Telemedicine in India
26 Apr 2024
10 mins
Telemedicine in India: Can Virtual Care Lead the Way?Virtual care has become a key player in helping India work towards providing healthcare for everyone. The COVID-19 pandemic really pushed both doctors and patients to start using telemedicine in India more often. There have been some recent positive changes in policy, advancements in technology, and improvements in infrastructure that put India in a good position to skip ahead and possibly do better than some Western healthcare systems. This blog talks about what we can learn from moving to virtual care, the emergence of telemedicine in India and suggests ways that India could use virtual healthcare to ensure all its citizens can access the healthcare they need, even with limited public health resources.   WHAT IS TELEMEDICINE?   Telemedicine involves using technology like computers and smartphones to get medical care from a distance. This means you can talk to your doctors and get help without having to visit them in person. You can get diagnosed, monitor your health, discuss your concerns, and even receive prescriptions—all online. Telemedicine in India has grown significantly in recent years.   COVID-19'S IMPACT ON VIRTUAL HEALTHCARE IN INDIA   When India had to go into a COVID-19 lockdown on March 23, 2020, it really shook up the regular way healthcare was delivered. Many hospitals had to switch things around, moving patients from being admitted to the hospital to getting care while they stayed at home. Because of this, the number of people seeing their doctors in person dropped by 32% [https://yourstory.com/2020/12/india-recorded-3x-increase-online-consultations-practo-report], but the number of online doctor visits jumped by 300%. In fact, the online consultation market grew a lot, reaching $163 million in March 2021. Thus, this pandemic has been the time when telemedicine in India has peeked up.   INDIA'S HEALTHCARE CHALLENGES: A CLOSER LOOK   India faces a big challenge with its healthcare system.  * GDP on Healthcare: The country spends only 1.28% of its total GDP (Gross Domestic Product) on healthcare, which is one of the lowest rates in the world. * Access to healthcare: In India, people living in rural areas or homegrown cities often have less access to healthcare compared to those in cities. * Out-Pocket-Expenses: Personal payments for healthcare cover nearly 62.6% of the total health spending in India [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10041239/], which is one of the highest rates in the world. Not surprisingly, the cost of healthcare is a big reason why many people in India remain poor. * Universal Healthcare: To really help lift its large population out of poverty, India needs to include steps to provide healthcare for everyone, no matter where they live or how much money they have. This is known as Universal Healthcare (UHC), and it is crucial for improving the lives of millions of Indians. And this can be greatly achieved through implementing telemedicine in India.   IS INDIA EQUIPPED FOR VIRTUAL CARE?   India is in a great position to start using virtual healthcare widely due to the fast-growing digital market. * Digital landscape: With over half a billion people already using the internet, the country is ready to embrace online health services. * Regulatory Frameworks: In terms of rules and regulations, the government took a big step in March 2020 by introducing the Telemedicine Practice Guidelines. These guidelines help clear up any confusion about whether online medical services are allowed and provide a detailed set of rules for both patients and doctors to follow. This ensures that everyone is legally protected when using virtual care. * Technical Infrastructure: On the technical side, the launch of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) [https://abdm.gov.in/] in 2021 really helped set up a strong foundation for virtual healthcare. This mission created a digital network that lets patients and healthcare providers easily share important health information like medical history, test results, and prescriptions. The system also includes a comprehensive list of healthcare organizations and professionals all over the country, making it easier to connect and coordinate care.   HOW IS VIRTUAL HEALTHCARE PRACTICED IN INDIA?   India set up a unique free telemedicine service called eSanjeevani [https://esanjeevani.mohfw.gov.in/#/] in 2020, which is the first of its kind in the world. It has two main parts: eSanjeevani Ayushman Bharat–Health and Wellness Centre (AB–HWC) and eSanjeevaniOPD (Outpatient Department).   eSanjeevani AB–HWC works like this: There are two main parts to eSanjeevani: 1. eSanjeevani Ayushman Bharat-Health and Wellness Centre (AB-HWC) (Doctor-Doctor): This is a service where doctors at small health centers in rural areas can connect with specialists at bigger hospitals to help patients. It is like a virtual link between the junior doctors and the specialist. 2. eSanjeevaniOPD (patient-doctor): This allows people to have doctor appointments from their homes using their phones. It's like having a regular doctor visit, but online.   By 2022, it had reached a massive milestone of completing 3 crore consultations [https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1809569#:~:text=Doctor%2Dto%2DDoctor%20telemedicine%20service%20is%20based%20on%20a%20Hub,%2Fhospital%2Fmedical%20college).]. On one busy day, it even managed to do 1.7 lakh consultations. The top 10 states using eSanjeevani the most are Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Assam. These are just the beginning steps, but they show a lot of promise for how telemedicine can change healthcare in India.   