic examination are recommended, facilitating potential toxicologic analyses.

The NCDC highlights the necessity for pathologists and forensic pathologists to be familiar with the criteria for labeling a death as heat-related or due to heat stroke. It stresses the importance of training and sensitization for these professionals.

The guidelines delve into the physiological responses to heat exposure, citing rapid and severe decompression of the body's heat dissipation mechanisms as a primary mechanism leading to heat stroke.

Additionally, cardiovascular events and heat-derived lung damage are identified as significant contributors to mortality during extreme heat events.

Overall, the NCDC's guidelines aim to enhance the accuracy of diagnosing and managing heat-related deaths, providing crucial insights for healthcare professionals and policymakers in mitigating the impact of extreme heat on public health.

Governments of the world today agreed to continue working on a proposed pandemic agreement, and to further refine the draft, ahead of the Seventy-seventh World Health Assembly that starts 27 May 2024.

Governments meeting at the World Health Organization headquarters in Geneva agreed to resume hybrid and in-person discussions over coming weeks to advance work on critical issues, including around a proposed new global system for pathogen access and benefits sharing (i.e. life-saving vaccines, treatments and diagnostics); pandemic prevention and One Health; and the financial coordination needed to scale up countries’ capacities to prepare for and respond to pandemics.

"During more than two years of intensive negotiations, WHO’s Member States have shown unwavering commitment to forging a generational agreement to protect the world from a repeat of the horrors caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “I welcome the determination that all countries have shown to continue their work and fulfill the mission on which they embarked.”

The Member State-led Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) was established over two years ago to take this effort forward. The Bureau of the INB, which is guiding the process, will submit its outcome for consideration at the World Health Assembly.

INB Bureau Co-Chair Dr Precious Matsoso, from South Africa, said progress had been made during this latest round of discussions on a wide range of issues contained in the draft agreement.

“We are witnessing history play out before our eyes during this process, with the coming together of all countries to decide a binding pact to protect all citizens of the world,” said Ms Matsoso. “This is not a simple exercise. This is the first ever process to develop a proposed agreement on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. Getting this done means getting it right, and the INB Bureau is committed to help finalize a meaningful, lasting agreement.”

Fellow INB Bureau Co-Chair, Mr Roland Driece, from the Netherlands, said when countries launched the process two years ago to develop a pandemic agreement, they did so knowing they had set an ambitious timeline to reach an ambitious goal.

“This unprecedented effort by all WHO Member States was launched in response to an unprecedented global emergency – the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mr Driece. “These sovereign states did so recognizing that great collaboration and coordination were needed in the face of pandemics. While negotiations have been challenging at times, all countries agree that the world must be better prepared for the next pandemic. It is not a matter of if a pandemic will happen again; it is a matter of when. We cannot afford to miss this historic opportunity to make the world safer from the next pandemic threat.”

In March 2021, heads of state and government from two dozen countries issued a statement of commitment calling for global collaboration to prepare for, prevent and respond to pandemics. In December 2021, WHO Member States decided to launch a global process to draft and negotiate a legally binding convention, agreement or other international instrument to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.

As part of Sanofi’s commitment to developing a diverse portfolio of best-in-class vaccines, the company has entered into a co-exclusive licensing agreement with Novavax, a biotechnology company headquartered in Maryland, US.

The terms of the agreement include: a co-exclusive license to co-commercialize Novavax’s current stand-alone adjuvanted COVID-19 vaccine worldwide (except in countries with existing Advance Purchase Agreements and in India, Japan, and South Korea where Novavax has existing partnership agreements); a sole license to Novavax’s adjuvanted COVID-19 vaccine for use in combination with Sanofi’s flu vaccines; and a non-exclusive license to use the Matrix-M adjuvant in vaccine products. In addition, Sanofi will take a minority (<5%) equity investment in Novavax.

Jean-Francois Toussaint, Global Head of Vaccines R&D “With flu and COVID-19 hospital admission rates now closely mirroring each other, we have an opportunity to develop non-mRNA flu-COVID-19 combination vaccines offering patients both enhanced convenience and protection against two serious respiratory viruses. We’re excited by the prospect of combining Novavax’s adjuvanted COVID-19 vaccine that has shown high efficacy and favorable tolerability, with our rich portfolio of differentiated flu vaccines that have demonstrated superior protection against flu and its serious complications. Improved tolerability and thermostability, without compromise on efficacy, are what regulators, recommending bodies, and patients will demand.”

John Jacobs, CEO, Novavax “This collaboration is important for Novavax and for global public health. Our new partnership combines Novavax’s proprietary recombinant protein and nanoparticle technologies, Matrix™ adjuvant, and R&D expertise with Sanofi’s world-class leadership in launching and commercializing innovative vaccines. Together, we can broaden access to both our COVID-19 vaccine and our adjuvant to ensure more individuals can benefit from the protection vaccines can provide. Novavax is now in a stronger position to refocus our efforts on leveraging our technology platform and novel adjuvant in research and development and pipeline expansion to help advance our mission of developing life-saving vaccines to fight infectious diseases.” 

OMRON Healthcare India, renowned for its home health monitoring solutions, has forged a strategic collaboration with AliveCor India, a leading provider of personal electrocardiogram (ECG) technology. This partnership aims to empower individuals in combating heart diseases by offering advanced portable ECG and atrial fibrillation (Afib) monitoring devices for home use.

