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Category: Medical

  • Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine Awarded to Trio

    Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine Awarded to Trio

    Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Dr Shimon Sakaguchi won the Nobel Prize in medicine on Monday for their discoveries concerning peripheral immune tolerance.

    Brunkow, 64, is a senior program manager at the Institute for Systems Biology in Seattle. Ramsdell, 64, is a scientific adviser for Sonoma Biotherapeutics in San Francisco. Sakaguchi, 74, is a distinguished professor at the Immunology Frontier Research Centre at Osaka University in Japan.

    The immune system has many overlapping systems to detect and fight bacteria, viruses and other bad actors. Key immune warriors, such as T cells, get trained on how to spot bad actors. If some instead go awry in a way that might trigger autoimmune diseases, they’re supposed to be eliminated in the thymus – a process called central tolerance.

    The Nobel winners unravelled an additional way the body keeps the system in check.
    The Nobel Committee said it started with Sakaguchi’s discovery in 1995 of a previously unknown T cell subtype now known as regulatory T cells or T-regs.

    Then, in 2001, Brunkow and Ramsdell discovered a culprit mutation in a gene named Foxp3, a gene that also plays a role in a rare human autoimmune disease.

    The Nobel Committee said two years later, Sakaguchi linked the discoveries to show that the Foxp3 gene controls the development of those T-regs, which in turn act as a security guard to find and curb other forms of T cells that overreact.

    The work opened a new field of immunology, said Karolinska Institute rheumatology professor Marie Wahren-Herlenius. Researchers around the world are now working to use regulatory T cells to develop treatments for autoimmune diseases and cancer.
    “Their discoveries have been decisive for our understanding of how the immune system functions and why we do not all develop serious autoimmune diseases,” said Olle Kampe, chair of the Nobel Committee.

    Thomas Perlmann, Secretary-General of the Nobel Committee, said he was only able to reach Sakaguchi by phone on Monday morning.

    “I got hold of him at his lab, and he sounded incredibly grateful, expressing that it was a fantastic honour. He was quite taken by the news,” Perlmann said. He added that he left voicemails for Brunkow and Ramsdell.

    The award is the first of the 2025 Nobel Prize announcements and was announced by a panel at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm.
    Nobel announcements continue with the physics prize on Tuesday, chemistry on Wednesday and literature on Thursday. The Nobel Peace Prize will be announced on Friday, and the Nobel Memorial Prize in economics on Oct. 13.

    The award ceremony will be held Dec. 10, the anniversary of the death of Alfred Nobel, who founded the prizes. Nobel was a wealthy Swedish industrialist and the inventor of dynamite. He died in 1896.

    The trio will share the prize money of 11 million Swedish kronor (nearly USD 1.2 million). AP News

  • Metropolis Healthcare posts strong 23% growth in Q2FY26

    Metropolis Healthcare posts strong 23% growth in Q2FY26

    Metropolis Healthcare informed BSE and NSE on Monday (October 6) that it recorded a 23% year-on-year consolidated revenue growth for Q2FY26, driven by preventive health check-ups and wellness services.

    The update precedes formal financial results, which are pending board approval.

    Core Diagnostics moved from breakeven in Q4FY25 to a high single-digit margin in Q2FY26. DAPIC (Dehradun) and Scientific Pathology (Agra) outperformed the company’s average margin.

    TruHealth Wellness and Specialty segments grew 25% and 36% year-on-year, respectively. B2C revenues rose 16%, while B2B revenues increased 34%. The company remains debt-free with a net cash surplus of ₹55 crore.

    The company also acquired Ambika Pathology Laboratory, Kolhapur, on September 18, to strengthen its presence in Western Maharashtra and set up a mini reference laboratory for surrounding districts.

    On a standalone basis, revenue grew 12% year-on-year, supported by higher patient and test volumes, favorable product mix, and improved realisations.

    EBITDA margins improved quarter-on-quarter and year-on-year. CNBCTV18

  • US Hospitals grapple with financial stress as costs surge

    US Hospitals grapple with financial stress as costs surge

    Hospitals and health systems have been struggling with mounting cost pressures, and they probably aren’t going to see much relief in the months ahead.

