The Indian Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Thursday said that over 1409 positive cases have been reported in the past 24 hours, which takes the total confirmed cases to 21,393 in India. Health Ministry Joint Secretary Lav Agarwal said that there are 12 districts that did not have a fresh case in the last 28 days or more.

Indian Health Ministry briefs media on COVID-19 situation

The death toll due to coronavirus rose to 543 and the number of cases to 17265 in the country on Monday, according to the Union Health Ministry.

While the number of active COVID-19 cases is 14175 as many as 2546 people have been cured and discharged and one had migrated, it said.

1553 new cases and 36 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours, the ministry said in its updated data.

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1553 new cases and 36 deaths reported in last 24 hours. India's total number of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Coronavirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Coronavirus</a> positive cases rises to 17265 (including 14175 active cases, 2546 cured/discharged/migrated and 543 deaths): Ministry of Health and Family Welfare <a href="https://t.co/zbcB5Fy5iR">pic.twitter.com/zbcB5Fy5iR</a>
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Maharashtra remained the worst-hit state with a total number of positive cases rising to 3,651, followed by Delhi at 1,893 cases, Madhya Pradesh at 1,407 cases, Tamil Nadu at 1,372 cases and Rajasthan at 1,351 cases, according to the Health Ministry data. 
 
According to Johns Hopkins University, the number of COVID-19 cases worldwide stands at 2.38 million.

The death toll due to coronavirus rose to 543 and the number of cases to 17265 in the country on Monday, according to the Union Health Ministry. While the number of active COVID-19 cases is 14175 as many as 2546 people have been cured and discharged and one had migrated, it said.

The death toll due to coronavirus rose to 543 and the number of cases to 17265 in the country on Monday, according to the Union Health Ministry. While the number of active COVID-19 cases is 14175 as many as 2546 people have been cured and discharged and one had migrated, it said. 1553 new cases and 36 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours, the ministry said in its updated data. 1553 new cases and 36 deaths reported in last 24 hours. India's total number of #Coronavirus positive cases rises to 17265 (including 14175 active cases, 2546 cured/discharged/migrated and 543 deaths): Ministry of Health and Family Welfare pic.twitter.com/zbcB5Fy5iR — ANI (@ANI) April 20, 2020 × Maharashtra remained the worst-hit state with a total number of positive cases rising to 3,651, followed by Delhi at 1,893 cases, Madhya Pradesh at 1,407 cases, Tamil Nadu at 1,372 cases and Rajasthan at 1,351 cases, according to the Health Ministry data. According to Johns Hopkins University, the number of COVID-19 cases worldwide stands at 2.38 million.

COVID-19 cases climb to 17265 in India, the death toll stands at 543

The total number of coronavirus COVID-19 cases in India reached 15,712 and the death toll climbed to 507, till 9.50 am (IST) on Sunday (April 19). According to Union Health Minsitry, the last 24 hours recorded 1,334 cases and 27 deaths and 239 cured cases. Percentage of the cured rise to 14.20 on Sunday.

Indian Health Ministry: 1,334 COVID-19 cases recorded in India in last 24 hours

In a press briefing on April 18 the Indian Health Ministry said, the mortality rate in India is around 3.3%. 1992 people across India have been cured, overall cure percentage is something around 13.85%. Since yesterday, 991 positive cases have been reported which takes confirmed cases to 14,378. 43 new deaths reported in the last 24 hours, taking the death toll to 480.

Indian Health Ministry: Over 900 new COVID-19 cases in last 24 hours

The Union Health Ministry on Saturday said that out of the total 14,378 COVID-19 cases in the country, 4,291 are related to the event held at Markaz, Nizamuddin in the national capital.

"Out of the total 14,378 positive cases, 4,291 cases, approximately 29.8 per cent, are related to Nizamuddin Markaz cluster from a single source and affected 23 States and Union Territories including Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, among others," Lav Aggarwal, Joint Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Ministry, said here during the daily briefing on COVID-19.

"84 per cent cases in Tamil Nadu, 63 per cent cases in Delhi, 79 per cent cases in Telangana, 59 per cent cases in UP and 61 per cent cases in Andhra Pradesh are related to the event," added Aggarwal.

He went on to add that the cases related to Tablighi Jamaat`s religious gathering at Nizamuddin had also affected States, which have a lower number of cases.

"For example, in Arunachal Pradesh, the one case reported there is related to this event. Similarly, in Assam, 32 out of 35 cases (91 per cent), Andaman &amp; Nicobar`s 10 out of 12 cases are also related to it," he said.

The official said that this revealed that each person needs to follow social distancing and lockdown as per the government`s guidelines.

He had earlier said that India`s overall cure percentage stood currently at 13.85 per cent, taking into account the number of cured people, which stands at 1,992.

According to Aggarwal, a total of 14,378 people have tested positive for the infection so far in the country and 480 deaths have been reported from across the country due to the coronavirus till now.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Union Health Ministry on Saturday said that out of the total 14,378 COVID-19 cases in the country, 4,291 are related to the event held at Markaz, Nizamuddin in the national capital.

The Union Health Ministry on Saturday said that out of the total 14,378 COVID-19 cases in the country, 4,291 are related to the event held at Markaz, Nizamuddin in the national capital. "Out of the total 14,378 positive cases, 4,291 cases, approximately 29.8 per cent, are related to Nizamuddin Markaz cluster from a single source and affected 23 States and Union Territories including Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, among others," Lav Aggarwal, Joint Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Ministry, said here during the daily briefing on COVID-19. "84 per cent cases in Tamil Nadu, 63 per cent cases in Delhi, 79 per cent cases in Telangana, 59 per cent cases in UP and 61 per cent cases in Andhra Pradesh are related to the event," added Aggarwal. He went on to add that the cases related to Tablighi Jamaat`s religious gathering at Nizamuddin had also affected States, which have a lower number of cases. "For example, in Arunachal Pradesh, the one case reported there is related to this event. Similarly, in Assam, 32 out of 35 cases (91 per cent), Andaman & Nicobar`s 10 out of 12 cases are also related to it," he said. The official said that this revealed that each person needs to follow social distancing and lockdown as per the government`s guidelines. He had earlier said that India`s overall cure percentage stood currently at 13.85 per cent, taking into account the number of cured people, which stands at 1,992. According to Aggarwal, a total of 14,378 people have tested positive for the infection so far in the country and 480 deaths have been reported from across the country due to the coronavirus till now.

4,291 of total 14,378 COVID-19 cases related to Nizamuddin Markaz: Health Ministry

The death toll due to coronavirus rose to 437 and the number of cases to 13387 in the country on Friday, according to the Union Health Ministry.

While the number of active COVID-19 cases is 11201 as many as 1749 people have been cured and discharged and one had migrated, it said.

