Category: Medical

The BJP-led Delhi government presented its first Budget on Tuesday, March 25, announcing the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) in the capital. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta confirmed a ₹2,144 crore allocation for the scheme, fulfilling a key election promise.

“We had already announced that Ayushman Bharat will be implemented in Delhi,” Gupta stated while presenting the Budget. The scheme, which provides ₹5 lakh insurance coverage under the central government initiative, will receive an additional ₹5 lakh top-up from the Delhi government.

With this move, Delhi becomes the 35th state or Union Territory to adopt AB-PMJAY, which aims to benefit around 55 crore individuals from 12.37 crore economically weaker families, covering the bottom 40% of India’s population.

The previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government had rejected the central scheme, opting instead for its own healthcare model.

The AB-PMJAY provides health cover for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation to approximately 55 crore beneficiaries corresponding to 12.37 crore families constituting economically vulnerable bottom 40% of India’s population. In October 2024, the Central government expanded the scene to provide free treatment benefits of up to ₹5 lakh per year to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their socio-economic status.

The Delhi government allocated ₹6,874 crore for the health sector in its latest Budget, a reduction from the ₹8,685 crore allotted by the previous AAP-led administration in 2024-25. The funds will be used to establish health and wellness centres and expand the ‘Ayushman Arogya Mandir’ initiative, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced. Of this, ₹320 crore has been earmarked for setting up 400 health and wellness centres.

Additionally, ₹10 crore has been allocated for the Ayushman Digital Mission, which aims to modernise medical records and create an integrated healthcare data system for improved patient management. Gupta also outlined plans to accelerate the construction of 10 to 13 new hospitals, with ₹1,000 crore specifically set aside for the project. CNBCTV18

On Monday, the Andhra Pradesh government has released its AP Innovation & Startup Policy (4.0) during 2024-2029, with an aim to create 20,000 new startups within the next five years, creating a minimum of one lakh jobs. The policy also has the objective of promoting the formation of 20 Soonicorns and 10 Unicorns, as well as the growth or establishment of 10 Centers of Excellence in domains like Deeptech, blockchain, decentralized systems, Extended Reality (XR), virtual reality, augmented reality, Internet of Things, quantum computing, climate technology, healthtech, biotech, life sciences, MedTech, advanced manufacturing (including 3D printing, robotics, and nanotechnology), automotive, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. Government Order (G.O.) was issued by Katamneni Bhaskar, Secretary of IT, Electronics, and Communications.

The policy emphasizes that Andhra Pradesh has always been a leader in innovation, borrowing from the best practices both from the country and the world to create an energetic startup culture.

In 2014, Andhra Pradesh made a national first by launching India’s first Startup and Innovation Policy, followed by the A.P. Information Technology Policy (2021-2024), which provided several incentives and assistance to startups. This earlier policy is to lapse on September 30, 2024. The new policy confronts emerging challenges and captures opportunities emerging from technology developments, market forces, and evolving needs of startup entrepreneurs.

As of December 2024, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has approved 1.5 lakh startups in India, with a 120% CAGR in startup growth since 2015. Almost 50% of the startups are from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Andhra Pradesh has fostered 6,600 startups in the last five years, out of which 2,400 are DPIIT-registered. In the 2022 State Startup Ranking, Andhra Pradesh was also declared a “leader,” solidifying the state’s commitment to developing a strong startup ecosystem. Siliconindia

Lilavati Foundation on Monday said it has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Assam government to set up a super-speciality hospital in Guwahati with an investment of Rs 300-350 crore, and the facility will cater to the northeast region and neighbouring countries like Bangladesh and Bhutan.

The Mumbai-based foundation said it is in the advanced stage of discussions with several states for setting up multi-speciality hospitals to expand its presence pan India.

It said the proposed 250 to 300-bed facility in Guwahati would focus on critical specialities such as oncology and cardiology. It is set to become a premier healthcare destination for the Northeast region, including neighbouring countries like Bhutan and Bangladesh.

