Category: LIFESTYLE

New Delhi, Sep 5 (IANS) The Common Research and Technology Development Hub on Affordable Healthcare at IIT Kharagpur has entered a sustainable phase, transitioning from grant support to a self‑sustaining national facility that will continue to develop and commercialise low‑cost medical technologies, an official statement said on Saturday.

The hub will meet operational costs through user fees, industry sponsorships and translational partnerships while continuing to provide infrastructure and technical support to MSMEs, start‑ups and innovators.

The facility will continue to provide state-of-the-art infrastructure, technical expertise, and technology development support to MSMEs, startups, innovators, and other stakeholders.

The Sustainable Phase of the DSIR‑CRTDH was inaugurated by Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and Director General (DSIR), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, the statement from the Ministry of Science & Technology said.

“The transition of the CRTDH to a self-sustaining model marks an important milestone in strengthening industry–academia collaboration, technology translation, and innovation-led healthcare solutions, while ensuring the continued availability of shared research and technology development infrastructure,” the statement noted.

CRTDH has facilitated over 20 technology transfers, many already commercialised, and has partnered with clinical and non-governmental organisations to establish rural health units to support the deployment of affordable healthcare technologies through rural health units.

Kalaiselvi emphasised the role of DSIR and the network of CRTDHs in enabling MSMEs, start-ups and individual innovators to strengthen indigenous capability in medical technology.

The continued functioning of a CRTDH beyond the period of DSIR support demonstrates the intended outcome of the programme to serve industry and innovators in a self-sustaining mode, Kalaiselvi said.

She emphasised that wider utilisation of these facilities would contribute to strengthening the country’s indigenous technological capabilities and advancing self-reliance in medical device technologies.

Suman Chakraborty, Director, IIT Kharagpur highlighted the importance of frugal innovation in addressing the constraints faced in real-world healthcare delivery.

He said that designing technologies for use in settings without sophisticated infrastructure and by frontline health workers requires engineering solutions that are robust and accessible.

—IANS

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New Delhi, Sep 5 (IANS) Cohance Lifescience on Saturday said it has received a US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) Form 483 containing four observations following an inspection of its formulation facility in Shamshabad, Telangana.

In an exchange filing, the company said the USFDA inspection was conducted from August 27 to September 4, 2026, at its finished dosage form (FDF) manufacturing plant.

The inspection concluded with the issuance of a Form FDA 483 with four observations. Cohance Lifescience said it has initiated appropriate corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) and will submit its response to the US regulator within the stipulated timeline.

The company did not disclose details of the observations. It said it remains committed to maintaining high standards of quality and ensuring regulatory compliance.

A USFDA Form 483 is issued by agency inspectors when they identify conditions or practices during an inspection that may potentially violate applicable regulatory requirements. The issuance of the form does not by itself represent a final determination of non-compliance, with the company generally given an opportunity to respond and address the observations.

The regulatory development comes at a time when Cohance is expanding its presence in advanced therapies, particularly antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), which are increasingly being used as targeted cancer treatments.

The company recently announced plans to invest a combined $18 million in New Jersey-based NJ Bio and Aruka Bio as part of its strategy to strengthen its position in the ADC segment. Of the total investment, Cohance plans to invest $13 million in NJ Bio and a further $5 million in Aruka Bio.

Following completion of the transaction and an initial equity allocation to Jain, Cohance is expected to directly control 65 per cent of Aruka Bio, while NJ Bio will hold a 25 per cent stake and Jain will hold the remaining 10 per cent.

Meanwhile, Cohance Lifescience shares ended Friday’s trading session more than 1 per cent higher. Despite the day’s gains, the stock has faced significant pressure over the past year, declining more than 50 per cent.

The shares were priced at Rs 456.55 and remained 56.20 per cent below their 52-week high of Rs 1,038.90. The stock has also closed lower in four of the last 10 trading sessions.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Sep 3 (IANS) The government on Thursday launched ‘BIO-NIVESH’, a strategic platform aimed at strengthening engagement between biotechnology innovators and the investment community and catalysing the flow of private capital into promising biotechnology innovations for scale-up and commercialisation.

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said innovation is incomplete without investment, while investment will not sustain itself without innovation, making closer engagement between innovators, investors, industry and Government essential for India’s biotechnology-led growth.

He further said that ‘BIO-NIVESH’ would help build the bridge required to take promising ideas from research and entrepreneurship to industry, scale and markets.

During the interactive roundtable with participating startups and investors, Dr Singh suggested that the biotechnology ecosystem could consider the feasibility of a “Big Five in Five Years” approach.

The minister said the objective should be to create an ecosystem in which science meets capital, innovation meets industry and research meets the market.