1007 new cases and twenty-three deaths were reported in the last 24 hours, the ministry said in its updated data.

The Health Ministry said in its daily update that Maharastra has the highest death toll -- 194 -- in the country, followed by Madhya Pradesh, where 53 deaths have been reported so far.

"A total of 1,748 patients have been cured and discharged," the Health Ministry said.

Maharashtra remained the worst-hit state with a total number of positive cases rising to 3,205, followed by Delhi at 1,640 cases, Tamil Nadu at 1,267 cases and Rajasthan at 1,131 cases, according to the Health Ministry data.

(With inputs from agencies)

The death toll due to coronavirus rose to 437 and the number of cases to 13387 in the country on Friday, according to the Union Health Ministry. While the number of active COVID-19 cases is 11201 as many as 1749 people have been cured and discharged and one had migrated, it said.

The death toll due to coronavirus rose to 437 and the number of cases to 13387 in the country on Friday, according to the Union Health Ministry. While the number of active COVID-19 cases is 11201 as many as 1749 people have been cured and discharged and one had migrated, it said. 1007 new cases and twenty-three deaths were reported in the last 24 hours, the ministry said in its updated data. The Health Ministry said in its daily update that Maharastra has the highest death toll -- 194 -- in the country, followed by Madhya Pradesh, where 53 deaths have been reported so far. "A total of 1,748 patients have been cured and discharged," the Health Ministry said. Maharashtra remained the worst-hit state with a total number of positive cases rising to 3,205, followed by Delhi at 1,640 cases, Tamil Nadu at 1,267 cases and Rajasthan at 1,131 cases, according to the Health Ministry data. (With inputs from agencies)

India reports 1007 new coronavirus cases, 23 deaths in 24 hours

The total number of coronavirus cases in India has soared to 12,380, and fatalities to 414, according to the Health Ministry data.&nbsp;

The Union health ministry has identified 170 districts as COVID-19 hotspots and 207 districts as potential hotspots.

As India is fighting the COVID-19 crisis with nationwide lockdown, doctors and healthcare workers are working day and night to minimise the damage due to the pandemic with constant checks on the patients, either through phone or video conferencing. 
&nbsp; 
The threat of them catching the coronavirus and infecting their own families also looms large, due to which most of the doctors have given up going homes and have shifted to solitary accommodations.

Worldwide, more than 136,908 people have died from COVID-19 so far and the number of confirmed infections has reached 2,062,485.

(With inputs from agencies)

The total number of coronavirus cases in India has soared to 12,380, and fatalities to 414, according to the Health Ministry data. The Union health ministry has identified 170 districts as COVID-19 hotspots and 207 districts as potential hotspots.

The total number of coronavirus cases in India has soared to 12,380, and fatalities to 414, according to the Health Ministry data. The Union health ministry has identified 170 districts as COVID-19 hotspots and 207 districts as potential hotspots. As India is fighting the COVID-19 crisis with nationwide lockdown, doctors and healthcare workers are working day and night to minimise the damage due to the pandemic with constant checks on the patients, either through phone or video conferencing. The threat of them catching the coronavirus and infecting their own families also looms large, due to which most of the doctors have given up going homes and have shifted to solitary accommodations. Worldwide, more than 136,908 people have died from COVID-19 so far and the number of confirmed infections has reached 2,062,485. (With inputs from agencies)

Death toll due to COVID-19 in India rises to 414; cases climb to 12380

The total number of&nbsp;coronavirus cases in India has gone up to 11,933, said the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Wednesday.

Out of the total tally, 10,197 cases are active while 1,344 patients have been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-to-use-plasma-technique-on-trial-basis-for-covid-19-patients-lt-governor-anil-baijal-292699">cured/discharged and migrated</a>, and 392 people have succumbed to the virus.&nbsp;

According to the ministry, Maharashtra is the worst-affected state with 2,687 cases of which 259 patients have been cured/discharged while 178 patients have lost their lives.

Delhi comes in at the second position with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-reports-117-new-coronavirus-cases-66-from-mumbai-292652">1,561 cases</a> of which 30 patients have recovered while 30 patients have died.

Tamil Nadu is the third state with 1,204 cases of which 81 have recovered and 12 have died due to the deadly virus.

Rajasthan has confirmed 1,005 cases of which 147 people have recovered while 3 patients are dead. Madhya Pradesh reported 987 cases including 64 patients recovered and 53 patients dead, Uttar Pradesh has 735 COVID-19 positive cases. In Kerala, which reported the first COVID-19 case, 387 people have been detected positive for coronavirus.&nbsp;

While Ladakh has confirmed 17 coronavirus cases, 278 people have infected by the virus in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

The total number of coronavirus cases in India has gone up to 11,933, said the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Wednesday. Out of the total tally, 10,197 cases are active while 1,344 patients have been cured/discharged and migrated, and 392 people have succumbed to the virus.

The total number of coronavirus cases in India has gone up to 11,933, said the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Wednesday. Out of the total tally, 10,197 cases are active while 1,344 patients have been cured/discharged and migrated, and 392 people have succumbed to the virus. According to the ministry, Maharashtra is the worst-affected state with 2,687 cases of which 259 patients have been cured/discharged while 178 patients have lost their lives. Delhi comes in at the second position with 1,561 cases of which 30 patients have recovered while 30 patients have died. Tamil Nadu is the third state with 1,204 cases of which 81 have recovered and 12 have died due to the deadly virus. Rajasthan has confirmed 1,005 cases of which 147 people have recovered while 3 patients are dead. Madhya Pradesh reported 987 cases including 64 patients recovered and 53 patients dead, Uttar Pradesh has 735 COVID-19 positive cases. In Kerala, which reported the first COVID-19 case, 387 people have been detected positive for coronavirus. While Ladakh has confirmed 17 coronavirus cases, 278 people have infected by the virus in Jammu and Kashmir. (With inputs from ANI)

11,933 COVID-19 cases in India, 392 deaths: Health ministry 

Watch in this video, Latest updates of Ministry of Health & Ministry of Home Affairs on pandemic Coronavirus (COVID-19), MoH claimed that number of recoveries are increasing.

Latest updates of MoH & MHA on COVID-19: Number of recoveries are increasing

A total of 3374 confirmed COVID-19 cases reported in India till now; an additional 472 new cases reported since yesterday. Total 79 deaths reported; 11 additional deaths have been reported since yesterday. 267 persons have recovered, said Lav Aggarwal, Joint Secretary, Health Ministry

Aggarwal was addressing the media on behalf of the Union Health Ministry on COVID-19 situation in the country.&nbsp;

India's doubling rate at present is 4.1 days but if additional cases reported due to the Tablighi Jamaat event, had not taken place, then the doubling rate would have been 7.4 days, Aggarwal said.

On Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), he said they are imported so there was a shortage initially in the country but govt started taking action in this regard from January.

''We've discussed this with all Health secretaries, chief secretaries and DMs as this is one of the major issues. We've explained to them that PPEs available with us have been already immediately dispatched to the states based on the case-load basis,'' Aggarwal said.&nbsp;

Domestic manufacturers have started the production, India has also started procuring PPEs from the countries where it is available, he added.

According to Aggarwal, 274 districts across the country have been affected due to coronavirus to date.

A total of 3374 confirmed COVID-19 cases reported in India till now; an additional 472 new cases reported since yesterday. Total 79 deaths reported; 11 additional deaths have been reported since yesterday.

A total of 3374 confirmed COVID-19 cases reported in India till now; an additional 472 new cases reported since yesterday. Total 79 deaths reported; 11 additional deaths have been reported since yesterday. 267 persons have recovered, said Lav Aggarwal, Joint Secretary, Health Ministry Aggarwal was addressing the media on behalf of the Union Health Ministry on COVID-19 situation in the country. India's doubling rate at present is 4.1 days but if additional cases reported due to the Tablighi Jamaat event, had not taken place, then the doubling rate would have been 7.4 days, Aggarwal said. On Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), he said they are imported so there was a shortage initially in the country but govt started taking action in this regard from January. ''We've discussed this with all Health secretaries, chief secretaries and DMs as this is one of the major issues. We've explained to them that PPEs available with us have been already immediately dispatched to the states based on the case-load basis,'' Aggarwal said. Domestic manufacturers have started the production, India has also started procuring PPEs from the countries where it is available, he added. According to Aggarwal, 274 districts across the country have been affected due to coronavirus to date.

India's COVID-19 doubling rate now 4.1 days from 7.4 earlier: Health Ministry  

Joint Health Secretary Lav Agarwal on Saturday evening briefs over the recent scenario of Coronavirus cases in India. According to the ministry, 2,902 infected, 68 dead so far of Coronavirus.

'2,902 infected, 68 dead so far of Coronavirus' briefs Health Ministry

Railways is preparing to set up 3.2 lakh isolation&amp;quarantine beds by modifying 20000 coaches, said Lav Agrawal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health, during a media briefing in New Delhi on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Modification of 5000 coaches has begun, he said and added, that lifeline flights have been started to transport essential commodities like testing kits, medicines and masks.

There are 1637 COVID19 cases, including 386 new positive cases since yesterday, he said on the number of COVID-19 cases in the country.

38 people have succumbed to the virus while 132 have recovered.&nbsp;

The number of cases has gone up since yesterday, he said and attributed the reason to travel by members of Tablighi Jamat.

1800 people related to Tablighi Jamaat have been sent to 9 hospitals and quarantine centres, he further said and added that recent rise in cases does not represent a national trend.

Railways is preparing to set up 3.2 lakh isolation&quarantine beds by modifying 20000 coaches, said Lav Agrawal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health, during a media briefing in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Railways is preparing to set up 3.2 lakh isolation&quarantine beds by modifying 20000 coaches, said Lav Agrawal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health, during a media briefing in New Delhi on Wednesday. Modification of 5000 coaches has begun, he said and added, that lifeline flights have been started to transport essential commodities like testing kits, medicines and masks. There are 1637 COVID19 cases, including 386 new positive cases since yesterday, he said on the number of COVID-19 cases in the country. 38 people have succumbed to the virus while 132 have recovered. The number of cases has gone up since yesterday, he said and attributed the reason to travel by members of Tablighi Jamat. 1800 people related to Tablighi Jamaat have been sent to 9 hospitals and quarantine centres, he further said and added that recent rise in cases does not represent a national trend.

Railways preparing to set up 3.2 lakh isolation and quarantine beds: Health Ministry 

The Health Ministry on Tuesday confirms the current stats over Coronavirus in India. '1,251 infected, 32 deaths so far by Coronavirus' briefs Secretary Of Health, Lav Aggarwal. India is currently under a 21 day Lockdown.

'227 new COVID-19 cases in last 24 hours' says Health Secretary Lav Agarwal

Ministry of External Affairs has identified suppliers from South Korea, Turkey and Vietnam for ventilators, Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), said Lav Aggarwal, Joint Secretary, Health Ministry on Tuesday.

Ministry of External Affairs has identified suppliers from South Korea, Turkey and Vietnam for ventilators, Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), said Lav Aggarwal, Joint Secretary, Health Ministry on Tuesday. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare media briefing on COVID-19 situation in the country, Aggarwal said that Ministry of External Affairs has identified suppliers from South Korea, Turkey & Vietnam to increase the availability of logistics items in the country. DRDO is also working with local manufacturers to increase the supply of N95 masks, he added. On complaints of doctors and nurses being asked by landlords to vacate the houses, Agarwal said that the Delhi government has issued an order under Epidemic Disease Act to district magistrates, municipal corporations and police, to look into the matters wherein landowners are forcing doctors and nurses to vacate their property. With respect to the Nizamuddin area incident, he said ''we all need to understand and appreciate that this is not the time to do fault finding. What is important for us is to take action as per our containment process in whatever areas we find a case''. Meanwhile, R Gangakhedkar, Head of Epidemiology and Communicable diseases at Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), said that Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Department of Science & Technology, and Department of Biotechnology will work with Indian Council of Medical Research to further the agenda of the development of a vaccine for COVID-19. On testing for COVID-19 cases in the country, he said that they have tested 42,788 samples, including 4,346 samples that were tested yesterday. It represents 36 per cent of our capacity, he said. He also said that 123 labs have been made functional, 49 private labs have been given permission. Yesterday 399 patients were tested in private labs, Gangakhedkar added.

MEA has identified suppliers from South Korea, Turkey and Vietnam for ventilators, PPE: Health Ministry

'1,251 infected, 32 deaths so far by Coronavirus' confirms Health Ministry

Coronavirus outbreak in India is, technically, still in local transmission stage, and there has been no community transmission so far, the Union Health Ministry clarified on Monday.&nbsp;

99 cases out of the over 1,000 positive coronavirus cases have recovered so far, said Joint Secretary, Health Lav Agarwal.

The Health Ministry urged people to follow dos and don`ts and said early identification of the viral infection is very crucial in fighting the disease.

As many as 1,071 cases have been confirmed for the viral infection with 92 cases coming in the last 24 hours and four deaths.

10 empowered groups have been constituted focusing on medical emergency, hospital management, community mobilisation etc., and emphasised on following social distancing to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

"Most of the positive cases for the coronavirus had a travel history," Agarwal added.

"We should maintain social distancing. Even one person`s carelessness may play a big role in the spreading of the coronavirus," he said.

