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
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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. We would like to hear from you regarding the latest issue and your feedback is valuable to us. You can also write to us at editorial@indiamedtoday.
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CONTENTS
16
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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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
