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In a significant move to safeguard <keyword id="19913584" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="public-health" source="keywords">public health</keyword>, the Indian government has banned 156 widely sold fixed-dose combination (FDC) drugs, many of which are used to treat common ailments such as fever, colds, allergies and pain. The banned FDCs include several popular antibacterial and pain-relief medications, which the government has declared "likely to involve risk to human beings." The ban was officially announced through a gazette notification issued by the <keyword id="19897332" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Union-Health-Ministry" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Union Health Ministry" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Union Health Ministry">Union Health Ministry</keyword> on August 12. <keyword id="22891947" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="FDC-drugs" source="keywords">FDC drugs</keyword>, often referred to as "cocktail" drugs, contain a combination of two or more active pharmaceutical ingredients in a fixed ratio. While such combinations are intended to offer multi-faceted treatment, concerns have been raised about their safety and efficacy. Among the drugs on the banned list is the well-known combination of Aceclofenac 50 mg and <keyword id="20687368" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="paracetamol" source="keywords">Paracetamol</keyword> 125 mg, a popular pain reliever produced by several major pharmaceutical companies. Other banned FDCs include Mefenamic Acid Paracetamol Injection, Cetirizine HCl Paracetamol Phenylephrine HCl, Levocetirizine Phenylephrine HCl Paracetamol, Paracetamol Chlorpheniramine Maleate Phenyl Proanolamine, and Camylofin Dihydrochloride 25 mg Paracetamol 300 mg. A particularly notable ban is on the combination of Paracetamol, Tramadol, Taurine, and Caffeine. Tramadol, an opioid-based painkiller, has drawn attention for its potential for abuse and addiction, adding to the concerns surrounding its inclusion in over-the-counter FDCs. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112557689" title="The drugmaker that hopes to legalize MDMA is cutting 75% of its staff after the FDA rejected the drug" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>According to the government's notification, the Central government has determined that the use of these FDCs "is likely to involve risk to human beings," and that "safer alternatives to the said drugs are available." The decision follows an in-depth examination by an Expert Committee, which found many of these FDCs to be "irrational." The apex panel Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) also reviewed the combinations and concluded that there was "no therapeutic justification" for the ingredients in these FDCs. In light of the potential risks, the government deemed it necessary to prohibit the manufacture, sale, and distribution of these drugs under Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. The notification emphasised that "in the larger public interest, it is necessary to prohibit the manufacture, sale, or distribution of this FDC" as regulation or restriction would not be sufficient to protect patients. This is not the first time the Indian government has intervened to address the sale of FDCs. In 2016, the Centre had announced a ban on 344 FDCs after an expert panel — established at the direction of the Supreme Court — found that many of these combinations were being sold without sufficient scientific evidence supporting their efficacy. Although that decision was contested in court by <keyword id="22603498" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="drug-manufacturers" source="keywords">drug manufacturers</keyword>, it set a precedent for regulatory scrutiny of FDCs in India. In June 2023, 14 FDCs from the original list of 344 were also banned. Many of the drugs included in the recent list of 156 were part of this original 344-drug combination ban, reinforcing the government's continued efforts to remove unsafe and unjustified medications from the market. Several of the banned products had already been discontinued by manufacturers, but the new regulations ensure that these combinations will no longer be available for sale in India, further emphasising the government's commitment to public safety and rational drug use. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112374485" title="Govt waives clinical trial requirement for several drugs approved in select countries" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

156 ‘combination medicines’ containing Cetirizine, Paracetamol and other common drugs banned by Centre

