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Medical device and pharmaceutical packaging is a necessity to keep products sterile and ready for consumer use. But what happens when there is a risk that the packaging itself can harm the device or drug?

New research cited in a recent article from Packaging Insights states that that is the case for IV bags, claiming that microplastics are present in (intravenous) IV infusions used in medical treatments.

The research, published in the ACS partner journal Environment & Health, found that, after filtering, infusion solutions from PP bottles contain thousands of plastic particles.

“The scientists estimate that a single 250 mL IV infusion bottle could introduce thousands of microplastics — ranging from 1 to 62 micrometers in length — directly into a patient’s bloodstream.”

What I found surprising is that the article states that the smaller the particles, the bigger the danger.

“It’s important to note that smaller particles potentially pose greater hazards. While most particles we measured were between 1–10 μm, even smaller nanoplastics have greater penetration capabilities and may even cross the blood-brain barrier, reaching more critical organs in the human body,” says Liwu Zhang, one of the leading researchers in the study.

The research is meant to shine a light on the medical packaging industry and encourage developers to explore alternative materials or processes that could eliminate this threat while still offering the devices the protection they need. Healthcare Packaging

The practice of “surprise billing” by hospitals should be severely restricted, state Senate health policy leaders said Wednesday, as they took a bipartisan vote to crack down on the practice and require more transparency for patients.

The idea is to give people a better idea of what a medical procedure might cost them before they agree to it, to give patients more certainty over whether their care will be in-network or out-of-network, and to stop new bills from continuing to arrive months or even years after the fact.

Supporters say if Senate Bill 316 becomes law, it would at least give people more information to make decisions on their health care. And ideally, they say, it could potentially also lead to lower costs for everyone in the future.

“There is, I think, no other industry that a consumer agrees to pay for a service in advance with no clue as to what the cost will be, and no clue as to what they will be charged in full for those services,” Sen. Amy Galey, R-Alamance, said Wednesday.

She added that the bill “is an attempt to shine a light on every part of the health care system — to begin to see where the cost drivers truly exist, and to start to tamp down on those costs.”

The Senate has passed similar bills twice in recent years. But both bills went nowhere in the state House, in face of intense lobbying in opposition by the hospital industry. The North Carolina Healthcare Association, which lobbies for hospitals, declined to comment Wednesday on the new bill.

In addition to the various requirements to give patients more information before a procedure, the bill would also require hospitals to send patients an itemized bill — with descriptions written in what Galey called “plain English” — before the hospital could send the patient into collections for not paying their bill.

About one in every eight North Carolina adults had medical debt before the state approved Medicaid expansion, according to health policy analysis group KFF. Part of the deal for Medicaid expansion, which the legislature passed following heavy pressure from then-Gov. Roy Cooper, was for hospitals to forgive approximately $4 billion in medical debt held by low-income North Carolinians. Cooper announced last year that every hospital in the state was participating.

No lawmakers or members of the public spoke against the bill Wednesday, although Sen. Gale Adcock, D-Wake, said that based on her experience as a nurse there are probably some parts of the bill that would be difficult if not impossible for hospital staff to comply with.

She suggested further conversations on how to amend the bill to ensure hospitals could follow it — and the state could enforce it.

“It could provide clarity moving forward, and make sure you can enforce what you’re trying to do,” Adcock said.

AI claims denial
The Senate Health Committee also debated a separate bill — but stopped short of taking a vote on whether to advance it — that would ban health insurance companies from relying too heavily on artificial intelligence to deny people’s claims.

Insurance companies could still use AI to help review and make decisions on claims, even if Senate Bill 315 becomes law. But it would ban AI from being used as “the sole basis” of any decisions to deny or modify someone’s health care services.

“It’s 2025 — AI is a fact of life,” Sen. Jim Burgin, R-Harnett, said. “It’s something that’s being used by doctors around the state, and health insurers, and hospitals. It’s inevitable. It’s going to be here, but I know that every person in this room has heard stories about their health insurers across the nation having some issues with it.”

UnitedHealthcare, the nation’s largest private health insurer, faces a class action lawsuit accusing it of using AI to deny many people’s claims. Last year the company’s CEO was gunned down in what police have said was a targeted assassination, apparently based on the company’s policies and practices.

Burgin said the other bill on surprise billing also would exempt health insurance staffers from having to put their contact information on certain forms given to customers. He said it “addresses the aftermath of fear for employee safety after the tragedy that occurred a few months ago involving the UnitedHealthcare CEO.”

UnitedHealthcare Chief Executive Brian Thompson was shot and killed in Manhattan in a targeted attack — a killing that fueled a public outcry over claim denials by insurers.

The anti-AI bill would also make a number of other changes to crack down on health insurance companies’ efforts to deny people’s claims, including by banning insurers from retroactively requiring prior authorization for certain types of care, and then using that to issue denials.

The bill would also require appeals of insurance denials to be heard by licensed doctors who have experience in the type of medicine in question.

And it would appear to ban insurance companies from paying their on-staff doctors more money for suggesting claims be denied, by requiring appeals to be heard by doctors with “no financial interest, or other conflict of interest, in the outcome of the appeal.”

