Canada's health industry is now bracing for staff shortages and layoffs, as deadlines for vaccine mandates loom across the country. This comes in when the unions are pushing federal and provincial governments to soften hard-line stances.

In hospitals and nursing homes, a shortage of workers would strain the overburdened workforce which is now dealing with nearly two years of the pandemic.&nbsp;

Devon Greyson, assistant professor of public health at the University of British Columbia said that it is still not clear how the workers will respond.&nbsp;

"A shortage of workers can mean people's health and well being. It's scary," Greyson said.

He added, "We're in an ethical situation where it's also scary not to ensure that all health workers are vaccinated. So it's a bit of a Catch-22."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finally-canada-secures-release-of-two-nationals-detained-in-china-for-three-years-415766">Also read |&nbsp;Finally, Canada secures release of two nationals detained in China for three years</a>

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau unveiled one of the strictest vaccine mandates in the world last week as he said that unvaccinated federal employees will be sent on unpaid leave.&nbsp;

Also, he made COVID-19 shots mandatory for air, train and ship passengers.

Layoffs have already started to hit. One hospital in southern Ontario last week dumped 57 employees, representing 2.5 per cent of staff after its vaccine mandate came into effect.&nbsp;

A long-term care home in Toronto put 36 per cent of its staff on unpaid leave after they refused to get vaccinated.

Quebec is offering C$15,000 bonuses to help attract and retain about 4,300 full-time nurses. With this, some 25,000 healthcare workers who are yet not fully vaccinated ahead of an October 15 deadline might have to face suspension without pay, said Christian Dubé, the province's health minister.

Alberta has one of the lowest vaccination rates in Canada, and its hospitals have been overwhelmed by the fourth wave.

Canada's health industry is now bracing for staff shortages and layoffs, as deadlines for vaccine mandates loom across the country. This comes in when the unions are pushing federal and provincial governments to soften hard-line stances.

Canada's health industry is now bracing for staff shortages and layoffs, as deadlines for vaccine mandates loom across the country. This comes in when the unions are pushing federal and provincial governments to soften hard-line stances. In hospitals and nursing homes, a shortage of workers would strain the overburdened workforce which is now dealing with nearly two years of the pandemic. Devon Greyson, assistant professor of public health at the University of British Columbia said that it is still not clear how the workers will respond. "A shortage of workers can mean people's health and well being. It's scary," Greyson said. He added, "We're in an ethical situation where it's also scary not to ensure that all health workers are vaccinated. So it's a bit of a Catch-22." Also read | Finally, Canada secures release of two nationals detained in China for three years Prime Minister Justin Trudeau unveiled one of the strictest vaccine mandates in the world last week as he said that unvaccinated federal employees will be sent on unpaid leave. Also, he made COVID-19 shots mandatory for air, train and ship passengers. Layoffs have already started to hit. One hospital in southern Ontario last week dumped 57 employees, representing 2.5 per cent of staff after its vaccine mandate came into effect. A long-term care home in Toronto put 36 per cent of its staff on unpaid leave after they refused to get vaccinated. Quebec is offering C$15,000 bonuses to help attract and retain about 4,300 full-time nurses. With this, some 25,000 healthcare workers who are yet not fully vaccinated ahead of an October 15 deadline might have to face suspension without pay, said Christian Dubé, the province's health minister. Alberta has one of the lowest vaccination rates in Canada, and its hospitals have been overwhelmed by the fourth wave.

Canada: Overworked healthcare sector brace for staff shortages with upcoming vaccine mandates

AkosMD Healthcare, a leading B2B health-tech start-up is all set to open its first smart automated retail clinic in the NCR region.

It aims to provide integrated telemedicine services for doctors, insurance players and clinics &amp; hospitals. These clinics will be extending care for examining vitals.

AkosMD Healthcare's integrated portal is designed with a simple and practical layout to guide the user during their assessment by minimising guesswork and making virtual consultations seamless. Patients have access to most of their medical needs in one-patient portal.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ai-used-by-scientists-to-discover-a-treatment-for-childhood-cancer-415247">AI used by scientists to discover a treatment for childhood cancer</a>

It provides comprehensive telemedicine support, an integrated care management platform (records, analytics, and awareness), Labs and Medicine Support Network, Insurance Tie-ups, Clinical Behavioural Wellness and Lifestyle solutions.

"We are excited to launch our first AI/AR enabled retail clinic here in the NCR region, as a part of Phase-I of our operations. Gradually, we will spread across other parts of India in Phase-II over the next six months to a year," said Amit Kumar, Managing Director, AkosMD Healthcare Pvt Ltd.

"The AI/AR enabled medical station would also be able to hold patient's continuous self-examination with diagnostic tools to collect and store vital signs and parameters," said Kumar.

"While the software collects the symptoms, identifies the diagnostic possibilities, and formulates a treatment plan, the remote provider (doctor) will access the evaluation and confirm the diagnosis as well as the treatment plan along with an on-site assistant to help with the process, as needed," added Kumar.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/artificial-intelligence-completes-beethovens-unfinished-tenth-symphony-417463">Artificial intelligence completes Beethoven's unfinished tenth symphony</a>

This Noida headquartered health-tech start-up currently offers a highly secure teleconsultation platform integrated with a system capable of flexible scheduling, patient data handling, healthcare record management, payment processing, white-label branding among many other features.

Started in 2020, AkosMD Healthcare wants to position itself as a key player in the evolving area of tech-based healthcare and wellness management services and use technology &amp; innovation to create comprehensive solutions for `Primary &amp; Preventive Healthcare.`According to Kumar, there is a huge scope to grow in the Indian Health-tech market which comprises of six segments- Telemedicine, e-pharmacy, fitness, wellness, healthcare, IT, Analytics, Home health care and Personal Health management. This segment is currently worth about $2 billion, which is less than 1 per cent of the overall healthcare industry in India.

According to a recent report, the Indian Health-tech market is expected to grow at a 39% compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) over FY 2020-23 and is expected to reach USD $50 billion by 2023.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

AkosMD Healthcare, a leading B2B health-tech start-up is all set to open its first smart automated retail clinic in the NCR region. It aims to provide integrated telemedicine services for doctors, insurance players and clinics & hospitals.

AkosMD Healthcare, a leading B2B health-tech start-up is all set to open its first smart automated retail clinic in the NCR region. It aims to provide integrated telemedicine services for doctors, insurance players and clinics & hospitals. These clinics will be extending care for examining vitals. AkosMD Healthcare's integrated portal is designed with a simple and practical layout to guide the user during their assessment by minimising guesswork and making virtual consultations seamless. Patients have access to most of their medical needs in one-patient portal. Also Read | AI used by scientists to discover a treatment for childhood cancer It provides comprehensive telemedicine support, an integrated care management platform (records, analytics, and awareness), Labs and Medicine Support Network, Insurance Tie-ups, Clinical Behavioural Wellness and Lifestyle solutions. "We are excited to launch our first AI/AR enabled retail clinic here in the NCR region, as a part of Phase-I of our operations. Gradually, we will spread across other parts of India in Phase-II over the next six months to a year," said Amit Kumar, Managing Director, AkosMD Healthcare Pvt Ltd. "The AI/AR enabled medical station would also be able to hold patient's continuous self-examination with diagnostic tools to collect and store vital signs and parameters," said Kumar. "While the software collects the symptoms, identifies the diagnostic possibilities, and formulates a treatment plan, the remote provider (doctor) will access the evaluation and confirm the diagnosis as well as the treatment plan along with an on-site assistant to help with the process, as needed," added Kumar. Also Read | Artificial intelligence completes Beethoven's unfinished tenth symphony This Noida headquartered health-tech start-up currently offers a highly secure teleconsultation platform integrated with a system capable of flexible scheduling, patient data handling, healthcare record management, payment processing, white-label branding among many other features. Started in 2020, AkosMD Healthcare wants to position itself as a key player in the evolving area of tech-based healthcare and wellness management services and use technology & innovation to create comprehensive solutions for `Primary & Preventive Healthcare.`According to Kumar, there is a huge scope to grow in the Indian Health-tech market which comprises of six segments- Telemedicine, e-pharmacy, fitness, wellness, healthcare, IT, Analytics, Home health care and Personal Health management. This segment is currently worth about $2 billion, which is less than 1 per cent of the overall healthcare industry in India. According to a recent report, the Indian Health-tech market is expected to grow at a 39% compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) over FY 2020-23 and is expected to reach USD $50 billion by 2023.

India's awaited AI enabled retail clinic is set to launch in Delhi-NCR

A transparency survey has found that a third of Europe used personal contacts to secure healthcare. 62% of respondents cited corruption as a major issue in government. Is Europe's reputation of integrity a facade? Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Europeans bribed their way to beds & vaccines

Following the new regulations brought in due to Brexit, thousands of British nationals living in Europe face the risk of losing their local healthcare, employment and other similar rights if they fail to apply to remain residents in the next 14 days.

As per the new rules, the people who fail to apply to remain resident can have a major negative impact regarding access to healthcare, pension, employment, rental agreements, and many other similar rights.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-62-eu-residents-used-personal-contacts-to-get-access-to-healthcare-survey-391669" hreflang="en">Nearly 62% EU residents used personal contacts to get access to healthcare: Survey</a>

The warning was issued by the British in Europe, a group that helps Britishers living abroad be aware of the post-Brexit rights and problems.

