Category: Medical

The adoption of connected medical devices, collectively called the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), has transformed patient care. However, this technological advancement has also introduced cybersecurity challenges to safeguard patient safety and uphold organizational security.

Securing IoMT: Prioritizing risks
IoMT devices, ranging from infusion pumps to imaging systems, are often interconnected and communicate over networks, making them potential entry points for cyber threats. The unique nature of medical devices, often running on legacy systems with extended lifecycles, compounds the complexity of securing them.

“Healthcare organizations are constantly battling to manage devices with high CVSS scores of 9.0 and above. We found 20% of OT and IoMT devices fall into this high-risk category. Of course, these CVSS scores are valuable. However, they are often relied on when prioritizing which ones to fix. Organizations are trying to “boil the ocean” when dealing with vulnerabilities,” Ty Greenhalgh, Industry Principal for Healthcare at Claroty, told Help Net Security.

“To truly manage and prioritize risks, organizations need to look beyond technical scores and consider contextual risk factors that impact operations related to patient care. This can include identifying devices in critical care areas, legacy devices close to or past their end-of-life status, where any insecure communication protocols are, and how sensitive personal information is being stored,” Greenhalgh added.

Security weaknesses in medical devices
1. Legacy systems and outdated firmware
A significant number of medical devices operate on outdated operating systems. Studies have shown that 14% of connected medical devices run on unsupported or end-of-life operating systems, with imaging devices like x-ray and MRI systems comprising 32% of these unsupported devices. This reliance on obsolete software renders them susceptible to known exploits.

2. Default and weak authentication
Alarmingly, 21% of medical devices are secured by weak or default credentials, which are often easily obtainable from online manuals. This oversight provides a gateway for attackers to infiltrate hospital networks.

3. Unsegmented networks
Approximately 22% of hospitals have devices that bridge guest and internal networks. Shockingly, 4% of surgical devices communicate over guest networks, exposing critical equipment to potential attacks from public access points.

4. Lack of visibility and inventory management
Many healthcare organizations lack a comprehensive inventory of their connected devices. This absence of visibility hampers effective monitoring and risk assessment, leaving numerous devices unmonitored and vulnerable.

The cost of inaction
1. Attacks
The healthcare sector has become a prime target for ransomware attacks. In 2024, 92% of healthcare organizations experienced at least one cyberattack, with 69% reporting disruptions to patient care as a direct consequence.

2. FDA warnings and device recalls
In March 2019, the FDA issued warnings concerning cybersecurity vulnerabilities in Medtronic’s implantable cardiac devices. The identified flaws could have allowed unauthorized users to access and control these devices, posing severe risks to patient safety.

3. Nation-state threats
APTs have increasingly targeted healthcare infrastructures. These sophisticated attacks often aim to exfiltrate sensitive patient data or disrupt critical services, underscoring the necessity for robust defense mechanisms.

Regulatory and compliance challenges
1. FDA and medical device security regulations
The FDA has emphasized the importance of cybersecurity in medical devices, issuing guidelines that urge manufacturers to incorporate security measures throughout the device lifecycle. Compliance with these guidelines is essential to ensure both patient safety and regulatory approval.

2. HIPAA and IoMT
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) mandates the protection of patient information. Medical devices that handle protected health information (PHI) must adhere to HIPAA’s stringent security requirements to prevent unauthorized access and data breaches.

3. EU MDR and GDPR implications
The European Union’s Medical Device Regulation (MDR) and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) impose strict standards on medical device security and data protection. Non-compliance can result in substantial fines and legal repercussions, making it imperative for organizations to align their practices with these regulations.

Proactive engagement
“For CISOs, the priority should be proactive engagement. First, implement real-time vulnerability tracking and ensure security patches can be deployed quickly without disrupting device functionality. Medical device security must be continuous—not just a checkpoint during development or regulatory submission. Second, regulatory alignment isn’t a one-time effort. The FDA now expects ongoing vulnerability monitoring, coordinated disclosure policies, and robust software patching strategies. Automating security processes—whether for SBOM (Software Bill of Materials) management, dependency tracking, or compliance reporting—reduces human error and improves response times. An SBOM is valuable not just for compliance but as a tool for tracking and mitigating vulnerabilities throughout a device’s lifecycle,” Ken Zalevsky, CEO of Vigilant Ops explained.

“Finally, collaboration is essential. Medical device cybersecurity is a shared responsibility across manufacturers, healthcare providers, and regulators. Establishing clear, repeatable processes for assessing supplier risk and securing software supply chains will reduce exposure to threats like ransomware and zero-day exploits,” Zalevsky added.

