The trajectory of India's development in health and well-being from 1947 to 2023&nbsp;showcases a remarkable evolution. The nation's endeavours to tackle some of the deadliest diseases and enhance the quality of life for its citizens reflect a story of transformation and growth.

<h2>A triumph in death rate reduction</h2>

One of the most remarkable accomplishments India has achieved post-independence is the substantial reduction in death rate. In 1947, the average life expectancy for an Indian citizen was a mere 32 years.

Fast forward to 2023, and this figure has risen significantly to an impressive 70.19 years. This transformation, endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO), underscores the progress in human development.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india76-the-effect-of-jay-prakash-narayan-movement-623859">India Independence: The effect of Jay Prakash Narayan movement on the nation</a>

<h2>Infant mortality and child health: A striking improvement</h2>

The United Nations’ data sheds light on India's commendable strides in child health. The infant mortality rate, which stood at 145.6 per 1000 live births in 1947, has seen a remarkable improvement and dropped to 27.695 per 1000 live births in 2023. This splendid improvement underscores the nation’s commitment to ensuring a healthier start for its youngest citizens.

<h2>National initiatives and disease eradication</h2>

India's post-independence journey has been punctuated by the initiation of numerous national-level campaigns aimed at combatting various diseases. From AIDS to tuberculosis and malaria, the Indian government has championed initiatives that have not only saved lives but also demonstrated the nation's proactive approach to public health challenges.

Also watch |&nbsp;Kerala to be renamed Keralam: Why is Indian state govt making this move?

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<h2>Empowering health through national schemes</h2>

The launch of transformative schemes such as the National Health Mission and the National Rural Health Mission has bolstered India’s commitment to enhancing child and maternal health. These initiatives have played a pivotal role in ensuring accessible healthcare services and reducing health disparities across different regions of the country.

India's progress in the field of medical education is another testament to its journey of transformation. There were mere 28 medical colleges in the 1950s but the current count of 612 medical colleges speaks volumes about the nation's dedication to nurturing a skilled healthcare workforce.

India's evolution in the realm of health and development over the years serves as an inspiring example for developing nations across the globe.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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The trajectory of India's development in health and well-being from 1947 to 2023 showcases a remarkable evolution. The nation's endeavours to tackle some of the deadliest diseases and enhance the quality of life for its citizens reflect a story of transformation and growth.

The trajectory of India's development in health and well-being from 1947 to 2023 showcases a remarkable evolution. The nation's endeavours to tackle some of the deadliest diseases and enhance the quality of life for its citizens reflect a story of transformation and growth. A triumph in death rate reduction One of the most remarkable accomplishments India has achieved post-independence is the substantial reduction in death rate. In 1947, the average life expectancy for an Indian citizen was a mere 32 years. Fast forward to 2023, and this figure has risen significantly to an impressive 70.19 years. This transformation, endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO), underscores the progress in human development. Also read | India Independence: The effect of Jay Prakash Narayan movement on the nation Infant mortality and child health: A striking improvement The United Nations’ data sheds light on India's commendable strides in child health. The infant mortality rate, which stood at 145.6 per 1000 live births in 1947, has seen a remarkable improvement and dropped to 27.695 per 1000 live births in 2023. This splendid improvement underscores the nation’s commitment to ensuring a healthier start for its youngest citizens. National initiatives and disease eradication India's post-independence journey has been punctuated by the initiation of numerous national-level campaigns aimed at combatting various diseases. From AIDS to tuberculosis and malaria, the Indian government has championed initiatives that have not only saved lives but also demonstrated the nation's proactive approach to public health challenges. Also watch | Kerala to be renamed Keralam: Why is Indian state govt making this move? Empowering health through national schemes The launch of transformative schemes such as the National Health Mission and the National Rural Health Mission has bolstered India’s commitment to enhancing child and maternal health. These initiatives have played a pivotal role in ensuring accessible healthcare services and reducing health disparities across different regions of the country. India's progress in the field of medical education is another testament to its journey of transformation. There were mere 28 medical colleges in the 1950s but the current count of 612 medical colleges speaks volumes about the nation's dedication to nurturing a skilled healthcare workforce. India's evolution in the realm of health and development over the years serves as an inspiring example for developing nations across the globe. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India Independence | Evolution in health and development: A journey from 1947 to 2023

When you're not feeling very well you would most probably pay your doctor a visit. But what if your doctor is not a person but a technology? Artificial Intelligence has transformed the healthcare industry in many ways from screening to diagnosing. AI has reshaped the medical industry, but will you trust AI to be your doctor? As per statistics in 2022 the International Medical AI Market was valued at more than four billion dollars it is expected to grow by nearly a quarter annually over the next decade.

Should the AI doctor see you now?

Unable to afford modern medicine, many Iraqis are now turning towards natural remedies. They are taking these herb mixes for skin ailments to lifestyle diseases. Experts have cautioned over the trend, say their continuous use may cause more harm than good.

Iraqis forced the herbal medication way amid economic woes

Google recently launched its cutting-edge AI technology in health care making it possible to predict cardiovascular events by analysing eye scans. This breakthrough indicates a potential shift away from diagnostic techniques such as CT scans and MRIs.&nbsp; 
A few possible use cases of AI in healthcare are enhanced medical imaging and diagnostics, personalised treatment and precision medicine, accelerated drug discovery and development and telemedicine and remote patient monitoring. With AI's potential to revolutionise healthcare, it is imperative to examine not only the opportunities it presents but also the ethical, legal, and regulatory challenges that accompany its implementation.&nbsp; 
 
The problem 
 
While the integration of AI in healthcare holds tremendous promise, it also presents several challenges that need to be addressed for its successful implementation. Data security and ethics are number one on the list.&nbsp; 
 
The integration of AI, with its capacity to process vast amounts of personal health information, raises questions of patient privacy, consent, and data security. For example, the recently announced Google AI that can catch heart diseases by simply examining retinal scans used a medical dataset consisting of almost 300,000 patients in order to train their cardiovascular prediction algorithm research collaboration with a hospital located in Tamil Nadu. There are several ethical and regulatory questions in such use cases. Did the patients consent for their retinal data to be recorded and fed into an algorithm? Since retinal data is biometric, was their consent taken to store such sensitive biometric data? Was the AI designed ethically? 
 
What does the law say? 
 
Data security 
Under various data protection regimes globally such as EU’s GDPR or California’s (USA) CCPA, data is broadly divided into two categories: 
1.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Personal Data 
2.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Sensitive Personal Data (SPD) 
 
Data such as health records, sexual orientation, biometric data, genetic data, and political opinion, comes under the ambit of SPD which is regulated heavily in most international jurisdictions. Therefore, health data used to train an AI will undoubtedly qualify as SPD. The GDPR imposes strict requirements for the processing of SPD. It generally prohibits the processing of such data unless specific conditions, such as explicit consent or legal obligations, are met. The GDPR sets forth two levels of administrative fines on organisations: 
 
1.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Up to €10 million or 2% of the global annual turnover of the preceding financial year, whichever is higher.&nbsp; 
2.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Up to €20 million or 4% of the global annual turnover of the preceding financial year, whichever is higher.

India too recognises health data as SPD. However, in a world where the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has established global benchmarks for data protection, these rules alone fall short of meeting the required standards or imposing reasonable penalties.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/research-suggests-ai-can-predict-political-views-based-on-facial-analysis-raising-privacy-concerns-607232">ALSO READ| Research suggests AI can predict political views based on facial analysis, raising privacy concerns</a> 
 
The United States regulates Protected Health Information (PHI) with a specific act known as Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This law sets standards and rules for the protection of sensitive health information and ensures the privacy and security of individuals' PHI by healthcare professionals. The penalties for violation may go as high as 50,000 dollars per violation. 
&nbsp; 
So how does one train an AI with health data and how does one regulate it?&nbsp;One way is data aggregation which involves combining and anonymising health data from many people to create bigger datasets, making it difficult to identify specific individuals. Another is, data de-identification techniques, such as removing or encrypting personal information like names and addresses to prevent direct identification or using methods like replacing identifiers with pseudonyms or unique tokens before this data is entered into the AI database. 
 
The GDPR does not explicitly define anonymisation, but it acknowledges that anonymised data is outside the regulation's scope.&nbsp; 
 
India’s dream Digital Data Protection Bill (equivalent to EU’s GDPR) still is in limbo. The government has been engaging in a legislative dance, volleying the draft bill back and forth in revisions. If left unregulated any longer, practically, our most intimate health data can be accessible to large corporations without our consent or control. 
 
AI bias 
As patients entrust their well-being to AI systems, safeguards must be in place to prevent defective diagnoses and biased algorithms. For example, if a military health data source is utilised, the AI model is likely to generate limited insights about the female population due to the predominant representation of male service members. If left unchecked, AI systems can inherit and amplify the biases present in the data they are trained on. Biased algorithms in healthcare may lead to unequal access to treatments or misdiagnoses for certain populations, perpetuating inequities in care. 
 
In an actual case of UnitedHealth Group's Optum division in the US, by solely relying on past spending data without considering broader societal factors, the algorithm falsely equated the severity of illness for black patients with healthier white patients. As a result, the algorithm significantly underestimated the number of black patients in need of additional care, ultimately depriving them of necessary support. 
 
The European Union (EU) parliament members approved the world’s first Artificial Intelligence Act (EU AI Act) on June 14, 2023, which, if implemented, would be among the pioneering regulations introduced by a significant regulatory body to govern the field of AI. Article 6 of the EU AI Act read with Annexure II , categorises medical devices as ‘high risk’ which means high-risk AIs will be subjected to rigorous risk assessments and authoritative oversight. This act establishes obligations for both providers and users of high-risk AI systems, thereby subjecting hospitals and clinics utilising such AI devices to scrutiny.&nbsp; 
 
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration(FDA) has proposed a comprehensive five-year action plan aimed at regulating AI in healthcare . The plan includes the establishment of a regulatory framework for Software as a Medical Device (SaMD), guidelines for good machine learning practices, transparency requirements for users and patients, regulation of algorithm bias and robustness, and evaluation of real-world performance. As per the plan, the FDA will collaborate with research partners to develop methods for identifying, evaluating, and mitigating bias in AI/ML algorithms. 
 
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has also released a guiding document titled "The Ethical Guidelines for Application of AI in Biomedical Research and Healthcare." (ICMR Framework) This comprehensive document is the only one framework existing in India that addresses AI in healthcare, however, this is only a guiding document and has no authority of law. 
 
AI also ‘hallucinates’ 
AI hallucinations can manifest when the AI attempts to respond to a prompt without possessing all the requisite information to provide an accurate answer. In such cases, it is not uncommon for the AI to fabricate information in order to fill the gaps and generate a response.&nbsp; 
 
Therefore, it is possible that AI can conjure up a diagnosis due to a lack of data, ultimately paving the way for an erroneous treatment plan. The stakes are high, for healthcare, such missteps can precipitate life-threatening outcomes. However, if an AI is trained on diverse data, and uses dropout techniques for training, it may lessen its ‘hallucination’ tendencies. 
 