FUTURE TRENDS IN INDIAN TELEMEDICINE: VR AND AI   The telemedicine market in India was worth $1.9 billion in 2022, and it is expected to grow to $10.7 billion by 2028 [https://www.financialexpress.com/business/digital-transformation-new-trends-in-telemedicine-technology-in-2024-3310901/]. New, embraced technologies like virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) are making telemedicine even better. With VR, patients can feel like they are in the same room as their doctors, even if they're far away. AI helps doctors give personalized treatments and analyze patient data more effectively. In the end of 2024, we will see more e-clinics, which are like regular clinics but online.    WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR INDIA TO SUCCEED IN VIRTUAL HEALTHCARE?   To make virtual healthcare work well in India, there are some important things that need to be considered.   i. First, Regulations There need to be new rules and ways of managing things to deal with issues like keeping people's information safe and making sure everyone gives permission for their data to be used. When new health apps or systems are created, they need to be checked to make sure they're worth the money and actually help patients.   ii. Second, Education Everyone needs to learn how to use virtual healthcare, especially in places where it is not common yet, like villages and city slums. This means teaching people about it in schools and setting up places in communities where people can learn more about it.   iii. Third, Guidelines doctors and other healthcare workers need to figure out which parts of healthcare can be done online and come up with clear guidelines for how to do it safely and effectively. They also need to learn how to use new technology to provide care in different ways.   iv. Lastly, Training  There need to be more healthcare workers who understand how to use technology to provide care, not just doctors and nurses. This includes training more paramedics and other health workers. For example, having more trained midwives could help save a lot of lives by providing better care for pregnant women and newborn babies.   A PATH TO UHC (UNIVERSAL HEALTH COVERAGE)   Telemedicine is changing the way healthcare works, making it easier for people to get quality care no matter where they live. And as technology keeps improving, telemedicine will continue to grow and help more people in the future. Some key investments from the government side will be a big help in making virtual care even better, faster, and more helpful on the path towards universal healthcare. And who knows? India's progress in this area might inspire other developing countries to follow suit. So, while there have been bumps in the road, the future of healthcare in India looks promising.
Dr. Vijayalakshmi
World Malaria Day: A Call To Eradicate Malaria
25 Apr 2024
9mins
World Malaria Day: A Call To Eradicate MalariaMalaria is a curable and preventable disease but remains a persistent and serious threat to public health in many parts of the world. Every year April 25th is observed as World Malaria Day. A perfect storm is currently forming for malaria as a result of inadequate tool coverage, increasing biological threats, and budget shortages. Now it is the time to take bold action to realize our objective of zero malaria by 2030.   WHAT IS THE THEME OF WORLD MALARIA DAY 2024?   Our 2024 theme "Accelerating the fight against malaria for a more equitable world” emphasise the importance of fighting against malaria to eradicate this deadly disease all over the world. This World Malaria Day, the global malaria community will gather to celebrate progress and urge on countries and partners worldwide to:   * Invest in malaria control and elimination efforts, making aggressive investments to close major budget gaps and expedite progress. * Innovate to provide transformational and enhanced malaria treatments that are personalized to people in most need. * Implement national strategies to accelerate progress against this age-old illness by exhibiting leadership, implementing new and sustainable techniques, and scaling up national malaria efforts to reach those most vulnerable.   WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF WORLD MALARIA DAY?   The WHO African Region carries a high share of the worldwide malaria burden and accounts for 95% of malaria cases and 96% of malaria deaths. The WHO South-East Asia region [https://apps.who.int/iris/rest/bitstreams/1398397/retrieve] is the 2nd highest region with malaria burden globally, and India is the largest contributor in this region, accounting for 82.5% of cases and 82% of malarial deaths [https://www.who.int/india/health-topics/malaria/summary-of-world-malaria-report-2021] in the WHO South-East Asia Region.    World Malaria Day is an opportunity to draw global attention to the disease and help reduce the risk of infection. This was evident in the year 2020, when the World Health Organisation (WHO)'s awareness services were disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a spike in malaria cases per 1000 people (from 81/1000 people in 2000 to 56/1000 people in 2019, followed by 59/1000 people in 2020). On World Malaria Day 2024, let’s stay aware of some of the important facts about malaria.    WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF WORLD MALARIA DAY?   World Malaria Day, established in 2008, evolved from Africa Malaria Day, which had been observed by African countries since 2001. The one-year mark provided an opportunity to assess the state of malaria prevention and mortality objectives in African countries. At the 60th session of the World Health Assembly (a gathering hosted by the World Health Organisation), it was proposed in 2007 that Africa Malaria Day be renamed World Malaria Day 2024 in order to acknowledge the global prevalence of malaria and raise awareness of the worldwide drive to eradicate the disease.   