He said the government can create enabling conditions and take the initial risk, but private capital has a critical role in sustaining growth, building enterprises and taking technologies to scale.

Dr Singh said biotechnology could drive the next industrial revolution and India must not repeat the experience of being a late entrant, as happened during the IT revolution when the country was about a decade behind.

He said initiatives such as BIO-NIVESH are aimed at ensuring that India is prepared to capture the opportunities emerging from the next wave of technology-led growth.

Dr Singh further said the opening up of the space sector to private participation had generated significant interest among investors and entrepreneurs. He also referred to the opening up of the nuclear sector to private players, saying that the policy announcement itself generated strong investment interest, including from international business leaders.

On biotechnology, the minister called for greater engagement with the corporate sector and a change of mindset on both sides.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Sep 3 (IANS) The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on Thursday initiated strict enforcement action against British Lifesciences Private Limited in Bengaluru, Karnataka, following an inspection that uncovered misbranded and expired infant food products.

The action was taken as part of an enforcement drive aimed at ensuring the safety and regulatory compliance of infant food products, particularly those intended for infants and young children.

“Strict regulatory measures were taken against British Lifesciences Private Limited, Bengaluru, following food safety inspections of infant food products.

Substantial quantity of misbranded infant food was seized. Legal proceedings have been initiated against the FBO,” it said.

During the inspection, FSSAI officials identified and seized a substantial quantity of misbranded infant food products. The seizure was carried out under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Given the serious nature of the violations and the potential health risks associated with non-compliant infant food products, the food business operator (FBO) is facing legal proceedings, FSSAI said.

“During the inspection, a significant quantity of misbranded infant food articles was identified and seized in accordance with the provisions of the FSS Act, 2006,” the regulator said.

“Considering the serious nature of the violations and the potential risk posed by non-compliant infant food products to infants and young children, appropriate legal proceedings were initiated against the FBO,” it added.

The enforcement action also covered a large quantity of expired infant food stock. According to the regulator, 3.7 metric tonnes of expired infant food articles have been ordered to be destroyed in accordance with the directions of the court.

The expired stock was subsequently disposed of safely to ensure that it could not be reused, diverted or reintroduced into the food chain.

FSSAI said the action underscores the regulator’s commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of infants and young children. The enforcement drive comes amid heightened regulatory scrutiny of food products, with particular emphasis on ensuring that infant food available in the market meets prescribed safety, quality and labelling requirements.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Sep 2 (IANS) The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Wednesday suspended the food licence of an EatClub Brands outlet in Mumbai with immediate effect after an inspection uncovered multiple food safety, hygiene and operational violations.

The action, effective September 2, was taken under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the rules and regulations framed under it. The EatClub outlet involved in the action is located at Royal Palms, Aarey Milk Colony, Goregaon East. The suspension applies specifically to this establishment and does not cover the company’s other outlets.

EatClub operates several food brands, including Box8 and Mojo Pizza.

According to an official press note issued by the FDA, inspectors found inadequate storage arrangements for food products, packaging materials and chemicals at the outlet. The inspection also revealed poor hygiene conditions, inadequate handwashing facilities, insufficient lighting and ventilation, and gaps in pest-control measures.

The regulator said the outlet did not have adequate measures to prevent pests from entering through its rear door. Inspectors also found that raw materials were not being properly examined for potential food safety hazards or adequately cleaned before being used in food preparation.

The FDA further found that food handlers were not equipped with the required protective gear, including aprons, gloves, headgear and shoe covers. Records related to food-handler training and medical examinations of employees were also found to be inadequate.

The establishment was also found lacking a proper mechanism for handling consumer complaints and did not have the required technical personnel during the inspection, the FDA said.

In another violation, ice cream and carbonated beverages were being sold at the premises despite not being included in the establishment’s food licence. Citing concerns over consumer health, the regulator ordered the immediate suspension of the outlet’s licence.

The FDA has also suspended the food licence of Rani Diets Consultant and Service Providers, located on Kurla-Andheri Road in Jarimari, Kurla West.

An inspection of the Rani Diets premises found active rat and pest infestation. The regulator also reported dirt, grease, food residue and stagnant water in food preparation and storage areas. Damaged flooring, inadequate drainage and improper waste disposal were among the other deficiencies identified by inspectors.

–IANS

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Mumbai, Sep 1 (IANS) In a significant policy decision, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday granted loose edible oil traders a temporary one-year exemption from the ban enforced under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2011.

The decision brings immediate relief to small vendors and traders who faced severe operational disruptions following a recent crackdown.

The issue came to a head after senior IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe assumed charge as the Commissioner of the Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration (FDA).

