Archive for month: October, 2024

New Delhi: The Ministry of Ayush is all set to celebrate 9th Ayurveda Day on 29.10.2024. 

This year more than 150 countries across the globe have geared up for Ayurveda Day that is being celebrated around the theme “Ayurveda Innovations for Global Health”. On this occasion, the ministry of Ayush is going to organize a grand event at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi.

Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State, Ayush (I/C), Ministry of Ayush talked about the significance of Ayurveda Day and said, “Ayurveda Day has now become a global movement.

We are proud to learn that as many as 150 countries are expected to join Ayurveda Day celebrations 2024. He also highlighted the focus of the Ministry while underlining the theme of Ayurveda Day 2024 and added “The theme of this year’s Ayurveda Day celebrations gives new dimensions to the contribution of Ayurveda to global health. Our aim is to promote Ayurveda globally as a robust system of medicine for the welfare of public. Under this, the All India Institute of Ayurveda has initiated a month-long programme across the country.”

Also Read:Ayurveda Aahar helps to maintain a balanced body and mind: Union Minister Shri Prataprao Jadhav

While highlighting the vision of Ministry, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush said, “Through the Ayurveda Day celebrations, Ayush focuses on integrating Ayurveda with contemporary science to address critical health issues including non-communicable diseases, mental health, antimicrobial resistance, and geriatric care.”

Talking about the latest initiatives of the Ministry, he further added, “Ayurveda knowledge is made conveniently accessible to public through digital platforms under the umbrella of Ayush Grid including major initiatives such as Ayurgyan Scheme, Ayush Research Portal, and Namaste Portal.” Currently, Ayurveda is recognized in as many as 24 countries across the globe, while Ayurveda products are exported to over 100 countries”.

This year’s celebration will witness significant participation from startups and industry, positioning Ayurveda at the heart of global health innovation. Leading Ayurveda experts have expressed their thoughts and hopes for this important event. Ayush professionals are particularly enthusiastic about this year’s celebrations on the theme surrounding innovation in Ayurveda.

Dr. Manoj Nesari, Advisor, Ministry of Ayush and Director, North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda and Homeopathy (NEIAH), Shillong, said, “The theme ‘Ayurveda Innovation for Global Health’ has been specifically chosen to highlight the huge research work done in Ayurveda to establish the scientific relevance of Ayurveda in promotion of health and treatment of various disease conditions.

This also highlights the relevance of Ayurveda for the healthcare of the people across the globe irrespective of their religion, ethnicity, social status and geographical boundaries. The special focus in innovation would attract and inspire our youngsters to indulge in Ayurveda and establish startups. I also see lots of vibration and enthusiasm in the people of North East states and rising acceptance of Ayurveda in all North East states.”

Dr. Mohan Singh, Director Ayush, Jammu & Kashmir, stated, “Given the theme of this year’s celebrations, we are all excited to be part of the Ayurveda Day 2024 activities. We anticipate an extraordinary confluence of professionals, researchers, and startups, all dedicated to creating a healthier, more sustainable world through the power of Ayurveda.”

Dr. Sanjeev Sharma, Vice Chancellor of the National Institute of Ayurveda, added, “The commitment and passion of our students and scholars who are preparing for the Ayurveda Day 2024 celebrations is inspiring. This would be an opportunity to explore new dimensions of holistic health, where ancient wisdom combines with modern innovation for global health.”

Dr. B.J. Patagiri, Director, Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA) mentioned, “The participation of students, scholars, and innovators in this year’s celebration is a testament to how tradition and innovation together can revolutionize global health.”

Ministry of Ayush continues to work toward integrating Ayurveda into the mainstream of global health. Initiatives such as the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC), Ayushman Bharat Yojana, and the Research Centre for Innovation in Ayurveda Biology are advancing Ayurveda’s role in the global health system. Additionally, the reactivated “I Support Ayurveda” Campaign aims to garner over 250 million votes in support of Ayurveda. Last year’s campaign was a tremendous success, with 160 million votes.

As the world moves toward Ayurveda Day on 29th October 2024, the Ministry of Ayush, its partner institutions, professionals, and Ayurveda enthusiasts around the globe are excited for this unique celebration. Through innovation and collaboration, Ayurveda is poised to offer sustainable solutions for global health and well-being.

It is to note that the celebration of Ayurveda Day takes place annually on the auspicious occasion of Dhanvantari Jayanti (Dhanteras). Since inception in 2016, Ayurveda Day has gained global significance. This year’s celebrations are filled with energy and enthusiasm, culminating in a closing ceremony on 29th October 2024. Throughout the month, various events and activities are being organised nationwide, highlighting the importance of Ayurveda in health promotion and disease prevention.