The <keyword id="22200485" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="NEET-PG-2024" source="keywords">NEET-PG 2024</keyword> entrance examination will be held on <keyword id="22298192" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="August-11" source="keywords">August 11</keyword> in two shifts, the <keyword id="20270021" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="National-Board-of-Examinations-in-Medical-Sciences" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences">National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences</keyword> announced on Friday. The <keyword id="19957604" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="exam" source="keywords">exam</keyword> was earlier scheduled to be held on June 23. "In continuation of NBEMS notice dated 22.06.2024, the conduct of NEET-PG 2024 examination has been rescheduled. It will now be conducted on August 11 in two shifts. The cut-off date for the purpose of eligibility to appear in the NEET-PG 2024 shall continue to be August 15, 2024," the Board said. The <keyword id="19897332" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Union-Health-Ministry" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Union Health Ministry" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Union Health Ministry">Union Health Ministry</keyword> on June 22 postponed the NEET-PG entrance examination, scheduled to be held on June 23, as a "precautionary measure" in the wake of allegations on the integrity of certain competitive exams. Several meetings since then have been held with officials from the Union Health Ministry, National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) along with its technical partner Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), National Medical Commission (NMC) and Cyber Cell officials to evaluate the "robustness" of the system for the conduct of the exam, sources said. The Ministry of Health had decided to undertake a thorough assessment of the robustness of processes of the NEET-PG entrance examination. The National Eligibility Entrance Test-Postgraduate (NEET-PG) entrance examination is conducted by NBEMS along with its technical partner TCS for medical students. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/webstories/upcoming-smartphones-launching-in-india-in-july-2024/slidelist/111304902.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/webstories/upcoming-smartphones-launching-in-india-in-july-2024/slidelist/111304902.cms" target="_blank">Upcoming smartphones launching in India in July 2024</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/hp-envy-x360-14-review/articleshow/111407165.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/hp-envy-x360-14-review/articleshow/111407165.cms" target="_blank">HP Envy x360 14 review – feature-packed laptop with a sleek design</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/webstories/motorola-razr-50-ultra-flip-phone-launched-in-india-for-99999/slidelist/111504950.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/webstories/motorola-razr-50-ultra-flip-phone-launched-in-india-for-99999/slidelist/111504950.cms" target="_blank">Motorola Razr 50 Ultra flip phone launched in India for ₹99,999</a>

New dates announced for NEET-PG 2024, exam to be held on August 11

<keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword> has reported its first confirmed case of <keyword id="20134986" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Monkeypox" source="keywords">Monkeypox</keyword> (<keyword id="20965747" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mpox" source="keywords">Mpox</keyword>) caused by the highly transmissible <keyword id="22812233" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Clade-1B" source="keywords">Clade 1B</keyword> strain, marking a significant moment in the country’s ongoing battle against the <keyword id="20542503" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="viral-disease" source="keywords">viral disease</keyword>. According to sources in the <keyword id="19896140" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Health-Ministry" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Health Ministry" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Health Ministry">Health Ministry</keyword>, this case involves a patient from <keyword id="19896018" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kerala" source="keywords">Kerala</keyword> <keyword id="19895006" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="WHO" source="keywords">who</keyword> had recently returned from Dubai. The World Health Organization (WHO) had recently raised concerns about the spread of Mpox, classifying it as a disease of international concern, especially as new, more infectious strains emerge. While Mpox has appeared in India before, all prior cases were linked to the less deadly Clade II strain. <h2>A new, more <keyword id="22892041" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="transmissible-strain" source="keywords">transmissible strain</keyword></h2>The case in Kerala is the first in India involving Clade 1B, a variant known for its higher transmission rate and increased mortality compared to previous strains. A Health Ministry official confirmed that the patient is currently in stable condition and that rigorous contact tracing efforts are underway to prevent further spread. This response follows India’s earlier experience with Mpox, where over 30 cases were recorded between 2022 and 2024, predominantly from travellers returning from African nations where the disease remains endemic. <h2>Mpox symptoms and spread</h2>Mpox manifests through typical viral symptoms, including fever, headaches, and muscle pain, eventually leading to skin rashes or lesions. These rashes often emerge a few days after the fever and vary in appearance, sometimes resembling fluid-filled blisters that crust over and heal within a few weeks. However, while symptoms usually resolve without intervention, the disease can lead to serious complications and, in rare instances, death. Unlike COVID-19 or influenza, Mpox is not airborne. Its primary mode of transmission is through close physical contact, particularly skin-to-skin contact or exposure to contaminated materials, such as bedding or clothing. Sexual transmission is also a significant factor in the spread of the disease. Health experts stress the importance of maintaining strict hygiene practices and ensuring that caregivers use personal protective equipment when attending to infected individuals. <h2>Health Ministry's preparedness</h2>In light of this new development, the Indian government is taking preventive measures to contain the situation. Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra has issued directives to states and Union Territories, urging them to ensure isolation facilities are readily available for suspected or confirmed cases. These measures also include ramping up resources such as trained healthcare personnel and medical supplies. While there is no immediate risk of a widespread outbreak, authorities are adopting a cautious approach to avoid any potential escalation. Recent cases, such as one involving a resident of Hisar, Haryana, demonstrate the country’s ongoing efforts to monitor, isolate, and treat Mpox cases effectively. (With inputs from agencies)