A top health insurance industry representative, Peter Daniel, spoke at the meeting to tell lawmakers they were willing to work with the Senate on the bill as it moves through the legislature. WRAL

More than 68 lakh cancer treatments worth over Rs 13,000 crore have been performed under the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme, with 75.81 per cent of them undertaken in rural areas, Union Health Minister J P Nadda said on Tuesday.

Of these, more than 4.5 lakh treatments worth over Rs 985 crore were undertaken for “targeted therapies” against cancer, with 76.32 per cent of their beneficiaries coming from rural areas, Nadda said responding to a question in Parliament.

The benefits, he said, were accorded under the Centre’s Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY).

He said that an initiative for screening, management and prevention of non-communicable diseases, including cancer, has been rolled out in the country under the National Health Mission.

Under the scheme, people suspecting they have cancer can also call in for expert opinion from district and tertiary care hospitals.

In PMJAY, treatment for several types of cancers, including breast, oral and cervical, is provided under more than 200 packages with more than 500 procedures of medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology and palliative medicine.

Of these, 37 packages are related to targeted therapies such as chemotherapy for CA Breast, metastatic melanoma, chronic myeloid leukaemia, Burkitt’s Lymphoma, and CA Lung, the minister informed.

Those suffering from cancer and are below the poverty line can also avail of a one-time financial assistance of up to Rs 15 lakh, provided under the Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund (HMCPF).

The minister said that the scheme provides for the sale of generic medicines at 50 per cent to 80 per cent price of branded medicines through Janaushadhi Stores and the 217 AMRIT Pharmacies.

A total of 289 oncology drugs are given at half the market price.

Nadda said that the government had in the budget announced it would set up 200 day care cancer centres at district hospitals in 2025-26.

Under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD), 770 district NCD clinics, 233 cardiac care units, 372 district day care centres, and 6,410 NCD clinics at community health centres have been set up, he said.

In addition, 19 state cancer institutes and 20 tertiary cancer care centres have been set up in different parts of the country to provide advanced cancer care.

Cancer treatment facilities have been approved in all 22 new AIIMS with diagnostic, medical, and surgical facilities, he said.

Two such centres where advanced cancer treatment is provided are the National Cancer Institute in Jhajjar, Haryana, with 1,460 beds, and the second campus of Chittranjan National Cancer Institute in Kolkata, which has 460 beds.

There are 372 District Day Care Centres providing chemotherapy across the country, Nadda said.

The minister said that under the Department of Atomic Energy, Tata Memorial Centre has two units/hospitals in rural and semi-urban locations, the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital in Sangrur in Punjab, and the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital in Muzzafarpur in Bihar. PTI

India stands at the threshold of a healthcare revolution, with its MedTech industry poised to drive Viksit Bharat’s breakthrough in healthcare innovation. As the nation accelerates its self-reliance drive, it aspires to become the world’s leading hub for innovation, manufacturing, and accessibility in healthcare. This vision embodies the spirit of ‘Make in India, Made for the World,’ where globally competitive, high-quality prosthetic products not only transform lives but also position India as a global leader in assistive healthcare solutions.

This movement is about restoring dignity, ensuring universal healthcare access, and aligning innovations with India’s vision of becoming a Vishwaguru—a leader in cutting-edge, inclusive healthcare solutions.

In a world where quality prosthetic solutions remain inaccessible to millions, India has already made significant strides in manufacturing indigenous, world-class prosthetics. These advancements are reducing dependency on imports and making advanced mobility solutions more affordable and accessible. Beyond healthcare, this contributes to India’s economic growth, employment generation, and technological advancement, positioning the country as a global hub for assistive healthcare innovation.

By empowering lives, creating high-skill jobs, reducing import dependency, and establishing itself as a global supplier, India is setting a benchmark in the healthcare industry.

India’s development journey is defined by its commitment to inclusive progress. With ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’—the world is one family—at its core, the country is extending its reach beyond its borders, delivering ‘Made in India, Made for the World’ prosthetic solutions to the global stage. This is Atmanirbhar Bharat in action, paving the way for a ‘Viksit Bharat’ future.

The 2025 Union Budget has taken a transformative step by significantly increasing healthcare funding, allocating Rs 99,858.56 crore to the Health Ministry. This budgetary boost will enhance healthcare access, particularly in rural areas, ensuring that quality medical facilities are no longer a privilege but a fundamental right.

The budget further strengthens India’s healthcare sector by creating new opportunities for medical students, equipping them with the necessary skills to become world-class healthcare practitioners. Additionally, the promotion of medical tourism will allow India to showcase its healthcare capabilities on a global stage, attracting international collaboration and investment. The focus on food and nutrition, coupled with rising support for mental well-being initiatives, ensures a holistic approach to healthcare, balancing disease treatment with overall wellness.

Moreover, the 2025 budget prioritises domestic manufacturing through customs duty reforms, clean tech incentives, and enhanced MSME support, driving growth and self-reliance. Strategic initiatives such as the National Manufacturing Mission and enhanced financial support for MSMEs and startups will reduce import dependency and promote sustainable technologies.

