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Chandigarh: In a major boost to the state’s healthcare infrastructure, the Punjab Government has decided to recruit 1,000 Medical Officers (MBBS). The decision was revealed during a meeting held between Principal Secretary Health and Family Welfare Kumar Rahul, Director Health Services Dr. Hitinder Kaur, Director PHSC Dr. Anil Goyal, and representatives of the Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA).
The association was briefed on several key developments following comprehensive discussions among Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, Finance Minister Harpal Cheema, and Kumar Rahul. As part of efforts to strengthen security at health institutions, the Finance Department has approved the hiring of security guards through PESCO, an ex-servicemen organisation. Security personnel will be deployed round the clock at all District Hospitals, Sub-Divisional Hospitals, and Community Health Centres offering 24×7 medicolegal services. Morning-hour security coverage will be ensured at the remaining CHCs and Employees’ State Insurance hospitals. The proposal is expected to be formally sent to the Finance Department within the next few days, with approval likely in the next two to three weeks.
PCMSA has praised the government’s proactive response to the long-pending security concerns and expressed hope that adequate arrangements will be in place within a few weeks. In addition to recruitment and security measures, several administrative reforms were discussed. These include a speaking order on the rationalisation of postgraduate allowance for pre-2016 batches, early clearance of pending Modified Assured Career Progressions (MACPs), issuance of MACP letters for batches from 2020–21 onwards, and finalisation of the postgraduate policy by the end of the month. The letter regarding leave rules for Senior Medical Officers and above ranks has also been reverted, offering further relief to senior personnel.
Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that 2,500 doctors in the state started their agitation on January 20th, urging the government to fulfill its time-bound commitments. This came after talks between the finance department and the PCMSA, but no significant outcomes were achieved. Finally, with the new recruitment, PCMSA acknowledged these initiatives as crucial steps toward strengthening the healthcare delivery system.
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Hyderabad: CuraTeQ Biologics s.r.o., a wholly owned step-down subsidiary of Aurobindo Pharma Limited, has announced that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has adopted a positive opinion recommending marketing authorisation of Dazublys (150
mg powder for concentrate for solution for infusion), its trastuzumab biosimilar, for the treatment of
HER2-positive metastatic and early breast cancers.
Trastuzumab specifically binds and inhibits the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)
protein, which is over-expressed on certain types of solid cancers such as breast and gastric
cancer. By binding to the extracellular domain of HER2, trastuzumab disrupts its ability to signal,
leading to cell cycle arrest, reduced tumor growth, and potentially immune system activation to
destroy cancer cells.
Commenting on the update, Dr. Satakarni Makkapati, Director of Aurobindo Pharma and CEO Biologics,
Vaccines and Peptides stated, “The CHMP’s positive opinion is based on demonstrating comprehensive
analytical similarity and clinically no meaningful differences between Dazublys and the reference biologic
product Herceptin in terms of pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), efficacy, safety, and
immunogenicity. Upon European Commission approval that is expected in July, Dazublys will be available
for use across EU member states. This marks our third biosimilar to receive CHMP’s endorsement and the
fourth overall in the EU, alongside the approval of Bevqolva (a bevacizumab biosimilar) by the MHRA in
November 2024. Biosimilars are playing an important role in improving cancer care, and we remain
committed to expanding our biosimilars portfolio to address the unmet needs of patients.”
Aurobindo Pharma’s Vice Chairman and Managing Director Mr. Nithyananda Reddy said, “The CHMP’s
positive opinion of a third biosimilar from our portfolio in a five-month time period underscores our
extensive efforts in building biosimilars as one of the core businesses at Aurobindo. By 2030, we are
committed to launching at least 10 biosimilars across oncology and immunology therapy segments,
furthering our mission to serve patients with high-quality, cost-effective therapies.”
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Bengaluru: A Bengaluru-based doctor has been booked for animal cruelty after allegedly killing a stray dog by throwing it from the third floor of his apartment building in Adugodi on April 22.
The police have registered an FIR based on a complaint filed by Ayush Bhattacharjee, a student and resident of the apartment complex. The doctor has been charged under Section 325 of the Indian Penal Code, which pertains to mischief committed by killing, poisoning, or rendering an animal useless.
According to the news reports, the doctor, a neurosurgeon, is a resident of Brindavan apartment at Lakkasandra and was reportedly unhappy with the presence of a stray dog named Scooby, which had been taken in and cared for by other residents. The incident allegedly occurred in February 2025, when the doctor is accused of throwing the dog from the third floor of the building.
The complainant noticed the dog bleeding and writhing in pain and took it to a hospital for treatment. The dog had sustained an injury to the spinal cord and was under treatment for two months. After recovery, the dog was brought back to the apartment and placed under the residents’ care.
However, on April 20, a disturbing incident occurred when the residents heard a loud sound. Upon checking, they found that the dog had fallen onto a car parked on the roadside, damaging its windshield. The car owner subsequently filed a complaint against the doctor for the damage to his property.