WHAT IS MALARIA? WHAT CAUSES IT?   Malaria is an infection caused by any of the 5 species of plasmodium parasite. They are Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, and Plasmodium knowlesi. Among the 5 parasite species, Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax are potentially life-threatening.  The most common way of getting infected is being bitten by an infected mosquito that got the parasite by biting an individual with malaria. Malaria can also be transmitted [https://www.mrmed.in/health-library/health-care/world-mosquito-day-2022] from infected mothers to unborn babies, through blood transfusions and sharing drug injecting equipment.  Pregnant women, people living with AIDS/HIV, children under five years of age, people with poor immunity, and infants are more likely to develop malaria and serious illness from the infection.    Do you know! * 3.2 billion people are at an increased risk of getting malaria. * Two-third of the Malaria deaths are reported in children under years of age. * In the year of 2021, there are 244 Million Malaria Cases and 619,000 Malaria deaths are reported. * Around half of the Malaria deaths have been cut down since 2000. SYMPTOMS TO LOOK OUT FOR   * Chills, sweats, and a high temperature * Headache, feeling confused * Diarrhea, stomach pain * Appetite loss * Feeling and being sick * Muscle pain * Yellow skin or whites of the eyes * Breathing difficulty, cough, or sore throat   Symptoms generally appear ten to fifteen days after you have been bitten by an infected mosquito. Some people don’t have any symptoms for months after the mosquito bite, and rarely, these parasites can live in the body without causing symptoms for many years.   CAN MALARIA BE CURED?   Malaria is generally a curable disease if diagnosis and treatment are made promptly. The blood test will confirm the malarial diagnosis and determine the type of parasite. A combination of antimalarial and over-the-counter medicines are prescribed for managing symptoms of malaria. The type of antimalarial medication and duration of the treatment is based on the type of parasite. Examples of antimalarial drugs are chloroquine, mefloquine, atovaquone, quinine, and artemisinin drugs.    Many malarial parasites have developed drug resistance [https://www.mrmed.in/health-library/health-care/antibiotic-resistance] to common medicines used to treat this disorder. This means these parasites continue to grow instead of being killed after the administration of medicine. Overuse and misuse can accelerate the resistance. Hence it is very essential that you take medicines exactly as prescribed by your physician.    HOW TO PREVENTION MALARIA?   Malaria is a serious infection, but there is a possibility to prevent it. If you live in an area where malaria is common, taking steps to avoid mosquito bites can help lower the chances of getting malaria.   * Apply an insect repellant with diethyltoluamide (DEET) on the skin. * Sleep under nets treated with insecticides such as permethrin. Sprays containing permethrin can also be applied to clothing. * Wear pants and long-sleeved shirts to cover your legs and arms, particularly in the evening when mosquitoes are most active. * Put screens on doors and windows.   If you need to visit an area where malaria is common, consult with a physician well before you plan to travel. He/ she can prescribe you antimalarial medicines. You may need to start taking the medications a few days or weeks before you go.  Since October 2021, the WHO recommends the use of malaria vaccine (RTS,S/AS01) [https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/q-a-on-rts-s-malaria-vaccine] among the children living in areas where P. falciparum malaria transmission is moderate to high. P. falciparum is the deadliest malaria parasite.    THE END   When malaria is not treated properly, it can cause serious health conditions resulting in death. It is very important to seek medical help if you think you may have malaria symptoms. Treatment tends to be more effective when started in the early stages of the disease. On this World Malaria Day, let’s take an oath to keep our homes mosquito-free and protect ourselves from malaria.
Ishwarya R
Why Vaccines Matter
25 Apr 2024
10 mins
Why Vaccines Matter: The Ultimate Guide to Protection and PreventionHave you considered why vaccines are vital? And do you know where these vaccines are made? Let us explore the world of vaccines together to learn their importance and how they keep us safe. Vaccines are our guardians, protecting us from dangerous diseases and keeping us healthy. But how do they work, and why are they so important? Let us explore them in detail.   WHAT ARE VACCINES?   Vaccines are medicinal products designed to prevent diseases by preparing the immune system to recognize and combat pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria, without causing illness. These typically contain: * Weakened or killed pathogens: These are forms of the virus or bacterium that have been modified in a lab so that they cannot cause disease. * Adjuvants: Some vaccines also include chemical substances that enhance the immune response, making the vaccine more effective in generating immunity.   What happens when these vaccines enter our bodies?   When a vaccine is administered, it simulates an infection. This "false infection" does not cause illness but prompts the immune system to respond as if it were a real infection. The immune system then: * Develop antibodies: These are proteins that fight off the invaders. * Creates memory cells: These cells remember the pathogen and how to fight it, providing long-term protection.   