More transmissible, higher fatality rate: India records first case of fast-spreading Mpox strain Clade 1B in Kerala man

Having been declared a global health emergency by <keyword id="6366244" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="who" source="Orion">WHO</keyword> just a few weeks ago, the dreaded <keyword id="20965747" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mpox" source="keywords">Mpox</keyword> (formerly <keyword id="7616951" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="monkeypox" source="Orion">monkeypox</keyword>) has slowly been closing in on India. And now, days after our neighbour <keyword id="19899252" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pakistan" source="keywords">Pakistan</keyword> confirmed its second Mpox case this month, India has also reported its first one this season. While feeling uncertain is understandable, the situation is far from dire just yet. On Monday, September 9, 2024, the <keyword id="19896140" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="health-ministry" source="keywords">Health Ministry</keyword> confirmed that a previously suspected case of Mpox was a travel-related infection. The patient, a young male, recently returned from a country experiencing ongoing Mpox transmission. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of the West African clade 2 of the Mpox virus, which is distinct from the more dangerous clade 1 currently under a public health emergency. In its statement, the Ministry emphasised that this case is isolated and in line with the 30 previous Mpox cases reported in India since July 2022. The Ministry clarified that this case does not contribute to the WHO-declared public health emergency associated with clade 1 of Mpox, which has spread primarily in parts of <keyword id="19924003" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="africa" source="keywords">Africa</keyword>. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112542249" title="WHO has declared mpox a global health emergency. What happens next?" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <h2>Patient condition and response measures </h2>The infected individual is isolated at a designated tertiary care isolation facility. The Ministry reports that the patient is clinically stable, with no systemic illness or pre-existing conditions. Public health authorities have initiated contact tracing and monitoring to ensure the infection remains contained, stating that no widespread public health risk exists at this time. <h2>Mode of transmission and symptoms </h2>The global Mpox outbreak has primarily affected young males, with a median age of 34. The main mode of transmission has been sexual contact, followed by non-sexual person-to-person contact. The most commonly reported symptom is a rash, which can manifest either systemically or in the genital region, followed by fever. WHO data shared by the Ministry indicates that approximately 51.9% of Mpox cases involve individuals living with HIV. This underscores the need for targeted healthcare and awareness, especially in high-risk populations. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112561654" title="WHO calls for increased surveillance, sharing of data, vaccines to combat monkeypox outbreak" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <h2>Increased vigilance and preparedness </h2>Following the confirmation of this case, the Health Ministry has issued directives to all states and union territories, urging healthcare workers, particularly those in skin/STD clinics and NACO (<keyword id="20887701" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="national-aids-control-organisation" source="keywords">National AIDS Control Organisation</keyword>) clinics, to stay alert to the signs and symptoms of Mpox. These clinics must be prepared for immediate isolation, clinical management, and treatment of complications, adhering to established protocols. The Ministry has also advised enhanced screening and testing of suspected Mpox cases, especially at airports and other points of entry, to prevent further transmission. <h2>Awareness and risk communication </h2>The Ministry has issued guidelines to state AIDS control societies, urging them to be vigilant in identifying suspect cases, especially among vulnerable populations such as female sex workers (FSW) and men who have sex with men (MSM). Communities must be made aware of the disease’s transmission and symptoms, as well as the importance of timely reporting. Clear risk communication, particularly to healthcare workers and intervention sites such as skin and paediatric clinics, is crucial to prevent the spread of the virus. While the Ministry advocates for robust preventive measures, it also stresses the importance of avoiding undue panic among the general public. For now, the Ministry’s actions aim to ensure that India remains well-prepared to handle isolated Mpox cases, while working to prevent any major outbreak in the country. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112550492" title="Danish monkeypox-vaccine maker surges 17% after global health emergency declared" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