On the viral video of disinfectant being sprayed on migrant workers, Aggarwal said that some employees took an overzealous step due to ignorance.&nbsp;

Required action has been taken against those employees, he added

Indian Council of Medical Research`s Dr. Raman Gangakhedkar said 38,442 coronavirus test has been done so far and it is still below 30 per cent of its testing capacity.

He added that 47 private labs have conducted 1,334 in three days.

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&nbsp;

Coronavirus outbreak in India is, technically, still in local transmission stage, and there has been no community transmission so far, the Union Health Ministry clarified on Monday.

Coronavirus outbreak in India is, technically, still in local transmission stage, and there has been no community transmission so far, the Union Health Ministry clarified on Monday. 99 cases out of the over 1,000 positive coronavirus cases have recovered so far, said Joint Secretary, Health Lav Agarwal. The Health Ministry urged people to follow dos and don`ts and said early identification of the viral infection is very crucial in fighting the disease. As many as 1,071 cases have been confirmed for the viral infection with 92 cases coming in the last 24 hours and four deaths. 10 empowered groups have been constituted focusing on medical emergency, hospital management, community mobilisation etc., and emphasised on following social distancing to contain the spread of the coronavirus. "Most of the positive cases for the coronavirus had a travel history," Agarwal added. "We should maintain social distancing. Even one person`s carelessness may play a big role in the spreading of the coronavirus," he said. On the viral video of disinfectant being sprayed on migrant workers, Aggarwal said that some employees took an overzealous step due to ignorance. Required action has been taken against those employees, he added Indian Council of Medical Research`s Dr. Raman Gangakhedkar said 38,442 coronavirus test has been done so far and it is still below 30 per cent of its testing capacity. He added that 47 private labs have conducted 1,334 in three days. -

India not at community transmission level, says Health Ministry

Health Ministry briefs media about the current situation of coronavirus in India. Ministry says that the states must ready dedicated hospitals for covid 19.

Health Ministry along with ICMR briefing on Coronavirus updates

COVID-19: Confirmed coronavirus cases in Italy jump 50% in 24 hours | WION News | World News Italian health authorities announced on Sunday that the total number of individuals confirmed to have the coronavirus expanded to 1,694, a 50% jump from the day before.

COVID-19: Confirmed coronavirus cases in Italy jump 50% in 24 hours

Two confirmed cases of coronavirus were reported today from India. One of the patient is from New Delhi while the other one is from Telangana, the ministry of health and family welfare said. It said that both the patients are stable and are being closely monitored.

'19 more labs will be operational in coming days' says Dr Harsh Vardhan | India Coronavirus

Coronavirus Outbreak: Indian Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan briefs media

Coronavirus Outbreak: Two new cases reported from Delhi, Telangana

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held a high-level meeting with the health ministry officials over the deadly coronavirus which has claimed 56 lives so far.&nbsp;

The Indian authorities have stepped up vigilance to control the spread and the Health Ministry has also set up a 24*7 call centre under the National entre for Disease Control (NCDC ). People can call + 91 - 11 - 23978046 to get any information about the mysterious virus and its symptoms.

The Health Ministry has extended its travel advisory to 12 more airports in addition to the 7 airports.&nbsp;

19 Indian airports are now thermal screening all those coming from China, reports said.

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Private doctors have been asked to alert authorities if they observe <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-can-win-the-battle-against-coronavirus-epidemic-presidnet-xi-jinping-276528">symptoms of coronavirus</a> in any of their patients.

And all India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) in Delhi has prepared an isolation ward and separate beds for possible patients.

The Indian embassy in China has set up a hotline for Indians in China. An airport health office number has also been put out for those feeling sick on the return flight.

Meanwhile, &nbsp;in India, seven people have been placed under observation in hospitals in Kerala. Two persons in Mumbai and one person in Hyderabad and Bengaluru are being observed for possible exposure.

These 11 people under observation are among the passengers who returned from China recently and are hospital to check for possible <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-declares-coronavirus-emergency-halts-official-visits-to-mainland-china-276488">exposure to the virus</a>.

Officials have said that 20,844 passengers from 96 flights have been screened so far.

Meanwhile, India has requested China to permit Indians to leave from the city of Wuhan

More than 250 Indian students have been stuck in Wuhan, the epicentre of the outbreak. The families of the students said that they were stranded with food supplies running out.

Most of the students did not manage to get out before the travel restrictions were put in place. The Indian embassy in Beijing has responded to the queries saying that they are in constant contact with the student community in Wuhan city.

There have been no cases of coronavirus reported in India till now.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held a high-level meeting with the health ministry officials over the deadly coronavirus which has claimed 56 lives so far.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held a high-level meeting with the health ministry officials over the deadly coronavirus which has claimed 56 lives so far. The Indian authorities have stepped up vigilance to control the spread and the Health Ministry has also set up a 24*7 call centre under the National entre for Disease Control (NCDC ). People can call + 91 - 11 - 23978046 to get any information about the mysterious virus and its symptoms. The Health Ministry has extended its travel advisory to 12 more airports in addition to the 7 airports. 19 Indian airports are now thermal screening all those coming from China, reports said. × Private doctors have been asked to alert authorities if they observe symptoms of coronavirus in any of their patients. And all India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) in Delhi has prepared an isolation ward and separate beds for possible patients. The Indian embassy in China has set up a hotline for Indians in China. An airport health office number has also been put out for those feeling sick on the return flight. Meanwhile, in India, seven people have been placed under observation in hospitals in Kerala. Two persons in Mumbai and one person in Hyderabad and Bengaluru are being observed for possible exposure. These 11 people under observation are among the passengers who returned from China recently and are hospital to check for possible exposure to the virus. Officials have said that 20,844 passengers from 96 flights have been screened so far. Meanwhile, India has requested China to permit Indians to leave from the city of Wuhan More than 250 Indian students have been stuck in Wuhan, the epicentre of the outbreak. The families of the students said that they were stranded with food supplies running out. Most of the students did not manage to get out before the travel restrictions were put in place. The Indian embassy in Beijing has responded to the queries saying that they are in constant contact with the student community in Wuhan city. There have been no cases of coronavirus reported in India till now.

Indian government on high alert amid looming coronavirus threat

The Indian government has told a court that its federal ban on the sale of electronic cigarettes implies that their use is also prohibited, legal documents seen by Reuters showed, in a further clampdown on the devices.

Citing health risks, India in September banned the import, manufacture, sale, advertisement, storage and distribution of e-cigarettes, dashing future plans of companies such as US-based Juul Labs and Philip Morris International.

India's decision, however, did not ban the use of such devices outright, and a senior Health Ministry official told Reuters after the announcement that e-cigarette use would not be barred.

However, in a November 5 filing in a Kolkata court, where the government is defending two legal challenges against the ban, the ministry said it was "completely baseless" to say only the sale and manufacture of e-cigarettes and vaping devices was barred, and not use.

