Category: Health

New Delhi, March 21 (BNP): The Government of India has constituted the National Dental Commission (NDC), marking a major reform in dental education and regulation, with the aim of improving quality and aligning standards with global benchmarks.

The new framework, notified on March 19, 2026, replaces the Dental Council of India and comes into effect immediately. With this, the Dentists Act, 1948 has been repealed, and the existing regulatory structure has been dissolved.

Officials said the move represents a shift towards a transparent, accountable, and quality-driven regulatory system, replacing the earlier elected body with a more streamlined governance model.

The NDC will function through three autonomous boards to oversee key areas. The Undergraduate and Postgraduate Dental Education Board will regulate academic standards, while the Dental Assessment and Rating Board will handle accreditation and institutional evaluation. The Ethics and Dental Registration Board will be responsible for professional conduct and registration of practitioners.

Dr. Sanjay Tewari has been appointed as Chairperson of the Commission, with Dr. Mousumi Goswami as a part-time member.

Other key appointments include Dr. Chandrashekhar Janakiram as President of the Education Board, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Nanda Kishore Sahoo heading the Assessment and Rating Board, and senior professionals appointed across all boards to ensure effective implementation.

The Commission will be responsible for framing regulations, assessing and rating dental institutions, promoting research, evaluating human resource requirements, and setting standards for education, community dental care, and professional ethics.

It will also frame guidelines for fee regulation in private dental colleges, a move aimed at improving transparency and affordability in dental education.

Officials said the reform is expected to enhance the quality of dental education, strengthen healthcare delivery, and expand access to affordable oral healthcare services across the country.

New Delhi, March 20 (BNP): The Government of India is actively promoting the integration of traditional Ayush systems with modern medicine through a series of coordinated national initiatives, the Ministry of Ayush informed in Parliament.

The government has adopted a co-location strategy, placing Ayush facilities alongside Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs), and District Hospitals (DHs), enabling patients to access multiple systems of healthcare under one roof.

Support for staffing and training of Ayush practitioners is being provided by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare under the National Health Mission (NHM), while infrastructure, equipment, and medicines are funded by the Ministry of Ayush through the National Ayush Mission (NAM).

As part of institutional strengthening, an Ayush vertical has been established under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) to oversee planning, monitoring, and implementation of Ayush-related public health programmes. Integrated Ayush departments have also been set up in central government hospitals, including Safdarjung Hospital and Lady Hardinge Medical College, to promote integrative healthcare practices.

Under NAM, the government is supporting a wide range of initiatives, including the operationalisation of Ayush Health and Wellness Centres, upgrading existing hospitals and dispensaries, establishing integrated Ayush hospitals, and supplying essential medicines. Awareness campaigns through Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities are also being carried out to promote preventive healthcare practices based on Ayush systems.

The Ministry is also expanding international cooperation through a dedicated scheme aimed at promoting Ayush globally. This includes support for exports, academic collaborations, and the establishment of Ayush chairs in foreign institutions. To date, multiple memorandums of understanding have been signed at country and institutional levels to strengthen global outreach.

The information was provided by Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush, Prataprao Jadhav, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Mar 20 – Kaida BioPharma, a biotechnology company developing targeted therapies for women with hard-to-treat gynecologic cancers, announced its executive leadership team and board. Each member brings decades of experience in biotechnology, clinical development, regulatory strategy, manufacturing, finance, and commercialization to help advance Kaida’s lead product candidate, KAD-101, toward first-in-human clinical evaluation. The company is developing KAD-101 for recurrent ovarian cancer, where treatment options narrow quickly and durable control remains limited.

Kaida BioPharma is building KAD-101, a next-generation prolactin receptor antagonist for the ovarian cancer gap, the space where patients are too often left cycling through treatment with too few durable options.