Who’s liable? Although it will depend on the terms of service or specific organisation contracts with the technology company offering such AI services, generally, the organisation using the AI maybe held liable in case AI makes such mistakes. AI development frameworks worldwide such as OECD AI Principles, World Economic Forum, AI Governance Framework all advocate for ‘transparent’, ‘accountable’ AI development which involves openly communicating design, training data, validation, and incorporating diverse perspectives to minimise biases and problems such as ‘hallucinations’.&nbsp; 
 
Globally, jurisdictions are struggling to regulate AI. While frameworks and guidelines are welcome, the need for an authoritative law such as the EU AI Act is ever more pressing. Because, in the realm of smart medicine, the stakes are too high for complacency. 
 
(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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Google recently launched its cutting-edge AI technology in health care making it possible to predict cardiovascular events by analysing eye scans. This breakthrough indicates a potential shift away from diagnostic techniques such as CT scans and MRIs.

Google recently launched its cutting-edge AI technology in health care making it possible to predict cardiovascular events by analysing eye scans. This breakthrough indicates a potential shift away from diagnostic techniques such as CT scans and MRIs. A few possible use cases of AI in healthcare are enhanced medical imaging and diagnostics, personalised treatment and precision medicine, accelerated drug discovery and development and telemedicine and remote patient monitoring. With AI's potential to revolutionise healthcare, it is imperative to examine not only the opportunities it presents but also the ethical, legal, and regulatory challenges that accompany its implementation. The problem While the integration of AI in healthcare holds tremendous promise, it also presents several challenges that need to be addressed for its successful implementation. Data security and ethics are number one on the list. The integration of AI, with its capacity to process vast amounts of personal health information, raises questions of patient privacy, consent, and data security. For example, the recently announced Google AI that can catch heart diseases by simply examining retinal scans used a medical dataset consisting of almost 300,000 patients in order to train their cardiovascular prediction algorithm research collaboration with a hospital located in Tamil Nadu. There are several ethical and regulatory questions in such use cases. Did the patients consent for their retinal data to be recorded and fed into an algorithm? Since retinal data is biometric, was their consent taken to store such sensitive biometric data? Was the AI designed ethically? What does the law say? Data security Under various data protection regimes globally such as EU’s GDPR or California’s (USA) CCPA, data is broadly divided into two categories: 1. Personal Data 2. Sensitive Personal Data (SPD) Data such as health records, sexual orientation, biometric data, genetic data, and political opinion, comes under the ambit of SPD which is regulated heavily in most international jurisdictions. Therefore, health data used to train an AI will undoubtedly qualify as SPD. The GDPR imposes strict requirements for the processing of SPD. It generally prohibits the processing of such data unless specific conditions, such as explicit consent or legal obligations, are met. The GDPR sets forth two levels of administrative fines on organisations: 1. Up to €10 million or 2% of the global annual turnover of the preceding financial year, whichever is higher. 2. Up to €20 million or 4% of the global annual turnover of the preceding financial year, whichever is higher. India too recognises health data as SPD. However, in a world where the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has established global benchmarks for data protection, these rules alone fall short of meeting the required standards or imposing reasonable penalties. ALSO READ| Research suggests AI can predict political views based on facial analysis, raising privacy concerns The United States regulates Protected Health Information (PHI) with a specific act known as Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This law sets standards and rules for the protection of sensitive health information and ensures the privacy and security of individuals' PHI by healthcare professionals. The penalties for violation may go as high as 50,000 dollars per violation. So how does one train an AI with health data and how does one regulate it? One way is data aggregation which involves combining and anonymising health data from many people to create bigger datasets, making it difficult to identify specific individuals. Another is, data de-identification techniques, such as removing or encrypting personal information like names and addresses to prevent direct identification or using methods like replacing identifiers with pseudonyms or unique tokens before this data is entered into the AI database. The GDPR does not explicitly define anonymisation, but it acknowledges that anonymised data is outside the regulation's scope. India’s dream Digital Data Protection Bill (equivalent to EU’s GDPR) still is in limbo. The government has been engaging in a legislative dance, volleying the draft bill back and forth in revisions. If left unregulated any longer, practically, our most intimate health data can be accessible to large corporations without our consent or control. AI bias As patients entrust their well-being to AI systems, safeguards must be in place to prevent defective diagnoses and biased algorithms. For example, if a military health data source is utilised, the AI model is likely to generate limited insights about the female population due to the predominant representation of male service members. If left unchecked, AI systems can inherit and amplify the biases present in the data they are trained on. Biased algorithms in healthcare may lead to unequal access to treatments or misdiagnoses for certain populations, perpetuating inequities in care. In an actual case of UnitedHealth Group's Optum division in the US, by solely relying on past spending data without considering broader societal factors, the algorithm falsely equated the severity of illness for black patients with healthier white patients. As a result, the algorithm significantly underestimated the number of black patients in need of additional care, ultimately depriving them of necessary support. The European Union (EU) parliament members approved the world’s first Artificial Intelligence Act (EU AI Act) on June 14, 2023, which, if implemented, would be among the pioneering regulations introduced by a significant regulatory body to govern the field of AI. Article 6 of the EU AI Act read with Annexure II , categorises medical devices as ‘high risk’ which means high-risk AIs will be subjected to rigorous risk assessments and authoritative oversight. This act establishes obligations for both providers and users of high-risk AI systems, thereby subjecting hospitals and clinics utilising such AI devices to scrutiny. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration(FDA) has proposed a comprehensive five-year action plan aimed at regulating AI in healthcare . The plan includes the establishment of a regulatory framework for Software as a Medical Device (SaMD), guidelines for good machine learning practices, transparency requirements for users and patients, regulation of algorithm bias and robustness, and evaluation of real-world performance. As per the plan, the FDA will collaborate with research partners to develop methods for identifying, evaluating, and mitigating bias in AI/ML algorithms. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has also released a guiding document titled "The Ethical Guidelines for Application of AI in Biomedical Research and Healthcare." (ICMR Framework) This comprehensive document is the only one framework existing in India that addresses AI in healthcare, however, this is only a guiding document and has no authority of law. AI also ‘hallucinates’ AI hallucinations can manifest when the AI attempts to respond to a prompt without possessing all the requisite information to provide an accurate answer. In such cases, it is not uncommon for the AI to fabricate information in order to fill the gaps and generate a response. Therefore, it is possible that AI can conjure up a diagnosis due to a lack of data, ultimately paving the way for an erroneous treatment plan. The stakes are high, for healthcare, such missteps can precipitate life-threatening outcomes. However, if an AI is trained on diverse data, and uses dropout techniques for training, it may lessen its ‘hallucination’ tendencies. Who’s liable? Although it will depend on the terms of service or specific organisation contracts with the technology company offering such AI services, generally, the organisation using the AI maybe held liable in case AI makes such mistakes. AI development frameworks worldwide such as OECD AI Principles, World Economic Forum, AI Governance Framework all advocate for ‘transparent’, ‘accountable’ AI development which involves openly communicating design, training data, validation, and incorporating diverse perspectives to minimise biases and problems such as ‘hallucinations’. Globally, jurisdictions are struggling to regulate AI. While frameworks and guidelines are welcome, the need for an authoritative law such as the EU AI Act is ever more pressing. Because, in the realm of smart medicine, the stakes are too high for complacency. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Doctor AI will see you now: Navigating the ethics of smart medicine

There is now a shortage&nbsp;of cancer medicines in the United States.&nbsp;It has gotten to the point that some treatment facilities have had to substitute patients' medications and, in some cases, even postpone treatment.

<h2>Why is this shortage? What are the consequences?</h2>

As per&nbsp;NBC reports, over a dozen medications have been witnessing limited supply in the United States in recent months.&nbsp;These include the anticancer drugs carboplatin and cisplatin, which are commonly used to treat non-small-cell lung cancer as well as testicular, gynecologic, breast, bladder, head, and neck malignancies.&nbsp;Around 10-20 per cent&nbsp;of all cancer patients are treated with cisplatin and similar medications, as reported by the NBC.

As per&nbsp;a study conducted by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network last month, carboplatin and cisplatin were in insufficient supply at almost all of the centres.

A California cancer patient who was denied&nbsp;access to cisplatin in April by his insurance provider cited the major scarcity in a Financial Times interview.

"Currently, cisplatin is only permitted for malignancies that can be cured." Michael Griffith, a 51-year-old father of three, explained that his disease is incurable.&nbsp;"Thus I am not currently eligible for it," he said.

As per&nbsp;the University of Utah Drug Information Service, which was cited by CNN, about 20 chemo medicines were difficult to procure&nbsp;by the end of March.

The CEO of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Dr&nbsp;Robert Carlson, was reported by CNN as stating, "This is an untenable scenario. We are hearing from oncologists and chemists all throughout the nation who are currently rushing to discover suitable options for treating their cancer patients."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/oral-sex-emerges-as-major-risk-factor-for-throat-cancer-claims-study-587149">Oral sex emerges as major risk factor for throat cancer, claims study</a>

More than a third of cancer centres with carboplatin shortages claimed they were unable to treat every patient using the recommended dose and timing.

“We were relieved by survey results that show patients are still able to get life-saving care, but it comes at a burden to our overtaxed medical facilities,” Carlson told CNN.

“We need to work together to improve the current situation and prevent it from happening again in the future,” he explained .&nbsp;

<h2>Ramifications of switching cancer medicines</h2>

Switching cancer medications has actual ramifications.&nbsp;According to Jennifer Rubatt, an oncology specialist in Denver, Colorado, "In late April and May, I had to make drug substitutions for newly diagnosed ovarian cancer patients because we did not have the sort of first-choice drugs available," she stated in an interview with the Financial Times.

In the words of Mike Ganio, a researcher at the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists who focuses on drug shortages, the issue began to emerge earlier this year.

“I think it went from being a shortage to being a really bad shortage really quickly,” he told the Associated Press.

A facility in India that manufactures both medications halted production after an inspection revealed quality issues, prompting Ganio's organisation to notify the lack of cisplatin in January and the shortfall of carboplatin in late March.

The producer Intas Pharmaceuticals provides around half of the market share for cisplatin, according to Erin Fox, senior pharmacy director at University of Utah Health and an expert on medication shortages.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/long-covid-patients-have-lower-quality-of-life-than-those-with-cancer-parkinsons-disease-study-602160">Long Covid patients have lower quality of life than those with cancer, Parkinson’s disease: Study</a>

<h2>What's the consequence?</h2>

In an effort to address the chemotherapeutic shortage, the US Food and Drug Administration has taken some action.

The organisation is permitting the temporary importation of select cisplatin formulations that have received foreign approval from businesses that have registered with the FDA.

The FDA has authorised cisplatin maker Qilu Pharmaceutical to ship the medication to the United States, according to CNBC.

As per&nbsp;NBC reports, the medication, which comes in 50-milligram bottles, will be exported to the US and distributed by Qilu and Canadian pharmaceutical company Apotex.

The End Drug Shortages Alliance's board chair, Eric Tichy, was reported by the publication as calling this a "good plan."

"It will hopefully help more patients access product and not have their treatments delayed," Fox told USA Today.

