Category: Health

48 Anganwadi centers in Raichur have been refurbished, benefiting around 4200 children

48 Anganwadi centers in Raichur have been refurbished, benefiting around 4200 children

Raichur, July 13: The District Administration of Raichur in collaboration with, GE HealthCare and United Way Bengaluru (UWBe), mark ten years of driving meaningful change in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) through the Born Learning Campaign (BLC), a flagship initiative of UWBe that has strengthened Anganwadi ecosystems and improved early learning outcomes across Karnataka. 

Implemented in Raichur, one of Karnataka’s aspirational districts, the campaign has worked to transform Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) into vibrant, child-friendly spaces that support holistic development during the most critical years of a child’s life. Around 48 Anganwadi centers in Raichur have been refurbished, benefiting around 4200 children (0-6 years). The partnership has also extended to Bengaluru’s Whitefield, KR Puram, and Kadugodi to support early childhood care.

48 Anganwadi centers in Raichur have been refurbished, benefiting around 4200 children

The success of the initiative in Raichur has been driven by the strong partnership between

GE HealthCare, United Way Bengaluru, the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, district and block-level departments, Anganwadi workers, local stakeholders, and communities. The partnership has focused on improving Anganwadi infrastructure, enhancing access to age-appropriate learning materials, strengthening the capacities of Anganwadi workers, and engaging parents and communities in early childhood development. The campaign aligns closely with the Government of India’s vision for Saksham Anganwadi and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which recognizes the importance of universal access to quality early childhood education.

Over the past decade, the partnership has demonstrated measurable improvements in children’s cognitive, language, social-emotional, and physical development, along with increased attendance and participation across supported centers. Through sustained collaboration with Anganwadi workers, the program has contributed to creating nurturing environments where young children can learn, play, and thrive.

“Investing in early childhood is investing in the future of our district. The Born Learning Campaign has not only improved Anganwadi infrastructure and learning environments but has also strengthened community participation and institutional capacity. We appreciate the sustained commitment of GE HealthCare and United Way Bengaluru in strengthening Anganwadi centers and supporting early childhood development in Raichur. These efforts are helping create a strong foundation for our children and contributing to the district’s long-term development” said Smt. Poovitha S., IAS, Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate, Raichur.

For over ten years, our partnership with GE HealthCare has demonstrated the power of investing early in a child’s development. Together, we have strengthened Anganwadi Centres as community hubs that nurture learning, health, nutrition, and well-being. Long before ECCE became a national priority under NEP 2020, this partnership recognized the importance of the early years and invested in creating sustainable systems that support children, caregivers, and communities. We are proud of the impact achieved and remain committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive,” – Rajesh Krishnan, CEO, United Way Bengaluru.

As the partnership enters its next decade, GE HealthCare and United Way Bengaluru remain committed to strengthening early childhood ecosystems and creating enabling environments where every child can learn, grow, and reach their full potential.

 
 
 

Assam Budget 2026 Prioritises Youth, Infrastructure and Healthcare Expansion

Guwahati, July 10: The Assam government has presented a budget focused on employment generation, infrastructure development, healthcare improvement, and overall economic growth, outlining 10 major initiatives aimed at strengthening the state’s development agenda.

The budget places strong emphasis on creating new job opportunities, supporting youth, and enhancing skill development programmes. It also prioritises infrastructure expansion, including improvements in connectivity and public facilities to support long-term growth.

Healthcare remains another key focus area, with proposed measures aimed at improving medical services, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, and making quality treatment more accessible to people across the state.

The government said the initiatives are designed to promote inclusive growth, improve public services, and create better opportunities for citizens. The budget also reflects Assam’s focus on strengthening key sectors while addressing the needs of different communities.

Officials highlighted that the planned measures will support economic development, improve living standards, and accelerate Assam’s progress in the coming years.

High-Alcohol Medicines Under New Regulatory Watch; Licensing Rules Proposed

New Delhi, July 10: The government has announced that formulations containing high levels of alcohol will require appropriate licences and prescriptions to ensure regulated use and prevent misuse.

High-Alcohol Medicines Under New Regulatory Watch; Licensing Rules Proposed

 Pic Credit: Pexel

The move aims to strengthen oversight of alcohol-based medicinal and healthcare products by bringing stricter controls on their manufacturing, distribution, and sale.

Under the proposed regulations, manufacturers and suppliers will need to follow specific compliance requirements, while consumers may be required to provide valid prescriptions for accessing certain high-alcohol formulations.