In addition to her role as Chairperson of the Board, Kaida founder Dr. Stella Vnook has been named Acting Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Vnook is an accomplished biotechnology founder, executive, and advisor with extensive experience guiding early-stage therapeutics from scientific foundation through capital formation. At Kaida, she leads corporate strategy, development planning, and investor engagement.

“The science brought me here, and the women out there still fighting are why I stay. At Kaida, we are building for the ovarian cancer gap, for patients whose options narrow too fast and whose disease still outpaces available therapies,” said Dr. Vnook. “By targeting the survival signals that keep these tumors alive, we believe KAD-101 has the potential to help overcome treatment resistance and create a new path toward more durable control. More options mean more time, and more time means everything.”

Craig Pierson, a founder alongside Dr. Vnook, has been appointed Director at Kaida BioPharma. Mr. Pierson is a life sciences investor and company builder with more than 25 years of experience in investment banking and private capital formation. He provides strategic oversight and financing expertise.

George E. Peoples, MD, FACS has been appointed fractional Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Peoples is a surgical oncologist with decades of experience in translational oncology and clinical development. He is also the founder of the Cancer Vaccine Development Program, Cancer Insight, and LumaBridge. At Kaida, he helps guide clinical strategy and IND planning.

John Langenheim, PhD has been appointed fractional Chief Scientific Officer. Dr. Langenheim is a molecular biologist with more than 20 years of experience in therapeutic protein design and preclinical development. His scientific leadership has been instrumental in advancing KAD-101 toward clinical evaluation.

Pamela Swiggard has been appointed Head of Regulatory Affairs. She is a pharmaceutical executive with prior experience at companies including Pfizer and Endo Pharmaceuticals. She brings deep expertise across the product lifecycle, from development through regulatory approval and commercialization. At Kaida, she leads regulatory strategy and FDA engagement in support of IND readiness for KAD-101.

Eric Hacherl, PhD has been appointed Head of Manufacturing. Dr. Hacherl is a senior pharmaceutical operations leader with more than 25 years of experience in biologics manufacturing, cGMP compliance, and process development. At Kaida, he is responsible for helping ensure clinical supply readiness for KAD-101.

Mark Booth has been appointed Chief Commercial Officer. Mr. Booth is a seasoned pharmaceutical and biotechnology executive with more than 25 years of experience building commercial strategies for oncology and rare disease products. His background includes leadership across launch planning, brand strategy, access, and market development for important oncology products, including EMEND, EMEND IV, Zolinza, vintafolide, KEYTRUDA, and the avutometinib plus defactinib combination for low grade serous ovarian cancer. At Kaida, he is responsible for commercial strategy for KAD-101, including positioning, market development, and long-term access planning.

NEW DELHI, March 20: The Government has launched Yoga 365, a nationwide initiative aimed at transforming yoga from an annual observance into a daily practice, with a focus on integrating wellness into everyday life.

The campaign was unveiled during the launch of Yoga Mahotsav–2026 at Vigyan Bhawan, marking the 100-day countdown to the 2026 edition of the International Day of Yoga.

Prataprao Jadhav said the initiative seeks to extend the spirit of the annual yoga day into a sustained, year-round movement. “The aim is to make yoga an integral part of citizens’ daily lives,” he noted.

As part of the campaign, the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga signed a memorandum of understanding with wellness platform Habuild to offer free daily online yoga sessions, enabling wider accessibility across regions and age groups.

Officials highlighted that while awareness of traditional wellness systems is high—over 95 percent in both rural and urban India, according to the National Sample Survey—regular practice remains significantly lower. The initiative aims to bridge this gap by encouraging behavioural change and routine adoption.

The programme will focus on community outreach, institutional partnerships, and digital engagement, promoting yoga across schools, workplaces, and neighbourhood groups.

Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha said Yoga 365, along with new therapeutic yoga protocols, is designed to make yoga more practical and relevant for daily health needs.

Describing it as a step towards building a culture of preventive healthcare, Monalisa Dash said the campaign aims to ensure yoga becomes a sustainable lifestyle practice across households.