Also Read:Ayurveda is India’s invaluable gift to World: President Murmu graces 8th foundation day of AIIA

Budaun: Following the death of a five-year-old girl from fever at a government medical college hospital in Uttar Pradesh, the health department has terminated the services of two contractual doctors and suspended two others for allegedly failing to attend to her because they were busy watching a cricket match.

The girl’s family had alleged that she died because the doctors and the health staff were busy playing cricket instead of treating their daughter.

For more information, click on the link below:

5-year-old dies of fever at UP Hospital: 2 doctors terminated, 2 suspended for watching cricket during duty

New Delhi: Mylan Laboratories has got approval from the Subject Expert Committee (SEC) functional under the Central Drug Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) to manufacture and market Epinephrine tartrate Injection IP 0.3mg/0.3ml & 0.15mg/0.3ml (Auto injector) (Adrenaline Injection IP).

This came after the firm presented their proposal for a grant of permission to manufacture and market Epinephrine tartrate Injection IP 0.3mg/0.3ml and 0.15mg/0.3ml (Auto-injector) along with justification for bioequivalence (BE) waiver and clinical trial waiver.

Epinephrine is a hormone and neurotransmitter used to treat allergic reactions, to restore cardiac rhythm, and to control mucosal congestion, glaucoma, and asthma.Epinephrine injection is indicated in the emergency treatment of type I allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. It is also used to increase mean arterial blood pressure in adult patients with hypotension associated with septic shock.

The firm has informed that Epinephrine tartrate Injection IP 0.3mg/0.3ml & 0.15mg/0.3ml (Auto injector) is already approved in USA.

At the recent SEC meeting for pulmonary held on 3rd October 2024, the expert panel reviewed the proposal for the grant of permission to manufacture and marketing of Epinephrine tartrate Injection IP 0.3mg/0.3ml & 0.15mg/0.3ml (Auto injector) along with justification for BE waiver and clinical trial waiver.

After detailed deliberation, the committee recommended the grant of permission for manufacturing and marketing of Epinephrine tartrate Injection IP 0.3mg/0.3ml & 0.15mg/0.3ml (Auto-injector) with different color coding for each applied strength.

Also Read: Bisoprolol, Telmisartan, Chlorthalidone FDC: CDSCO asks Windlas Biotech to submit new BE protocol

Jaipur: In a recent development, a case has been registered against the owner and a few doctors of Vasundhara Hospital in Jodhpur in connection with the death of Priyanka Vishnoi, a 33-year-old Rajasthan Administrative Service officer. 

According to an IANS report, a case has been registered against a few doctors and all the medical staff after the directions of the court, confirmed officials on Saturday.

Priyanka Vishnoi’s father-in-law Sahiram Vishnoi has accused the doctors and medical staff of Vasundhara Hospital (Jodhpur) of negligence in treatment.

The matter was heard in Metropolitan Magistrate Court No. 08, Jodhpur. Advocate Naman Mohanot, representing the complainant, presented arguments in the court on Friday.

Also Read: Jaipur’s Eye Hospital, Doctor Slapped Rs 16.6 lakh Compensation for Medical Negligence during Cataract Surgery

He said that the doctors did not treat the patient properly and also failed to give correct information to the family.

According to the complaint of the father-in-law, Priyanka was admitted to Vasundhara Hospital on September 5. Advocate Naman Mohanot told the court that the doctors had admitted Priyanka saying that she had a common disease. Subsequently, Priyanka’s condition started deteriorating.

The neurologist advised to do a CT scan which was quite crucial at that time, however, the hospital staff did not perform it. It has been said in the complaint that no concrete reason was given to the family for not doing the test, which raises questions about the intention of the hospital.

The complainant further said that when Priyanka’s condition deteriorated, she was referred to Ahmedabad’s CIMS Hospital on September 7. After examining the reports there, the doctors clarified that the patient had a ‘haemorrhage’, which was earlier not treated properly, news agency IANS reported.

It was informed in CIMS Hospital that the doctors of Vasundhara Hospital did not do proper investigation and treatment despite the critical condition of the patient. During this time, the family was also kept in the dark about the actual condition of the patient.

Advocate Naman Mohanot argued that the doctors and staff of Vasundhara Hospital knew that Priyanka could die due to negligence in her treatment. Despite this, they tried to hide their loopholes.

He also questioned police for refusing to register an FIR in this serious matter. If the police were not registering an FIR on the death of the Assistant Collector, then how will justice be ensured in the case of the general public, he asked.

On the basis of the evidence presented, the court ordered the Chopasni Housing Board Police Station to immediately register an FIR against certain doctors and other medical staff of Vasundhara Hospital.

Abbott claimed that “Mebufen” was confusingly similar to its well-known analgesic brand “Brufen”, and could lead to consumer confusion, especially given that both products are medicinal.

In a recent ruling on October 22, 2024, Justice Amit Bansal of the Delhi High Court dismissed the appeal filed by Abbott challenging the Registrar of Trademarks’ decision.

