In a major milestone for healthcare in Odisha, AIIMS Bhubaneswar has successfully introduced robotic knee replacement surgery, becoming the first in the state to do so. The Department of Orthopaedics performed the procedure on a 66-year-old woman, marking a significant step forward in precision surgery. According to Executive Director Dr. Ashutosh Biswas, the patient is stable post-operation, and the technology is now accessible to patients across all social backgrounds.

Knee replacement, often called “the surgery of the century,” has transformed the lives of individuals suffering from debilitating arthritis. Previously, many patients in their 50s and 60s experienced severe mobility limitations due to chronic knee pain. Robotic assistance now offers new hope, providing improved outcomes and faster recovery.

Dr. Bishnu Prasad Patro, Head of the Orthopaedics Department, explained that robotic systems minimize the risk of human error. With real-time feedback, surgeons can perform complex procedures with enhanced precision, especially in challenging cases involving deformities or prior surgeries. Unlike traditional methods that relied on cutting blocks and jigs, robotic systems integrate navigation and artificial intelligence to carry out critical steps with high accuracy.

The new technology is also a major boost for government-supported health programs. Through the Ayushman Bharat scheme, eligible patients can receive free knee replacement surgeries, significantly increasing access to advanced treatment.

By combining cutting-edge robotics with experienced surgical care, AIIMS Bhubaneswar has taken a pioneering step in orthopaedics, improving the quality of life for patients and setting a new benchmark for surgical innovation in the region.

SS Innovations International, an India-based manufacturer of indigenous surgical robotic systems, has officially listed on the US Nasdaq under the ticker symbol ‘SSII’. Trading began on April 25, marking a significant milestone in the company’s global expansion strategy.

The company, known for its SSI Mantra robotic assistance system (RAS), is currently undergoing the US FDA inspection process. According to Sudhir Srivastava, Chairman and CEO of SS Innovations, the uplisting aligns with their strategic push beyond India into multiple international markets. The company is targeting CE Mark certification in the European Union by late 2025 and USFDA approval in early 2026.

Srivastava emphasized that Nasdaq listing will boost global visibility, enhance transparency, broaden the investor base, and improve share liquidity. The move comes on the heels of impressive financial growth. SS Innovations reported a 3.5-fold year-on-year increase in revenue, reaching $20.6 million in 2024, up from $5.9 million the previous year. Gross margins also surged from 12.3% to 40.9%, indicating strong financial performance and growing market presence.

Affordability remains one of SSII’s biggest competitive advantages. Srivastava pointed out that while robotic surgical systems in the US typically cost between $2.5 million and $3 million, SSII’s system—imported from India—would cost around $1.2 million, making advanced surgical robotics more accessible.

The company’s SSI Mantra systems are already installed in 80 hospitals across 75 Indian cities. International expansion plans include countries such as Nepal, Ecuador, Guatemala, the Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Ukraine. To date, over 3,700 surgeries have been performed using the SSI Mantra, including over 200 cardiac procedures, with zero reported device-related mortality or complications—highlighting both safety and effectiveness.

PB Fintech, the parent company of Policybazaar, has made a major move to establish its presence in India’s healthcare sector by investing INR 539.4 crore in its wholly owned subsidiary, PB Healthcare Services. This investment marks the first step in a larger INR 1,461.6 crore seed funding round aimed at bringing in institutional and external investors.

According to regulatory filings, the investment was made via the subscription of 5.39 crore Compulsory Convertible Preference Shares (CCPS) at INR 100 each. The seed round also includes the creation of an employee stock option plan (ESOP) pool, which is expected to attract and retain top talent in the healthcare space.

As the round progresses, PB Fintech’s ownership in PB Healthcare Services will dilute from 100% to approximately 32.14% on a fully diluted basis. This planned dilution aligns with the company’s strategic objective of building a strong and independent healthcare vertical backed by industry leadership and external capital.

In March 2025, PB Fintech had secured board approval to invest up to INR 696 crore in the healthcare subsidiary. After the full investment, it is expected to hold around 33.63% equity, with the remaining shares distributed among CEO Yashish Dahiya, Executive Vice Chairman Alok Bansal, key senior leaders, and new investors.

