Category Archives: Health

CM Vijay to Launch Statewide Pulse Polio Campaign in Tamil Nadu

Chennai, June 27: Chief Minister Vijay will launch a statewide Pulse Polio Immunization Campaign in Tamil Nadu on Sunday, reinforcing the government’s commitment to sustaining polio-free status and strengthening child health initiatives across the state.

The campaign aims to ensure 100% immunization coverage for children under the age of five through widespread vaccination drives at hospitals, primary health centres, schools, and designated booths across all districts.

State health officials have made extensive preparations, including setting up immunization booths, mobilizing healthcare workers, and coordinating with local administration to ensure smooth implementation of the drive. Awareness campaigns have also been intensified to encourage maximum participation from parents and guardians.

The Pulse Polio initiative remains a critical public health program, focusing on preventing the re-emergence of poliovirus and maintaining high levels of community immunity. The state government continues to prioritize child health and preventive healthcare through regular immunization efforts.

The Chief Minister’s participation in the launch event underscores the administration’s focus on strengthening public health infrastructure and ensuring the well-being of children across Tamil Nadu.

How Artificial Intelligence is Quietly Transforming Healthcare for Better, Faster, and Safer Care

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a future concept in healthcare—it is already reshaping how diseases are detected, how treatments are planned, and how hospitals operate every day. From early diagnosis to personalised medicine, AI is helping doctors work faster, reduce errors, and deliver more focused patient care.

What makes this shift important is not just technology, but the way it improves real human lives—by catching illnesses earlier, reducing delays, and making healthcare more accessible and efficient.

1. Earlier, Smarter Detection of Diseases

One of AI’s biggest strengths lies in its ability to detect patterns that are often invisible to the human eye. By analysing scans such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT images, AI systems can identify early signs of diseases like cancer, heart disorders, and neurological conditions.

This early insight allows doctors to begin treatment sooner, often improving recovery chances and reducing complications. In many cases, AI acts as a second set of eyes—supporting doctors in making more confident decisions.

2. Care Designed Around Each Patient

Healthcare is becoming more personalised thanks to AI. Instead of a “one-size-fits-all” approach, AI uses patient history, genetic data, and lifestyle information to help doctors design more targeted treatments.

This means fewer side effects, better outcomes, and treatments that are more closely aligned with each patient’s unique health condition. It is a shift toward truly individualised care.

3. Preventing Illness Before It Becomes Serious

AI is helping healthcare move from treatment to prevention. By studying patterns in health records and real-time data, AI can identify early warning signs of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.

This allows doctors to intervene early—before conditions become severe—reducing hospital visits and improving long-term health outcomes.

4. Making Hospitals Run More Smoothly

Behind the scenes, AI is helping hospitals become more efficient. Tasks like appointment scheduling, billing, record management, and insurance processing are increasingly being automated.

This reduces pressure on healthcare staff and gives doctors more time to focus on patients rather than paperwork. It also helps reduce delays and improves overall hospital organisation.

5. Faster Development of New Medicines

Developing new drugs traditionally takes years, but AI is speeding up this process. It can analyse large sets of chemical and biological data to identify promising drug candidates more quickly.

This is especially important for complex diseases, where faster research can lead to life-saving treatments reaching patients sooner.

6. Continuous Health Monitoring Outside Hospitals

With wearable devices and smart sensors, patients can now be monitored even at home. AI continuously tracks vital signs like heart rate, oxygen levels, and blood sugar.

If something unusual is detected, alerts are sent to healthcare providers immediately. This is especially helpful for patients with chronic conditions who need constant monitoring.

7. Virtual Health Support Anytime

AI-powered virtual assistants are making healthcare more accessible. They help patients with reminders, basic health questions, appointment scheduling, and guidance.

This 24/7 support system ensures that patients are never completely disconnected from healthcare assistance, even outside hospital hours.

8. Helping Doctors Make Better Decisions

AI acts as a support system for doctors by analysing patient data and comparing it with global medical research. It provides evidence-based suggestions that help in diagnosis and treatment planning.

This is especially useful in complex cases where multiple treatment options exist.

9. Improving Patient Experience

AI is also making healthcare more patient-friendly. Faster processing, reduced waiting times, and better communication tools improve the overall experience for patients.

With fewer administrative burdens, healthcare providers can spend more meaningful time with patients, improving trust and care quality.

10. Smarter Hospital Management

Hospitals use AI to predict patient inflow, manage staff schedules, and allocate resources more efficiently. This helps avoid overcrowding and ensures better service during peak demand periods.