FDA commissioner Dr Robert Califf tweeted, “​​The public should rest assured that we will continue all efforts within our authority to help the industry that manufactures and distributes these drugs meet all patient needs for the oncology drugs impacted by shortages.”

Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas | Study: Yoga cuts the risk of Cancer spreading in the body

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The facility in India has to be brought back up to full output, according to Ganio, who added that while that should assist.

Intas received a letter last week from the US Food and Drug Administration permitting it to continue delivering a number of medications, including cisplatin and carboplatin, according to USA Today.

FDA says&nbsp;Intas will be required to conduct independent product testing and reviews.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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There is now a shortage of cancer medicines in the United States. It has gotten to the point that some treatment facilities have had to substitute patients' medications and, in some cases, even postpone treatment.

There is now a shortage of cancer medicines in the United States. It has gotten to the point that some treatment facilities have had to substitute patients' medications and, in some cases, even postpone treatment. Why is this shortage? What are the consequences? As per NBC reports, over a dozen medications have been witnessing limited supply in the United States in recent months. These include the anticancer drugs carboplatin and cisplatin, which are commonly used to treat non-small-cell lung cancer as well as testicular, gynecologic, breast, bladder, head, and neck malignancies. Around 10-20 per cent of all cancer patients are treated with cisplatin and similar medications, as reported by the NBC. As per a study conducted by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network last month, carboplatin and cisplatin were in insufficient supply at almost all of the centres. A California cancer patient who was denied access to cisplatin in April by his insurance provider cited the major scarcity in a Financial Times interview. "Currently, cisplatin is only permitted for malignancies that can be cured." Michael Griffith, a 51-year-old father of three, explained that his disease is incurable. "Thus I am not currently eligible for it," he said. As per the University of Utah Drug Information Service, which was cited by CNN, about 20 chemo medicines were difficult to procure by the end of March. The CEO of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Dr Robert Carlson, was reported by CNN as stating, "This is an untenable scenario. We are hearing from oncologists and chemists all throughout the nation who are currently rushing to discover suitable options for treating their cancer patients." Also read | Oral sex emerges as major risk factor for throat cancer, claims study More than a third of cancer centres with carboplatin shortages claimed they were unable to treat every patient using the recommended dose and timing. “We were relieved by survey results that show patients are still able to get life-saving care, but it comes at a burden to our overtaxed medical facilities,” Carlson told CNN. “We need to work together to improve the current situation and prevent it from happening again in the future,” he explained . Ramifications of switching cancer medicines Switching cancer medications has actual ramifications. According to Jennifer Rubatt, an oncology specialist in Denver, Colorado, "In late April and May, I had to make drug substitutions for newly diagnosed ovarian cancer patients because we did not have the sort of first-choice drugs available," she stated in an interview with the Financial Times. In the words of Mike Ganio, a researcher at the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists who focuses on drug shortages, the issue began to emerge earlier this year. “I think it went from being a shortage to being a really bad shortage really quickly,” he told the Associated Press. A facility in India that manufactures both medications halted production after an inspection revealed quality issues, prompting Ganio's organisation to notify the lack of cisplatin in January and the shortfall of carboplatin in late March. The producer Intas Pharmaceuticals provides around half of the market share for cisplatin, according to Erin Fox, senior pharmacy director at University of Utah Health and an expert on medication shortages. Also read | Long Covid patients have lower quality of life than those with cancer, Parkinson’s disease: Study What's the consequence? In an effort to address the chemotherapeutic shortage, the US Food and Drug Administration has taken some action. The organisation is permitting the temporary importation of select cisplatin formulations that have received foreign approval from businesses that have registered with the FDA. The FDA has authorised cisplatin maker Qilu Pharmaceutical to ship the medication to the United States, according to CNBC. As per NBC reports, the medication, which comes in 50-milligram bottles, will be exported to the US and distributed by Qilu and Canadian pharmaceutical company Apotex. The End Drug Shortages Alliance's board chair, Eric Tichy, was reported by the publication as calling this a "good plan." "It will hopefully help more patients access product and not have their treatments delayed," Fox told USA Today. FDA commissioner Dr Robert Califf tweeted, “The public should rest assured that we will continue all efforts within our authority to help the industry that manufactures and distributes these drugs meet all patient needs for the oncology drugs impacted by shortages.” Also watch | Gravitas | Study: Yoga cuts the risk of Cancer spreading in the body The facility in India has to be brought back up to full output, according to Ganio, who added that while that should assist. Intas received a letter last week from the US Food and Drug Administration permitting it to continue delivering a number of medications, including cisplatin and carboplatin, according to USA Today. FDA says Intas will be required to conduct independent product testing and reviews. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Explained: US faces acute shortage of cancer medication, what are its ramifications?

This is a WION digital series that will tell you the world's biggest stories from the lens of a common man. In this episode we look at the never-ending crisis of UK's NHS. With 7.4 million, the waiting list for the National Health Service is at a record high. What led to today's crisis and how is the Rishi Sunak government going to tackle it? Ananya Dutta brings you The Witness.

UK residents pay with waiting list for free healthcare | The Witness

India witnessed 1,787 cyber-attacks each week on an average in an organisation over the past six months, compared to the global average of 983, as per an <a href="https://go.checkpoint.com/2023-cyber-security-report/chapter-03.php">analysis </a>by Check Point Software Technologies, an American-Israeli cyber threat intelligence analyst.

The latest cyber-attack on India’s premier&nbsp;medical institution, the All India Institute of Medical Science&nbsp;(AIIMS), New Delhi,&nbsp;the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/aiims-says-malware-attack-successfully-thwarted-by-cyber-security-systems-601396">second such attack in a row</a> has rekindled discussion over India's&nbsp;preparedness&nbsp;to deal with attacks of the given nature.&nbsp;AIIMS in a statement released on Monday (June 5) said the attempt of malware attack was successfully thwarted and the threat was neutralised in time. But, the bigger questions of India's vulnerability, vigilance and digitalisation still remain unanswered.&nbsp;

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<h2 dir="ltr">Why is India being targetted?</h2>

Cyber-attacks are frequently directed towards India due to its large population and expanding internet user base, resulting in a substantial attack surface, explains Dr Ananth Prabhu G, cyber law and security expert for various Indian law enforcement agencies.

“The country's economic progress and digital modernisation have led to increased digitisation in various sectors, which has caught the attention of cyber-criminals who seek financial benefits and access to sensitive data. Additionally, India's global prominence and intricate political and geopolitical relationships make it a prime target for attacks motivated by politics, espionage, or the disruption of critical infrastructure. Government initiatives and the collection of vast amounts of personal data have made the systems enticing targets,” he told WION.

<h2 dir="ltr">India’s healthcare sector a constant target? Why is health-related data so critical?</h2>

A nationwide initiative to <a href="https://main.mohfw.gov.in/sites/default/files/17739294021483341357.pdf">digitise medical data</a> was launched in September 2021, and as of now, more than 173,000 hospitals have enrolled with it. In accordance with medical records kept by hospitals on their own servers or in cloud storage, the programme allocates patient numbers that are linked to those records.&nbsp;

“Healthcare data is a prime target for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhis-bigest-cyber-fraud-doctor-duped-of-rs-45-crore-548k-via-skype-calls-594502">cyber-criminals</a> due to its immense value and inherent vulnerabilities. Firstly, healthcare data contains a plethora of sensitive information that can be exploited for illicit purposes. Personally identifiable information (PII) like names, addresses, Aadhar, and insurance details can be illicitly traded on the black market for identity theft or used in fraudulent financial activities. Furthermore, medical records and health information hold significant worth as they can be leveraged for fraudulent billing, acquiring prescription drugs, or even extorting individuals with sensitive health conditions. The high value attached to healthcare data makes it an enticing objective for cyber-criminals seeking financial gain or other malicious intentions,” explains Dr Prabhu G.

He further adds that healthcare systems are “particularly appealing” to hackers because they often possess weaker security measures compared to other industries. The healthcare sector traditionally prioritises patient care and operational efficiency over robust cybersecurity, leaving vulnerabilities that cyber-criminals can exploit. Outdated software, legacy systems, and inadequate investments in cyber security infrastructure render healthcare organisations more susceptible to attacks.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Second malware attack at AIIMS, New Delhi&nbsp;

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<h2 dir="ltr">Digitalisation and the risk of cyber-crimes</h2>

As per industry estimates, 2022 was India's worst year to date for cyber-attacks, an issue that has only become worse with rising digitalisation.

“The process of digitalisation heightens the vulnerability to cyber crime as it expands the attack surface through interconnected systems, adds complexity to IT infrastructure, involves the accumulation of valuable data, increases connectivity, and witnesses the continuous evolution of cyber threats. This combination of factors grants cybercriminals numerous avenues to exploit weaknesses, pilfer sensitive information, disrupt operations, and inflict financial and reputational harm,” Dr Prabhu G said.&nbsp;

<h2>Way forward</h2>

Technology usage is accelerating, which will lead to an increase in cyber-attack frequency and intensity. How can organisations curb the risk of a cyber-attack in that case?

“To bridge the gap and address the challenges posed by cyber-crime, it is essential to enhance collaboration between government agencies, private sector organisations, and cyber-security experts, while also prioritising robust cyber-security measures, education and training programmes, adequate resources and investment, legislation and regulation, international cooperation, continuous monitoring and incident response capabilities, and specific cyber-security awareness initiatives in sectors like healthcare. By taking these comprehensive steps, we can work towards a safer digital landscape, mitigate cyber threats, protect sensitive data, and foster a collective defence against cyber-criminals,” Dr Prabhu G explains.&nbsp;

The most significant issue, notwithstanding India's security measures, is the ability of the criminals to penetrate the Indian cyber-security system, regardless of whether or not these attacks result in data or financial loss. Therefore, it is imperative to implement the <a href="https://www.meity.gov.in/writereaddata/files/DIA_Presentation%2009.03.2023%20Final.pdf">digital India Act</a>.

 
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India witnessed 1,787 cyber-attacks each week on an average in an organisation over the past six months, compared to the global average of 983, as per an analysis by Check Point Software Technologies, an American-Israeli cyber threat intelligence analyst.

