Media Express24

29, Jun 2024

Kidney Care Partners Raises Concerns Around 2025 ESRD PPS Proposed Rule

Washington, DC, June 29, 2024 — Kidney Care Partners (KCP) – the nation’s leading kidney care multi-stakeholder coalition representing patient advocates, physician organizations, health professional groups, dialysis providers, researchers, and manufacturers – today released the following statement in reaction to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed rule on End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Prospective Payment System (PPS), Payment for Renal Dialysis Services Furnished to Individuals with Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), End-Stage Renal Disease Quality Incentive Program (QIP), and End-Stage Renal Disease Treatment Choices Model (ETC):

While our members continue to review the proposed rule, KCP is deeply concerned about the sustainability of the program given that the market basket fails to reflect the actual increase in costs incurred by facilities. Moreover, we are disappointed that CMS did not heed the kidney care community’s call for reforms to address the barriers the current payment policies have created in terms of patients being able to access innovative treatment options. Without changes in these areas, dialysis patients who are, as CMS notes, “disproportionately young, male, African American, have disabilities and low income” will continue to experience significant inequities when compared to patients with other chronic diseases.

Despite these concerns, KCP supports CMS’ proposal to expand access to home dialysis for patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). Increasing access for AKI patients is particularly important, as it can improve outcomes and enable patients to recover kidney function, avoiding permanent kidney failure that can lead to a need for life-long dialysis or kidney transplant. KCP also appreciates CMS’ ongoing attention to the cost and operational challenges associated with moving historically unbundled drug products into the PPS and urges CMS to provide sufficient funding to support these activities which are not currently covered by the base rate. We are also pleased that CMS seeks to better direct resources to low-volume facilities through the two-tiered low-volume adjuster. Moreover, KCP is heartened that CMS has addressed the community’s concerns and has proposed to reinstate the four individual dialysis adequacy measures and to remove the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) dialysis event reporting measure.

Need for a Sustainable Market Basket that Reflects the Cost of Providing Care to Individuals Requiring Dialysis Services

CMS proposes a market basket increase (minus the productivity factor) of 1.8 percent, based on the existing market basket methodology. We appreciate that CMS is trying to address this issue, but the rule falls short of meeting the actual increase in costs that dialysis facilities have experienced. In addition to failing to capture actual inflationary costs for the fifth year in a row, the dialysis market basket increase has historically been the lowest among Medicare providers, making it extremely challenging for dialysis facilities to compete against the wages provided by other providers, such as hospitals, which have seen significant increases in additional funding in recent years.

KCP continues to urge CMS to reexamine the market basket methodology in light of actual cost data demonstrating increases and provide a more sustainable update.

The Current Post-TDAPA Policy Continues to Stifle Innovation, Despite Efforts to Address the Lack of Adequate Funding for New, Innovative Therapies in the Base Rate

KCP appreciates language in the preamble demonstrating that CMS recognizes that the current policies negatively impact patient access to new, innovative treatment options.

However, the proposed modifications do not go far enough to address the failure of the post-Transitional Drug Add-on Payment Adjustment (TDAPA) temporary base rate adjustment to meet its intended purpose of incentivizing access to new drugs and biological products. KCP had hoped that CMS would take a more patient-centric approach and reform this policy by revising its methodology in recognition that, as designed, the bundle does not include sufficient funding for new treatment options that address recognized gaps in care. As the real-world example of patients not being able to access the only FDA-approved drug to treat CKD-associated pruritis demonstrates, an inadequate payment rate for innovative products creates a significant barrier to patient access.

KCP urges CMS to consider the kidney care community’s concerns and looks forward to providing more specific feedback in forthcoming comments.

29, Jun 2024

Shraddha Kapoor and More than 500 Customers Attend the OPPO F27 Pro+ 5G Grand Unboxing Event

29th June 2024 Mumbai, Maharashtra India In a first-of-a-kind product Unboxing, OPPO’s latest F27 Pro+ 5G was unboxed in the presence of Bollywood’s leading “Stree” Shraddha Kapoor and more than 500 customers. The event took place in Mumbai recently.