It also improves planning and reduces stress on healthcare systems.

Conclusion

Artificial Intelligence is not replacing doctors—it is supporting them. It is helping healthcare systems become faster, more accurate, and more human-focused.

By combining technology with medical expertise, AI is shaping a future where healthcare is not only more advanced but also more personal, preventive, and accessible to all.

India Reviews Residual Shelf-Life Norms for Imported Pharmaceuticals

New Delhi, June 26: The government has invited comments and suggestions from stakeholders on the proposed framework concerning residual shelf-life requirements for imported pharmaceutical products, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen regulatory clarity and ensure the availability of quality medicines in the country.

The consultation exercise aims to review and rationalise existing provisions governing the minimum residual shelf-life required for drugs at the time of import clearance. The objective is to ensure a balanced approach that safeguards patient safety while also improving ease of doing business for the pharmaceutical sector.

Officials said the proposed review seeks to align regulatory requirements with current global practices and supply chain realities, particularly in cases where medicines are imported to meet urgent clinical or public health needs. The initiative is also expected to reduce procedural bottlenecks and improve the efficiency of drug availability in the domestic market.

Stakeholders, including pharmaceutical manufacturers, importers, industry associations, healthcare professionals, and other concerned parties, have been requested to submit their comments and feedback within the stipulated timeframe.

The government will examine all suggestions received during the consultation process before finalising the revised guidelines on residual shelf-life requirements for imported drugs. The updated framework is expected to enhance regulatory transparency while ensuring uninterrupted access to essential medicines.

India Launches AIR SUVIDHA 2.0 for Travellers from Ebola-Affected Countries

New Delhi, June 25: The Government of India has launched AIR SUVIDHA 2.0, a digital health declaration system for passengers arriving from Ebola-affected countries, to strengthen public health screening and border preparedness.

The upgraded platform will require travellers from identified high-risk countries to submit health and travel details online before arrival in India. This will help authorities assess risk in advance and streamline screening at airports.

Officials said the system is designed to improve early detection of potential health risks, support faster response measures, and enhance contact tracing if required. It is part of India’s broader efforts to strengthen surveillance against infectious diseases.

AIR SUVIDHA 2.0 is an upgraded version of the earlier system used during the COVID-19 pandemic and includes improved data tracking and integration features for better monitoring of international arrivals.

Passengers from Ebola-affected countries will need to complete the mandatory online form before travel. Airport health teams will conduct additional screening based on risk assessment protocols.

Health authorities said the initiative aims to balance public safety with smooth passenger movement while ensuring strict monitoring of arrivals from affected regions.

The government stated that the platform reflects its continued focus on preparedness, early warning systems, and safeguarding public health at international entry points.

New Peer-Reviewed Study Published Ahead of World Vitiligo Day Demonstrates Improved Outcomes When GliSODin® Is Combined With Targeted Phototherapy

Research Published in Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine Shows Significant Improvements in Repigmentation and Quality of Life for Patients With Localized Vitiligo

PARIS, France, June 25: New clinical research published in the peer-reviewed journal Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine demonstrates that combining oral gliadin-protected superoxide dismutase (GP-SOD), the patented antioxidant technology behind GliSODin®, with targeted phototherapy significantly improves outcomes for patients with localized vitiligo compared to phototherapy alone.

The study, Combination of Oral Gliadin-Protected Superoxide Dismutase With Targeted Phototherapy in Vitiligo: A Prospective, Comparative, Randomized, Single-Blinded Study, was conducted by an international team of researchers led by Pr. Giovanni Leone of the Photodermatology and Vitiligo Treatment Center at Israelite Hospital in Rome, Italy, in collaboration with researchers from Nice University Hospital and Université Côte d’Azur in France, including renowned vitiligo expert Pr. Thierry Passeron.

Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes the loss of skin pigment, affecting millions of people worldwide. Increasingly, researchers have identified oxidative stress as an important factor in the disease process, prompting interest in therapies that support the body’s natural antioxidant defenses.

The six-month randomized study evaluated 40 adults with localized non-segmental vitiligo. All participants received targeted excimer lamp phototherapy, while half also received oral GP-SOD. Researchers found that patients receiving the combination treatment experienced significantly greater repigmentation compared to those receiving phototherapy alone. In addition, patients receiving GP-SOD reported significantly greater improvements in quality of life. The treatment was also well tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported.

