Dear Readers, we are happy to share the most interesting legal and policy updates concerning health industry that we read today. we hope you enjoy reading it.
1. The Indian government has barred medical representatives from meeting doctors in central government hospitals to curb unethical practices. Instead of in-person visits, pharmaceutical companies are now encouraged to communicate updates to doctors through digital channels such as email.
Source: bit.ly/4ksiiaj
2. Health Ministry of India is reportedly set to implement mandatory Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) to improve the screening of imported blood products to enhance transfusion safety. NAT detects infections like HIV and Hepatitis B during the early “window period,” reducing transmission risks.
Source: bit.ly/43NZxqI
3. The Karnataka government has amended the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), raising the legal age for purchasing tobacco products from 18 to 21 years. The amendments also ban hookah bars statewide and increase fines for use of tobacco products in public.
Source: bit.ly/43E0rpC
4. Several corporate maternity hospitals in Hyderabad are reportedly under review for charging extra fees for ‘muhurat’ (auspicious time) deliveries, often conducted through scheduled C-sections, raising ethical and regulatory concerns.
Source: bit.ly/3ZNxjuK
5. Indian Council of Medical Research survey reveals over 40% of sub-district public hospitals in 7 states lack basic diabetes and hypertension medicines. Many also do not have essential diagnostic tools, exposing critical gaps in rural healthcare for managing common non-communicable diseases.
Source: bit.ly/4kjtINm