"The ordinance is aimed at banning the product. Once the import, production, manufacture, distribution and storage of e-cigarettes is prohibited, it is implied that the use of e-cigarettes is also prohibited," said the court filing, which has been reviewed by Reuters and has not been made public.

The Health Ministry official said on Monday the court document was "factually correct", without giving further details due to the court proceedings.

The official added the authorities would not take action against the "personal use" of e-cigarettes.

The filing, however, has unnerved users, who argue against the ban and say they fear police action if they continue using the devices.

"This filing goes against the Health Ministry's announcements that personal use is not banned," said Samrat Chowdhery of Association of Vapers India. He added India should add a clause to its ban order to exclude personal use.

India banned the sale of e-cigarettes as it fears they could lead to increased nicotine addiction. Advocates for e-cigarettes say vaping is far less harmful than smoking tobacco.

India's 106 million adult smokers, second only to China, make it an attractive market for companies such as Juul, which had plans to launch its device in the country.

"As Juul, an e-cigarette giant, was entering India and would flood the Indian markets (the ban order) became all the more imminent and necessary," the Health Ministry said in one of its court filings.

The Indian government has told a court that its federal ban on the sale of electronic cigarettes implies that their use is also prohibited, legal documents seen by Reuters showed, in a further clampdown on the devices.

The Indian government has told a court that its federal ban on the sale of electronic cigarettes implies that their use is also prohibited, legal documents seen by Reuters showed, in a further clampdown on the devices. Citing health risks, India in September banned the import, manufacture, sale, advertisement, storage and distribution of e-cigarettes, dashing future plans of companies such as US-based Juul Labs and Philip Morris International. India's decision, however, did not ban the use of such devices outright, and a senior Health Ministry official told Reuters after the announcement that e-cigarette use would not be barred. However, in a November 5 filing in a Kolkata court, where the government is defending two legal challenges against the ban, the ministry said it was "completely baseless" to say only the sale and manufacture of e-cigarettes and vaping devices was barred, and not use. "The ordinance is aimed at banning the product. Once the import, production, manufacture, distribution and storage of e-cigarettes is prohibited, it is implied that the use of e-cigarettes is also prohibited," said the court filing, which has been reviewed by Reuters and has not been made public. The Health Ministry official said on Monday the court document was "factually correct", without giving further details due to the court proceedings. The official added the authorities would not take action against the "personal use" of e-cigarettes. The filing, however, has unnerved users, who argue against the ban and say they fear police action if they continue using the devices. "This filing goes against the Health Ministry's announcements that personal use is not banned," said Samrat Chowdhery of Association of Vapers India. He added India should add a clause to its ban order to exclude personal use. India banned the sale of e-cigarettes as it fears they could lead to increased nicotine addiction. Advocates for e-cigarettes say vaping is far less harmful than smoking tobacco. India's 106 million adult smokers, second only to China, make it an attractive market for companies such as Juul, which had plans to launch its device in the country. "As Juul, an e-cigarette giant, was entering India and would flood the Indian markets (the ban order) became all the more imminent and necessary," the Health Ministry said in one of its court filings.

India says e-cigarette ban implies use of devices also prohibited

Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has finalised 25 members of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-medical-association-calls-for-aggressive-public-campaign-on-national-medical-commission-bill-241445">National Medical Commission (NMC)</a>, which will replace the Medical Council of India (MCI).

A draw of lots took place on Monday for selecting the members of NMC which include ten Vice-Chancellors (VCs) from different states, nine members from the State Medical Councils (SMCs) and four part-time members from the autonomous boards.

The exercise took place in the presence of Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Ashwini Kumar Chowbey, in which 10 VCs were chosen from Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Gujarat, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Dagar and Nagar Haveli, Punjab, and Haryana.

Similarly, nine representatives from various SMCs have been selected from Uttar Pradesh, Sikkim, Kerala, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, and Manipur.

In the third segment of the draw of lots, four members from the autonomous boards -&nbsp;Undergraduate (UG), Post Graduate (PG), Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) and Ethics and Registration Board - were chosen. These members got selected from Tripura, Jammu and Kashmir, Nagaland, and Madhya Pradesh, who will serve as part-time members.

Out of nine selected members from SMCs, one member has to be a part of the Search Committee, which will be headed by the Cabinet Secretary. In the process of the draw of lots, selected members from Uttarakhand SMC was picked up for a member of the Search Committee.

Other NMC members include one senior officer of Additional Secretary rank, one Director from any AIIMS and any two directors would be selected from the PGIMER, Chandigarh, JIGMER, Puducherry, Tata Memorial Hospital, North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS), Shillong and All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health (AIIHPH), Kolkata.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/health-minister-harsh-vardhan-urges-doctors-to-join-work-says-national-medical-commission-bill-in-their-interest-240182">Appreciating the quick work&nbsp;for the commissioning of NMC within nine months</a>, Dr Harsh Vardhan told ANI,&nbsp;"NMC is going to be the biggest and historic reform in the medical education sector. It will reduce the burden on students, ensure probity in medical education, bring down costs of medical education, help to enhance the number of medical seats in India, ensure quality education, and better healthcare quality."

"The deadline to set up the NMC was within nine months, but our Health Ministry is going to do it within six months," he added.

"Now that we have finalised ten VCs and nine&nbsp;representatives from SMCs, DGHS and DG-ICMR would be part of the NMC as ex-officio members. Till today, 25 members have finally been chosen for the NMC out of a total of 33 members," said a senior official at Health Ministry.

"The other eight members include Chairperson, President of four autonomous medical boards and three non-medical experts. These members will also be elected soon," said the officer.

Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has finalised 25 members of the National Medical Commission (NMC), which will replace the Medical Council of India (MCI).

Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has finalised 25 members of the National Medical Commission (NMC), which will replace the Medical Council of India (MCI). A draw of lots took place on Monday for selecting the members of NMC which include ten Vice-Chancellors (VCs) from different states, nine members from the State Medical Councils (SMCs) and four part-time members from the autonomous boards. The exercise took place in the presence of Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Ashwini Kumar Chowbey, in which 10 VCs were chosen from Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Gujarat, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Dagar and Nagar Haveli, Punjab, and Haryana. Similarly, nine representatives from various SMCs have been selected from Uttar Pradesh, Sikkim, Kerala, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, and Manipur. In the third segment of the draw of lots, four members from the autonomous boards - Undergraduate (UG), Post Graduate (PG), Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) and Ethics and Registration Board - were chosen. These members got selected from Tripura, Jammu and Kashmir, Nagaland, and Madhya Pradesh, who will serve as part-time members. Out of nine selected members from SMCs, one member has to be a part of the Search Committee, which will be headed by the Cabinet Secretary. In the process of the draw of lots, selected members from Uttarakhand SMC was picked up for a member of the Search Committee. Other NMC members include one senior officer of Additional Secretary rank, one Director from any AIIMS and any two directors would be selected from the PGIMER, Chandigarh, JIGMER, Puducherry, Tata Memorial Hospital, North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS), Shillong and All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health (AIIHPH), Kolkata. Appreciating the quick work for the commissioning of NMC within nine months, Dr Harsh Vardhan told ANI, "NMC is going to be the biggest and historic reform in the medical education sector. It will reduce the burden on students, ensure probity in medical education, bring down costs of medical education, help to enhance the number of medical seats in India, ensure quality education, and better healthcare quality." "The deadline to set up the NMC was within nine months, but our Health Ministry is going to do it within six months," he added. "Now that we have finalised ten VCs and nine representatives from SMCs, DGHS and DG-ICMR would be part of the NMC as ex-officio members. Till today, 25 members have finally been chosen for the NMC out of a total of 33 members," said a senior official at Health Ministry. "The other eight members include Chairperson, President of four autonomous medical boards and three non-medical experts. These members will also be elected soon," said the officer.

Health Ministry has finalised 25 members of National Medical Commission

A midnight explosion following a car crash outside a hospital in central Cairo has left 20 people dead and 47 injured, the health and interior ministries said on Monday.

The intensity of the blast at the city's main cancer hospital raised fears of an attack, but officials said it was the result of a car accident.

Reuters video of the aftermath showed considerable damage to the front of the hospital, with an entrance wrecked and rubble-strewn over the pavement. Victims' belongings were scattered among the debris.

The blast occurred when a car driving against traffic on Cairo's Nile corniche road collided with three other cars, the interior ministry said in a statement.

It triggered a blaze that forced the partial evacuation of the National Cancer Institute, the health ministry said.

One local resident, who gave her name as Salwa, said bodies had been fused together by the explosion and it was hard to believe it was the result of a car crash.

"There was a sound of an extremely loud blast. It was no way two cars crashing. The car must have been rigged with explosives," she told Reuters Television.

Another witness, who declined to give his name, said the car's driver ran away before it exploded.

Later in the morning, investigators scoured the scene amid a heavy police presence.

Egypt's public prosecutor is investigating the incident, sources told Reuters.

Egyptian security forces are waging a counterinsurgency campaign against Islamist militants, some with links to Islamic State, that is focused in the north of the Sinai Peninsula.

Attacks outside Sinai have become relatively rare, although there have been several security incidents in recent months in Giza, across the Nile from central Cairo.

In May, an explosion targeting a tourist bus injured at least 12 people, mostly South African tourists, near the Giza pyramids. In December, three Vietnamese tourists and an Egyptian guide were killed, and at least 10 others injured when a roadside bomb hit their tour bus near the pyramids.

A midnight explosion following a car crash outside a hospital in central Cairo has left 20 people dead and 47 injured, the health and interior ministries said on Monday.

A midnight explosion following a car crash outside a hospital in central Cairo has left 20 people dead and 47 injured, the health and interior ministries said on Monday. The intensity of the blast at the city's main cancer hospital raised fears of an attack, but officials said it was the result of a car accident. Reuters video of the aftermath showed considerable damage to the front of the hospital, with an entrance wrecked and rubble-strewn over the pavement. Victims' belongings were scattered among the debris. The blast occurred when a car driving against traffic on Cairo's Nile corniche road collided with three other cars, the interior ministry said in a statement. It triggered a blaze that forced the partial evacuation of the National Cancer Institute, the health ministry said. One local resident, who gave her name as Salwa, said bodies had been fused together by the explosion and it was hard to believe it was the result of a car crash. "There was a sound of an extremely loud blast. It was no way two cars crashing. The car must have been rigged with explosives," she told Reuters Television. Another witness, who declined to give his name, said the car's driver ran away before it exploded. Later in the morning, investigators scoured the scene amid a heavy police presence. Egypt's public prosecutor is investigating the incident, sources told Reuters. Egyptian security forces are waging a counterinsurgency campaign against Islamist militants, some with links to Islamic State, that is focused in the north of the Sinai Peninsula. Attacks outside Sinai have become relatively rare, although there have been several security incidents in recent months in Giza, across the Nile from central Cairo. In May, an explosion targeting a tourist bus injured at least 12 people, mostly South African tourists, near the Giza pyramids. In December, three Vietnamese tourists and an Egyptian guide were killed, and at least 10 others injured when a roadside bomb hit their tour bus near the pyramids.

20 dead, 47 injured in car explosion in Cairo: Egypt Health Ministry

A Congolese woman who may have spread the deadly <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/who-declares-ebola-outbreak-is-international-health-emergency-but-not-global-threat-236767&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwilocmK_8DjAhWK63MBHc44BcIQFjAAegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw36jBRmQSlTHNt370njuF1s">Ebola virus</a> in Uganda did not go to Rwanda or the Congolese city of Goma while contagious, the World Health Organization said on Friday.

On Thursday, a report written by Uganda's Health Ministry and published by the WHO's Africa office had said the woman, a fishmonger, was suspected of going to Goma and Rwanda as well as Uganda before she died.

That raised fears of the outbreak spreading in Rwanda, which has never had a recorded case of Ebola.

But the WHO later withdrew the report and shut down the website where the daily updates were being posted, saying some of the information had not been verified.

"We have investigated fully, and there was no travel to anywhere but Uganda," WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris said, adding that inaccurate conjecture had unfortunately found its way into the reports.

Health workers have mounted a massive campaign of vigilance and vaccination on key routes and borders in the region, and have screened almost 75 million people since the outbreak was declared 11 months ago. It has killed more than 1,700 people.

The 22-year-old woman was thought to have crossed the border between Uganda and Congo at an unmonitored crossing point, the deleted reports said. Harris said there no chance she had also slipped into Rwanda without being spotted.

"We are absolutely certain," she said. "Our team... went across and talked to everybody and tracked it day-by-day. Now in her life, she may have gone to Rwanda... but the important thing is she did not spend any time in Rwanda while symptomatic."

It was extraordinary that a woman with end-stage Ebola had managed to cross the border and sell fish for a day, she added.

A lot of people at potential risk were now being followed up and people were being vaccinated on both sides of the border, Harris said. But it would take several days before it became clear if the woman, who vomited several times at a market, had infected anyone.

Other details in the withdrawn reports were also unverified, including information about a second Congolese Ebola patient travelling to the same market, and about a group of Ugandan health workers who may have been exposed to Ebola.

A Congolese woman who may have spread the deadly Ebola virus in Uganda did not go to Rwanda or the Congolese city of Goma while contagious, the World Health Organization said on Friday.