Risk mitigation strategies
Building a medical device security framework:

• Asset inventory and risk assessment: Conduct thorough inventories of all connected medical devices and perform regular risk assessments to identify and prioritize vulnerabilities.
• Network segmentation and microsegmentation: Implement network segmentation to isolate medical devices from other critical systems, reducing the potential impact of a compromised device.
• Zero trust architecture: Adopt a zero trust model, enforcing strict access controls and continuous verification for all devices and users within the network.

Improving vendor security management:

• Accountability for security updates: Establish clear agreements with device manufacturers, holding them responsible for timely security patches and updates.
• Software Bill of Materials (SBOM): Require vendors to provide an SBOM, offering transparency into the components and software within each device to better assess potential vulnerabilities.

Leveraging AI and threat intelligence:

• Anomaly detection: Utilize artificial intelligence to monitor device behavior and detect anomalies that may indicate a security breach.
• Threat intelligence sharing: Participate in information-sharing initiatives to stay informed about emerging threats and vulnerabilities.

Incident response and resilience planning:

• IoMT-specific response plans: Develop incident response plans tailored to medical device security incidents, ensuring rapid containment and mitigation.
• Regular drills and simulations: Conduct tabletop exercises and simulations to prepare for potential cyber incidents, enhancing organizational readiness and response capabilities.

“The rate at which digital transformation is onboarding new devices onto the network is outpacing organizations’ abilities to track where these assets are or how they’re performing. This can lead to underutilised assets that needlessly drain budgets. CISOs must improve their understanding of how assets interact with the network to identify areas of wasteful spending and pinpoint opportunities to optimise underutilised technology. To do this, they need to embrace a visibility first mindset and establish a robust asset management system. This is essential to maximise resources and minimise financial losses,” Greenhalgh explained

“To aid this, security leaders must break down knowledge silos within their organizations. CISOs should review their current policies and engage knowledgeable stakeholders from across the organization. Clinical engineers, for instance, hold invaluable insights into the technologies behind medical devices, yet they are often excluded from asset management and network security discussions,” Greenhalgh concluded. Help Net Security

The global robotic radiotherapy market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 11.6% from 2026 to 2032, according to Verified Market Research®. The report reveals that the market was valued at USD 1.23 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 2.95 billion by the end of the forecast period.

The robotic radiotherapy market is experiencing rapid growth due to increasing demand for non-invasive cancer treatments. Robotics and AI-driven technologies are transforming the field of oncology, enabling targeted tumor eradication while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. As healthcare facilities embrace automation, the market is set to expand, offering improved treatment efficiency and accuracy.

Key market drivers
Rising cancer incidence driving demand for precision treatment: The rising global incidence of cancer is driving the desire for sophisticated treatment options, with robotic radiation becoming a favored approach. Conventional radiation therapy frequently suffers from imprecision, resulting in unintended harm to healthy tissues. Robotic radiotherapy, combined with artificial intelligence and motion-tracking technology, increases precision, decreases treatment duration, and boosts patient results. With the increasing incidence of cancer, healthcare providers and oncology centers are diligently investing in these technologies to enhance care delivery.

Advancements in AI and machine learning in radiation therapy: The amalgamation of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) is transforming robotic radiotherapy through real-time tumor tracking, automated treatment planning, and adaptive radiation dosage administration. These technologies augment accuracy, reduce errors, and promote efficiency in cancer therapy. Prominent medical device manufacturers are significantly spending in research and development to integrate AI-driven analytics, hence accelerating market acceptance. As healthcare organizations pursue automation and efficiency, AI-driven robotic radiotherapy is emerging as an industry standard.

Growing preference for non-invasive cancer treatment modalities: The transition to non-invasive cancer therapies is hastening the implementation of robotic radiation systems. In contrast to traditional surgery, robotic radiation provides a non-invasive option that decreases recovery duration, mitigates surgical complications, and enhances patient comfort. The demand for outpatient cancer therapies is increasing, hence intensifying the necessity for robotic solutions. As healthcare institutions emphasize patient-centered care and operational efficiency, global investments in robotic radiotherapy technology are anticipated to increase significantly.

Market restraints hindering the market growth
High capital investment and operational costs: Notwithstanding its technological benefits, robotic radiotherapy necessitates considerable financial commitment, constraining its adoption by small and medium-sized healthcare institutions. The expenses associated with acquiring, installing, and sustaining robotic systems are considerably greater than those for traditional radiation therapy apparatus. Moreover, continuous maintenance, software enhancements, and specialized training for healthcare personnel contribute to operational costs. These budgetary limitations present a significant obstacle to extensive market penetration.

