IndiaMedToday May 2022

MAY 2022, VOLUME 6 ISSUE 05 `200 INDIA MED TODAY

Be Physician Entrepreneur

MAY 2022

OPINION Monsoon and Vector-Borne Diseases – What Lies Ahead?

FEATURE CT Scanner India Market & Trends

INTERVIEW How Fuel Price Hike Affects Ambulance Market

Edit Note

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May 2022 EDITORIAL Editor Neelam Kachhap Sub-Editor Abishek Raj editorial@ indiamedtoday.com

Need for the right investment

BOARD OF ADVISORS Dr Alexander Thomas Dr Girdhar Gyani Dr Prem Kumar Nair Dr Bhabatosh Biswas

Days are gone where high paying role with a prestigious title in medicine is no longer enough and medical practitioners should

Dr Alok Roy

think about their financial stability. Our May issue cover story

Ramesh Kannan

looks into ways to invest well enough to build real wealth and

CONSULTING EDITOR Dr Libert Anil Gomes Dr Salil Choudhary Venkatesh Ganesh

confidence in a stable financial future. There should be the need for multiple streams of income, tax-smart investments, and rocketship growth potential in our portfolios.

ART & PRODUCTION

The issue also delves deep into the impact on older adults with

ScreeTract | Shylesh

advanced cancer where we mention financial toxicity and ways to

ADVERTISING Gunjan Chauhan gunjanc@indiamedtoday.com The Media Ant help@themediaant.com DIGITAL MARKETING Vivek Nair

address it at the policy level.

In the innovation segment the issue focuses on how scientists are harnessing the less obvious qualities of silk to develop versatile replacement parts for human eyes and knees.

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CONTENTS

16

Facebook

Linkedin

30

26

APPROACH

OPINION

FEATURE

Financial Toxicity

Monsoon and Vector-Borne Diseases – What Lies Ahead?

CT Scanner India Market & Trends

20

UPFRONT

03 Editorial 05 Letters 06 News Roundup 33 Interview 35 Innovate

COVER STORY

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When A Medical Degree Isn’t Enough

CHECKIT OUT ONLINE

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May 2022

Letters

T

he revised national biotechnology strategy is the key driver of knowledge innovation driven bioeconomy. This unique association of BIRAC and Indian Angel Network is a first of its kind biotechnology focused funding network which would bring biotechnology startups closer to the angel investors. For the growth of startup ecosystem, participation of private investment is critical.

Dr. Alka Sharma, Senior Adviser, DBT & MD, BIRAC

According to the Population-Based Cancer Registry (PBCR) of India, urinary bladder cancer is one of the leading cancers in West Bengal, owing to the high frequency of smoking. In most cases, blood in urine is neglected by individuals just because the bleeding stops spontaneously only to reoccur again after a few days. Hence, it is extremely important to not neglect even a drop of red/pink or cola colour blood in the urine. It should be evaluated immediately to rule out urinary tract cancers. A timely diagnosis of blood in the urine (Hematuria) can prevent the disease from progressing to a more advanced or incurable stage.

Being a one-stop solution center, we believe in offering advanced and comprehensive treatment to patients suffering from bladder cancer and patients undergoing complex surgeries like Radical Cystectomy, Neobladder Surgery, and Robotic Bladder Cancer Surgery.

Dr Abhay Kumar, Head of urology, Surgical Oncology, Robotic Surgery, Medica Superspecialty Hospital An important part of successful diabetes management is regular and timely insulin delivery. The process of injecting is sometimes unpleasant for people with diabetes, causing fear. This often leads to insulin initiation delay which is closely associated with

poor glycemic control and further clinical complications.

Omar Sherief, Cluster Head – India Middle East and Africa, RDC The health insurance sector has undergone a lot of change in the last two years of the pandemic with people realising its importance.

Mr Multani explained that the Ayushman Bharat Scheme has managed to cover the bottom 50 percent of the population and almost 20 percent of the population is covered through various other voluntary schemes. The remaining 30 percent or the missing middle is what the government must look at now Pradeep Multani, President, PHDCCI With the growing industrialization and lack of proper laws regulating chemical waste disposal, we stand the risk for exposure to chemical toxins. Of the most devastating elements of this pollution is that plastics take thousands of years to decay. Besides, these pollutants cause an increase in harmful algal blooms that produce toxins that accumulate in seafood. The ingestion of these toxins in humans can further cause cancer, amongst many other harmful diseases.

Dr. Harsh Dhar, Consultant, Surgical Oncology, Medica Superspecialty Hospital

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News Roundup (ORA). She previously served in two leadership positions in ORA as the New Jersey District Director and as the Office of Pharmaceutical Quality Operations Division I Director.

Clevergene receives PCPNDT licence for prenatal genetic tests

PM Narendra Modi during the foundation laying ceremony of the cancer hospitals

PM dedicates seven cancer hospitals in Assam

participation

Prime Minister, Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation six cancer hospitals in Assam at a function in Dibrugarh. These cancer hospitals are built at Dibrugarh, Kokrajhar, Barpeta, Darrang, Tezpur, Lakhimpur, and Jorhat. Dibrugarh Hospital was dedicated to the nation by the Prime Minister earlier in the day when he visited the premises of the new hospital. The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of seven new cancer hospitals at Dhubri, Nalbari, Goalpara, Nagaon, Sivasagar, Tinsukia and Golaghat to be constructed under phase two of the project.

oversubscription from new and existing

Ayu Health raises $27 M in series B round Ayu Health Hospitals has raised $27 million in Series B funding led by The Fundamentum Partnership, an early growth stage fund founded by Nandan Nilekani and Sanjeev Aggarwal. The round also saw participation from US-based fund 57 Stars, Rohit MA led Capier Investments, angel investors like Ashish Gupta, Khadim Batti, Vara Kumar, and existing investors Stellaris Venture Partners, Vertex Ventures, and Alteria Capital. With this fund raise, Prateek Jain of Fundamentum Partnership, would be joining the Ayu Health Board.

from

existing

investors

including InfoEdge Ventures, Asha Impact and IAN Fund. The round witnessed investors however the company decided to cap the raise to $22 million.The company plans to utilise the funds to accelerate growth in the untapped domestic market and

expand

its

coverage

across

the

country.

Lupin appoints Diana Amador-Toro as Senior VP, Global Compliance Lupin announced the appointment of Diana Amador-Toro as Senior Vice President, Global Compliance. Diana will be responsible for leading Lupin’s Global Compliance function including training, internal audit, and investigations. She will be based in Lupin’s Somerset office in New Jersey, US.Diana is a senior leader with more than 38 years of field experience in US FDA’s Office of Regulatory Affairs

Clevergene, a deep tech genomics company offering genetic diagnosis and discovery genomics solutions, received the PCPNDT (Pre-Conception and PreNatal Diagnostic Techniques) license and will be offering prenatal diagnostics and preimplantation genetic screening tests. With this certification Clevergene through its clinical diagnostics vertical The Gene Lab is launching a host of genetic tests that will improve outcomes for expectant parents and those planning a baby; these include Non Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) for detecting chromosomal aneuploidy in foetuses, preimplantation genetic screening, Products of Conception (POC) genetic testing as well as genetic counselling services.

Biocon Biologics’ Insugen bags three-year contract in Malaysia Biocon Biologics’ subsidiary Biocon in Malaysia has been awarded a three-year contract, valued at $90 million (MYR 375 million), for its recombinant human insulin brand Insugen, by the Ministry of Health (MoH), Malaysia.Biocon, a subsidiary of Biocon Biologics in Malaysia, will manufacture and supply its range of insulins to its partner Duopharma Marketing (DMktg), a subsidiary of Duopharma Biotech, a leading pharmaceutical and biotech company in Malaysia.Biocon Biologics’ Insugen formulations will be available to patients at all Ministry of Health hospitals, district health offices and health clinics.

Truemeds raises $22 M in series B funding

Thermo Fisher Scientific unveils R&D facility in Hyderabad

Truemeds,

telehealth

Thermo Fisher Scientific has opened a

platform, closed its series B funding round

new R&D and Engineering facility – India

India’s

leading

Engineering Center (IEC). The new centre

led by private equity fund Westbridge Capital. The new funding round also saw

6

May 2022

Diana Amador-Toro

was inaugurated by Minister for Industries

Launch of R&D facility in Hyderabad and Commerce, Government of Telangana KT Rama Rao. The newly expanded India Engineering Center (IEC) is part of Thermo Fisher’s R&D Center of Excellence in India and will bring an additional 140 new jobs to the region.Thermo Fisher’s centre will employ over 450 engineers and vendor partners. The centre at Hyderabad is a 42,000 sq ft facility that includes the engineering labs and will support new product development and product sustenance for laboratory and analytical solutions for Thermo Fisher’s global sites.