Shraddha Kapoor

Mr. Abhishek Nayak, Learning and Development Director of OPPO Mobiles Mumbai, expressed his joy and said, “One of the key highlights of the event was the presence of the renowned Bollywood celebrity, Shraddha Kapoor, who joined the grand unboxing event of the OPPO F27 Pro+ 5G. The excitement reached new heights as more than 500 customers also participated in the unboxing event alongside Shraddha Kapoor, making it a first-of-its-kind event in the telecom industry.”

He further said, “As the customers unboxed the OPPO F27 Pro+ 5G, the anticipation and excitement in the air were palpable. The innovative features, sleek design, and cutting-edge technology of the phone captivated everyone present at the event, setting a new benchmark in the smartphone industry.”

OPPO is a famous mobile brand for its innovation, Camera technology, and many More. Taking it a notch higher, the new phones boast some user-friendly features. “The phone is already popular among consumers as it is India’s first phone to come up with an IP69 rating, which means it can survive in water for up to 15 minutes. It also comes with damage-proof 360-degree armor body, 67W SUPERVOOC flash charge, and Splash touch which makes this phone the Best in the Price range,” Abhishek concluded.

29, Jun 2024

Darius Mayfield (NJ) Republican Congressional Nominee Names William Benson, Chairman of Billionaires Row, Campaign Financial Advisor

New York, NY, June 29, 2024 — William Benson, Chairman & founder of Billionaires Row & Founder of Benson Jewish Foundation, combines his efforts with New Jersey’s 12th District Republican Congressional Nominee, Darius Mayfield to further Mayfield’s political position. After a series of meetings with Darius Mayfield’s campaign over the past year, centered around New Jersey initiatives, Sir William Benson has accepted the role of campaign financial advisor. Their friendship stems over a decade, and their combined vision for New Jersey has the support of the RNC. Benson, who is known for organizing fundraisers for Mayoral Candidates, has laid down support for Republicans with similar visions. William Benson is committed to transforming lives in the inner cities and eventually across other areas. Under the leadership of his team, Sir William Benson believes it he can help raise the funds for the Mayfield campaign. Shared visions and a generational candidate make this a match made in political heaven. The Mayfield campaign said, “Mr. Mayfield and Sir William Benson have a storied history filled with success throughout New York City and NJ , and we look forward to bottling that energy and professionalism and making this one the most dynamic political upsets ever. These two gentlemen have demonstrated that against all odds, anything is possible, and they want to serve as a reminder that your dreams are never out of reach, just out of focus. We are excited for this partnership, and the reach it extends to the campaign, in communities, and in business circles thought to be unreachable for many Republican candidates.”

29, Jun 2024

Surya Hospitals organizes a Health and Screening Camp with Tribal Community

29th June 2024 Mumbai, Maharashtra, India To promote health awareness and provide the necessary knowledge to the community, a health and screening camp on Sickle Cell Disease was organized by Surya Hospitals in the rural village of Vasai, Maharashtra recently.

Surya Hospitals

The event featured educational talks by Dr. Vandana Bansal and Dr. Nisha Iyer, which reached over 100 students. Additionally, Adivasi residents at the camp were tested for the HPLB gene to evaluate their susceptibility to Sickle cell disease. Participants also had the opportunity to consult with doctors and receive valuable information on preventive care and healthy lifestyle choices.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Vandana Bansal, Director, Department of Fetal Medicine, Consultant Obstetrics & Gynecology, Surya Hospitals said, “Sickle Cell Disease is a genetic hemoglobin disorder common amongst the tribal population of India. According to the census, Scheduled Tribes constitute 8.6 per cent of the country’s total population and 11.3 per cent of the total rural population. Requiring lifelong management, Sickle Cell Disease contributes to significant morbidity and mortality amongst the affected infants and children. In India, there are many comprehensive guidelines for prevention of the disease developed jointly by the Government of Health and Family Welfare and the Government of Tribal Affairs. But because of lack of awareness those guidelines are not fructified. So, we have organized the camp to make people understand and give them a basic knowledge about the disease. Hope, through this initiative, we can strengthen our commitment to combating this disease.”

