Delhi, 10 APR 2024 

Department of Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) at Command Hospital (Southern Command) in Pune has conducted two piezoelectric Bone Conduction Hearing Implants (BCI) in a 7-year old male child suffering from congenital external and middle ear anomalies with severe degree of hearing loss and one adult with Single Sided Deafness (SSD), becoming the first government hospital across the country to procure and conduct the successful piezoelectric bone conduction hearing implants.

The ENT department of Command Hospital (Southern Command) is a designated Neurotology centre of the AFMS. The dept. has been providing Implantable hearing solutions to dependent clientele for a number of years. Active piezoelectric bone conduction hearing implant system is an implantable medical electronic device for hearing impaired patients [conductive loss (including aural atresia), mixed hearing loss and single sided deafness].The cost of the equipment has always been a concern, making its outreach limited.

There are certain group of patients with conductive/ mixed hearing loss or patients with single sided deafness, who are not candidates for cochlear implantation and do not benefit with hearing aids or middle ear surgery. To reduce the associated disability, it is imperative to provide hearing augmentation for better academic outcome in children and social life in adults. Bone conduction implantation is the definitive hearing solutions in such groups of patients to rehabilitate them, and the Armed Forces Medical Services were quick to realise this.

DG Armed Forces Medical Services Lt Gen Daljit Singh and DGMS (Army) Lt Gen Arindam Chatterjee have congratulated the Command Hospital (SC) and wished many more laurels to the institute.

These patients were implanted successfully at Command Hospital (SC), Pune by Lt Col (Dr) Rahul Kurkure, Neurotologist and Implant Surgeon under the guidance of Col (Dr) Nitu Singh, Senior Advisor & HoD (ENT). The Command Hospital (SC), Pune is one of the premier institute of AFMS, presently commanded by Maj Gen B Nambiar. The hospital was recently awarded with the most prestigious “Raksha Mantri” trophy as the best hospital in the entire AFMS.

Delhi, 10 APR 2024 

Ministry of Mines, Government of India organized a Special Webinar today for Start-ups, MSMEs, and Individual Innovators working in the Mining & Metallurgical sector to explore avenues for advancing research and innovation in mining and mineral processing.  The Webinar was inaugurated by Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science & Technology whereas the key note address was delivered by Shri VL Kantha Rao, Secretary Mines.

 Ministry of Mines launched “Promotion of Research and Innovation in Start-ups and MSMEs in mining, mineral processing, metallurgy and recycling sector (S&T-PRISM)” in November, 2023 to fund research and innovation in starts up and MSMEs which are working in the field of mineral sector, applied and sustainable aspect of mining and industrial applications.  It is expected that this will bridge up the gap between R&D and commercialization as also to promote the ecosystem for a complete value chain in mining and mineral sector.

Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research Development and Design Centre, Nagpur, an autonomous body under the administrative control of Ministry of Mines is implementing agency for S&T – PRISM.

Fresh proposals under the S&T-PRISM program have been invited by JNARDDC and deadline is 30thApril, 2024. Preference is given to Startups/MSMEs of North East region and women-led enterprises.

The webinar was attended by more than 200 participants which includes Startups, Experts and Industry.

During the webinar, participants engaged in insightful discussions surrounding the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in mining and mineral processing. Dr. Anupam Agnihotri, Director, JNARDDC made a presentation on functioning and guidelines of S&T-PRISM. Amitesh Sinha, Head- Corporate Venture Capital & Vedanta Spark Initiatives and Shri Rohit Pathak, CEO & Business Head, Birla Copper, Aditya Birla Group shared their experience in dealing with startups in Mining Sector.  Prof. Asim Tewari, Professor, Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay briefed on role of artificial intelligence in Mining Sector.