In addition, the facility will also attract top talent and open employment opportunities in the Telangana state.

Indus Health Plus launches MEDNAwise Indus Health Plus has launched MEDNAwise, a genetic solution in precision medicine. MEDNAwise testing helps to understand which drug suits you best, manage your treatment and increase its effectiveness. MEDNAwise can also be used as a predictive personalised medication guide for those who like to be one step ahead.

Brinton Pharma to expand Global R&D Lab in the UK Brinton Pharmaceutical has decided to invest in a global research and development centre in the UK. The company plans to invest GBP 30 million over the next five years to strengthen its product pipelines, create 300 highly skilled jobs and develop innovative products for its global consumers.The company is planning to

Prof SS Anand use its global research and development centre in the UK to create affordable novel products using niche technologies.

PM felicitates startups at Global Ayush Investment & Innovation Summit 2022 In line with the Government of India’s vision to support start-ups in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi distributed awards to the winners of ‘Ayush Startup Challenge’ organised by the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in association with Start-up India. The challenge was launched on February 4, 2022. The main aim of the challenge is to encourage earlystage start-ups and individuals working on innovations in Ayurveda and other alternative healing and medicine systems.

There were three entry categories for participating in the challenge – Ayush Food Innovations, Ayush Bioinstrumentation (Hardware solutions) and Ayush IT Solutions (Software solutions).

There were two winners in each of the three categories with a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh for the winner and Rs 50,000 for the runner-up. Overall, there were six winners.

Redcliffe Labs appoints Prof SS Anand as new Medical Director Redcliffe Labs, a unit of Redcliffe Lifetech in the US and India, announced the appointment of Prof SS Anand as the new Medical Director at Redcliffe Imaging – Radiology division of Redcliffe Labs. In his new strategic role, Prof SS Anand

will drive the nationwide expansion and growth plan for Redcliffe Imaging. Under his expert guidance, Redcliffe Imaging will aim at becoming a quality radiology service provider with an enhanced patient experience.

Shri Jagannath Medical College & Hospital opens in Puri, Odisha Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister of Odisha jointly dedicated the Shri Jagannath Medical College & Hospital (SJMCH) in Puri, Odisha.

Manohar Agnani, AS, Health Ministry, Hekali Zhimomi, JS, Health Ministry and other senior officials of the ministry were also present on the occasion.The SJMCH is part of five medical colleges built under Phase I of the scheme for ‘Establishment of new medical colleges attached with existing district/referral hospitals’. All the hospitals under the scheme have been built at an approved cost of Rs 945 crore with 60 per cent of the contribution (Rs 567 Cr) coming from the Union Government. With the inauguration of the SJMCH, all five Medical Colleges have become functional now.

Apollo Hospitals introduces novel foot reconstruction treatment for diabetic patients Apollo Hospitals launched a unique multidisciplinary Centre of Excellence for Diabetic Foot Management (CoEDFM), for diabetic patients, known to be prone to footrelated ailments, at its premises at Jubilee

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News Roundup and manufactured end-to-end in India, at the newly launched Wipro GE Medical Devices manufacturing plant. The CT system is equipped with higher imaging intelligence to improve clinical confidence when diagnosing diseases and anomalies.

Israeli-based Embryonics ties-up with Jaslok Hospital

The launch of unique multidisciplinary Centre of Excellence for Diabetic Foot Management for diabetic patients Hills. Apollo Hospitals in collaboration with the King’s College Hospital, London; will make a novel Diabetic Foot Reconstruction & Management procedure, available for the first time in India, for patients at the Centre of Excellence for Diabetic Foot Management at Apollo Hospitals. This new procedure was developed by Dr Venu Kavarthapu, a World-renowned Orthopedic Surgeon & Consultant at King’s College Hospital, London.

BDR Pharma launches advanced gastric drug FURMECIL BDR Pharmaceuticals has launched FURMECIL (popularly known as S-1 which is a combination of three drugs – Tegafur, Gimeracil & Oteracil). FURMECIL is an oral drug, indicated in adults for the treatment of advanced gastric cancer, which has demonstrated high effectiveness with a favourable safety profile.Furmecil will be available in the Indian market is in the form of capsules in two strengths (Tegafur 15 mg + Gimeracil 4.35 mg + Oteracil 11.80 mg & Tegafur 20 mg + Gimeracil 5.80 mg + Oteracil 15.80 mg).

Masterclass at the already available state-of-art simulation centre at Apollo Speciality Hospitals, Vanagaram.

Honeywell launches blue Spectra medical-grade bio fibre Honeywell announced the expansion of its Spectra Medical Grade (MG) Bio fibre portfolio with a blue-hued fibre that provides a strong visual aid to better differentiate between multiple suture sets in more complex surgeries. By creating clear colour contrast, the new fibre enables healthcare professionals to operate more accurately and efficiently, promoting greater safety and comfort for patients.

Wipro GE Healthcare launches ‘Made in India’ CT scanner Wipro GE Healthcare has launched its nextgeneration Revolution Aspire CT (Computed Tomography) scanner. Revolution Aspire is an advanced imaging solution designed

Apollo Hospitals collaborates with Healthium Medtech The Apollo Simulation Centre, Vanagaram (ASC) has entered into an agreement with Healthium Medtech, a global medtech company to offer advanced training in laparoscopic surgeries to young aspiring medical professionals. The programme will be launched with the Laparoscopic Hernia

8

May 2022

Made in India CT scanner

Israel-based data-driven fertility company Embryonics announced its first collaboration in India with JaslokFertilTree International Fertility Centre led by the internationally renowned Dr Firuza Parikh. The newly set up partnership will aim to help increase the success rate of fertility treatments in the Indian subcontinent. Embryonics aims to reduce the number of IVF rounds and their attendant expenses.

Lupin opens reference lab in Guwahati Lupin Diagnostics has launched its Reference Laboratory in Guwahati in North East India. The expansion is in line with Lupin Diagnostics’ strategy to expand its presence across India and increase access to quality testing. The reference laboratory in Guwahati has capabilities to conduct a broad spectrum of routine and specialised tests in the fields of molecular diagnostics, cytogenetics, flow cytometry, histopathology, cytology, microbiology, serology, hematology, immunology and routine biochemistry.

Manipal Hospitals bags ERAS certification in South East Asia Manipal Hospitals has become the first

intelligence, product software engineering and business process management, building upon internal capabilities to support Cardinal Health’s growth through technology enablement. CHII marks a large investment by Cardinal Health to create a service and technology network that will enable scale across the enterprise. The CHII team in India will focus on bringing Cardinal Health’s mission and vision to life by being a hub of technology talent.

Navidea Biopharmaceuticals bags CDSCO approval for Lymphoaim in India

Delegates during the certification ceremony healthcare provider in Southeast Asia to receive the ERAS (Enhanced recovery after surgery) certification. The programme offers enormous benefits to various healthcare fields, including oncology, gynaecology and gastroenterology. This is in line with the increasing application of technology in healthcare, which is helping doctors and multi-disciplinary surgeons widen their borders of study through evidence-based programmes.

innovative solutions using more than 35 key chemistry and technology platforms across its three portfolios of businesses viz Acetyls, Pyridines and Vitamins & Premixes, announced a CDMO contract for an estimated value of Rs 270 crore in specialty chemicals business, spanning for three years with one of its international customers, who are among the top 10 leading innovator pharmaceutical companies globally.

Intas Pharma, Comera Life Sciences in research collaboration

Cardinal Health announces new global capability centre in Bengaluru

Intas Pharmaceuticals announced a research collaboration with Comera Life Sciences, to develop a new generation of bio-innovative biologic medicines to improve patient access, safety, and convenience.Under the terms of the partnership agreement, Comera will develop a differentiated formulation of an Intas product using Comera’s innovative proprietary SQore formulation platform.

Intas will initially provide research funding with the option to acquire global rights to the formulation through an exclusive license with responsibility for subsequent development and commercialisation.

Cardinal Health announced the launch of a new global capability centre (GCC) in Bengaluru – Cardinal Health International

Navidea Biopharmaceuticals announced the regulatory approval of Lymphoaim by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation.

