Health Bulletin 29/07/2023

Here are the Top health stories for the day:

WHO approves important health choices for multiple sclerosis medicines

World Health Organization (WHO) published the new editions of the Model Lists of Essential Medicines (EML) and Essential Medicines for Children (EMLc) which include important new medicines for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, cancer, infectious diseases, and cardiovascular conditions, among others. The updated Model Lists aim to facilitate greater access to innovative medicines that show clear clinical benefits. These treatments could have a very large public health impact globally without jeopardizing the health budgets of low- and middle-income countries.

“For over 40 years, countries all over world have relied on the WHO Essential Medicines List as a definitive, evidence-based guide the most important medicines for delivering the biggest health impact,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Rising prices and supply chain disruptions mean that all countries now face increasing problems in ensuring consistent and equitable access to many quality-assured essential medicines. WHO is committed to supporting all countries to overcome these obstacles to increase access with equity.”

Meenakshi medical college denied NMC recognition, MBBS seats removed from MCC round 1 NEET counselling

In a major setback, the Meenakshi Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, located in Enathur, Kanchipuram, has been denied recognition from the National Medical Commission (NMC) for the academic year 2023-24. As a result, the MBBS seats offered by the institute have been removed from the seat matrix of Round 1 of NEET UG Counselling 2023.

Confirmation of the same was recently given by the Medical Counselling Committee, the Directorate General of Health Services, under the Government of India, that issued a notice on July 27, 2023, informing the candidates participating in NEET UG Counselling 2023 about this development. The notice stated that clarification is being sought from the NMC and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) regarding the recognition status of the institute.

Rs 14,000 to Rs 1,20,000 stipend: Glaring disparities in stipend paid to PG medicos in India

Despite numerous attempts by the National Medical Commission (NMC) and the Union Health Ministry to standardise medical education in the country, one of the main issues that still remain unaddressed is the glaring disparities in the amount of stipend paid to the Undergraduate and Postgraduate medical students across the country.

While the MBBS interns have been demanding a Uniform Stipend Policy for a long time, the disparity in the amount of stipend paid to the PG medicos working in the medical college hospitals is also a matter of concern.