Founded in January 2025, PB Healthcare Services plans to establish a 1,000-bed hospital network within its first year, starting in the National Capital Region (NCR), with future expansion planned for other major metros. The initial funds will be used for operational costs, marketing, infrastructure development, and strategic initiatives, positioning the company for a strong entry into India’s competitive and growing healthcare market.

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, who holds key portfolios including Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and the Department of Biotechnology, visited BRIC-inStem and reviewed its cutting-edge research and clinical collaborations. A major highlight was India’s first-in-human gene therapy trial for Haemophilia, conducted in partnership with CMC Vellore. Calling it a “milestone in India’s scientific journey,” Dr. Singh praised the institute's efforts in advancing preventive and regenerative healthcare.

Emphasizing the transformative role of biotechnology, the Minister said, “This is not just about science—it’s about nation-building,” citing biotechnology as central to India’s future economy and healthcare systems. He credited policy reforms like the BIO-E3 Policy for fueling the sector’s rapid growth—from just 50 biotech startups a decade ago to over 10,000 today, with the industry now valued at $165.7 billion and targeting $300 billion by 2030.

He lauded the creation of the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC), which brought 14 autonomous institutes under one umbrella, accelerating innovation. From germicidal masks during COVID-19 to the 'Kisan Kavach' for pesticide protection, BRIC-inStem has delivered impactful solutions.

The Minister toured the state-of-the-art Biosafety Level III lab, crucial for studying high-risk pathogens under India’s One Health Mission. He also inaugurated the Centre for Research Application and Training in Embryology (CReATE), which focuses on reducing birth defects and improving neonatal outcomes.

Dr. Singh urged deeper synergy between scientific and medical communities, suggesting MD-PhD programs and stronger public outreach. “What’s being done here should echo across the country—not for publicity, but because the nation needs it,” he emphasized.

He concluded by affirming that biotechnology will be a cornerstone of India’s future, with BRIC-inStem leading the way.

On the opening day of World Immunization Week (24–30 April), Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, virtually launched the National Zero Measles-Rubella Elimination Campaign 2025–26, marking a significant milestone toward India’s goal of eliminating measles and rubella by 2026.

Shri Nadda unveiled multilingual IEC materials—including posters, radio jingles, and awareness films—to promote community engagement and support state-level rollout efforts. These resources aim to create awareness and dispel myths around Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccines.

Speaking at the event, the Minister emphasized that the campaign presents a unique opportunity to achieve 100% immunization coverage for children by ensuring the administration of both MR vaccine doses. “This disease not only affects children’s health but also causes immense distress to families. We must ensure that not a single child is left unvaccinated,” he said.

He applauded the Ministry for receiving the prestigious Measles and Rubella Champion Award in 2024 from the Measles and Rubella Partnership, recognizing India’s significant strides in MR elimination. Notably, 332 districts have reported zero measles cases, and 487 districts have reported zero rubella cases between January and March 2025.

To strengthen disease surveillance, Shri Nadda called for an active IDSP and emphasized the importance of quick outbreak response and inter-departmental coordination. He urged states to adopt a proactive “ACT NOW” strategy, inspired by the successful elimination of polio and maternal and neonatal tetanus.

He also appealed to State Ministers, CMOs, and local leaders to actively engage in public outreach, conduct press meetings, and ensure inclusive participation of MLAs, MPs, and Panchayat heads. He encouraged frontline workers to reach underserved populations—remote villages, urban slums, and migratory communities—to close the last-mile gap.

Under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), India provides two free MR vaccine doses—at 9–12 months and 16–24 months of age. As of 2024–25, MR vaccine coverage stands at 93.7% (first dose) and 92.2% (second dose). India has also recorded a 73% decline in measles cases and a 17% decline in rubella cases since 2023.

The UIP, the world’s largest vaccination initiative, reaches 2.9 crore pregnant women and 2.6 crore newborns annually, offering protection against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases. The U-WIN digital platform supports this mission by streamlining vaccine tracking and access.

With coordinated action, awareness, and strong leadership, India aims to eliminate measles and rubella by 2026.

OneCell Diagnostics has rebranded as 1Cell.Ai, marking its evolution from a genomics-based diagnostics company to an AI-driven leader in precision oncology. Alongside this transformation, the company announced the launch of OncoIncytes, a next-generation, multi-modal cancer diagnostic platform that integrates Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA), Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) at single-cell resolution, RNA transcriptomics, and proteomics profiling of 150 proteins—also at the single-cell level.