Tc99m tilmanocept is approved for imaging and intraoperative detection of sentinel lymph nodes draining a primary tumour in adult patients with breast cancer, melanoma, or localised squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity.

External imaging and intraoperative evaluation may be performed using a gamma detection device. Tc99m tilmanocept is designed for the precise identification of lymph nodes that drain from a primary tumour, which have the highest probability of harbouring cancer.

Fujifilm India completes installation of 50,000 medical devices in India

India (CHII). The new centre is positioned

Fujifilm India, a leader in diagnostic

as

imaging and medical system technology,

a

global

hub

for

IT,

augmented

Jubilant Ingrevia augments CDMO presence with Rs 270 Cr contract Jubilant Life

Ingrevia,

Science

a

products

global

integrated

and

Innovative

Solutions provider with over 42 years of experience offering over 165 products and

Global capability centre in Bengaluru

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9

News Roundup has completed the installation of 50,000 medical equipment devices in India.

Passing the 50K milestone, the brand has also released a campaign video outlining the company’s deep focus on improving healthcare in the country and the importance of access to diagnostic services.

The campaign, titled ‘#50K and Counting – Hitting the Milestone and Getting Healthier Together’, highlights Fujifilm’s achievements in the medical imaging and devices division, continuously working towards spreading awareness regarding healthier choices via timely detection of diseases. It also features testimonials from Fujifilm customers, commending the company’s products, after-sales support and a wide network.

Portea unveils mascot ‘Chiron’ the healthcare angel Portea has unveiled its brand mascot ‘Chiron’, an angel who assures keeping all the health woes at bay for the users.

Alongside the launch of Chiron, the first mascot of its kind in the country, Portea has also revamped its logo. It will now have the mascot in it. Chiron depicts a female doctor in a confident and ready-toact posture with her white coat fluttering in the air like a superhero’s cape.

strategy planning, and product planning, across varied geographies during his more than 25-years long association with the healthcare business division of OMRON.

Neuberg Diagnostics launches 14 centres in Chennai Neuberg Diagnostics has launched 14 Neuberg Advanced & Affordable Diagnostics & Health Checkup Centres in Chennai, with a pipeline of 100 such centres to come up in this financial year.

The new business segment will make diagnostics affordable and accessible to one and all. Services offered will include blood tests, X-rays, ECG and Ultrasound Scans, health checkups, and home sample collection. For this and other expansion initiatives in Tamil Nadu, the company has committed to invest Rs. 200 crores in FY2022-23.

Gaurav Mathur

HealthPlix appoints Gaurav Mathur as Head of Engineering

HCG Cancer Hospital launches Microsoft HoloLens 2 to enhance patient experience

HealthPlix Technologies announced the

Healthcare Global Enterprises (HCG) has

leading, scaling the current engineering

launched the country’s first Extended

team, and spearheading new engineering

Reality Lab using the innovative Microsoft

efforts to build next-generation clinical

HoloLens 2 at the HCG Cancer Hospital

Kotaro Suzuki joins OMRON Healthcare India as MD

decision support systems and doctor first

Bengaluru. This Mixed Reality technology

solutions. Mathur was leading the Global

leverages HCG’s proven experience and

Customer

expertise in providing precision health

at Byju’s, where he managed multiple

services.By HoloLens 2, HCG’s specialist

geographies including India, the US, Latin

OMRON Healthcare India has announced the appointment of Kotaro Suzuki as its new Managing Director. Before this assignment, Suzuki has served in numerous senior leadership roles including domestic and overseas sales, corporate

doctors of hub centres in metro cities

America, and Australia.

Kotaro Suzuki

10

May 2022

appointment

of

a

technology

leader

Gaurav Mathur as the Head of Engineering.

In his new role, Mathur will directly report to Sandeep Gudibanda, CEO, HealthPlix Technologies. He will be responsible for

Learning Experience

charter

will share their expertise with surgeons working in Tier-II cities. By empowering healthcare teams to work independently, HoloLens 2 is reducing time-to-care for patients.

Pharma cos launch precision cancer consortium

TB hospital to be set up in Ambala for Rs 54.38 Cr

The Precision Cancer Consortium (PCC)

A state-of-the-art five-storey hospital for

with a shared vision of enabling access

the treatment of tuberculosis will be set up

to comprehensive testing for all cancer

in Ambala, Haryana Health Minister Anil

patients globally. The PCC will drive a

Vij said. The hospital, which will also have

variety of initiatives aimed at increasing

facilities to treat chest and heart-related

patient access to precision diagnostics

diseases, will be set up for Rs 54.38 crore,

using

he said. Vij said the 100-bed TB hospital

including

would be the only hospital of its kind in

(NGS). The PCC’s founding members are

north India, besides a dedicated facility for

Bayer,

the disease in Delhi.

Roche.

has announced its formation as a new collaboration of pharmaceutical companies

comprehensive

genomic

next-generation

GlaxoSmithKline,

testing,

sequencing

Novartis,

and

GRC 54276, a hematopoietic progenitor kinase 1 (HPK1) inhibitor.GRC 54276 is one of the many novel molecules from Glenmark’s resident, Innovative Medicines Group, headed by Dr Nikhil Amin, Chief Scientific Officer, specialising in the development of novel molecular entities for critical unmet medical needs. HPK1 is a key regulator of T cell, B cell and dendritic cell-mediated immune responses, which improves antitumour immunity by activating and priming T cells.

The multispeciality hospital in Ranchi

Paras Healthcare launches multi-speciality hospital in Ranchi Paras Healthcare announced the launch of the largest multi-speciality hospital in Ranchi, Jharkhand. The hospital has begun its operations with 170 beds along with 40 ICU beds and five state-of-the-art operation theatres, as of now. However, the capacity will be increased to 300 beds, 100 ICU beds and seven operation theatres soon. The hospital has been named Paras HEC Hospital and will have all clinical specialities under one roof. Paras Healthcare is also expected to expand in states like Ludhiana, Meerut, Jammu and Kanpur.

Venkaiah Naidu releases Smile Designing book authored by dentist Dr MS Gowd

authored by dental surgeon Prof Dr MS Gowd, who has been bestowed with the prestigious Fellow of International College of Prosthodontists, at the Vice President’s residence in Hyderabad. The book is a comprehensive overview of dental and oral care, is a treasure trove of information on the latest advances in dentistry, painless treatment through Laser therapy, invisible braces, teeth correction, closing gaps, orthodontic treatment, child’s teeth, teeth whitening, black gums, teeth jewellery, fracture teeth and repair and discoloured teeth.

Ziqitza Healthcare launches 112 ERV in Odisha, 104 Helpline in Chhattisgarh

Glenmark

Ziqitza Healthcare has successfully deployed 61 ERV out of 106 numbers of 112 emergency response vehicles in the first phase in Odisha and 104 Health Helpline Services in Chhattisgarh. Ziqitza won these contracts through a competitive bid process.

Pharmaceuticals

announced

that its subsidiary Glenmark Specialty SA (Glenmark) received approval from the Indian drug regulator, Drug Controller General of India (DCGI), to conduct a Phase

Naidu, released a book Smile Designing

1 clinical trial of its novel small-molecule,

President

of

India,

M

Intuitve, a global technology leader in minimally invasive care and the pioneer of robotic-assisted surgery, announced that its India arm has launched its My Intuitive App (MIA), a unique platform for surgeons using da Vinci surgical systems in India.The My Intuitive App is a single point of access for surgeons and it makes surgery data discoverable and actionable.

My Intuitive App captures surgeons’ ergonomic preferences, timelines for cases and instruments used.

Glenmark Specialty bags DCGI approval for Phase 1 trial novel molecule GRC 54276

Venkaiah

Vice

Intuitive launches My Intuitive App

These new 112 emergency response vehicles will act in similar lines to that of a PCR van. But to manage the tasks more efficiently these new vans have been equipped with modern systems such as GIS and GPS. This new service aims to address the distress calls by the citizens in a more coordinated manner.

MaxiVision to infuse Rs 300 crore for JVs MaxiVision Eye Hospitals has announced aggressive expansion plans to neighbouring states, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Gujarat.

The group had planned its expansion plan The launch of Smile Designing book by the Vice President of India

in the year 2020 itself, which was slowed

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11

News Roundup agreement between the two companies, NSE-listed Vaishali Pharma will take over the entire domestic and international marketing of Sankalp Life Care’s portfolio of nutraceutical products.

