Category Archives: Health

Manipal Hospital Kharadi Hosts Health Mela, Introduces MAHI Health Packages

Pune,  Apr 17 : Manipal Hospital, Kharadi successfully organised a Health Mela along with a Free Health Check-up Camp, reinforcing its commitment to preventive healthcare and community wellness. The event also marked the launch of MAHI Health Packages, designed to encourage regular health screening across different age groups.

A total of 189 participants benefited from the camp, availing services such as ECG, pulmonary function tests (PFT), bone density screening, diet consultations, internal medicine consultations, physiotherapy consultations, and basic health assessments. The initiative aimed to promote early detection of health conditions and encourage individuals to take a proactive approach towards their overall well-being.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Amit Mane, Hospital Director, Manipal Hospital, Kharadi, Pune, said

“To identify risks to health early on and lessen the burden of advanced diseases, preventive healthcare is essential. The goal of programs like the Health Mela and MAHI Health Packages is to increase accessibility to high-quality screening services and motivate people to prioritize their health by getting regular checkups. Age-appropriate preventative screening options can be found by the MAHI Health Packages, which help people in all phases of life in keeping an eye on their health and spotting issues that could otherwise go undetected over time. Manipal Hospital Kharadi’s dedication to meeting the healthcare requirements of residents in Pune and the surrounding regions is reflected in the program, which also emphasizes the significance of quick medical intervention and professional treatment.”

Ayush Chintan Shivir 2026 Opens in Delhi, Focus on Policy, Innovation

New Delhi, April 17 (BNP): Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, on Wednesday inaugurated the two-day “Ayush Chintan Shivir 2026” in the national capital.

The event, which concludes on April 17, is aimed at reviewing progress, strengthening policy direction, and charting a future roadmap for the Ayush sector, officials said.

Addressing the gathering, Jadhav said the Chintan Shivir reflects the government’s commitment to reinforcing policy implementation and institutional capacity in Ayush. He noted that the platform would help assess achievements since the previous conclave and identify gaps for future action. He also underlined the growing role of Ayush in addressing lifestyle diseases through a holistic approach.

Highlighting the government’s focus, the minister pointed to increased budget allocations for education, research, infrastructure, and global outreach. He stressed the need for evidence-based research, innovation, digitalisation, and greater public awareness, expressing confidence that Ayush will play a key role in achieving the “Viksit Bharat 2047” vision.

Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, described the Shivir as an important platform for policy review and long-term planning, adding that efforts are underway to integrate traditional knowledge with modern science and expand global collaboration.

Joint Secretary Alarmelmangai D. said the initiative promotes collaborative policymaking and noted the rising national and international recognition of Ayush systems.

A key highlight of the inaugural session was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) and the General Insurance Council to expand insurance coverage and streamline claim settlements for Ayush treatments.

The minister also launched the Ministry’s official WhatsApp channel to enhance citizen engagement and released a document on revised benchmark rates for insurance coverage of Ayush therapies. A toll-free helpline (1800-11-0008) for Ayush insurance was also introduced.

The first day featured three thematic sessions focusing on review of earlier outcomes, strengthening research and global partnerships, and improving legal preparedness in the sector, officials added.

Tendo Marketplace Hits One Million Vouchers Purchased, Establishing the Standard for Price-Transparent, High-Quality Care

Accelerating adoption signals a market-wide shift toward employer and consumer-driven, bundled healthcare

Philadelphia, PA — (April 16, 2026) — Tendo, a healthcare technology company committed to putting quality at the center of every care decision, today announced that its Tendo Marketplace has surpassed one million vouchers purchased nationwide, a major milestone in delivering more accessible, high-quality, and price-transparent care.

The Tendo Marketplace serves the needs of individual consumers, navigators, employers, and healthcare providers by bringing together trusted provider networks, quality insights, procedure bundling, claims management, and transparent, all-inclusive pricing into a single shoppable care experience. 

Through Tendo Marketplace, consumers, employees, and navigators can search for procedures, compare provider quality, view upfront bundled pricing, and secure care through a simple voucher purchase, eliminating surprise billing and reducing friction at every step of the care journey. Healthcare providers can create and list bundled procedures, analyze and set procedure pricing, and manage claims and payment processes without the challenges typically associated with things like pre-authorizations, claims denials, and payments to ancillary providers. 