In Europe, France has the largest population of British nationals who are vulnerable to losing these rights as the British embassy has claimed that nearly 135,000 Britons have applied for post-Brexit residency. The total population is estimated to be approximately 148,300, which means 13,300 Britons are at risk of losing their rights.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-pandemic-germanys-birth-rate-climbs-to-record-high-391637" hreflang="en">Amid pandemic, Germany's birth rate climbs to record high</a>

However, it has also been added that since France does not ask for registration from EU nationals, the exact number of Britons living in France might be much higher than the calculated number.

The campaigners have also accused the French and the UK government of not raising enough awareness about this matter, putting several Britons at risk of losing their rights.

"With just two weeks remaining to apply for residency in France,&nbsp;Latvia, Luxembourg and Malta, we urge UK nationals living in those countries to apply for residency now, if they have not done so already," a spokesperson for the UK government said. "Support is available for anyone who needs help to apply. Even if they are missing documents, they should apply and explain in the application form. The important thing is to apply. Guidance is available on the 'Living in' guides on gov.uk."

Following the new regulations brought in due to Brexit, thousands of British nationals living in Europe face the risk of losing their local healthcare, employment and other similar rights if they fail to apply to remain residents in the next 14 days.

Following the new regulations brought in due to Brexit, thousands of British nationals living in Europe face the risk of losing their local healthcare, employment and other similar rights if they fail to apply to remain residents in the next 14 days. As per the new rules, the people who fail to apply to remain resident can have a major negative impact regarding access to healthcare, pension, employment, rental agreements, and many other similar rights. Also read | Nearly 62% EU residents used personal contacts to get access to healthcare: Survey The warning was issued by the British in Europe, a group that helps Britishers living abroad be aware of the post-Brexit rights and problems. In Europe, France has the largest population of British nationals who are vulnerable to losing these rights as the British embassy has claimed that nearly 135,000 Britons have applied for post-Brexit residency. The total population is estimated to be approximately 148,300, which means 13,300 Britons are at risk of losing their rights. Also read | Amid pandemic, Germany's birth rate climbs to record high However, it has also been added that since France does not ask for registration from EU nationals, the exact number of Britons living in France might be much higher than the calculated number. The campaigners have also accused the French and the UK government of not raising enough awareness about this matter, putting several Britons at risk of losing their rights. "With just two weeks remaining to apply for residency in France, Latvia, Luxembourg and Malta, we urge UK nationals living in those countries to apply for residency now, if they have not done so already," a spokesperson for the UK government said. "Support is available for anyone who needs help to apply. Even if they are missing documents, they should apply and explain in the application form. The important thing is to apply. Guidance is available on the 'Living in' guides on gov.uk."

British nationals in France risk losing right to healthcare, pension and more: Campaigners

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus pandemic</a> sent hundreds of thousands of people into lockdown and negatively affected everyone’s day-to-day life. As some stayed safe in their homes, others struggled to find hospital beds, ventilators, etc for themselves or their loved ones once someone got infected by the virus.

Europe saw one of the worst situations and hospitals struggled to cater to patients. During this time, almost a third of EU residents used their personal connections and heavily relied on bribed to get healthcare facilities, a report has found.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astrazenecas-antibody-fails-in-protecting-exposed-patients-from-covid-19-391632">AstraZeneca's antibody fails in protecting exposed patients from COVID-19</a>

As per a report on corruption by an NGO, The Global Corruption Barometer, nearly 62 per cent (two-thirds) of the 40,000 survey takers believe their government has a corruption problem and 76 per cent (three-quarters) feel their government is getting worse and has been stagnating.

Almost a third of residents in the European Union (EU) countries have used their personal connections to access health care services during the Covid pandemic and one in five people in Romania, Bulgaria, Lithuania and Hungary have bribed authorities to gain access to these services.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/top-chinese-virologist-shi-zhengli-refuted-wuhan-lab-leak-theory-391661">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/top-chinese-virologist-shi-zhengli-refuted-wuhan-lab-leak-theory-391661/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The EU is often seen as a bastion of integrity, but these findings show that countries across the region remain vulnerable to the insidious effects of corruption," said Delia Ferreira Rubio, the chair of Transparency International. "During a health crisis, using personal connections to access public services can be as damaging as paying bribes. Lives can be lost when connected people get a Covid-19 vaccine or medical treatment before those with more urgent needs. It’s crucial that governments across the EU redouble their efforts to ensure a fair and equitable recovery from the ongoing pandemic."

Tough this report, the problem of a close relationship between big businesses and governments has been highlighted, which hints at the growing problem of corruption in EU member countries. The report also claimed that there was no country in the EU where citizens thought that corruption in the government was declining.

The coronavirus pandemic sent hundreds of thousands of people into lockdown and negatively affected everyone’s day-to-day life. As some stayed safe in their homes, others struggled to find hospital beds, ventilators, etc for themselves or their loved ones once someone got infected by the virus.

The coronavirus pandemic sent hundreds of thousands of people into lockdown and negatively affected everyone’s day-to-day life. As some stayed safe in their homes, others struggled to find hospital beds, ventilators, etc for themselves or their loved ones once someone got infected by the virus. Europe saw one of the worst situations and hospitals struggled to cater to patients. During this time, almost a third of EU residents used their personal connections and heavily relied on bribed to get healthcare facilities, a report has found. Also read | AstraZeneca's antibody fails in protecting exposed patients from COVID-19 As per a report on corruption by an NGO, The Global Corruption Barometer, nearly 62 per cent (two-thirds) of the 40,000 survey takers believe their government has a corruption problem and 76 per cent (three-quarters) feel their government is getting worse and has been stagnating. Almost a third of residents in the European Union (EU) countries have used their personal connections to access health care services during the Covid pandemic and one in five people in Romania, Bulgaria, Lithuania and Hungary have bribed authorities to gain access to these services. WATCH | "The EU is often seen as a bastion of integrity, but these findings show that countries across the region remain vulnerable to the insidious effects of corruption," said Delia Ferreira Rubio, the chair of Transparency International. "During a health crisis, using personal connections to access public services can be as damaging as paying bribes. Lives can be lost when connected people get a Covid-19 vaccine or medical treatment before those with more urgent needs. It’s crucial that governments across the EU redouble their efforts to ensure a fair and equitable recovery from the ongoing pandemic." Tough this report, the problem of a close relationship between big businesses and governments has been highlighted, which hints at the growing problem of corruption in EU member countries. The report also claimed that there was no country in the EU where citizens thought that corruption in the government was declining.

Nearly 62% EU residents used personal contacts to get access to healthcare: Survey

As Uganda shifted to digital identity cards, nearly one-third of the adults in the African country have been excluded from getting proper access to healthcare and social services.

The National Identification and Registration Authority (Nira) had introduced ID cards in 2015. However, a report has revealed that nearly 23 to 33 per cent of the adult population does not have these ID cards till now.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/uganda-detects-first-case-of-covid-variant-first-found-in-india-381772" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/uganda-detects-first-case-of-covid-variant-first-found-in-india-381772&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjN1oiEwIrxAhXu8HMBHSE_Dfs4ChAWMAR6BAgCEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw0_Kkad5LxAl9ozi56F-M8q" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uganda-detects-first-case-of-covid-variant-first-found-in-india-381772" target="_blank">Uganda&nbsp;detects first case of Covid variant first found in India</a>

These ID cards are necessary to access government and private healthcare facilities, to claim social benefits, to vote, buy sim cards and even to open bank accounts.

While almost a third of the population does not own cards, some of them who do have these ID cards are unable to use them as they have errors in them.

To rectify these errors, the cost incurred would be 50,000 Ugandan shillings (£10), but more than 40 per cent of the population lives on less than £1.30 per day, which makes it near to impossible for the locals to get the errors rectified.

Through this report, the human rights organisations are urging the Uganda government to remove the requirement of ID cards to gain access to essential services and healthcare.

"Government has to go back to the drawing table and rethink the use of Ndaga Muntu, especially when it comes to tagging it to service delivery, because many people are being left out," said Angella Nabwowe, of the Initiative for Social and Economic Rights, one of the organisations that produced the report.

As Uganda shifted to digital identity cards, nearly one-third of the adults in the African country have been excluded from getting proper access to healthcare and social services.

As Uganda shifted to digital identity cards, nearly one-third of the adults in the African country have been excluded from getting proper access to healthcare and social services. The National Identification and Registration Authority (Nira) had introduced ID cards in 2015. However, a report has revealed that nearly 23 to 33 per cent of the adult population does not have these ID cards till now. Also read | Uganda detects first case of Covid variant first found in India These ID cards are necessary to access government and private healthcare facilities, to claim social benefits, to vote, buy sim cards and even to open bank accounts. While almost a third of the population does not own cards, some of them who do have these ID cards are unable to use them as they have errors in them. To rectify these errors, the cost incurred would be 50,000 Ugandan shillings (£10), but more than 40 per cent of the population lives on less than £1.30 per day, which makes it near to impossible for the locals to get the errors rectified. Through this report, the human rights organisations are urging the Uganda government to remove the requirement of ID cards to gain access to essential services and healthcare. "Government has to go back to the drawing table and rethink the use of Ndaga Muntu, especially when it comes to tagging it to service delivery, because many people are being left out," said Angella Nabwowe, of the Initiative for Social and Economic Rights, one of the organisations that produced the report.

One-third of Uganda's population excluded from healthcare system: Report

New York's largest healthcare provider Northwell Health's Center for Traumatic Stress, Resilience and Recovery (CTSRR) is offering help to its 76,000 healthcare workers and their families impacted by COVID-19.

NY's largest hospital system creates mental health center for its workers impacted by COVID-19

Federal officials have reprogrammed Healthcare.gov, making new benefits available to tens of millions of Americans, weeks after Congress authorized spending billions on additional health law subsidies.