Tetsuya Yamada, Managing Director of OMRON Healthcare India, highlighted the critical importance of monitoring both ECG and blood pressure at home, emphasizing the increased stroke risk associated with atrial fibrillation. Recognizing the pivotal role of early detection and management in preventing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health conditions like stroke, Yamada underscored the significance of integrating AI-based handheld ECG technology into OMRON's portfolio.

Introducing the OMRON COMPLETE, a home monitoring device combining blood pressure monitoring with ECG capabilities, OMRON Healthcare India aims to facilitate early detection and management of Cardio Vascular Diseases (CVDs). Anuj Seth, Managing Director of AliveCor India, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting its potential to reach more patients and save lives.

The collaboration addresses a significant gap in heart disease awareness and treatment in India, where a large percentage of the population remains undiagnosed or untreated. With over 220 million people suffering from high blood pressure, but only a fraction receiving treatment, the partnership seeks to offer accessible and innovative monitoring solutions.

OMRON Healthcare India's product lineup includes KardiaMobile and KardiaMobile 6L, FDA-cleared personal ECG monitoring devices offering medical-grade electrocardiograms on smartphones. These clinically validated and AI-enabled devices aid in the early detection of arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, significantly reducing the risk of stroke. With the ability to record, save, and share reports easily with healthcare providers, these devices empower individuals to take proactive steps towards better heart health management.

KardiaMobile 6L, in particular, provides a more detailed view of the heart with six times the heart data capture compared to single-lead ECG devices, enhancing diagnostic capabilities for both patients and professionals.

Established in 2010, OMRON Healthcare India has emerged as a key player in the health monitoring segment, focusing on preventive care and innovative solutions for cardiovascular condition management. AliveCor India, dedicated to revolutionizing cardiac care through mobile technology, offers FDA-cleared personal ECG monitoring devices for early detection and management of heart diseases.

By leveraging advanced technology and strategic partnerships, OMRON Healthcare India and AliveCor India aim to expand access to remote patient care and improve outcomes for individuals with heart conditions.

In a significant development, Rajasthan's medical system is set to undergo a digital transformation with the launch of the 'Integrated Health Management System 2.0', announced by a senior official on Wednesday.

The state aims to fortify its health services through the implementation of this new system, marking a strategic move towards enhancing accessibility and efficiency in healthcare delivery. Addressing the press, Additional Chief Secretary of the Medical and Health Department, Shubhra Singh, hailed the initiative as a visionary endeavor aimed at providing seamless healthcare access to the masses.

Singh, who chaired a high-level meeting to review the system's development, emphasized its state-of-the-art features poised to revolutionize healthcare delivery in Rajasthan. The Integrated Health Management System 2.0 promises to streamline medical services, benefiting patients, healthcare professionals, and administrative bodies alike.

Among its key highlights are electronic health records, DIGI health locker, queue-free patient services, unified digital surveys, KPI-based dashboards, and a single-window system for health-related licenses and NOCs. Furthermore, tele ICU services and geo-tagging-based hospital facilities are also slated to be incorporated into the system.

Singh underscored the urgency of expediting the project's completion, urging all concerned departments and agencies to collaborate closely for its successful implementation. Weekly reviews will be conducted to monitor progress and address any challenges encountered along the way.

With the deployment of this advanced health management system, Rajasthan aims to transition a significant portion of its healthcare services online, ensuring greater convenience and accessibility for patients seeking treatment.

Surgeons at GEM Hospital in Chennai are embracing cutting-edge technology with the adoption of Apple Vision Pro mixed reality headsets for a wide range of laparoscopic surgeries, including procedures for gall bladder issues, stomach cancer, fistulas, and hernias.

Dr. R Parthasarathy, Surgical Gastroenterologist and COO of GEM Hospitals, lauded the introduction of these high-tech devices, highlighting the significant enhancement they bring to the efficiency and precision of keyhole surgeries.

With the Apple Vision Pro headset, surgeons experience seamless transmission with no delays, enjoying an augmented vision that integrates seamlessly with real-world surroundings. Dr. Parthasarathy explained that the device mirrors what is displayed on the laparoscopic surgery monitor, allowing surgeons to view real-time visuals alongside additional imaging data like CT scans. The headset's capabilities enable surgeons to enlarge internal organ views to wall-sized proportions, providing unparalleled detail and clarity.

Beyond its technical advantages, the Apple Vision Pro headset offers ergonomic benefits, alleviating neck strain during long surgeries. Dr. Parthasarathy emphasized its utility in facilitating expert consultations via FaceTime during procedures, as well as its potential for medical education purposes.

Describing the transformative impact of this technology on day-to-day operations, Dr. Parthasarathy highlighted the limitations of traditional surgical monitors and the headset's ability to overcome them. By keeping multiple tabs open and seamlessly accessing patient data like CT scans and MRI scans during surgeries, the headset enhances workflow efficiency and enhances the surgical team's access to critical information.

Laparoscopic surgeries, which involve inserting a tube-like camera through a small incision in the abdomen to visualize internal organs, rely heavily on real-time visuals displayed on monitors. With the integration of Apple Vision Pro headsets, GEM Hospital is ushering in a new era of precision and innovation in laparoscopic surgery.