Dr. Nisha Iyer, Pediatric Hemato Oncologist and BMT Physician, Surya Hospitals stated, “The initiative aimed to enhance health literacy among college students and the Adivasi population, identifying individuals at risk of Sickle cell disease. Regular health screenings are important for early detection and prevention of diseases. Events like these play a vital role in promoting overall well-being and empowering individuals to take charge of their health.” She also added, “The success of the camp would not have been possible without the support of volunteers, and community members who came together with us to make this camp a reality. We, Surya Hospitals, extends its gratitude to all those who contributed to the success of the health camp.”

Sickle Cell is an inherited blood type disease in which a genetic mutation causes abnormal hemoglobin to clump together and soften red blood cells. Sickle cells cause blood clots, leading to bleeding, pain, infections and other serious problems. People with sickle cell disease carry only one defective gene and usually live normal lives, but they can pass that gene on to their children. Therefore, adults and newborns must undergo medical examinations for the disease.

29, Jun 2024

At e4m Golden Mikes 2024, Red FM Turns Gold with 35 Awards & Radio Station of the Year Award

29th June 2024 Mumbai, Maharashtra, India India’s leading private radio and entertainment network, Red FM, has been honored with the title of Radio Station of the Year and 35 prestigious awards across various categories, celebrating its versatility and innovation at the e4m Golden Mikes 2024. The accolades were presented at the Radio & Audio Conference held on June 26, 2024, at The Leela Hotel, Mumbai.

At e4m Golden Mikes

The conference marked a significant event in the radio industry, reflecting on radio’s pivotal role in shaping public opinion, cultural identity, and community engagement in India for over a century. The awards recognized excellence in various categories such as effectiveness, creativity, innovation, broadcasters, regional languages, and podcasts. This remarkable achievement underscores Red FM’s commitment to delivering unique and engaging content, cementing its position as a trailblazer in the radio industry.

Speaking on the announcement, Nisha Narayanan, Director & COO, of RED FM, and Magic FM, said, “Red FM has had a great hurray at the Golden Mikes Award. The esteemed awards are heartfelt embraces from our listeners, validating the power of radio as a medium, and our commitment to blue sky thinking. We can not fully convey how much we cherish the unwavering love and support of our audience but we are truly indebted. We look forward to creating distinctively creative content and countless future endeavors.”

