Category Archives: Health

itel & AWF in collaboration with GNIDA Bring Eye Care Support to 150 Safai Mitras

Greater Noida, UP | Mar 26: As frontline workers continue to keep cities clean under challenging conditions, an Eye Screening and Health Camp was organised in Greater Noida under theSafai Mitra Sarthak initiative, with CSR support from itel – a leading technology brand of India and in collaboration with the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA). The camp was held at Sector 36 Community Hall and witnessed active participation from Safai Mitras across six zones of Greater Noida. This CSR initiative by itel is a testament to the brand’s unwavering commitment to improving the lives of people across Bharat.

The initiative aimed to address vision-related challenges commonly faced by sanitation workers due to prolonged exposure to dust, waste, and outdoor working conditions. A total of 150 Safai Mitras underwent comprehensive eye examinations conducted by trained medical professionals, ensuring early detection and timely intervention.

The programme was graced by Sh. Gaurav Baghel, AM, Health & Horticulture, along with Sh. Neeraj Chauhan, Sanitary Inspector, whose presence reinforced the importance of prioritising the health and safety of frontline sanitation workers. The dignitaries appreciated the collaborative effort and emphasised the need for continued healthcare access for Safai Mitras.

“Access to preventive healthcare is important for frontline sanitation workers. This initiative ensures early detection of vision-related issues and helps address concerns that may otherwise go unnoticed. Clear vision directly contributes to safer working conditions and better efficiency in daily tasks. I appreciate this collaborative effort to prioritise the well-being of Safai Mitras,” said Sh. Gaurav Baghel, AM, Health & Horticulture.

Following the screening, 145 Safai Mitras were identified for corrective spectacles, which will be distributed to support improved vision and enhanced work efficiency. Additionally, five individuals were detected with serious eye conditions and were referred for further specialised medical consultation, ensuring they receive the necessary treatment at the earliest.

About the initiative, itel’s spokesperson said, “itel has long been recognised as a trusted brand of Bharat, and this trust extends beyond our technology to our commitment to communities. Our partnership with Anubhuti Welfare Foundation under the Safai Mitra Sarthak initiative reflects our focus on supporting the well-being of Safai Mitras. Through the Eye Health Camp, we aim to enable better vision, improved safety, and a better quality of life for frontline sanitation workers.”

The camp not only facilitated essential eye care services but also raised awareness about preventive eye health practices, encouraging Safai Mitras to prioritise regular check-ups and protective measures during work. The Safai Mitra Sarthak initiative reaffirmed the commitment to ensuring that those who keep cities clean are supported with the care and dignity they deserve.

Zuellig Pharma Reinforces Commitment to Japan through Its New Misato Depot, Advancing Clinical Logistics and Sourcing Excellence

MISATO, JAPAN – 26 March 2026 – Zuellig Pharma today announced the successful relocation of its new clinical depot to Misato, strengthening its ability to deliver global quality standards with local operational agility and further strengthening its clinical supply capability across Asia Pacific. Japan remains one of the region’s preferred locations for clinical research, underpinned by its strong focus on medical advancement, rigorous ethical standards and commitment to healthcare.

Medical innovation across the region continues to accelerate, with China, India, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Singapore emerging as key pillars of Asia Pacific’s clinical trial ecosystem over the past five years^[1]. Against this backdrop, the move in Japan reinforces Zuellig Pharma’s commitment to supporting sponsors and clients with reliable, compliant and seamless access to Japan – advancing its broader mission to make healthcare more accessible.

The new depot will bring together Zuellig Pharma’s established knowledge assets, operational excellence, and clinical logistics and sourcing expertise. Backed by a highly experienced and expert-led local team, the depot delivers precision project management tailored to Japan’s intricate regulatory and logistical requirements, while enabling smoother coordination for multi-market studies as the clinical landscape continues to evolve.

“As sponsors and clients increasingly run multi-market studies, they need clinical supply partners that can deliver consistency across borders while navigating local complexity,” said John Graham, Chief Executive Officer, Zuellig Pharma. “This relocated depot will strengthen access to Japan within our regional network, helping us execute with greater reliability, compliance, and speed across the region.”