Bayer to set up 27 telemedicine centres across eight states

Chairman MaxiVision group of eye hospitals addressing the media down due to the pandemic and uncertainty in the market. Last financial year 21/22, despite the pullback due to the second and third wave of COVID-19, which hit five months of operations, the group posted close to Rs 200-crore revenue, from 21 eye care centres.

MedGenome launches VarMiner MedGenome Labs has developed and launched VarMiner, an AI-enabled powerful variant interpretation software suite. This proprietary software will help clinicians, molecular geneticists, and Genome analysts to interpret and report actionable variants. VarMiner is powered by unique proprietary tools and databases to provide deeper insights into genetics with extreme accuracy and efficiency.

its-kind human-centric phygital healthcare ecosystem, and to strengthen the humancentric preventive health screening ecosystem and to expand its footprint in India.

Akums acquires Ankur Drugs’ plant in Himachal Pradesh Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals has recently acquired a facility from Ankur Drugs and Pharmaceuticals. With this acquisition Akums’ will boost its production capacities for general oral tablets and oral liquids. The planned capacities of the new facility are six billion units of tablets and 90 million units of oral liquids per annum.

This facility is most likely to be fully operational by the end of 2022.

Bayer will be setting up 27 telemedicine centres in 12 districts across eight states in India over the next two years, through Bayer Foundation India. The centres will be set up in partnership with RxDx Healthcare and Piramal Swasthya, the public health arm of Piramal Foundation.

The key objectives of this endeavour are to establish a telehealth facility in the identified states of Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh to provide complete healthcare solutions via telehealth and conduct training and awareness sessions on health, hygiene and nutrition. In addition, medical camps will be conducted at regular intervals to create awareness on specific health aspects like breast cancer, diabetes, dermatology.

Mylab to foray into routine lab testing equipment and reagent biz Mylab Discovery Solutions announced its

Sankalp Life Care in pact with Vaishali Pharma

plans to launch an entire range of routine

Ahmedabad-based Sankalp Life Care, a

devices and kits for three major sub-

leading manufacturer of nutraceuticals, and

segments of the market – immunology,

Mumbai-headquartered Vaishali Pharma,

biochemistry and haematology. This will

of

a leading manufacturer and exporter of

nearly complete the company’s portfolio

Understanding (MoU) with U GRO Capital,

pharma formulations, have come together

for diagnostics laboratories which until

a listed MSME lending fintech platform to

to form a unique partnership that will help

now included molecular (RT-PCR) test kits

expand the deployment of their first-of-

both companies grow faster. As per the

and devices and rapid/self-tests.

The MoU ceremony

Delegates during the tie up of Sankalp Life Care and Vaishali Pharma

India Health Link ties up with U GRO Capital India Health Link (IHL), a digital health and medical device start-up, has announced the

12

signing

May 2022

of

a

Memorandum

diagnostic kits and devices in conventional and POCT format. It will include the

(Pressure Swing Adsorption) plant will be a necessity to further strengthen the health infrastructure of Delhi, which is gearing up to ensure Qualitative medical facilities and make it accessible to the people of Delhi.

NHA releases consultation paper on provider payments, price setting under and Price Setting under AB PM-JAY Launch of Skill For Scale’ prog for nurses

India-Sweden Healthcare Innovation Centre launch ‘Skill For Scale’ prog for nurses India-Sweden Healthcare Innovation Centre, a collaboration between the Swedish Trade Commissioner’s Office, AIIMS New Delhi and AIIMS Jodhpur, launched ‘Skill For Scale’, an e-learning initiative designed to equip nurses with hands-on practical knowledge and skills to practice the latest patient care for managing non-communicable diseases. The programme is certified by AIIMS Jodhpur and is endorsed by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) will allow nurses from across the country to register for free, and learn at their own pace.

Metropolis Healthcare opens centre in Puducherry Metropolis Healthcare has launched an advanced diagnostic testing centre in

Puducherry. The 1250 sq ft laboratory can conduct around 500 sample testing per day with a quick turnaround time and high-quality reports. Metropolis Laboratory, Puducherry will offer different tests ranging from basic day-to-day pathology tests to high-end molecular diagnostics tests at reasonable rates.

The new laboratory is located at Lister Metropolis, no.141, Lal Bahadur Shastri Street, (Bussy Street).

Hitachi India partners with Vimhans Nayati Super Specialty Hospital Hitachi India has collaborated with Vimhans Nayati Super Specialty Hospital and set up an oxygen plant of 150nm3 (cube) capacity on the premises of the hospital in Delhi. The partnership will strive to ensure that the citizens of India get immediate access to oxygen. The plant will achieve a 97 per cent level of O2 purity, conforming

The National Health Authority (NHA) released a consultation paper on the Provider Payments and Price Setting under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). The consultation paper provides a global overview of the different provider payment systems which are used in various insurance schemes. The paper also presents a detailed description of how the providers are reimbursed. Secondly, the paper discusses the use of cost evidence for price-setting under PMJAY. It presents an analysis of the heterogeneity in the cost of providing healthcare according to various hospital characteristics and discusses a framework for determining differential case-based payments to hospitals.

Odisha CM inaugurates Apollo Cancer Centre in Bhubaneswar Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the Apollo Cancer Centre (ACC) in Bhubaneswar. Apollo Hospitals, Bhubaneswar, has built the state-of-the-

to the industry standards, and offering

art Cancer Centre on the same premises

the best facility to patients. The O2 PSA

with a built-up area of 50,000 sqft. It is the first and only cancer centre in Odisha to be equipped with True Beam STx technology.

The Centre is equipped with Odisha’s first and only cutting-edge Linear Accelerator (HD-True

Beam

STx)

technology

and,

internationally acclaimed oncologists in all specialities. The True Beam STx which is the most advanced Linear Accelerator radiation machine offers the most precise radiation therapy treatment for a better outcome. The centre has sophisticated Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography (PET CT). The 64 slice PET CT machine is equipped with all modern facilities to do every type of PET CT The launch of Metropolis centre in Puducherry

including PET guided biopsies.

www.indiamedtoday.com

13

News Roundup

SonoScape receives FDA 510(k) clearance for HD550 Endoscopy system

Rodolfo Hrosz joins Sanofi India as MD

pregnancy detection test kit for the Indian

Sanofi India Limited (SIL)’s Board of

advanced testing solutions for confirming

SonoScape announced that the US Food and

Directors has appointed Rodolfo Hrosz

the pregnancy. Prega News advance is a

Drug Administration (FDA) has approved

as the company’s new Managing Director

its flagship video endoscopy system HD-

with effect from June 1, 2022, subject to

550 for gastrointestinal diagnosis, setting

regulatory approvals. He will transition

market. With the launch of Prega News Advance it strives to continually provide

single-step pregnancy test device that does not require the collection of urine in a dropper or a container, making it the

up a major milestone on SonoScape’s

easiest and most convenient method to

Endoscopic product roadmap.Paired with a

test pregnancy at home. It is an easy to grip

4-LED light source, which supports 1080P

mid-stream test device used under urine

high definition, the HD-550 endoscopy

stream directly while the absorbent tip of

system enables multi-spectrum and multi-

the device without the use of a dropper

mode. Adding to the high-performing

collects the sample and readily provides

white-light mode, its chromoendoscopy

accurate results in just three minutes.

SFI (Spectral Focused Imaging) and VIST

Pristyn Care launches integrated mobile app

(Versatile Intelligent Staining Technology) light modes enhance vascular and mucosal colour contrast.

Manipal HealthMap acquires Hyderabadbased Medcis PathLabs

Pristyn Care, a Gurgaon-based healthcare unicorn,

service

provider

in

India,

announced the acquisition of Hyderabadbased Medcis Pathlabs in an all-cash deal for a majority stake. With this deal, Manipal HealthMap expands its footprint to 19 additional centres which takes the total number to 60 centres across 14 states, strengthening its position as a major integrated diagnostic services brand.Through this acquisition, Manipal HealthMap will have access to additional 19

laboratories,

including

one

NABL

Rodolfo Hrosz from being Sanofi’s General Manager, Consumer Healthcare business in Brazil to his new role in India as soon as the applicable regulatory approvals are in place.

surgeon

for

free

in-clinic

or

online

consultation. The app uses the latest frameworks intuitive

and

interface

architecture that

for

an

complements

the visual design and easy usability. It like

Mankind Pharma’s pregnancy test kit brand has launched a new and advanced

creating ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health

AIG Hospitals launches wellness centre

May 2022

finding the most easily accessible doctor/

Mankind Pharma unveils pregnancy detection test kit in India

Hyderabad).