Mundhe launched an aggressive campaign against food adulteration and strictly enforced the prohibition on selling unpackaged edible oil.

While aimed at ensuring public health and safety, the sudden ban drastically impacted small businesses, traditional vendors, and low-income consumers who depend on purchasing oil in small, daily quantities.

Following representations from affected traders, Chief Minister Fadnavis on Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting with a delegation of oil merchants to address their concerns.

Recognising the dual challenge of regulatory compliance and public necessity, the Chief Minister announced the one-year grace period to allow vendors time to adapt.

“While the safety law was enacted in 2011 and maintaining oil quality standards remains our highest priority, we must acknowledge that many low-income families still rely on buying loose oil on a daily basis,” Chief Minister Fadnavis said.

“It is essential to find a balanced middle ground that respects regulatory enforcement while serving the immediate needs of common citizens.”

To facilitate the transition, the state government will form a joint committee comprising representatives from the FDA and the trading community.

The committee will study the required operational shifts for traditional vendors and identify areas where state support or guidance may be necessary.

However, the Chief Minister issued a firm warning regarding the timeline, emphasising that this grace period will not be extended under any circumstances.

Traders have been urged to utilise the next 12 months to overhaul their operations and fully comply with the packaging and safety standards mandated by law.

–IANS

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Mumbai, Sep 1 (IANS) A controversy erupted after two women were allegedly denied entry at the maternity ward of Mumbai’s Cooper Hospital for wearing burqa, drawing criticism across the political spectrum.

A day before, one of the women, advocate Jahanara told IANS that she was stopped from entering the maternity ward since she was wearing a burqa.

“Even after I spoke to them and introduced myself, I was still stopped and told, ‘No matter who you are, we will not allow you to enter in a burqa.’ When I asked them for the reason, they replied that when people go inside wearing burqas, babies get stolen,” she claimed.

The second women, advocate Zahra Shaikh, on Tuesday ‘clarified’ that the videos circulating on social media are genuine.

“The same incident happened to me at Cooper Hospital in Andheri, where I had gone to meet my relative. Outside the maternity ward, the security personnel told me that I had to remove my burqa before entering…I showed them my face and when I asked them the reason, they said it was for security purposes because children are kidnapped by people wearing burqa,” she told IANS.

Condemning the incident, NCP-SP spokesperson Vidya Chavan said: “If their religion requires them to wear a burqa, no watchman or man has the right to question why they are wearing one. The Indian Constitution gives everyone the right to practise their religion. Not every woman wearing a burqa is an extremist.”

“Harassing Muslim women in this manner is wrong,” she asserted while seeking an immediate inquiry and proper action against the incident.

Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde assured that she will look into the matter.

“This is completely wrong. This is a matter of basic humanity. It is a hospital run by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), though such an incident should not have happened in any hospital….it is not a place to judge anyone based on their religion, whether Muslim, Hindu or any other faith,” she told reporters, adding that strict action will be taken against any BMC worker if he or she is found involved.

Congress leader Charan Singh Sapra also described the incident as “unfortunate”.

Adding to the criticism, AIMIM national spokesperson Waris Pathan said: “This kind of conduct is harmful to the country. These people who spread hatred and make irresponsible remarks against Muslims on a daily basis keep targeting women for wearing burqas and hijabs.”

“Muslim women wear burqa and hijab, and they will continue to do so. They cannot be stopped. We demand strict action against the constable who stopped the woman from entering the hospital just because she was wearing a burqa,” he told reporters.

Regarding the security issues, Pathan said: “The BMC should put a greater number of CCTVs using its funds.”

According to Shiv Sena spokesperson Krishna Hegde, no one would intentionally do such an act.

He, however, said: “Everyone has the right to wear outfits of their choice, irrespective of their religion, but security reasons also need to be taken care of by the municipality as well as the hospital.”

–IANS

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Ahmedabad, Aug 31 (IANS) A 41-year-old woman declared brain-dead following a severe brain haemorrhage has given four patients a chance at life after her family consented to donate her heart, liver and two kidneys at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital.

The woman had been undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit of the hospital when doctors declared her brain-dead on August 27 despite intensive treatment.

Following the declaration, Dr Nimesh Desai of the hospital’s organ donation team counselled her family about the importance of organ donation. The family subsequently consented to donate her organs.

The donation took place around Raksha Bandhan, with the woman’s heart being allocated for transplantation to a patient undergoing treatment at U.N. Mehta Hospital.

Her liver and two kidneys will be transplanted into patients receiving treatment at the Institute of Kidney Diseases and Research Centre (IKDRC) Hospital.