The Biden administration has doubled Obamacare’s advertising budget to get the word out, and will now spend $100 million telling Americans about newly affordable options.

Nearly everyone with an Affordable Care Act health plan can now qualify for increased financial help with premiums by going back to the website. Many Americans who buy their own insurance outside the ACA marketplaces may also qualify for substantial help, and may benefit from reviewing options and switching to an eligible plan. Uninsured Americans also qualify.

For some, the savings could be significant: A 64-year-old who earns $30,000, for example, would see monthly premiums drop to $85 from $195 for a midlevel plan. A family of four that earns $40,000 would go from paying a $136 premium to nothing at all.

More than 6 million people, or about 3 in 5 currently uninsured Americans in Healthcare.gov states, will be able to find health plans that won’t cost them anything in premiums, according to a new government analysis (the government will fully pay the monthly premium).

“These changes are really important because there is a fair number of people who didn’t qualify before,” said Laura Packard, executive director of Get Covered America. “Maybe they gave up trying, maybe they got a substandard policy somewhere else. This is a great opportunity for them to get coverage.”

Maximizing subsidies will require enrolling in the right kind of plan, and getting financial help right away will mean logging onto Healthcare.gov. The federal government will not automatically apply the new subsidies to the existing 8.2 million enrollees’ premiums. Instead, those who buy their own insurance will need to log into their accounts and re-enroll in coverage. People who fail to do so will still get the money, but they will have to wait.

About 3.3 million people who buy their coverage outside the government marketplace could now qualify for subsidies on the marketplace. These are typically higher-income Americans who previously earned too much to qualify for help. These people will need to switch to a marketplace plan to take advantage of the premium tax credits.

The Biden administration has added another $50 million in advertising to an earlier $50 million marketing commitment; the campaign will run on television, radio and online, and will emphasize the reduced cost. In early March, the administration announced $2.3 million in grants to nonprofits that help enroll consumers in coverage. By contrast, the Trump administration slashed the health law’s outreach and advertising budget shortly after taking office.

“People deserve the peace of mind that comes with knowing you can take care of your health without going into debt,” said Xavier Becerra, the secretary of Health and Human Services, in a statement.

Typically, the opportunity to enroll is only during a brief period in the fall. This year, people will have more time. Customers can buy insurance or switch plans until Aug. 15.

The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that the new subsidies will help 1.3 million uninsured Americans get coverage over the next two years. Some analysts say the policies could lower the number of uninsured Americans even more. The additional subsidies are set to expire at the end of 2022, though the Biden administration and Democrats in Congress are working to extend them through future legislation.

Linda Blumberg, a health policy expert at the Urban Institute, said the challenges of notifying people about their new options and the temporary nature of the program could limit its effect. But, she said, the Biden administration has the opportunity for a more substantial impact.

“If there is a large, aggressive, multifaceted effort at informing people of these much larger premium subsidies that are available to them, I think that can overcome those kinds of concerns and barriers,” she said.

Brokers and navigators, who help people enroll in benefits, expect the new subsidies will drive a high number of enrollments — and are already fielding some inquiries about the changes.

“It will probably be pretty busy, and the increased marketing and advertising will be really helpful for that,” said Shelli Quenga, director of programs at the Palmetto Project, a nonprofit that runs an insurance brokerage in South Carolina.

Quenga has begun to work with some enrollees to sort out their new subsidies. She has one family, deterred from buying coverage by a $1,200 monthly premium, that expects to enroll now that the amount has dropped to $700. Another client now paying $30 a month will see his premium disappear.

Some people will have to wait longer for the stimulus law’s health subsidies. There are 15 states that run their own marketplaces, and some will take slightly longer to update their websites with the new premium amounts.

The stimulus law includes additional subsidies for Americans who have used unemployment insurance this year. Those people qualify for a no-cost health plan on the marketplace, but that benefit is more complex to administer and will not be available on Healthcare.gov until July.

Shoppers who do not re-enroll in coverage will still eventually get their insurance subsidies. Instead of showing up as a monthly discount on insurance premiums, they will be rolled into that person’s 2021 tax return next spring.

Federal officials have reprogrammed Healthcare.gov, making new benefits available to tens of millions of Americans, weeks after Congress authorized spending billions on additional health law subsidies.

Federal officials have reprogrammed Healthcare.gov, making new benefits available to tens of millions of Americans, weeks after Congress authorized spending billions on additional health law subsidies. The Biden administration has doubled Obamacare’s advertising budget to get the word out, and will now spend $100 million telling Americans about newly affordable options. Nearly everyone with an Affordable Care Act health plan can now qualify for increased financial help with premiums by going back to the website. Many Americans who buy their own insurance outside the ACA marketplaces may also qualify for substantial help, and may benefit from reviewing options and switching to an eligible plan. Uninsured Americans also qualify. For some, the savings could be significant: A 64-year-old who earns $30,000, for example, would see monthly premiums drop to $85 from $195 for a midlevel plan. A family of four that earns $40,000 would go from paying a $136 premium to nothing at all. More than 6 million people, or about 3 in 5 currently uninsured Americans in Healthcare.gov states, will be able to find health plans that won’t cost them anything in premiums, according to a new government analysis (the government will fully pay the monthly premium). “These changes are really important because there is a fair number of people who didn’t qualify before,” said Laura Packard, executive director of Get Covered America. “Maybe they gave up trying, maybe they got a substandard policy somewhere else. This is a great opportunity for them to get coverage.” Maximizing subsidies will require enrolling in the right kind of plan, and getting financial help right away will mean logging onto Healthcare.gov. The federal government will not automatically apply the new subsidies to the existing 8.2 million enrollees’ premiums. Instead, those who buy their own insurance will need to log into their accounts and re-enroll in coverage. People who fail to do so will still get the money, but they will have to wait. About 3.3 million people who buy their coverage outside the government marketplace could now qualify for subsidies on the marketplace. These are typically higher-income Americans who previously earned too much to qualify for help. These people will need to switch to a marketplace plan to take advantage of the premium tax credits. The Biden administration has added another $50 million in advertising to an earlier $50 million marketing commitment; the campaign will run on television, radio and online, and will emphasize the reduced cost. In early March, the administration announced $2.3 million in grants to nonprofits that help enroll consumers in coverage. By contrast, the Trump administration slashed the health law’s outreach and advertising budget shortly after taking office. “People deserve the peace of mind that comes with knowing you can take care of your health without going into debt,” said Xavier Becerra, the secretary of Health and Human Services, in a statement. Typically, the opportunity to enroll is only during a brief period in the fall. This year, people will have more time. Customers can buy insurance or switch plans until Aug. 15. The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that the new subsidies will help 1.3 million uninsured Americans get coverage over the next two years. Some analysts say the policies could lower the number of uninsured Americans even more. The additional subsidies are set to expire at the end of 2022, though the Biden administration and Democrats in Congress are working to extend them through future legislation. Linda Blumberg, a health policy expert at the Urban Institute, said the challenges of notifying people about their new options and the temporary nature of the program could limit its effect. But, she said, the Biden administration has the opportunity for a more substantial impact. “If there is a large, aggressive, multifaceted effort at informing people of these much larger premium subsidies that are available to them, I think that can overcome those kinds of concerns and barriers,” she said. Brokers and navigators, who help people enroll in benefits, expect the new subsidies will drive a high number of enrollments — and are already fielding some inquiries about the changes. “It will probably be pretty busy, and the increased marketing and advertising will be really helpful for that,” said Shelli Quenga, director of programs at the Palmetto Project, a nonprofit that runs an insurance brokerage in South Carolina. Quenga has begun to work with some enrollees to sort out their new subsidies. She has one family, deterred from buying coverage by a $1,200 monthly premium, that expects to enroll now that the amount has dropped to $700. Another client now paying $30 a month will see his premium disappear. Some people will have to wait longer for the stimulus law’s health subsidies. There are 15 states that run their own marketplaces, and some will take slightly longer to update their websites with the new premium amounts. The stimulus law includes additional subsidies for Americans who have used unemployment insurance this year. Those people qualify for a no-cost health plan on the marketplace, but that benefit is more complex to administer and will not be available on Healthcare.gov until July. Shoppers who do not re-enroll in coverage will still eventually get their insurance subsidies. Instead of showing up as a monthly discount on insurance premiums, they will be rolled into that person’s 2021 tax return next spring.

Billions in new Obamacare subsidies are now available on Healthcare.gov

With the aim to encourage the need to ensure proper healthcare and hygiene, Mobius Foundation organised several mobile health camps in two phases in the remote areas of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

In the Phase I, 48 mobile health camps were organised in the remote areas of Sonipat and Panipat districts of Haryana. These camps were held between June 2018 and March 2019 to create awareness about the importance of healthcare and hygiene among 2,000 households.&nbsp;

Around 23 mobile health camps were organised in the remote areas of UP – Durana, Sirsad, Ramghar, Mandi, Naulhta and Gohana in the Mobile Health Camps Phase II. &nbsp;

Be it students, youth, women or farmers, all sections of the society in these areas took active participation in these camps. Over 1,700 patients were treated in these camps this year.&nbsp;

Established in 2015, Mobius Foundation has been catering to the long-standing demands of basic healthcare facilities of different communities. &nbsp;

Considering it as the need of the hour, Mobius Foundation has been making concerted efforts to ensure these camps are successfully able to bring a positive change in the society.&nbsp;

Through different projects, Mobius Foundation aims to instil a sense of responsibility for the environment amongst Indian citizens. “Through these camps, the foundation is looking at the larger objective of creating awareness about health and hygiene amongst the villagers, which will ultimately lead to happiness and well-being,” said Pradip Burman, chairman, Mobius Foundation.&nbsp;

With education, environment and population stabilisation as its core focus, the Mobius Foundation is committed to support environmental sustainability, strengthening systems with empowering technologies and encouraging healthy behaviour.&nbsp;

To instil the importance of sustainable consciousness in Indian citizens, Mobius Foundation looks to collaborate with a diverse range of public and civil partners.&nbsp;

The Mobius Foundation is leaving no stone unturned to make sound health as the basis of the overall well-being of a person.