Sr.No	Main Category	Category	Sub- Category	CAMPAIGN NAME
1	Radio Station of the Year
2	RADIO	EFFECTIVENESS	Most Effective Ad/Campaign on Radio	Farishtey Banjao Aaj
3	RADIO	EFFECTIVENESS	Best Use of Radio for Launch/Relaunch	Lights Out with Rj Sharda Launch
4	RADIO	EFFECTIVENESS	Best Use of Radio for Long Term Effectiveness	Suvidha Ke Liye Khed Hai
5	RADIO	EFFECTIVENESS	Best Use of Branded Content or Sponsorship on Radio	SBI Life – Sapna Hai Toh Poora Karo
6	RADIO	CREATIVITY	Best Single Commercial- IT, Telecommunications & Digital Media	Oh My Ghat k.a OMG
7	RADIO	CREATIVITY	Best Campaign	Teen Rang Tawang
8	RADIO	CREATIVITY	Best Campaign	ACKO – Welcome Change
9	RADIO	INNOVATION	Best Use of Sponsorship in an On-Air/On-Ground Radio Campaign	Shivv Kholega Band Kaan
10	RADIO	INNOVATION	Best Use of Sponsorship in an On-Air/On-Ground Radio Campaign	JK Tyre – Teen Rang Tawang
11	RADIO	PROMOTION	Best On Air Promotion for/by a Brand- Single Station	RED FLAG
12	RADIO	PROMOTION	Best On Air Promotion for/by a Brand- Single Station	Meme Machao
13	RADIO	PROMOTION	Best On Air Promotion for/by a Brand- Multiple Station	Bank of Baroda – BOB Army
14	RADIO	PROMOTION	Best Sponsored On Air Promotion by a Single Radio Station for Self /Brand	Sapno Ka Cinema
15	RADIO	PROMOTION	Best Promotion on Digital for / by a Brand	Red Label Natural Care – The Monsoon Campaign
16	RADIO	BROADCASTERS	Best on Air Promotion by a Network of Radio Stations for Self	Guts and Glory – Salute 71
17	RADIO	BROADCASTERS	Best on Ground Promotion by a Single Radio Station for Self	The Kavi Collective
18	RADIO	BROADCASTERS	Best on Ground Promotion by a Single Radio Station for Self	Guts and Glory – Salute 71
19	RADIO	BROADCASTERS	Best on Ground Promotion by a Single Radio Station for Self	South Side Story
20	RADIO	BROADCASTERS	Best on Ground Promotion by a Network of Stations for Self	Teen Rang Tawang
21	RADIO	BROADCASTERS	Best Public Service Initiative by a Broadcaster	Devaki Karegi Hawa Tight
22	RADIO	BROADCASTERS	Best Public Service Initiative by a Broadcaster	Azadi No. 1
23	RADIO	BROADCASTERS	Best Public Service Initiative by a Broadcaster	Hunar Qaid
24	RADIO	BROADCASTERS	Most Unique Programming Concepts /Ideas (Broadcaster)	Guts and Glory – Sachha Salute
25	RADIO	BROADCASTERS	Most Unique Programming Concepts /Ideas (Broadcaster)	Tune in Tunnel
26	RADIO	BROADCASTERS	Most Unique Programming Concepts /Ideas (Broadcaster)	HISSA PARTITION KA
27	RADIO	BROADCASTERS	Best Program Launch on Radio	Ticket To Durga Puja
28	RADIO	BROADCASTERS	Best Radio Jingle for a Client	Western Railway – Laay Bhaari
29	RADIO	BROADCASTERS	Best Radio Jingle for Self	Guts and Glory – Salute 71
30	RADIO	BROADCASTERS	Best On Air Show	No Se 9
31	RADIO	BROADCASTERS	Best On Air Show	HISSA PARTTIION KA
32	RADIO	BROADCASTERS	Best Breakfast Show	MORNING NO.1 WITH RJ RAUNAC
33	RADIO	BROADCASTERS	Best Storytelling Show	HIDDEN FILES
34	RADIO	BROADCASTERS	Best Humour on Radio	BAUAA
35	RADIO	REGIONAL / LANGUAGE RADIO	Best Ad/Campaign on Radio in the East Region (client/self)	Ha Khriang Ki Sur Myllung – A Mini Mountain Concert (World Music Week 2023)
36	B. PODCAST / AUDIO SERIES	B0Best Podcast / Audio Series – Drama		Survivors of 26/11 : Courage And Beyond

29, Jun 2024

Author Charity Parker’s New Book Calm Kids

New York, NY, June 29, 2024 –Charity Parker, a debut author with a passion for nurturing young minds through the magic of words and illustrations, has completed her new book, “Calm Kids: How to Make Kids Calm”: a heartwarming and insightful children’s book that offers valuable lessons on managing emotions and finding inner peace.

“Through the story of a young character named Mason, readers are guided on a journey of self-discovery, as Mason encounters various situations and emotions,” writes Parker. “With the help of his parents, Mason learns practical techniques and strategies to stay calm in challenging moments. This delightful and beautifully illustrated book not only entertains but also imparts essential life skills to young readers, helping them navigate their feelings and find security in a sometimes chaotic world.”

29, Jun 2024

Times Prime and HDFC Diners Club Roll Out the Purple Carpet for Sci-Fi Epic ‘Kalki 2898 AD’

29th June 2024 New Delhi, Delhi, India Times Prime, India’s premier lifestyle membership program, partnered with HDFC Diners Club to offer an exclusive cinematic experience for their esteemed members. The collaboration brought Times Prime’s signature “Purple Carpet” event to life, featuring a special screening of the year’s most anticipated film, “Kalki 2898 AD”.

Times Prime and HDFC

The star-studded sci-fi spectacle, featuring Prabhas, Kamal Haasan, and Deepika Padukone, was showcased at Cinepolis theatres in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore. This exclusive “Club Xperience” event treated members to a VIP viewing of what’s expected to be 2024’s biggest blockbuster.

The screening attracted popular Kannada movie actress Rajshri Ponnappa and one of the leading content creators of the industry Ansh Mehra, all of whom were captivated by the movie’s cinematic brilliance. This unique event exemplifies Times Prime’s commitment to providing its members unparalleled access to premium entertainment experiences.