“The Assam government has allotted 3 acres of land for this project on a long-term lease, and the funds for this project will be raised through a mix of debt, equity and donations,” said Prashant Mehta, founder and chairperson of the foundation.

He said the project is expected to be completed in two to three years. It will provide essential medical services to a region that has long faced challenges accessing specialised healthcare.

“This project is a testament to our dedication to expanding access to quality healthcare. Assam’s strategic location and the strong support from the state government make it an ideal hub for medical tourism and specialised medical services,” Mehta said.

The foundation, which runs the Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai’s Bandra, said it is also actively looking at setting up multi-speciality hospitals and medical colleges across India, including Goa, Delhi, Jaipur, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru.

“We are in the advanced stage of talks with Goa, Delhi, Rajasthan (Jaipur), Telangana (Hyderabad) and Karnataka (Bengaluru). We are looking for suitable land parcels in these states to set up similar facilities. In five years, we are looking at setting up hospitals with 3,000 beds across most metros,” Mehta said. PTI

An audit by the accountant general (AG) has uncovered financial irregularities here at GSVM Medical College, including alleged fraudulent patient admissions and inflated payments for biomedical waste disposal. The audit, covering 2020-21 to 2023-24, detected discrepancies exceeding ₹93.32 lakh, with empty hospital beds falsely recorded as occupied to justify expenses.

The audit revealed that the college awarded a biomedical waste disposal contract to a private firm at ₹30.42 per unit, higher than Jhansi Medical College’s ₹27.6 per unit for similar services. While Jhansi renewed its agreement at ₹35.80 per unit in 2023, Kanpur’s rate was increased to ₹41.17 per unit without clear justification.

The discrepancies came to light during a review of tenders issued since 2019.

GSVM Medical College principal Dr Sanjay Kala, who took charge in 2022, stated that the contract was signed before his tenure. He argued that updated state waste management guidelines—mandating capped rates—could not be applied retroactively.

Dr Kala added that the company’s payment has been put on hold after the audit’s objections. If the audit approves, the payment will be released; otherwise, it will be returned to the government.

However, auditors maintained that payments made post-2023 should comply with current norms.

Further concerns were raised over missing vehicle logbooks from the firm essential for verifying waste transportation. Despite repeated requests, the contractor failed to provide the records, leading authorities to withhold pending payments.

In its response, the firm asserted that its contract adhered to the terms of the 2019 tender and denied any wrongdoing. However, the AG’s office has sought detailed clarification on the rate increases and procedural lapses. Hindustan Times

The US Drug Enforcement Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services will delay the effective date of two final rules that were expected to go into effect on Friday, March 21.

By extending the Expansion of Buprenorphine Treatment via Telemedicine Encounter and Continuity of Care via Telemedicine for Veterans Affairs Patients final rules – first promulgated Jan. 17 – to Dec. 31, the agencies can spend more time considering comments they have received.

Why it matters
The two rules were scheduled to become final on Feb. 18, but following a Jan. 20 regulatory freeze by the new administration, the agencies initially delayed their effective dates by a month.

The expansion rule would have permanently allowed virtual care providers to prescribe new patients a six-month supply of buprenorphine to treat opioid use disorder. After the six-month mark, the rule requires patients to see a provider in person.

The long-awaited clarity on prescribing controlled substances via telemedicine included establishing three special registries for practitioners and platforms to balance patient access with safeguards against misuse.

The DEA has had a responsibility to create a telehealth prescribing registry under the 2018 Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act, known as the SUPPORT Act.

Healthcare organizations raised concerns about the registries proposed in the DEA’s final rule, arguing that they could limit telemedicine access and impose burdensome restrictions. One concern has been limiting virtual prescribing access to terminally ill patients in hospice care.

In response to a request, the DEA said it received 32 new comments since February.