The Misato clinical depot will also provide a streamlined, turnkey solution for global sponsors seeking rapid and compliant market entry into Japan. Sponsors will benefit from the same rigorous operational excellence, regulatory adherence, and service consistency delivered by Zuellig Pharma’s strategic network of clinical depots, without the overhead of building or managing costly standalone facilities. This milestone supports Zuellig Pharma’s ongoing efforts to accelerate clinical development and improve patient access to innovative therapies across Asia Pacific.

With this strategic move, Zuellig Pharma further strengthens its position as a trusted partner for global clinical development, combining scale, expertise, and agility whilst delivering high-quality, compliant clinical logistics and sourcing solutions across Asia Pacific.

Godrej Consumer Products’ ‘Machar Hai, Mehman Nahi’ public service film remind households that not every visitor deserves an invitation

Chandigarh, Mar 25: Mosquitoes and the diseases they spread continue to pose a serious public health challenge in India. Yet their presence has become so routine that it is often ignored. With the belief that mosquitoes should not be treated as harmless visitors, Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL) has, as part of its CSR initiative Elimination of Mosquito Borne Endemic Disease (EMBED), launched a public service film titled ‘Machar Hai, Mehman Nahi’ urging households across India to rethink how easily mosquitoes are allowed into everyday spaces. This CSR initiative is in line with GCPL’s impact-oriented culture that focuses on creating real change for communities.

Mosquito-borne diseases such as Dengue, Malaria, and Chikungunya continue to affect millions across India each year. According to national health data, India reported over 1.13 lakh dengue casesin 2025 alone, underlining the urgent need for stronger community awareness and preventive action beyond the monsoon season.

Inspired by India’s deep-rooted tradition of hospitality, where guests are welcomed with warmth and respect, the campaign turns this cultural instinct on its head. ‘Machar Hai, Mehman Nahi’ (A mosquito is not a guest) reminds households that not every visitor deserves an invitation. The film creatively reinterprets the iconic phrase ‘Padharo Mare Desh’ into ‘Na Padharo Mare Desh’, reinforcing the message that mosquitoes should never be welcomed inside homes. It draws attention to how everyday habits, such as stagnant water in coolers, uncovered buckets, or neglected corners around homes, can unknowingly become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. By reframing mosquitoes as unwelcome intruders rather than harmless visitors, the film encourages families to adopt simple preventive practices to keep their homes and communities safe.

Commenting on the film, Sudhir Sitapati, MD and CEO, Godrej Consumer Products Limited, said,

 “Mosquito-borne diseases remain a major public health concern. It requires collective awareness and sustained behavioural change. Through ‘Machar Hai, Mehman Nahi’ we wanted to use a cultural insight that resonates deeply with Indian households. By rethinking the idea of hospitality, we hope to inspire people to take simple but effective preventive steps that keep their homes and communities safer.”

Creative storyteller Swati Bhattacharya, who conceptualised and wrote the campaign film, said,

“ In India, hospitality is not just a tradition – it is an instinct. Just like we welcome guests, we also welcome mosquitoes with stagnant water and open rubbish bins. Lets unfriend the mosquito and have an anti-hospitality qawwali – machhar hai mehmaan nahin.”

At the heart of the campaign is a thought-provoking video film that uses storytelling and cultural symbolism to encourage families to become vigilant hosts by preventing mosquito breeding inside and around their homes. ‘Machar Hai, Mehman Nahi’ will be activated through a multi-channel awareness program including school engagement initiatives, community outreach drives, large-scale wall art across Maharashtra, radio storytelling, and a national digital movement encouraging citizens to ‘Unfriend the Mosquito’.

End of a Long Wait: Harish Rana Passes Away After 13 Year Coma

Harish Rana, known as one of the first individuals in India to be permitted passive euthanasia, passed away on Tuesday at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), bringing an end to a long and difficult chapter that spanned over 13 years.

Rana, 31, had been in a coma since 2013 following a severe medical condition that left him unresponsive. For more than a decade, his life was sustained through continuous medical care, largely managed at his home in Ghaziabad by family members who remained by his side through the prolonged ordeal.

