| |APRIL 20269WHY ONLY 4 IN 10 INDIANS SEE BIG WEIGHT-LOSS RESULTSASTRAZENECA's CALQUENCE APPROVAL IN INDIA BOOSTS ONCOLOGY CARECENTRE PLANS INDIA POST TIE-UP FOR DOORSTEP JAN AUSHADHI DELIVERYAPOLLO HOSPITALS SETS RECORD WITH 100 ROBOTIC CARDIAC SURGERIESINDIA SETS STANDARD TESTING FEE RULES FOR MEDICAL DEVICESWeight-loss injections are gaining popularity across India, often positioned as a simple and effective solution for obesity. But only 4 in 10 Indians See Big Weight-Loss Results.A study conducted at Max Super Speciality Hospital, involving 150 overweight and obese adults, found that only 40 percent of patients achieved at least 10 percent weight loss, a benchmark considered clinically meaningful.While the drugs are clearly effective, the results fall short of the sweeping expectations built around them. POAstraZeneca Pharma has secured a key Calquence approval in India, receiving clearance from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation to import and distribute Acalabrutinib tablets 100 mg under the brand name Calquence.With this nod, the company can move ahead with the commercial rollout of the drug in the country.The approval covers the use of Acalabrutinib tablets 100 mg in combination with Venetoclax, with or without Obinutuzumab, for treating patients with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). POThe Centre is considering using the extensive India Post network to expand the reach of Jan Aushadhi Kendras and enable doorstep delivery of medicines. The move is aimed at improving access to affordable medicines in India, especially in rural and remote areas where healthcare services remain limited.The idea was proposed by Karnataka Rajya Sabha MP Lahar Singh Siroya, who suggested that the government could use post offices and their strong last-mile delivery system to distribute generic medicines. The proposal was discussed with Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, who has shown interest in examining how it can be implemented. POIn a major boost to robotic cardiac surgery, Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills, has completed 100 assisted robotic cardiac surgeries in just 155 days using the da Vinci Surgical System.The achievement highlights how fast advanced, minimally invasive heart care is becoming the norm.India has taken an important step to bring more clarity and consistency to its medical devices sector by introducing a standardised testing fee framework. The move is expected to make the system more transparent, predictable, and affordable for manufacturers.The milestone was led by senior consultant cardiac transplant surgeon Dr Nagesh Ayalasomayajula and his team. It marks a strong step forward in using robotic support for complex cardiac procedures that once required open-heart surgery. POThe Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has proposed changes to the Medical Devices Rules, 2017, focusing on how testing and certification charges are set at government laboratories. To keep pace with rising costs, the framework also proposes a 5% annual increase in fees. At the same time, the government has opened a 30-day window for public consultation, allowing industry stakeholders to share their views before the rules are finalised. PO
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