“These findings reinforce the growing body of evidence supporting the role of oxidative stress in vitiligo and suggest that addressing this pathway may help improve patient outcomes when combined with established treatment approaches, in particular the combination with phototherapy has been shown to be one of the best approaches to stabilize vitiligo and increase the pigmentation response,” said Pr. Giovanni Leone.

These findings add to a growing body of clinical research supporting the role of GP-SOD as an adjunct to phototherapy in vitiligo treatment. Previous research published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology demonstrated improved repigmentation outcomes when oral GP-SOD was combined with NB-UVB phototherapy. This latest study is among the first to specifically evaluate its use alongside targeted phototherapy for localized vitiligo. Researchers concluded that combining GP-SOD with UVB phototherapy resulted in significant improvements in repigmentation, quality of life, and overall treatment outcomes while maintaining a favorable safety profile.

“At GliSODin, our mission has always been to support the body’s natural ability to defend itself against oxidative stress,” said François Vix, CEO of GliSODin. “We are encouraged to see continued independent clinical research exploring the role of GP-SOD in conditions where oxidative stress is believed to play a key role.”

The publication arrives just ahead of World Vitiligo Day on June 25, an annual global initiative dedicated to raising awareness, advancing research, and supporting individuals living with vitiligo.

Toray Develops Breakthrough Hydrophilic Coating for Contact Lenses and Other Silicone-Based Medical Devices

Tokyo, Japan, June 24: Toray Industries, Inc. announced today that it has developed an innovative hydrophilic coating that enhances the wettability of silicone materials by more than 20 times. This breakthrough enables silicone to achieve durable hydrophilicity, opening new possibilities for contact lenses and a broad range of medical device applications.

Silicone materials are widely used in medical devices, including contact lenses and catheters, due to their flexibility and excellent biocompatibility. However, silicone’s inherently hydrophobic nature limits its suitability for applications requiring high wettability or lubricity. In contact lenses, poor wettability can lead to dryness and foreign-body sensations, while in catheters it can reduce maneuverability and increase the risk of blockages. Although various approaches, such as surface modification and material redesign, have been explored to improve silicone hydrophilicity, these methods often complicate manufacturing processes and present challenges in achieving adequate hydrophilicity and long-term clinical durability.

To overcome these limitations, Toray leveraged its proprietary polymer molecular design and precision polymerization technologies to develop a novel hydrophilic polymer with a strong affinity for silicone. By utilizing the polymer’s self-assembly properties, the company successfully created a highly durable, nanometer-scale hydrophilic coating on silicone surfaces.

The ultra-thin coating imparts hydrophilicity while preserving the silicone’s intrinsic physical properties. By bringing the hydrophilic polymer into contact with the surface of commercially available silicone hydrogels and applying heat, Toray can form a hydrophilic coating layer approximately 20 nanometers thick. Tests demonstrated that the coated surfaces exhibited more than a 20-fold improvement in wettability compared with uncoated surfaces, while the coefficient of friction decreased by approximately 90%. The coating also maintained high durability even after repeated rubbing.

Applying this hydrophilic coating to contact lenses is expected to significantly enhance wearer comfort during prolonged use. In addition, studies have shown that the coating suppresses the adhesion of biological substances to silicone elastomers, suggesting potential applications in medical devices such as stents and catheters, where improved lubricity and reduced blockage could enhance performance and patient outcomes.

Toray plans to actively promote this coating technology and expand its application across a wide range of medical device materials.

Through continued innovation in advanced materials and healthcare technologies, Toray remains committed to helping create a world in which people can lead healthier, more comfortable, and more independent lives.

500 Robotic Knee Replacements Restore Mobility to Hundreds at CARE Hospitals

“Robotic technology has significantly enhanced the precision of knee replacement surgery. However, the surgeon’s expertise, clinical judgement, and ability to tailor treatment to each patient remain equally important. Many of our patients who were once unable to walk independently are now leading active lives again. Several have resumed their jobs, agricultural work, and daily routines. This milestone is not merely about successful surgeries, it represents restoring mobility, independence, and livelihoods.”

“Symptoms such as pain while climbing stairs, morning stiffness, swelling of the knees, difficulty in walking, or reduced walking endurance should not be ignored. Early consultation can help slow disease progression. Weight management, regular exercise, physiotherapy, and timely treatment play a crucial role in preserving joint health.”