Also Read: Amritsar based doctor leaves pet dogs home alone for 6 months without food, booked
As per the recent media reports by The Hindu, some residents of the apartment allegedly noticed Dr. Ballal going inside his apartment and slamming the door shut. Some residents went to question him while others rushed the dog to a hospital, where the animal succumbed to its injuries.
Further investigation into the doctor’s background revealed a potentially alarming pattern. In 2022, while pursuing his PG in surgery in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, the doctor was allegedly involved in the death of another stray dog. The incident occurred on August 7, 2022, and was brought to the attention of the police by an NGO, People for Animals, after CCTV footage showed Dr. Ballal grabbing a dog by the neck.
Also Read: Viral Video: Jodhpur Plastic Surgeon booked for dragging dog along road
According to TNIE, the Madhya Pradesh High Court, however, quashed the FIR against him on April 26, 2024, on the grounds that the FIR was filed only on the basis of apprehension and “not on the basis of any concrete evidence”.
The Adugodi police have registered an FIR and stated that they will summon the doctor for questioning.
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Cuttack: Observing that the writ petition unnecessarily wasted valuable time of the court, the Orissa High Court dismissed a petition filed by a doctor, also a writer who claimed that he was unfairly denied the country’s fourth highest civilian honour- Padma Shri Award in the field of literature and imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 for wasting the court’s time.
The petitioner claimed that another person with the same name from Dhenkanal district falsely claimed to be the Padmashri Awardee, which was meant to be his award, as his name was included in the Padma Shri awardee list declared on January 25, 2023.
He told the court that he had received a phone call from the Ministry of Home Affairs informing him about his selection for the award. He also said he had written 29 books in Odia and deserved the recognition, while the other person, who is a journalist, had not written any books.
However, the court found that Mishra failed to provide any proof showing he was selected for the award. Despite being given time, he could not submit any official documents or confirmation.
Single bench of Justice S.K. Panigrahi observed, “Considering the facts and submissions made, this Court is of the view that the Petitioner has approached this Court on the basis of some phone calls from somebody stating that he is the recipient of the “Padmashri Award” for the year 2023 in the field of Literature. Despite a few adjournments were granted to the Petitioner to place on record all the documents which embolden his claim, the Petitioner has failed to submit any document where his name has been figured as a “Padmashri Awardee”. This shows that the Petitioner has unnecessarily created controversy and also demeaned the prestige of the award and tried to malign the image of the Opposite Party No.2.”
Dismissing the petition, the court imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on the petitioner and asked him to pay the amount to the Orissa High Court Bar Association, Cuttack within a period of 10 days. The money will be used for purchasing books by the Bar.
“In such view of the matter, this Court deems it appropriate to impose a cost of Rs.10,000/- (Rupees Ten Thousand Only) on the Petitioner for unnecessarily wasting the valuable time of this Court. The same shall be paid to the Orissa High Court Bar Association, Cuttack for purchasing of books within a period of ten days from today,” concluded the court.
To view the official order, click on the link below:
Also read- Renowned Gynaecologist, AIIMS Former HOD, Dr Neerja Bhatla conferred with Padma Shri
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New Delhi: Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, recently virtually launched the National Zero Measles-Rubella Elimination campaign 2025-26 on the first day of the World Immunization Week (24-30 April), marking a significant step towards India’s goal of eliminating Measles and Rubella by 2026.
On the occasion, Union Health Minister released multi-language M-R IEC materials (posters, radio jingles, MR elimination and official U-WIN launch film) for creating awareness in the communities. These IEC materials were also shared with all States/UTs for adaptation and rollout during the MR Elimination Campaign 2025-26.
Addressing the occasion, Shri JP Nadda stated that, “Today is momentous occasion as the launch of Measles-Rubella elimination campaign 2025-26 marks an opportunity to achieve 100% immunization coverage to provide high quality lifestyle to children by administering them with the two doses of Measles and Rubella vaccine.” Noting that this disease is of a highly contagious nature that hampers not only children’s life but also cause misery to their parents, Shri Nadda underlined the importance of ensuring that not even a single child is left behind.
Also Read:Fatty liver is preventable, reversible through healthy lifestyle and food habits: JP Nadda
The Union Health Minister congratulated the Ministry for getting recognition with the prestigious Measles and Rubella Champion Award by the Measles and Rubella Partnership in 2024. He highlighted that “332 districts in the country have reported zero measles cases and 487 districts have reported zero rubella cases during January- March 2025 which underscores the progress achieved in the goal of M-R elimination.”
Shri Nadda highlighted the need for keeping the IDSP activated and strengthening surveillance. “We have to target the elimination of M-R in the same way as Polio and Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus elimination was achieved”, he stated. He urged the states and UTs to be attentive, alert, and proactive and work with a ‘ACT NOW’ policy.
Shri Nadda also urged the State Ministers and Chief Medical Officers to hold public and press meetings where people at large can be informed about the vaccination drive through active Jan Bhagidari. He also called upon States for an inclusive participation of all MLAs, MPs, local and Panchayat heads to spread awareness about the vaccination against Measles and Rubella. He also urged the frontline workers to reach out to remote and hard to reach areas, slums, migratory population, areas with frequent outbreaks. “We have to reach out to people in the last mile to ensure that we achieve 100% coverage”, he stated. He also emphasized on the need for coordinating with line ministries. He concluded his address by stating that “if we work and act from today, we will be able to achieve success tomorrow.”