14

database. This assists users in effortlessly

is also packed with additional features

accredited central laboratory (based in

AIG Hospitals’ added an entire segment of Preventive Healthcare under the AIG Wellness Centre which got inaugurated

by Harish Rao, Health Minister, Telangana.

This centre is one-of-its-kind in India – and aims to redefine Preventive Healthcare by introducing precision and personalised medicine to its services.The centre offers personalised health packages, each of them designed for both men and women exclusively, including both essential and advanced investigations.

state-of-the-art

based filtering works on a discovery

Manipal HealthMap, a leading integrated diagnostic

launched

integrated app. The embedded location-

Pregnancy detection kit

downloading

CoWIN

Vaccination

Certificate, and scheduling COVID vaccine shots for boosters as well as the 12 and above age groups. It also has the feature of Account) card instantly.

Launch of integrated centre of excellence in diagnostics at Safdarjung Development Area

Mahajan Imaging forays into precision, personalised medicine

US-based Feedback Medical launches service in Odisha hospital

Mahajan Imaging has forayed into precision

UK-based Feedback Medical announces

and personalised medicine by launching

that its cloud TB screening service is now

an integrated centre of excellence in

live at the Evangelical Hospital Khariar

diagnostics at Safdarjung Development

in Odisha with its innovative Bleepa Box,

Area, New Delhi. The new centre combines

enabling remote image transfer, part of the

state-of-the-art

medical

broader Bleepa communications platform.

imaging with a full-fledged pathology and

technology

in

The pilot project was announced just after

genomics lab as well as an R&D department

World Tuberculosis Day (24 March 2022)

and an AI startup.Vice President of India

on the sidelines of the 74th National Annual

M Venkaiah Naidu delivered the inaugural

Conference of the Indian Radiological and

address at the launch of the new centre.

Imaging Association (IRIA).

TabletWise.net launches multilingual medicine websites in India TabletWise.net, a leading health information website, announced the launch of India’s largest consumer medicine websites in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.TabletWise.net provides trustworthy information on uses, composition, and side effects for over 4 lakh commonly used medicines on a global basis. Now consumers can access critical, easy-to-read, and up-to-date information on medicinal uses, side effects, dosage, and more, in Hindi (https://www.दवा.net), Tamil (https://www.மருந்து.com), and Telugu (https://www.వైద్యం.com).

www.indiamedtoday.com

15

Approach

Financial Toxicity Impact on Older Adults with Advanced Cancer

Dr Arpan Ashok Patel, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA

Cancer is one of the most expensive diseases to treat.

Receiving a cancer diagnosis is a

Cancer is one of the most expensive

devastating blow. Although patients

diseases

should be focusing on their treatment,

are much more likely to be patient-

their thoughts often turn to finances,

funded than for other chronic diseases.

especially if they are without insurance or are not eligible for government support. In 2011, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that nearly one-third of families in the

16

May 2022

to

treat.

Treatment

costs

After receiving a diagnosis, out of pocket medical expenses can increase exponentially up to tens of thousands of dollars. Even those with Medicare, an American government healthcare plan for the elderly, are likely to

US reported having financial burdens

experience high out of pocket expenses

related to healthcare costs. Moreover,

for

around 10 per cent had medical bills

they do not have any supplementary

that they were unable to pay.

insurance. A recent study revealed that

cancer

treatment,

especially

if

researched,

in

2014,

a

large-scale

study reported that almost half of cancer patients taking part were having difficulties living on their household income. Furthermore, those with a high financial burden were likely to be experiencing a poorer quality of life.

We should not overlook the impact of the financial strain upon cancer patients. I have witnessed first-hand the

relationships

distress,

financial

between

patient

toxicities

and

quality of life when treating complex illnesses. Recently, I was involved in research focusing on the impact of financial toxicity upon older adults with advanced cancer.

Older and more advanced patients Older adults are likely to face a different set of pressures than those younger patients. The main source of income is typically either from the government or one in every ten cancer patients with

from private retirement savings (which

Medicare pays expenses that equate to

may be in the form of a pension). In the

60 per cent of their household income.

US, all over 65s are entitled to Medicare.

Patients with private insurance may

However,

also experience additional costs due to

assistance does not cover all healthcare

being underinsured or exceeding the

expenditures, meaning patients have

cover threshold.

to make up potential shortfalls out of

The intensive and lengthy nature of treatments

such

as

chemotherapy

may lead to cancer patients losing their employment. Without a regular income, patients may have to resort to

withdrawing

retirement

funds,

selling their homes or even filing for bankruptcy. Sometimes, patients question if they will be able to afford to

One in every ten cancer patients with Medicare pays expenses that equate to 60 per cent of their household income.

continue treatment. This adds extreme emotional stress on top of the physical stresses

endured

throughout

their

treatment journey.

this

government

financial

their own pockets. Cancer is also more prevalent in this age group, and the rate of prevalence in older adults is growing.

Indeed, the worldwide cancer diagnosis amongst over 65s is predicted to double by 2035.

Previous research has identified two key and important themes concerning financial toxicity amongst older adults.

The first is that patients who report financial toxicity are more likely to have a lower health-related quality of life. The second is that patients often wish to discuss treatment expenses

What is Financial Toxicity?

with

Financial toxicity refers to the monetary burden of paying for cancer care costs

their

oncologists

but

these

conversations rarely take place due to healthcare providers’ discomfort.

and the negative impact of this on

The research was focussed on the

patient

Although

experiences of older and more at-risk

the impact of financial toxicity upon

cancer patients. It was aimed to assess

cancer survivors has not been widely

the prevalence of financial toxicity in

financial

stability.

www.indiamedtoday.com

17

Approach

older advanced cancer patients and to examine the relationship between financial toxicity and health-related quality of life. In addition, we wanted to understand the financial conversations between these patients and their oncologists.

Ascertaining the prevalence of financial toxicity Questions about the financial hardship were asked to ascertain whether patients met the criteria for financial toxicity. The main questions asked were about treatment delays due to financial issues and levels of income for food and housing, as well as for clothing, medicine, repairs to the house and transport. The researchers found that almost 20 per cent of patients over the age of 70 with advanced cancer had experienced financial toxicity. The data also suggested this was more likely to be experienced by those who were female, Black/African American, single, had a lower average household income, had a lower level of education, were not employed and whose health costs were covered by Medicare alone.

Healthcare providers must use screening tools to assess if patients are at risk of financial toxicity. If validated, even the simple financial hardship questions used in this study could be

18

May 2022

an effective way of identifying the most at-risk patients.

Assessing health-related quality of life As part of the study, patients also undertook various assessments to measure their health-related quality of life. These assessments examined how a person’s physical, mental, emotional and social functioning affected their health, comfort and ability to participate in or enjoy life events. It was found that patients with financial toxicity were likely to report higher levels of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and distress. In line with previous research, it was also found that in this high-risk group, those with financial toxicity were more likely to have a poorer health-related quality of life.

The importance of cost conversations A unique part of the study was that at least one clinic visit between the oncologist and the patient was audio recorded. These recordings revealed that only 50 per cent of patients experiencing financial toxicity had a conversation about costs or finances.

Previous research has suggested that around 80 per cent of patients wish to

Financial toxicity refers to the monetary burden of paying for cancer care costs and the negative impact of this on patient financial stability..

There is a clear need for proper screening tools that can identify patients who are at high risk of financial toxicity.

have this kind of conversation, indicating

to share knowledge about external

a gap between what the patient desires

resources that can provide support, such

and practices. Why might this disparity

as social workers, financial advisors,

exist? Both parties may be reluctant to

support groups, charities and co-pay

bring up the subject of cost. For patients,

assistance.

there is the potential embarrassment of acknowledging they cannot afford treatment while oncologists may not feel comfortable discussing this topic.