WHY IS VACCINATION IMPORTANT?   * Vaccination is not only critical for personal health but also for public health because it * Prevents the spread of diseases: By reducing the number of susceptible individuals, vaccines help control outbreaks. * Protects vulnerable populations: Some individuals cannot be vaccinated due to medical conditions; widespread vaccination helps shield them from disease through herd immunity. * Saves lives and reduces disease severity: Vaccines reduce the risk of infection and can make illnesses less severe for those who do get sick.   How does a vaccine work when it encounters the pathogen it is intended to target?   You might wonder, "How does this vaccine actually work and trigger our immune system?" Well, it operates on a simple memory mechanism. When you get a vaccine, your body's defense system, called the immune system, gets to work. Here is what happens:   * It recognizes the invading germ, like a virus or bacteria. * It creates particular proteins called antibodies to fight off the disease. * It remembers the disease and how to fight it. So, if you reencounter the germ later, your immune system can quickly destroy it before you get sick. * Vaccines are a smart and safe way to trigger this immune response in your body without making you sick.   Our immune systems are like super detectives; they remember how to fight off diseases. After getting one or more doses of a vaccine, we usually stay protected against the disease for a long time — sometimes for years, decades, or even a lifetime. This is why vaccines are so powerful. Instead of waiting to treat a disease after it shows up, vaccines stop us from getting sick in the first place.   WHEN SHOULD YOU OR YOUR CHILD GET VACCINATED?   Vaccines protect us throughout our lives, from birth to old age. Most countries give you a vaccination card to keep track of the vaccines you or your child have had and when you need more. It is essential to keep all your vaccines up-to-date.  In India, you can refer to the National Immunization Schedule [https://main.mohfw.gov.in/sites/default/files/245453521061489663873.pdf] for infants, children, and pregnant women, provided by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.  If we delay getting vaccinated, we risk getting very sick. Waiting until there is an outbreak of a severe illness, like measles, might not be enough time for the vaccine to work correctly, especially if we need more than one dose. If you or your child missed any vaccines, talk to your doctor about catching up. It is essential to stay protected.   WHY DO YOU NEED VACCINATION?   You might also wonder, despite having a good immune system, why you should get vaccinated. There are also anti-vaccine stories and conspiracies circulating. However, it is important to remember that these stories lack evidence or scientific backing. Therefore, it is crucial to refer to trusted sources like the World Health Organization (WHO) or the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) of India for vaccination information.    Now, coming to the question of why you need vaccines? Without vaccines, you may face severe risks of illness and disability from diseases like measles, meningitis, pneumonia, tetanus, and polio. Many of these diseases can be life-threatening. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that childhood vaccines alone save over 4 million lives [https://www.who.int/health-topics/vaccines-and-immunization#tab=tab_1] every year. Even though some diseases may seem rare, the germs that cause them still exist in various parts of the world. Nowadays, infectious diseases can easily spread across borders and affect anyone who isn't protected. 🎬https://youtu.be/9nadnOxvE74 [https://youtu.be/9nadnOxvE74]    There are two main reasons to get vaccinated: to protect ourselves and to protect those around us. Since not everyone can get vaccinated—including very young babies, people with serious illnesses, or certain allergies—they rely on others to keep them safe from vaccine-preventable diseases.   WHAT DISEASES DO VACCINES PROTECT US FROM?   Vaccines guard against various diseases, such as: * Cervical cancer * Cholera * COVID-19 * Diphtheria * Ebola virus disease * Hepatitis B * Influenza * Japanese encephalitis * Measles * Meningitis * Mumps * Pertussis * Pneumonia * Polio * Rabies * Rotavirus * Rubella * Tetanus * Typhoid * Varicella * Yellow fever   Some vaccines are still being tested and are not widely available yet. The vaccines you need might vary depending on location, travel plans, or occupation. Talk to your healthcare provider to know which vaccines are necessary for you and your family.   FACT SHEET FOR VACCINE   What Vaccines Do?What Vaccines Don't? * Immunity acquired through vaccination is stronger than our natural immunity. * Protect us from serious and deadly diseases. * Undergoes various safety tests before being introduced and is constantly monitored for side effects after introduction. * Can completely eradicate some diseases if a sufficient number of people are vaccinated. * Vaccines do not contain toxic ingredients * Do not weaken our immune system * Do not contain toxic elements like thiomersal (a mercury-based preservative) * Do not cause autism * Cause mild side effects that will subside in 2-3 days   The Bottom Line   In a world where diseases can easily cross borders, vaccines are our best defense. They save millions of lives every year and help keep our communities safe and healthy. So, let us trust in the power of vaccines and ensure everyone has access to them. After all, a healthy world is a happier world for us all.