India witnessed 1,787 cyber-attacks each week on an average in an organisation over the past six months, compared to the global average of 983, as per an analysis by Check Point Software Technologies, an American-Israeli cyber threat intelligence analyst. The latest cyber-attack on India’s premier medical institution, the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), New Delhi, the second such attack in a row has rekindled discussion over India's preparedness to deal with attacks of the given nature. AIIMS in a statement released on Monday (June 5) said the attempt of malware attack was successfully thwarted and the threat was neutralised in time. But, the bigger questions of India's vulnerability, vigilance and digitalisation still remain unanswered. × Why is India being targetted? Cyber-attacks are frequently directed towards India due to its large population and expanding internet user base, resulting in a substantial attack surface, explains Dr Ananth Prabhu G, cyber law and security expert for various Indian law enforcement agencies. “The country's economic progress and digital modernisation have led to increased digitisation in various sectors, which has caught the attention of cyber-criminals who seek financial benefits and access to sensitive data. Additionally, India's global prominence and intricate political and geopolitical relationships make it a prime target for attacks motivated by politics, espionage, or the disruption of critical infrastructure. Government initiatives and the collection of vast amounts of personal data have made the systems enticing targets,” he told WION. India’s healthcare sector a constant target? Why is health-related data so critical? A nationwide initiative to digitise medical data was launched in September 2021, and as of now, more than 173,000 hospitals have enrolled with it. In accordance with medical records kept by hospitals on their own servers or in cloud storage, the programme allocates patient numbers that are linked to those records. “Healthcare data is a prime target for cyber-criminals due to its immense value and inherent vulnerabilities. Firstly, healthcare data contains a plethora of sensitive information that can be exploited for illicit purposes. Personally identifiable information (PII) like names, addresses, Aadhar, and insurance details can be illicitly traded on the black market for identity theft or used in fraudulent financial activities. Furthermore, medical records and health information hold significant worth as they can be leveraged for fraudulent billing, acquiring prescription drugs, or even extorting individuals with sensitive health conditions. The high value attached to healthcare data makes it an enticing objective for cyber-criminals seeking financial gain or other malicious intentions,” explains Dr Prabhu G. He further adds that healthcare systems are “particularly appealing” to hackers because they often possess weaker security measures compared to other industries. The healthcare sector traditionally prioritises patient care and operational efficiency over robust cybersecurity, leaving vulnerabilities that cyber-criminals can exploit. Outdated software, legacy systems, and inadequate investments in cyber security infrastructure render healthcare organisations more susceptible to attacks. Also watch | Second malware attack at AIIMS, New Delhi Digitalisation and the risk of cyber-crimes As per industry estimates, 2022 was India's worst year to date for cyber-attacks, an issue that has only become worse with rising digitalisation. “The process of digitalisation heightens the vulnerability to cyber crime as it expands the attack surface through interconnected systems, adds complexity to IT infrastructure, involves the accumulation of valuable data, increases connectivity, and witnesses the continuous evolution of cyber threats. This combination of factors grants cybercriminals numerous avenues to exploit weaknesses, pilfer sensitive information, disrupt operations, and inflict financial and reputational harm,” Dr Prabhu G said. Way forward Technology usage is accelerating, which will lead to an increase in cyber-attack frequency and intensity. How can organisations curb the risk of a cyber-attack in that case? “To bridge the gap and address the challenges posed by cyber-crime, it is essential to enhance collaboration between government agencies, private sector organisations, and cyber-security experts, while also prioritising robust cyber-security measures, education and training programmes, adequate resources and investment, legislation and regulation, international cooperation, continuous monitoring and incident response capabilities, and specific cyber-security awareness initiatives in sectors like healthcare. By taking these comprehensive steps, we can work towards a safer digital landscape, mitigate cyber threats, protect sensitive data, and foster a collective defence against cyber-criminals,” Dr Prabhu G explains. The most significant issue, notwithstanding India's security measures, is the ability of the criminals to penetrate the Indian cyber-security system, regardless of whether or not these attacks result in data or financial loss. Therefore, it is imperative to implement the digital India Act. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Data Lab | Digital India and the need to beef up cyber-security in healthcare

More than 800 million people worldwide are likely to suffer from lower back pain by 2050, which is a 36 per cent increase from the year 2020, as per the 'Analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021’ study. Take a look.

Over 800 million people likely to suffer from back pain by 2050 worldwide: Study

The Indian healthcare sector is one of the fastest-growing sectors. It has been at the epicentre since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. From technological advancements to geographical expansion, the healthcare sector is witnessing growth. There is, however, a void in India's medical devices industry. As per estimates, 80–85 per cent of medical devices currently sold in India are imported. India’s dependency on imported medical devices has grown to an 'alarming' level.

What is India's National Medical Devices Policy 2023?

Many believe that AI would be a game-changer in how we diagnose, monitor and treat patients. But the table seemed to have turned - the World Health Organisation has now highlighted concerns around the risks of utilising AI technology in healthcare.

Rise of AI in healthcare: AI a game-changer or potential risk? | World DNA

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on Tuesday filed a lawsuit on Tuesday seeking to block Amgen Inc.'s proposed $27.8 billion acquisition of Horizon Therapeutics Plc. The US trade regulator has alleged&nbsp;that the merger would create a monopoly for medications treating thyroid eye disease and chronic refractory gout, hampering competition and potentially leading to higher drug prices.

According to the sealed complaint filed in Illinois Federal Court, the acquisition would allow Amgen to further solidify Horizon's dominant position in the market. The FTC's complaint has&nbsp;sought&nbsp;an injunction to halt the merger until the commission could&nbsp;proceed with an in-house trial to determine whether the proposed deal violates&nbsp;antitrust law.

While opposing Amgen's billion-dollar deal, FTC's Competition Bureau Director&nbsp;Holly Vedova&nbsp;has emphasised the need for preventing pharmaceutical companies&nbsp;from consolidating&nbsp;monopolies.&nbsp;“Rampant consolidation in the pharmaceutical industry has given powerful companies a pass to exorbitantly hike prescription drug prices, deny patients access to more affordable generics, and hamstring innovation in life-saving markets,” Bloomberg quoted Vedova as saying.&nbsp;

Amgen, however, has countered FTC's allegations, stating that the claim of a potential 'multiproduct discount' was speculative and did not align with the competitive dynamics of the real world, a Bloomberg report noted. Horizon Therapeutics has also issued a statement, denying claims made&nbsp;by the US trade regulator.&nbsp;

'Multiproduct discount' is a monopolistic practice&nbsp;often frowned upon by the market. While it gives multiple products in one bundle at cheaper rates, this practice often&nbsp;forces smaller competitors to exit the market in the long run.&nbsp;

FTC vs. Big Pharma&nbsp;

This lawsuit marks the first time since 2009 that the FTC has taken legal action to prevent a pharmaceutical merger. In the past, the agency typically allowed mergers to proceed on the condition that the companies divested any overlapping treatments. However, under the leadership of Lina Khan, the US trade regulator has adopted a more stringent approach, challenging high-profile deals such as Microsoft Corp.'s proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard Inc. and Intercontinental Exchange Inc.'s purchase of Black Knight Inc, a mortgage software rival.

Amgen, a prominent player in the pharmaceutical industry with 27 approved drugs, including popular treatments for rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, now faces scrutiny over its acquisition strategy. On the other hand, Horizon Therapeutics distributes 11 drug products in the US, including Tepezza, which is used to treat thyroid eye disease, and Krystexxa, a medication&nbsp;for chronic refractory gout. These medications currently enjoy a lack of competition in the market, generating significant revenue for Horizon in 2022 — $1.97 billion for Tepezza and $716 million for Krystexxa, as reported in company filings.

Under the Biden administration, the regulator&nbsp;has closely examined mergers, conduct, and pricing practices within the hospital, physician practice, pharmaceutical, and medical device sectors. Its scrutiny has resulted in five hospitals abandoning their merger plans&nbsp;in the past two years. Additionally, the FTC has launched investigations into pharmaceutical benefit managers like Cigna Group's Express Scripts and CVS Health Corp.'s Caremark to explore their potential role in driving up drug prices.

(With agency inputs)&nbsp;

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on Tuesday filed a lawsuit on Tuesday seeking to block Amgen Inc.'s proposed $27.8 billion acquisition of Horizon Therapeutics Plc.

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on Tuesday filed a lawsuit on Tuesday seeking to block Amgen Inc.'s proposed $27.8 billion acquisition of Horizon Therapeutics Plc. The US trade regulator has alleged that the merger would create a monopoly for medications treating thyroid eye disease and chronic refractory gout, hampering competition and potentially leading to higher drug prices. According to the sealed complaint filed in Illinois Federal Court, the acquisition would allow Amgen to further solidify Horizon's dominant position in the market. The FTC's complaint has sought an injunction to halt the merger until the commission could proceed with an in-house trial to determine whether the proposed deal violates antitrust law. While opposing Amgen's billion-dollar deal, FTC's Competition Bureau Director Holly Vedova has emphasised the need for preventing pharmaceutical companies from consolidating monopolies. “Rampant consolidation in the pharmaceutical industry has given powerful companies a pass to exorbitantly hike prescription drug prices, deny patients access to more affordable generics, and hamstring innovation in life-saving markets,” Bloomberg quoted Vedova as saying. Amgen, however, has countered FTC's allegations, stating that the claim of a potential 'multiproduct discount' was speculative and did not align with the competitive dynamics of the real world, a Bloomberg report noted. Horizon Therapeutics has also issued a statement, denying claims made by the US trade regulator. 'Multiproduct discount' is a monopolistic practice often frowned upon by the market. While it gives multiple products in one bundle at cheaper rates, this practice often forces smaller competitors to exit the market in the long run. FTC vs. Big Pharma This lawsuit marks the first time since 2009 that the FTC has taken legal action to prevent a pharmaceutical merger. In the past, the agency typically allowed mergers to proceed on the condition that the companies divested any overlapping treatments. However, under the leadership of Lina Khan, the US trade regulator has adopted a more stringent approach, challenging high-profile deals such as Microsoft Corp.'s proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard Inc. and Intercontinental Exchange Inc.'s purchase of Black Knight Inc, a mortgage software rival. Amgen, a prominent player in the pharmaceutical industry with 27 approved drugs, including popular treatments for rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, now faces scrutiny over its acquisition strategy. On the other hand, Horizon Therapeutics distributes 11 drug products in the US, including Tepezza, which is used to treat thyroid eye disease, and Krystexxa, a medication for chronic refractory gout. These medications currently enjoy a lack of competition in the market, generating significant revenue for Horizon in 2022 — $1.97 billion for Tepezza and $716 million for Krystexxa, as reported in company filings. Under the Biden administration, the regulator has closely examined mergers, conduct, and pricing practices within the hospital, physician practice, pharmaceutical, and medical device sectors. Its scrutiny has resulted in five hospitals abandoning their merger plans in the past two years. Additionally, the FTC has launched investigations into pharmaceutical benefit managers like Cigna Group's Express Scripts and CVS Health Corp.'s Caremark to explore their potential role in driving up drug prices. (With agency inputs)

US trade regulator wants to block Amgen's $28 billion deal on hold. Here's why

Humans and bots may not be able to co-exist. A video doing the rounds on social media can be proof to it.&nbsp;On Sunday (April 23), the&nbsp;video appeared on Weibo showing a woman&nbsp;aggressively bashing a hospital robot with a club inside the lobby of the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University in Jiangsu Province's Xuzhou, as reported&nbsp;by&nbsp;Jiangxi Morning News.

According to the agency, the hospital's initial evaluation said&nbsp;the woman was suffering from a mental illness.

A hospital employee cited by&nbsp;Boiling Point Video said&nbsp;that&nbsp;the reasons for her behaviour are unknown, and the hospital's security department and information office were in contact with the individual involved. It also reported that police have joined the inquiry.