“One million vouchers purchased tells us something fundamental is changing,” said Jennifer Goldsmith, CEO and Co-founder of Tendo. “Employers are taking ownership of how their dollars are spent, demanding quality care at a transparent and predictable cost. Consumers are making care decisions the same way they make every other major purchase – with information, intention, and choice. And providers are freed from the administrative burden of pre-authorizations and claim denials, receiving timely, predictable payment for the quality care they deliver. That’s a structural shift, and it’s only accelerating.”

Patients across the country are already seeing the impact. Testimonials highlight both financial relief and improved access to care, with one user sharing, “It was a life-changing moment… the voucher program helped my family tremendously,” another noting savings of more than 50% on an MRI through the marketplace, and another patient describing: “This is the future of medicine in the U.S., I was able to get long-overdue testing without insurance. It was easy to set up. I’ve been telling all my newly uninsured friends about it—this is the wave of the future.”

The shift toward employer-driven and consumer-led healthcare is accelerating, and the demand for solutions that deliver quality, affordability, and transparency has never been greater. Recognition on TIME’s 2025 World’s Top HealthTech Companies list underscores Tendo’s position at the forefront of that transformation — redefining how care is discovered, evaluated, and accessed. With the Tendo Marketplace, the company is delivering on a simple but powerful promise: every healthcare decision is informed by cost and quality, without compromise.

PANVIS STAR Robotic System Advances Remote Mechanical Thrombectomy Technology

Healthcare Sector Likely to Post Modest Growth in Q4 Amid Pricing Pressure in US Market

New Delhi, Apr 15 (BNP): The healthcare sector is expected to report modest revenue growth in the fourth quarter, even as profit margins come under pressure due to challenges in the US generics market, according to a report by Systematix.

The brokerage noted that while demand trends remain steady, overall earnings growth is likely to be limited. A key concern is the so-called “generics cliff” in the US, which is expected to weigh on pricing power and profitability for Indian pharmaceutical exporters.

Despite these pressures, the sector continues to benefit from stable domestic demand and ongoing opportunities in select export markets. However, margin compression is likely to remain a near-term challenge for several companies.

Analysts suggest that while revenue growth may remain moderate, sustained performance will depend on how companies navigate pricing pressures and diversify their product portfolios in global markets.

CERo Therapeutics Doses Third Patient in Cohort 2 of Phase 1 CER-1236 Trial

Study will advance into expanded patient populations with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and myelofibrosis (MF)

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., April 15, 2026: CERo Therapeutics Holdings, Inc., (OTCQB: CERO) (“CERo” or the “Company”) an innovative cellular immunotherapy company seeking to advance the next generation of engineered T cell therapeutics that employ phagocytic mechanisms, announces it has dosed the third patient in the second cohort (sixth patient overall) in its Phase 1 CER-1236 clinical trial in hematologic malignancies. The patient had MDS that evolved to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The trial was recently expanded to include earlier forms of MDS and myelofibrosis (MF).

The study continues to progress in accordance with protocol, with patients undergoing monitoring for safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and clinical activity. With more than seven days of follow-up completed after the most recent infusion, CERo continues to evaluate key endpoints across dose levels as it advances through dose escalation.

As previously presented at the February Tandem Meetings in Salt Lake City, CER-1236 has demonstrated no reported cases of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) or immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) of any grade, and no dose-limiting toxicities observed during the 28-day assessment window. Investigators also reported in vivo cell expansion, with peak levels observed between days 10 and 14 following infusion. Additionally, as previously reported, a single patient with inv(3) AML who received four CER-1236 infusions over five months at the lowest dose level achieved 72 consecutive days of platelet transfusion independence. These findings informed the protocol amendment expanding enrollment into patients with MDS and MF.

Robert Sikorski, M.D., Ph.D., CERo Chief Medical Officer, stated, “This is the third patient in the cohort, and completion of the dose-limiting toxicity evaluation period may enable further dose escalation in accordance with the protocol. We continue to evaluate the safety profile and early clinical data as CER-1236 is studied in patient populations with significant unmet need.”

The first-in-human, multi-center, open-label Phase 1/1b study is designed to evaluate the safety and preliminary efficacy of CER-1236. The trial was initially focused on AML patients, including those with relapsed/refractory disease, measurable residual disease, or newly diagnosed TP53-mutated AML, and has since expanded to include transfusion-dependent MDS (TD-MDS), high-risk MDS (HR-MDS), and post-JAK inhibitor myelofibrosis (MF). Primary endpoints include safety and tolerability, while secondary endpoints include pharmacokinetics and measures of clinical response, including overall response rate (ORR), complete response (CR), composite complete response (cCR), and measurable residual disease (MRD).