With the aim to encourage the need to ensure proper healthcare and hygiene, Mobius Foundation organised several mobile health camps in two phases in the remote areas of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

With the aim to encourage the need to ensure proper healthcare and hygiene, Mobius Foundation organised several mobile health camps in two phases in the remote areas of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. In the Phase I, 48 mobile health camps were organised in the remote areas of Sonipat and Panipat districts of Haryana. These camps were held between June 2018 and March 2019 to create awareness about the importance of healthcare and hygiene among 2,000 households. Around 23 mobile health camps were organised in the remote areas of UP – Durana, Sirsad, Ramghar, Mandi, Naulhta and Gohana in the Mobile Health Camps Phase II. Be it students, youth, women or farmers, all sections of the society in these areas took active participation in these camps. Over 1,700 patients were treated in these camps this year. Established in 2015, Mobius Foundation has been catering to the long-standing demands of basic healthcare facilities of different communities. Considering it as the need of the hour, Mobius Foundation has been making concerted efforts to ensure these camps are successfully able to bring a positive change in the society. Through different projects, Mobius Foundation aims to instil a sense of responsibility for the environment amongst Indian citizens. “Through these camps, the foundation is looking at the larger objective of creating awareness about health and hygiene amongst the villagers, which will ultimately lead to happiness and well-being,” said Pradip Burman, chairman, Mobius Foundation. With education, environment and population stabilisation as its core focus, the Mobius Foundation is committed to support environmental sustainability, strengthening systems with empowering technologies and encouraging healthy behaviour. To instil the importance of sustainable consciousness in Indian citizens, Mobius Foundation looks to collaborate with a diverse range of public and civil partners. The Mobius Foundation is leaving no stone unturned to make sound health as the basis of the overall well-being of a person.

Mobile health camps held to sensitise people over healthcare, hygiene

Pakistan&nbsp;will begin administering a Chinese-made Covid-19 vaccine to frontline health workers Wednesday, but the country is still months away from a mass roll-out.

China has donated around 500,000 doses of the Sinopharm vaccine, which is yet to be fully approved by China's health authorities. &nbsp;A million doses are expected to be delivered by the end of the month.&nbsp;

Pakistan has recorded more than half a million coronavirus cases and around 11,000 deaths. However, the limited testing done by the country suggests true figures are likely to be much higher.&nbsp;

Lawmaker Nausheen Hamid, who leads Pakistan parliament's health committee, said health workers will get priority in the first phase of vaccinations. "I can't say with certainty, but we would still need around two months to start a mass vaccination campaign," Hamid added.&nbsp;

According to the Sindh province health authority, around 100 healthcare workers nationwide had died since the virus spread in the world's fifth-most populous country last year.&nbsp;

Pulmonologist and Covid-19 expert Shazli Manzoor said the Chinese vaccine suits Pakistan as it can be easily stored at between two and eight degrees Celsius, compared to -70 degrees Celsius for other vaccines. The government would also set up special clinics to monitor the effects of the inoculation.&nbsp;

Some doctors have questioned the effectiveness of the vaccine. "It lacks transparency and data compared to other vaccines," said a Pakistani healthcare worker.&nbsp;

Pakistan has also been promised up to 17 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine in the first half of 2021 under the Covax global pool, the government has said.&nbsp;

Pakistan has not been included in the list of countries, which are receiving vaccines from neighbouring India.&nbsp;

In a symbolic ceremony in front of Prime Minister Imran Khan, a doctor in Islamabad was the first health worker to receive the jab on Tuesday night.&nbsp;

Pakistan will begin administering a Chinese-made Covid-19 vaccine to frontline health workers Wednesday, but the country is still months away from a mass roll-out.

Pakistan will begin administering a Chinese-made Covid-19 vaccine to frontline health workers Wednesday, but the country is still months away from a mass roll-out. China has donated around 500,000 doses of the Sinopharm vaccine, which is yet to be fully approved by China's health authorities. A million doses are expected to be delivered by the end of the month. Pakistan has recorded more than half a million coronavirus cases and around 11,000 deaths. However, the limited testing done by the country suggests true figures are likely to be much higher. Lawmaker Nausheen Hamid, who leads Pakistan parliament's health committee, said health workers will get priority in the first phase of vaccinations. "I can't say with certainty, but we would still need around two months to start a mass vaccination campaign," Hamid added. According to the Sindh province health authority, around 100 healthcare workers nationwide had died since the virus spread in the world's fifth-most populous country last year. Pulmonologist and Covid-19 expert Shazli Manzoor said the Chinese vaccine suits Pakistan as it can be easily stored at between two and eight degrees Celsius, compared to -70 degrees Celsius for other vaccines. The government would also set up special clinics to monitor the effects of the inoculation. Some doctors have questioned the effectiveness of the vaccine. "It lacks transparency and data compared to other vaccines," said a Pakistani healthcare worker. Pakistan has also been promised up to 17 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine in the first half of 2021 under the Covax global pool, the government has said. Pakistan has not been included in the list of countries, which are receiving vaccines from neighbouring India. In a symbolic ceremony in front of Prime Minister Imran Khan, a doctor in Islamabad was the first health worker to receive the jab on Tuesday night.

Pakistan healthcare workers to begin receiving Chinese-made vaccine

The emerging consequences of COVID-19 particularly in the field of healthcare and medicine gave a new fillip to the online medical teleconsultation. In an effort to govern the medical teleconsultation the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (“MoHFW”), Government of India issued the ‘Telemedicine Practise Guidelines’ for governing the practice of online medical consultation in India on 25 March 2020. The Telemedicine Practise Guidelines (“Guidelines”) were made by the Board of Governors under the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956, in consultation with the Niti Aayog.

In view of the prevailing COVID19 pandemic, it was felt that it is safer for other patients as well as the health workers to provide consultation and initial treatment through information and communication technologies. The Guidelines were promulgated to achieve quality healthcare in a cost-effective manner.&nbsp;

The practice of online medical consultation (through the internet or other communication technologies) has been prevalent across the world. Considering the nature of medical emergencies, effective and immediate guidance by a medical practitioner can be the difference between life and death. This practice is better known as ‘telemedicine’.

The World Health Organisation (“WHO”) defines ‘telemedicine’ as – “The delivery of health care services, where distance is a critical factor, by all health care professionals using information and communication technologies for the exchange of valid information for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease and injuries, research and evaluation, and for the continuing education of health care providers, all in the interests of advancing the health of individuals and their communities.”

WHO has further recognised four essential features which are intrinsic to the practice of ‘telemedicine’ – (i) Providing clinical support; (ii) Overcoming geographical barriers; (iii) Use of various types of information &amp; communications technology; and (iv) Improvement of health outcomes.

Chapter 1 of the said Guidelines provide for the Scope and Application thereof. It provides that the Guidelines are meant for Registered Medical Practitioners (RMP) only, those who are enrolled in the State Medical Register or the Indian Medical Register. Further, RMPs can provide online consultation to and from any part of India adhering to the applicable rules and regulations. RMPs are free to use any information or communication technology such as telephones, messages, WhatsApp, Facebook messenger etc.

The RMPs may ask for any information (Such as complaints, symptoms etc.) from the patients, and the latter will be responsible for the accuracy of such information. The RMP has the responsibility to realise when the disease or condition is not adequately addressable through online consultation. Guideline 3.7.2, makes it incumbent on the RMPs to keep all records of the online consultation including reports, documents, prescriptions etc.&nbsp;

The Board of Governors, which superseded the Medical Council of India by virtue of Section 3A of the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956, has the authority to make regulations under Section 33 thereof. The Guidelines were brought about as an amendment to the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002.

The amendment added Regulation 3.8 to the aforesaid regulations, which stated that the Guidelines shall be included in the Appendix 5 of the aforesaid Regulations, thereby giving them statutory force.&nbsp;

The Draft Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) (Amendment) Regulations, 2020 along with the Guidelines were placed for approval before the MoHFW on the 24 April 2020, and the approval was accorded to these amendments on 25 March 2020.

Thereafter, in view of the urgency, the Guidelines were published on the website of the Medical Council of India for use by the role players. The Guidelines were subsequently also published in the Gazette of India on 12 May 2020 and were made effective from 25 March 2020.

Interestingly, the framework of governance of the medical education and medical practice field was again revised by virtue of the National Medical Commission, Act 2019, which has come into effect from 25.09.2020. Therefore, the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956 stood repealed and the Board of Governors was replaced by the National Medical Commission.&nbsp;

There is no specific savings clause in the Indian Medical Council Act 1956, therefore the effect of its repeal would be governed by Section 60(2) of the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, derived from Section 6 of the General Clauses Act, 1897.

Since there is no specific mention of the effect of the new Act of 2019 on the Guidelines, they shall continue to govern the field of telemedicine under the erstwhile Act of 1956.&nbsp;

Additionally, the Act of 2019 also specifically provides for a transitory provision under Section 61 (2), the purport of which would mean that until the National Medical Commission amends or issues new Guidelines, the extant Guidelines, in effect from 25.03.2020, shall continue to have effect.