“By combining deep multi-omics data with ctDNA, OncoIncytes delivers unmatched sensitivity and specificity to support critical clinical decisions,” said Mohan Uttarwar, CEO and co-founder of 1Cell.Ai. “This is especially transformative for early-stage research and antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) trials, where selecting the right patients is essential for success.”

Powered by a 1080-gene panel and advanced AI/ML models, OncoIncytes enables precise detection of surface protein expression—capabilities beyond the reach of conventional liquid biopsy tests. This innovation supports improved drug development, patient stratification, and therapy response monitoring with unprecedented resolution.

Validated against Illumina’s TSO 500 and the FDA-cleared PGDx panel at Dr. Ravindra Kohle’s lab at Augusta University, OncoIncytes demonstrated 100% concordance in analytical accuracy.

Healthcare providers can now request sample collection kits, which are processed at 1Cell.Ai’s recently CLIA-certified lab in Foster City. Results are delivered quickly via the company’s proprietary iDiscover platform.

The launch follows 1Cell.Ai’s oversubscribed $16 million Series A funding round and the formation of a clinical advisory board led by Nobel Laureate Dr. James Rothman.

“Our mission is to democratize precision oncology through actionable, affordable, and accessible diagnostics,” added Uttarwar. “The new name, 1Cell.Ai, reflects our broader vision to lead the future of cancer care through AI-powered innovation.”

Guardant Health,  has entered into a multi-year strategic collaboration with Pfizer to accelerate the development and commercialization of Pfizer’s oncology portfolio using Guardant’s cutting-edge Infinity liquid biopsy platform.

The partnership aims to integrate Guardant’s portfolio of smart liquid biopsy tests into Pfizer’s global clinical studies, including those involving China-based cohorts. A key focus of the collaboration is to evaluate circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) as a surrogate endpoint for monitoring therapy response, along with exploring blood-based epigenomic analyses to further understand tumor behavior and treatment outcomes.

As part of the agreement, Pfizer will also gain access to Guardant’s testing capabilities in China, supported by Guardant’s 2022 partnership with Adicon Holdings, a leading clinical laboratory company. This expands the scope of Guardant’s global reach in oncology clinical trials.

This collaboration builds on Guardant’s recent momentum, including the announcement in January that Palmetto GBA, under the Medicare MolDX program, granted coverage for Guardant Reveal. This advanced test detects minimal residual disease (MRD) by identifying ctDNA through epigenomic (methylation) analysis, enabling the early detection of colorectal cancer recurrence after curative treatment.

The Guardant Reveal and Infinity platforms represent the forefront of non-invasive cancer monitoring, providing high-resolution insights that inform treatment decisions and trial outcomes.

This alliance reinforces Guardant’s position as a leader in precision oncology and supports Pfizer’s mission to deliver innovative cancer therapies guided by smarter, data-driven diagnostics.

Caris Life Sciences®, a leader in AI-powered precision medicine, has announced a strategic collaboration with MiBA, a healthcare technology innovator, to enhance oncologist support through physician education, clinical insights, and operational optimization. The goal of the partnership is to accelerate research and improve cancer patient care by integrating advanced molecular testing into routine clinical workflows.

This collaboration will help guide physicians in the appropriate use of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) by combining Caris’ extensive multimodal molecular database with MiBA’s real-time data insights engine. Physicians will receive targeted alerts when patients meet clinical criteria and may benefit from comprehensive molecular testing—including Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) and Whole Transcriptome Sequencing (WTS)—across a wide range of cancer types.

“MiBA shares our vision for improving patient outcomes through innovation,” said Dr. David Spetzler, President of Caris. “This partnership enables more timely and informed decisions by supporting oncologists with both education and real-time data.”

MiBA’s Managing Partners Jason Baroff and Mark Moch emphasized that the collaboration will equip the oncology community with faster, smarter, and more collaborative tools for clinical decision-making, enhancing precision oncology’s impact at scale.

As part of the initiative, MiBA will also launch the Oncology Insights Program (OIP) in partnership with the National Community Oncology Dispensing Association (NCODA). The program will focus on provider engagement, training, and the implementation of actionable insights to support Caris’ real-world applications in clinical practice.