A Congolese woman who may have spread the deadly Ebola virus in Uganda did not go to Rwanda or the Congolese city of Goma while contagious, the World Health Organization said on Friday. On Thursday, a report written by Uganda's Health Ministry and published by the WHO's Africa office had said the woman, a fishmonger, was suspected of going to Goma and Rwanda as well as Uganda before she died. That raised fears of the outbreak spreading in Rwanda, which has never had a recorded case of Ebola. But the WHO later withdrew the report and shut down the website where the daily updates were being posted, saying some of the information had not been verified. "We have investigated fully, and there was no travel to anywhere but Uganda," WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris said, adding that inaccurate conjecture had unfortunately found its way into the reports. Health workers have mounted a massive campaign of vigilance and vaccination on key routes and borders in the region, and have screened almost 75 million people since the outbreak was declared 11 months ago. It has killed more than 1,700 people. The 22-year-old woman was thought to have crossed the border between Uganda and Congo at an unmonitored crossing point, the deleted reports said. Harris said there no chance she had also slipped into Rwanda without being spotted. "We are absolutely certain," she said. "Our team... went across and talked to everybody and tracked it day-by-day. Now in her life, she may have gone to Rwanda... but the important thing is she did not spend any time in Rwanda while symptomatic." It was extraordinary that a woman with end-stage Ebola had managed to cross the border and sell fish for a day, she added. A lot of people at potential risk were now being followed up and people were being vaccinated on both sides of the border, Harris said. But it would take several days before it became clear if the woman, who vomited several times at a market, had infected anyone. Other details in the withdrawn reports were also unverified, including information about a second Congolese Ebola patient travelling to the same market, and about a group of Ugandan health workers who may have been exposed to Ebola.

Investigators conclude Ebola victim did not enter Rwanda: World Health Organisation

Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey on Saturday said the state government is doing its best to save children, as the death toll due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/encephalitis-death-toll-rises-to-66-in-muzaffarpur-130-hospitalised-227265">Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Muzaffarpur</a> mounted to 73.

Speaking to ANI, Pandey said doctors and nurses are being called in from Patna for additional help.

"We are trying everything and anything that can save children`s lives. Everything is being made available from medicines to doctors. We have even called doctors and nurses from AIIMS in Patna," he said.

"There is a protocol regarding what kind of medicines and facilities should be given and we are doing the same. We are monitoring things regularly and trying to save our children."

Recalling the situation that prevailed five years ago, Pandey said a team that was formed to ascertain the cause of this disease concluded that sleeping empty stomach at night, dehydration due to humidity and eating lychee on empty stomach were some of the causes of Encephalitis.

"Our government has tried to spread awareness which will be beneficial as well. Advertisement in newspapers, radio jingles, pamphlets and mic announcements are going to spread awareness regarding the disease. Health ministry is also working on it," he said.

On being asked about spread of ASE in Gorakhpur last year, he said, "From Gorakhpur to Muzaffarpur region, this disease had spread last year and the Union government had worked on this and we will continue to fight it now."

"This incident in Muzaffarpur is very saddening and we also feel bad when children of our nation die like this. Not the whole district is affected but a large part is suffering from it," he added.

Meanwhile, Minister of State for Union Ministry for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, visited Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital here to review the situation after the outbreak of AES.

Encephalitis is a viral disease, which causes mild flu-like symptoms such as high fever, convulsions and headaches and has been claiming lives in the district for the past few weeks.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey on Saturday said the state government is doing its best to save children, as the death toll due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Muzaffarpur mounted to 73.

Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey on Saturday said the state government is doing its best to save children, as the death toll due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Muzaffarpur mounted to 73. Speaking to ANI, Pandey said doctors and nurses are being called in from Patna for additional help. "We are trying everything and anything that can save children`s lives. Everything is being made available from medicines to doctors. We have even called doctors and nurses from AIIMS in Patna," he said. "There is a protocol regarding what kind of medicines and facilities should be given and we are doing the same. We are monitoring things regularly and trying to save our children." Recalling the situation that prevailed five years ago, Pandey said a team that was formed to ascertain the cause of this disease concluded that sleeping empty stomach at night, dehydration due to humidity and eating lychee on empty stomach were some of the causes of Encephalitis. "Our government has tried to spread awareness which will be beneficial as well. Advertisement in newspapers, radio jingles, pamphlets and mic announcements are going to spread awareness regarding the disease. Health ministry is also working on it," he said. On being asked about spread of ASE in Gorakhpur last year, he said, "From Gorakhpur to Muzaffarpur region, this disease had spread last year and the Union government had worked on this and we will continue to fight it now." "This incident in Muzaffarpur is very saddening and we also feel bad when children of our nation die like this. Not the whole district is affected but a large part is suffering from it," he added. Meanwhile, Minister of State for Union Ministry for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, visited Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital here to review the situation after the outbreak of AES. Encephalitis is a viral disease, which causes mild flu-like symptoms such as high fever, convulsions and headaches and has been claiming lives in the district for the past few weeks.

Encephalitis claims 73 lives in Bihar, Health Ministry assures assistance

In the wake of a suspected case of Nipah virus infection at a private hospital in Kochi, a high-level committee has decided to strengthen preventive measures, even as confirmation is awaited from the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune.

As Nipah strikes again in Kerala, state to strengthen preventive measures

Outpatient department services at private hospitals were affected across the country&nbsp;after the Indian Medical Association called a 12-hour strike on Tuesday against the National Medical Commission bill.

The bill, which is expected to come up for discussion in the Rajya Sabha today, enables the government to replace the Medical Council of India (MCI).

The IMA, which has nearly 300,000 members, dubbed the bill as anti-people and anti-patient.&nbsp;

The association warned that the bill would cripple the functioning of medical professionals by making them completely answerable to the bureaucracy and non-medical administrators.

The health ministry had issued an advisory to medical institutions to ensure that all steps were taken to provide emergency services to the masses.

Although emergency services at government hospitals were not affected, doctors wore black bands as a mark of protest.

In Tamil Nadu, government doctors also boycotted OPD services in protest.&nbsp;

The bill also allows private colleges to decide fees&nbsp;for 60 per cent of seats, which currently stands at 15 per cent.&nbsp;

The IMA was protesting against the National Medical Commission Bill

Outpatient department services at private hospitals were affected across the country after the Indian Medical Association called a 12-hour strike on Tuesday against the National Medical Commission bill. The bill, which is expected to come up for discussion in the Rajya Sabha today, enables the government to replace the Medical Council of India (MCI). The IMA, which has nearly 300,000 members, dubbed the bill as anti-people and anti-patient. The association warned that the bill would cripple the functioning of medical professionals by making them completely answerable to the bureaucracy and non-medical administrators. The health ministry had issued an advisory to medical institutions to ensure that all steps were taken to provide emergency services to the masses. Although emergency services at government hospitals were not affected, doctors wore black bands as a mark of protest. In Tamil Nadu, government doctors also boycotted OPD services in protest. The bill also allows private colleges to decide fees for 60 per cent of seats, which currently stands at 15 per cent.