    The median operating margins for health systems were 1% in August, according to data from Strata Decision Technology released last week. And that’s not an anomaly, as operating margins have hovered around 1% through much of 2025.

    Hospitals have seen rising expenses for both supplies and labor, and they’ve also seen interruptions in funding from the federal government.

    Steve Wasson, chief data and intelligence officer for Strata Decision Technology, tells Chief Healthcare Executive® that he doesn’t expect to see much improvement in operating margins in the near future.

    “I would expect some additional volatility in the next two quarters,” Wasson says. “This is not smooth sailing, which is different from when we entered 2025.”

    Labor costs remain a challenge for health systems, although providers have succeeded in reducing their use of temporary staffing agencies, helping them curb costs.

    However, costs for non-labor expenses have been rising at a faster rate. Non-labor costs rose 5.7% year-over year in August, while labor expenses climbed 4.6%.

    Hospitals have seen higher prices for supplies, particularly for prescription drugs.

    “Drug prices have been really elevated, and not just like a couple percentage points more, but significantly higher,” he says, adding, “Drug costs have been eating away at a lot of margin.”

    Even without factoring in tariffs, health systems are likely to see high prices in drugs. Leaders projecting drug prices are likely experiencing some heartburn, he says.

    “It’s really hard right now to predict what your drug costs are going to be over the next couple of quarters, because we’ve seen just big spikes,” he says.

    Revenue gains eaten by costs
    Hospitals are seeing improved revenues, with August representing the 28th consecutive month of gross revenues rising year-over-year, according to Strata’s data.

    Outpatient revenue continues to rise at a faster clip than inpatient revenues. In August, outpatient revenue rose 6.3% year-over-year, while inpatient revenues increased by 4.3%.

    Even though health systems see less revenue from shifting some services to outpatient facilities, “it’s higher margin,” Wasson says.

    “So it’s better for their business to put that service in the outpatient when they can,” he says.

    Health systems are seeing solid volume in both inpatient and outpatient settings. But even with better revenues, hospitals are still facing thin margins due to higher expenses.

    “People have been really hard at work trying to get their revenues up through contract negotiations, but it’s eaten away by these costs,” Wasson says.

    Signs of trouble
    Hospitals could also see more financial pressures with more Americans out of work, and Wasson says that’s another reason he expects hospitals to continue to see modest margins in the coming months.

    “I always say this: keep your eye on the unemployment rate. Unemployment is ticking up,” he says.

    With more people without jobs, they won’t have commercial insurance, and would enter into “a self-pay category,” he adds.

    “That is not good news for health systems, because they count on the commercial lives to kind of offset some of these other things,” he says.

    Hospitals and health systems have warned that looming Medicaid cuts have devastating consequences. More than 10 million Americans are projected to lose Medicaid coverage over the next decade under the tax package brokered by President Trump and Republicans in Congress. Changes in Medicaid programs, including work requirements for beneficiaries, won’t be felt until the end of next year, analysts say.

    But hospitals and health systems are taking steps now to deal with those mounting challenges, and Wasson says providers need to be making plans right now.

    “They have to because, you look at your service line patterns, and you look at your payer mix, and you’re forecasting out where your investments are going to be,” Wasson says.

    “Hospitals don’t move super fast,” he adds. “They plot out years ahead. So, ‘what’s our payer mix going to be two years from now,’ is absolutely a question that they ask themselves. And Medicaid is shifting, and so this is definitely factoring into their plans and their investments.”

    With hospitals and health systems likely to see more volatility, Wasson says it’s important for executives to understand their service lines and their costs. “If you don’t know what they are, then you can’t make adjustments,” he says.

    Healthcare leaders should also be expecting more headwinds.

    “Volatility ahead, volatility in your reimbursement, volatility in your cost for drugs specifically,” he says. “So if you can plan around that, I would.” Chief Healthcare Executive

  • Flexible Endoscopes Industry to cross USD 20.13B

    Flexible Endoscopes Industry to cross USD 20.13B

    The global flexible endoscopes market has emerged as a critical segment within the medical devices industry, driven by rising demand for minimally invasive procedures and early disease diagnosis. According to recent insights, the market was valued at USD 11.93 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 20.13 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.02% during the forecast period (2024-2032).