Addressing financial toxicity at the policy level The findings shine an important light

When the researchers examined the

on the extent to which older and

content of these conversations, four

more advanced cancer patients are

main themes emerged. The first was

experiencing

the cost of care, which was mainly

the negative impact this can have.

initiated by the patient or caregiver. The

Importantly,

second was about the patients’ ability

that there is a clear need for proper

to continue to work or provide for their

screening

household with these costs. The third was typically initiated by the oncologist and focussed on the patient's ability to afford care. The final theme was about costs that were not treatment-related.

financial it

tools

has

toxicity

been

that

can

and

identified identify

patients who are at high risk of financial toxicity. Furthermore, it can be noted that there is currently no routine training for healthcare providers and no

standardised

approach

between

Shockingly, almost 12 per cent of

organisations. The policy change is

oncologists dismissed cost conversations

needed to ensure interventions relating

when patients or caregivers raised

to financial toxicity occur at a national

them. However, in the majority of cases, oncologists did offer interventions or signposts to other resources that would be able to help the patient. Dr Patel and his colleagues are keen to emphasise that direct discussions around cost

level. Critically, the lack of adequate assessment, particularly in older people with advanced cancer, means that they cannot receive appropriate referrals to support.

can help prevent financial toxicity.

REFERENCE: https://doi.org/10.33548/SCIENTIA760

These discussions can allow oncologists

This article originally appeared in Scientia.

www.indiamedtoday.com

19

Cover Story

When A Medical Degree Isn’t Enough Road to Physician Entrepreneur and impact investing Dr Amir Baluch, VIC Investor Network Partner and fund manager at BioWise Capital

20

May 2022

A

high paying role with a prestigious title in medicine is no longer enough. It’s not enough in many ways. The path of throwing yourself into research and digging through constant daily business challenges as an entrepreneur in the health space isn’t for everyone either. Impact investing has become not only an answer, but an essential part of the solution for many of these things which gnaw at the back of your mind, and cause friction like a grain of sand in an oyster.

When a medical degree isn’t enough It used to be that finishing a medical degree and your residency was the pinnacle of achievement. It was often the apex of accomplishment for a whole family and generations to see one member make it as a doctor. The finances were great too. You’d be set. You’d be living out your maximum potential and impact.

That may not be the case today.

You may be making over $300,000 a year, with plenty of perks.

Despite the many frustrations of the system, you may find fulfilment in what you do. There are probably plenty of gaps and voids.

www.indiamedtoday.com

21

Cover Story

Are you really on track to where you need to be financial? Do you have enough discretionary time? Are you making an impact anywhere close to your full potential?

The average physician just isn’t making enough, saving enough, and investing well enough to build real wealth and confidence in a stable financial future.

They are continually dealing with inefficiencies every day. There is so much that could be done to impact the world for the better.

The need to invest better As Grant Cardone says, being a millionaire is no longer an accomplishment. In fact, via Instagram, he calls it an insult. It’s barely middle class. It is not a badge of achievement for a lifetime of work.

As I’ve discussed in Forbes, for medical professionals to be able to retire, retire well and have peace of mind about their future and legacy, they need to be thinking at least $5M and $10M big.

It takes money to have a significant impact today too. Those that have made some of the biggest contributions to technological advancements, healthcare, and philanthropic efforts 22

May 2022

As Grant Cardone says, being a millionaire is no longer an accomplishment.

are also our most notable investors and

You’re not going to Mars, curing cancer, solving the water or food crisis, or making leaps in preventative and affordable healthcare without significant private investments.

entrepreneurs. When you think about Warren Buffett, Mark Zuckerberg, and Bill Gates, they’ve not only amassed the most billions but have each given tens of billions of dollars too. You’re not

and peer pressure in our evolving culture. According to Barron's, impact investing has become as profitable if not even more so than those not striving to be socially conscious.

continue to set up even high-income

Barron’s reports the aggregate compound yearly gains for impact investing funds at 13 per cent. Market Watch and Morningstar say that is as high as over 19 per cent and have rated half of the social impact funds with at least a ten-year track record among the top 35 per cent of fund performers.

earners like medical professionals for

Making a difference at the scale

going to Mars, curing cancer, solving the water or food crisis, or making leaps in preventative and affordable healthcare without significant private investments.

Traditional

stock

market

investing,

bonds and 401ks and bank accounts

disaster. We need multiple streams of income, tax-smart investments, and rocketship

growth

potential

in

our

portfolios.

More than ever, we need to be doing good with our money. If not to be in alignment with our values, but because other

investments

are

increasingly

coming under fire from new regulations

There is only so much you can do as an individual physician. Even if you have a good-sized team in a specialised practice or top hospital, your impact and reach are limited by the patients you can touch. You may have one of the most critical roles in the world. You may be saving lives every day, but you can only save so many. You can only

www.indiamedtoday.com

23

Cover Story

physically practice and be in surgery

change isn’t for everyone. It can be

for so long. Such was the story of Saeju

gruelling. Some thrive on it; most don’t.

Jeong, whose doctor father told him to go into entrepreneurship instead of following in his footsteps. Saeju has since raised $100M for a health tech app from some of the most notable VClevel investors.

Today’s new

do. Work in your zone, whether that is as a health tech entrepreneur, CEO, business owner, doctor, or nurse. Then multiply your impact while securing your financial future through impact

connectedness

inventions

Do what you love and were born to

and

means

that

improvements

in efficiency can be rolled out on a

investing.

How to Do It?

scale of billions of people, but it takes

One way to do this is as an angel

entrepreneurs willing to eat ramen for

investor. You can try to do it alone. It’s

a long time, hear many rejections, and

tough and very demanding on your

capital to fund them.

time. You have to evaluate thousands of pitches and opportunities to pick a

Do what you love and were born to do

winner or two. You have to complete thorough due diligence and continue to

There are entrepreneurs dramatically

advise your investments. This can be a

changing

in

major time drain and require experience

medicine, the DNA of the healthcare

on the business side of things you

insurance space, and efficiencies in

don’t have. You may have to help them

delivering care. That side of creating

raise hundreds of millions of dollars to

24

the

May 2022

technology

used

multiply your impact while securing your financial future through impact investing.

see the venture through and get your capital back.

The other option is to work with systems and organisations that already have this down to a science, such as the Investor Network. They pool capital from other accredited investors, create the financial power to push things forward and make them work, and have top-level advisors

and connections to handle the business side. You put in your capital, you get the rewards financially, and knowing you helped make something happen at scale, while they do the hard work for you.

Source: White Paper: Life Science Impact Investing and

the

Physician

Entrepreneur,

VIC

Investor

Network Partner.

Subscribe Now Never miss an issue, subscribe now to Print and Digital editions

www.indiamedtoday.com

25

Opinion

Monsoon and Vector-Borne Diseases – What Lies Ahead?

Jatin Mahajan, MD, J Mitra & Co talks about the precautions to be taken during monsoon and to avoid vector-borne diseases

Jatin Mahajan, MD, J Mitra & Co

26

May 2022

June heralds the arrival of monsoon,

deaths occur every year on account of

weather changes, and the cool breeze

vector-borne conditions. This is around

and drops of rainwater become a

17 per cent of all infectious diseases

soothing delight. But the monsoon

worldwide, as per WHO reports.

season also marks some of the deadliest

Malaria infection is transmitted by

diseases,

tropical

the Anopheline mosquitoes, resulting

and sub-tropical countries like India –

in over 400,000 deaths every year,

malaria, dengue, chikungunya, yellow

primarily in the under-five years' age

fever, Japanese encephalitis, Zika and

category. Dengue is the most active

others. These vector-borne diseases are

viral infection transmitted by Aedes

human illnesses caused by parasites,

mosquitoes, with 40,000 deaths every

viruses, and bacteria. Over 700,000

year.

especially

in

the

The outbreak of these diseases is

is likely to put a lot of strain on the

highest

subtropical

healthcare mechanism across the world.

disproportionately

Every single case of malaria, dengue,

areas,

in

tropical

and

they

and

affect the poorest populations. Since

and

2014, significant epidemics of dengue,

result in a COVID-19 scare. Patients

malaria,

and attendants are likely to overreact,

chikungunya,

yellow

fever,

chikungunya

panic,

precious lives, and burdened health

diagnostic centres for tests, treatments,

systems in many countries.

and isolation. COVID-19 infection is

Symptoms and efficacy

and dengue since pre-existing malarial

lethargy,

headache,

throng

automatically

and Zika have afflicted people, claimed

Fever,

and

will

hospitals

and

more likely in patients with malaria and

breathing difficulty are signs of malaria and dengue fever. They can both cause moderate upper respiratory troubles to more critical outcomes.

Various symptoms of these vectorborne diseases are similar to COVID-19.