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Rage against the machine: Chinese woman beats hospital robot with 'golden cudgel' <a href="https://t.co/XMQMEnMlw9">https://t.co/XMQMEnMlw9</a> <a href="https://t.co/cBzW54mHTt">pic.twitter.com/cBzW54mHTt</a>
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The woman can be seen in the footage striking the robot in the head, sending its parts flying. In reaction, staff members can be seen stepping back to take cover. The woman gestures and yells at the robot, then swings at its monitor.

She accuses the robot with her finger and shouts at it again before swiping at its side. She takes two more blows at the robot after pointing and shouting at spectators.

Despite the many dents&nbsp;and components scattered around the floor, the robot manages to swivel its head and lift its arms. The woman was last seen pulling off her jacket, perhaps in preparation for additional punishment before the video cuts off.&nbsp;

The Weibo account, Dalian is Good&nbsp;described the woman as wielding the "golden cudgel," a reference to the magical rod used by the Monkey King in the Chinese classical novel "Journey to the West."

Songpinganq, a Twitter user, noted on Monday (April 24) that robots are increasingly being used to make doctor and medical appointments in China, leaving very few nurses to assist patients. "Many find it a frustrating process," claimed the post's author.

<h2>Why China has edge on AI?</h2>

Dictatorships and authoritarian regimes lag behind more democratic and inclusive nations in nurturing cutting-edge, creative technology such as robotics and clean energy.&nbsp;Because of competing interests, artificial intelligence may be an exception, at least in China, as per The Harvard Gazette.&nbsp;

At a recent dean's conference on social science insights into the emergent global power, Harvard Economics Professor David Yang discussed the outsized success of China's AI sector. He highlighted a recent US&nbsp;government list of companies generating the highest accurate facial recognition technology as evidence. The top five were all Chinese firms.

“Autocratic governments would like to be able to predict the whereabouts, thoughts, and behaviors of citizens,” Yang said. “And AI is fundamentally a technology for prediction.” This creates an alignment of purpose between AI technology and autocratic rulers, he argued.

Because AI relies significantly on data, and autocratic governments are known to gather vast amounts of it, this benefits companies with Chinese government contracts, who may then use official data to enhance commercial ventures, he noted.

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Humans and bots may not be able to co-exist. A video doing the rounds on social media can be proof to it. On Sunday (April 23), the video appeared on Weibo showing a woman aggressively bashing a hospital robot with a club inside the lobby of the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University in Jiangsu Province's Xuzhou, as reported by Jiangxi Morning News.

Humans and bots may not be able to co-exist. A video doing the rounds on social media can be proof to it. On Sunday (April 23), the video appeared on Weibo showing a woman aggressively bashing a hospital robot with a club inside the lobby of the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University in Jiangsu Province's Xuzhou, as reported by Jiangxi Morning News. According to the agency, the hospital's initial evaluation said the woman was suffering from a mental illness. A hospital employee cited by Boiling Point Video said that the reasons for her behaviour are unknown, and the hospital's security department and information office were in contact with the individual involved. It also reported that police have joined the inquiry. Rage against the machine: Chinese woman beats hospital robot with 'golden cudgel' https://t.co/XMQMEnMlw9 pic.twitter.com/cBzW54mHTt — Taiwan News (@TaiwanNews886) April 24, 2023 × The woman can be seen in the footage striking the robot in the head, sending its parts flying. In reaction, staff members can be seen stepping back to take cover. The woman gestures and yells at the robot, then swings at its monitor. She accuses the robot with her finger and shouts at it again before swiping at its side. She takes two more blows at the robot after pointing and shouting at spectators. Despite the many dents and components scattered around the floor, the robot manages to swivel its head and lift its arms. The woman was last seen pulling off her jacket, perhaps in preparation for additional punishment before the video cuts off. The Weibo account, Dalian is Good described the woman as wielding the "golden cudgel," a reference to the magical rod used by the Monkey King in the Chinese classical novel "Journey to the West." Songpinganq, a Twitter user, noted on Monday (April 24) that robots are increasingly being used to make doctor and medical appointments in China, leaving very few nurses to assist patients. "Many find it a frustrating process," claimed the post's author. Why China has edge on AI? Dictatorships and authoritarian regimes lag behind more democratic and inclusive nations in nurturing cutting-edge, creative technology such as robotics and clean energy. Because of competing interests, artificial intelligence may be an exception, at least in China, as per The Harvard Gazette. At a recent dean's conference on social science insights into the emergent global power, Harvard Economics Professor David Yang discussed the outsized success of China's AI sector. He highlighted a recent US government list of companies generating the highest accurate facial recognition technology as evidence. The top five were all Chinese firms. “Autocratic governments would like to be able to predict the whereabouts, thoughts, and behaviors of citizens,” Yang said. “And AI is fundamentally a technology for prediction.” This creates an alignment of purpose between AI technology and autocratic rulers, he argued. Because AI relies significantly on data, and autocratic governments are known to gather vast amounts of it, this benefits companies with Chinese government contracts, who may then use official data to enhance commercial ventures, he noted. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

WATCH | Humankind's love-hate relationship with AI: Chinese woman bashes hospital robot with stick

The Amazon rainforest, is the largest rainforest on Earth. But did you know that these forests can now save you money by cutting down on your health care expenses? Hem Kaur Saroya brings you the report.

Amazon forests save $2 bn in pollution healthcare: Study

Hospitals across the United Kingdom scrambled to limit the predicted loss of life from the upcoming strikes by the country’s National Health Service (NHS) and are reportedly attempting to retain junior doctors by increasing locum pay. The four-day strike which will witness the participation of tens of thousands of doctors in England next week could affect at least a quarter-million medical appointments, said an NHS official, on Saturday (April 8).&nbsp;

What is the strike about?

The strike planned by the junior doctors would be the latest one in a wave of walkouts by public sector workers who are demanding pay hikes to offset inflation that has exceeded 10 per cent in the UK. The country is also in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis as prices for basic commodities from food to fuel have significantly increased.&nbsp;

This has left many struggling to pay bills as union wages have fallen in real terms over the past decade, across many sectors including healthcare. The four-day walkout by junior doctors will start at 6:59 am (local time) on Tuesday and will continue till 6:59 am (local time), Saturday.&nbsp;

The junior doctors have demanded a 35 per cent pay raise to “reverse the steep decline” they have faced after years of below-inflation pay rises, if granted it would add 20,000 pounds ($24,842) a year to pay packets. They have also sought “full pay restoration” after witnessing a real-term pay cut of 26 per cent since 2008-9, as per the British Medical Association (BMA).

‘Significant’ impact of these strikes sparks concerns

The plan&nbsp;has since sparked fears among NHS leaders and senior clinicians that the strike will lead to the cancellation and postponement of hundreds of thousands of operations and appointments. This has also led hospital trusts to accelerate the discharge of the fittest patients and cancelled the leave for non-striking doctors, reported the Guardian.&nbsp;

“The impact is going to be so significant that this one is likely to impact patient safety, and that is a huge concern for every health care leader,” Dr Layla McCay, policy director at the NHS Confederation told BBC Radio 4. The walkout also follows a three-day strike last month by doctors early in their career that led to 175,000 appointments and procedures being postponed.

Therefore, in a bid to tempt junior doctors whose pay is 14 pounds ($17) an hour, some hospital trusts have increased the rates for locums with one offering up to 50 per cent over the normal locum rate, reported the Guardian citing a rate card sent to staff and posted online by the BMA.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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Hospitals across the United Kingdom scrambled to limit the predicted loss of life from the upcoming strikes by the country’s National Health Service (NHS) and are reportedly attempting to retain junior doctors by increasing locum pay.

Hospitals across the United Kingdom scrambled to limit the predicted loss of life from the upcoming strikes by the country’s National Health Service (NHS) and are reportedly attempting to retain junior doctors by increasing locum pay. The four-day strike which will witness the participation of tens of thousands of doctors in England next week could affect at least a quarter-million medical appointments, said an NHS official, on Saturday (April 8). What is the strike about? The strike planned by the junior doctors would be the latest one in a wave of walkouts by public sector workers who are demanding pay hikes to offset inflation that has exceeded 10 per cent in the UK. The country is also in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis as prices for basic commodities from food to fuel have significantly increased. This has left many struggling to pay bills as union wages have fallen in real terms over the past decade, across many sectors including healthcare. The four-day walkout by junior doctors will start at 6:59 am (local time) on Tuesday and will continue till 6:59 am (local time), Saturday. The junior doctors have demanded a 35 per cent pay raise to “reverse the steep decline” they have faced after years of below-inflation pay rises, if granted it would add 20,000 pounds ($24,842) a year to pay packets. They have also sought “full pay restoration” after witnessing a real-term pay cut of 26 per cent since 2008-9, as per the British Medical Association (BMA). ‘Significant’ impact of these strikes sparks concerns The plan has since sparked fears among NHS leaders and senior clinicians that the strike will lead to the cancellation and postponement of hundreds of thousands of operations and appointments. This has also led hospital trusts to accelerate the discharge of the fittest patients and cancelled the leave for non-striking doctors, reported the Guardian. “The impact is going to be so significant that this one is likely to impact patient safety, and that is a huge concern for every health care leader,” Dr Layla McCay, policy director at the NHS Confederation told BBC Radio 4. The walkout also follows a three-day strike last month by doctors early in their career that led to 175,000 appointments and procedures being postponed. Therefore, in a bid to tempt junior doctors whose pay is 14 pounds ($17) an hour, some hospital trusts have increased the rates for locums with one offering up to 50 per cent over the normal locum rate, reported the Guardian citing a rate card sent to staff and posted online by the BMA. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK hospitals left in a bind after thousands of doctors plan to strike again

The cost of healthcare in the United States, other than being an important social indicator, has often been an issue of reckoning which has contributed in determining the fate of past few occupants of the White House. A recent <a href="https://wallethub.com/edu/healthiest-cities/31072">report</a> by Washington-based WalletHub revealed the healthiest and unhealthiest cities in the United States. The personal finance outlet compared more than 180 of the largest US&nbsp;cities across 43 key metrics.

The metrics include cost of a medical visit in a particular city as well as consumption of healthy edibles such as fruits and vegetables.

"For those with specific medical conditions, it is important to consider whether you can easily access the medical care you need," said Amy L. McGuire, Director, Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine.&nbsp;

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Note: Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 indicating the most favourable conditions for a healthy lifestyle.

San Francisco (total score 67.07) in California state is the healthiest city in the United States, according to WalletHub, followed by Seattle (65.22), Honolulu (62.23), San Diego (61.94) and Salt Lake City (61.86).

Washington D.C. (59.78) is the seventh healthiest city in the United States, WalletHub data shows, with New York (56.33) featuring at sixteenth spot, Las Vegas (53.46) at thirtieth, Miami (52.55) at 34th and Houston (45.24) at 94th.&nbsp;

Brownsville (25.72) in Texas was deemed the unhealthiest US city by WalletHub, followed by Gulfport in Mississippi (28.19), Shreveport in Louisiana (28.31), Columbus in Ohio (29.05) and Augusta in Georgia (30.20).

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The cost of healthcare in the United States, other than being an important social indicator, has often been an issue of reckoning which has contributed in determining the fate of past few occupants of the White House.