Mpox has finally infiltrated India, but how worried should we be about the viral disease?

In a post-budget interaction with industry stakeholders today, <keyword id="20419783" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="revenue-secretary" source="keywords">Revenue Secretary</keyword> Sanjay Malhotra highlighted that the government aims to comprehensively review the <keyword id="19985623" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Direct-Tax-Code" source="keywords">Direct Tax Code</keyword> within the next 6 months, and it is too early to say whether or not that would entail any significant overhauls. However, "we would like to have a collaborative approach for its implementation, and would certainly present the draft for public opinion” Malhotra added. Buybacks taxed as dividend Starting October 1, 2024, the amount received by the shareholder on buyback of his/her shares by the company will be treated as dividend income, and will be taxable at the hands of shareholders. Also, the cost incurred by the investor to acquire those shares will not be allowed as a deduction against the income, but can be set off as a capital loss, only against other <keyword id="20619608" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="capital-gains" source="keywords">capital gains</keyword>, for a maximum of 8 subsequent years Malhotra explained the government's rationale behind this proviso, noting that buyback does not fundamentally alter the company's capital structure, and like dividend distribution, is a way for the company to give out its surplus. Moreover, it is up to the investor, whether or not they want to participate in a buyback or not. Hence, going ahead, funds from buyback will be deemed as dividend income. Credit on TCS paid Previously, in case your employer has already deducted TCS (tax collected at source) from your monthly salary, it would not be accounted for, or considered while calculating your annual tax liability. As a result, it had to be claimed back separately as a refund, resulting in duplication of processes. However, effective April 1, 2025, salaried employees will be able to adjust the TCS they've already, previously paid while calculating their tax due. The Old tax regime heading towards a sunset? While the officials have given no clarity on this, they noted that the idea of taxation is not to push people into investing, saving or buying insurance for the sole purpose of saving taxes as the old regime did. "It is a moral debate on whether tax regimes are supposed to push people towards financial planning measures like buying health or life insurances. However, as we go ahead, the focus will entirely on greater, more deep-rooted focus on how tax filing and compliance can be simplified and transformed into a hassle-free, smooth process. The new tax regime was finding increased grounding amongst both investors and corporates. For the previous assessment year, 2/3rd of total taxpayers had opted for the new tax regime, while 58% of corporate tax flows had come via them. Loss of indexation benefit only psychological Raman Chopra, Joint Secretary, CBDT, <keyword id="19908390" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ministry-of-Finance" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Ministry of Finance" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Ministry of Finance">Ministry of Finance</keyword> noted that scrapping away indexation benefits is only psychological, and tax payers will not have to bear any real losses as such. "Indexation was a complicated process. Think of this as the cost of simplification of the tax process. Now, we only have two holding periods across all asset classes, making it easier. While indexation benefits continues for properties purchased before 2001, investors continue to receive rollover benefits in case they find that their tax incidence under the reduced tax rates is high.