Stringent regulatory approvals slowing market growth: The regulatory intricacies associated with robotic radiotherapy systems pose a considerable obstacle for manufacturers and healthcare organizations. Rigorous approval procedures enforced by regulatory agencies including the FDA, EMA, and various regional health authorities impede product commercialization. Adherence to safety and efficacy criteria necessitates comprehensive clinical trials, hence prolonging the time-to-market for novel developments. This legislative impediment hinders the swift implementation of robotic radiotherapy technology, affecting total market growth.

Limited availability of skilled healthcare professionals: The effective execution of robotic radiotherapy depends on proficient specialists, such as oncologists, radiation therapists, and medical physicists, who are trained in robotic-assisted treatment planning and implementation. Nonetheless, a deficiency of skilled professionals continues to pose a significant barrier, especially in developing countries. The deficiency in proficiency regarding modern robotic systems may result in operational inefficiencies and impede adoption. Addressing this skill gap through targeted training programs and certifications is crucial for market expansion.

Geographical dominance:
North America dominates the robotic radiotherapy market with advanced healthcare infrastructure
North America dominates the Robotic Radiotherapy Market, propelled by robust healthcare infrastructure, significant adoption of AI-enhanced radiation therapy, and considerable investments in cancer treatment technology. The United States excels owing to advantageous payment rules, substantial research and development in robotic oncology, and an increasing incidence of cancer. Simultaneously, the Asia-Pacific region is seeing swift expansion, driven by rising healthcare expenditures and enhanced access to sophisticated radiation technologies. Verified Market Research

The global microplates market is experiencing steady growth, driven by the increasing adoption of high-throughput screening (HTS) in drug discovery, rising demand for automated laboratory solutions, and advancements in biotechnology and life sciences research. Microplates, which serve as a critical component in laboratory automation, are widely utilized in applications such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and cell culture studies. The expanding pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, coupled with the growing prevalence of chronic diseases, are further fueling the demand for microplates in research and diagnostic applications. Additionally, government initiatives supporting biomedical research and advancements in material technologies, such as the development of more durable and transparent polymers, are contributing to the market’s expansion.

Between 2024 and 2032, the microplates market is expected to grow from USD 875.50 million in 2023 to USD 1,301.08 million by 2032, at a CAGR of 4.50%. The Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to witness the fastest growth, driven by increasing investments in healthcare infrastructure, the expansion of research facilities, and the rising prevalence of infectious diseases. North America and Europe will continue to dominate due to their well-established pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, strong funding for R&D activities, and the presence of major market players. However, challenges such as high initial investment costs for automated microplate systems and the availability of alternative lab technologies may slightly hinder market growth. Nevertheless, ongoing technological innovations and the rising trend of personalized medicine are expected to provide lucrative opportunities for market expansion.

Key growth determinants
Rising adoption of high-throughput screening (hts) in drug discovery
The increasing use of high-throughput screening (HTS) in pharmaceutical and biotechnology research is a significant driver of the microplates market. Microplates play a crucial role in accelerating drug discovery by enabling simultaneous analysis of multiple samples, improving efficiency, and reducing research timelines. As pharmaceutical companies invest heavily in R&D for new drug development, the demand for high-quality microplates is expected to rise.

Growing demand for automated laboratory solutions
The shift towards automation in laboratories to enhance efficiency and reduce human errors is fueling the adoption of microplates. Automated liquid handling systems, microplate readers, and robotic sample preparation methods have become essential in modern research and diagnostic applications. The demand for standardized, high-precision microplates is increasing as laboratories aim to improve throughput and reproducibility.

Expansion of biotechnology and life sciences research
With rapid advancements in biotechnology and molecular diagnostics, the need for reliable microplates in applications such as ELISA, PCR, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) has surged. The increasing prevalence of infectious diseases and chronic conditions such as cancer has driven research efforts, boosting the demand for high-quality microplates in genomic and proteomic studies.

Advancements in microplate materials and design
Manufacturers are focusing on developing durable, transparent, and chemically resistant microplates to enhance performance in various assays. The introduction of advanced materials such as polypropylene and polystyrene with improved optical and thermal properties is further expanding the usability of microplates in research and diagnostic applications. Additionally, innovations in 3D cell culture microplates are gaining traction in drug development and regenerative medicine.

Increasing government funding and investments in biomedical research
Governments and private organizations are significantly investing in biomedical research and life sciences, contributing to market growth. Funding initiatives supporting cancer research, vaccine development, and personalized medicine are driving the demand for microplates, particularly in academic and research institutions. This trend is expected to continue, particularly in emerging economies investing in healthcare infrastructure and innovation.