The cost of healthcare in the United States, other than being an important social indicator, has often been an issue of reckoning which has contributed in determining the fate of past few occupants of the White House. A recent report by Washington-based WalletHub revealed the healthiest and unhealthiest cities in the United States. The personal finance outlet compared more than 180 of the largest US cities across 43 key metrics. The metrics include cost of a medical visit in a particular city as well as consumption of healthy edibles such as fruits and vegetables. "For those with specific medical conditions, it is important to consider whether you can easily access the medical care you need," said Amy L. McGuire, Director, Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine. × Note: Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 indicating the most favourable conditions for a healthy lifestyle. San Francisco (total score 67.07) in California state is the healthiest city in the United States, according to WalletHub, followed by Seattle (65.22), Honolulu (62.23), San Diego (61.94) and Salt Lake City (61.86). Washington D.C. (59.78) is the seventh healthiest city in the United States, WalletHub data shows, with New York (56.33) featuring at sixteenth spot, Las Vegas (53.46) at thirtieth, Miami (52.55) at 34th and Houston (45.24) at 94th. Brownsville (25.72) in Texas was deemed the unhealthiest US city by WalletHub, followed by Gulfport in Mississippi (28.19), Shreveport in Louisiana (28.31), Columbus in Ohio (29.05) and Augusta in Georgia (30.20). WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Data lab | San Francisco tops list as America's healthiest city

Amazon announced on Tuesday that it is expanding its foray into the healthcare industry by providing a $5 monthly subscription plan for its US prime members. That will cover a variety of generic medications and their doorstep delivery under its healthcare service, 'RxPass'.

Amazon offers doorstep delivery of medicines in the US

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak consistently refused to mention details about his healthcare insurance providers, asserting that 'it was not important.'

In an interview on BBC with Laura Kuenssberg, PM Rishi Sunak faced questions on education and health policies. She claimed that former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher did not hide her decision to use private healthcare.&nbsp;

Kuenssberg stated that Thatcher was transparent about her use of medical insurance, claiming that she needed to get admitted whenever and wherever she wished. However, when the interviewer asked PM Sunak about his health insurance, he said, "it's a personal choice."

Also Read|&nbsp;<a href="www.wionews.com/world/classified-documents-from-obama-administration-found-in-bidens-private-office-550962">Classified documents from Obama administration found in Biden's private office</a>

However, many healthcare workers like Pat Cullen, head of the nursing union, have raised concerns about it. She said it's 'important' that the PM clarifies it because he is a public servant.&nbsp;

The National Health Service (NHS) provides free medical care to all citizens of the United Kingdom. Backed up by taxpayers' money, the healthcare body is in trouble due to the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and several years of low investments.

Watch|&nbsp;'Wealthy' UK Prime Minister accused of being 'Disconnected' from masses

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Nevertheless, the Sunak mentioned that he was brought up in an NHS family, adding that his father was a general practitioner and his mother was a pharmacist.&nbsp;

An eager Kuenssberg did not move to the next question for a long time, but Sunak dusted the question each time. He revealed that his insurance was private, but it was his personal choice. Patients must have the right to choose where they get their treatment, said Sunak.&nbsp;

Sunak's interview with Kuenssberg has sparked a controversy about his healthcare options. Sunak might have registered with a private general practitioner's office providing same-day consultations and charges £250 for a half-hour session.

(With inputs from agencies)

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UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak consistently refused to mention details about his healthcare insurance providers, asserting that 'it was not important.' In an interview on BBC with Laura Kuenssberg, PM Rishi Sunak faced questions on education and health policies.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak consistently refused to mention details about his healthcare insurance providers, asserting that 'it was not important.' In an interview on BBC with Laura Kuenssberg, PM Rishi Sunak faced questions on education and health policies. She claimed that former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher did not hide her decision to use private healthcare. Kuenssberg stated that Thatcher was transparent about her use of medical insurance, claiming that she needed to get admitted whenever and wherever she wished. However, when the interviewer asked PM Sunak about his health insurance, he said, "it's a personal choice." Also Read| Classified documents from Obama administration found in Biden's private office However, many healthcare workers like Pat Cullen, head of the nursing union, have raised concerns about it. She said it's 'important' that the PM clarifies it because he is a public servant. The National Health Service (NHS) provides free medical care to all citizens of the United Kingdom. Backed up by taxpayers' money, the healthcare body is in trouble due to the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and several years of low investments. Watch| 'Wealthy' UK Prime Minister accused of being 'Disconnected' from masses Nevertheless, the Sunak mentioned that he was brought up in an NHS family, adding that his father was a general practitioner and his mother was a pharmacist. An eager Kuenssberg did not move to the next question for a long time, but Sunak dusted the question each time. He revealed that his insurance was private, but it was his personal choice. Patients must have the right to choose where they get their treatment, said Sunak. Sunak's interview with Kuenssberg has sparked a controversy about his healthcare options. Sunak might have registered with a private general practitioner's office providing same-day consultations and charges £250 for a half-hour session. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

UK PM Rishi Sunak's hesitancy to reveal healthcare preferences raises concerns

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak chaired an emergency meeting with ministers, medics and healthcare professionals to address the healthcare crisis plaguing the country.

The meeting took place at 10 Downing Street on Saturday, aimed at “bringing together the best minds from the health and care sectors to help share knowledge and practical solutions,” the government said.

“As the Prime Minister made clear this week, easing the immediate pressures whilst also focusing on the long-term improvement of the NHS is one of his key promises,” the spokesperson said, according to Guardian.

&nbsp;“We want to correct the unwarranted variation in NHS performance between local areas, because no matter where you live you should be able to access quality healthcare.”

<h2>What is ailing UK?</h2>

The British health system, which is widely regarded as one of the best healthcare services, has been facing a myriad of pressures, including rising demand for care after pandemic restrictions were eased; a surge in flu and other viruses after two lockdown years; staff shortages from pandemic burnout and a post-Brexit drought of European workers in the UK.

At the moment, thousands of hospital beds are occupied by people who are fit to be discharged but have nowhere to go because of a lack of places for long-term care.

Officials estimate that last week only a third of patients ready to be released from a hospital in England actually left.

<h2>UK: Rishi Sunak's U-turn on outlawing strikes, steps back on anti-strike law</h2>

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Apart from that, nurses and ambulance staff have been conducting protests over salaries and working conditions, forcing people with health emergencies to wait hours for ambulances to arrive.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/chinese-billionaire-jack-ma-to-cede-control-of-chinas-ant-group-report-550209">Chinese billionaire Jack Ma to cede control of Ant Group after regulatory crackdown: Report</a>

Health officials believe that the delays have likely led to hundreds of deaths.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-weibo-bans-1000-accounts-critical-of-govts-covid-policy-550296">China’s Weibo bans more than 1,000 accounts critical of govt’s Covid policy</a>

Pat Cullen, the Royal College of Nursing general secretary, urged Sunak to “grasp the nettle and negotiate with nurses” about the settlement in order to avoid the strikes, reports Guardian.

(With inputs from agencies)

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UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak chaired an emergency meeting with ministers, medics and healthcare professionals to address the healthcare crisis plaguing the country.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak chaired an emergency meeting with ministers, medics and healthcare professionals to address the healthcare crisis plaguing the country. The meeting took place at 10 Downing Street on Saturday, aimed at “bringing together the best minds from the health and care sectors to help share knowledge and practical solutions,” the government said. “As the Prime Minister made clear this week, easing the immediate pressures whilst also focusing on the long-term improvement of the NHS is one of his key promises,” the spokesperson said, according to Guardian. “We want to correct the unwarranted variation in NHS performance between local areas, because no matter where you live you should be able to access quality healthcare.” What is ailing UK? The British health system, which is widely regarded as one of the best healthcare services, has been facing a myriad of pressures, including rising demand for care after pandemic restrictions were eased; a surge in flu and other viruses after two lockdown years; staff shortages from pandemic burnout and a post-Brexit drought of European workers in the UK. At the moment, thousands of hospital beds are occupied by people who are fit to be discharged but have nowhere to go because of a lack of places for long-term care. Officials estimate that last week only a third of patients ready to be released from a hospital in England actually left. UK: Rishi Sunak's U-turn on outlawing strikes, steps back on anti-strike law Apart from that, nurses and ambulance staff have been conducting protests over salaries and working conditions, forcing people with health emergencies to wait hours for ambulances to arrive. Also read | Chinese billionaire Jack Ma to cede control of Ant Group after regulatory crackdown: Report Health officials believe that the delays have likely led to hundreds of deaths. Also read | China’s Weibo bans more than 1,000 accounts critical of govt’s Covid policy Pat Cullen, the Royal College of Nursing general secretary, urged Sunak to “grasp the nettle and negotiate with nurses” about the settlement in order to avoid the strikes, reports Guardian. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

UK PM Rishi Sunak convenes emergency meeting amidst healthcare crisis

China's healthcare system is facing several hardships and is on the verge of near collapse amid a Covid spike in the Chinese mainland after a shift from President Xi Jinping's 'Zero Covid policy' which not only harmed the economy but also failed to control the outbreak.&nbsp;In a country where not even a mask mandate exists right now, thousands of people have died and many medical workers are walking out of their jobs.&nbsp;

Almost everything is open now, even schools, but kids are not going due to the fear of getting infected at a time when even medicines are not easily available.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-live-updates-hong-kong-residents-rush-to-get-vaccinated-as-borders-set-to-reopen-with-china-549537">Also read |&nbsp;COVID Highlights | Chinese CDC data suggests no new COVID-19 strains in China, says WHO</a>

As per several media reports, China's manufacturing and service sectors were at their worst by the end of 2022.&nbsp;

The healthcare system is experiencing a huge shortage of COVID-19 medications. The current coronavirus wave saw drug stores stripped of supplies, promoting people to buy from online marketplaces with price gouging and online fraud.&nbsp;

China's public security ministry on Monday ordered a crackdown on illegal and criminal activity involving the production and sale of counterfeit epidemic-related medicines and related items.

Despite this, people were forced to turn towards the black market for their loved ones.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-asks-china-to-provide-a-more-realistic-picture-of-covid-19-situation-549382">Also read |&nbsp;WHO says data provided by China ‘under-represents’ true impact of Covid outbreak</a>

The&nbsp;black market and online frauds include tainted medicines, fabricated clinical trials and lax regulation in the industry.

A 22-year-old Qiu told AFP that she spent&nbsp;thousands on online Covid medicines that never arrived.

Authorities claimed that they have begun shipping&nbsp;paxvloid, a Beijing-approved Covid treatment medicine developed by US drug giant Pfizer, to many hospitals and communities but is difficult to obtain.&nbsp;

According to AFP, limited stocks have compelled citizens to buy medicines at a higher price. It said that an online seller told the news agency that they were charging 18,000 yuan ($2,610) for a single box of the medicine, almost nine times more than the original price.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

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China's healthcare system is facing several hardships and is on the verge of near collapse amid a Covid spike in the Chinese mainland after a shift from President Xi Jinping's 'Zero Covid policy' which not only harmed the economy but also failed to control the outbreak.