Dr. Vijayalakshmi
World Immunization Week
24 Apr 2024
8 mins
Join the Global Movement: World Immunization WeekCatch up! Restore and strengthen routine immunization. World immunization week is celebrated every year on the last week of April (April 24 – April 30) to raise awareness and highlight the importance of vaccines and immunizations worldwide under the theme 'Humanly Possible'. WHO is collaborating with partners to accelerate quick progress in nations to get back on track and protect more people, particularly children, from preventable diseases. In this world of immunization week, let's understand the importance of vaccines and immunization.   WORLD IMMUNIZATION WEEK 2024 THEME   This year's World Immunisation Week theme is "Humanly Possible." The World Health Organisation is partnering with its partners to accelerate progress in getting nations back on track so that more people, particularly children, are protected against preventable diseases. World Immunisation Week aims to protect more children, adults, and communities from vaccine-preventable diseases, helping them to live happier, healthier lives.   HISTORY OF WORLD IMMUNIZATION WEEK    The World Health Assembly approved World Immunisation Week in May 2012. The first World Immunisation Week was held in 2012, with over 180 countries participating globally. Before 2012, the scheduling of Immunisation Week events varied across the globe. The goal of this week is to identify obstacles to vaccine access and overcome them for the benefit of the world population. People have realized that no one is fully immune unless everyone is disease-free.   IMPORTANCE OF WORLD IMMUNIZATION WEEK    In 2021, 25 million children missed at least one routine [https://www.cdc.gov/globalhealth/immunization/world-immunization-week/index.html] vaccine, and 18 million received no vaccines at all. Immunization is an important component of primary health care and one of the best investments you can make to help make the world a healthier and safer place. We now have vaccines to prevent more than 20 deadly diseases, allowing individuals of all ages to live longer, healthier lives.   WHAT ARE VACCINES AND IMMUNIZATION?   Vaccines are weakened or destroyed forms of pathogens such as bacteria or viruses. There are different kinds of vaccines – live-attenuated, toxoid, inactivated, subunit, mRNA, and viral vector vaccines based on how and which part of the pathogen is used in preparation. They are given mostly by injections; sometimes they can be given orally or by spraying through the nose. Immunization is the process by which the body gets immunity to a particular disease via vaccination. Some vaccines offer life-long or prolonged immunity, while some need booster shots when the immunity starts to wane.    HOW VACCINES WORK   Once the pathogen enters our body, our immune system produces substances called antibodies to fight against the disease. The immune system has the quality to remember this disease as well as the process of fighting it. Vaccines also imitate this process but in a harmless way and help prevent infectious diseases. They provide antibodies in response to dead or weakened microbes and offer immunity without the disease.   According to the (WHO) World Health Organization, immunization currently prevents 3.5 to 5 million deaths [https://www.who.int/health-topics/vaccines-and-immunization#tab=tab_1] from diseases like tetanus and diphtheria every year. Currently, there are vaccines for more than 20 life-threatening disorders such as malaria, cholera, rabies, pneumonia, polio, rabies, rubella, mumps, meningitis, pertussis, and yellow fever.    VACCINES ARE SAFE   Many people still fear getting vaccinations due to various reasons. It usually takes many years to develop a vaccine, and it must go through a large number of trials and tests before a vaccine comes into the market. Once the vaccine is introduced, national and international surveillance centers continuously monitor for any adverse effects to ensure the vaccine's safety. Most vaccine-preventable diseases are highly contagious and cause severe complications. So, it is important to remember that vaccine-preventable disease is far worse than the fear of vaccines and vaccine side effects. Severe side effects are rare. Mild side effects such as injection site reaction and fever may occur, but it usually goes away soon.    Though vaccines are safe, some categories of people are not recommended to get vaccines. People undergoing cancer treatment may have a weak immune system, and certain vaccines may initiate infection. People with chronic illnesses or life-threatening allergies and young babies may not be suitable for getting vaccines. Vaccination protects not only us but also the loved ones surrounding us. When an adequate number of individuals are vaccinated, the transmission of disease slows down or stops, and this is called herd immunity.    IMMUNIZATION PROGRAMME IN INDIA   Through a universal immunization program, the Government of India offers vaccines to infants, pregnant women, and children. Vaccines offered include,   BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin vaccine), HPV vaccines [https://www.mrmed.in/health-library/cancer-care/cervical-cancer-hpv-vaccination-in-india], OPV (oral polio vaccine), Hepatitis B vaccine, Pentavalent vaccines, Rotavirus vaccine, PCV (pneumococcal vaccine), fIPV (Fractional Inactivated Poliomyelitis Vaccine), Measles/MR vaccine, JE vaccine (Japanese encephalitis), DPT booster (Diphtheria, Tetanus, & Pertussis), and Tetanus and adult diphtheria (Td) vaccine. Different vaccines are given at different ages. Go through the national immunization schedule [https://www.nhp.gov.in/universal-immunisation-programme_pg] for children, infants, and pregnant women vaccine-wise. Vaccines are available at both government and private hospitals. They are available free of cost for vaccine-preventable diseases at government hospitals.    VACCINATION - YOUR BEST DEFENSE   Get vaccinated, and Stay disease-free! Vaccinations ensure a long life for all. If you need to travel to a country where a particular disease is more common, you need to check with your doctor to be vaccinated against that disease. A healthcare professional can clarify all your doubts regarding vaccines and suggest suitable vaccines for you and your family. In this world of immunization week 2024, let's create awareness about immunization in our community.