The Alliance for Connected Care asked US Attorney General Pam Bondi last month to intervene on the DEA’s e-prescribing rules and urged broader telehealth access, stating that the draft special telehealth registries should be tossed out.

The larger trend
Congress and telehealth industry groups have urged the DEA and HHS to jointly extend prescribing flexibilities allowed under the original Covid-19 public health emergency since it was initially set to expire.

The agencies agreed to a third temporary extension of virtual prescribing for controlled substances allowed under the original Covid-19 public health emergencies in November.

With this new postponement of the rules’ effective dates, telehealth providers are back to an end-of-year deadline.

On the record
“The Department of Justice wishes to further postpone the effective dates for the purpose of further reviewing any questions of fact, law and policy that the rules may raise,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and Heather Achbach, the DEA’s Federal Register liaison officer, Monday in their joint notice on the new postponement. Healthcare IT News

Acutus Medical, Inc. reported results for the full year of 2024.

Full year 2024 financial results
Revenue from Continuing Operations was $20.2 million for 2024, an increase of 181% compared to $7.2 million in 2023.

Gross margin on a GAAP basis for continuing operations was 5% for 2024 compared to negative 44% for 2023. The improvement was driven by higher production volumes related to left-heart access manufacturing and reduced manufacturing overhead expenses.

Operating expenses for continuing operations on a GAAP basis was $1.1 million for 2024 compared to Operating expenses of $8.6 million last year. The decrease in operating expenses from reduced discretionary spend under this new business model.

Net loss on continuing operations on a GAAP basis was $4.6 million for 2024 and net loss per share was $0.16 on a weighted average basic and diluted outstanding share count of 29.8 million, compared to a net loss of $11.9 million and a net loss per share of $0.4 on a weighted average basic and diluted outstanding share count of 29.1 million for last year.

Cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities and restricted cash were $14.0 million as of December 31, 2024.

Loss on discontinued operations
Loss on discontinued operations was $5.0 million for 2024, compared to $69.7 million last year.

Outlook
Due to the announced plan to realign resources to support the left-heart access distribution business and exit from the electrophysiology mapping and ablation businesses, the Company will no longer provide financial guidance.
TheNewsBit Bureau

Water resources minister Nimmala Rama Naidu announced that the state government has allocated Rs 19,264 crore in the Budget to improve medical facilities for people below the poverty line. Distributing Rs 12.60 lakh in cheques to middle-class beneficiaries under the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund at Palakollu on Monday, he said the alliance government has cleared Rs 1,300 crore dues owed to private hospitals under NTR Vaidya Seva, which the previous YSRC government had left unpaid.

He further stated that the government will implement a Rs 25-lakh health insurance scheme to ensure corporate-level medical treatment for the poor. Additionally, injections worth Rs 50,000 each will be supplied free of cost to all government hospitals for heart attack patients. The government is also conducting large-scale, door-to-door cancer screening for 4.10 crore people. To support kidney patients, dialysis centres will be set up in every constituency, he added. Deccan Chronicle

The global medical tourism market is witnessing significant growth, driven by the rising demand for high-quality yet cost-effective medical treatments across international borders. The market is projected to grow from USD 46.27 billion in 2023 to an estimated USD 142.7 billion by 2032, reflecting a CAGR of 15.12% from 2024 to 2032. Factors such as the availability of advanced healthcare infrastructure in emerging medical tourism destinations, shorter wait times for critical procedures, and affordable treatment options compared to developed nations are key contributors to this expansion. Additionally, increasing awareness about medical tourism through digital platforms, coupled with government initiatives to promote cross-border healthcare, is further propelling market growth. Popular procedures driving this trend include cosmetic surgeries, dental treatments, fertility treatments, orthopedic procedures, and specialized surgeries such as cardiovascular and oncology treatments.