CERo Chief Executive Officer Chris Ehrlich added, “Dosing our sixth patient and expanding into MDS represents continued execution of the CERTAIN-T trial and an important milestone for CERo. We believe CER-1236 has the potential to address multiple hematologic malignancies, and we look forward to further advancing the study and sharing additional clinical updates.”

The End of Knee Replacement? Regenerative Medicine Offers New Promise

Punjab , 14 April 2026 : 

In homes across India, knee pain is often accepted as an inevitable part of ageing. It begins quietly—difficulty climbing stairs, discomfort while sitting or standing—but gradually starts limiting mobility and independence. For decades, the treatment pathway has remained largely unchanged: when medicines, physiotherapy, and injections fail, knee replacement becomes the next step. But what if that approach needs rethinking? 

Dr. N.K. Aggarwal, a veteran orthopaedic surgeon with over 50 years of experience and among the early pioneers of knee replacement surgery in India, once firmly believed in that solution. Having trained and worked at leading centres in India, the UK, Europe, and the United States, and served as Professor and Head of Orthopaedics at Christian Medical College, Ludhiana, he has performed thousands of procedures over his career. His patients often regained mobility. Yet, over time, a concern began to take shape.

After 15–20 years of performing knee replacements, Dr. Aggarwal observed a pattern that many surgeons worldwide were also beginning to acknowledge. Even when surgeries were technically successful—with complication rates below 5%—nearly 20–25% of patients remained dissatisfied. Pain persisted, stiffness lingered, and mobility did not fully return to expectations. Technological advancements such as robotics and computer navigation improved surgical precision, but they did not significantly improve patient satisfaction. The question became difficult to ignore: were surgeons addressing the disease itself, or only its most visible outcome?

A Personal Turning Point

The shift in perspective was not driven by research alone, but by personal experience. Around a decade ago, Dr. Aggarwal’s wife, herself a doctor, began suffering from severe knee pain. Her condition worsened to the point where walking became difficult, and travel required the use of a wheelchair. Like many patients, she was advised knee replacement by leading specialists.

However, Dr. Aggarwal hesitated. His years of clinical experience had shown him that even a technically successful surgery did not always guarantee a satisfactory outcome. This moment prompted him to look beyond conventional solutions and re-examine the underlying causes of knee pain. 

A deeper exploration of global research led to a crucial insight: knee osteoarthritis is not merely a result of mechanical wear and tear. Increasingly, it is understood as part of a chronic, low-grade inflammatory process associated with ageing—often referred to as “inflammaging.” This gradual inflammation affects not just the cartilage, but also ligaments, muscles, and surrounding tissues.
In this context, knee pain is not just a localised joint issue, but a manifestation of a broader systemic condition. Treating only the joint, therefore, may not address the root cause of the problem.

The Shift to Regeneration & Birth of the Ludhiana Protocol

Building on this understanding, Dr. Aggarwal began integrating a range of established, non-surgical treatments that had previously been used in isolation. These included joint lavage (cleaning of the joint), lubrication therapies, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and growth factor-based treatments derived from the patient’s own blood, as well as orthobiologic interventions using fat or bone marrow.

Alongside these, he incorporated systemic measures aimed at reducing overall inflammation through medication, supplements, and lifestyle modifications.

This integrated approach, known as the Ludhiana Protocol, focuses on reducing inflammation, improving the joint environment, and supporting the body’s natural healing processes—shifting the emphasis from replacement to regeneration. 

His wife was among the first to undergo this treatment and experienced significant improvement over time. Encouraged by these results, Dr. Aggarwal extended the approach to other patients. Since then, hundreds have been treated, with over 95% reporting improvement in pain and mobility. Many who had been advised knee replacement are now managing without surgery.

The procedure itself is minimally invasive. It typically does not require hospital admission, major anaesthesia, or prolonged bed rest. Patients are often able to walk in and walk out on the same day.

Not a Miracle, But a Realistic Path Forward

While the results are promising, Dr. Aggarwal emphasises that regenerative treatment is not a universal substitute for surgery. In advanced cases, particularly where the knee is severely deformed, replacement may still be necessary. However, in early to moderate stages, timely intervention can help delay or even avoid surgery.

Improvement is gradual rather than immediate—patients may notice changes within weeks, with more significant benefits developing over two to three months.

A Growing Public Health Concern

Knee osteoarthritis is a significant and growing health concern in India. Studies indicate a high prevalence among individuals aged 60 and above, with women more commonly affected. Sedentary lifestyles, obesity, and longer life expectancy are contributing to an increasing number of cases, even among younger populations.

