Category health

Kolkata, Mar 26: Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Charnock Hospital on March 26, 2026, marking a significant step toward fostering innovation, research, and technological advancement in the healthcare sector. The MoU was signed in the presence of Prof. Suman Chakraborty, Director of the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur and Mr. Prashant Sharma, MD of Charnock Hospital.

This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research in healthcare and its application in clinical practice. IIT Kharagpur will leverage its academic and research outcomes pertaining to healthcare in the clinical setting of Charnock Hospital. The partnership will focus in the following areas:

• Validation and benchmarking of diagnostic & digital health-tech developed by IIT
• Collection & analysis of clinical data for AI, ML and translational research
• Joint research, training, outreach programs for Clinicians & Engineers 
• Acceleration of technology development in clinical & community settings

On this Occasion, Prof. Suman Chakraborty, Director of IIT Kharagpur, said, “This collaboration with Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur and Charnock Hospital represents a meaningful step toward integrating scientific research with clinical practice. At IIT Kharagpur, we are committed to developing technologies that have real societal impact, and this partnership provides a vital platform to translate our innovations into accessible, patient-centric healthcare solutions. By combining interdisciplinary research with clinical expertise, we aim to accelerate advancements in diagnostics, digital health, and translational medicine, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and future-ready healthcare ecosystem.

”Speaking to the media, Mr. Prashant Sharma, MD of Charnock Hospital, said, “We are delighted to partner with IIT Kharagpur, a premier institution known for its excellence in research and innovation. This collaboration represents a significant milestone for Charnock Hospital as we strive to integrate advanced technologies into clinical practice. By combining IIT Kharagpur’s cutting-edge research capabilities with our clinical expertise, we aim to accelerate the development of impactful, patient-centric healthcare solutions and set new benchmarks in quality care.

MISATO, JAPAN – 26 March 2026 – Zuellig Pharma today announced the successful relocation of its new clinical depot to Misato, strengthening its ability to deliver global quality standards with local operational agility and further strengthening its clinical supply capability across Asia Pacific. Japan remains one of the region’s preferred locations for clinical research, underpinned by its strong focus on medical advancement, rigorous ethical standards and commitment to healthcare.

Medical innovation across the region continues to accelerate, with China, India, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Singapore emerging as key pillars of Asia Pacific’s clinical trial ecosystem over the past five years^[1]. Against this backdrop, the move in Japan reinforces Zuellig Pharma’s commitment to supporting sponsors and clients with reliable, compliant and seamless access to Japan – advancing its broader mission to make healthcare more accessible.

The new depot will bring together Zuellig Pharma’s established knowledge assets, operational excellence, and clinical logistics and sourcing expertise. Backed by a highly experienced and expert-led local team, the depot delivers precision project management tailored to Japan’s intricate regulatory and logistical requirements, while enabling smoother coordination for multi-market studies as the clinical landscape continues to evolve.

“As sponsors and clients increasingly run multi-market studies, they need clinical supply partners that can deliver consistency across borders while navigating local complexity,” said John Graham, Chief Executive Officer, Zuellig Pharma. “This relocated depot will strengthen access to Japan within our regional network, helping us execute with greater reliability, compliance, and speed across the region.”

The Misato clinical depot will also provide a streamlined, turnkey solution for global sponsors seeking rapid and compliant market entry into Japan. Sponsors will benefit from the same rigorous operational excellence, regulatory adherence, and service consistency delivered by Zuellig Pharma’s strategic network of clinical depots, without the overhead of building or managing costly standalone facilities. This milestone supports Zuellig Pharma’s ongoing efforts to accelerate clinical development and improve patient access to innovative therapies across Asia Pacific.

With this strategic move, Zuellig Pharma further strengthens its position as a trusted partner for global clinical development, combining scale, expertise, and agility whilst delivering high-quality, compliant clinical logistics and sourcing solutions across Asia Pacific.

Harish Rana, known as one of the first individuals in India to be permitted passive euthanasia, passed away on Tuesday at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), bringing an end to a long and difficult chapter that spanned over 13 years.

Rana, 31, had been in a coma since 2013 following a severe medical condition that left him unresponsive. For more than a decade, his life was sustained through continuous medical care, largely managed at his home in Ghaziabad by family members who remained by his side through the prolonged ordeal.

Earlier this month, on March 14, he was shifted to the palliative care unit of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital at AIIMS-Delhi as his condition required specialized end-of-life support. Medical teams provided comfort care during his final days.