    Flexible endoscopes are medical devices designed to provide real-time visualization of internal organs for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Unlike rigid scopes, they offer enhanced maneuverability, patient comfort, and versatility in addressing conditions across gastrointestinal, pulmonary, urological, and gynecological domains. Their ability to support minimally invasive techniques makes them indispensable in modern healthcare systems.

    One of the key growth drivers of this market is the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases such as gastrointestinal disorders, cancer, and respiratory illnesses. These conditions often require frequent diagnostic imaging, boosting demand for advanced endoscopy solutions. Additionally, the aging global population is more susceptible to such diseases, further fueling adoption.

    Technological advancements are reshaping the competitive landscape. From AI-assisted diagnostics to robot-assisted endoscopy and single-use flexible endoscopes designed to reduce cross-contamination, manufacturers are innovating rapidly to meet evolving clinical standards. The integration of high-definition imaging and narrow-band visualization is also enhancing diagnostic accuracy.

    Regionally, North America leads the market, owing to its robust healthcare infrastructure, favorable reimbursement policies, and the presence of global medical device giants like Olympus, Stryker, and Boston Scientific. Meanwhile, the Asia-Pacific region is set to record the fastest CAGR, supported by rising healthcare expenditure, expanding hospital networks, and growing awareness of early disease detection.

    Overall, the flexible endoscopes market presents significant whitespace opportunities, particularly in AI-enabled imaging, robotic integration, and single-use device production, which are expected to redefine patient care standards in the coming decade.

    Market segmentation
    The flexible endoscopes market segmentation provides insights into growth trends across different product categories and end-user industries.

    By product type, gastrointestinal endoscopes dominate the market due to the high incidence of digestive system disorders and the rising adoption of colonoscopy and gastroscopy for early cancer detection. Other key product categories include bronchoscopes, laparoscopes, laryngoscopes, and ureteroscopes. Emerging product segments, such as neuroendoscopes and hysteroscopes, are witnessing rising adoption as minimally invasive techniques gain popularity in neurology and gynecology procedures. Additionally, innovations in fiber-based holographic and 3D visualization tools are expected to further enhance product performance and clinical adoption.

    By end-use, hospitals and clinics account for the largest share due to their ability to handle high patient volumes, integrate advanced diagnostic equipment, and invest in robotic-assisted and AI-enabled systems. Ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs), however, are growing rapidly as outpatient care becomes more popular among patients seeking cost-effective, minimally invasive procedures. ASCs also benefit from lower infection risks and shorter patient turnaround times, making them an attractive end-use segment for flexible endoscopes.

    Regional insights
    The North American market continues to dominate, underpinned by advanced healthcare infrastructure, widespread adoption of minimally invasive techniques, and high healthcare spending. The US in particular remains the largest contributor, driven by its large patient pool, favorable reimbursement environment, and the presence of key global players with extensive R&D investments.

    The Asia-Pacific region is expected to grow at the fastest pace, supported by rapid healthcare infrastructure development in countries such as China, India, and Japan. Rising chronic disease prevalence, increasing government initiatives to improve diagnostic access, and the booming medical tourism industry are key growth drivers. Local manufacturing capabilities and cost-efficient production further enhance the region’s competitive position.

    Market dynamics
    Market drivers
    Rising prevalence of chronic conditions such as cancer, gastrointestinal disorders, and respiratory diseases.

    Growing demand for minimally invasive procedures that reduce hospital stays and recovery times.

    Advancements in AI-assisted imaging and robotic endoscopy systems.

    Expanding healthcare infrastructure in emerging economies.

    Market restraints
    High production and procedural costs limiting accessibility in developing countries.

    Stringent regulatory requirements delaying product approvals.

    Complex sterilization procedures impacting operational efficiency.

    Market opportunities
    Rising adoption of single-use flexible endoscopes to prevent cross-contamination.

    Integration of AI-enabled diagnostics for enhanced accuracy and efficiency.

    Expansion into emerging markets with growing healthcare budgets.

    Development of cost-effective, portable endoscopes for outpatient and remote care settings. Infinium Global Research

  • FDA to pause New Device Applications during shutdown

    FDA to pause New Device Applications during shutdown

    The FDA said it will not accept new medical device submissions that require payment of user fees during the Trump administration’s latest government shutdown.

