5, May 2026
India Expands Rare Disease Care Network to Strengthen Diagnosis and Treatment Access
New Delhi, May 5 (BNP): The Government of India has further strengthened its framework for rare disease management under the National Policy for Rare Diseases, 2021, building on the National Health Policy, 2017.
The policy is being implemented through 15 Centres of Excellence across the country, including two in the North-East, to improve access to specialised diagnosis and treatment services.
Officials said the focus is on early detection, improved clinical care, and stronger health system support to ensure timely treatment for patients with rare diseases. The government is also encouraging research and innovation in the field through leading medical institutions.
Steps have also been taken to reduce treatment costs by exempting life-saving medicines from basic customs duty.
Health authorities said the initiative reflects India’s continued efforts to build a more integrated and responsive healthcare system for rare disease patients.
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- By Neel Achary
5, May 2026
SimonMed Scales AI Across Routine Imaging to Deliver Preventive Insights Nationwide
SCOTTSDALE, AZ – May 5th, 2026 – SimonMed, a national outpatient imaging provider and leader in radiology innovation and longevity health technology, today announced the expansion of its AI-enabled imaging platform, embedding advanced, FDA-cleared technologies directly into routine diagnostic exams across its nationwide network.
The expansion reflects a broader shift in healthcare from imaging as a one-time diagnostic test to a continuous source of preventive insight, enabling earlier detection and personalized risk assessments.
The new offerings—Calcium Score+, CT Bone Density, and MR Lumbar Spine+—apply AI to standard imaging exams, providing additional clinical insights from scans patients are already undergoing, without requiring extra scan time or radiation exposure.
Patients who opt into these services receive results through SimonMed’s Digital Health Platform, an interactive, mobile-first experience designed to make complex findings easier to understand and act on. Reports include clear summaries, visual explanations, guided next steps, and one-click access to a patient navigator who can support follow-up care and coordination.
“AI is accelerating a fundamental shift in healthcare, from reacting to disease to managing health over time,” said Dr. John Simon, CEO and Founder of SimonMed. “By embedding AI directly into routine imaging, we’re able to extract more meaningful insights from exams patients are already having and make those insights easier for patients to understand and act on.”
Calcium Score+ and CT Bone Density provide additional insight into heart and bone health—two leading drivers of long-term risk—from CT scans patients are already receiving. Both cardiovascular disease and bone loss often develop silently, progressing without symptoms until advanced stages. By unlocking additional insights from existing imaging, SimonMed enables earlier identification of risk and supports more proactive care.
Calcium Score+ enhances traditional coronary calcium scoring with AI-enabled analysis and a more guided reporting experience, helping quantify calcified plaque in the coronary arteries which is an established marker of cardiovascular risk from existing CT images.
CT Bone Density uses AI to assess bone mineral density opportunistically from CT scans that include the spine, enabling evaluation of bone health without the need for a dedicated DEXA exam. This approach can help identify osteopenia and osteoporosis in patients who may not otherwise be screened.
Both services can be added, individually or together, to non-contrast CT chest exams, including lung cancer screening. CT Bone Density may also be applied to abdomen and pelvis CT exams, expanding opportunities to assess fracture risk across a broader patient population.
MR Lumbar Spine+ applies FDA-cleared AI to standard lumbar MRI exams, transforming complex imaging into quantitative measurements, severity grading, and annotated visualizations. The result is more standardized, objective insights to support both clinical interpretation and patient understanding, without additional scan time or workflow disruption.
“Imaging has always been one of the most powerful tools in medicine, but for too long its value has been locked inside reports that patients struggle to act on,” said Dr. Sean Raj, Chief Medical Officer and Chief Innovation Officer at SimonMed. “What we’ve built is one of the most comprehensive AI platforms in outpatient imaging – bringing FDA-cleared technologies directly into routine care, at scale, across the country. We’re not just adding AI, we’re fundamentally redefining how imaging drives earlier detection, personalized risk insight, and proactive health.”
SimonMed’s AI platform is designed to integrate seamlessly into routine workflows, enabling advanced diagnostics to be delivered in community-based settings, not just academic centers. By scaling AI across its national footprint, SimonMed is expanding access to more advanced, data-driven insights for millions of patients each year.
These new offerings are part of SimonMed’s broader strategy to build an integrated, AI-driven imaging ecosystem, where advanced analytics, patient engagement, and preventive screening come together to support earlier detection and more continuous care.