Rana’s case had drawn attention for its legal and ethical dimensions, particularly around the issue of passive euthanasia in India. It highlighted the emotional and financial strain faced by families caring for patients in prolonged vegetative states, while also bringing focus to the need for compassionate end-of-life care policies.

Despite the legal and medical complexities surrounding his condition, at the heart of the story was a family’s unwavering commitment. For years, his loved ones continued to hope, care, and advocate, navigating both personal grief and public attention.

His passing marks not just the end of a life, but the conclusion of a deeply human story—one that sparked conversations about dignity, medical ethics, and the realities of long-term critical care.

Harish Rana is remembered not only for the circumstances of his case but also for the quiet resilience shown by those who stood beside him throughout his journey.

New Delhi, Mar 25 (BNP): The Ministry of Ayush, in collaboration with the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), has announced a joint clinical study to evaluate Ayurveda as an adjunct therapy in tuberculosis (TB) treatment, marking a step toward integrative healthcare in India.

The announcement was made on World Tuberculosis Day at a high-level event held at Vigyan Bhawan, attended by senior policymakers, scientists, and healthcare experts.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, said India is making steady progress in its fight against TB through science-driven innovation and integrated healthcare approaches.

“The collaborative clinical study reflects our commitment to evidence-based innovation, combining modern biomedical research with traditional knowledge systems,” he said, adding that efforts are also focused on addressing challenges such as drug resistance and undernutrition.

Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush, Prataprao Jadhav, emphasised that TB treatment must go beyond eliminating infection to ensuring complete patient recovery and improved quality of life.

“With this approach, Ayurveda and other Ayush systems can play a supportive role in enhancing recovery, nutrition, and overall well-being,” he said.

The study, titled “Clinical Study on Ayurveda as an Adjunct Therapy for Tuberculosis”, will be conducted as a multi-centre trial across premier institutions, including AIIMS, JIPMER, and NEIGRIHMS.

Led by the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) in partnership with DBT, the 24-month study aims to assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of an Ayurveda regimen alongside standard anti-tuberculosis treatment (ATT), combined with nutritional support.

Officials said the initiative is expected to generate scientific evidence on improving recovery rates, nutritional outcomes, and quality of life among TB patients.

The programme also witnessed the exchange of a memorandum of understanding between BRIC-Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) and CCRAS to formalise institutional collaboration.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to advancing evidence-based integrative healthcare solutions to tackle public health challenges and accelerate progress toward TB elimination.

CHENNAI, MARCH 22, 2026: Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, continues to advance its sustainability and social impact agenda through Paathya, its ESG+ framework.

Photo caption: Dr. S. Armstrong, Vice-Chancellor Convener Committee, University of Madras, Megalina Iden, DC Traffic – East, and Ian Dubier, Area Director Operations for Tamil Nadu and General Manager of Taj Coromandel, flagging off IHCL’s Bharat EkSaath Walkathon at University of Madras in Chennai.

Marking its fourth year, IHCL reinforced its commitment to responsible tourism with Bharat EkSaath Walkathon – Tamil Nadu edition, an inclusive 3 km walk that brought together associates, their families, local partners, vendors and community members. This was held simultaneously across 14 countries in over 200 locations. The funds raised through the walkathon support the Taj Public Service Welfare Trust (TPSWT), reinforcing IHCL’s approach to social impact.

Teams from Taj Coromandel, Taj Connemara, Taj Club House, Taj Fisherman’s Cove Resort & Spa Chennai, Taj Wellington Mews Chennai, Vivanta Chennai IT Expressway, Ginger Chennai, OMR, Ginger Chennai, Vadapalani, Ginger Chennai, IITM, TajSATS, Vivanta Coimbatore, Savoy, Ooty – IHCL SeleQtions, Gateway Madurai and Gateway Coonoor participated in the 3-km walk.

The Walkathon commenced from the University of Madras and was flagged off by distinguished guests, Dr. S. Armstrong Vice-Chancellor Convener Committee, University of Madras, and Megalina Iden, DC Traffic – East. The route began at the University of Madras, proceeded along Madras Beach Road, and concluded back at the University campus.  The event concluded with a hearty breakfast, followed by the distribution of medals and certificates to all participants.

New Delhi, March 21 (BNP): The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, through the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), convened the ‘Suraksha Sankalp Karyashala’ in Delhi to accelerate district-level HIV/AIDS response, with a focused approach on Haryana and the national capital.

The workshop, chaired by Rakesh Gupta, aimed to strengthen data-driven, district-specific strategies to improve prevention, testing, treatment, and overall service delivery for HIV/AIDS.