    U.S. federal government agencies shut down on Wednesday, as lawmakers in Congress failed to reach a bipartisan deal to extend government funding ahead of the Oct. 1 deadline.

    According to the agency’s contingency plan, reviews of existing submissions and requests to conduct important clinical research can continue using carryover user fee funding. FDA also said it will maintain work related to imminent threats to human life, including recalls, adverse event surveillance, import reviews, for-cause inspections and enforcement actions.

    Medical device user fees support the review and approval of new medical products, reviews of important clinical research requests, the issuance of guidance and other necessary activities that still allow patients to access new therapies, according to the FDA.

    However, most device programs without carryover funding are paused. That includes pre-approval inspections and policy development not directly tied to urgent safety issues. Regulatory science research and longer-term innovation efforts are also curtailed until appropriations are restored.

    President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance have indicated in press conferences about the shutdown that layoffs will happen if the shutdown continues for weeks. Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought said on a call that reduction-in-force and layoffs would happen in the next two days, CBS News reported. However, FDA Commissioner Marty Makary reportedly told employees that FDA would not have any mass firings as part of the government shutdown, according to Bloomberg Law.

    In its contingency plan, FDA said 13,872 employees – about 86% of its workforce – will keep working during the shutdown. That includes 10,740 exempt staff funded by carryover user fees and 3,132 excepted staff whose roles are necessary to protect human life or government property.

    The pause is expected to affect device makers preparing to file new 510(k), de novo or PMA submissions. Manufacturers with ongoing submissions may see less disruption in the short term, as those reviews can continue under existing fee funding.

    FDA said in a LinkedIn post, “All FDA activities related to imminent threats to the safety of human life or protection of property will continue. This includes detecting and responding to public health emergencies and continuing to address existing critical public health challenges by managing recalls, mitigating drug shortages, and responding to outbreaks related to foodborne illness and infectious diseases. It also includes surveillance of adverse event reports for issues that could cause human harm, the review of import entries to determine potential risks to human health, conducting for cause and certain surveillance inspections of regulated facilities, and related regulatory testing activities, and criminal enforcement work and certain civil investigations.”

    How the FDA operates in a government shutdown
    Medical device companies pay fees to FDA when they register their businesses and list their devices with the agency, whenever they submit an application or a notification to market a new medical device in the U.S., and for certain other types of submissions. These actions fall under the Medical Device User Fee Amendments. Medical Design & Outsourcing

  • TN sets up expert panel on AI in Healthcare

    TN sets up expert panel on AI in Healthcare

    An expert committee formed to explore the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the State’s healthcare sector has representation from both health authorities and academic institutions.

    The committee will meet periodically to assess the use of AI in healthcare and analyse the scope for development and deployment in healthcare institutions in Tamil Nadu. It will also explore ways to utilise the data as per Tamil Nadu Government’s Data Policy for further development of cost-effective AI technologies in higher education and research institutions.

    The Health Secretary will chair the 20-member committee. It includes senior health officials such as Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation, Project Director, Tamil Nadu Health Systems Project, Mission Director, National Health Mission – Tamil Nadu, Commissioner of Food Safety and Drug Administration, directors of Medical Education and Research, Medical and Rural Health Services and Public Health and Preventive Medicine, State TB Officer and Project Director, Tamil Nadu State Blindness Control Society.

    Other members include a professor of Radiology, Barnard Institute of Radiology, Madras Medical College (MMC), a professor of Respiratory Medicine, MMC, an associate professor of Community Medicine, K.A.P. Viswanatham Government Medical College, Tiruchi and an associate professor (Dermatology, Venereal and Leprosy) of Stanley Medical College. Representatives of REACH, a NGO working in the field of TB, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Anna University and Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore are part of the committee.

    In a recent order, the Health department noted that AI has emerged as a major new field in healthcare, and is helping the medical profession in the early diagnosis of diseases such as cancer.

    An expert committee formed to explore the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the State’s healthcare sector has representation from both health authorities and academic institutions.

    The committee will meet periodically to assess the use of AI in healthcare and analyse the scope for development and deployment in healthcare institutions in Tamil Nadu. It will also explore ways to utilise the data as per Tamil Nadu Government’s Data Policy for further development of cost-effective AI technologies in higher education and research institutions.