The expansion also complements SimonMed Longevity, the company’s preventive imaging division, which combines whole-body MRI with multi-modality screening to help patients establish a baseline, track changes over time, and identify risk earlier—when intervention can have the greatest impact.
5, May 2026
New Study Finds Low-Dose Eye Drops Successful in Managing Adult Myopia for 24 Hours UH Researchers Say One Drop of Atropine is All it Takes for Beneficial Effects
HOUSTON, May 5 – Groundbreaking research from the University of Houston shows that a single low-dose atropine eye drop can produce daylong effects in managing myopia, or nearsightedness, which affects roughly one-third of U.S. adults.
Professor of Optometry Lisa Ostrin and postdoctoral researcher Barsha Lal are reporting that even one drop in the eye of low-dose atropine (0.01%–0.1%) produces clear changes in pupil size and focusing ability that persist for at least 24 hours. Importantly, they also found that the drop shows no short-term structural effects on the eye, with only temporary changes in blood flow inside the retina.
Ostrin’s latest research is published in the journal Eye and Vision. It adds to a growing body of vision research from David Berntsen, Golden-Golden Professor of Optometry at the University of Houston, who is co-leading a national $25 million NIH-funded clinical trial to delay the development of myopia in children by using the atropine drops.
Low concentration atropine is widely prescribed to slow myopia progression in children, yet its short-term retinal and choroidal effects remain incompletely understood. Ostrin’s new study evaluated short-term effects of a range of low atropine concentrations on the length of the eye, the blood vessels in the retina and the thickness of the retina and choroid, which sits just behind the retina. These are important measurements because longer eye length is associated with myopia and as it gets longer, the retina and choroid are stretched.
“These findings indicate that a single instillation of atropine does not alter axial length or retinal or choroidal thickness over 24 hours but may transiently affect superficial retinal perfusion in a time-dependent manner,” said Ostrin.
In the double-masked, randomized study, twenty healthy adults received a single instillation of either a placebo or atropine in the right eye during five separate sessions. Researchers then checked the eye structure, thickness, and length in the central retina both one-hour and 24-hours later.
“Characterizing these short-term effects is important for a better understanding of the physiological responses to atropine in clinical and research settings,” said Ostrin who previously published research results of a study investigating the short-term effects of a range of low-dose atropine concentrations on the pupils of young adults. In that study, she found similar results with a single drop of atropine inducing significant changes in the pupils.
Together, the studies indicate that atropine induces early functional and vascular effects in the eye, in the absence of structural change.
“By linking objective ocular responses with subjective visual experience, this work advances our understanding of how atropine works and supports more precise, evidence-based, and individualized approaches to myopia management,” said Ostrin.
3, May 2026
Celebrating National Fitness Day with Major Milestones for Fitness Pioneer Elaine LaLanne
2, May 2026
Green Cards, Safer Generations: A Grassroots Fight Against Sickle Cell in Maharashtra
Maharashtra, India May 02: As Maharashtra celebrates its foundation day, a small village near Shirpur is offering a powerful narrative of progress—where tradition is evolving with science, and communities are taking charge of their future through informed choices.
In a quiet yet transformative shift, age-old matrimonial traditions here are being redefined, not by horoscopes or kundlis, but by health cards.
In this unique community-led practice, red and green cards indicating sickle cell status have become a decisive factor in marriage compatibility. The system is simple yet powerful: individuals carrying two green cards are not matched, while red and green card pairings are considered acceptable. This approach is designed to significantly reduce the risk of children being born with sickle cell disease, a serious genetic blood disorder prevalent among tribal populations in Maharashtra.
What makes this model particularly compelling is its grassroots origin. Driven by sustained awareness campaigns and screening initiatives, the practice has organically evolved into a social norm, where informed health choices are influencing deeply personal and cultural decisions like marriage.
Recent screening efforts in the region have highlighted the urgency of such interventions. Across multiple camps conducted in nearby areas, over 400 individuals were screened, with more than 200 identified as carriers and 180 diagnosed with the disease. These numbers underscore the scale of the challenge and the importance of preventive approaches rooted in community participation.
Beyond detection, these initiatives have also focused on counselling, access to medication, and continuous support for affected individuals. The integration of health awareness into social practices marks a significant shift, transforming communities from passive recipients of healthcare to active participants in disease prevention.