“Our goal is to provide world-class robotic orthopaedic care closer to home for the people of North Andhra. By combining advanced technology with clinical excellence, we are helping patients achieve faster recovery and improved quality of life. Greater awareness about knee health and timely treatment can prevent years of pain, disability, and reduced mobility.”

Ebola Cases in DR Congo Cross 1,000 as WHO Flags Unusually High Early Spread

June 24: The Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported 1,094 Ebola cases amid a sharp early surge in the outbreak, with the World Health Organization (WHO) noting the unusually high caseload recorded in the first month.

Health authorities said the rapid rise in infections has triggered intensified response measures, including expanded surveillance, contact tracing and emergency preparedness across affected regions.

The WHO has expressed concern over the pace of transmission in the initial phase of the outbreak, warning that swift and coordinated containment efforts are essential to prevent wider community spread.

National health agencies, working with international partners, are strengthening treatment facilities, scaling up diagnostic capacity and accelerating vaccination efforts in high-risk areas.

Officials have urged communities to remain vigilant, report symptoms early and cooperate with health teams to support containment efforts and reduce further transmission.

Public health responses are also focusing on improving awareness, reinforcing infection prevention measures and ensuring timely medical intervention in remote and vulnerable regions.

The outbreak remains under close monitoring as authorities continue efforts to control its spread.

India Emerges as Global Generics Powerhouse, Says Expert

June 24: India’s strong position in global pharmaceutical markets, particularly its approximately 20 per cent share in global generic drug exports, provides a solid foundation for sustained industry growth, according to industry experts.

Experts note that this leadership in generics reflects India’s robust manufacturing ecosystem, cost competitiveness and deep expertise in producing high-quality, affordable medicines for global markets.

The country’s pharmaceutical sector continues to play a critical role in global healthcare supply chains, supplying essential medicines to both developed and emerging economies. This has strengthened India’s reputation as a “pharmacy of the world.”

Analysts believe the sector’s growth potential remains strong, supported by rising global demand for affordable healthcare solutions, expanding export opportunities and continued investments in research, development and manufacturing capacity.

India’s established regulatory compliance standards and large-scale production capabilities are also seen as key factors enabling sustained export growth in the generics segment.

With increasing focus on self-reliance and value-added pharmaceutical production, the industry is expected to further expand its global footprint in the coming years, strengthening India’s position in the international pharmaceutical market.

Organic Tattva Introduces ‘Shuddhasana’: Because Wellness Begins Long Before You Step on the Yoga Mat

New Delhi, June 24: While Yoga Day often celebrates physical postures and mindfulness practices, Organic Tattva is shifting the conversation to what truly fuels holistic wellness: purity on the plate.

With the launch of its new sprouts campaign featuring Kareena Kapoor Khan, Organic Tattva introduces the philosophy of Shuddhasana the practice of embracing purity in everyday food choices. The brand believes that wellness doesn’t begin when you step onto a yoga mat; it begins with the food you consume every day.

The message comes at a critical time when food transparency is under the spotlight, and regulators are cracking down on misleading health and organic claims. As consumers navigate a growing number of wellness labels, Organic Tattva is encouraging them to look beyond surface-level claims and ask deeper questions about quality, safety and authenticity.

In the pulses category, terms such as “unpolished” have become common, but it’s not sufficient. However, Organic Tattva believes true purity demands far more than a single processing claim. The brand’s organic dals and pulses are backed by:

• Non-fumigated processing practices

• Testing for over 250 pesticide residues

• Certified organic sourcing

• End-to-end traceability and quality assurance

• No artificial preservation methods

For Organic Tattva, Shuddhasana is not merely a campaign , it is a commitment to helping consumers make informed choices rooted in purity and trust.

Kriti Mehrotra, Co-Founder, Organic Tattva, said:“Yoga is not limited to an hour on the mat. The choices we make every day from what we eat to what we feed our families are equally important. Through Shddhasana, we want to inspire consumers to embrace purity as a way of life. In food, purity goes far beyond labels like ‘unpolished.’ Consumers deserve to know whether their dals are non-fumigated, whether they have been tested for pesticide residues and whether every stage of sourcing and processing meets the highest standards. At Organic Tattva, our promise is simple: complete transparency, uncompromising quality and food that families can trust.”

The company’s Yoga Day initiative highlights sprouts as one of nature’s most wholesome foods while reinforcing a larger message: wellness starts with purity. In an increasingly crowded health-food landscape, Organic Tattva believes consumers should expect evidence not just claims.

Because true wellness is not just about Asanas. It is about Shuddhasana.