Health Bulletin 02/February/2024

Here are the top health stories for the day:

 Revolutionary device offers healing touch for wounds

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), supported by its School of International Biodesign, has created a groundbreaking wound healing device aimed at accelerating early healing and minimizing infection risks in patients with substantial wounds.

Professor Sushma Sagar, honored with the institute's research award for innovative technology, disclosed that the battery-operated device underwent successful trials on over 100 patients at the trauma center over the past two years.

Maharashtra resident doctors to strike indefinitely from Feb 7, demanding stipend regularization

The resident doctors across the government medical colleges in Maharashtra have threatened to go on an indefinite strike starting from February 07, 2024, if their demands regarding hostel accommodation and regularisation of stipend are not met.

Writing to the Minister of Medical Education, Maharashtra, the Central Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) on Wednesday highlighted that they have written 28 letters to the medical education department. However, despite the assurance from the Government authorities, the issues raised by the resident doctors have not been addressed yet, mentioned the association.

For the full story, check out the link given below:

Maha Resident Doctors Demand Stipend Regularisation, Proper Hostel Accommodation, To Go On Indefinite Strike From Feb 7

Key Healthcare Initiatives unveiled in Health Budget 2024

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced key healthcare initiatives in the budget, aiming to encourage cervical cancer prevention through vaccination for girls aged nine to 14. Additionally, the Ayushman Bharat insurance scheme, providing Rs 5 lakh family cover to the poorest 40% of the country, will now extend coverage to ASHA and anganwadi workers. ASHA workers, considered the fourth tier of public health, play a crucial role in implementing government schemes, while anganwadi workers focus on child care and nutrition services.

Addressing the shortage of medical seats, Sitharaman revealed plans to establish more medical colleges by utilizing existing hospital infrastructure under various departments. A committee will be formed to examine relevant issues and make recommendations. All medical colleges will be associated with fully functioning tertiary care hospitals, with existing schemes for upgrading district hospitals to medical colleges.

Haryana: Rs 3000 monthly pension for Thalassemia, Haemophilia patients

In a move to ease the financial burden faced by the Thalassemia and haemophilia patients in Haryana, the state government has decided to extend the disability pension benefits to such patients. They will be entitled to a monthly disability pension of Rs 3,000.

Thalassemia and haemophilia patients in Haryana having an annual family income up to Rs 3 lakh will be entitled to a monthly disability pension of Rs 3,000. The decision - taken during a meeting of the state Cabinet that was chaired by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar - is expected to benefit 2,083 patients, according to an official statement.

The move will cost the state exchequer about Rs 7.49 crore annually.

For the full story, check out the link given below:

Haryana: Thalassemia, Haemophilia Patients To Get Rs 3000 Monthly Pension