Earlier this month, on March 14, he was shifted to the palliative care unit of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital at AIIMS-Delhi as his condition required specialized end-of-life support. Medical teams provided comfort care during his final days.

Rana’s case had drawn attention for its legal and ethical dimensions, particularly around the issue of passive euthanasia in India. It highlighted the emotional and financial strain faced by families caring for patients in prolonged vegetative states, while also bringing focus to the need for compassionate end-of-life care policies.

Despite the legal and medical complexities surrounding his condition, at the heart of the story was a family’s unwavering commitment. For years, his loved ones continued to hope, care, and advocate, navigating both personal grief and public attention.

His passing marks not just the end of a life, but the conclusion of a deeply human story—one that sparked conversations about dignity, medical ethics, and the realities of long-term critical care.

Harish Rana is remembered not only for the circumstances of his case but also for the quiet resilience shown by those who stood beside him throughout his journey.

India Unveils Multi-Centre Study on Ayurveda Support in TB Care

New Delhi, Mar 25 (BNP): The Ministry of Ayush, in collaboration with the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), has announced a joint clinical study to evaluate Ayurveda as an adjunct therapy in tuberculosis (TB) treatment, marking a step toward integrative healthcare in India.

The announcement was made on World Tuberculosis Day at a high-level event held at Vigyan Bhawan, attended by senior policymakers, scientists, and healthcare experts.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, said India is making steady progress in its fight against TB through science-driven innovation and integrated healthcare approaches.

“The collaborative clinical study reflects our commitment to evidence-based innovation, combining modern biomedical research with traditional knowledge systems,” he said, adding that efforts are also focused on addressing challenges such as drug resistance and undernutrition.

Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush, Prataprao Jadhav, emphasised that TB treatment must go beyond eliminating infection to ensuring complete patient recovery and improved quality of life.

“With this approach, Ayurveda and other Ayush systems can play a supportive role in enhancing recovery, nutrition, and overall well-being,” he said.

The study, titled “Clinical Study on Ayurveda as an Adjunct Therapy for Tuberculosis”, will be conducted as a multi-centre trial across premier institutions, including AIIMS, JIPMER, and NEIGRIHMS.

Led by the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) in partnership with DBT, the 24-month study aims to assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of an Ayurveda regimen alongside standard anti-tuberculosis treatment (ATT), combined with nutritional support.

Officials said the initiative is expected to generate scientific evidence on improving recovery rates, nutritional outcomes, and quality of life among TB patients.

The programme also witnessed the exchange of a memorandum of understanding between BRIC-Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) and CCRAS to formalise institutional collaboration.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to advancing evidence-based integrative healthcare solutions to tackle public health challenges and accelerate progress toward TB elimination.

IHCL Hotels in Tamil Nadu Reinforce Responsible Hospitality, Mark Four Years of Paathya with Bharat Eksaath Walkathon

CHENNAI, MARCH 22, 2026: Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, continues to advance its sustainability and social impact agenda through Paathya, its ESG+ framework.

Photo caption: Dr. S. Armstrong, Vice-Chancellor Convener Committee, University of Madras, Megalina Iden, DC Traffic – East, and Ian Dubier, Area Director Operations for Tamil Nadu and General Manager of Taj Coromandel, flagging off IHCL’s Bharat EkSaath Walkathon at University of Madras in Chennai.

Marking its fourth year, IHCL reinforced its commitment to responsible tourism with Bharat EkSaath Walkathon – Tamil Nadu edition, an inclusive 3 km walk that brought together associates, their families, local partners, vendors and community members. This was held simultaneously across 14 countries in over 200 locations. The funds raised through the walkathon support the Taj Public Service Welfare Trust (TPSWT), reinforcing IHCL’s approach to social impact.

Teams from Taj Coromandel, Taj Connemara, Taj Club House, Taj Fisherman’s Cove Resort & Spa Chennai, Taj Wellington Mews Chennai, Vivanta Chennai IT Expressway, Ginger Chennai, OMR, Ginger Chennai, Vadapalani, Ginger Chennai, IITM, TajSATS, Vivanta Coimbatore, Savoy, Ooty – IHCL SeleQtions, Gateway Madurai and Gateway Coonoor participated in the 3-km walk.