The initiative builds on the growing global reach of the International Day of Yoga, which has evolved into a major wellness movement since its inception in 2015. Officials said the next phase will focus on embedding yoga into everyday routines, beyond symbolic celebrations.

With the countdown to IDY 2026 underway, the government expressed confidence that Yoga 365 could help convert widespread awareness into consistent daily practice, strengthening both individual health and collective well-being.

Gujarat has identified more than 3,000 pre-cancerous oral cancer cases in 2025 through an expanded statewide screening programme, according to health officials.

The initiative, carried out across government hospitals, health centres, and mobile camps, focuses on early detection among high-risk groups, particularly tobacco users. Most of the cases detected were in the early stages, allowing for timely treatment and counselling.

Health authorities said the drive highlights the importance of preventive healthcare and increased awareness of oral cancer symptoms such as persistent mouth sores, unusual patches, and difficulty in chewing.

Officials added that outreach efforts in rural and semi-urban areas have helped improve early diagnosis and reduce the risk of late-stage complications.

New Delhi/Nagpur, March 19: A two-day national workshop on “Operational Frameworks for One Health: National Vision and State Action” was held in Nagpur to strengthen coordination across sectors for improved disease surveillance and pandemic preparedness.

The workshop was organised by the National Institute of One Health (NIOH), Nagpur, under the Department of Health Research, in collaboration with the ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar.

The event aimed to translate the National One Health Mission into actionable strategies at the state and local levels, with a focus on integrating human, animal, and environmental health systems.

Delivering the keynote address, Principal Scientific Advisor Ajay Sood stressed the need for integrated and interoperable surveillance systems.

He said early warning mechanisms depend on seamless data sharing across human health, veterinary, wildlife, and environmental sectors, adding that states like Maharashtra could serve as models for structured implementation of the One Health approach.

Department of Health Research Secretary Rajiv Bahl highlighted the importance of inter-sectoral coordination in tackling zoonotic diseases and strengthening national health security.

He said the One Health Mission reflects a whole-of-government approach, given the complex interactions between humans, animals, and ecosystems that can lead to emerging health threats. He also emphasised the need to strengthen outbreak response mechanisms at the state and district levels.

The workshop included technical sessions and panel discussions on operationalising the One Health framework, with a focus on zoonotic diseases and spillover risks.

Discussions on the second day centred on biothreat preparedness, development of medical countermeasures, and investigation of wildlife-related outbreaks.

The inaugural session was attended by senior officials and experts from health, veterinary, and research institutions, including representatives from AIIMS Nagpur, NCDC, and Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University.

The workshop forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen India’s preparedness against emerging and re-emerging diseases through coordinated policy and scientific action.

Kerala is expanding its Ayush healthcare ecosystem with central assistance of over ₹285 crore in the last four years, alongside the operationalisation of 700 Ayush wellness centres, strengthening its position as a key hub for traditional medicine and wellness services.

Data presented in Parliament shows that funding under the National Ayush Mission (NAM) to Kerala has risen steadily, peaking at ₹110.37 crore in 2024–25, before moderating to ₹51.38 crore in 2025–26. The total allocation between 2022–23 and 2025–26 stands at ₹285.65 crore.

Expanding Wellness Infrastructure

A major component of the expansion is the upgrade of 700 dispensaries into Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. All centres are now operational, delivering integrated healthcare services that include Ayurveda, Yoga, and other Ayush systems.

This large-scale rollout strengthens Kerala’s already established reputation in Ayurveda and wellness tourism, while also expanding access to preventive and primary healthcare at the community level.

Healthcare Meets Wellness Economy

Kerala’s push comes at a time when demand for alternative medicine and preventive healthcare is rising, both domestically and globally. The state is well-positioned to leverage this trend, given its strong base in Ayurveda, trained practitioners, and established wellness infrastructure.

The integration of Ayush services into public healthcare through these centres also signals a shift toward cost-effective, preventive care models, which can reduce long-term healthcare expenditure.