Background:
Measles and Rubella are highly infectious viral diseases that can lead to serious illnesses, lifelong complications, and even death. Due to their high infection rate, India has set a goal to eliminate these diseases by 2026. Under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), two doses of the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine are provided free of cost to all eligible children, at 9-12 months and 16-24 months of age, respectively. Currently, India’s MR vaccination coverage stands at 93.7% for the first dose (2024-25 HMIS data) and 92.2% for the second dose.
In 2024, India has recorded a remarkable decline of 73% in Measles cases and a 17% reduction in Rubella cases in comparison with 2023.
India’s plan for eliminating measles and rubella includes a comprehensive framework:
Immunization: Achieve and maintain high population immunity with > 95% vaccination coverage with 2 doses of measles and rubella containing vaccines in each district of the country.
Surveillance: Sustain a sensitive and timely case-based surveillance system for measles & rubella.
Outbreaks: Ensure adequate preparedness and timely response to measles and rubella outbreaks.
Linkages: Strengthen support and linkages to achieve the above strategic objectives.
Demand Generation for Vaccination: Focused mass awareness campaigns to mitigate the risks of non-vaccination and dispel myths related to MR vaccine for addressing vaccine hesitancy and increasing coverage.
In recognition of country’s exceptional efforts in prevention of Measles and Rubella, India was awarded the prestigious Measles and Rubella Champion Award by the Measles and Rubella Partnership at the American Red Cross Headquarters in Washington D.C. on March 6, 2024.
Under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), India runs world’s largest vaccination programme for pregnant women and children – reaching out to 2.9 crore pregnant women and 2.6 crore newborns annually. This provides protection against 12 vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) such as Polio, Measles, Rubella, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Rotavirus diarrhoea, Hepatitis B among others. U-WIN digital platform for vaccination, launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister is being utilized extensively to record vaccination events, generate vaccination certificate and book appointment for vaccination across the country.
India’s Universal Immunization Programme, has been instrumental in reducing mortality rates and controlling infectious diseases among children under five years of age. From 2014 to 2020, under-5 mortality rates dropped from 45 to 32 per 1,000 live births (Sample Registration System – 2020). Since 2014, under UIP, over 6 new vaccines have been introduced including MR vaccine.
Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava, Union Health Secretary; Dr Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, Dept. of Health Research and DG, ICMR; Smt. Aradhana Patnaik, Addl. Secretary and Mission Director (NHM), Union Health Ministry; Smt. Meera Srivastava, Joint Secretary, Union Health Ministry, Additional Commissioner (Immunization), Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries (Health), Mission Directors (NHM) and State Immunization Officers from States/UTs had joined the virtual launch event.
Also Read:Union Health Minister JP Nadda launches Ayushman Bharat scheme in Odisha
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Telangana- Through a notification, Kaloji Narayan Rao University of Health Sciences (KNRUHS) has notified regarding the conduction of the second phase counselling for allotment of vacant seats of the MPH course after the first phase of counselling under Competent Authority Quota (CQ) and Management Quota (MQ) in the affiliated colleges.
As per the notification, the Verification of original certificates and exercising options manually for the second phase of counselling for provisional admission into the MPH course under Competent Authority Quota and Management Quota in colleges affiliated to KNRUHS in the State of Telangana for the Academic year 2024-25 will be held on 28 April 2025, 10.00 AM to 12.00 Noon at Directorate of Admissions, Kakatiya University, Warangal.
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CANDIDATES
1 Candidates who had attended the certificate verification and are made eligible for counselling need not attend the verification. However, the candidates who were allotted seats in the first phase of counselling and are interested in sliding to another college/quota (from CQ to MQ & vice-versa) can report at the verification centre and exercise options.
2 Candidates who haven’t reported to the allotted college are also eligible to exercise options in the second phase of counselling.
The candidates who have to attend counselling shall submit all original certificates for verification and also submit one set of self-attested Xerox copies.
FEES
|
S.NO |
CATEGORY |
UNIVERSITY FEE |
|
1 |
CQ |
₹ 17,700/- |
|
2 |
MQ |
₹ 22,700/- |
|
3 |
Foreign Nationals |
₹ 27,700/- |
DOCUMENTS
i Hall Ticket of Entrance Test.
ii Original Degree of the qualifying exam.
iii First to final year marks memos.
iv Study certificate of Degree course.
v Study certificates from VI to Intermediate.
vi Date of birth proof (SSC Memo).
vii Latest Category/Community Certificate issued by Competent Authority.
viii Any other certificates as per regulations.
The notification further informed that after the completion of certificate verification, the eligible candidates shall exercise options for admission into the MPH course for the AY 2024-25. The option form will be provided by the verification officer. Candidates should exercise options in the options forms provided and submit the same to the verification officer.
To view the notification, click the link below
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