    The Health Secretary will chair the 20-member committee. It includes senior health officials such as Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation, Project Director, Tamil Nadu Health Systems Project, Mission Director, National Health Mission – Tamil Nadu, Commissioner of Food Safety and Drug Administration, directors of Medical Education and Research, Medical and Rural Health Services and Public Health and Preventive Medicine, State TB Officer and Project Director, Tamil Nadu State Blindness Control Society.

    Other members include a professor of Radiology, Barnard Institute of Radiology, Madras Medical College (MMC), a professor of Respiratory Medicine, MMC, an associate professor of Community Medicine, K.A.P. Viswanatham Government Medical College, Tiruchi and an associate professor (Dermatology, Venereal and Leprosy) of Stanley Medical College. Representatives of REACH, a NGO working in the field of TB, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Anna University and Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore are part of the committee.

    In a recent order, the Health department noted that AI has emerged as a major new field in healthcare, and is helping the medical profession in the early diagnosis of diseases such as cancer.

    An expert committee formed to explore the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the State’s healthcare sector has representation from both health authorities and academic institutions.

    The committee will meet periodically to assess the use of AI in healthcare and analyse the scope for development and deployment in healthcare institutions in Tamil Nadu. It will also explore ways to utilise the data as per Tamil Nadu Government’s Data Policy for further development of cost-effective AI technologies in higher education and research institutions.

    The Health Secretary will chair the 20-member committee. It includes senior health officials such as Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation, Project Director, Tamil Nadu Health Systems Project, Mission Director, National Health Mission – Tamil Nadu, Commissioner of Food Safety and Drug Administration, directors of Medical Education and Research, Medical and Rural Health Services and Public Health and Preventive Medicine, State TB Officer and Project Director, Tamil Nadu State Blindness Control Society.

    Other members include a professor of Radiology, Barnard Institute of Radiology, Madras Medical College (MMC), a professor of Respiratory Medicine, MMC, an associate professor of Community Medicine, K.A.P. Viswanatham Government Medical College, Tiruchi and an associate professor (Dermatology, Venereal and Leprosy) of Stanley Medical College. Representatives of REACH, a NGO working in the field of TB, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Anna University and Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore are part of the committee.

    In a recent order, the Health department noted that AI has emerged as a major new field in healthcare, and is helping the medical profession in the early diagnosis of diseases such as cancer.

    ‘E-paarvai’
    The State has already implemented AI-based initiatives such as ‘e-paarvai’ and digital x-ray analysis for tuberculosis diagnosis.

    ‘E-paarvai’ is a mobile appliation that leverages AI to detect cataracts during eye screenings. In TB, AI plays a crucial role in active case finding. The AI system rapidly interprets these images and flags those that are highly suggestive of TB, officials said.

    Highlighting AI as a “game changer” in many healthcare innovations, the department said that the formation of an expert committee to analyse emerging technology in healthcare in a way suitable for Tamil Nadu is vital.

    The expert committee has been tasked with analysing and discussing emerging AI algorithms, and development using higher education institutions and deployment in the State’s healthcare sector. The Hindu

  • PHIPA, CYFSA mandate data encryption notifications

    PHIPA, CYFSA mandate data encryption notifications

    In Hospital for Sick Children v. Ontario (Information and Privacy Commissioner), 2025 ONSC 5208, the Divisional Court clarified that the notification obligations in the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA) and the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 (CYFSA) apply when a ransomware attack makes personal health information or personal information inaccessible, even if only temporarily, and there is no evidence the information was actually viewed, accessed or stolen.

    Background
    In 2022, the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and Halton Children’s Aid Society (Halton) experienced separate ransomware attacks.

    These attacks encrypted the SickKids and Halton servers where files containing personal information were stored, preventing access to these files. However, there was no evidence the threat actor viewed, accessed, or stole any files containing personal information. Both SickKids and Halton had robust backup policies in place that allowed the files to be quickly restored. The attacks resulted in minor service delays in diagnostic and treatment for a small number of patients at SickKids, and had little impact on Halton’s internal systems and did not disrupt services. SickKids posted notices on its website about the cyberattack and the resulting delays in diagnostics and treatment services. Halton did not notify the public about the cyberattack because there was no impact on clients’ information, or the services available to them to report.