Boost to Medical Value Travel

The promotion of Medical Value Travel (MVT) is emerging as a key economic driver. The Ministry of Ayush recently held a South Zone MVT Summit in Chennai, with participation from Kerala and other southern states, aimed at positioning India as a global destination for traditional medicine and wellness therapies.

Kerala, in particular, stands to benefit due to its global brand recognition in Ayurveda-based treatments and wellness retreats.

Policy and Funding Trends

While public health remains a state subject, central funding through NAM continues to play a catalytic role in infrastructure development and capacity expansion. The funding pattern indicates both strong central support and the state’s active participation through State Annual Action Plans.

Opportunities and Challenges

The expansion opens up opportunities across multiple segments, including wellness tourism, herbal product markets, training institutions, and tele-health services.

However, scaling up services while maintaining quality, standardisation, and global credibility will be critical, especially as Kerala targets international patients under medical value travel initiatives.

Outlook

With a combination of public investment, infrastructure expansion, and global demand for wellness services, Kerala is positioning itself at the intersection of healthcare and tourism.

If supported by quality assurance and international outreach, the state’s Ayush ecosystem could evolve into a significant contributor to both public health outcomes and the regional economy.

Ayush healthcare services are witnessing steady expansion in rural and tribal areas of Odisha, supported by increased deployment of doctors, outreach programmes, and digital health initiatives, according to official data presented in Parliament.

The state currently has 584 Ayurvedic Medical Officers, 525 Homoeopathic Medical Officers, and 2 Unani Medical Officers posted across government dispensaries, strengthening primary healthcare delivery in underserved regions.

Strengthening Rural Healthcare Delivery

The expansion reflects a broader push to integrate traditional systems of medicine into public healthcare, particularly in areas where access to conventional medical infrastructure remains limited.

Public health being a state subject, Odisha has taken the lead in scaling awareness, training, and service delivery. At the same time, central support under the National Ayush Mission (NAM) is enabling infrastructure development, capacity building, and outreach programmes.

Investment in Training and Capacity Building

The state has rolled out induction and refresher training programmes for Ayush practitioners, including those serving as Community Health Officers at 422 Ayushman Arogya Mandir centres.

This focus on workforce development is critical for standardising care quality and expanding the role of Ayush practitioners in preventive and primary healthcare services.

Expanding Outreach and Preventive Care

Odisha has increased awareness through large-scale health campaigns and camps, including integrated Ayush camps, geriatric care initiatives, and screening programmes for musculoskeletal disorders.

These efforts are aligned with a preventive healthcare model, which is gaining policy traction as a cost-effective way to manage long-term health burdens, particularly in ageing populations.

Digital Push with Tele-AYUSH

A notable development is the rollout of tele-consultation services under the e-Sanjeevani platform. The model connects 50 Ayushman Arogya Mandir centres as spokes with major institutions such as Dr. Abhin Chandra Homoeopathic Medical College in Bhubaneswar and Gopabandhu Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya in Puri acting as hubs.

This hub-and-spoke approach is expected to improve access to specialist consultations in remote areas while reducing the need for physical travel.

Emerging Healthcare Ecosystem

The state’s network of 422 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs is playing a central role in delivering holistic healthcare services, including preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative care. Activities such as yoga sessions, medicinal plant distribution, and health awareness campaigns are also being integrated into service delivery.

Policy and Market Implications

The expansion of Ayush services reflects growing institutional support for alternative medicine systems within India’s healthcare framework. For the broader healthcare ecosystem, this could open opportunities in areas such as herbal medicine, wellness services, tele-health platforms, and training infrastructure.

Outlook

As demand for affordable and preventive healthcare rises, Odisha’s model of integrating Ayush services with digital platforms and community outreach could serve as a template for other states.

The long-term impact will depend on service quality, patient trust, and the ability to scale infrastructure while maintaining standards.