OPD services across India suspended after IMA calls 12-hour-strike, patients suffer

The drug-pricing regulator, National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), asked the health ministry to add four more medical devices to a list of equipment for price control in order to bring their prices down, Reuters reported.

On February 14, the medical regulator had capped the prices of coronary stents used in cardiac surgery. The move provided a huge relief to those who have to undergo cardiac surgery.

The union health ministry had included the coronary stents under the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM).

Drugs and medical equipment which are included in the list have to be sold at the prices decided by the NPPA.

The NPPA had said that it did not plan any further measures but in a letter sent to the union health ministry seen by Reuters, NPPA Chairman Bhupendra Singh said the essential medicines list should also include balloons, cardiac catheters, and covered as well as peripheral stents, &quot;as soon as possible&quot;, Reuters reported.

According to Singh, hospitals charged more for these devices, which are used in heart surgeries, in order to compensate for lower stent prices.&nbsp;

&quot;It has been found that after the price control of cardiac stents several hospitals have increased the various &#39;procedure charges&#39; in order to compensate for their losses,&quot; Singh said in the letter, without elaborating on how the discovery was made.

&quot;In some cases the cost of balloons and catheters have been charged at (a) much higher level than the cost of (the) stent itself,&quot; he wrote.

After the February decision to include coronary stents in the price control list, Medtronic and Abbott Laboratories tried to withdraw their stents but the proposal was rejected.

Boston Scientific Corp asked for a revision of price cap but that request was turned down by a government panel, Reuters said.

Medical devices industry had objected to the decision saying the move will affect innovation and hamper investment.

(WION with inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

In February, the government capped the prices of coronary stents used in cardiac surgeries

The drug-pricing regulator, National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), asked the health ministry to add four more medical devices to a list of equipment for price control in order to bring their prices down, Reuters reported. On February 14, the medical regulator had capped the prices of coronary stents used in cardiac surgery. The move provided a huge relief to those who have to undergo cardiac surgery. The union health ministry had included the coronary stents under the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM). Drugs and medical equipment which are included in the list have to be sold at the prices decided by the NPPA. The NPPA had said that it did not plan any further measures but in a letter sent to the union health ministry seen by Reuters, NPPA Chairman Bhupendra Singh said the essential medicines list should also include balloons, cardiac catheters, and covered as well as peripheral stents, "as soon as possible", Reuters reported. According to Singh, hospitals charged more for these devices, which are used in heart surgeries, in order to compensate for lower stent prices. "It has been found that after the price control of cardiac stents several hospitals have increased the various 'procedure charges' in order to compensate for their losses," Singh said in the letter, without elaborating on how the discovery was made. "In some cases the cost of balloons and catheters have been charged at (a) much higher level than the cost of (the) stent itself," he wrote. After the February decision to include coronary stents in the price control list, Medtronic and Abbott Laboratories tried to withdraw their stents but the proposal was rejected. Boston Scientific Corp asked for a revision of price cap but that request was turned down by a government panel, Reuters said. Medical devices industry had objected to the decision saying the move will affect innovation and hamper investment. (WION with inputs from Reuters)

India's drug price regulator wants 4 more devices to be included in price control list: Report

Indonesia today began re-inoculating children who received fake vaccines in a major drug counterfeiting scandal that has sparked protests from concerned parents. 
 
President Joko Widodo attended a health clinic in Jakarta at which 36 children were given fresh booster vaccines, vowing the process would continue until all youngsters affected had received new shots. 
 
The health ministry said the first stage of re-inoculation would take place at four hospitals and clinics on the main island of Java where children had been identified as having received fake vaccines. 
 
Police last month smashed a criminal syndicate accused of selling fake vaccines for more than a decade to health clinics across Indonesia, a vast archipelago of 255 million people. 
 
Twenty-three people, including midwives and doctors, have been arrested for alleged involvement in the scheme and vaccines have been confiscated from dozens of health centres across the country. 
 
One of the midwives at the clinic visited by Widodo on Monday is suspected of involvement in the scam, the president said. 
 
The scandal sparked panic and anger among Indonesian families, who last week rallied outside hospitals demanding answers about their children&#39;s health. 
 
Widodo urged concerned parents to remain calm and give authorities time as they assess the scale of the problem, suggesting reforms could be needed in future to protect the community. 
 
&quot;This gives us all momentum to improve governance around the pharmaceutical industry regarding the manufacture and distribution of medicines, including vaccines,&quot; Widodo told reporters. 
 
&quot;Our goal is for the entire community to receive good health care.&quot; 
 
The syndicate, which police said operated for more than a decade, manufactured and distributed fake boosters for diseases including tuberculosis, hepatitis B and tetanus. 
 
The scandal was brought to light after a major pharmaceutical company alerted Indonesian authorities that some of its products had been counterfeited. 
 
(AFP)

The first stage would take place at four Java hospitals and clinics, where children had received fake vaccines

Indonesia today began re-inoculating children who received fake vaccines in a major drug counterfeiting scandal that has sparked protests from concerned parents. President Joko Widodo attended a health clinic in Jakarta at which 36 children were given fresh booster vaccines, vowing the process would continue until all youngsters affected had received new shots. The health ministry said the first stage of re-inoculation would take place at four hospitals and clinics on the main island of Java where children had been identified as having received fake vaccines. Police last month smashed a criminal syndicate accused of selling fake vaccines for more than a decade to health clinics across Indonesia, a vast archipelago of 255 million people. Twenty-three people, including midwives and doctors, have been arrested for alleged involvement in the scheme and vaccines have been confiscated from dozens of health centres across the country. One of the midwives at the clinic visited by Widodo on Monday is suspected of involvement in the scam, the president said. The scandal sparked panic and anger among Indonesian families, who last week rallied outside hospitals demanding answers about their children's health. Widodo urged concerned parents to remain calm and give authorities time as they assess the scale of the problem, suggesting reforms could be needed in future to protect the community. "This gives us all momentum to improve governance around the pharmaceutical industry regarding the manufacture and distribution of medicines, including vaccines," Widodo told reporters. "Our goal is for the entire community to receive good health care." The syndicate, which police said operated for more than a decade, manufactured and distributed fake boosters for diseases including tuberculosis, hepatitis B and tetanus. The scandal was brought to light after a major pharmaceutical company alerted Indonesian authorities that some of its products had been counterfeited. (AFP)

Indonesia re-vaccinates children amid fake drug scandal

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