Symposium emphasises need for innovative policy solutions, collaboration between governments, pharmaceutical companies, and foreign organisations

Symposium explores themes covering health governance, IPR, access to medicine and public health policy

Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL), Indian Institute of Foreign Trade established by Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, in collaboration with Centre for Justice, Law and Society (CJLS) at Jindal Global Law School (JGLS), organized the International Symposium on Health Governance in a Political Landscape: Interplay of Health Law, Society and Political Economy.

Dr. V.K. Paul, Member, NITI Aayog delivered the inaugural address highlighting the importance of access to medicine and right to health and shared his experiences for policy implementation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Paul emphasised the need for inspiring leadership in policymaking, particularly health policy, by citing the example of India’s leadership as a vaccine supplier to the developing countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Paul also discussed how the deficiencies of India’s Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 were addressed by invoking the Disaster Management Act, 2005 for implementing the health-related emergency measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prof. C. Raj Kumar, Vice Chancellor, O.P. Jindal Global University & Dean, JGLS delivered opening remarks along with the welcome address by Prof. James J. Nedumpara, Head & Professor, CTIL and Prof. Dipika Jain, Professor, JGLS & Director, CJLS respectively.

Hon’ble Mr. Justice Ravindra Bhat, Former Judge, Supreme Court of India chaired the plenary session 1 on the theme “Economic Policies, TRIPS and Healthcare: Building Bridges for Access”. Mr. Justice Bhat highlighted the importance of public interest as a ground for granting injunction in pharmaceutical patent disputes. Mr. Justice Bhat focussed on access to health and its intersection with the Intellectual property Right laws in broader parlance and interlinkages between health, trade, and access to medicines which balance economic and public rights. The panellists emphasized the need for innovative policy solutions and greater collaboration between governments, pharmaceutical companies, and international organizations to promote affordable access to medicines for all.

The second plenary session on the theme “Ink & Insight: Living the Scholarly Life Through Thought, Research & Publication” focused on the role of research and publication in shaping public health policy, particularly evidence-based policymaking. The panellists highlighted the influence of economic interests and conflicts of interest in health policy formulation and stressed on the importance of transparency in policymaking.

Dr. Sharmila Mary Joseph, Principal Secretary of Kerala’s Local Self-Government and Women & Child Development Department, delivered a special address that emphasized local bodies’ crucial role in addressing healthcare challenges and utilizing development funds effectively. Subsequently, thematic sessions explored diverse aspects of health governance, including intellectual property rights (IPRs), medicine accessibility, research ethics, and technology’s impact on health outcomes.

The first day of symposium concluded with a special address by Prof. Chantal Thomas, Vice Dean and Radice Family Professor of Law, Cornell Law School, United States of America highlighted India’s significant role in healthcare, emphasizing its moral leadership during Covid-19 and in bringing out the Doha 2001 declaration. She called for an analytical shift in legal and political discourse, advocating for dynamic trade models that consider gender and promoting participatory politics in international trade law.

The thematic sessions on Day 2 featured esteemed speakers and participants delving into critical health governance issues, particularly in TWAIL and Health Equity, abortion rights, reproductive justice, and TRIPS and regional integration in health. Both days’ thematic sessions saw discussions among eminent academicians such as Prof. (Dr.) B.S. Chimni, Distinguished Professor of International Law, JGU; Professor (Dr.) S. G. Sreejith, Professor & Executive Dean, Jindal Global Law School & Executive Director, Centre for International Legal Studies, JGU; Prof. James J. Nedumpara, Head & Professor, CTIL; Dr. Sylvia Karpagam, Public Health Doctor and Researcher, Bengaluru; Prof. Leila Choukroune, Professor of International Economic Law & Director of the University of Portsmouth Thematic Initiative in Democratic Citizenship; Prof. Shailja Singh, Associate Professor, CTIL; Prof. Shiny Pradeep, Assistant Professor, CTIL; and the participants.