Times Prime membership, priced at an accessible Rs. 1,199, continues to offer exceptional value with instant benefits worth Rs. 60,000 across popular brands. Members enjoy exclusive offers on a wide array of services, including Starbucks, Myntra, Uber, HealthifyMe, Disney+ Hotstar, SonyLIV, and Zepto, among others. This comprehensive package ensures subscribers receive premium value across various lifestyle categories – from dining and shopping to entertainment and fitness.

For those looking to unlock a world of exclusive experiences and offers, more information is available on the Times Prime app or at www.timesprime.com.

29, Jun 2024

APIVerve Launches to Simplify and Accelerate Development, While Cutting Costs

Kansas City, MO, June 29, 2024 –Today marks the launch of APIVerve, a game-changing SaaS platform designed to transform how developers integrate APIs into their applications. APIVerve empowers developers by offering seamless access to a comprehensive suite of APIs with just a single API key, significantly reducing development time and costs, while boosting innovation.

A New Era of API Integration:
APIVerve addresses the common pain points of API integration—complexity, time consumption, and high costs—by providing an all-in-one solution that is fast, scalable, and reliable. The platform is designed to meet the diverse needs of businesses, from agile startups to large enterprises.

“Our mission at APIVerve is to simplify the API integration process, so developers can focus on what they do best: building amazing applications,” said Field Chari, Founder of APIVerve. “With our platform, integrating multiple APIs becomes a breeze, enabling quicker deployment of features and ultimately driving business growth.”

From Idea to Implementation in Minutes:
Imagine a fintech startup needing to integrate data validation, data processing, and data analytics APIs. With traditional methods, this could take weeks of work, juggling multiple subscriptions and managing different API keys. With APIVerve, it’s a matter of minutes. By providing a unified API key for all services, APIVerve streamlines the entire process, allowing developers to turn their ideas into reality faster than ever before.

Real Success, Real Stories:
Beta users of APIVerve have already seen remarkable results. “Integrating APIs used to be a major headache for us,” shared Randal Demois, a technology consultant. “APIVerve has transformed our development process, allowing us to launch new features in days instead of weeks. The reliability and performance have been outstanding.”

Join the API Revolution:
Developers and businesses interested in experiencing the future of API integration can visit the APIVerve Marketplace to learn more and sign up for a free trial. APIVerve offers an unmatched combination of simplicity, speed, and scalability, making it the go-to solution for modern application development.

29, Jun 2024

Shriram Finance Underscores the Importance of Cash Flow Management for MSME Success

29th June 2024 Mumbai, Maharashtra, India Cash flow, the lifeblood of any business, is especially critical for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). At Shriram Finance, we understand the unique challenges faced by MSMEs and recognize that effective cash flow management is fundamental to their success. MSMEs are the backbone of the Indian economy, and their growth is vital for national progress. However, many MSMEs struggle with cash flow, which can hinder their ability to invest, grow, and navigate economic downturns.

Shriram Finance

Why Cash Flow Management Matters for MSMEs

Cash flow refers to the movement of cash in and out of a business. Positive cash flow indicates a healthy business, while negative cash flow can lead to financial strain. Here’s why cash flow management is crucial for MSMEs:

Ensures Business Continuity: Unexpected expenses or delays in receiving payments can disrupt operations. Strong cash flow management safeguards against such disruptions, allowing MSMEs to meet their financial obligations and continue functioning smoothly.
Facilitates Growth: Growth often requires investments in inventory, equipment, or marketing. By managing cash flow effectively, MSMEs can identify surplus funds for strategic investments, propelling business expansion.
Improves Creditworthiness: Financial institutions assess a business’s health based on its cash flow. Demonstrating consistent positive cash flow strengthens an MSME’s creditworthiness, making it easier to secure loans for future needs.
Enables Informed Decision-Making: Cash flow analysis provides valuable insights into a business’s financial performance. This allows MSME owners to make data-driven decisions regarding pricing, inventory management, and resource allocation.