Since the Guidelines are included in Appendix 5 of the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002 and were brought about as an amendment to the said regulations, their existence is protected under the transitory provisions of the Act of 2019. Section 61 (2) of the Act of 2019 states that the rules and regulations framed under the Act of 1956 shall continue to be in force and operate, till new rules and regulations are issued by the National Medical Commission.&nbsp;

In view of the above, it is abundantly clear that the Guidelines have statutory force and are binding on the RMPs. Notably, since the Guidelines themselves provide for strict adherence of the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002 and any violation thereof, would constitute ‘Misconduct’ under the regulations.

This implies that if online consultation patients have a grievance against the conduct of an RMP, they can initiate disciplinary proceedings against them at the State Medical Council, and if found guilty of misconduct or negligence, they will be punished under the said regulations. Additionally, the protection of data needs to be given prime importance and as per the Information Technology Act (in view of the sensitive personal data involved).

(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.)

The emerging consequences of COVID-19 particularly in the field of healthcare and medicine gave a new fillip to the online medical teleconsultation. In an effort to govern the medical teleconsultation the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (“MoHFW”), Government of India issued the ‘Telemedicine Practise Guidelines’ for governing the practice of online medical consultation in India on 25 March 2020.

The emerging consequences of COVID-19 particularly in the field of healthcare and medicine gave a new fillip to the online medical teleconsultation. In an effort to govern the medical teleconsultation the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (“MoHFW”), Government of India issued the ‘Telemedicine Practise Guidelines’ for governing the practice of online medical consultation in India on 25 March 2020. The Telemedicine Practise Guidelines (“Guidelines”) were made by the Board of Governors under the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956, in consultation with the Niti Aayog. In view of the prevailing COVID19 pandemic, it was felt that it is safer for other patients as well as the health workers to provide consultation and initial treatment through information and communication technologies. The Guidelines were promulgated to achieve quality healthcare in a cost-effective manner. The practice of online medical consultation (through the internet or other communication technologies) has been prevalent across the world. Considering the nature of medical emergencies, effective and immediate guidance by a medical practitioner can be the difference between life and death. This practice is better known as ‘telemedicine’. The World Health Organisation (“WHO”) defines ‘telemedicine’ as – “The delivery of health care services, where distance is a critical factor, by all health care professionals using information and communication technologies for the exchange of valid information for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease and injuries, research and evaluation, and for the continuing education of health care providers, all in the interests of advancing the health of individuals and their communities.” WHO has further recognised four essential features which are intrinsic to the practice of ‘telemedicine’ – (i) Providing clinical support; (ii) Overcoming geographical barriers; (iii) Use of various types of information & communications technology; and (iv) Improvement of health outcomes. Chapter 1 of the said Guidelines provide for the Scope and Application thereof. It provides that the Guidelines are meant for Registered Medical Practitioners (RMP) only, those who are enrolled in the State Medical Register or the Indian Medical Register. Further, RMPs can provide online consultation to and from any part of India adhering to the applicable rules and regulations. RMPs are free to use any information or communication technology such as telephones, messages, WhatsApp, Facebook messenger etc. The RMPs may ask for any information (Such as complaints, symptoms etc.) from the patients, and the latter will be responsible for the accuracy of such information. The RMP has the responsibility to realise when the disease or condition is not adequately addressable through online consultation. Guideline 3.7.2, makes it incumbent on the RMPs to keep all records of the online consultation including reports, documents, prescriptions etc. The Board of Governors, which superseded the Medical Council of India by virtue of Section 3A of the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956, has the authority to make regulations under Section 33 thereof. The Guidelines were brought about as an amendment to the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002. The amendment added Regulation 3.8 to the aforesaid regulations, which stated that the Guidelines shall be included in the Appendix 5 of the aforesaid Regulations, thereby giving them statutory force. The Draft Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) (Amendment) Regulations, 2020 along with the Guidelines were placed for approval before the MoHFW on the 24 April 2020, and the approval was accorded to these amendments on 25 March 2020. Thereafter, in view of the urgency, the Guidelines were published on the website of the Medical Council of India for use by the role players. The Guidelines were subsequently also published in the Gazette of India on 12 May 2020 and were made effective from 25 March 2020. Interestingly, the framework of governance of the medical education and medical practice field was again revised by virtue of the National Medical Commission, Act 2019, which has come into effect from 25.09.2020. Therefore, the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956 stood repealed and the Board of Governors was replaced by the National Medical Commission. There is no specific savings clause in the Indian Medical Council Act 1956, therefore the effect of its repeal would be governed by Section 60(2) of the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, derived from Section 6 of the General Clauses Act, 1897. Since there is no specific mention of the effect of the new Act of 2019 on the Guidelines, they shall continue to govern the field of telemedicine under the erstwhile Act of 1956. Additionally, the Act of 2019 also specifically provides for a transitory provision under Section 61 (2), the purport of which would mean that until the National Medical Commission amends or issues new Guidelines, the extant Guidelines, in effect from 25.03.2020, shall continue to have effect. Since the Guidelines are included in Appendix 5 of the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002 and were brought about as an amendment to the said regulations, their existence is protected under the transitory provisions of the Act of 2019. Section 61 (2) of the Act of 2019 states that the rules and regulations framed under the Act of 1956 shall continue to be in force and operate, till new rules and regulations are issued by the National Medical Commission. In view of the above, it is abundantly clear that the Guidelines have statutory force and are binding on the RMPs. Notably, since the Guidelines themselves provide for strict adherence of the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002 and any violation thereof, would constitute ‘Misconduct’ under the regulations. This implies that if online consultation patients have a grievance against the conduct of an RMP, they can initiate disciplinary proceedings against them at the State Medical Council, and if found guilty of misconduct or negligence, they will be punished under the said regulations. Additionally, the protection of data needs to be given prime importance and as per the Information Technology Act (in view of the sensitive personal data involved). (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.)

Opinion: Patient can take action against doctor over grievances about telemedicine consultation

Essential workers in the healthcare sector have proven to be life-savers in trying times. As coronavirus continues to infect people across the globe, with a new strain recently spotted in the UK, a country has understood the value of its nurses.

Iran has announced that nurses across the country will receive a 50 per cent hike in their wages with immediate effect, as reported by PressTV.

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Nurses in hospitals and care homes in Iran will reap the benefits of the immediate hike, which the authorities claim is to support the healthcare system cope with the number of rising cases in the country.

The wage hike was announced on Sunday, which also marked the National Day of Nurse in Iran by Kamel Taghavinejad, a deputy health minister.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/us-says-prepared-to-react-if-iran-seeks-to-avenge-its-top-generals-killing-351255" hreflang="en">US says ‘prepared to react’ if Iran seeks to avenge its top general's killing&nbsp;</a>

Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, in a recent televised speech, called for more support for healthcare workers, especially nurses.

This is not the first hike for healthcare workers in the country, for they were given a raise in March when the pandemic made its pilot inlays into the country, Taghavinejad said.

With both the pay hikes, he said that the wages of nurses would double between $280 per month for new recruits to $400 per month for senior staff.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/what-does-underground-construction-of-nuclear-plant-in-iran-suggest-350875" hreflang="en">What does underground construction of nuclear plant in Iran suggest?</a>

In terms of extra work put in by healthcare workers, the nurses would be compensated by nearly 25 per cent of their wages, the deputy health minister said.

Iran is one of the hardest hit countries in West Asia, due to which spending on health is expected to increase.

Over 52,000 new openings have been made available in the healthcare sector this year. Half of these are reportedly reserved for nurses.

Essential workers in the healthcare sector have proven to be life-savers in trying times. As coronavirus continues to infect people across the globe, with a new strain recently spotted in the UK, a country has understood the value of its nurses.

Essential workers in the healthcare sector have proven to be life-savers in trying times. As coronavirus continues to infect people across the globe, with a new strain recently spotted in the UK, a country has understood the value of its nurses. Iran has announced that nurses across the country will receive a 50 per cent hike in their wages with immediate effect, as reported by PressTV. Nurses in hospitals and care homes in Iran will reap the benefits of the immediate hike, which the authorities claim is to support the healthcare system cope with the number of rising cases in the country. The wage hike was announced on Sunday, which also marked the National Day of Nurse in Iran by Kamel Taghavinejad, a deputy health minister. Also read: US says ‘prepared to react’ if Iran seeks to avenge its top general's killing Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, in a recent televised speech, called for more support for healthcare workers, especially nurses. This is not the first hike for healthcare workers in the country, for they were given a raise in March when the pandemic made its pilot inlays into the country, Taghavinejad said. With both the pay hikes, he said that the wages of nurses would double between $280 per month for new recruits to $400 per month for senior staff. Also read: What does underground construction of nuclear plant in Iran suggest? In terms of extra work put in by healthcare workers, the nurses would be compensated by nearly 25 per cent of their wages, the deputy health minister said. Iran is one of the hardest hit countries in West Asia, due to which spending on health is expected to increase. Over 52,000 new openings have been made available in the healthcare sector this year. Half of these are reportedly reserved for nurses.

This country just gave its nurses a 50% wage hike!

The Rajya Sabha passed the Epidemic Diseases Amendment Bill, 2020 on Saturday.

Speaking in the Upper House, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said that the bill was required to prevent offences against healthcare professionals.