Dr Vijayalakshmi
How Personalized Medicine's Influence on Indian Healthcare?
24 Apr 2024
10 mins
How Personalized Medicine's Influence on Indian Healthcare?Sometimes, you might wonder why prescribed medicines fail to cure health issues or meet the body's health requirements. Your concern is valid. This is often due to the one-size-fits-all approach of our healthcare sector, which fails to meet individual patient needs. So, how can we improve this situation? Despite the backlog in the health sector, there has been a simultaneous rise in the emerging field of personalized medicine, which offers a solution for improving the quality of medicine and treatment. Today, let's dive into how personalized medicine is making waves in Indian healthcare.   WHAT IS PERSONALIZED MEDICINE?   Personalized medicine [https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Personalized-Medicine] is a booming sector in medical practice that uses the genetic profile of an individual to make a decision to prevent, diagnose, and treat a particular disease in the patient. This knowledge about genetic profiling can aid in selecting an appropriate medicine for the doctor. For instance, using target therapies for treating the specific type of cancer (HER2 positive breast cancer cell) in breast cancer patients.   EVOLUTION JOURNEY OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE   Maybe this term is new to us, but the fact is, the term "personalized medicine" first evolved on April 16, 1999, which appeared in a short article [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10551559/] in the Wall Street Journal named "New Era of Personalised Medicine: Targeting Drugs for each unique genetic medicine." Moreover, the complete sequencing of the human genome has further improved the evolution of personalized medicine, which has made genomics enter the spectrum of molecular medicine.   6 BENEFITS OF USING PERSONALIZED MEDICINE   Personalized medicine has a lot of advantages, which are given below:   1. Tailored Treatments: Personalized medicine can help to provide a specific treatment plan for the individuals gene formation, medical history and lifestyle. This form of patient centric approach can help to overcome the disease in an effective way. 2. Accuracy: AI can improve the accuracy of the treatment and diagnosis by analysing the exact root cause of the disease. This can improve the treatment outcome and prevent the patient from exposing unnecessary treatment and medicine. 3. Early Detection and Prevention: Personalized medicine can help in the early detection of life threatening disease from cancer to autoimmune disorder (Alzheimer's) by predicting the chances of risk through genetic analysis of the individuals who have a family history of the disease. This helps to improve the survival rate and reduce complications in treating a disease. 4. Reduced Adverse Reactions: Personalised medicine can help find an appropriate treatment based on the genetics, family history, and health of the individual. These can lower the risk of side effects caused by treatment or medicine that doesn't fit one genetic makeup. Moreover, it can guide the doctor in providing a safe and secure treatment. 5. Prevent the money expenditure: Personalised medicine can help to prevent the wastage of money on unnecessary treatment, which can also lead to a loss of hope in the treatment and medicine. 6. Improvement in Healthcare and Research: Personalised medicines can help to bring new advancements in the field of medicine. It can lead to a breakthrough and improve healthcare care along with technological advancement which aids in building a more powerful healthcare sector for the patients.   THRIVING BLOSSOMS: PERSONALIZED MEDICINE'S GROWTH IN INDIA   India, with its huge population of 1.3 billion people, faces a significant disease burden encompassing both communicable and non-communicable diseases. This underscores the critical need for personalized medicine to analyze genetic, molecular, and protein databases in tailoring treatment plans for every individual. Here is the journey of India [https://journals.lww.com/ijph/fulltext/2021/65040/precision_medicine_in_public_health_in_india_.18.aspx] toward the personalized medication:   1. India, with its huge population of 1.3 billion people, faces a significant disease burden encompassing both communicable and non-communicable diseases. This underscores the critical need for personalized medicine to analyze genetic, molecular, and protein databases in tailoring treatment plans for every individual. Here is the journey of India toward the personalized medication: 2. It is estimated that the Indian genetic testing market, which is a tool in personalized medicine, has seen a large growth. It was around 4,544.5 crore ($61 million) in 2022 and is expected to grow with a CAGR of 6.94% over 2018-28 and reach 6,779.5 crore ($91 million) in 2028. This shows the growth of the Indian healthcare sector toward the new era of personalized medicine. 3. The Indian genomic variation database project was started in 2003, which was started with the aim of providing data for the most common type of genetic variation for 15,000 people from different places in India. 4. The Government of India passed a Human DNA Profiling Bill in 2005, which was later transformed into the DNA Technology Bill in 2019, an initiative to regulate DNA technology in identifying a person's identity. 5. The Genome India project in January 2020 is a great initiative which was launched with an aim to collect ten thousand genetic samples from people who are Indian citizens across the india. It will help to form a catalogue which provide an dteials about the genetic variation for the Indian population. 6. The government of India has also launched a NIDAN ( National Inherited Diseases Administration) Kendra program to prevent and manage inherent genetic disorders. It has a team of caring experts in genetics who are there to support and guide pregnant women and parents through every step of the journey. From offering counseling and testing to diagnose any inherited genetic disorders in babies, to providing ongoing care and support with a whole team of skilled clinicians. 