Empowering MSMEs with loans to solve their rising challenges in Cash Flow Management

Shriram Finance recognizes the importance of cash flow management for MSMEs and offers a suite of solutions designed to empower them:

Working Capital Loans: These loans provide immediate access to funds, bridging the gap between receivables and payables, and ensuring smooth cash flow.
Inventory Financing: This solution unlocks the value of inventory, allowing MSMEs to purchase raw materials or stock up on in-demand products without straining their cash flow.
Financial Advisory Services: Our experienced team guides cash flow management best practices, helping MSME owners develop customized strategies for optimizing their cash flow.

Shriram Finance’s Commitment to MSME Success

At Shriram Finance, we are committed to supporting the growth and prosperity of MSMEs. By promoting effective cash flow management practices and offering tailored financial solutions, we empower them to navigate financial challenges, seize opportunities, and achieve long-term success.

To explore the various offerings of Shriram Finance, kindly visit www.shriramfinance.in/working-capital-loan or contact 18001034959 for assistance

29, Jun 2024

Whistling Woods International and IED – Istituto Europeo di Design Forge Cinematic Bridge Between India and Italy

29th June 2024 Mumbai, Maharashtra, India Whistling Woods International (WWI) was part of a milestone event in international cinema: the fifth episode of the second season of Aperitivo Italiano. Hosted by the Consulate General of Italy in Mumbai, this special screening celebrated the cultural synergy between India and Italy, inspired by the timeless classic “Nuovo Cinema Paradiso” by Giuseppe Tornatore.

Whistling Woods International and IED

Recently, the IF.BE Ice Factory in Mumbai hosted this prestigious event. It spotlighted the rich cinematic heritage of both nations, underscoring the role of film in fostering mutual understanding and cooperation. Alessandro De Masi, Consul General of Italy in Mumbai, and Francesca Amendola, Director of Istituto Italiano di Cultura, in collaboration with Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) and Whistling Woods International, announced a unique co-production project. Over an intensive two-day session, Italian and Indian students from these premier institutes collaborated to create two short films in Mumbai, which premiered at the event.

Following the screening of the short films, the evening witnessed an interactive panel discussion. The esteemed panel included Priyanka Khanna, writer, author, and editor, who moderated the discussion; Prajakta Koli (a.k.a. Mostlysane), actress; Priyanka Ghose, producer; Rangita Pritish Nandy, producer; Sayani Gupta, actress; Saransh Goila, chef; and the four students who created the short films: Giulia Destro and Leonardo Marziali from IED and Shri Krishna Venugopalan and Twisa Mookerjee, WWI. A special highlight of the evening was a message from Maestro Giuseppe Tornatore, addressing all participants, especially the students.

Rahul Puri, Director – Academics, Whistling Woods International, stated, “Whistling Woods International was thrilled to collaborate with IED and the Consulate General of Italy in Mumbai on this innovative initiative. This co-production project exemplifies the power of cinema to bridge cultures and foster creative collaboration. Our partnership with IED will not only enrich our students’ educational experiences but also strengthen our commitment to fostering global cinematic talent and cross-cultural exchange.”

“This marks a new chapter in the bilateral collaboration between Italy and India, a vital sector for fostering relations in the creative industries of both countries. The project’s success and its originality have garnered significant appreciation for the Italian film industry sector and sparked immense curiosity about the potential of the relationship initiated through the collaboration between the two schools,” shared Alessandro De Masi, Consul General of Italy in Mumbai.

“Creativity and design nourish themselves by exchange, questioning, and dialogue, in the direction of bringing new ideas and stimuli to the community. This two-day event in Mumbai provided an exciting first basis for sharing visions through the language of cinematography and visual arts, an excellent premise for all the opportunities that the collaboration between IED and Whistling Woods International will bring among young creatives in India, in Italy, and in the world,” comments Riccardo Balbo, IED Group Chief Academic Officer.

Whistling Woods International and IED also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore reciprocal collaborations. Key areas of focus included joint initiatives to enhance global design knowledge and intercultural competencies, programs to foster student exchange and strengthen academic collaboration, opportunities for faculty and staff exchanges to share knowledge and best practices, and expand relations and collaborations between IED and WWI through joint events and projects. The MOU was signed by Ravi Gupta, Dean, Whistling Woods International, and Riccardo Balbo, IED Group Chief Academic Officer marking a significant step in strengthening educational and cultural ties between the institutions.