"Many healthcare workers including doctors, paramedics were insulted in some form or the other, due to stigma attached to COVID-19. Centre government acted on this situation found that there was a need for a law, a prohibitory mechanism against such incidents," Dr Harsh Vardhan said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/parliament-session-may-be-cut-short-as-covid-19-cases-among-indian-lawmakers-rise-sources-328605">Also read|&nbsp;Parliament session may be cut short as COVID-19 cases among Indian lawmakers rise: Sources</a>

He said that the Centre had passed the Ordinance to make hurt of any nature or insulting the medical professionals a cognizable offence.

However, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Derek O`Brien termed the Bill an attempt to encroach states` constitutionally assigned functioning.

Speaking at the Rajya Sabha while the discussions on the bill were underway, the TMC MP said that Bengal already had laws to deal with prevention of violence against doctors and healthcare workers.

"You thought of healthcare workers now? Bengal has Medicare Service Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property Act 2009. What happens to it? Bill is an attempt to encroach states` constitutionally assigned functioning," O`Brien said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/water-essential-element-to-human-right-committed-to-ensuring-access-says-india-at-human-rights-council-328600">Also read|&nbsp;Water essential element to human right, committed to ensuring access says India at Human Rights Council</a>

The TMC leader said that his state had passed the bill for healthcare workers` safety as far back as in 2009.

"You cannot cross the Constitutional bar, you do your work, and let the Chief Ministers do their work. There are sinister provisions also present in this bill," he further added.

The Upper House had earlier passed the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (Second Amendment) Bill.The Monsoon Session of the Parliament commenced on Monday and is slated to end on October 1.

The Rajya Sabha passed the Epidemic Diseases Amendment Bill, 2020 on Saturday. Speaking in the Upper House, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said that the bill was required to prevent offences against healthcare professionals.

The Rajya Sabha passed the Epidemic Diseases Amendment Bill, 2020 on Saturday. Speaking in the Upper House, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said that the bill was required to prevent offences against healthcare professionals. "Many healthcare workers including doctors, paramedics were insulted in some form or the other, due to stigma attached to COVID-19. Centre government acted on this situation found that there was a need for a law, a prohibitory mechanism against such incidents," Dr Harsh Vardhan said. Also read| Parliament session may be cut short as COVID-19 cases among Indian lawmakers rise: Sources He said that the Centre had passed the Ordinance to make hurt of any nature or insulting the medical professionals a cognizable offence. However, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Derek O`Brien termed the Bill an attempt to encroach states` constitutionally assigned functioning. Speaking at the Rajya Sabha while the discussions on the bill were underway, the TMC MP said that Bengal already had laws to deal with prevention of violence against doctors and healthcare workers. "You thought of healthcare workers now? Bengal has Medicare Service Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property Act 2009. What happens to it? Bill is an attempt to encroach states` constitutionally assigned functioning," O`Brien said. Also read| Water essential element to human right, committed to ensuring access says India at Human Rights Council The TMC leader said that his state had passed the bill for healthcare workers` safety as far back as in 2009. "You cannot cross the Constitutional bar, you do your work, and let the Chief Ministers do their work. There are sinister provisions also present in this bill," he further added. The Upper House had earlier passed the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (Second Amendment) Bill.The Monsoon Session of the Parliament commenced on Monday and is slated to end on October 1.

Rajya Sabha passes the Epidemic Diseases Amendment Bill, 2020

Students at a Brazilian research facility in the northeastern city of Salvador developed a disinfection station for the healthcare workers on the frontlines of the combat against the coronavirus.

Brazilian students develop hospital disinfection station

Ambulance technicians Itxaso Garcia Giaconi and Marisa Arguello de Paula work the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic in Spain, one of the countries worst hit by the disease.

A day in the life of frontline ambulance staff in coronavirus hit Spain

In this segment of WION, let's take a look on how equip is healthcare systems in world's most affected COVID-19 nations.

How equip is healthcare systems in world's most affected COVID-19 nations

With seven new cases, the number of infections in Sri Lanka has spiked to 19. As a precautionary measure, Srilankan airlines have asked passengers to carry their own blankets and headphones.

Coronavirus cases on the rise in South Asia

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/caa-row-muslim-leaders-clerics-to-meet-pm-modi-amit-shah-270594">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> on Sunday urged the people to come together and take up the task of providing health services to the poor and make efforts to uplift them in the society.

"All of us study in myriad colleges, universities, and schools. But after completing studies, alumni meets are joyous occasions. If this union comprises a shared purpose, a resolve, an emotional connect, it lends additional hues to the event," said Prime Minister Modi in his monthly radio programme <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mann-ki-baat-pm-modi-announces-launch-of-fit-india-school-rankings-264257">'Mann Ki Baat'</a>.

"I wish to present before you a special occasion. Just recently, I came across in the media a story on the Bhairavganj Health Centre in West Champaran district of Bihar&nbsp;At this Bhairavganj Health Centre, thousands of people from neighbouring villages converged for a free health check-up. This was not a government programme nor was it a government initiative. This was a step taken as part of an alumni meet organised by former students of the local KR High School. They named it Sankalp 95. Sankalp 95 means the resolve undertaken by the 1995 batch of that high school."

Also Watch:&nbsp;Mann Ki Baat-&nbsp;60th episode of PM Modi's monthly radio programme

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In a bid to motivate the listeners, the Prime Minister also gave an example of another group from Bihar, who undertook a task of health care delivery.&nbsp;

He also talked about the women group in Phulpur, who aligned with the self-help group of Kadipur, joined in learning the skill of making slippers to come out of poverty.

"These women of Phulpur were hampered by financial constraints and poverty, but they had the resolve to do something for their families and society. I especially congratulate the local police and their families, who encouraged these women entrepreneurs by purchasing slippers for themselves and their families made by these women."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged the people to come together and take up the task of providing health services to the poor and make efforts to uplift them in the society.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged the people to come together and take up the task of providing health services to the poor and make efforts to uplift them in the society. "All of us study in myriad colleges, universities, and schools. But after completing studies, alumni meets are joyous occasions. If this union comprises a shared purpose, a resolve, an emotional connect, it lends additional hues to the event," said Prime Minister Modi in his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat'. "I wish to present before you a special occasion. Just recently, I came across in the media a story on the Bhairavganj Health Centre in West Champaran district of Bihar At this Bhairavganj Health Centre, thousands of people from neighbouring villages converged for a free health check-up. This was not a government programme nor was it a government initiative. This was a step taken as part of an alumni meet organised by former students of the local KR High School. They named it Sankalp 95. Sankalp 95 means the resolve undertaken by the 1995 batch of that high school." Also Watch: Mann Ki Baat- 60th episode of PM Modi's monthly radio programme × In a bid to motivate the listeners, the Prime Minister also gave an example of another group from Bihar, who undertook a task of health care delivery. He also talked about the women group in Phulpur, who aligned with the self-help group of Kadipur, joined in learning the skill of making slippers to come out of poverty. "These women of Phulpur were hampered by financial constraints and poverty, but they had the resolve to do something for their families and society. I especially congratulate the local police and their families, who encouraged these women entrepreneurs by purchasing slippers for themselves and their families made by these women."

Mann Ki Baat: Prime Minister Modi urges people to take up task to uplift poor

In order to provide better healthcare facilities, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pradhan-mantri-jan-arogya-yojana-has-benefited-50-lakh-patients-across-country-says-dr-harsh-vardhan-255937">National Health Authority</a> (NHA) has adopted the Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs) for their claim at adjudication. These STGs have been framed by the Indian Council of Medical Research Institute (ICMR).

For this, NHA and ICMR are continuously discussing the modalities and strategies to develop the adoption and implementation of STGs in the Aysuhman Bharat-Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-bjp-chief-nominates-pm-modi-noble-peace-prize-167574">Jan Arogya Yojna</a> (AB-PMJAY), which is the biggest healthcare scheme in the world that provides a cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per year to around 50 crore poor and vulnerable individuals.

"So far, the ICMR has developed STGs for 30 treatment modalities like cataract, COPD, hysterectomy, hemodialysis, emergency management of ureteric stones, respiratory failure due to any cause, PTCA, systemic thrombolysis, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), low cardiac output IABP inspection post-operatively, asthma, epilepsy, stroke, D&amp;C (dilatation and curettage), etc.

NHA has adopted these STGs in the scheme and would likely to increase in future," a senior official at NHA told ANI.

"It will be beneficial for the patients so that they get treatment as per the standardised guidelines. It will be beneficial for doctors as they can get away from the hassles of medico-legal cases.

Hospitals would know the type of treatment and what are the requirements for consumables and drugs. This will also allow insurance experts to fulfill all norms of STGs in their healthcare packages as drafted by ICMR," said the official.

The apex medical research body has defined STGs as standard treatment schedules, standard treatment protocols or therapeutic guidelines, which are systematically developed statements designed to assist practitioners and patients in making informed decisions about suitable healthcare for specific clinical conditions.

According to ICMR, these STGs are used worldwide to prevent the misuse of medicines through the improper treatment of common problems and to encourage the economically efficient and therapeutic effective usage of medicines.

In order to provide better healthcare facilities, the National Health Authority (NHA) has adopted the Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs) for their claim at adjudication.