Key growth barriers
1. High initial investment and operational costs
One of the primary challenges in the microplates market is the high cost of advanced microplate systems, including automated readers, washers, and high-throughput screening (HTS) platforms. Many research institutions, particularly in developing regions, face budget constraints, limiting their ability to invest in cutting-edge microplate technologies. Additionally, maintenance and operational costs add to the financial burden, slowing adoption rates.

2. Availability of alternative technologies
The emergence of alternative laboratory technologies, such as lab-on-a-chip devices, microfluidic systems, and biochips, poses a significant challenge to the microplates market. These alternatives offer advantages such as lower sample volume requirements, higher sensitivity, and real-time analysis, reducing the reliance on traditional microplate-based assays. The growing preference for miniaturized and point-of-care diagnostic solutions may restrain market expansion.

3. Limited standardization and compatibility issues
Despite advancements in microplate design, lack of standardization across different manufacturers often results in compatibility issues with automated laboratory systems. Differences in well sizes, materials, and coatings can impact assay performance and reproducibility, making it difficult for laboratories to integrate microplates seamlessly into existing workflows. This variability can hinder widespread adoption, particularly in highly regulated industries like pharmaceuticals and clinical diagnostics.

4. Challenges in handling and storage
Microplates require careful handling, storage, and disposal to maintain accuracy and avoid contamination. Factors such as evaporation, cross-contamination, and material degradation can affect experimental outcomes, especially in sensitive applications like cell culture and molecular diagnostics. Laboratories must invest in specialized storage solutions and protocols, increasing operational complexity. Credence Research

Policybazaar’s parent firm PB Fintech Ltd on Tuesday (March 11) said its board has approved an investment of up to ₹696 crore in its wholly owned subsidiary, PB Healthcare Services Private Limited, through the subscription or purchase of equity shares and compulsory convertible preference shares (CCPS) during FY 2025-26.

“An investment for an aggregate amount of up to INR 696,00,00,000 (Indian Rupees Six Hundred Ninety Six Crore only) in PB Healthcare Services Private Limited, its wholly owned subsidiary by way of subscribing or purchasing its Equity Shares or Compulsory Convertible Preference Shares during the financial year 2025-26,” PB Fintech said in a regulatory filing.

The investment, subject to shareholder approval via postal ballot, will be made alongside external investors, including Chairman & CEO Yashish Dahiya, Executive Vice Chairman Alok Bansal, and three Key Managerial Personnel (KMPs).

PB Healthcare, incorporated in January 2025, operates in the healthcare and allied services sector. The investment aims to support the subsidiary’s operational expenses, enhance its brand presence, and fund strategic initiatives.

Following the transaction, PB Fintech will hold up to 33.63% of PB Healthcare’s equity on a fully diluted basis. The acquisition is classified as a related party transaction and will be executed at fair value determined by a Registered Valuer.

In January this year, PB Fintech’s Chairman and Group CEO, Yashish Dahiya, said the company’s health insurance business, which is currently growing four times faster than the industry, is a ‘long-term driver of value for the company’.

Health insurance currently accounts for just over 60% of the company’s net present value (NPV). and slightly more than 30% of the total premium collected.

Shares of PB Fintech Ltd ended at ₹1,462.00, up by ₹36.65, or 2.57%, on the BSE. CNBCTV18

A doctor’s union has said the number of unfilled shifts across London trusts is having a “detrimental impact” on medics who are working “increasingly understaffed and challenging shifts”.

The British Medical Association (BMA) said its investigation found more than 32,000 doctors’ shifts unfilled in hospitals in London over a six-month period last year.

The union has also claimed these shifts are not taken up by doctors as extra work as NHS trusts are “colluding” to keep rates of pay for extra shifts universally low across all hospitals.

A spokesperson for NHS England said on average around 90% of shifts are filled in London’s NHS hospitals.

‘Patients deserve better’
Freedom of Information (FOI) requests by the BMA revealed that across 23 London trusts at least 32,576 shifts have been offered to doctors, but have not been filled.

Co-chair of the BMA North Thames Regional Resident Doctors’ Committee, Dr Shivam Sharma, said the information backs up “what doctors in London already know: we are untenably short staffed”.

He added: “Every single one of those 32,000 unfilled shifts meant overworked doctors were left trying to do the work of multiple medics.

“Patients in London deserve doctors who can give them the time and energy they need.”

