Teena Thacker

A sample tested for Ebola Virus Disease in India has returned negative, according to the National Institute of Virology. The individual, who had traveled from Uganda and reported mild symptoms, was isolated as a precaution. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare confirmed no Ebola cases in India and emphasized ongoing surveillance.

India has confirmed no Ebola Virus Disease cases. A visitor from Uganda, showing mild symptoms, was tested as a precaution in Bengaluru. The National Institute of Virology reported the test as negative. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation in Africa and maintaining surveillance at entry points. India remains vigilant and prepared.

Indian families now pay less for healthcare. Out-of-pocket spending fell from 64.2% to 43.4% in ten years. This is due to the government spending more on public health. Government health expenditure as a share of GDP has also increased. Per capita spending on health has grown significantly. This shows a stronger health financing safety net for citizens.

Indian pharma exports to the US face a subdued outlook this year. Policy uncertainties, falling generic prices, and regional conflicts are impacting shipments. US buyers are managing inventories more closely. A push for local manufacturing in the US also poses a challenge. This situation is creating caution among buyers for large forward orders.

India's drug regulator, CDSCO, has mandated all drug companies to establish systems for tracking adverse drug reactions. This move comes amid global scrutiny of India's drug safety monitoring. Companies must now designate officers, maintain records, and report reactions promptly. Compliance will be checked during routine inspections. This ensures better post-market drug safety for consumers.

India's top drug regulator is cracking down on veterinary shops. This action follows a significant rejection of shrimp exports to major markets like the US, EU, and Japan. The problem stems from banned antibiotics found in the seafood. Authorities are now demanding detailed reports on inspections and enforcement actions against violators.

India's drug pricing authority may soon approve a price hike for vital platinum-based cancer medicines. These drugs, including carboplatin and cisplatin, are crucial for treating various cancers. The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority met with drug makers and hospital representatives to discuss the issue. Rising raw material costs have put pressure on production.

India's government is taking emergency steps to ensure cancer patients get vital drugs. Cisplatin and carboplatin, crucial chemotherapy agents, faced shortages due to rising raw material costs. The government may allow significant price increases to boost production. This move aims to prevent treatment disruptions for thousands of patients across the nation. Revised prices are expected soon.

India's drug pricing authority has approved a 50% price hike for essential anti-cancer drugs carboplatin and cisplatin. This decision follows pleas from manufacturers citing soaring platinum costs. Anti-tetanus immunoglobulin drug prices also see an increase. The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority invoked special powers to ensure these life-saving medicines remain accessible to the public.

Several states have constituted dedicated multi-member teams to ensure no facility slips through the cracks before a GMP Certificate is issued, people in the know told ET. The inspections will now be applicable to all manufacturing units without exception including MSMEs, which had previously been granted a relaxation period that lapsed in January.