Emphasising the need for collective action to tackle sickle cell disease, Dweta Patel, Director, Astitva Social Welfare Foundation, a key force behind the initiative, said, “This initiative is not the effort of one individual but a collective movement shaped by the community, healthcare workers, and volunteers working tirelessly on the ground. What we are witnessing today is the power of awareness translating into action, where people are making informed decisions not just for themselves but for future generations. The red and green card system is a reflection of trust, education, and shared responsibility. Our aim has always been to support those in need, ensure early detection, and build a healthier society. When communities come together like this, real and lasting change becomes possible.”
This evolving matrimonial system stands at the intersection of public health, culture, and social reform. It demonstrates how awareness, when combined with collective action, can lead to meaningful behavioural change without disrupting the social fabric.
As this model continues to grow, it carries a larger vision of communities empowered with knowledge, making choices that can prevent suffering before it begins. By embedding awareness into everyday decisions, this initiative points toward a future where diseases like sickle cell no longer define lives, and where generations are born healthier, freer, and with greater hope.
30, Apr 2026
India Deploys Health Cube in Jamaica Under CARICOM Partnership
New Delhi, Apr 30 (BNP): India has deployed its “Aarogya Maitri” health cube in Jamaica as part of its efforts to deepen healthcare cooperation with CARICOM member countries and enhance emergency medical preparedness in the region.
The mobile medical unit is designed to provide rapid and effective critical care support during natural disasters, public health emergencies, and other crisis situations where immediate healthcare infrastructure may be limited. Equipped to function in challenging environments, the system aims to improve response time and strengthen on-ground medical assistance.
Officials said the initiative reflects India’s growing focus on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief cooperation with partner countries, particularly in regions vulnerable to emergencies. The deployment is also expected to support capacity-building in emergency healthcare systems and improve coordination during crisis response efforts.
The move further highlights India’s continued engagement with Caribbean nations, reinforcing its commitment to global health security and international collaboration in disaster management and medical support.
30, Apr 2026
New Study Shows Mental Health Campaigns and Digital Tools Reduce Risk in Slums
New Delhi, Apr 30 (BNP): A recent study has found that community-based anti-stigma programmes, along with a digital mental health support tool, have helped reduce risks of depression, self-harm, and suicide among adolescents living in urban slum areas.
The research covered 60 slum clusters across New Delhi and Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh, focusing on improving awareness and access to mental health care for vulnerable teenagers.
India has one of the largest adolescent populations in the world, and a significant share of young people face mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, according to global health estimates.
Researchers observed that adolescents in urban slums are particularly at risk due to factors such as poverty, low awareness about mental health, and limited access to professional support services.
The study suggests that combining community outreach efforts with digital tools can help strengthen mental health support systems in underserved communities.
30, Apr 2026
From Promise to Proof: Strengthening the Evidence Base for Digital Health Technologies
Lawrenceville, NJ, USA, Apr 30: Value in Health, the official journal of ISPOR, has announced the publication of a special themed section focused on advancing methods to evaluate the real-world value of digital health technologies.
The April 2026 issue features a curated series of research papers exploring how digital health solutions create value across clinical, behavioral, and healthcare system pathways, while addressing the challenges of measuring their impact effectively.
The themed section is led by guest editors Axel Mühlbacher (Hochschule Neubrandenburg, Germany), Volker Amelung (Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Germany), and Katarzyna Kolasa (Kozminski University, Poland).
In their editorial, the editors highlight that digital health technologies are becoming integral to modern healthcare delivery but remain complex to evaluate due to variations in definitions, applications, and outcomes. They emphasize that value is not inherent in the technology itself but emerges through its integration into healthcare systems.
Key Insights from the Research
The collection includes seven research papers covering topics such as health technology assessment frameworks, AI-driven clinical tools, predictive modeling, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability in digital health.
The findings reveal that current evaluation frameworks are often inadequate for capturing the multi-dimensional value of digital health technologies, particularly when benefits are distributed across complex healthcare pathways and systems.
Key Recommendations for the Sector
- Multi-dimensional evaluation: Expanding beyond clinical outcomes to include system efficiency, implementation feasibility, and real-world monitoring
- Decision-relevant models: Incorporating real-world factors such as patient adherence, healthcare capacity, and population-level outcomes
- Behavioral and cost analysis: Measuring health outcomes driven by behavioral change and adopting comprehensive costing frameworks
- Sustainability focus: Integrating environmental impact into evaluation metrics, including lifecycle and energy usage considerations
- Equity considerations: Ensuring fair access and assessing how benefits and burdens are distributed across populations
The editors note that while digital health technologies hold immense promise, their adoption remains limited due to challenges in demonstrating scalable and credible value, as well as barriers in market access and system integration.