Comprehensive review of the IT Act imminent in 6 months, notes revenue secretary

<keyword id="19896018" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kerala" source="keywords">Kerala</keyword> is on high alert following the death of a 14-year-old boy from <keyword id="20824677" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="malappuram" source="keywords">Malappuram</keyword> district due to the <keyword id="21881533" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Nipah-virus" source="keywords">Nipah virus</keyword>. To prevent the situation from escalating further, the central government has stepped in to assist the <keyword id="73082" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="kerala-government" source="Orion">Kerala government</keyword> and safeguard the public. A zoonotic illness, the <keyword id="20197512" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nipah" source="keywords">Nipah</keyword> virus,infection is transmitted from animals like pigs and fruit bats to humans, as well as through contaminated food and contact with an infected person. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has even flagged the virus as a priority pathogen due to its epidemic potential. The boy from Malappuram showed symptoms of acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) and was initially treated in Perinthalmanna before being transferred to a higher health centre Kozhikode. The National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune subsequently confirmed the <keyword id="22489646" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nipah-virus-infection" source="keywords">Nipah virus infection</keyword>. In response, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) sent monoclonal antibodies for patient management and a mobile Biosafety Level-3 (BSL-3) laboratory for testing additional samples from contacts. Unfortunately, the boy's “poor general condition” prevented the administration of the antibodies. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Health ministry advises Kerala to take four immediate public health measures" comment="subhead" text="Health ministry advises Kerala to take four immediate public health measures"><keyword id="19896140" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="health-ministry" source="keywords">Health ministry</keyword> advises Kerala to take four immediate public health measures</cmsannotation> The 14-year-old’s demise in Malappuram has triggered an urgent public health response from the Centre, with the Union health ministry advising Kerala to take four immediate health measures to ensure public safety. They are as follows: 1. Active Case Search: The state government should begin active case searches within the family of the confirmed case, the neighbourhood and other areas with similar topography to identify any additional cases. This proactive approach will help in early detection and containment. 2. Contact Tracing: The state should trace contacts the identified case had over the past 12 days. This includes monitoring these contacts for symptoms and taking steps to prevent further spread of the virus. Detailed records of interactions and movements of the infected individual will be crucial. 3. Quarantine and Isolation: Contacts of the confirmed case should be strictly quarantined, and any suspects showing symptoms should be isolated. This measure is essential to contain the virus and prevent it from spreading within the community. 4. Sample Collection and Testing: Samples from potential contacts and suspects should be collected and transported for laboratory testing. This ensures early detection and allows for a swift response to any new cases that may arise. To assist the Kerala government, a multi-member joint outbreak response team from the National ‘<keyword id="15536661" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="One-Health-Mission" source="Orion">One Health Mission</keyword>’ will be deployed. This team will help investigate the case, identify epidemiological linkages and provide technical support. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111771996" title="What is the Chandipura virus that has already claimed the lives of 6 children in Gujarat?" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Meanwhile, Kerala Health Minister Veena George has confirmed that an additional 60 people have been identified as high-risk for contracting the disease. Amid this situation, residents in vulnerable areas have been instructed to take precautions, such as wearing masks in public and avoiding hospital visits. The Nipah virus has been linked to dozens of deaths in Kerala since its first report in 2018. The state has faced multiple outbreaks, with the most recent occurring in 2023 in Kozhikode district.

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156 ‘combination medicines’ containing Cetirizine, Paracetamol and other common drugs banned by Centre

BI India Bureau

New dates announced for NEET-PG 2024, exam to be held on August 11

PTI

More transmissible, higher fatality rate: India records first case of fast-spreading Mpox strain Clade 1B in Kerala man

BI India Bureau

Mpox has finally infiltrated India, but how worried should we be about the viral disease?

BI India Bureau

Comprehensive review of the IT Act imminent in 6 months, notes revenue secretary

Ira Alok Puranik

Nipah virus: Health Ministry instructs Kerala to enforce four immediate safety measures following 14-year-old's death

Kunal Kambli

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