The market is also shaped by technological advancements and international collaborations, which enhance the accessibility and quality of healthcare services in medical tourism hotspots. Countries such as India, Thailand, Malaysia, Mexico, and Turkey are among the leading destinations due to their state-of-the-art hospitals, skilled healthcare professionals, and competitive pricing. However, challenges such as regulatory barriers, visa restrictions, and concerns over post-operative care in foreign countries may impact market expansion. Nonetheless, the growing acceptance of telemedicine and medical concierge services is improving patient confidence in traveling abroad for medical treatments. As global healthcare costs continue to rise, medical tourism is expected to remain a viable alternative, driving sustained market growth over the forecast period.

Key growth determinants
Cost-effective medical treatments and high-quality healthcare
One of the primary drivers of the medical tourism market is the significant cost savings offered by emerging medical destinations compared to developed nations. Patients from countries like the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. seek medical treatments abroad due to high healthcare costs and insurance limitations. Countries such as India, Thailand, and Mexico provide high-quality healthcare services at a fraction of the price, making medical tourism an attractive alternative. Additionally, international accreditation of hospitals, technological advancements, and skilled medical professionals contribute to the growing preference for overseas medical treatments.

Rising demand for specialized medical procedures
Increasing incidences of chronic diseases, the aging population, and advancements in cosmetic, orthopedic, cardiovascular, and fertility treatments are fueling demand for medical tourism. Patients opt for international healthcare providers to access cutting-edge treatments, shorter wait times, and innovative surgical procedures. Additionally, medical tourists seek treatments not readily available or legal in their home countries, such as certain fertility treatments and stem cell therapies, further boosting market expansion.

Government support and infrastructure development
Several governments are actively promoting medical tourism by investing in world-class healthcare facilities, launching special visa programs, and establishing medical tourism hubs. Countries like Singapore, the UAE, and Turkey are developing policies to attract international patients by offering streamlined medical visas, tax incentives, and infrastructure development in healthcare. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) in medical tourism, including collaborations between hospitals, airlines, and hospitality services, further facilitate the growth of this sector.

Technological advancements and telemedicine integration
The integration of AI, telemedicine, and digital health platforms has enhanced accessibility and patient engagement in medical tourism. Patients can now consult specialists online, receive pre-treatment counseling, and access follow-up care remotely, making cross-border medical travel more convenient. AI-driven diagnostics, robotic-assisted surgeries, and minimally invasive treatments have also improved patient outcomes, increasing trust in international medical providers. As digitalization continues to evolve, medical tourism is expected to witness greater patient confidence, improved care coordination, and seamless cross-border healthcare experiences.

Key growth barriers
Regulatory and legal challenges
One of the significant barriers to the medical tourism market is the variation in healthcare regulations, accreditation standards, and legal frameworks across countries. Differences in medical malpractice laws, patient rights, and treatment approvals create uncertainty for international patients. Additionally, some insurance companies do not cover treatments performed abroad, limiting the accessibility of medical tourism for a broader patient base. Stricter visa policies and bureaucratic hurdles in obtaining medical visas also act as obstacles, particularly for patients traveling from developing nations.

Quality and safety concerns
While many medical tourism destinations offer high-quality healthcare, concerns over inconsistent standards, counterfeit medications, and unregulated practices can deter patients. Lack of post-operative care, language barriers, and varying levels of medical expertise pose potential risks, affecting patient trust. The absence of a globally unified accreditation system means that some healthcare providers may not meet the safety standards expected by international patients, leading to apprehension in seeking treatment abroad.

Travel risks and logistical challenges
Long-distance travel for medical procedures presents physical, financial, and logistical challenges for patients. Risks associated with air travel after surgeries, medical complications due to long-haul flights, and post-treatment complications without adequate follow-up care can impact patient recovery. Additionally, factors such as unexpected treatment costs, lack of transparency in pricing, and hidden expenses make it difficult for patients to plan their medical trips effectively. Political instability, economic downturns, and travel restrictions in key medical tourism destinations further pose challenges to market growth.