Officials said the step is part of efforts to improve safety standards, ensure responsible usage, and maintain better monitoring of products containing significant alcohol content.

The government is expected to issue further guidelines detailing the licensing process, regulatory requirements, and implementation framework for stakeholders.

Genespire and SR-TIGET Show Durable Preclinical Efficacy of Liver-Directed Gene Therapy for Methylmalonic Acidemia

Milan, Italy, July 08  Genespire, in collaboration with researchers at the San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), has today announced the publication of preclinical data supporting the potential of its liver-directed immune-shielded lentiviral gene therapy approach to treat methylmalonic acidemia (MMA), a severe inherited metabolic disorder.

The findings, published in the Journal of Hepatology, show that a single systemic administration of a lentiviral vector encoding the MMUT gene led to sustained improvements in disease features in a validated mouse model of MMA, with effects lasting for the average lifespan of laboratory mice. Since the mice were treated when young, the study supports the durability of the gene therapy through postnatal growth and maturation of the liver.

MMA is caused by a deficiency of methylmalonyl-CoA mutase, an enzyme that plays a critical role in the body’s metabolism of food. Its absence results in the accumulation of toxic metabolites that lead to recurrent metabolic crises, growth failure, neurological impairment, and multi-organ damage.

In the study, researchers also treated mice with a dose containing an optimized MMUT transgene, thereby improving therapeutic efficacy. In the same mouse model of MMA, this version exhibited a dose-dependent improvement of metabolomic biomarkers, with gene transfer efficiency exceeding 80% of the liver.

The study also highlights that genetically corrected cells in the liver may, over time, replace the diseased ones, suggesting that therapeutic efficacy may progressively improve even when starting at lower initial doses.

“Together, these findings indicate that Genespire is on a clear path towards the long-term correction of metabolic diseases which impact the liver and other organs,” said Lucia Faccio, CEO of Genespire. “We believe our approach has the potential to translate into human health in the form of a single-administration treatment for patients with MMA, and are committed to continuing our efforts in bringing our lead asset for MMA, GENE202, to the clinic. We would like to extend our gratitude to everyone involved in the research project, especially those at the SR-TIGET.”

“We are confident that this study, together with other previous studies from our group at SR-TIGET, provides a comprehensive pre-clinical data package enabling the initiation of clinical testing in pediatric patients affected by MMA” concludes Dr Alessio Cantore, group leader at SR-TIGET and Associate Professor at Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, who supervised and coordinated the study and signed it as senior author.

MP Expands Digital Healthcare Reach Under Ayushman Bharat Mission

Bhopal, July 8: The Madhya Pradesh Government is working to expand digital healthcare services to the remotest parts of the state under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), with the aim of improving access to quality and affordable healthcare through technology.

The initiative focuses on strengthening digital health infrastructure and connecting patients, healthcare institutions, and service providers through an integrated digital ecosystem. The expansion is expected to benefit people living in rural and remote areas by making healthcare services more accessible and efficient.

Through the use of digital platforms, citizens will be able to access healthcare facilities more conveniently, while medical institutions will benefit from improved coordination, better record management, and smoother delivery of services.

Officials said the move will help reduce geographical barriers in healthcare access and support timely medical assistance for people in underserved regions. The government is also focusing on promoting the use of digital tools to improve transparency, efficiency, and the overall quality of healthcare services.

The expansion of ABDM services is part of Madhya Pradesh’s broader efforts to use technology-driven solutions to strengthen the health sector and ensure that modern healthcare facilities reach every section of society.

Cashless Healthcare Scheme Brings New Medical Benefits for UP Teachers and Education Staff

Lucknow, July 8: The Uttar Pradesh government has launched a new cashless healthcare scheme aimed at providing easier and more accessible medical treatment facilities to teachers and employees working in the education sector.

Under the initiative, eligible teachers and education department staff will be able to avail cashless medical services at empanelled hospitals, reducing the financial burden of healthcare expenses and ensuring timely access to quality treatment.

The scheme is designed to strengthen healthcare support for the education community by streamlining the process of medical assistance and eliminating the need for beneficiaries to make upfront payments for covered treatments.

Officials said the initiative reflects the state government’s commitment to improving the welfare and social security of teachers and education personnel, who play a vital role in strengthening the state’s education system.

The programme will cover eligible employees as per government guidelines, with hospitals providing treatment under the approved cashless mechanism. The move is expected to bring greater convenience, transparency and efficiency to healthcare delivery for beneficiaries.