The symposium ended with a special address by Dr. Anup Wadhawan, former Commerce Secretary, Government of India and a distinguished lecture by Prof. Lorand Bartels on “International Economic Law and Right to Health”. Dr. Anup Wadhawan emphasized the complexities of ensuring access to medicines, urging conscious policy choices like reforming the IPR regime for public health goals. Prof. Bartels emphasized that health is reiterated a fundamental human right within international law. He also cited the Chilean alcohol tax case to underscore challenges in policy implementation. Prof. Ashita Dawer, Associate Professor of Economics, Jindal Global Law School, JGU delivered the concluding remarks. This session was moderated by Ms. Ronjini Ray, Consultant (Legal) Assistant Professor, CTIL.

The Symposium offered scholars and early-stage academicians, both domestic and international, a platform to present their research articles to expert commentators. Following feedback from the commentators, scholars will refine their articles for publication in a Special Issue of Jindal Global Law Review. Prof. James J. Nedumpara, Head & Professor, CTIL delivered the concluding observations of the Symposium.

World Homoeopathy Day 2024 celebrated with the theme Empowering Research, Enhancing Proficiency

Scientific convention on World Homoeopathy Day aimed to promote holistic health and wellness and head towards utilization of advanced techniques for homoeopathy research

During the event 17 CCRH publications including STGH app – mobile application with one edition of Standard Treatment Guidelines in Homoeopathy, Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha were released

About 80 poster presentations and 30 pharmaceutical and other firms also presented at the exhibition stall

Inaugurating the Scientific Convention on World Homoeopathy Day 2024 today at Yashobhoomi Conventional Centre Dwarka New Delhi, President Smt Droupadi Murmu said, “Many individuals who had become disillusioned with various methods of treatment have benefited from the miracles of Homeopathy. However, within the scientific community, such experiences can only be acknowledged when presented with a sufficient number of experiences backed by facts and analysis. Encouraging scientific rigor will increase confidence in this method of treatment among people.”

She added in her address “Scientific validity forms the basis of authenticity and both acceptance and popularity will increase with authenticity. Your efforts to empower research and enhance proficiency will be beneficial in promoting homeopathy. This will benefit everyone involved in Homeopathy, including doctors, patients, drug manufacturers, and researchers.”

The President further said that the continuous improvement in the education system of homeopathy will make this method more attractive to young students. The involvement of a large number of young people is essential for the bright future of homeopathy. President congratulated the Ayush ministry for organisating this mega event and promoting homeopathy along with other Ayush systems of medicine.

President graced this two-day Scientific Convention on the theme of “Empowering Research, Enhancing Proficiency” organized by Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH), an autonomous apex research organization under Ministry of Ayush to celebrate the occasion of the World Homoeopathy Day today.

On this occasion, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha said “in homeopathy, there are immense possibilities for integration between other medical systems and traditional medicine. Efforts to integrate these systems, where appropriate, will benefit patients who demand a comprehensive approach to healthcare. Strong research and clinical testing are crucial for establishing a robust scientific foundation for homeopathy. The government is committed to quality control and patient safety by working collaboratively with the homeopathic community. To increase public access to homeopathy and expand its reach, we are actively promoting its integration into primary healthcare systems. We are actively encouraging research in homeopathy through facilities like the CCRH and other collaborators and allocating resources for clinical trials and evidence-based studies.”

Dr. Subhash Kaushik, DG, CCRH, Ministry of Ayush, in his welcome address, emphasized on the need of evidence-based research in today’s era, for which it is important that the scientists of various fields and specialties come together. He thanked eminent scientists and doctors from various organisations like AIIMS, ICMR, Apollo Cancer Hospital, Chennai, Janakpuri Superspecialty Hospital, Delhi, etc. for showing their support for Homoeopathy by attending the symposium.

The inaugural ceremony was followed by a session on ‘Words of Wisdom’, chaired by the Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri Vaidya Devendra Triguna Ji and Padma Shri Dr. HR Nagendra Ji. In this session Padma Awardees Padma Awardees of Homoeopathy sector Padma Shri Dr. V.K. Gupta, Padma Shri Dr. Mukesh Batra, Padma Shri Dr. Kalyan Banerjee, and Padma Shri Dr. RS Pareek share their enriching experience with the gathering.