    The IPC decisions
    In two separate decisions, the IPC found that although the threat actors did not view, access or take any individual files housed within the encrypted environments, the attacks constituted an unauthorised “use” and “loss” of personal information under PHIPA and CYFSA, and therefore triggered the notification requirement to individuals whose data was impacted. The IPC concluded that the encryption of the servers was an unauthorised “use” because at a minimum, the ransomware made the information unavailable and inaccessible to authorised users of that information, and concluded the attack amounted to a loss because, for at least some period of time, the information became unavailable to authorised users because of an unauthorised activity.

    In the SickKids decision, the IPC noted the hospital made appropriate public disclosure in the aftermath of the attack, but this notice did not comply with the notification requirement at s. 12(2) of PHIPA because it did not include information about the right to complain to the IPC. Given the passage of time, the IPC said there was no utility in ordering SickKids to provide notice of the right to complain at the time it issued its decision, and made no further remedial orders.

    In the Halton decision, the IPC found that Halton did not comply with the notification requirement at s. 308(2) of the CYFA because it did not notify individuals directly and issued no other public notice of the incident. However, applying a contextual and flexible approach to notification, the IPC was satisfied Halton could meet the notification requirement by posting a general notice on its website or issuing a public release.

    The Divisional Court’s decision
    On appeal, the Divisional Court upheld the IPC’s interpretation of “use” and “loss” and the finding that SickKids and Halton (the Applicants) were required to notify individuals about the ransomware attacks. The Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) intervened to provide the Court with the statutory context behind risk-based thresholds in other pieces of Canadian privacy legislation, cautioning that a notification requirement for ransomware attacks where data is not directly accessed or stolen risks unnecessary over-notification and can lead to needless costs, unnecessarily raise anxiety levels and lead to notification fatigue among individuals.

    The Court upheld the IPC’s “purposive” approach to interpreting the notification requirements under PHIPA and CYFSA, which found that the ransomware attacks’ effect of making information temporarily unavailable was a kind of handling or dealing with that information in accordance with the word “use” in PHIPA and CYFSA, and that as a result of the unauthorised “use”, the duty to notify under both statutes was triggered. The Court found this interpretation was justified based on the text, context, and purpose of the notification requirements in each statute.

    The Court concluded the text of the statute suggested that unauthorised “uses” can occur without direct interaction with information, as it did in this case, and as it might if a physical hard drive with information is destroyed, thereby disposing of that information.

    With respect to the context and purpose, the Court noted that s. 12(2) of PHIPA and s. 308(2) of CYFSA are not tied to a risk of harm (unlike other Canadian privacy statutes, which contain risk-based notification thresholds such as real risk of significant harm). Rather, the notification requirements recognise “individuals’ continuing interest in their personal information and in ensuring that information custodians are transparent and accountable.”

    The Court concluded the purpose of notification is not only to advise affected individuals of risks in order to mitigate harm but includes ensuring custodians are accountable for how they protect individuals’ personal information and enabling the IPC to exercise its authority to provide oversight of Ontario’s privacy regime and ensure proper investigations are conducted.

    Key takeaways for custodians subject to PHIPA or CYFSA

    • The purpose of notification in PHIPA and CYFSA is about ensuring transparency and accountability. Notification recognises that individuals have a continuing interest in their personal information and ensuring that information custodians are transparent and accountable. Notification also enables the IPC to exercise its authority to provide oversight of Ontario’s privacy regime and ensure proper investigations are conducted in the aftermath of cyber attacks.
    • Following a ransomware attack, notification is required under PHIPA and CYFSA even in cases where information is not actually viewed, accessed, or misused, and it was only temporarily inaccessible.
    • The IPC applies a contextual and flexible approach to determining the appropriate form of notice in certain the circumstances. In considering whether indirection notification may be appropriate, the relevant factors include: the number of potentially affected individuals,  the nature and volume of the information at issue, the difficulty of determining with certainty exactly which individuals, and what information, had been affected by the attack, the remedial actions of the custodian, and the passage of time.
    • The new notification obligation in Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) came into effect on July 1, 2025. Notification under FIPPA is required where there is a real risk of significant harm. Custodians like hospitals, subject to both PHIPA and FIPPA, will need to be mindful of the different notification obligations that may apply from one security or privacy incident.