Dr Sharma said it is “only common sense that if trusts abandoned the medical rate cap and paid these shifts more competitively, as trusts in other parts of the country can do, we would see fewer rota gaps and better-staffed hospitals”.

An NHS England spokesperson said its “top priority is patient safety, and we work closely with trusts and systems cross the capital to support best practice”.

They said while 90% of shifts are filled in London, there could be “a variety of reasons” why the remaining shifts are not covered.

It did not comment on the BMA’s claim that shifts were being left unfilled because of low pay rates.

Kevin O’Kane, chair of the BMA London regional council, said it is “unacceptable” that doctors in the capital are being asked to work for rates that they have not been able to negotiate.

He said: “When doctors take on extra work and sacrifice their already limited free time they deserve to be paid fairly, and in a way that reflects the increased costs that come from living in London.

“The London medical rate cap is unjust, and we must find a way to ensure doctors are fairly paid for the extra shifts they do.

“This is also in the interests of hospital trusts in the capital and the patients we all serve; by agreeing a London-wide set of rates, we create stability for trust managers and deliver a reliable supply of doctors to provide the care patients need.” BBC

Members of the A.P. Speciality Hospital Association have announced that they will discontinue all cashless services being offered to the people in the network hospitals under the Dr NTR Vaidya Seva from April 7 due to non-payment of dues amounting to ₹3,500 crore by the State government.

Stating that the network hospitals in the State, around 620 in number, are stretched beyond the limit, the members have written a letter to Dr NTR Vaidya Seva CEO P. Ravi Subash pointing out that they are taking the step because there does not seem to be a way out of the situation.

“Despite our best efforts to continue serving the BPL population and support the State government’s healthcare initiatives, the financial strain has made it unsustainable for us to function,” the letter says.

The letter, released to the media on March 8, said the hospitals were struggling to keep the services running, as their monthly operational expenses also had not been paid so far.

In January, Special Chief Secretary M.T. Krishna Babu had announced that the government would release ₹500 crore at the earliest towards clearing a part of the outstanding dues of the network hospitals.

Contrary to the claims, the government did not release more than ₹70 crore in the month of January, association president K. Vijay Kumar said.

“In December last, we were assured that ₹500 crore would be released immediately, but we received ₹400 crore. In January, we received ₹70 crore only,” Dr Vijay Kumar said, adding the government had time and again cited financial constraint because of the previous government as the reason.

“But now, we are in no position to continue delivering services to the people. We have heard that as part of the hybrid model, the government is ready to pay around ₹4,000 crore upfront to the private insurance companies. When they have enough funds to pay them, why cannot they spend the amount on network hospitals,” the president questioned.

Moreover, the association members were not invited for a discussion on making the shift to the hybrid model, where insurance companies would become a part.

“The transition to a hybrid model will have an impact on the network hospitals. But none of us are kept in the loop. We got to know about the developments only through the media,” Dr Vijay Kumar said.

Earlier too, in the month of November, the association had announced that it would discontinue the services, but did not go ahead with the decision after the government promised to release funds.

“Now, there is no choice,” the members said, adding that unless the government announced immediate steps to resolve the issue, they would stick to their decision of stopping cashless services under the scheme. The Hindu

Narayana Hrudayalaya jumped 2.01% to Rs 1597.55 after the firm’s foreign subsidiary, Health City Cayman Islands (HCCI) entered into a joint venture (JV) agreement with 2070 Health Inc., W Health Ventures GP LLC, and Everhope Oncology Private.

The joint venture agreement aims to establish and operate a network of healthcare centers in India, specifically for the treatment of cancer patients, with a focus on chemotherapy treatment through the JV company.

2070 Health Inc. and W Health Ventures GP LLC are both incorporated under the laws of Delaware, USA while Everhope Oncology Private, is the joint venture company.

The equity subscription by parties will take place in three tranches over a period of time, HCCI will hold 50%, 2070 Health will hold 20% and W health Ventures GP LLC will hold 30% of the shareholding.

The company said that the total investment over a period of next 1 to 2 years is expected to be $10 million.

Narayana Hrudayalaya is one of the leading healthcare service providers in India, operating a chain of multispecialty, tertiary, and primary healthcare facilities.

The company’s consolidated net profit increased 2.6% to Rs 192.94 crore in Q3 FY25 as compared with Rs 188.02 crore in Q3 FY24. Net sales jumped 13.5% YoY to Rs 1366.68 crore during the quarter ended 31st December 2024. Capital Market

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said early Monday that 83% of programs funded by US Agency for International Development, or USAID, are being canceled, in the latest for the beleaguered agency that provides humanitarian aid overseas and has become the target for the Elon Musk-helmed Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE.