Therefore, an outbreak of these diseases

anaemia can result in insufficient tissue oxygen levels- even a slight decrease in oxygen interferes with a person's coping ability with covid co-infection.

Besides,

both

malaria

and

dengue

cause the blood to clot, raising the risk

of

pulmonary

thrombosis

and

inflammatory cytokines, which can be fatal in patients with covid.

www.indiamedtoday.com

27

Opinion

Prevention Many

these diseases at the community level.

vector-borne

preventable

diseases

through

are

protective

measures and community mobilisation.

However,

behavioural

change

is

Healthy and safe practices for an infection-free monsoon include •

a

crucial element in reducing the burden of vector-borne diseases. Organizations

•

Diseases

National

Health

Control Mission,

(NVBDCP), and

•

the

a

result,

understanding

ways

and

•

Access

to

essential

water in

elimination.

and

disease

Use of insect repellents on the

Carrying additional face masks. Wet

Carry water bottles to ensure safe drinking water

•

Keep yourself hydrated - drink only boiled water

bugs, flies, and other vectors are now more readily available.

and

and bacteria.

means to protect themselves and their communities from mosquitoes, ticks,

clothes

masks don't protect us from germs

WHO focus on providing education and improving public awareness. As

long-sleeve

exposed portions of the body

like the National Centre for VectorBorne

Wearing

keeping the body covered

• Keep the immune system strong sanitation control

and

•

Consume

freshly-washed,

boiled

multiple

vegetables, reduce your intake of

organisations and entities are working

fats, oils, and sodium, and avoid

together with different government

dairy products as they can contain

sectors to improve water storage and

microorganisms that are harmful to

sanitation, thereby helping to control

your health.

28

May 2022

Therefore,

through a balanced diet

is

Detection and treatment

of time since some of these vector-

Various IVD tests are available for quick and efficient testing for these vector-

borne diseases may even have fatal consequences.

borne diseases. These tests can even

India is in a significantly advanced stage

be conducted in rural and resource-

of vector-borne disease management. Of

scarce settings, with results available

the six primary vector-borne diseases,

within minutes. These tests are highly

malaria,

reliable, fast, and convenient. And thus,

Filariasis (LF) are in elimination mode.

testing becomes the absolute first line

Malaria is targeted to be eliminated in

of defence against these diseases. At

phases, starting from 2020 to 2030.

the first sign of illness and relevant

The cases of dengue and chikungunya

symptoms, steps should be taken to

are increasing spatially as well as

conduct these tests.

temporally.

All

confirmed

provided

and

Lymphatic

must

be

Let us prepare ourselves to counter

necessary

and

the threat correctly and in time with

patients

immediate

kala-azar,

remedial medical attention without loss

minimal casualties.

www.indiamedtoday.com

29

Feature

CT Scanner India Market & Trends A CT scan or computed tomography scan (formerly known as computed axial tomography or CAT scan) is a medical imaging technique used in radiology (X-ray) to obtain detailed internal images of the body non-invasively for diagnostic purposes. The personnel that perform CT scans are called radiographers or radiology technologists.

IMT News Desk

Since its development in the 1970s, CT

African-American

has proven to be a versatile imaging

Cormack and British electrical engineer

technique. While CT is mostly used in

Godfrey N Hounsfield for developing

diagnostic medicine, it also may be used

computer-assisted tomography.

to form images of non-living objects.

The 1979 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded jointly to South 30

May 2022

physicist

Allan

M

How does it work?

CT scanners use a rotating X-ray tube

and a row of detectors placed in the

continued to improve the quality of

gantry to measure X-ray attenuations

the device and the human head was

by different tissues inside the body.

scanned for the first time in 1972. He

The multiple X-ray measurements taken

continued his work on imaging of the

from different angles are then processed

human body and was later concentrated

on a computer using reconstruction

on the next step in diagnostic radiology

algorithms

namely, magnetic resonance imaging or

to

produce

tomographic

(cross-sectional) images (virtual slices) of a body. The use of ionising radiation sometimes restricts its use owing to its

MRI.

First use in India

adverse effects. However, CT can be

The dawn of the CT Scan era in India

used in patients with metallic implants

dates to September 30, 2002, with the

or

inauguration of the 16-mega-electron-

pacemakers,

for

whom

MRI

is

volt (MeV) hospital cyclotron facility

contraindicated.

and BGO -based full-ring dedicated

Who invented it?

Godfrey

Hounsfield,

engineer

PET scanner at the Radiation Medicine a

Center

(Bhabha

Atomic

Research

enormously

Center) situated at the Tata Memorial

towards the diagnosis of neurological

Center in Mumbai. This BGO-based full-

and

of

ring dedicated stand-alone PET scanner

his invention of the computed axial

still remains the only one of its kind in

tomography scan for which he was

the country, according to NCBI.

other

contributed

biomedical

disorders

by

virtue

awarded the Nobel Prize in 1979.

Working for the Electrical and Musical

Current utilisation

Industry (EMI) and in collaboration with

Market in India- Indian Imaging market

two radiologists, James Ambrose and

is growing at a 14 per cent CAGR and

Louis Kreel, he introduced the use of

is pegged at $650 million, according

this machine in 1971 at the Atkinson

to data from RedSeer. MRI & CT Scan

Morley's Hospital in Wimbledon. He

account for almost 50 per cent of this.

www.indiamedtoday.com

31

Feature

Major players operating in the India diagnostic imaging market include Wipro GE Healthcare, Siemens Healthcare, Allengers Medical Systems, Erbis Engineering Co, Samsung Electronics SIEL, Philips India, Olympus Medical Systems India, Fujifilm Medical Systems India, Carestream Health India, Shimadzu Medical (India) and others.

Future The India diagnostic imaging market is driven by the increasing expenditure by the government on the development of healthcare facilities. The total expenditure on healthcare in India is around 3.6 per cent of the country’s

32

May 2022

GDP. The per capita government spending also increased and has led to the development and improvement of the healthcare infrastructure in the country. Furthermore, the penetration of large hospital chains across the country is expected to fuel the market growth through FY2026. There are about 3000 scanners throughout India and the potential of this modality is so high that in the next 10 years. India has not lagged behind in acquiring the latest technologies in CT scan. Now, multi detector CT scanners are commonly seen in use and 64- and 128-slice scanners have become a reality. Indications for CT scans are increasing by the day.

Interview

How Fuel Price Hike Affects Ambulance Market Despite a hike in fuel prices, Medulance with its fleet of 7500 ambulances is continuing to provide services across all geographies. Pranav Bajaj, Co-Founder, Medulance talks about how the fuel price hike may affect the business in the long run and wishes that the price comes down soon

Pranav Bajaj, Co-Founder, Medulance

Are you working on the same price, or are the charges directly proportional to the hike in fuel prices?

The ambulance and life care services are also dealing with the dramatic

hike in their prices. If the same trend continues and the fuel price hike gets more than 20 per cent, we may also need to increase the prices proportionately.

The fuel price rise indeed affects the logistics and cab services which further increases the burden on the customers.

increase in fuel prices and Medulance

An

is no exception. Though we have not

move, and a fortunate thing is people

increased the rates in response to

understand how the hike in fuel rates

higher fuel prices yet, there may come

directly impacts 24x7 medical transport

a time when we need to make certain

facilities. Backed by a fleet of over 7500

changes. Some small vendors and local

ambulances, Medulance guarantees a

ambulances have already announced a

24x7 medical transport support facility.

ambulance

is

always

on

www.indiamedtoday.com

the

33

Interview

the use of electric vehicles can bring a wave of revolution that would further help make the emergency response in the industry affordable.

Do asset-heavy companies make a profit out of it?

Fuel forms a huge chunk of the overall budget of transport provider companies and can affect the quality of services.

Quality is of the utmost importance in the healthcare industry, it is difficult to cut costs in the main operations.

Of

course,

the

healthcare

industry

cannot cut back on clinical services, but strategising other areas such as increasing the everyday utilisation may help the profitability of the business.

We are expecting the fuel prices to decrease so that we can put more effort into efficiently providing our services in all geographies.

The increase in fuel prices has affected almost all sectors, but it has adversely impacted the transport services. We work on low margins to be an affordable choice for the users. However, frequent hikes in fuel prices will impact both and

large-scale

businesses

and their services. At Medulance, we channel all our efforts to improve the quality of care and services. Inclusion is a part of our strategy, and we are committed

to

the

businesses

small

continually with

including us.