The announcement comes ahead of both companies’ participation in two major industry events—the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting (April 25–30, 2025, in Chicago) and the Community Oncology Alliance (COA) Annual Conference (April 29–30, 2025, in Orlando)—where they will showcase the transformative potential of their partnership in advancing cancer care.

Denmark-based pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk has announced plans to phase out its Human Mixtard Penfill globally by the end of 2025. However, the company has clarified that Mixtard will remain available in India in vial form. Other insulin formulations, including human insulin, will also continue to be accessible to Indian patients in both vials and devices.

This clarification follows a media report claiming that Novo Nordisk was discontinuing Human Mixtard entirely in India—a brand valued at ₹800 crore and one of the top-selling insulins in the country. The report raised concerns about potential disruptions to the company’s broader insulin portfolio, including products such as Actrapid, Insulatard, Insulin Detemir, Levemir, and Xultophy, which are predominantly distributed in pre-filled pen and cartridge formats (Penfill and FlexPen).

In an official statement, Novo Nordisk emphasized that the decision to phase out the Penfill format is part of a global strategy aimed at optimizing manufacturing capabilities. “To meet growing patient demand and ensure a stable supply, we are consolidating our insulin portfolio to create space within our global production network,” the company stated.

Acknowledging the possible disruption for people living with diabetes, Novo Nordisk affirmed its commitment to ensuring no patient is left without viable treatment alternatives—either from its own portfolio or from other providers. The company is working proactively with health authorities, healthcare professionals, and partners to ensure a smooth transition for patients affected by the Penfill discontinuation.

“We aim to expand access to our insulin portfolio to millions more patients in the coming decade. This strategic shift is a step in that direction,” the company added. The phase-out of the Penfill device is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

During World Immunization Week (24–30 April), WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi have raised alarms over mounting threats to global immunization progress. Misinformation, population growth, humanitarian crises, and significant funding cuts are disrupting vaccination efforts and placing millions at risk—from children to adults. Diseases once under control, including measles, yellow fever, meningitis, and diphtheria, are resurging.

Measles is of particular concern, with global cases rising each year since 2021. In 2023, an estimated 10.3 million measles cases occurred, up 20% from the year before. This trend has likely continued into 2024 and 2025, with 138 countries reporting cases and 61 facing large-scale outbreaks—the highest seen since 2019.

Other diseases are following suit. Meningitis cases in Africa surged in 2024, with over 5,500 suspected cases and nearly 300 deaths in the first quarter alone. Yellow fever is also resurging in both Africa and the Americas. In 2024, Africa reported 124 confirmed yellow fever cases in 12 countries, while the Americas saw 131 cases across four countries.

These rising outbreaks are unfolding as health systems face significant strain. A recent WHO assessment across 108 country offices—mostly in low- and lower-middle-income countries—revealed that nearly half reported disruptions to vaccination efforts due to funding cuts. Disease surveillance has also been compromised in over half of these nations.

Meanwhile, the number of children missing routine vaccinations continues to climb. In 2023, 14.5 million children missed all basic vaccines, compared to 13.9 million in 2022 and 12.9 million in 2019. Over half of these children live in conflict-affected or unstable countries.

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell emphasized the urgency: “Immunization services and outbreak responses are being disrupted in nearly 50 countries—matching the setbacks of the COVID-19 era. We must not lose ground against preventable diseases.”

Despite these challenges, immunization remains a powerful tool. Vaccines prevent an estimated 4.2 million deaths annually across 14 diseases, with nearly half of those lives saved in Africa. Significant strides include eliminating meningitis A in Africa’s meningitis belt and expanding HPV vaccine coverage from 21% to 40% between 2020 and 2023. Progress also includes broader use of pneumococcal and malaria vaccines in high-burden regions.

To sustain and build on this progress, continued investment in initiatives like the ‘Big Catch-Up’—launched in 2023 to vaccinate children missed during the pandemic—is essential. Vaccination not only protects health but also serves as a gateway to other critical services, including maternal care and nutrition.

WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi are urging global leaders, donors, and the public to reaffirm their commitment to the Immunization Agenda 2030. Gavi’s pledging summit on 25 June 2025 aims to raise US$9 billion to protect 500 million children and save at least 8 million lives between 2026 and 2030. The agencies stress that funding vaccines is not only life-saving but also a smart investment—returning $54 for every $1 spent.