Rubio said on his personal X account that the cancellations come after a six-week review, and that “the 5200 contracts that are now cancelled spent tens of billions of dollars in ways that did not serve, (and in some cases even harmed), the core national interests of the United States.”

Rubio also said that in consultation with Congress, the State Department intends for the remaining 1,000 programs to be administered “more effectively” under the State Department.

“Thank you to DOGE and our hardworking staff who worked very long hours to achieve this overdue and historic reform,” Rubio posted.

The State Department said two weeks ago that 5,800 USAID contracts had been canceled, a 92% reduction. Rubio on Monday did not give any explanation for the difference in numbers.

USAID has been the target of DOGE, the agency created in an executive order signed by President Trump on his first day in office. DOGE is supposed to be tasked with eliminating government waste and posted in February a “wall of receipts” outlining the money allegedly saved by cutting government programs. CBS News has found that the “wall of receipts” contained multiple errors, and DOGE’s purges have faced numerous challenges in court.

USAID, which was founded in 1961 by President Kennedy, provided humanitarian aid to more than 100 countries, including disaster relief, health and medical aid, and emergency food programs. In fiscal year 2023, USAID managed more than $40 billion in appropriations, the Congressional Research Service said, a figure that is less than 1% of the federal budget.

Mr. Trump accused USAID as being run by “radical left lunatics.” Musk, meanwhile, said it was “beyond repair.” Three US officials have told CBS News that Trump plans to merge USAID into the State Department and severely reduce its staff and budget.

In early February, two top security officials were placed on administrative leave after they refused to allow DOGE access to classified information, sources confirmed to CBS News. Matt Hopson, tapped by Trump to be USAID chief of staff just two weeks earlier, resigned shortly afterward and USAID’s website went dark. By the end of that week, nearly all of the agency’s staff were put on administrative leave and all of its overseas staff were ordered to be shuttered.

Meanwhile, a USAID deputy administrator was put on administrative leave in February for issuing memos saying the agency had failed to implement humanitarian assistance due to “political leadership” at the agency and DOGE.

Mr. Trump signed an executive order his first day in office that froze federal funding for foreign assistance for 90 days amid a review of foreign aid, although the State Department later issued a waiver for “life-saving “life-saving humanitarian assistance,” defined as “life-saving medicine, medical services, food, shelter, and subsistence assistance, as well as supplies and reasonable administrative costs as necessary to deliver such assistance.”

The Supreme Court last week declined to halt a lower court order that required the Trump administration to unfreeze nearly $2 billion in foreign aid funding, which could clear the way for reimbursements for organizations that have done work for USAID overseas. Arguments in the lower court case are still ongoing. CBS News

Emergency response service provider Zenzo on Monday launched a network of 25,000 private ambulances across 450 cities in India with ambulance response time of less than 15 minutes.

The company has partnered with major delivery platforms, including Zomato, and many other e-commerce and mobility players to spread awareness about emergency responses, medical first aid, and CPR training, Zenzo told reporters.

These collaborations aim to educate delivery personnel, who are often first responders, on life-saving techniques and public engagement.

“Zenzo’s core mission is to ‘Make India Emergency Ready’ by harnessing digital technology to build a robust medical emergency service infrastructure. We aim to provide the largest network of validated ambulances across the country available through a nation-wide toll free number 1800 102 1298,” Zenzo co-founder and CEO Sweta Mangal said.

Its a paid service with a standard pricing across the country, she told PTI, adding that for a basic ambulance the charges will be Rs 1,500 for 5 kms and additional Rs 50 per km after that.

For a cardiac ambulance, the charges will be Rs 2,500 for 5 km and Rs 100 per km after that, she added.

To strengthen India’s healthcare infrastructure, Zenzo collaborates with hospitals, local authorities, corporates and private ambulance fleets, ensuring life-saving equipment and trained professionals are readily accessible.

“Going forward, looking at the demand, we will keep adding ambulances and cities. The project with a funding of Rs 5 crore was through internal accrual,” Mangal added. PTI

Jaylee Williams needed to find somewhere to deliver her son.

The 19-year-old knew more about barrel racing on her horse Bet-n-pep than the complicated metrics of who takes what health insurance. But relief for Williams and her boyfriend, Xander Lopez, came when they realized Medina Regional Hospital – just 15 minutes from their home – accepted Medicaid, the federal-state program that covers medical costs for lower-income Americans. Provider groups an hour away in San Antonio had refused to take the insurance, she recalled while cradling little Ryker.

“You never know when something could happen,” Williams said, with Lopez adding, “I have no idea where we would have gone” without Medina Regional Hospital.