However, while the budget provides a solid foundation for growth and innovation, there are notable gaps in areas such as export incentives, targeted skill development for advanced manufacturing, and comprehensive infrastructure upgrades. Addressing these concerns will ensure a more robust framework for India’s manufacturing sector, reinforcing its competitive edge on the global stage.

The government’s commitment to strengthening domestic manufacturing is evident in the continuation of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for pharmaceuticals, which has received an allocation of Rs 2,445 crore. This initiative underscores India’s push for self-reliance in API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) and MedTech production. Additionally, several measures have been introduced to encourage domestic manufacturing of medical devices, reducing import dependence and attracting large investments.

The Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Promoting Domestic Manufacturing of Medical Devices (PLI MD) was approved in 2020 with a financial outlay of Rs 3,420 crore. This scheme provides financial incentives at the rate of 5 per cent on incremental sales of medical devices manufactured in India. By September 2024, cumulative sales under this scheme had reached Rs 8,039.63 crore, including exports worth Rs 3,844.01 crore.

Furthermore, the Promotion of Medical Device Parks scheme, approved in 2020 with an outlay of Rs 400 crore, aims to provide world-class infrastructure to medical device units. The initiative has received proposals from 16 states, with Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh receiving final approval for infrastructure development.

To further support the medical device industry, the government launched the Scheme for Strengthening Medical Device Industry in 2024 with a financial outlay of Rs 500 crore. This scheme includes five sub-schemes focusing on common facilities for medical device clusters, marginal investments to reduce import dependence, capacity building, clinical studies support, and industry promotion. These targeted measures will enhance India’s capabilities in the MedTech sector, making it globally competitive.

Additionally, the Department of Pharmaceuticals has initiated the Scheme for Promotion of Research and Innovation in the pharma MedTech sector, establishing Centres of Excellence at seven National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research. These centres focus on fostering industry collaboration, research innovation, and capacity building, ensuring that India remains at the forefront of medical technology advancements.

India’s MedTech industry is more than just a growth sector—it is a socio-economic game-changer. It is driving accessibility, affordability, and technological advancements while reinforcing India’s status as a global healthcare leader. The initiatives undertaken today will shape the future of healthcare, ensuring that high-quality medical solutions are within reach for all, both in India and globally. India’s MedTech industry is poised to revolutionise prosthetic care by combining innovation, quality, and accessibility. With cutting-edge indigenous solutions, India can reduce import reliance, driving down costs, and ensuring millions gain access to world-class mobility aids—transforming lives and setting a global benchmark.

As the country marches towards Viksit Bharat, its MedTech industry will continue to be a beacon of innovation, inclusivity, and self-reliance, transforming lives and reinforcing India’s position as a global healthcare powerhouse. News18

The rising prevalence of chronic diseases and increasing healthcare infrastructure investments are driving market expansion. The hospital beds market size was valued at USD 4.1 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a 4.9% CAGR through 2035. Advancements in smart hospital beds, aging population growth, and rising demand for patient-centric care are key factors fueling demand. By 2035, the market is expected to reach USD 7.1 billion, enhancing patient comfort and healthcare efficiency worldwide.

The hospital beds market is witnessing steady growth due to the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, increasing geriatric population, and advancements in medical infrastructure. Hospitals and healthcare facilities are investing in technologically advanced beds that offer better patient comfort, mobility, and integrated monitoring systems.

Market drivers & trends:
The cornerstone of modern healthcare, hospital beds are undergoing a significant transformation. The escalating geriatric population, a key intelligence point, is a primary driver, as older adults are more susceptible to chronic illnesses and require extended hospital stays. This demographic shift, coupled with the rising incidence of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and neurological disorders, is fueling the demand for specialized hospital beds.

Technological innovation is another crucial catalyst. The integration of smart technologies, such as sensors for vital sign monitoring, automated adjustments for patient comfort and pressure ulcer prevention, and connectivity for remote patient monitoring, is revolutionizing patient care. This surge in connected healthcare, another critical intelligence point, is enabling hospitals to enhance patient safety and improve operational efficiency. Electric beds, with their enhanced adjustability and ease of use, are rapidly gaining traction over manual beds.

Furthermore, the growing emphasis on patient comfort and safety is driving the adoption of specialized beds, including bariatric beds, pediatric beds, and birthing beds. The increasing awareness of pressure ulcer prevention is also contributing to the demand for advanced pressure redistribution mattresses and integrated bed systems.

Future outlook:
The hospital beds market is poised for continued growth in the coming years, driven by the increasing demand for advanced healthcare solutions and the ongoing technological advancements. The convergence of artificial intelligence, the internet of things (IoT), and big data analytics is expected to further revolutionize the industry, leading to the development of more intelligent and personalized hospital beds. The shift towards patient-centric care and the growing emphasis on preventive healthcare are also expected to drive market growth.

The hospital beds market is set for steady growth, driven by technological advancements, rising healthcare investments, and increasing demand for specialized beds. While high costs and supply chain issues pose challenges, the market’s future remains promising with AI-driven innovations and sustainable solutions. Transparency Market Research