Amit Srivastava

The Maharashtra FDA suspended Blink Commerce Private Limited's food licence in Malad after an inspection found major hygiene violations, including a cockroach infestation, improper storage and expired products. Officials said food items were kept on rusted racks and floors, while pest control and worker hygiene requirements were not followed.

A three-month-old baby girl in Mumbai has successfully undergone surgery for a rare congenital sternal cleft, doctors said. The condition had left her heart partially unprotected due to an unfused breastbone. A team at Narayana Health SRCC Children's Hospital reconstructed her chest wall using muscle coverage, rib procedures and steel wires. Janki recovered and was discharged after eight days.

Mumbai FDA has referred a blood donation camp case to the State Blood Transfusion Council after confirming that donors received branded watches. The Young Star Committee had earlier denied distributing gifts. A fresh inquiry established that watches were given to donors, violating guidelines that prohibit gifts or inducements for voluntary blood donation.

Maharashtra FDA has permanently cancelled licences of 10 Ayurvedic drug manufacturers and issued notices to 135 others after a statewide inspection drive found GMP violations. The lapses included missing technical staff, poor quality control, inadequate testing facilities, unhygienic conditions and incomplete manufacturing records.

Mumbai has nearly 5,000 patients awaiting organ transplants, while only about 10% currently receive organs, according to ZTCC. Ahead of World Organ Donation Day on August 13, authorities expressed concern that around 90% of transplant beneficiary families do not pledge their organs, despite the continuing shortage.

Maharashtra FDA has suspended the licences of three Domino's outlets in Mumbai, one Domino's outlet in Karad, Sapphire Foods India Ltd. in Karad, and two Bhandup dhabas after inspections found violations related to hygiene, food storage, temperature control, pest control, sanitation and food safety compliance.

Mumbai's Parel area now houses India's first dedicated neuro-oncology rehabilitation centre for brain and spinal tumour survivors. The Amrit Sparsh centre, established by the Indian Cancer Society and Tata Memorial Hospital, will provide physiotherapy, cognitive rehabilitation, counselling and vocational support to around 2,000 patients annually, with free services for underprivileged patients.

Maharashtra FDA has warned citizens against fraudulent agents claiming to secure food and drug licences by using officials' names and demanding money. Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said no intermediaries have been appointed and urged applicants to use official online portals. The advisory comes amid intensified FDA inspections and action against food safety violations across the state.

Maharashtra has urged corporates to strengthen CSR participation in its TB elimination campaign, with Public Health Minister Prakash Abitkar calling for a government-industry partnership to support awareness, screening and treatment programmes. The state aims to eliminate tuberculosis before 2030 through mission-mode efforts involving communities, organisations and businesses.

A 35-year-old woman treated for seizures for nearly three months was diagnosed with rare autoimmune encephalitis at KIMS Hospitals, Thane. Neurologists identified the disorder after EEG findings did not match epilepsy, started early immunotherapy, and achieved significant recovery, with the patient continuing rehabilitation and follow-up care.