In order to provide better healthcare facilities, the National Health Authority (NHA) has adopted the Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs) for their claim at adjudication. These STGs have been framed by the Indian Council of Medical Research Institute (ICMR). For this, NHA and ICMR are continuously discussing the modalities and strategies to develop the adoption and implementation of STGs in the Aysuhman Bharat-Prime Minister Jan Arogya Yojna (AB-PMJAY), which is the biggest healthcare scheme in the world that provides a cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per year to around 50 crore poor and vulnerable individuals. "So far, the ICMR has developed STGs for 30 treatment modalities like cataract, COPD, hysterectomy, hemodialysis, emergency management of ureteric stones, respiratory failure due to any cause, PTCA, systemic thrombolysis, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), low cardiac output IABP inspection post-operatively, asthma, epilepsy, stroke, D&C (dilatation and curettage), etc. NHA has adopted these STGs in the scheme and would likely to increase in future," a senior official at NHA told ANI. "It will be beneficial for the patients so that they get treatment as per the standardised guidelines. It will be beneficial for doctors as they can get away from the hassles of medico-legal cases. Hospitals would know the type of treatment and what are the requirements for consumables and drugs. This will also allow insurance experts to fulfill all norms of STGs in their healthcare packages as drafted by ICMR," said the official. The apex medical research body has defined STGs as standard treatment schedules, standard treatment protocols or therapeutic guidelines, which are systematically developed statements designed to assist practitioners and patients in making informed decisions about suitable healthcare for specific clinical conditions. According to ICMR, these STGs are used worldwide to prevent the misuse of medicines through the improper treatment of common problems and to encourage the economically efficient and therapeutic effective usage of medicines.

ICMR drafts standard treatment guidelines for AB-PMJAY

Bernard J&nbsp;Tyson, chairman and chief executive officer of not-for-profit health insurer Kaiser Permanente, died unexpectedly in his sleep on Sunday, aged 60, the company said in a statement.

Tyson, who held the top job since 2013, was Oakland, California-based Kaiser Permanente's first black chief executive and a strong proponent for affordable and accessible healthcare.

The company did not give a cause of death. A company spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

A day earlier on Saturday, the San Francisco native took to Twitter to post about "high-tech and high-touch" healthcare.

Tyson was described by colleagues in a company statement as "an outstanding leader, visionary and champion for high-quality, affordable health care for all Americans."

In response to Tyson's death, the National Union of Healthcare Workers postponed a five-day strike by 4,000 mental health professional that had been set to begin on Monday at more than 100 Kaiser clinics across California.

"Our members dedicate their lives to helping people through tragedy and trauma, and they understood that a strike would not be appropriate during this period of mourning and reflection," union president Sal Rosselli said in a statement.

The union, locked in a contract dispute its leaders say centres on demands for improved retirement and health benefits for Kaiser's mental health clinicians, has yet to reschedule the strike, he said.

Kaiser's annual operating revenue as of June was nearly $80 billion, up from about $53 billion in 2013 when Tyson took over as CEO, according to the company's website.

The company, which serves more than 12 million people across the United States and was founded in 1945, named Gregory Adams, executive vice president, as interim chairman and CEO.

Bernard J Tyson, chairman and chief executive officer of not-for-profit health insurer Kaiser Permanente, died unexpectedly in his sleep on Sunday, aged 60, the company said in a statement.

Bernard J Tyson, chairman and chief executive officer of not-for-profit health insurer Kaiser Permanente, died unexpectedly in his sleep on Sunday, aged 60, the company said in a statement. Tyson, who held the top job since 2013, was Oakland, California-based Kaiser Permanente's first black chief executive and a strong proponent for affordable and accessible healthcare. The company did not give a cause of death. A company spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A day earlier on Saturday, the San Francisco native took to Twitter to post about "high-tech and high-touch" healthcare. Tyson was described by colleagues in a company statement as "an outstanding leader, visionary and champion for high-quality, affordable health care for all Americans." In response to Tyson's death, the National Union of Healthcare Workers postponed a five-day strike by 4,000 mental health professional that had been set to begin on Monday at more than 100 Kaiser clinics across California. "Our members dedicate their lives to helping people through tragedy and trauma, and they understood that a strike would not be appropriate during this period of mourning and reflection," union president Sal Rosselli said in a statement. The union, locked in a contract dispute its leaders say centres on demands for improved retirement and health benefits for Kaiser's mental health clinicians, has yet to reschedule the strike, he said. Kaiser's annual operating revenue as of June was nearly $80 billion, up from about $53 billion in 2013 when Tyson took over as CEO, according to the company's website. The company, which serves more than 12 million people across the United States and was founded in 1945, named Gregory Adams, executive vice president, as interim chairman and CEO.

Kaiser Permanente CEO Bernard Tyson dies unexpectedly at 60

The BJP on Sunday released its manifesto and made a host of promises to woo the electorates ahead of forthcoming Haryana Assembly elections.

In the manifesto titled 'Mhare sapno ka Haryana'&nbsp;(my dreams of Haryana), the party made a plethora of promises ranging from launching Haryana start-up mission, constitution of a new 'Yuva Vikas and Rozgar'&nbsp;ministry and one All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), doubling of farmers` income by 2022 and increase in pension.

It was released in the presence of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, BJP national working president J P Nadda and other party leaders.

For the farmer in the predominately agricultural state, the BJP promised to ensure that every farm receives water and their owners be granted tested seeds of high yielding variety.

The party said that every crop will be bought at Minimum Support Price (MSP) and the benefit of the government schemes will be directly transferred to the bank account of the farmers.

It reiterated the promise made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to double the farmers'&nbsp;income by 2022 in the manifesto.

According to the manifesto, every vegetable market will have a testing lab and micro-lab will be built in every five villages for the same purpose.

Polyclinics will be established in every district for the check-up of the animals.

To give a push to the start-up ecosystem, it promised to initiate a state start-up mission, for which four entrepreneurship centres will be constituted.

A whopping Rs 500 crore will be spent on the skill development of over 25 lakh youth.

District Employment Centre will be upgraded to Model Career Centre.

Loan without the guarantee would be made available for the education purpose by the government.

Among other things for the benefit of the youth, the BJP promised to constitute 'Yuva Vikas and Rozgar'&nbsp;Ministry. To give a push to the sports, stadium and gymnasium will be constructed in all the villages.

Taking into consideration the health of the state, the party has promised to constitute one All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in the state, medical colleges in every district.

The BJP said that the seats in the medical college will also be increased.

It also promised to increase the number of Jan Aushadhi Centres to provide quality medicines at affordable prices to the masses.

Another reform in the health sector proposed by the party is to make Haryana malnutrition-free and Tuberculosis (TB)-free and create 2,000 wellness centres.

Keeping in mind the safety of women, the BJP said that "Pink bus service" will be started for them.

"Antyodaya Ministry" for the upliftment of the weakest section of the society will be formed.

Pension for the senior citizens will also be increased by one thousand from Rs 2 thousand to Rs 3 thousand.In lines with PM Modi's Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, the BJP in Haryana aims to provide housing to all by 2022.

The state has a total of about 19,500 polling stations in 10,309 locations. It goes to polls on October 21.

The counting of votes will take place on October 24.

 
&nbsp;

The BJP on Sunday released its manifesto and made a host of promises to woo the electorates ahead of forthcoming Haryana Assembly elections. In the manifesto titled 'Mhare sapno ka Haryana' (my dreams of Haryana), the party made a plethora of promises ranging from launching Haryana start-up mission, constitution of a new 'Yuva Vikas and Rozgar' ministry and one All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), doubling of farmers` income by 2022 and increase in pension.

The BJP on Sunday released its manifesto and made a host of promises to woo the electorates ahead of forthcoming Haryana Assembly elections. In the manifesto titled 'Mhare sapno ka Haryana' (my dreams of Haryana), the party made a plethora of promises ranging from launching Haryana start-up mission, constitution of a new 'Yuva Vikas and Rozgar' ministry and one All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), doubling of farmers` income by 2022 and increase in pension. It was released in the presence of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, BJP national working president J P Nadda and other party leaders. For the farmer in the predominately agricultural state, the BJP promised to ensure that every farm receives water and their owners be granted tested seeds of high yielding variety. The party said that every crop will be bought at Minimum Support Price (MSP) and the benefit of the government schemes will be directly transferred to the bank account of the farmers. It reiterated the promise made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to double the farmers' income by 2022 in the manifesto. According to the manifesto, every vegetable market will have a testing lab and micro-lab will be built in every five villages for the same purpose. Polyclinics will be established in every district for the check-up of the animals. To give a push to the start-up ecosystem, it promised to initiate a state start-up mission, for which four entrepreneurship centres will be constituted. A whopping Rs 500 crore will be spent on the skill development of over 25 lakh youth. District Employment Centre will be upgraded to Model Career Centre. Loan without the guarantee would be made available for the education purpose by the government. Among other things for the benefit of the youth, the BJP promised to constitute 'Yuva Vikas and Rozgar' Ministry. To give a push to the sports, stadium and gymnasium will be constructed in all the villages. Taking into consideration the health of the state, the party has promised to constitute one All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in the state, medical colleges in every district. The BJP said that the seats in the medical college will also be increased. It also promised to increase the number of Jan Aushadhi Centres to provide quality medicines at affordable prices to the masses. Another reform in the health sector proposed by the party is to make Haryana malnutrition-free and Tuberculosis (TB)-free and create 2,000 wellness centres. Keeping in mind the safety of women, the BJP said that "Pink bus service" will be started for them. "Antyodaya Ministry" for the upliftment of the weakest section of the society will be formed. Pension for the senior citizens will also be increased by one thousand from Rs 2 thousand to Rs 3 thousand.In lines with PM Modi's Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, the BJP in Haryana aims to provide housing to all by 2022. The state has a total of about 19,500 polling stations in 10,309 locations. It goes to polls on October 21. The counting of votes will take place on October 24.

Agriculture, youth, healthcare prime focus in BJP's Haryana manifesto

US President Donald Trump on Friday signed a proclamation suspending entry of immigrants who will not be covered by health insurance within 30 days of entering the United States or do not have the means to pay for their healthcare costs themselves.