In his keynote address, Dr. Gupta stressed that HIV/AIDS continues to be a significant public health challenge, requiring coordinated and sustained efforts across all levels of governance. He highlighted the global 95:95:95 targets, which aim to ensure that 95 per cent of people living with HIV know their status, 95 per cent of those diagnosed receive treatment, and 95 per cent of those on treatment achieve viral suppression.

Reviewing current progress, officials noted that Delhi faces critical gaps, with only about 70 per cent of identified individuals linked to treatment, while Haryana has achieved an encouraging cascade of approximately 81:83:95, though further improvements are needed in diagnosis and treatment linkage.

The workshop also emphasised the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, which can be prevented through timely testing, counselling, and treatment during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.

Officials said 219 districts across the country have been identified as priority areas for intensified HIV interventions, including 7 districts in Delhi and 11 in Haryana. District-level teams participated in the workshop to present progress, identify challenges, and develop targeted action plans.

Dr. Gupta called for a “whole-of-system” approach, urging stronger coordination between national, state, and district stakeholders to address gaps in awareness, testing, and treatment adherence.

He also outlined India’s goal of bringing HIV/AIDS under control by World AIDS Day 2027, with an enhanced target of achieving 95:95:99 metrics in the coming years.

The workshop forms part of India’s broader strategy to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, focusing on evidence-based interventions, improved treatment access, and reducing stigma and discrimination.

New Delhi, March 21 (BNP): The Government of India has constituted the National Dental Commission (NDC), marking a major reform in dental education and regulation, with the aim of improving quality and aligning standards with global benchmarks.

The new framework, notified on March 19, 2026, replaces the Dental Council of India and comes into effect immediately. With this, the Dentists Act, 1948 has been repealed, and the existing regulatory structure has been dissolved.

Officials said the move represents a shift towards a transparent, accountable, and quality-driven regulatory system, replacing the earlier elected body with a more streamlined governance model.

The NDC will function through three autonomous boards to oversee key areas. The Undergraduate and Postgraduate Dental Education Board will regulate academic standards, while the Dental Assessment and Rating Board will handle accreditation and institutional evaluation. The Ethics and Dental Registration Board will be responsible for professional conduct and registration of practitioners.

Dr. Sanjay Tewari has been appointed as Chairperson of the Commission, with Dr. Mousumi Goswami as a part-time member.

Other key appointments include Dr. Chandrashekhar Janakiram as President of the Education Board, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Nanda Kishore Sahoo heading the Assessment and Rating Board, and senior professionals appointed across all boards to ensure effective implementation.

The Commission will be responsible for framing regulations, assessing and rating dental institutions, promoting research, evaluating human resource requirements, and setting standards for education, community dental care, and professional ethics.

It will also frame guidelines for fee regulation in private dental colleges, a move aimed at improving transparency and affordability in dental education.

Officials said the reform is expected to enhance the quality of dental education, strengthen healthcare delivery, and expand access to affordable oral healthcare services across the country.

New Delhi, March 20 (BNP): The Government of India is actively promoting the integration of traditional Ayush systems with modern medicine through a series of coordinated national initiatives, the Ministry of Ayush informed in Parliament.

The government has adopted a co-location strategy, placing Ayush facilities alongside Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs), and District Hospitals (DHs), enabling patients to access multiple systems of healthcare under one roof.

Support for staffing and training of Ayush practitioners is being provided by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare under the National Health Mission (NHM), while infrastructure, equipment, and medicines are funded by the Ministry of Ayush through the National Ayush Mission (NAM).

As part of institutional strengthening, an Ayush vertical has been established under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) to oversee planning, monitoring, and implementation of Ayush-related public health programmes. Integrated Ayush departments have also been set up in central government hospitals, including Safdarjung Hospital and Lady Hardinge Medical College, to promote integrative healthcare practices.

Under NAM, the government is supporting a wide range of initiatives, including the operationalisation of Ayush Health and Wellness Centres, upgrading existing hospitals and dispensaries, establishing integrated Ayush hospitals, and supplying essential medicines. Awareness campaigns through Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities are also being carried out to promote preventive healthcare practices based on Ayush systems.

The Ministry is also expanding international cooperation through a dedicated scheme aimed at promoting Ayush globally. This includes support for exports, academic collaborations, and the establishment of Ayush chairs in foreign institutions. To date, multiple memorandums of understanding have been signed at country and institutional levels to strengthen global outreach.

The information was provided by Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush, Prataprao Jadhav, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.