In this context, approaches that focus on early intervention and preservation of natural joints may play an important role in reducing long-term burden.

Dr. Aggarwal’s journey reflects a broader transition in orthopaedic care—from replacing damaged joints to understanding and treating the underlying disease.

Now based at the N.K. Aggarwal Joints & Spine Centre in Ludhiana, he continues to advocate for early diagnosis and informed decision-making. As he puts it, “We cannot stop ageing, but we can control its painful effects on the knees. The earlier we begin treatment, the better the chances of preserving the natural joint.”

He still performs knee replacement, when necessary, but considers it a last resort rather than the first line of treatment.

For patients, the message is clear: knee pain should not be ignored, nor should surgery be the only option considered. With evolving medical understanding, a more balanced and patient-centric approach is now emerging—one that prioritises preservation, function, and long-term quality of life.

India Extends Health Support to Afghanistan with BCG Vaccine Shipment

Apr 14 (BNP): India has sent a large consignment of BCG vaccines to Afghanistan, reinforcing its support for public health and child immunisation programmes in the neighbouring country.

The shipment, weighing around 13 tonnes, is aimed at strengthening vaccination coverage for children and supporting efforts to prevent tuberculosis-related health risks in early childhood.

The initiative reflects India’s continued humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, particularly in the healthcare sector, where vaccine access and child immunisation remain critical challenges.

BCG vaccines are widely used as part of national immunisation programmes to protect infants and young children against tuberculosis, a disease that continues to pose public health concerns in several regions.

The latest supply is expected to help Afghan health authorities expand immunisation outreach and improve vaccine availability in vulnerable communities.

The move further underscores India’s role in providing medical support and essential supplies to countries in need, especially in the broader South Asian region.

India Pharma 2026 Highlights Shift Towards Innovation in Pharmaceutical Sector

Apr 14 (BNP): The 9th edition of India Pharma 2026 began in New Delhi, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and global stakeholders to discuss the future of India’s pharmaceutical industry.

The two-day conference, organised by the Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers in collaboration with FICCI and the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance, focuses on strengthening innovation, research, self-reliance, and India’s global competitiveness in healthcare.

Addressing the inaugural session, Union Minister J. P. Nadda said India’s pharmaceutical sector is undergoing a major transformation from being the “pharmacy of the world” to an innovation-driven hub. He highlighted government efforts to boost research and development, biologics, biosimilars, and advanced therapies, along with initiatives such as the Biopharma Shakti programme, the PRIP scheme, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, and bulk drug parks.

Minister of State Anupriya Patel said India is steadily evolving from a generics-led industry to a biopharma innovation hub. She noted that the country currently supplies around 20 per cent of global generic medicines and meets nearly 70 per cent of global vaccine demand, while expanding its focus on high-value segments like biologics and biosimilars.

Officials including Manoj Joshi and Punya Salila Srivastava emphasized the need to strengthen research infrastructure, accelerate innovation, and improve regulatory processes to support long-term sector growth.

Industry leaders also pointed to India’s strong manufacturing ecosystem, which includes thousands of pharmaceutical companies and a large number of internationally compliant facilities, reinforcing the country’s position in global supply chains.

The conference will continue over two days with discussions on artificial intelligence in drug discovery, policy frameworks, and strategies to enhance India’s role as a global leader in life sciences.

PFRDA Integrates Healthcare Benefits with NPS Through Swasthya Initiative

The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has introduced a new healthcare-linked facility under ‘NPS Swasthya’, aimed at combining retirement savings with medical support for subscribers.

Under this initiative, eligible National Pension System (NPS) subscribers can now use a portion of their pension corpus to meet hospitalisation and in-patient treatment expenses, while the remaining funds continue to grow through market-linked investments.

Subscribers are allowed to access up to 25% of their “Net Eligible Balance” for medical emergencies. This marks a shift from the traditional NPS structure, where funds remain locked until retirement, offering greater flexibility during healthcare needs.

The programme has been developed through a partnership involving the pension regulator and multiple stakeholders, including pension funds and health insurance players. It is powered by Medi Assist’s digital “Maven” platform, which is integrated with the Central Recordkeeping Agency system for seamless processing.

The initiative also provides access to a wide hospital network across India, enabling cashless treatment facilities for subscribers in more than 1,500 cities, along with support for outpatient care services.

Officials said the move aims to strengthen India’s social security system by linking retirement planning with healthcare protection, ensuring financial support during medical emergencies without disrupting long-term savings.