Dr. Anil Khurana, Chairman, National Commission for Homoeopathy along with Ayush Scientist Chair,Dr. Sangeeta A. Duggal, Advisor (Homoeopathy), Ministry of Ayush, Dr. Pinakin N Trivedi, President, Board of Ethics and Registration for Homoeopathy, NCH Dr. Janardanan Nair, President, Medical Assessment and Rating Board for Homoeopathy, NCH Dr. Tarkeshwar Jain, President, Homoeopathy Education Board, NCH, Dr Nandini Kumar Ayush distinguished chair were among the other dignitaries at the event. The event also saw participation of 8 delegates from Netherlands, Spain, Columbia, Canada and Bangladesh. During the event, 17 CCRH publications were released.

Subsequent sessions will include talks and panel discussion on topics like Empowering Homoeopathy and the Modern Perspectives, Clinicians Perspectives and Advancing practice. These sessions would witness inputs from Dr. V.K. Gupta, Chairman, SAB, CCRH, Sh. B.K Singh, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, Dr. Sangeeta A. Duggal, Advisor (Homoeopathy), Ministry of Ayush, Dr. Raj K. Manchanda, Chairperson, Homoeopathic Sectional Committee, Ayush Department, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) & Former DG, CCRH, Dr.Chintan Vaishnav, Mission Director, Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Ayog, Dr. LK Nanda, Chairperson, SCCR, CCRH and other renowned clinicians.

The Scientific Convention over the 2 days will also include sessions on Translational Research, Evidence Base: Research & Practice Experience, Epidemic and Public health, Homoeopathic Drug Standardisation and Basic Research, Interdisciplinary Research, Reforms and Research in Education, Global Perspectives., Challenges in Homoeopathy – Role of Homoeopathic Professional Associations, Veterinary Homoeopathy, Quality Assurance in Homoeopathic Medicinal Products and Services, etc.

This convention aims to promote evidence-based scientific treatment in clinical practice and health programs, to capacitate homoeopathic community in research-based therapeutics, to become a healthcare powerhouse meeting the population’s needs for personalized, safe, and credible healthcare, and to enrich homoeopathic medicine with quality diagnostics, therapeutics, and scientific tools for better patient outcomes.

Delhi, 10 APR 2024 

My heartfelt greetings to all citizens on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.

Eid-ul-Fitr, the culmination of the sacred month of Ramzan, holds immense significance, symbolizing the spirit of gratitude and togetherness. It reminds us of the values of compassion, generosity, and unity that lie at the heart of the festival, and resonate with the ethos of our diverse nation.

May this Eid bring joy, fulfillment, and abundant blessings to the lives of all.

Delhi, 10 APR 2024

The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu inaugurated a two-day Homoeopathy Symposium, organized by Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, in New Delhi today (April 10, 2024) on the occasion of the World Homoeopathy Day.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that Homoeopathy has been adopted in many countries as a simple and accessible treatment method. All over the world, many institutions at international, national and local levels have been promoting Homoeopathy. She appreciated the Ministry of AYUSH, Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, National Commission for Homoeopathy, National Institute of Homoeopathy and all such institutions of the Central Government for their contribution in the promotion of Homoeopathy in India.

The President said that the importance of research is continuously increasing in the 21^st century. Therefore, the theme of this Symposium ‘Empowering Research, Enhancing Proficiency’ is very relevant. She emphasized that research and proficiency will play an important role in further increasing the acceptance and popularity of Homoeopathy.

The President said that many people share such experiences of a person who was disappointed after being treated with various methods and benefited from the miracle of Homoeopathy. But, such experiences can be recognized in the scientific community only when presented with facts and analysis. Such factual analysis done on a large scale is called Authentic Medical Research. Encouraging scientific rigor will further increase people’s confidence in this medical system.