The Uttar Pradesh government said the scheme will help create a more supportive working environment for teachers and education staff by ensuring better access to healthcare facilities.

With the launch of this initiative, the state aims to enhance employee welfare while promoting a more inclusive and technology-driven healthcare support system.

Navi Mumbai Airport Approved for Import of Medicines

New Delhi, July 8: The Government has approved Navi Mumbai International Airport as an authorised point for importing medicines into India, providing pharmaceutical companies with an additional gateway for drug shipments.

The decision will help improve the movement of medicines by offering better logistics support, faster transportation and more options for pharmaceutical importers.

The approval is expected to benefit drug manufacturers, healthcare companies and importers by making the supply chain process smoother and more efficient. It will also support the growing needs of India’s healthcare sector by strengthening infrastructure for the import of essential medicines and pharmaceutical products.

The inclusion of Navi Mumbai Airport as an approved drug import facility is part of the government’s efforts to improve ease of doing business and enhance the country’s pharmaceutical trade infrastructure.

Gujarat Health Centres Clear 5 Lakh Unused Items in Cleanliness Drive

Gandhinagar, July 7: Health facilities across Gujarat have removed more than five lakh unused and obsolete items as part of a statewide cleanliness campaign aimed at improving hygiene and strengthening healthcare management.

The drive focused on clearing unnecessary materials, outdated equipment, and unused resources from hospitals and health centres to create cleaner and more organised spaces for patients and healthcare workers.

Officials said the initiative will help improve resource utilisation, optimise available space, and enhance the overall functioning of healthcare facilities across the state.

The campaign is part of Gujarat’s efforts to promote better maintenance practices and improve the quality of healthcare services for citizens.

ABDM Crosses 104 Crore Linked Health Records Milestone

July 6: The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) has achieved a major milestone by linking over 104 crore health records across its digital health ecosystem.

The initiative aims to create a unified and secure digital health infrastructure in India, enabling individuals to access and manage their health records seamlessly across healthcare providers. The system is designed to improve continuity of care, reduce duplication of medical records, and enhance efficiency in healthcare delivery.

Officials said the growing adoption of ABDM reflects increasing participation from citizens, healthcare facilities, and digital health platforms. The system is also expected to support better medical decision-making by providing doctors with easier access to patient history, subject to consent-based sharing.

The mission continues to expand its reach across states and healthcare institutions, strengthening India’s digital health framework and supporting long-term healthcare reforms.

Pranadhara Children’s Hospital & Nyra Fertility Inaugurated in Hyderabad

Pranadhara Children’s Hospital & Nyra Fertility Inaugurated in Hyderabad

 

Hyderabad, July 6: A significant milestone in healthcare was marked today with the grand inauguration of Pranadhara Children’s Hospital & Nyra Fertility at Chintal, Hyderabad, dedicated to providing specialized pediatric and fertility care to families in Hyderabad and surrounding areas.

The facility was formally inaugurated by Dr. Preeti Reddy, who graced the occasion as Chief Guest and appreciated the vision behind establishing a dedicated center focused on children’s healthcare and fertility services.

Located in the rapidly growing Chintal–Quthbullapur belt, serving an estimated population of nearly 8–12 lakh people, the hospital aims to address the increasing demand for specialized medical care in pediatrics and fertility.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Narendra Ram, Chairman, said:
“Healthcare is not just about treatment; it is about giving hope, healing, and creating healthier families. With Pranadhara Children’s Hospital and Nyra Fertility, our mission is to provide compassionate, advanced, and trusted care closer to the community.”

With changing lifestyles, stress, and rising healthcare needs, the demand for specialized IVF and fertility care has grown significantly. At the same time, quality pediatric healthcare remains essential to ensure timely diagnosis, treatment, and holistic care for children.

Pranadhara Children’s Hospital is committed to offering comprehensive pediatric services with expert medical care, while Nyra Fertility aims to provide advanced fertility treatments with compassion, trust, and emotional support for aspiring parents.

Dr. Narendra Ram expressed heartfelt gratitude to Dr Swathi Reddy – Vice Chairman, Dr Ram Reddy – MD, Dr Harshavardhan Reddy,  Dr Priyadarshini Pakkala, Dr Suresh Raju and all doctors, partners, supporters, and well-wishers for their trust and contribution in making this vision a reality.

The hospital aims to emerge as a trusted healthcare destination for families by combining medical excellence, advanced technology, and patient-centered care under one roof.