Allied Healthcare (GAHC)

A recent study has shed light on significant shortcomings in India’s medical education system, highlighting the near absence of disability and queer health representation in medical curricula.

Published in the Indian Journal of Medical Ethics, the study reviewed the curricula of 269 medical colleges across the country. Its findings reveal stark disparities:

Only 12% of medical colleges incorporate disability-related topics in their courses.
A mere 3% include discussions on queer health.
Experts warn that this gap can lead to a lack of empathy and understanding among future healthcare providers when treating patients from marginalized communities.

The study identifies several key challenges contributing to the underrepresentation:

• Faculty Shortages: Lack of trained educators proficient in disability and queer health topics.
• Prejudice and Stigma: Social biases against individuals with disabilities and LGBTQ+ identities.
• Inaccessible Infrastructure: Medical colleges and healthcare facilities often lack the physical and systemic infrastructure to support inclusivity.

To bridge these gaps, the study calls for a comprehensive overhaul of medical education in India, suggesting:

• Curriculum Integration: Including disability and queer health topics as mandatory components.
• Faculty Training: Equipping educators with resources and knowledge to teach these subjects effectively.
• Infrastructure Development: Ensuring healthcare facilities are accessible to all, irrespective of physical abilities or sexual orientation.

The findings have sparked a wave of criticism from healthcare activists and reform advocates, who are pressing the government and medical education authorities to take immediate corrective measures. The study’s revelations underscore the urgent need for inclusivity in medical education. 

Researchers at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) have made a significant advancement in the fight against multiple myeloma, a complex and often fatal form of blood cancer. The team has developed a cutting-edge CAR-T cell therapy that shows immense potential in improving outcomes for patients battling this disease.

Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy is an innovative immunotherapy that genetically modifies a patient’s T cells to target and destroy cancer cells. Widely regarded as a breakthrough in oncology, CAR-T therapy has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in treating certain types of blood cancers, and AIIMS’s development now extends its potential to multiple myeloma.

The specialized CAR-T cell therapy developed by AIIMS researchers marks a critical leap forward in cancer treatment. Designed to address the unique challenges of multiple myeloma, the therapy has demonstrated significant promise in preclinical and early clinical settings.

The AIIMS CAR-T cell therapy has shown encouraging results in targeting and eliminating multiple myeloma cells. Early findings suggest the therapy could significantly improve survival rates among patients with this aggressive cancer. Unlike conventional treatments like chemotherapy, CAR-T therapy offers a more tolerable option by reducing adverse effects.

This breakthrough is a beacon of hope for patients with multiple myeloma, a condition often resistant to standard therapies. It also underscores India’s growing role in advancing global cancer research. The success of AIIMS’s CAR-T therapy could pave the way for similar innovations targeting other blood cancers and solid tumors.

Further studies and trials will be crucial in refining this treatment and making it widely accessible. Researchers are optimistic that with adequate funding and collaboration, CAR-T cell therapy could soon become a standard treatment for multiple myeloma in India and beyond.

The AIIMS achievement highlights the transformative potential of CAR-T therapy in oncology. With continued progress, this approach may redefine cancer care, offering new hope to countless patients.

A recent incident at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has sparked a heated debate on campus healthcare policies. Two visiting students from IIIT Chennai, attending Techfest, IIT Bombay’s annual science and technology festival, were reportedly denied medical treatment by a campus doctor, raising concerns about institutional responsibilities toward non-resident students.

The students, who needed urgent medical attention during their visit, alleged that the campus doctor refused to provide assistance. This refusal has not only left the students distressed but has also brought to light potential gaps in the healthcare policies of one of India’s premier institutions.

The incident has prompted widespread criticism, with many questioning the ethical and professional responsibilities of campus healthcare providers. While IIT Bombay authorities have not issued an official statement, reports suggest that an internal inquiry is underway to uncover the reasons behind the doctor's actions and to assess whether existing protocols were violated.

The situation has highlighted a pressing issue: the lack of clarity in medical protocols for visiting students at academic institutions. As large-scale events like Techfest attract participants from across the country, the availability of comprehensive medical support becomes crucial. Denying treatment not only puts the affected individuals at risk but also tarnishes the institution's reputation for fostering inclusivity and hospitality.

Experts emphasize the need for academic institutions to establish robust healthcare frameworks that address the needs of all individuals on campus, including visiting students, staff, and guests. Such policies should ensure equitable access to medical care, especially during high-profile events that involve significant footfall.

This incident also raises broader questions about the preparedness of institutions to handle medical emergencies during large gatherings. Are on-campus healthcare services adequately staffed and equipped to cater to such demands? Should medical professionals working in academic environments receive additional training to handle diverse scenarios, including those involving non-enrolled individuals?

The refusal of care has struck a chord with many, igniting calls for IIT Bombay to set a precedent by revisiting its healthcare policies. Students and educators across the country are urging educational institutions to prioritize the well-being of all individuals within their premises, irrespective of their official association with the campus.

As the investigation continues, this incident serves as a wake-up call for institutions to implement inclusive healthcare policies that uphold the values of accessibility and compassion.