The proclamation, issued by the White House, said it would not affect any individual's eligibility for asylum or refugee status. The measure will take effect on November 3, it said.

Trump has made cutting legal and illegal immigration a centrepiece of his presidency. The Trump administration said last month that it planned to allow only 18,000 refugees to resettle in the United States in the 2020 fiscal year, the lowest number in the history of the modern refugee program.

"While our healthcare system grapples with the challenges caused by uncompensated care, the United States Government is making the problem worse by admitting thousands of aliens who have not demonstrated any ability to pay for their healthcare costs," Trump said in the proclamation.

He said the suspension applied only to people seeking to enter the United States with an immigrant visa.

The document listed the types of insurance considered approved, such as employer-sponsored plans and the Medicare program for the elderly.

But it said for people over the age of 18, coverage under the Medicaid program for the poor is not approved.

US President Donald Trump on Friday signed a proclamation suspending entry of immigrants who will not be covered by health insurance within 30 days of entering the United States or do not have the means to pay for their healthcare costs themselves.

US President Donald Trump on Friday signed a proclamation suspending entry of immigrants who will not be covered by health insurance within 30 days of entering the United States or do not have the means to pay for their healthcare costs themselves. The proclamation, issued by the White House, said it would not affect any individual's eligibility for asylum or refugee status. The measure will take effect on November 3, it said. Trump has made cutting legal and illegal immigration a centrepiece of his presidency. The Trump administration said last month that it planned to allow only 18,000 refugees to resettle in the United States in the 2020 fiscal year, the lowest number in the history of the modern refugee program. "While our healthcare system grapples with the challenges caused by uncompensated care, the United States Government is making the problem worse by admitting thousands of aliens who have not demonstrated any ability to pay for their healthcare costs," Trump said in the proclamation. He said the suspension applied only to people seeking to enter the United States with an immigrant visa. The document listed the types of insurance considered approved, such as employer-sponsored plans and the Medicare program for the elderly. But it said for people over the age of 18, coverage under the Medicaid program for the poor is not approved.

Donald Trump suspends entry of immigrants who cannot pay for healthcare

Moving beyond the hydropower sector, India and Bhutan on Saturday agreed to explore new areas of bilateral cooperation including healthcare, education, science, and technology during Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-wouldnt-want-a-friend-like-bhutan-it-is-an-honour-to-be-part-of-its-development-pm-modi-in-thimpu-243651">Narendra Modi's visit to the Himalayan nation</a>.

"The fundamental basis of our relationship is the hydropower sector. But the two leaders agreed that we move to beyond the traditional sectors of cooperation to look at new areas, such as healthcare, education, science, and technology and therefore it was therefore agreed that we will maintain close contact, close liaison to see how we can encourage bilateral cooperation in these areas," Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said.

Modi arrived in Bhutan on Saturday&nbsp;for an official-two-day visit aimed at further enhancing India's relations with its Himalayan neighbour.&nbsp;

The centrepiece of the day was the inauguration of the 720 megawatts (MW) Mangdechhu hydroelectric power project, along with the remote launching of the ISRO-built Ground Station for South Asian Satellite.

Later in the day, Modi held talks with his Bhutanese counterpart Lotay Tshering, during which the entire gamut of bilateral relations between the two countries was discussed. The joint press briefing by the two leaders highlighted the importance India and Bhutan attach to their relations.

Nine Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and one power purchase agreement were exchanged between India and Bhutan in the presence of Modi and his Bhutanese counterpart Lotay Tshering at Semtokha Dzong.

Watch: Prime Minister Modi launches RuPay Card in Bhutan by making purchase

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/prime-minister-modi-launches-rupay-card-in-bhutan-by-making-purchase-243653/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"A number of very important MoUs were signed. Just a short while ago, the Prime Minister also met the fourth King of Bhutan. As you know, the fourth King has steered relations with India for many years, when he was the King of Bhutan. He continues to be interested in the relationship and continues to invest in it. The meeting was cordial and positive," Gokhale said.

Gokhale highlighted the three pillars of the Indo-Bhutanese relations that have emerged during Modi`s meetings with Bhutanese leaders: The enduring nature of Indo-Bhutanese partnership; the expanding cooperation in the areas beyond the traditional sectors; and the cultivation of connection between the youths of India and Bhutan.&nbsp;

Moving beyond the hydropower sector, India and Bhutan on Saturday agreed to explore new areas of bilateral cooperation including healthcare, education, science, and technology during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Himalayan nation.

Moving beyond the hydropower sector, India and Bhutan on Saturday agreed to explore new areas of bilateral cooperation including healthcare, education, science, and technology during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Himalayan nation. "The fundamental basis of our relationship is the hydropower sector. But the two leaders agreed that we move to beyond the traditional sectors of cooperation to look at new areas, such as healthcare, education, science, and technology and therefore it was therefore agreed that we will maintain close contact, close liaison to see how we can encourage bilateral cooperation in these areas," Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said. Modi arrived in Bhutan on Saturday for an official-two-day visit aimed at further enhancing India's relations with its Himalayan neighbour. The centrepiece of the day was the inauguration of the 720 megawatts (MW) Mangdechhu hydroelectric power project, along with the remote launching of the ISRO-built Ground Station for South Asian Satellite. Later in the day, Modi held talks with his Bhutanese counterpart Lotay Tshering, during which the entire gamut of bilateral relations between the two countries was discussed. The joint press briefing by the two leaders highlighted the importance India and Bhutan attach to their relations. Nine Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and one power purchase agreement were exchanged between India and Bhutan in the presence of Modi and his Bhutanese counterpart Lotay Tshering at Semtokha Dzong. Watch: Prime Minister Modi launches RuPay Card in Bhutan by making purchase "A number of very important MoUs were signed. Just a short while ago, the Prime Minister also met the fourth King of Bhutan. As you know, the fourth King has steered relations with India for many years, when he was the King of Bhutan. He continues to be interested in the relationship and continues to invest in it. The meeting was cordial and positive," Gokhale said. Gokhale highlighted the three pillars of the Indo-Bhutanese relations that have emerged during Modi`s meetings with Bhutanese leaders: The enduring nature of Indo-Bhutanese partnership; the expanding cooperation in the areas beyond the traditional sectors; and the cultivation of connection between the youths of India and Bhutan.

PM Modi, Bhutan's Lotay Tshering to look at new areas, such as healthcare & education: Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale

The&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand&nbsp;government released long-awaited plans Monday to overhaul its abortion laws so that termination is treated as a health issue and a woman's choice rather than a crime.

Under the proposed law, a woman will have access to an abortion until 20 weeks' pregnancy and would only require a medical examination after that.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The bill, to be introduced to parliament on Thursday, will be a conscience vote rather than along party lines.

New&nbsp;Zealand&nbsp;currently has restrictive laws listing abortion as a crime, but with a loophole that gives a woman access to termination if two doctors agree a pregnancy would put her in physical or mental danger.

Government figures show there were about 13,000 abortions in&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand&nbsp;last year and only 57 took place after 20 weeks' pregnancy.&nbsp;

"Abortion is the only medical procedure that is still a crime in&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand. It's time for this to change," Justice Minister Andrew Little said when releasing details of the proposed changes, after months of wrangling within the three-party ruling coalition.&nbsp;

"This bill will modernise the laws on abortion, by removing it from the Crimes Act and bringing the law into line with many other developed countries.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Safe abortion should be treated and regulated as a health issue; a woman has the right to choose what happens to her body."&nbsp;&nbsp;

The bill will also allow for "safe zones" 150 metres (yards) around abortion clinics to prevent women from being harassed by protesters.&nbsp;

Little said he expected the law to pass its first reading but he was unsure how many MPs would vote for it.&nbsp;&nbsp;

MPs with religious objections are likely to vote against or abstain.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The lobby group Abortion Rights Aotearoa hailed the announcement as "a huge step forward" but questioned the need for a 20-week limit.&nbsp;

The New Zealand government released long-awaited plans Monday to overhaul its abortion laws so that termination is treated as a health issue and a woman's choice rather than a crime.

The New Zealand government released long-awaited plans Monday to overhaul its abortion laws so that termination is treated as a health issue and a woman's choice rather than a crime. Under the proposed law, a woman will have access to an abortion until 20 weeks' pregnancy and would only require a medical examination after that. The bill, to be introduced to parliament on Thursday, will be a conscience vote rather than along party lines. New Zealand currently has restrictive laws listing abortion as a crime, but with a loophole that gives a woman access to termination if two doctors agree a pregnancy would put her in physical or mental danger. Government figures show there were about 13,000 abortions in New Zealand last year and only 57 took place after 20 weeks' pregnancy. "Abortion is the only medical procedure that is still a crime in New Zealand. It's time for this to change," Justice Minister Andrew Little said when releasing details of the proposed changes, after months of wrangling within the three-party ruling coalition. "This bill will modernise the laws on abortion, by removing it from the Crimes Act and bringing the law into line with many other developed countries. "Safe abortion should be treated and regulated as a health issue; a woman has the right to choose what happens to her body." The bill will also allow for "safe zones" 150 metres (yards) around abortion clinics to prevent women from being harassed by protesters. Little said he expected the law to pass its first reading but he was unsure how many MPs would vote for it. MPs with religious objections are likely to vote against or abstain. The lobby group Abortion Rights Aotearoa hailed the announcement as "a huge step forward" but questioned the need for a 20-week limit.

Proposed New Zealand abortion law to give women right to choose

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