7. The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) is a free center government scheme that helps to improve the digitization of healthcare and create digital health records of Indian citizens, which improve the research and personalized medicine to ensure that hospitals can work together smoothly at different levels. 8. The National Tuberculosis Elimination Program is a great initiative that has already implemented the benefit of personalized medicine by focusing on early diagnosis and multidrug treatment in patients.   WHAT IS THE ROLE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN PERSONALIZED MEDICINE?   Precision medicine, when combined with emerging technology like artificial intelligence, can be a solution for most of the complex problems in the healthcare sector. AI has contributed the following to precision medicine, which are given below:   1. Data analysis: Picture a team of diligent researchers gathering and organizing data from patients far and wide. They carefully sift through genetic and medical information, creating a detailed map of each person's health journey. With this wealth of knowledge, they're able to offer personalized health advice tailored to fit each individual perfectly. 2. Decision making: Imagine having a wise advisor standing by your doctor's side, offering guidance and insight every step of the way. Together, they navigate the complexities of diagnosis and treatment, ensuring that every decision is made with care and consideration for the patient's well-being. 3. Identifying potential targets: Think of a skilled detective combing through clues hidden within the body's biology and genetics. With precision and accuracy, they identify the exact targets causing disease, saving precious time and resources by focusing efforts where they matter most. 4. Drug Discovery and Development: It's like having a team of dedicated scientists working tirelessly in the lab. They analyze every detail of a drug's molecular structure, effectiveness, and safety, ensuring that it's tailor-made for each person's unique genetic makeup. 5. Disease detection and diagnosis: Imagine having a reliable friend who can see into the future, predicting potential health issues before they even arise. With their help, diseases are caught early, giving patients the best chance at overcoming them and living a long, healthy life. Wrapping it up!   Personalized medicine is like having a tailor-made solution for each person's health needs – it's all about giving patients the best possible treatment that's perfectly suited to them. And in a vibrant and diverse country like India, where every individual's genetic makeup is unique and new diseases are popping up all the time, personalized medicine becomes even more important. By embracing personalized medicine and harnessing the power of technology like AI, we can revolutionize healthcare in India. Just imagine having access to cutting-edge tools that analyze your genetic makeup and medical history, guiding doctors in crafting treatment plans that are truly personalized to you. It's not just about treating diseases – it's about preventing them, catching them early, and giving every person the best chance at a healthy life. But it doesn't stop there. With ongoing research and development, we can ensure that personalized medicine becomes accessible to everyone, regardless of background or location.
Ishwarya R
Innovations In Medicine Packaging To Fight Counterfeiting
23 Apr 2024
10 mins
Innovations In Medicine Packaging To Fight CounterfeitingCounterfeit medicines are posing an ever-growing threat, becoming more sophisticated and deceptive, and making it increasingly challenging to differentiate them from the genuine products. This not only undermines brand reputations but also endangers the lives of consumers. So, how can we tackle this threat head-on?   One powerful approach is through innovation in medicine packaging. By arming our packaging systems with advanced technology, we can detect and prevent counterfeit medicines. Today, let's dive into the latest advancements in medicine packaging systems and explore how these innovations can help safeguard the integrity of pharmaceuticals and protect consumers from counterfeit medicine.   COUNTERFEIT MEDICINE: HOW TO SPOT THE FAKES?   According to the World Health Organization (WHO), counterfeit medicine is defined as medicine that has been deliberately/fraudulently mislabeled with respect to its source or identity. It may lack active ingredients, contain the wrong active ingredients, or have an inappropriate dose of active ingredients. Falsification of medicine can occur in treatments for diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS. HOW DOES THE PACKAGING SECTOR HELP IDENTIFY COUNTERFEIT MEDICATION?   The authentication of the packaging in medicine plays a crucial role in identifying the authenticity of medicine in the pharmaceutical field. Moreover, it is the first and simple step to detect the originality of the drug in a world full of fake and unauthorized medication. The WHO has suggested that counterfeit medicines can be identified by examining the packaging condition, such as spelling, manufacturer details, expiration dates, and appearance of the medicines. However, we need to accept the fact that counterfeit medicines are growing with the technology, which makes them more similar to the original drugs.  WHAT ARE THE STRATEGIES TO IDENTIFY COUNTERFEIT MEDICATION USING THE PACKING?   Some of the strategies that help to identify counterfeit medicines using the packaging system are given below: Serialization: Serialization is assigning a unique code to each package of medicine that can be tracked throughout the whole process of the supplier system. Serialization of the product includes the following technology, which is given below:   1. Barcodes: They are used to identify the product's supply chain and can give detailed information about the product, such as batch number, expiry date, National Drug Code (NDC), and Lot number. Barcodes are usually in linear, scripted, or 2-D data matrix format. 