We

focus on expanding the reach of our emergency care network in the best possible manner to the patients. India

34

May 2022

Of course, the dramatic increase in fuel rise has affected the long routes and the intercity transport. It will affect

Do emergency service providers see this as a hurdle? Will this impact the business?

small

Have you witnessed even a minute impact of it on the business yet?

How do look up to this in the future, and if the issue remains, how the company plans to offer a solution to this problem?

the consumers' pockets in the long run, and unfortunately, they will be forced to bear this. A country like India that is trying hard to improve the entire healthcare industry and strategising to take effective initiatives regarding occupational safety and health issues may find it challenging to cope with.

If the fuel prices remain higher and keep increasing, bigger companies may compromise on the margins to sustain the business. The quality of care in the medical field cannot be compromised.

Insurance integration may be a solution if we consider the price rise and business sustainability. The insurance can cover the ambulance cost, and the price rise increase will not directly affect the customer.

is yet to explore the utilisation of

After accessing the infrastructure in

electric vehicles in the field of medical

the industry around electric vehicles in

emergency response services. More

the future, Medulance will also look at

support by the government in terms of

electric vehicles as a solution to increase

initiatives and regulations to promote

the affordability of the services.

Innovate

Spinning Silk Into Implants Scientists are harnessing the less obvious qualities of silk to develop versatile replacement parts for human eyes and knees

Vittoria D’Alessio

A scientist holds a silk-based knee implant in their fingers. © Orthox Ltd, 2022 The first word that comes to mind

There are good reasons to turn silk into

when you think of silk is probably

replacement parts for the human body.

not “strength”, yet when it comes to

This

toughness,

smooth

highly elastic, is permeable to oxygen

silk is stronger than steel. Few materials

and water, biocompatible (is not rejected

in the world match the flexible fibre

by the body when transplanted), stable

produced by the silkworm.

and versatile (it can be engineered into

pound-for-pound,

‘Silk has immense potential to be developed into materials that have the same functional properties as healthy

“super-fibre”

is

hard-wearing,

a solid, a mesh or a gel). It is also able to block infection and supports the regeneration of new tissue.

tissue, without any of the downsides

Weak at the knees

of traditional implants,’ said Dr Nick

Dr Skaer is part of FibroFix Cartilage, a

Skaer, chief executive of the UK-based

research team focussed on transforming

biomedical

silk

company

Orthox.

‘I’m

into

substitute

knee

cartilage.

confident that very soon – in the next

Clinical trials launch in Hungary and the

few years – we’ll be seeing some very

UK later this year with the hope that

large clinical needs being met by this

the orthopaedic implants will soon be

versatile fibre.’

available to European patients.

www.indiamedtoday.com

35

Innovate

When knee cartilage is damaged, and people develop osteoarthritis (OA) they may be referred for knee replacement surgery

(arthroplasty).

The

painful

condition causes bones to rub together in the joints and reduces mobility. It’s also a widespread issue, with Europeans facing

a

45

per

cent

chance

of

developing OA. The risk increases with

itself easily and if left alone, a knee with cartilage damage will usually only get worse. The FibroFix researchers have developed a way to extract and purify fibrofin and mould it into a shape suitable to use as an implant.

This is inserted into the knee in a dry,

European countries over €7.2 billion

compressed state. It quickly fills with

and rising to treat OA every year.

fluid from surrounding tissue which

reasonably

good

surgery results

but

has it’s

plumps it up to form a cushion-like barrier between bones.

expensive, painful and recovery is

Critically, the porous material also

long. It’s also complex and not easily

supports tissue regeneration. The silk

corrected if something goes wrong.

protein implant provides a scaffold for

Silk-based implants offer a tantalising

bone and connective tissue to grow on

solution to these drawbacks.

so that even slow-repairing cartilage

FibroFix is made entirely of silk protein

May 2022

Damaged cartilage is unable to repair

age and weight. It’s estimated to cost

Knee-replacement

36

Knee implants

begins to regenerate.

(known as fibroin) which has almost

The implant’s benefits are two-fold.

identical mechanical properties to real

"Once the implant is locked in place,

cartilage. "It’s strong, it’s slippery like

you get the function of your missing

cartilage and it deforms when you put

cartilage back straight away, and you

pressure on it," said Dr Skaer.

also get new natural tissue growing

membrane that may one day be used to

over time," said Dr Skaer.

Tests

show

procedure pain

is

is

the

implant

quick,

minimal

and

surgical

post-operative recovery

restore eyesight.

Presbyopia is the inability to focus

is

on nearby objects. The condition is

straightforward. Dr Skaer hopes for

caused by hardening of the lens and

positive results in the clinical trials. "We

gets progressively worse with age. The

expect people to be on their feet soon

standard treatment here is to invest

after surgery and back to work fast,

in a pair of glasses or contact lenses.

which will be a big win for everyone,"

There is no treatment to restore the lost

he said.

functionality of the young lens.

Silky looking

The goal is to develop a silk-based

Live long enough and the day will come

implant that will replace the hardened

when you need glasses. "Presbyopia

lens in a simple surgical procedure. The

affects precisely 100 per cent of the

new membrane will change shape as it’s

population over the age of 45," said

pulled by the eye muscles to focus on

Susana Marcos, professor of research at

objects near and far.

Spain’s Institute of Optics (CSIC) and the SILK-EYE principal investigator.

"We’re doing well with this project," said Prof. Marcos. "We’ve developed the silk

The team working on SILK-EYE – an

membranes and fine-tuned the material

EU-funded project head-quartered in

so it has the properties we desire. It’s

Madrid’s Spanish National Research

transparent, elastic, easy to work with,

Council – have found a way to engineer

has the right thickness and the right

the silk fibroin protein into a clear

levels of permeability."

www.indiamedtoday.com

37

Innovate

Holy Grail More work is required but the researchers have a clear target in mind - Marcos calls it the Holy Grail of ophthalmology - restoring older eyes to the capability of their 20-year-old selves. "It’s on the mind of everyone in this field," she said.

Silk-based corneal implants may also be used to replace vision-correction laser surgery.

"Laser surgery (such as LASIK) removes a part of the corneal tissue, so your cornea becomes thinner," said Marcos.

"But surgery using silk would be additive – we’d be adding the implant to what is already there, and therefore preserving tissue."

Globally, millions of people become blind as a result of corneal injury. It is a major public health challenge. The SILK-EYE researchers are working on affordable, implants and corneal bandages to address the problem.

The team has already had success fixing silk membranes onto the corneal

38

May 2022

surface using a light-enabled technique called photobonding – a technique that replaces the need for stitches.

There is a financial cost to silk lens and corneal implant treatments, but "We’re hopeful that silk will be an affordable option for many people in Europe and around the world who are currently losing their sight from highly prevalent ocular conditions," said Prof. Marcos. *This article was originally published in Horizon, the EU Research and Innovation magazine

The Evolving Cybersecurity Landscape Remote working has increased cyberthreats.

But even after the global pandemic is over, it’s going to be important to take actionable steps to combat the sizable security risks.

Customized MVISION Device-to-Cloud Suites MVISION Advanced

|

MVISION Premium

|

MVISION Complete

We Recommend:

Implement a cloud-based secure web gateway

1 2 3 4 5 6

Require multi-factor authentication to reduce risks of credential theft

Set policy in the cloud for routine device checks

https://www.mcafee.com/enterprise/en-us/assets/reports/restricted/rp-carr-wfh.pdf https://www.mcafee.com/enterprise/en-us/assets/reports/restricted/rp-carr-wfh.pd Source: https://www.darkreading.com/cloud/as-cloud-adoption-grows-dlp-remains-key-challenge/d/d-id/1335000 https://newsroom.ibm.com/2020-07-29-IBM-Report-Compromised-Employee-Accounts-Led-to-Most-Expensive-Data-Breaches-Over-Past-Year https://www.gartner.com/smarterwithgartner/is-the-cloud-secure/ https://media.nominet.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/12130924/Nominet-Cyber_CISO-report_FINAL-130219.pdf

8 https://www.mcafee.com/enterprise/en-us/assets/reports/rp-cloud-adoption-and-risk-report-work-from-home-edition.pdf McAfee and the McAfee logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of McAfee, LLC or its subsidiaries in the US and other countries. Other marks and brands may be claimed as the property of others. Copyright © 2020 McAfee, LLC. 4619_0920 SEPTEMBER 2020