The President said that only healthy people create a healthy society. A healthy nation is built on the foundation of a healthy society.  She expressed that all healthcare professionals will make invaluable contribution in building a healthy, prosperous and developed India.

Please click here to see the President’s speech – 

Announcement of Holiday in 6 Districts of Punjab under Negotiable Instrument Act

Chandigarh, April 6, 2024

In light of the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections-2024, a special holiday has been declared for voters of Haryana who are employed in Punjab, allowing to cast their vote in their state on May 25, 2024.

The official spokesperson informed that if any government officials/employees working in Punjab’s government offices, boards/corporations and educational institutions, who are registered voters of Haryana, are eligible for special leave on May 25, 2024 (Saturday), upon presentation of their voter card. This leave will not be deducted from their leave balance.

He further apprised that, in accordance with Section 135B(1) of the Representation of People Act 1951, voters from Haryana employed in any industrial establishment, business, trade or other establishments in Punjab will also receive a paid holiday on May 25, 2024, to enable them to participate in the electoral process.

Additionally, a local holiday will be observed on May 25 in government offices/boards/corporations/educational institutions situated in the districts of Sri Muktsar Sahib, Bathinda, Mansa, Sangrur, Patiala, and Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar. This holiday will also be recognized under the Negotiable Instruments Act-1881. A notification to this effect has been issued by the Punjab government.

Chandigarh, April 6, 2024

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) today said chief minister Bhagwant Mann was trying to implicate senior Akali leader Bikram Singh Majithia in a false case and had even admitted that he was rewriting the file in an old false drug case registered against Mr Majithia by the erstwhile Congress government.

Addressing a press conference here, SAD chief spokesperson Arshdeep Singh Kler while referring to an interview of the chief minister said “it seems Mr Bhagwant Mann has taken on the responsibility of becoming the chief investigator in the false drugs case registered against Mr Majithia”. He said this was being done despite the fact that the Akali leader had secured bail in the case after the court held that there was nothing to link him with drug trafficking”.

Terming this as a desperate attempt to vilify Mr Majithia as well as divert the attention of people away from the failures of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, Mr Kler said “the AAP government has not been able to collect a single shred of evidence against Mr Majithia despite institution of a Special Investigating Team (SIT) to probe the case”. He said it was astonishing that the chief minister wanted to continue on the vendetta quest despite admitting that the case registered by the erstwhile Congress government was false.

Mr Kler also highlighted that the AAP government had repeatedly changed the heads of the SIT probing the drugs case in a desperate attempt to secure a tailor made verdict against the Akali leader. He said instead of indulging in such acts chief minister Bhagwant Mann should devote his attention to rectifying the law and order situation in the State, check the steep increase in the drug menace and stop financing his boss Arvind Kejriwal’s politics and election campaigns.

Shimla, April 5, 2024

A 37-year-old woman from Shimla, who had been experiencing throbbing pain in her legs due to bilateral varicose veins (swollen and tortuous veins) along with restricted mobility, was successfully treated with advanced laser techniques at Fortis Hospital Mohali.

“The patient had been experiencing throbbing pain in her legs due to bilateral varicose veins along with extreme heaviness, swelling and leg pain. This had restricted her mobility and she faced discomfort while walking. The skin around her ankles had also darkened. Unable to bear the pain, the patient had approached the hospital for further treatment”, said Dr Ravul Jindal, Director, Vascular Surgery, Fortis Hospital Mohali.

The doctor added that an ultrasound of the Patient’s leg (doppler scan) was done which showed incompetent valves. “Following this, she underwent successful laser treatment of the diseased vein with Laser ablation and Foam Sclerotherapy of varicosities. The Patient was discharged on the same day of the procedure and returned home walking. She has resumed her normal life and is symptom free”, he said.