2. RFID Technology: Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is a unique wireless technology that involves tags and readers. The reader is a device consisting of one or more antennas emitting radio waves. At the same time, the tag receives signals and contains detailed information about a specific product and its supply chain details. When a person needs to verify the authenticity of a product, the RFID tag can be scanned to identify the product's details and track its supply chain.   Overt technology: Overt technologies are used visibly in the packaging system of the medicine to protect the authenticity of the medicine from the counterfeit manufacturer.   1. Holographic:  Holographic elements such as dots, lines, waves, and other unique features can effectively prevent counterfeit medicine in the pharmaceutical field. These elements are difficult for counterfeiters to replicate due to their cost and complexity. Additionally, holograms can serve as tamper-evident features to protect the authenticity of the medicine. If someone tries to remove a hologram from a product label, cap, or seal, it will leave a visible mark on the holographic image, indicating tampering with the product. Other than this, security sealing and breakable caps are some of the tampering evidence techniques used to prevent counterfeit medicine. 2. Colour-shifting security inks and films: Color-shifting inks are special inks that can appear as one or more distinct colors when viewed from different angles. Only a few suppliers produce these inks, and their distribution is tightly controlled to ensure security for the original manufacturers. Due to these security measures, counterfeiters often fail to use this type of ink in fake medicines. 3. Security graphics: Security graphics such as fine line color printing and the subtle use of pastel spot colors are difficult for counterfeiters to scan and reproduce. Incorporating micro text and latent images into the product's design can also help protect its authenticity from fake manufacturers or counterfeiters. Advantages:   1. It aids in verifying the authenticity of the product for the user. 2. It provides a more secure production of medicine 3. It helps to stop the production of counterfeit medicine by its fake manufacturer. 4. It can produce supply chain details for the user.   Disadvantages:   1. The user needs an education to understand the security system of the drug. 2. It may be easily mimicked. 3. It may be expensive to produce. 4. It may give a false assurance. Covert security:   The covert security feature helps to identify the counterfeit drugs to the brand owners. Here are some of the techniques which can help to prevent counterfeit medicines: 1. Invisible printing: Using invisible inks in the product printings, which can be visible under certain conditions like UV or IR wavelength, can help to prevent counterfeit medicine. 2. Embedded image: Manufacturers can use an invisible image that can be embedded and visible under a certain filter. This helps to prevent the reproduction of the image under normal scanning methods. 3. Digital watermarks: Manufacturers can use digitally encoded invisible data that can be captured and verified by a webcam, mobile phone, or other software equipment while remaining invisible to the naked eye. 4. Hidden marks and printing: Using special marks or prints can prevent duplicating the original products from the fake manufacturer. 5. Anti–copy or Anti-scan design: Anti-copy or anti-san design is a unique pattern or design that looks uniform. Still, when you try to copy or scan, it becomes a latent image that is not present in the original. 6. Laser coding: Laser coding, which can provide variable batch details, requires specialized and expensive equipment. Applying laser codes to packaging materials such as cartons, labels, plastics, and metal components can be challenging. Advantage:   1. It is simple and cost-effective to implement. 2. It needs no regulatory approval. 3. It can be easily added to the product. 4. The original manufacturer can easily identify it.   Disadvantage:   1. It is highly confidential and needs strict secrecy. 2. If this secret breaks out, it can be easily copied all over. 3. It is difficult to add a supplier chain due to the complex security options. 4. Requirements of equipment in manufacturing. Forensic markers:   Forensic markers are unique identifiers that help detect counterfeit medicines from authenticated medicines.   1. Biological taggants: Adding a biological marker in very low concentrations to the product's coating or packaging can make it undetectable to counterfeiters while remaining highly specific to the original product. 2. Micro taggants:  Micro taggants are particles visible only under the microscope. They contain unique coded information for each variant, which can be in alphanumeric data or fragments of multicolored or multilayered laminates with a signature color combination embedded in the product's packaging. ENDNOTES In this technology-driven era, it is challenging to detect and prevent counterfeit medicine due to the use of advanced technology that makes fake medicine closely resemble genuine products. One way to combat counterfeit medicine is by leveraging the same technology counterfeiters use to produce fake products. It is also crucial to educate people about counterfeit medicine and how to use technology to detect it. Technological innovations in medicine packaging are necessary to ensure the authenticity of generic medicines. Incorporating digital technologies and highly secured data into pharmaceutical packaging can help prevent the production and distribution of counterfeit medicine.
Ishwarya R