    Borden Ladner Gervais LLP

  • US Hospitals may lose $32B if tax credits expire

    US Hospitals may lose $32B if tax credits expire

    Hospitals, physicians and other medical care providers will lose more than $32 billion in revenue next year if the Republican-led Congress doesn’t extend tax credits for those with individual coverage under the Affordable Care Act, according to a new analysis.

    The subsidies, or tax credits, make health insurance premiums more affordable for individuals and were enhanced by the Biden administration and the Democratic-controlled Congress in 2021, allowing more Americans to buy coverage. The enhanced subsidies, which expire at the end of this year, helped enrollment in the ACA’s individual coverage, also known as Obamacare, eclipse a record 24 million Americans and help its popularity hit all-time highs.

    But legislation sitting before Congress that would extend the tax credits has yet to pass either the House of Representatives or the Senate. The tax credits are the key issue for Democrats and may lead to a shutdown of the federal government if Republicans and Democrats don’t come to an agreement about the future of the enhanced subsidies.

    Meanwhile, medical care providers are bracing for a huge loss of revenue, according to researchers at the Urban Institute, which is funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

    In addition to the $32 billion in lost revenue in 2026, hospitals would also see a $7.7 billion increase in “uncompensated care,” which are services these medical care providers must deliver but aren’t reimbursed for by government and private insurers, the Urban Institute report said.

    “The negative effects of allowing these tax credits to expire couldn’t be more stark,” said Katherine Hempstead, senior policy adviser at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

    “Millions of people will lose coverage, and providers will face the one-two punch of losing revenue and increasing uncompensated care,” Hempstead added. “Healthcare institutions are often the economic engines of entire communities. If the credits expire, the ripple effects will be felt for years to come.”

    The Urban Institute report is the latest to show the impact on medical care providers and patients who have benefited from the enhanced premiums.

    An analysis earlier this month from KFF says enrollees in “benchmark” plans sold on the ACA’s exchanges who currently have the enhanced tax credits get significant reductions on their premiums. Take, for example, enrollees “earning over 400% of poverty ($106,600 for a family of three in 2026),” KFF cited in an example in its analysis. These families “will not spend more than 8.5% of their incomes on out-of-pocket premiums for benchmark plans.”

    “Without the enhanced tax credits, these same enrollees will experience a ‘double whammy’ in cost increases, not only losing all financial assistance available through the premium tax credits but also needing to cover the premium increases Marketplace insurers are planning for next year,” KFF wrote in its analysis. Forbes

  • RBSK surgeries at risk as Karnataka Hospitals demand dues

    RBSK surgeries at risk as Karnataka Hospitals demand dues

    Demanding immediate reimbursement of over ₹23 crore dues pending since 2017 for paediatric surgeries done under Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), small and medium private hospitals in Karnataka have threatened to suspend their participation in the State’s health schemes.

    The hospitals, which said they are left with no option but to take legal recourse, said if the dues are not cleared at the earliest, they will halt paediatric surgeries under the State’s Ayushman Bharat Arogya Karnataka (AB-ArK) health scheme.

    The dispute dates back to 2016, when the State government introduced additional procedure codes under RBSK, a centrally-funded health scheme under the National Health Mission (NHM), without prior approval from the Centre. Private hospital authorities claimed that they acted in good faith on the published codes and provided critical services to ailing children between 2016 and 2018. However, audits later flagged that these codes lacked central clearance, leaving the claims stuck.

    Technical glitch
    Officials attribute the delay to a technical glitch in the listing of procedures on the portal of Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (SAST), the nodal agency implementing the State’s health schemes. The issue is now before the government.

    RBSK was launched in 2013-2014 to improve survival, growth and development of children in the 0-18 years group.

    Focusing on the screening of infants, children and young adults for 4 D’s — Defects at birth, Deficiencies, Diseases, Developmental delays and Disabilities — the scheme initially covered a total of 40 medical procedures which subsequently increased to 104.