Abbott owns the trademark “BRUFEN,” which has been in use since 1973 and includes analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs. The company acquired rights to this trademark through a Deed of Assignment from The Boots Company PLC, UK, in 1995 and has been using it globally, including in India.

In September 2005, Meridian Medicare Limited, through its director Vinod Gupta, applied for the trademark “MEBUFEN” under Class-5, covering medicinal and pharmaceutical products. The application claimed that Meridian had been using “MEBUFEN” since April 1988.

After publication in 2006, Abbott opposed the registration, contending that “MEBUFEN” was deceptively similar to “BRUFEN” and would confuse consumers due to its similar use in pain relief products containing ibuprofen.

Abbott counsel, Tusha Malhotra, argued that the Registrar of Trademarks failed to apply the precedent set in the Cadila Healthcare Ltd. vs. Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd. case, which establishes that competing trademarks must be evaluated as a whole rather than dissected syllable by syllable.

Abbott contended that merely adding “ME” to “BRUFEN” did not make the two marks distinctive enough, particularly as both drugs contain ibuprofen. Abbott further argued that the marks were phonetically similar and could cause confusion among customers with “average intelligence and imperfect recollection,” as established in other judgments on trademark similarity.

Also Read: Abbott reports USD 1 billion profit surge on strong CGM sales

On behalf of Meridian, Amit Singha argued that “MEBUFEN” and “BRUFEN” were structurally, visually, and phonetically distinct, sharing only the suffix “FEN.” He contended that “FEN” is derived from “IBUPROFEN” and is commonly used in pharmaceutical trademarks, with over 5,000 other trademarks incorporating it. Meridian emphasized that Abbott could not claim exclusivity over “FEN,” and that the unique prefixes, “BRU” and “MEBU,” made the marks easily distinguishable. Additionally, the packaging and branding styles of “MEBUFEN” and “BRUFEN” were different enough to avoid consumer confusion.

Justice Bansal evaluated the arguments, referencing important judgments regarding deceptive similarity, especially in the context of pharmaceuticals where public safety is a concern. The judge cited the F. Hoffmann-LA Roche & Co. Ltd. vs. Geoffrey Manners & Co. Pvt. Ltd. case, which held that trademarks should not be dissected letter-by-letter but should be evaluated in totality for structural and phonetic resemblance.

Examining the matter, the judge found “BRUFEN” and “MEBUFEN” to be sufficiently different in both structure and sound, noting that the prefixes “BRU” and “MEBU” create a clear distinction. It observed;

“There is no structural or phonetical similarity between the rival marks “BRUFEN” and “MEBUFEN”. The dicta of Hoffmann-LA Roche (supra) is fully applicable in the present case. The marks “BRUFEN” and “MEBUFEN” are quite dissimilar and I cannot foresee any confusion being caused while pronouncing the said marks by a person of average intelligence or any possibility of confusion being caused in the market.”

It further clarified that;

“The rival marks have different prefixes i.e., “BRU” and “MEBU”, which are strikingly dissimilar. The common suffix “FEN” used in both marks, is derived from the chemical element “IBUPROFEN” which is used in both medicines. Therefore, the petitioner cannot claim exclusivity over “FEN”. The Respondent No.2 has placed on record details of various medicinal products using “FEN” as a part of their name.”

In context of Abbott’s reference to two cases to support its claim of similarity between “Brufen” and “Mebufen.”, it mentioned that in a Bombay High Court case involving “Brufen” and “Croffen,” the court found structural and phonetic similarity and cancelled the “Croffen” trademark. Similarly, the Delhi High Court’s Division Bench upheld an injunction in a case involving “Indamet” and “Istamet,” noting their structural and phonetic resemblance.

Deliberating this, the court found that previous cases cited by Abbott, such as “BRUFEN” vs. “CROFEN,” involved more similarities in structure and sound than the present case of “BRUFEN” vs. “MEBUFEN,” and thus were not directly applicable.

After considering the factors, the court concluded that “MEBUFEN” did not pose a risk of confusion with “BRUFEN” and upheld the Registrar of Trademarks’ decision to allow Meridian Medicare’s registration of “MEBUFEN.” Justice Bansal dismissed Abbott appeal, affirming that the trademark “MEBUFEN” could coexist with “BRUFEN” without causing confusion in the market.

The court said;

“In my considered view, both the aforesaid judgments would not come to the aid of the Appellant since there is a clear element of structural and phonetic similarity between the competing marks that were the subject matter 2002 SCC OnLine Bom 300. of the aforesaid judgments, which is not discernible in the marks “BRUFEN” and “MEBUFEN that are the subject matter of the present appeal. In view of the discussion above, no grounds are made out for interference with the impugned order passed by the Registrar of Trademarks. Consequently, the appeal is dismissed.”

To view the original judgement, click on the link below:

https://indiankanoon.org/doc/187553401/