Dr Rakesh Joshi, Medical Superintendent of Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, said the decision had brought hope to four families. “Organ donation is not just about giving organs, but about giving hope, happiness and a new chance at life to others,” Joshi said.

The latest donation has also taken the Civil Hospital’s cumulative organ and tissue donation figures to 1,083, according to hospital authorities.

So far, 252 donors have contributed 835 organs, including 466 kidneys, 226 livers, 80 hearts, 34 lungs, 21 pancreases, six hands and two small intestines.

In addition, 248 tissues have been donated, comprising 200 corneas and 48 skin donations.

The donation followed the woman’s brain-death declaration and the subsequent counselling of her family by the hospital’s organ donation team.

Brain-death cases can allow organs to be donated for transplantation when families give consent, enabling multiple recipients to benefit from a single donor.

Ahmedabad Civil Hospital had crossed the 800-organ mark from brain-dead donors in June this year, when the liver and two kidneys of a 30-year-old road accident victim were donated after his family gave consent.

–IANS

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Dhaka, Aug 31 (IANS) At least six children died from the measles outbreak in Bangladesh on Monday, raising the total number of confirmed and suspected deaths to 973 this year, amid an escalating health crisis in the country, local media reported.

According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), the deaths were reported in the 24 hours leading up to Monday morning.

The latest six fatalities from the disease were identified as suspected, Bangladeshi media outlet UNB reported.

Reports suggest that while the number of confirmed deaths remained at 99, the total number of suspected deaths climbed to 874.

The DGHS recorded a total of 1,162 new suspected measles cases during the 24-hour period, bringing the overall tally of suspected cases to 157,991.

Additionally, 94 new confirmed cases were reported, increasing the total to 19,312 during the same period.

As Bangladesh continues to witness a sharp increase in measles cases, a leading international advocacy group recently described the 2026 outbreak as one of the country’s worst public health crises in recent history, highlighting the concern that the disease is preventable through vaccination.

In its report titled ‘Preventable Tragedy: Bangladesh’s 2026 Measles Outbreak’, Canada-based Global Centre for Democratic Governance (GCDG) said that although the measles outbreak appeared sudden to the public, it was not an unexpected event from an “epidemiological perspective”.

The report noted that the crisis resulted from a combination of disruptions to vaccine supply and health programs in 2024-2025 during the former interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, along with missed routine vaccinations, cancellations of scheduled supplementary immunisation programmes, administrative delays in vaccine procurement, and a failure to promptly identify at-risk populations.

According to GCDG, Bangladesh had long procured World Health Organisation (WHO)-approved vaccines through the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)’s international supply chain; however, the interim government replaced this system with an open tender procurement process. Citing UNICEF, the report said the agency repeatedly warned the interim government of a potential vaccine shortage through five to six formal letters and around 10 meetings held between 2024 and 2026.

Referring to Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) data reported by Bangladeshi daily Samakal, the GCDG noted that measles vaccination coverage fell to 56.2 per cent in 2025, the lowest level recorded between 2017 and 2025.

It added that WHO later identified the nationwide stock-out of the measles-rubella (MR) vaccine in Bangladesh during 2024-2025 and the lack of regular vaccination as the main contributors to the decline in immunity among children and the 2026 outbreak.

–IANS

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Srinagar, Aug 31 (IANS) Medical interns of MBBS and BDS courses in Jammu & Kashmir began an indefinite strike on Monday, demanding enhancement of their monthly stipend.

Officials said interns at GMC Srinagar and its associate hospitals have completely suspended clinical services. The interns are seeking an increase in their stipend from the current Rs 12,300 to Rs 30,000, arguing that the amount has remained stagnant for nearly six years despite inflation and heavy workloads.

Protesting interns said J&K offers one of the lowest stipends in the country compared to other states. The strike has been coordinated across the Union Territory, with interns from SKIMS Bemina, GMC Jammu, GMC Anantnag and GMC Baramulla also joining, affecting services.

Since interns form the backbone of round‑the‑clock hospital operations, the sudden withdrawal of services has significantly impacted emergency rooms, wards and outpatient departments.

In a statement, J&K Health Minister Sakina Itoo said the demand of the medical interns for enhancement of stipend is justified.

The J&K Students Association (JKSA) has also extended support. Nasir Kheuhami, national convener of JKSA, said, “The demand of the interns is genuine, reasonable and fully justified. Medical interns are an essential part of the healthcare delivery system. During their compulsory duties, they work in wards, OPDs, emergency departments, ICUs, operation theatres and clinical services.”

Kheuhami added that interns often work extremely long hours, sometimes extending to 24 to 36 hours. He said the current stipend is highly inadequate given the rising cost of living, and there is an immediate requirement to increase remuneration.

–IANS

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