The 2019 edition of the Bloomberg Healthiest Country Index has ranked Spain as the world’s healthiest country, followed by Italy, Iceland and Switzerland, Sweden, Australia, Singapore and Norway. These are also the countries with universal healthcare where over 70% of healthcare spending is done by the government. Cuba (30) is the only country not classified… Continue reading Spain named world’s healthiest country
Tag: health
WHO prescribes ‘aerobics 150’ to stay fit
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has prescribed 150 minutes of weekly physical activity. The WHO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that is concerned with international public health The WHO has stated that physical inactivity is identified as the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality. Physical Inactivity has major implications for the… Continue reading WHO prescribes ‘aerobics 150’ to stay fit
Kerala takes the lead in tackling trans-fat hazard
In a first, Kerala has formulated a draft action plan against trans-fat. Trans-fat are made by adding hydrogen to liquid vegetable oils to make them more solid. It is used to increase the shelf life of foods. The WHO estimates that consumption of partially hydrogenated vegetable oils (PHVOs) high in trans-fat leads to more than… Continue reading Kerala takes the lead in tackling trans-fat hazard
TB survivors challenge patent to end J&J monopoly
Two tuberculosis survivors from Indian and South Africa have challenged Johnson and Johnson’s application to extend the patent over Bedaquiline, in order to keep it affordable for everyone. Bedaquiline is a drug used to treat multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). MDR-TB is a condition where the TB bacteria has developed resistance to most antibiotic drugs. The J&J… Continue reading TB survivors challenge patent to end J&J monopoly
Medical devices to be treated as drugs
The Health Ministry has announced certain medical devices such as all implantable devices, CT / PET / MRI equipments, dialysis machines, will be now treated as a “drugs” as defined in Drugs and Cosmetics Act with effect from 1st April 2020. Drug & Cosmetics Act, 1940 regulates the import, manufacture and distribution of drugs in… Continue reading Medical devices to be treated as drugs
NGOs call for funds to eliminate tuberculosis
NGOs working towards eliminating tuberculosis have appealed to the Indian government to ensure adequate funding and effective implementation of the National Strategic Plan to End TB. This was done at the a preparatory meeting before the Global Fund’s Sixth Replenishment. The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (or Global Fund/ GFATM), is an… Continue reading NGOs call for funds to eliminate tuberculosis
67% cancer patients in SE Asia die before 70: WHO
According to WHO Southeast Asia, 67% of cancer patients in the South-East Asia die before the age of 70 years. In 2018, 18.1 million new cases of cancer were diagnosed globally while 9.6 million people succumbed to the disease- 70% of which occurred in low and middle income countries. Availability of cancer treatment services is… Continue reading 67% cancer patients in SE Asia die before 70: WHO
Global fight on malaria stalled: WHO
Global fight on malaria stalled: WHO News: As per the WHO World Malaria Report 2018, India is the only high-burden country moving in a positive direction, with Odisha emerging as the best performing state in its fight against Malaria. Important Facts: Findings of the report: The report reveals a plateauing trend in the number of… Continue reading Global fight on malaria stalled: WHO
A research hub for antibiotics resistance
A research hub for antibiotics resistance News: Denmark has announced to create an international research centre focused on the fight against resistance to antibiotics. Important Facts: Denmark signed a memorandum of understanding in Seattle, US, with the international network of research centres CGIAR, to establish the centre. The International Centre for Interdisciplinary Solutions on AMR… Continue reading A research hub for antibiotics resistance
Jharkhand is now ODF, says CM
Jharkhand is now ODF, says CM News: Chief minister Raghubar Das has declared Jharkhand open defecation free (ODF) on its 18th statehood day. The state has achieved its target a year ahead of the ODF deadline. Important Facts: The state has constructed of more than 33 lakh toilets in rural Jharkhand against the requirement of… Continue reading Jharkhand is now ODF, says CM