The themed section aims to guide policymakers, researchers, and healthcare stakeholders in developing robust, transparent, and actionable frameworks that support the adoption and scaling of digital health innovations.
30, Apr 2026
Azara Healthcare Recognized with KLAS 2026 Points of Light Award for Maternal Risk Reporting Collaboration Across Ohio
Statewide initiative with the Ohio Association of Community Health Centers, CareSource, and Humana more than doubled Pregnancy Risk Assessment Form submission rates, accelerating identification of high-risk pregnancies and strengthening Medicaid continuity
BURLINGTON, Mass. — [April 30, 2026] — Azara Healthcare, the four-time Best in KLAS provider of population health and value-based care solutions for the safety net, together with the Ohio Association of Community Health Centers (OACHC), CareSource, and Humana, has received a 2026 KLAS Points of Light Award. The award recognizes the collaborators’ work to automate the creation and submission of Pregnancy Risk Assessment Forms (PRAFs) across Ohio, which more than doubled statewide submission rates and accelerated the identification of high-risk pregnancies covered by Medicaid. The collaboration is documented in case study titled “Improving Maternal Health in Ohio via Interoperability & Incentivized Care.”
Before the initiative, only about 30% of PRAFs were being submitted statewide, leaving many Medicaid-covered pregnancies unreported to the state and delaying the identification of high-risk mothers. Physicians were completing PRAFs on paper or in standalone web forms, manually locating and re-entering information already documented in the EHR, a process that routinely took 15 to 20 minutes per patient.
To solve the problem, OACHC convened community health centers, seven Managed Care Organizations including CareSource and Humana, the Ohio Department of Medicaid, the Ohio College of Medicine Government Resource Center, and Azara Healthcare. The MCOs jointly funded a single electronic PRAF (ePRAF) solution so provider partners would not bear implementation costs. Azara added a new module to the existing Ohio Data Integration Platform, powered by Azara. The additional tool automatically populates ePRAFs using data already documented in the EHR and securely transmits the information to ODM’s NurtureOhio portal.
“For safety-net providers caring for Ohio’s most vulnerable mothers, the barrier to better maternal outcomes has never been a lack of clinical insight—it’s been the administrative burden of getting that insight into the right hands in time to act on it,” said LuAnn Kimker, SVP of Clinical Innovation at Azara Healthcare. “By automating the PRAF workflow inside the tools providers already use every day, we’ve ensured that high-risk pregnancies are identified and coordinated earlier. This is what interoperability looks like when it’s built around the clinician and the patient, not around the form.”
The results have been significant. –
The KLAS Points of Light Award recognizes successful collaborations between payers, providers, and healthcare technology companies that have led to measurable improvements in patient experience, cost, and efficiency.
Building on the initiative’s success, the collaborators plan to extend automation across the pregnancy continuum, including additional PRAF submissions triggered by changes in maternal risk, and the electronic capture of delivery and postpartum data. The ePRAF model is also positioned as a replicable blueprint for other states and for additional Medicaid and public health reporting use cases.
The full case study is available here.
29, Apr 2026
India Strengthens Position as Global Centre for Affordable CAR-T Cancer Therapy
Apr 29 (BNP): India is rapidly positioning itself as one of the world’s most accessible destinations for CAR-T cell therapy, driven by advances in biotechnology and more affordable treatment options, according to ImmunoACT.
The company highlighted that India’s growing capabilities in cell and gene therapy are helping make advanced cancer treatments more accessible to patients, both domestically and internationally. CAR-T therapy, which involves modifying a patient’s immune cells to target cancer, is considered a breakthrough in oncology but remains highly expensive in many parts of the world.
Industry experts note that India’s cost advantage, expanding clinical infrastructure, and skilled scientific talent pool are contributing to its emergence as a competitive global centre for advanced therapies. This is also supported by increasing investment in biotech research and stronger collaboration between academia and industry.
ImmunoACT said that India’s progress in this field reflects a broader shift toward innovation-led healthcare solutions that are both effective and affordable. The country is also focusing on scaling up production capabilities and improving regulatory pathways to support faster access to such therapies.
With growing global interest in cost-effective cancer treatment solutions, India is expected to play a more significant role in the future of cell and gene therapy worldwide.
The development marks a key milestone in the country’s journey toward becoming a global hub for advanced medical innovation and accessible healthcare technologies.