But the lifeline that the 25-bed critical-access hospital offered to Williams and Lopez could disappear in Hondo and other communities like it.

Rural hospitals across the United States fear that massive Medicaid cuts Republicans would have to consider under the current House budget proposal could decimate maternity services or shutter already struggling medical facilities in communities that overwhelmingly voted for Donald Trump.

Nearly half of all rural hospitals nationwide operate at a deficit, with Medicaid barely keeping them afloat. Already, almost 200 rural hospitals have closed in the past two decades, according to the Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, part of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Rural hospital leaders in Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri and Texas who spoke to The Washington Post warned that the enormous cuts congressional Republicans are weighing could further destroy limited health-care access in rural America. Proposals to slash up to $880 billion over 10 years – which is expected to be accomplished largely by scaling back on Medicaid – would also affect those who do not rely on the program but do rely on the medical facilities that are financially dependent on the program’s reimbursements.

While Republicans are reluctant to acknowledge potential entitlement cuts due to possible political backlash, the House-passed budget proposal would almost certainly require Medicaid cuts, health-care analysts say.

“Every nickel matters,” said Benjamin Anderson, chief executive of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System, which runs a rural hospital in Kansas. “It will cripple and close the health-care delivery systems that serve everyone.”

Heart attack and stroke victims may lose crucial time being ferried by ambulance to big-city hospitals, health-care experts say. Rural nursing homes may vanish, straining families in the poorest of regions. Those who are pregnant may have no choice but to drive long distances for prenatal checkups and to give birth.

Public perception often associates the health-care safety net used by more than 1 in 5 Americans with the urban poor. But rural children and non-elderly adults are more likely to rely on Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) than those in metro areas, according to the Center for Children and Families at the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University.

The possible cuts are an “existential issue” for rural hospitals, said Alan Morgan, chief executive of the National Rural Health Association.

“Medicaid cuts are going to result in rural hospital closures,” he said. “It’s just a question of how many.”

Maternity deserts and political consequences
Medina Regional Hospital sits in an 8,000-person agricultural town roughly an hour west of San Antonio, the drive between the two dotted with taxidermy signs, John Deere tractors and cattle. Per capita income comes in under $20,000 annually, according to the economic development director for the town.

The facility’s chief executive, Billie Bell, had considered closing the unit serving expectant mothers a few years ago. It’s a service the hospital already loses money on, Bell said, as the vast majority of obstetrics patients are on Medicaid, which does not reimburse the facility dollar for dollar for care. She managed to keep the unit open because she feared adding to the maternity health-care deserts in a state that far outpaces the nation in rising rates of maternal deaths.

More than 35 percent of U.S. counties don’t have birthing facilities or obstetric clinicians, according to a March of Dimes report. In Texas, that figure is even worse: Nearly half of the state’s counties are considered maternity-care deserts. Bell warned that cuts to Medicaid could shutter her unit completely.

“We’d lose a big heart of our community,” Bell said. “We provide care from the time someone is born until they die.”

Even if rural facilities manage to stay open but are forced to cut Medicaid-heavy services such as nursing homes or obstetrics care, more rural Americans – and Republican voters – will be left to deal with the consequences.

Some Republicans, such as Sen. Josh Hawley (Missouri) and Trump ally Stephen K. Bannon, have warned against gutting Medicaid, pointing to the vast number of Trump supporters who qualify for the program amid the populist wave that has transformed the GOP. The president has repeatedly said he will not touch Medicaid.

But he has also endorsed the House’s plan to find ways to cut spending across federal programs, which are expected to come out of the Medicaid program if lawmakers avoid cutting Medicare or Social Security. All three programs make up more than 40 percent of the federal budget. The House and Senate will work to reconcile their visions for cutting the federal budget in coming weeks.

The Republican Party suffered large congressional losses in 2018, the last time it tried Medicaid cuts, said KFF’s executive vice president for health policy, Larry Levitt, whose nonpartisan health-care research group surveyed Trump voters on Medicaid. Similar political reprisals could happen again, he warned.

“Rural America is Trump country,” Levitt said. “When they voted for Trump, I don’t think they expected cuts to their health care.”

In rural Hondo, whose slogan is “This is God’s country,” that kind of reaction wouldn’t be a surprise, said Mayor John McAnelly.

Hondo is the county seat of Medina County, where almost three-quarters of the presidential vote went to Trump. But if Medicaid cuts hurt Medina Regional Hospital, the answer would be pretty clear, the mayor said.

“Regardless of which party is in power, anytime you start doing those cuts, there’s going to be backlash,” McAnelly said.

Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas), who represents Hondo, has spoken with Bell about the plight rural hospitals face.

When asked to comment, his office pointed to a letter he had sent to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) urging him to support a budget that tackles waste without harming critical programs that support Americans.

“Slashing Medicaid would have serious consequences, particularly in rural and predominantly Hispanic communities where hospitals and nursing homes are already struggling to keep their doors open,” Gonzales and other representatives wrote.

About 3 in 4 rural residents said Medicaid funding should increase or stay the same, KFF found in a poll conducted Feb. 18-25.

With broad support for rural hospitals, there are likely to be carve-outs to protect them in a Republican reconciliation bill, said Brian Blase, an influential voice in the Medicaid debate. He served as a White House economic official in the first Trump administration and is now president of Paragon Health Institute, a right-leaning think tank, which is pushing for states to cover more Medicaid costs.

That support comes in part because when a rural hospital closes, communities don’t just lose their access to care – they often lose their economic lifeblood. Medina Regional Hospital is the largest employer in town and key to attracting businesses and young families essential to making Hondo thrive.

But items Republicans are proposing, such as work requirements, which often take people off Medicaid’s rolls, could impact its financial stability. During the coronavirus pandemic, states were required to keep people enrolled continuously in Medicaid to access enhanced federal funds. So when the public health emergency ended, millions were removed from Medicaid rolls, including many – particularly children – who probably remained eligible.

The Medicaid unwinding hit Medina Regional Hospital’s bottom line, said Kevin Frosch, the hospital’s chief financial officer. As people in his area came off the Medicaid rolls, they often got junk plans and were unable to pay for care, Frosch said.

Inside Medina Regional Hospital’s health clinic offices at the end of February, Chelsey Sullaway had her 37-week pregnancy checkup for her second baby, with her first daughter in tow.

Sullaway, who used to work at the hospital before becoming a stay-at-home mom, drives to Medina Regional Hospital for maternity care even though she lives in the San Antonio area. Sullaway isn’t on Medicaid, but she knows the hospital relies on its payments.

She voted red in the last election, but if the rural hospital she loved cut services, she would reconsider.

“It would impact votes for sure,” she said, as her daughter Vivian tried to climb on her.

‘Drinking the Kool-Aid’
As the sun set on a high school track meet in Hondo, two grandmothers watching their grandchildren race toward a chance at state glory laid out their opposing views on potential Medicaid cuts.

Leticia Garza said her mother told her never to talk about politics, because identifying herself as a Democrat wasn’t going to help her make any friends. Garza said she worries constantly about the cuts the Trump administration has made to federal services. She’s heard about women who are denied treatment for miscarriages and thinks about the future for her granddaughter.

When asked whether she thought this conservative small town would respond if Medicaid cuts impacted its health care, Garza said, “I’m hopeful that would change their votes.”

But her daughter, Nicole Garza, laughed, saying those voters have been “drinking the Kool-Aid too long.”

Across from the bleachers on the other side of the track, 66-year-old Sylvia Flores, an Air Force veteran who voted for Trump, said she trusted he would root out waste, fraud and abuse – rhetoric Republican leaders have often repeated when talking about potential Medicaid cuts.

Flores also noted that she had received quick care after a stroke at Medina Regional Hospital and hoped lawmakers “read before they sign” so cuts don’t affect “our little hospital.”

To Trump, she said, “Keep it up!”

Flores wasn’t alone in her concerns about waste, fraud and abuse – something the health-care community has experienced. Two administrators of the county’s local emergency medical service pleaded guilty in 2013 to fraudulently billing the government hundreds of thousands of dollars through Medicare and Medicaid for ambulance rides, including some that never happened.

However, health policy experts warn that even though there is waste, fraud and abuse in Medicaid, it doesn’t reach $880 billion. So while it’s important to go after bad actors, McAnelly said, the bigger picture matters.

“Go after the fraud, don’t throw out the baby with the bathwater,” the mayor added. “Everybody gets hurt on that. The leaders get hurt on it, the followers get hurt on it. The politicians, if you will, get hurt on it. The country gets hurt on it.”

Michael Haynie, who heads the local EMS company following the fraud fallout and works weekend shifts with his wife to keep the ambulances running, said he wasn’t sure that voters would connect the dots between Medicaid cuts and a decrease in access to hospital services. Even if they did, he said, people who qualify for Medicaid often have more pressing problems.

“Your typical Medicaid enrollee is not interested in what the news is saying about Medicaid,” Haynie said. “They’ve got more important things to worry about, like eating.” The Washington Post