Experts from science, journalism, and storytelling convened recently to discuss the critical need for collaboration in effectively communicating One Health issues to the public. This interdisciplinary approach aims to bridge the gap between complex scientific concepts and public understanding.

The One Health framework highlights the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, emphasizing that addressing global health challenges requires a holistic perspective. Despite its importance, conveying these intricate relationships to a diverse audience remains a formidable challenge.

The gathering underscored the pivotal role of scientists and storytellers in crafting narratives that resonate with the public. Storytelling, often seen as a bridge between data and emotion, can transform abstract scientific concepts into compelling narratives that engage and inform.

Experts stressed the importance of accuracy and balance in delivering scientific information. Collaborative efforts between scientists and journalists can ensure that complex issues like pandemics, antimicrobial resistance, and climate change are communicated with clarity, helping to combat misinformation and foster informed decision-making.

Beyond factual reporting, the integration of storytelling techniques was highlighted as a tool to make scientific information relatable and emotionally impactful. By connecting data to everyday experiences and values, storytelling can inspire action and build trust among diverse audiences.

The meeting forms part of a larger global effort to innovate science communication strategies. As the world faces escalating health crises, including zoonotic diseases, ecosystem disruptions, and public health misinformation, improving the way One Health issues are conveyed is vital. Collaborative science communication not only educates but also galvanizes communities and policymakers to take proactive measures

A breakthrough in gene therapy for haemophilia has shown promising results in an Indian clinical trial, offering hope to thousands of patients affected by the condition. The trial, which included 22 participants, demonstrated significant improvements, with bleeding episodes reduced by 50-60% and some patients achieving complete elimination of bleeding. This marks a major advancement in the treatment of haemophilia, potentially transforming how the condition is managed.

The therapy functions by introducing a functional gene into the patient’s system, enabling sustained production of the clotting factor necessary for blood coagulation. This approach offers a long-term solution compared to traditional treatments, which typically involve frequent injections of clotting factor concentrates. Patients who received the gene therapy in the trial showed a sustained expression of clotting factors, reducing the severity and frequency of symptoms.

While the medical outcomes are groundbreaking, the high cost of the therapy—estimated between ₹1.5 crore to ₹2 crore per patient—poses a significant challenge. The steep expense has raised concerns about accessibility, particularly in India, where many patients lack the financial resources for such advanced treatments. The high costs stem from the complexity of developing and producing gene therapies, making it inaccessible to a majority of patients in need.

This breakthrough has also highlighted the urgency for policy interventions to ensure equitable access to such life-changing treatments. Calls are growing for government initiatives to subsidize costs, encourage public-private partnerships, and invest in local production to make the therapy more affordable. Healthcare experts emphasize the need for a robust regulatory framework to ensure the safe and effective deployment of gene therapies in India while addressing the affordability gap.

For India’s haemophilia community, this advancement represents a significant step forward, signaling the possibility of a life with fewer medical complications and improved quality of life. The potential for long-term benefits could ease the physical and emotional burdens faced by patients and their families. However, making this breakthrough widely accessible will require coordinated efforts from policymakers, healthcare providers, and researchers.

If challenges related to cost and accessibility are addressed, this therapy could usher in a transformative era in haemophilia treatment, offering hope and relief to thousands of patients across the country.

In a groundbreaking discovery, an Indian scientist has identified a novel lipid hormone, named "Neuroprotectin," that plays a pivotal role in controlling neuro-immunity functions. The research, published in a leading international journal, is expected to transform our understanding of the human immune system and pave the way for innovative treatments for various diseases.

The study revealed that Neuroprotectin, the newly identified lipid hormone, regulates neuro-immunity functions by controlling immune cells and modulating the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This discovery highlights its critical role in maintaining the balance between immune response and inflammation.

The research underscores the hormone's potential impact on human health, suggesting its relevance in addressing neurodegenerative disorders, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. The findings could provide a foundation for developing therapies targeting diseases linked to immune dysfunction.

The lead researcher expressed optimism about the discovery, stating, "Our study has identified a novel lipid hormone that plays a critical role in controlling neuro-immunity functions. This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of the human immune system and the development of new treatments for various diseases."

The identification of Neuroprotectin is being viewed as a breakthrough in immunology and neuroscience. By influencing key aspects of the immune system, the hormone could unlock new strategies for treating illnesses where immune regulation is compromised.

• Mechanism of Action: Further studies will delve into the precise mechanisms by which Neuroprotectin exerts its effects on immune cells and inflammation.
• Therapeutic Applications: Research will focus on exploring how this hormone can be harnessed to develop therapies for diseases like Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, and certain cancers.
• Drug Development: The potential for Neuroprotectin to serve as a basis for novel drugs will be a major area of investigation.

The discovery of Neuroprotectin represents a promising leap in medical research, offering hope for addressing some of the most challenging conditions affecting millions worldwide. As further research unfolds, this lipid hormone may redefine the boundaries of neuro-immunity and therapeutic innovation.