The Walkathon commenced from the University of Madras and was flagged off by distinguished guests, Dr. S. Armstrong Vice-Chancellor Convener Committee, University of Madras, and Megalina Iden, DC Traffic – East. The route began at the University of Madras, proceeded along Madras Beach Road, and concluded back at the University campus.  The event concluded with a hearty breakfast, followed by the distribution of medals and certificates to all participants.

Ayushman Bharat: From Health Access to Health Security in India

Centre Holds ‘Suraksha Sankalp’ Workshop to Strengthen HIV Response in Delhi, Haryana

New Delhi, March 21 (BNP): The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, through the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), convened the ‘Suraksha Sankalp Karyashala’ in Delhi to accelerate district-level HIV/AIDS response, with a focused approach on Haryana and the national capital.

The workshop, chaired by Rakesh Gupta, aimed to strengthen data-driven, district-specific strategies to improve prevention, testing, treatment, and overall service delivery for HIV/AIDS.

In his keynote address, Dr. Gupta stressed that HIV/AIDS continues to be a significant public health challenge, requiring coordinated and sustained efforts across all levels of governance. He highlighted the global 95:95:95 targets, which aim to ensure that 95 per cent of people living with HIV know their status, 95 per cent of those diagnosed receive treatment, and 95 per cent of those on treatment achieve viral suppression.

Reviewing current progress, officials noted that Delhi faces critical gaps, with only about 70 per cent of identified individuals linked to treatment, while Haryana has achieved an encouraging cascade of approximately 81:83:95, though further improvements are needed in diagnosis and treatment linkage.

The workshop also emphasised the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, which can be prevented through timely testing, counselling, and treatment during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.

Officials said 219 districts across the country have been identified as priority areas for intensified HIV interventions, including 7 districts in Delhi and 11 in Haryana. District-level teams participated in the workshop to present progress, identify challenges, and develop targeted action plans.

Dr. Gupta called for a “whole-of-system” approach, urging stronger coordination between national, state, and district stakeholders to address gaps in awareness, testing, and treatment adherence.

He also outlined India’s goal of bringing HIV/AIDS under control by World AIDS Day 2027, with an enhanced target of achieving 95:95:99 metrics in the coming years.

The workshop forms part of India’s broader strategy to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, focusing on evidence-based interventions, improved treatment access, and reducing stigma and discrimination.

Centre Sets Up National Dental Commission, Replaces Dental Council of India

New Delhi, March 21 (BNP): The Government of India has constituted the National Dental Commission (NDC), marking a major reform in dental education and regulation, with the aim of improving quality and aligning standards with global benchmarks.

The new framework, notified on March 19, 2026, replaces the Dental Council of India and comes into effect immediately. With this, the Dentists Act, 1948 has been repealed, and the existing regulatory structure has been dissolved.

Officials said the move represents a shift towards a transparent, accountable, and quality-driven regulatory system, replacing the earlier elected body with a more streamlined governance model.

The NDC will function through three autonomous boards to oversee key areas. The Undergraduate and Postgraduate Dental Education Board will regulate academic standards, while the Dental Assessment and Rating Board will handle accreditation and institutional evaluation. The Ethics and Dental Registration Board will be responsible for professional conduct and registration of practitioners.

Dr. Sanjay Tewari has been appointed as Chairperson of the Commission, with Dr. Mousumi Goswami as a part-time member.

Other key appointments include Dr. Chandrashekhar Janakiram as President of the Education Board, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Nanda Kishore Sahoo heading the Assessment and Rating Board, and senior professionals appointed across all boards to ensure effective implementation.

The Commission will be responsible for framing regulations, assessing and rating dental institutions, promoting research, evaluating human resource requirements, and setting standards for education, community dental care, and professional ethics.

It will also frame guidelines for fee regulation in private dental colleges, a move aimed at improving transparency and affordability in dental education.

Officials said the reform is expected to enhance the quality of dental education, strengthen healthcare delivery, and expand access to affordable oral healthcare services across the country.

Large imaging study changes understanding of the origins of Parkinson’s rest tremor