China's healthcare system is facing several hardships and is on the verge of near collapse amid a Covid spike in the Chinese mainland after a shift from President Xi Jinping's 'Zero Covid policy' which not only harmed the economy but also failed to control the outbreak. In a country where not even a mask mandate exists right now, thousands of people have died and many medical workers are walking out of their jobs. Almost everything is open now, even schools, but kids are not going due to the fear of getting infected at a time when even medicines are not easily available. Also read | COVID Highlights | Chinese CDC data suggests no new COVID-19 strains in China, says WHO As per several media reports, China's manufacturing and service sectors were at their worst by the end of 2022. The healthcare system is experiencing a huge shortage of COVID-19 medications. The current coronavirus wave saw drug stores stripped of supplies, promoting people to buy from online marketplaces with price gouging and online fraud. China's public security ministry on Monday ordered a crackdown on illegal and criminal activity involving the production and sale of counterfeit epidemic-related medicines and related items. Despite this, people were forced to turn towards the black market for their loved ones. Also read | WHO says data provided by China ‘under-represents’ true impact of Covid outbreak The black market and online frauds include tainted medicines, fabricated clinical trials and lax regulation in the industry. A 22-year-old Qiu told AFP that she spent thousands on online Covid medicines that never arrived. Authorities claimed that they have begun shipping paxvloid, a Beijing-approved Covid treatment medicine developed by US drug giant Pfizer, to many hospitals and communities but is difficult to obtain. According to AFP, limited stocks have compelled citizens to buy medicines at a higher price. It said that an online seller told the news agency that they were charging 18,000 yuan ($2,610) for a single box of the medicine, almost nine times more than the original price. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

China’s healthcare system crumbles amid Covid spike; people buying medicines from black market

While the urban cities of China grapple with COVID's upcoming wave, the nation's rural population is also at risk of a dark Covid winter, as per Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) forecasts. With the holiday season commencing in January, millions of migrant workers will return from Covid-stricken cities to their rural hometowns. Due to this, China's rural areas, with a limited healthcare supply, can face a wave of severe infections.

Even though COVID-19 is rapidly spreading across China, reluctance towards vaccines remains consistent among older citizens. Researchers fear that the patchy healthcare systems and rising cases might affect the already vulnerable part of mainland China, reported NPR.&nbsp;

COVID-19's first wave affected the country in several ways. It impacted the People's Republic of China (PRC), mainly in agriculture and food systems. Since rural China is primarily agriculture-based, the pandemic could have a harmful influence on it.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="www.wionews.com/east-asia/china-deployed-71-airforce-planes-in-weekend-strike-drills-47-crossed-taiwan-strait-taiwan-defence-ministry-546569">China deployed 71 jets into Taiwan air defence zone in largest incursion so far, says Taiwan</a>

In 2020, rural migrant workers received the worst shocks in monetary terms due to the pandemic. More than 53 million migrant workers had to stay in their hometowns due to lockdown policies. Thus, the number of migrant workers decreased by 30.6 per cent at the end of February 2020, according to reports.&nbsp;

According to a report titled '<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8110271/">COVID-19 in Rural China'</a>, villages can survive the pandemic by disconnecting from the outside world. The analysis called rural areas 'the weakest links in China's pandemic prevention.'&nbsp;

In January 2020, the highest number of cases was in Shijiazhuang, a Chinese city, mainly home to farmers. The average age of the workers was 45 years, and more than 20 per cent of people were 60 years old. Moreover, the number of cases in females was slightly higher than the males.&nbsp;

Watch|&nbsp;China reports ‘zero Covid death’ for the first time in three years

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Many children from nearby villages also tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. According to the report, the primary reason behind this was the consistent migration of young individuals from rural to urban areas in search of work.

Due to the local customs of wedding celebrations at the end of the year, social gatherings became common. They also led to the spread of the virus in rural areas.&nbsp;

Rural citizens of China have low awareness of medical treatment, furthermore, poor medical habits and insufficient access to resources were prime reasons behind the pandemic's outbreak.&nbsp;

IHME has predicted around a million deaths in China in 2023 due to the current wave of COVID. Medical scarcity has already hit rural pharmacies. The situation is likely to worsen if PRC's government does not take appropriate steps.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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&nbsp;

While the urban cities of China grapple with COVID's upcoming wave, the nation's rural population is also at risk of a dark Covid winter, as per Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) forecasts.

While the urban cities of China grapple with COVID's upcoming wave, the nation's rural population is also at risk of a dark Covid winter, as per Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) forecasts. With the holiday season commencing in January, millions of migrant workers will return from Covid-stricken cities to their rural hometowns. Due to this, China's rural areas, with a limited healthcare supply, can face a wave of severe infections. Even though COVID-19 is rapidly spreading across China, reluctance towards vaccines remains consistent among older citizens. Researchers fear that the patchy healthcare systems and rising cases might affect the already vulnerable part of mainland China, reported NPR. COVID-19's first wave affected the country in several ways. It impacted the People's Republic of China (PRC), mainly in agriculture and food systems. Since rural China is primarily agriculture-based, the pandemic could have a harmful influence on it. Also read | China deployed 71 jets into Taiwan air defence zone in largest incursion so far, says Taiwan In 2020, rural migrant workers received the worst shocks in monetary terms due to the pandemic. More than 53 million migrant workers had to stay in their hometowns due to lockdown policies. Thus, the number of migrant workers decreased by 30.6 per cent at the end of February 2020, according to reports. According to a report titled 'COVID-19 in Rural China', villages can survive the pandemic by disconnecting from the outside world. The analysis called rural areas 'the weakest links in China's pandemic prevention.' In January 2020, the highest number of cases was in Shijiazhuang, a Chinese city, mainly home to farmers. The average age of the workers was 45 years, and more than 20 per cent of people were 60 years old. Moreover, the number of cases in females was slightly higher than the males. Watch| China reports ‘zero Covid death’ for the first time in three years Many children from nearby villages also tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. According to the report, the primary reason behind this was the consistent migration of young individuals from rural to urban areas in search of work. Due to the local customs of wedding celebrations at the end of the year, social gatherings became common. They also led to the spread of the virus in rural areas. Rural citizens of China have low awareness of medical treatment, furthermore, poor medical habits and insufficient access to resources were prime reasons behind the pandemic's outbreak. IHME has predicted around a million deaths in China in 2023 due to the current wave of COVID. Medical scarcity has already hit rural pharmacies. The situation is likely to worsen if PRC's government does not take appropriate steps. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Covid-19's grim impact on rural China might worsen in recent wave: Report

As China battles a COVID-19 wave in the wake of regulations being loosened, videos showing hundreds of Chinese&nbsp;gathered in lines outside clinics and hospitals have now gone viral. In various Chinese cities, there is an emergency due to understaffed hospitals and a lack of medicines and ventilators.

A video shared by the UK-based media outlet, the Telegraph, showed a doctor collapsing on the floor while treating&nbsp;patients.

In the 93-second clip, a woman is seen expressing concerns to a doctor while he attends to patients and a young child. The doctor appeared obviously exhausted.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-spike-in-china-govt-says-no-new-deaths-seen-after-changing-criteria-545159">Covid spike in China: Govt says no new deaths seen after changing criteria</a>

While other patients are conversing, he seems exhausted as he attempts to take the child's temperature before collapsing on his desk and getting up from his chair.

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He was in such bad shape that other medical professionals had to rush to his desk and treat him.&nbsp;

Social media networks are flooded with videos of medical professionals performing CPR on patients who were having respiratory failure while sitting on the hospital floor.

Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.

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官方说没有重症，看看重庆医科大学附属第一医院 急诊留观区域。 <a href="https://t.co/UsGiKoS4gG">pic.twitter.com/UsGiKoS4gG</a>
— iPaul🇨🇦🇺🇦 (@iPaulCanada) <a href="https://twitter.com/iPaulCanada/status/1605155786245677056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Chinese epidemiologists are concerned that three waves of COVID could hit China in the next months, resulting in millions of illnesses and a few thousand fatalities.

Xiaofeng Liang, Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention chief, said that the current Covid wave will impact at least 60 per cent&nbsp;of the people.

Also watch |&nbsp;Trending on WION: Over 60% of China and 10% of the global population may get infected by Covid19

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In a tweet, epidemiologist and health economist Eric Feigl-Ding expressed concern that the reproduction number (R) could be difficult to measure in China if the doubling time is less than one day because valid findings from PCR testing must be obtained within at least 24 to 48 hours.

He said that this means China and the world could be ‘in deep trouble.’

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As China battles a COVID-19 wave in the wake of regulations being loosened, videos showing hundreds of Chinese gathered in lines outside clinics and hospitals have now gone viral.

As China battles a COVID-19 wave in the wake of regulations being loosened, videos showing hundreds of Chinese gathered in lines outside clinics and hospitals have now gone viral. In various Chinese cities, there is an emergency due to understaffed hospitals and a lack of medicines and ventilators. A video shared by the UK-based media outlet, the Telegraph, showed a doctor collapsing on the floor while treating patients. In the 93-second clip, a woman is seen expressing concerns to a doctor while he attends to patients and a young child. The doctor appeared obviously exhausted. Also read | Covid spike in China: Govt says no new deaths seen after changing criteria While other patients are conversing, he seems exhausted as he attempts to take the child's temperature before collapsing on his desk and getting up from his chair. × He was in such bad shape that other medical professionals had to rush to his desk and treat him. Social media networks are flooded with videos of medical professionals performing CPR on patients who were having respiratory failure while sitting on the hospital floor. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. 官方说没有重症，看看重庆医科大学附属第一医院 急诊留观区域。 pic.twitter.com/UsGiKoS4gG — iPaul🇨🇦🇺🇦 (@iPaulCanada) December 20, 2022 × Chinese epidemiologists are concerned that three waves of COVID could hit China in the next months, resulting in millions of illnesses and a few thousand fatalities. Xiaofeng Liang, Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention chief, said that the current Covid wave will impact at least 60 per cent of the people. Also watch | Trending on WION: Over 60% of China and 10% of the global population may get infected by Covid19 In a tweet, epidemiologist and health economist Eric Feigl-Ding expressed concern that the reproduction number (R) could be difficult to measure in China if the doubling time is less than one day because valid findings from PCR testing must be obtained within at least 24 to 48 hours. He said that this means China and the world could be ‘in deep trouble.’ WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

WATCH: Exhausted doctor collapses while attending patients amid China's Covid surge

UK witnessed strike by thousands of nurses from England, Ireland and Wales as they demand an increase in their pay. It is a second strike in a week.

UK witness another day-long strike by nurses as healthcare workers demand a pay increase

The healthcare industry in India has faced 1.9 million cyberattacks this year. The attacks have been traced back to Vietnam, Pakistan, and China. These data breaches have raised several concerns about India's readiness to prevent attacks on its critical infrastructure.

