Government extends 5 yr tax holiday for all hospitals

Government of India has extended a five-year tax holiday, currently given only to hospitals in the rural areas, to those across the country, sending the shares of healthcare providers higher.

A hospital a town, keeps away the frown!

[This article was published in the March 2008 issue of the eHEALTH Magazine (https://www.ehealthonline.org)]

A hospital a town, keeps away the frown!

The Union Budget 2008 is out and a silent celebration is on in almost every board room… (and drawing rooms too!)

Taking Control – Medical Devices Industry to get a Regulatory Authority

[This article was published in the March 2008 issue of the eHEALTH Magazine (https://www.ehealthonline.org)]

The medical equipment market in India is growing at an annual rate of 15% and is expected to touch US$ 4.98 billion by 2012. With a highly unregulated environment in terms of quality, reliability, pricing and control, uncertainty rules the roost. Often, it�s a confusing maze for care providers and medical professionals, and the brunt of all this has to be borne solely by those at the end of the chain – �the patients� !

There is a dire need for a legal framework and a regulatory agency to look after the industry. How far have we reached? Is the Government taking the right steps? eHEALTH takes stock of the matter.

NEWS REVIEW – INDIA

[This article was published in the February 2008 issue of the eHEALTH Magazine (https://www.ehealthonline.org)]

NEWS REVIEW

Punjab govt to spend INR 30 crore on veterinary care

Punjab Government has chalked out a comprehensive plan to restructure the complete network of Veterinary Hospital and Poly Clinics in the state by spending INR 30 crore on their upgration.

GoI and World Bank group to rid health sector projects of corruption

The Government of India and the World Bank Group have joined forces to fight fraud and corruption and systemic deficiencies in India

NRIs’ help sought in state-funded health insurance scheme

The government has sought support from Non-resident Indians (NRIs) for the proposed state-funded health insurance cover scheme that is aimed at helping some 300 million people living below the poverty line (BPL) across India.

CII calls for separate regulation of medical devices

The Government has recently introduced the Drugs and Cosmetics (Amendment) Bill, 2007 in order to facilitate setting up of a Central Drugs Authority and introduce centralized licensing for manufacture of drugs.

New projects by Intel & World Ahead Alliance in healthcare, education

Intel Technology India Pvt Ltd in collaboration with other Intel World Ahead Program Alliance members and the Government of India, have announced a number of initiatives to help transform healthcare and education in the old city of Chandini Chowk, in the country

India to set up world class blood banks in 600 districts

The Government of India has announced that it would set up state of the art blood banks in 600 districts across the country and a model blood bank in all the states within next two to three years.

India’s latest offering towards global medical tourism

India has introduced a medical visa aimed at assisting overseas visitors to travel to the country for low-cost hospital treatment.

eHealth and Public Sector Reforms in India : Dr. Tarun Seem, NRHM

[This article was published in the November 2007 issue of the eHEALTH Magazine (https://www.ehealthonline.org)]

In this paper, we take an overview of primary health care scenario in India, the contours of health sector reforms agenda under the National Rural health Mission: the principles of eHealth, possible loci of synergy under NRHM and possible technology options for accelerated health sector reforms in the country.

Medical treatment at the doorstep for poor Gujarat tribals

Telemedicine is becoming boon for tribal people who have to travel hundreds kilometers to get proper medical treatment.