Pandemic-related uncertainties and health risks
The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the vulnerabilities of the medical tourism industry, with border closures, travel bans, and heightened infection risks affecting patient mobility. While the market is recovering, ongoing concerns about infectious diseases, emerging health crises, and stringent quarantine regulations continue to impact international medical travel. Patients may hesitate to seek treatment abroad due to fears of contracting infections, particularly in countries with less developed public health infrastructure. Additionally, fluctuating international healthcare policies and uncertainties surrounding future pandemics remain potential barriers to long-term market stability.

Regional analysis
Asia-Pacific: Leading the global market
The Asia-Pacific region dominates the medical tourism market, driven by countries such as India, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, which offer high-quality healthcare at competitive prices. India, in particular, is a preferred destination for cardiac surgeries, orthopedic procedures, and fertility treatments, owing to its skilled medical workforce and cost-effective healthcare infrastructure. Thailand and Malaysia are recognized for cosmetic and dental procedures, attracting patients from North America and Europe. Additionally, government initiatives, medical visa programs, and internationally accredited hospitals further strengthen the region’s position. The region’s rapid advancements in robotic-assisted surgeries, regenerative medicine, and alternative therapies are expected to boost market expansion in the coming years.

North America: Outbound medical tourism growth
North America, particularly the United States and Canada, contributes significantly to outbound medical tourism, as high healthcare costs and long wait times drive patients to seek treatments abroad. Many U.S. patients travel to Mexico, Costa Rica, and the Caribbean for affordable dental procedures, cosmetic surgeries, and bariatric treatments. However, the region also has advanced healthcare facilities, attracting patients for specialized treatments in oncology, neurology, and organ transplants. The increasing acceptance of cross-border healthcare agreements and telemedicine consultations is expected to shape the region’s medical tourism dynamics.

Europe: Growing inbound and outbound tourism
Europe has a dual role in the medical tourism industry, with countries such as Germany, Switzerland, and Turkey emerging as top destinations for high-quality, specialized treatments in areas like orthopedics, cardiology, and cancer care. The U.K. and France, on the other hand, witness substantial outbound medical tourism, as patients seek quicker and more cost-effective treatments in Eastern Europe and Asia. Turkey is a key player in hair transplants, cosmetic surgeries, and dental procedures, offering cutting-edge healthcare at competitive rates. Additionally, advancements in regenerative medicine, medical research, and EU-funded healthcare initiatives continue to drive the region’s growth.

Middle East & Africa: Expanding medical infrastructure
The Middle East, particularly the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, is witnessing rapid growth in medical tourism, fueled by government investments in state-of-the-art hospitals and luxury medical facilities. The UAE, especially Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is positioning itself as a premium medical tourism hub, offering world-class cosmetic, orthopedic, and fertility treatments. Meanwhile, Africa is still in the early stages of medical tourism development, with South Africa emerging as a key destination for cosmetic and dental procedures. The region faces challenges such as political instability, limited specialized treatments, and travel restrictions, but growing investments in healthcare infrastructure and accreditation programs are expected to drive future growth.

Latin America: Cost-effective and rapidly growing market
Latin America is gaining traction in medical tourism, particularly in Mexico, Brazil, Costa Rica, and Colombia, which offer affordable and high-quality medical treatments. Mexico, due to its proximity to the U.S., attracts a large number of American patients for dental work, bariatric surgeries, and cosmetic procedures. Brazil is a leader in plastic surgery, while Costa Rica is known for dental and wellness tourism. The region’s affordability, improving hospital infrastructure, and government-backed medical tourism initiatives are driving its expansion. However, safety concerns and inconsistent healthcare regulations remain challenges for sustained growth. Credence Research

Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand has embarked on a new digital project consolidating patient health information access nationwide for clinicians.

What it’s about
The Shared Digital Health Records (SDHR) project initially aims to “connect data from existing shared digital health records and nationally available clinical data into a consistent view, leveraging existing access, consent, and privacy controls,” said Darren Douglass, acting Chief Information Technology Officer of Te Whatu Ora, in a statement shared with Healthcare IT News.