While describing about the latest technique, Dr Jindal said, “Laser ablation is used to treat and manage varicose veins from chronic venous disease, while Foam Sclerotherapy is conducted to treat bulging varicose veins and spider veins.”

In another case, a 46-year-old woman also from Shimla had initial skin changes around her ankles (stage C2-C3). A doppler scan revealed impaired valves of both legs and she was suffering from Bilateral Leg Varicose Veins (swollen and tortuous veins). She underwent left leg laser treatment with Foam Sclerotherapy of varicosities for both legs. The Patient was discharged on the same day after the procedure.

Discussing the disease, Dr Jindal, said, “Varicose veins can occur in any part of the leg, but are mostly found on thighs and calves due to strenuous and long hours of continuous standing. The disease marks indication of a malfunction of venous system and should be evaluated by a vascular surgery specialist.”

Stating that varicose can be treated successfully through the latest technological advancements, Dr Jindal, added, “A wide range of advanced treatment options are available for varicose veins. The procedure is less painful and takes about 30 minutes. A patient has an early recovery and can go home within an hour of the procedure. Also, there are fewer medications and post-procedure care.”

The team of doctors led by Dr Ravul Jindal will hold a medical camp at Haritara Hospital and Paediatric Centre, Sanjauli, Shimla, from 10 AM – 12 Noon on 6th April, 2024.

Fatehgarh Sahib/Amloh , April 5, 2024

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal today said the SAD alone could bring the State back on the road to development even as he appealed to Punjabis to compare the work done by successive SAD governments with that of the erstwhile Congress and present Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) governments which had taken Punjab back by twenty years.

The SAD president, who led the Punjab Bachao Yatra into Fatehgarh Sahib and Amloh constituencies during the course of which thousands of people met and greeted Mr Sukhbir Badal at various stops, said “Punjabis should decide whom they want to elect to power. A regional party with a proven track record of speedy development and unique social welfare schemes which cater to all sections of society, or scam ridden Congress and AAP governments which have made life hell for them”.

Accompanied by Jagdeeep Singh Cheema in Fatehgarh Sahib and Gurpreet Singh Raju Khanna in Amloh, the SAD president said “the SAD is known to fulfill all promises made to the people – be it free power for farmers, old age pension scheme, aata-daal scheme or shagun scheme – all of which were initiated by it. In comparison the erstwhile Congress government promised a complete loan waiver to farmers but failed to keep its promise”. He said the present AAP government had promised to eradicate the menace of drugs in weeks but had presided over the expansion of the drug trade in the State. “Punjab does not need such anti-Punjab governments who take their orders from Delhi”, he added.

Youth Akali Dal president Sarabjit Singh Jhinjar, Bikramjit Singh Khalsa, Manmohan Singh Makaropur, Sharanjit Singh Chanarthal and Amit Rathi were prominent among others accompanied the party president.

Asserting that Punjabis had seen through the conspiracies which were hatched to weaken the State’s only regional party, Mr Badal said “this is the reason why they are thronging in such large numbers to welcome the Punjab Bachao Yatra”. He said Delhi based parties would never stand for or address the core issues of Punjab. “The SAD on the other hand has taken a principled stand to safeguard the interests of Punjabis at all costs”.

The SAD president in a strident attack on chief minister Bhagwant Mann, said the latter had not only bankrupted Punjab but had presided over the total collapse of law and order and flight of industry from the State. He said despite taking a whopping Rs 1 lakh crore loan in the last two years the AAP government did not have anything to show by way of development. He said the investment climate had also been destroyed due to gangster culture and steep rise in extortions.

“This is the reason that there has been a flight in capital worth Rs 20,000 crore from Punjab to other States like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh during the last two years”. He assured the people at various stops during the Yatra that once the SAD formed the government in the State it would end gangster raj as well as the menace of drugs. “We are also committed to making the State an attractive investment destination to galvanise the industry and create job opportunities”, Mr Badal added. EOM