WION Fineprint: Rising ransomware attacks in India

In Madrid, thousands of protesters marched in support of the region's basic healthcare facilities and warned that any alteration to the system would "destroy" local healthcare

Thousands protest in support of public healthcare in Madrid

In Madrid, thousands of protesters marched&nbsp;in support of the region's basic healthcare facilities and warned that any alteration to the system would "destroy" local healthcare. Under the banner, "Madrid rallies in support of public healthcare and against the intention to dismantle primary care services," massive crowds gathered at four locations around the capital.&nbsp;

Primary healthcare services in the Madrid area have reportedly been under tremendous pressure&nbsp;for years due to a lack of funding and workforce, with the problem being made worse by subpar regional administration, according to unions.

A regional government spokesman who spoke to AFP said there were 200,000 people&nbsp;on the streets, but organisers gave a figure three times higher, saying 650,000 demonstrators had joined the protest.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-china-eases-zero-covid-rules-close-to-12000-new-covid-cases-reported-533688">As China eases 'Zero-COVID' rules, close to 12,000 cases of new infection reported</a>

"Your health should never depend on your wallet," read one huge green banner, while others read: "Health care is not for sale, it must be defended" as thousands of voices demanded the resignation of the region's right-wing leader Isabel Diaz Ayuso.

The demonstration comes before a strike by almost 5,000 local paediatricians and regional&nbsp;family doctors that is set on 21 November,&nbsp;in response to work overload, never-ending&nbsp;appointments, and lack of time with patients."

(With inputs from agencies)

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In Madrid, thousands of protesters marched in support of the region's basic healthcare facilities and warned that any alteration to the system would "destroy" local healthcare.

In Madrid, thousands of protesters marched in support of the region's basic healthcare facilities and warned that any alteration to the system would "destroy" local healthcare. Under the banner, "Madrid rallies in support of public healthcare and against the intention to dismantle primary care services," massive crowds gathered at four locations around the capital. Primary healthcare services in the Madrid area have reportedly been under tremendous pressure for years due to a lack of funding and workforce, with the problem being made worse by subpar regional administration, according to unions. A regional government spokesman who spoke to AFP said there were 200,000 people on the streets, but organisers gave a figure three times higher, saying 650,000 demonstrators had joined the protest. Also read | As China eases 'Zero-COVID' rules, close to 12,000 cases of new infection reported "Your health should never depend on your wallet," read one huge green banner, while others read: "Health care is not for sale, it must be defended" as thousands of voices demanded the resignation of the region's right-wing leader Isabel Diaz Ayuso. The demonstration comes before a strike by almost 5,000 local paediatricians and regional family doctors that is set on 21 November, in response to work overload, never-ending appointments, and lack of time with patients." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Spain: Thousands protest in support of primary healthcare in Madrid

Walmart, which is one of the largest private employers in the United States, has decided to include abortion coverage for its employees. In the aftermath of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v Wade, they have decided to add abortions to their already existing healthcare plans.

According to a memo sent to the employees, the healthcare plans will now include abortion for employees “when there is a health risk to the mother, rape or incest, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage or lack of fetal viability”. The plans will be “effective immediately”, it further stated.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-three-officers-suspended-in-the-us-for-brutally-assaulting-a-suspect-508991">WATCH: Three officers suspended in the US for brutally assaulting a suspect</a>

Earlier, the company policy stated that abortions were covered under healthcare only “when the health of the mother would be in danger if the fetus were carried to term, the fetus could not survive the birthing process, or death would be imminent after birth”, according to Associated Press.

However, Walmart top official Donna Morris said that they have changed the regulations completely and they will also provide “travel support” to workers living in states where abortion is outlawed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-gears-up-for-intensified-attacks-following-moscow-car-bombing-509001" hreflang="en">Ukraine gears up for intensified attacks following Moscow car bombing</a>

The memo quoted Morris as saying that the changes were accepted by the company after “listening to our associates about what’s important to them” and she added that “we strive to provide quality, competitive and accessible health coverage that supports you and your families”.

The headquarters of Walmart is currently in the state of Arkansas – one of the places where abortion was completely banned. However, the company has decided to invest in a facility that “provides employees fertility services, including in vitro fertilization” and also provide surrogacy support.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Walmart, which is one of the largest private employers in the United States, has decided to include abortion coverage for its employees. In the aftermath of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v Wade, they have decided to add abortions to their already existing healthcare plans.

Walmart, which is one of the largest private employers in the United States, has decided to include abortion coverage for its employees. In the aftermath of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v Wade, they have decided to add abortions to their already existing healthcare plans. According to a memo sent to the employees, the healthcare plans will now include abortion for employees “when there is a health risk to the mother, rape or incest, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage or lack of fetal viability”. The plans will be “effective immediately”, it further stated. Also read | WATCH: Three officers suspended in the US for brutally assaulting a suspect Earlier, the company policy stated that abortions were covered under healthcare only “when the health of the mother would be in danger if the fetus were carried to term, the fetus could not survive the birthing process, or death would be imminent after birth”, according to Associated Press. However, Walmart top official Donna Morris said that they have changed the regulations completely and they will also provide “travel support” to workers living in states where abortion is outlawed. Also read | Ukraine gears up for intensified attacks following Moscow car bombing The memo quoted Morris as saying that the changes were accepted by the company after “listening to our associates about what’s important to them” and she added that “we strive to provide quality, competitive and accessible health coverage that supports you and your families”. The headquarters of Walmart is currently in the state of Arkansas – one of the places where abortion was completely banned. However, the company has decided to invest in a facility that “provides employees fertility services, including in vitro fertilization” and also provide surrogacy support. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE -

Walmart to include abortion coverage in healthcare plan for US employees

The last 75 years have seen big advancements in India’s healthcare sector, which has grown at 22% since 2016 and at this rate, is expected to reach $ 372 bn in 2022.

India@75: India's achievements in healthcare sector since independence

From launching national-level initiatives to control some of the deadliest of diseases, to becoming the vaccine provider to the world, India has come a long way in healthcare.

India@75: Important healthcare achievements

&nbsp;"If we have to conduct a successful human spaceflight and sustain it in India, we need a strong pool of doctors to get involved in the Human Spaceflight mission. There are opportunities in not just emergency medicine, but also for doctors in other domains" said Dr. S. Somanath, Chairman, Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO). Addressing a gathering of Doctors from across medical domains and ISRO scientists, he touched upon how medical professionals could work together on Spacecraft design for India's highly-anticipated Gaganyaan(Human Spaceflight) mission.&nbsp;

Elaborating on this, Somanath said that scientists and engineers were building machines, but lacked the feel of human beings (those who were going to use the equipment). He was saying this in light of the Gaganyaan Spacecraft that is being built to carry and house the Indian astronauts in space and return them to earth. Regarding the interactions with the four Indian astronauts, he mentioned receiving their constant feedback on equipment placement, lighting, software, displays, etc. onboard the spacecraft (simulator).&nbsp;

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(3/3) Dr. T S Srinath Kumar, Head, Narayana Health would hold brainstorming sessions with the quality experts from ISRO. 
Details: <a href="https://t.co/dOGvKJGZdr">https://t.co/dOGvKJGZdr</a> 
Watch the deliberations LIVE from 11 am (IST) at<a href="https://t.co/Uiq1oqA2Yd">https://t.co/Uiq1oqA2Yd</a>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1529135048342917120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Organised at the ISRO Headquarters in Bengaluru, the event Health-Quality Upgradation Enabled through Space Technology (Health-QUEST) was aimed at percolating best practices in ISRO’s quality domain into emergency healthcare and critical healthcare departments for reducing mortality rates.

Notably, even the best healthcare systems in the world have an error rate of 8-10 per cent, whereas the aerospace industry and rocketry operate at zero per cent error, as even the most minor error can prove catastrophic. Speaking at the event, Dr Alexander Thomas, president, Association of Healthcare Providers India (AHPI), emphasised the importance of absorbing and implementing the stringent safety standards of the aerospace industry in the healthcare sector (particularly in the hospital emergency wards, accident wards and critical care units).&nbsp;

Listing out the areas of cooperation between ISRO and the Indian healthcare sector, he touched upon geo-mapping of accident and emergency care centres across the country, in order to have accurate information on the type of services and level of care available in the healthcare facilities. He also added the need to geo-tag ambulances and ICUs, besides the need to study the impact of climate change and its threat on health.&nbsp;

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"If we have to conduct a successful human spaceflight and sustain it in India, we need a strong pool of doctors to get involved in the Human Spaceflight mission.

"If we have to conduct a successful human spaceflight and sustain it in India, we need a strong pool of doctors to get involved in the Human Spaceflight mission. There are opportunities in not just emergency medicine, but also for doctors in other domains" said Dr. S. Somanath, Chairman, Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO). Addressing a gathering of Doctors from across medical domains and ISRO scientists, he touched upon how medical professionals could work together on Spacecraft design for India's highly-anticipated Gaganyaan(Human Spaceflight) mission. Elaborating on this, Somanath said that scientists and engineers were building machines, but lacked the feel of human beings (those who were going to use the equipment). He was saying this in light of the Gaganyaan Spacecraft that is being built to carry and house the Indian astronauts in space and return them to earth. Regarding the interactions with the four Indian astronauts, he mentioned receiving their constant feedback on equipment placement, lighting, software, displays, etc. onboard the spacecraft (simulator). (3/3) Dr. T S Srinath Kumar, Head, Narayana Health would hold brainstorming sessions with the quality experts from ISRO. Details: https://t.co/dOGvKJGZdr Watch the deliberations LIVE from 11 am (IST) athttps://t.co/Uiq1oqA2Yd — ISRO (@isro) May 24, 2022 × Organised at the ISRO Headquarters in Bengaluru, the event Health-Quality Upgradation Enabled through Space Technology (Health-QUEST) was aimed at percolating best practices in ISRO’s quality domain into emergency healthcare and critical healthcare departments for reducing mortality rates. Notably, even the best healthcare systems in the world have an error rate of 8-10 per cent, whereas the aerospace industry and rocketry operate at zero per cent error, as even the most minor error can prove catastrophic. Speaking at the event, Dr Alexander Thomas, president, Association of Healthcare Providers India (AHPI), emphasised the importance of absorbing and implementing the stringent safety standards of the aerospace industry in the healthcare sector (particularly in the hospital emergency wards, accident wards and critical care units). Listing out the areas of cooperation between ISRO and the Indian healthcare sector, he touched upon geo-mapping of accident and emergency care centres across the country, in order to have accurate information on the type of services and level of care available in the healthcare facilities. He also added the need to geo-tag ambulances and ICUs, besides the need to study the impact of climate change and its threat on health. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Need a strong pool of doctors to collaborate with Human Spaceflight Programme: ISRO Chairman Somanath

As the worst economic crisis in Sri Lanka continues, doctors have raised an alarm over the death toll in the country. Doctors in Sri Lanka said that the death toll due to economic crisis could be higher than the toll during the coronavirus pandemic. Notably, as of April 12, 2022, over 16,000 people had died due to coronavirus in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan doctors’ alarm over death toll due to economic crisis: ‘Will make difficult choices…’

China's latest Wuhan virus outbreak has overwhelmed Shanghai. The healthcare system has collapsed. Non-Covid patients are dying due to lapses. The lockdown has triggered panic buying. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Shanghai's healthcare system has collapsed

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