Funded with NZ$4 million ($2.29 million) through its launch in the middle of the year, the first stage of the project involves ensuring the health system’s readiness through testing options for privacy controls and understanding consumer priorities around the use of their data and consent. This stage will also extend clinicians’ access to patient records not currently available in existing records systems.

“We are re-engaging with our primary care partners to work with them on the data we need to make available for clinical use, how we plan to use and keep it safe, including which care settings will be prioritised for future access,” Douglass expounded.

Providers joining the project can “opt off at any time and reverse that decision if they would like to.”

One of the SDHR’s first uses is supporting the recently announced 24/7 GP telehealth service. Future applications include urgent care facilities and emergency departments.

Future development, meanwhile, includes enhancing data and extending access to other parts of the health system, such as first responders, hospitals, and specialist services, prioritised based on value for patients and clinicians. “This further development is part of a wider digital primary care business case, which is to be finalised over the coming months,” Douglass explained.

“I look forward to sharing more detail[s] as work in the initiative progresses,” he added.

Why it matters
The SDHR project aims to provide consolidated access to digital health records across Te Whatu Ora regions. “Clinicians currently do not have access to shared digital health records for patients in all [Te Whatu Ora] regions,” Douglass said. Access to existing systems, including Health One, Your Health Summary, and TestSafe, is fragmented and inconsistent, he noted.

“We understand and acknowledge it is very important to our stakeholders that clinicians and patients remain informed and retain control over the distribution, access, and use of health information,” the Te Whatu Ora official emphasised.

The larger context
Hira and other similar data-related programs have informed the creation of the SDHR project, Douglass shared. Hira now provides access to patient information, including National Health Index details and vaccination records, via My Health Record, and API testing capabilities via the Digital Services Hub for IT developers. The project, the first phase of which was completed in June, is now paused following budget cuts.

Meanwhile, Te Whatu Ora’s National Data Platform was also launched last year in July. It initially established a secure environment for managing personal medical data. Expected to drive evidence-based policy decisions, data currently available to analysts include the Medicines Data Repository and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Assessment datasets. Healthcare IT News

The tech startup executive charged by the Trump administration with reviewing the Internal Revenue Service’s technology modernization program said on Thursday that he has canceled contracts worth about $1.5 billion from the tax agency’s budget.

Sam Corcos, founder and CEO of health technology firm Levels, and a member of President Donald Trump’s informal Department of Government Efficiency, told Fox News Channel that he has found legacy contracts with outside technology consultants worth tens of billions of dollars for a systems modernization effort that is decades behind schedule.

“I think we’ve so far stopped work and cut about $1.5 billion from the modernization budget, mostly projects that were putting us down this death spiral of complexity in our code base,” said Corcos, who serves as a special adviser to the Treasury.

That’s from an annual modernization budget of about $3.7 billion, which is in addition to a $3.5 billion information technology systems budget, he said.
The true size and legality of many DOGE-related cuts in government spending have been challenged in court.

The IRS last week said it was pausing technology modernization investments to reevaluate its operating approach in light of new artificial intelligence technologies.
The pause marks another shift away from the original $80 billion in IRS investment funding over a decade that was included in former president Joe Biden’s 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.

The modernization effort was aimed making up for a decade of under-funding to revamp outdated 1960s-era computer architecture, improving taxpayer services and boosting the IRS’ capability to increase tax collections through more sophisticated audits of the ultra-wealthy and business owners.

Clawing back the supplemental funding has long been a target of Republicans in Congress, who argued that it was aimed at harassing taxpayers. Subsequent stopgap government funding measures have whittled the original $80 billion down by as much as half.

Corcos praised the dedication of the IRS’ 8,000 career information technology employees, saying that they have been “super cooperative” with the cost review. But he said that the agency’s IT costs are far above those of private-sector banks processing similar amounts of data. Reuters