    The scheme ensured children diagnosed with illness received follow-up care including early intervention services at the district level and including surgeries at tertiary level, free of cost under NHM. Services not available in government hospitals are made available in private empanelled hospitals.

    Lack of clarity
    Hospital associations contend that the responsibility for payment rests squarely with the State.

    “The procedures were introduced by the State but not formally approved by the Centre. Hospitals performed the surgeries on the basis of the government’s own notifications. The lack of clarity over financial responsibility has led to mounting dues, pushing hospitals to the brink. The dues must be cleared without further delay. If hospitals take a legal recourse, the government will have to pay the dues with interest,” said Pavan Kumar Patil, a representative of the Indian Medical Association’s Karnataka chapter and member of the Karnataka Medical Council (KMC).

    Despite repeated meetings with SAST officials and appeals to the government since 2018, payments have not been released. “The prolonged delay has caused severe financial strain on hospitals, with many providers having invested significant resources to ensure timely and quality care for children,” said L.H. Bidari, founder trustee of Yeshaswini health scheme. Dr Bidari’s hospital in Vijayapura has claims of over ₹54 lakh pending.

    Fault on both sides
    Harsh Gupta, Principal Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, acknowledged the protracted nature of the issue. “This is a seven-year-old matter.. Once patients were admitted, pre-authorisation approvals were granted from the government side and hospitals went ahead and performed procedures despite being aware that the procedures are not approved by the Centre. So the responsibility lies on both sides,” he said.

    Gupta added that the matter is under review and will be placed before the State Cabinet. He clarified that if the Centre has not approved the additional procedures, the State government will have to bear the expenditure. The Hindu

  • Healthcare, Pharma IPOs in India to raise ₹13,000 cr

    Healthcare, Pharma IPOs in India to raise ₹13,000 cr

    India’s pharmaceutical and healthcare sector is preparing for a major fundraising drive through initial public offerings (IPOs), with companies looking to raise an estimated Rs 12,000–13,000 crore over the next six to nine months.

    As many as 15 companies from the sector are expected to hit the primary market soon. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) currently has draft red herring prospectuses (DRHPs) from Indira IVF, which refiled in July for an IPO of around Rs 3,500 crore, and Sahajanand Medical Technologies, which is targeting Rs 1,500 crore.

    Other notable filings include NephroPlus (Rs 2,000 crore), Molbio Diagnostics (Rs 200 crore) and Cotec Healthcare (Rs 500 crore). Sudeep Pharma, which filed draft papers in June, plans to raise Rs 95 crore, while Gaudium IVF and Women Health is expected to refile for an issue size of around Rs 500 crore.

    Key approvals already secured
    Several companies have already secured Sebi’s nod. Rubicon Research plans to raise Rs 1,085 crore, while Corona Remedies is aiming for Rs 800 crore. Paramesu Biotech (Rs 600 crore), Allchem Lifesciences (Rs 190 crore), Paras Healthcare (Rs 900 crore), Veeda Clinical Research (Rs 500 crore) and Gujarat Kidney and Superspeciality Hospital (Rs 128 crore) are also preparing for launches. Genetix Biotech is expected to file soon.

    Fertility and women’s health in focus
    The flurry of activity highlights rising investor interest in fertility and women’s health. “We are seeing a strategic shift, particularly within the assisted reproductive technology (ART) sector,” said Saurav Chaube, research analyst at Samco Securities, to ET. He pointed to rising infertility awareness, favourable demographics, and a projected 15% CAGR over the next decade as key drivers.

    Chaube added that companies like Indira IVF and Gaudium IVF have opted for the confidential filing route, reflecting a maturing market where issuers seek to reduce early scrutiny and litigation risks.

    Macro trends support fundraising
    Broader global trends are also boosting the sector’s appeal. Samir Bahl, chief executive of Anand Rathi Advisors, told ET that pharma and healthcare remain in sharp investor focus since Covid-19, with India and the US scaling up investments in biotech and pharma innovation.

    “As supply chains diversify away from China, Indian pharma companies are well placed to leverage their cost advantage, expand exports, and raise capital for biosimilars and specialty drugs,” Bahl said. He added that high price-to-earnings ratios signal strong valuations and sustained investor interest. News18