Latest news with #DCGI
Mint
18 hours ago
- Health
- Mint
Drug regulator pushes for Braille labelling on medicines
New Delhi: India's top drug regulator is evaluating a plan for Braille labelling on medicine packaging to improve accessibility for India's 4.95 million blind and 70 million visually impaired citizens, who struggle to identify crucial medication details, said an official aware of the matter and documents reviewed by Mint. The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) is considering these changes based on a report of a subcommittee that recommended introducing Braille labelling for drugs packaged in mono cartons and for those frequently used by the visually impaired, such as eye drops. 'Currently, there is no labelling provision in the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Rules that considers the needs of blind or visually impaired people," the panel recommended. 'As a result, this special category of people finds it difficult to know the name and expiry date of medicines. Therefore, a provision should be made to label drugs with Braille inscriptions." The recommendations stem from a 2020 representation highlighting the difficulties visually-impaired individuals faced when trying to read medicine strips. The subcommittee was first constituted in 2020 and then reconstituted in October 2024 under KR Chawal, Drug Controller and Licensing Authority of Delhi, along with three more members. Also read: Which private hospital is best for you? New grading system will help patients decide on treatment options An added benefit The committee report also said that Braille labelling will help combat counterfeit drugs. 'Braille fonts on drug pack labels are unique and difficult to copy, which could significantly reduce the incidence of drug duplication and spurious products in the market," according to the documents of the 66th Drugs Consultative Meeting (DCC) reviewed by Mint. India's spurious or counterfeit medicine drug sales are valued at $3 billion. The country's overall medicine market is currently valued at $50 billion, with domestic consumption at $23.5 billion, according to the department of pharmaceuticals. Queries emailed to the spokespersons of the health and family ministry and the DCGI remained unanswered till press time. Voluntary rollout, initially The subcommittee's recommendations presented to the Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC) on 17 June are currently under consideration to make the implementation voluntary or mandatory to start with through legislative amendments to the Drug Rules, 1945," said the official aware of the matter, requesting anonymity. "Initially, it has been proposed on a voluntary basis because people (drug makers) would take time to switch over to Braille labelling. We also have to see how the Indian industry is going to adapt to change. That is why it is being proposed for additional labelling in Braille language to be implemented 'initially on a voluntary basis' for drugs supplied in mono carton pack sizes," the official said. To ensure the accuracy of Braille labels, the subcommittee's report has recommended that drug manufacturers have their Braille artwork validated by nodal agencies such as the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID) through the Braille Council of India (BCI) or other NIEPID-recommended bodies. Also read: Centre moves to enhance organ transplant services in govt hospitals after review shows capacity constraints The report has excluded Braille labelling for medicines and other pharmaceutical items dispensed under direct healthcare professional supervision, including injectables and vaccines. Also, the report recommends that the competent authority issue an advisory to retailers, instructing them to verbally guide visually impaired customers about medicine names, dosage, indications, uses, and expiry dates. This guidance would be routinely monitored by enforcement officers. 'Putting Braille labelling on drug making is a good idea. Even if a 1% population gets benefits, it's worth doing, especially for life-saving drugs which are of significant use, and not just limiting it to certain eye drops," said Dr. J.S. Titiyal, head of Dr. Aggarwal's Eye Institute in New Delhi and former chief of RP Eye Centre at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences. He said that visually impaired individuals may have other health complications beyond eye issues. Dr. Manipal S. Sachdeva, chairman and managing director at Centre for Sight, said Braille labelling should be on all kinds of important life-saving medicines, not just eye drops. But he expressed reservations about making it a voluntary requirement. 'We don't know how the voluntary initiative will be picked up by the manufacturers, because it will add to their expense and logistic issues." Also read: Centre orders thorough safety review of painkiller Nimesulide for adults
Associated Press
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Associated Press
DC Guaranteed Income Coalition Hosts Day of Action to Protect Critical Programs for DC Families
WASHINGTON, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the DC Guaranteed Income (DCGI) Coalition hosted a Day of Action to demand that the DC Council protect and invest in transformative programs for families. The Day of Action highlighted urgent efforts to preserve the Child Tax Credit for DC,Baby Bonds, the Strong Families, Strong Future DC pilot, and Child Care Subsidies among other critical programs that build economic security and opportunity for families across the District. Despite Mayor Muriel Bowser announcing in April that she would maintain funding for early education programs in DC's FY26 budget proposal, the level of funding proposed for Child Care Subsidies is not enough to serve the current number of enrolled families, and the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund will be completely eliminated starting as early as next year. 'Slashing the Child Tax Credit isn't just a budget decision—it's a moral one. We came ready to deepen the investment in families, to expand support beyond children under six. Instead, we're now forced to fight to restore what should never have been taken away,' said Ward 5 DC Councilmember Zachary Parker. 'The federal child tax credit cut child poverty in half—it's one of the most effective anti-poverty tools in a generation. So why would we walk that back? These are choices, but they are not ones we have to accept. I stand in solidarity with our community to say: we're not backing down. We're fighting together—for our families, our futures, and our right to thrive.' The District Child Tax Credit Act sought to provide up to a $420 tax credit per child for up to 3 children to low- and middle-income families in D.C., while the Baby Bonds plan is an anti-poverty program that includes creating a trust fund for newborns in D.C. born to parents who make less than 300% of the federal poverty level. The Strong Families, Strong Future DC pilot was a direct cash assistance program providing $900 per month for one year to 132 new and expectant mothers in Wards 5, 7, and 8 to address financial stressors. 'We need DC to invest in its families instead of cutting programs that help them achieve financial mobility and build a future in which they can succeed and thrive,' said Melody Webb, Executive Director of Mothers Outreach Network, which convenes the DC Guaranteed Income Coalition. 'Research shows that additional cash support allows families to build financial stability, reduce stress, and improve healthcare access. It is integral that the Mayor's budget reflects that we value equity, care, and opportunity for our city's families.' The event was held from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. on the steps of the Wilson Building during the Council's final budget deliberations. Organizational sponsors included Mother's Outreach Network, Bread for the City, My Sister's Place, DC Action, Let's GO DMV, ONE DC, Save Us Now, SPACEs in ACTION, Serve Your City/Ward 6 Mutual Aid, ROC-DC, and LIFT, Inc. DCGI Coalition invited all community members, families, and advocates to join and raise their voices for a just, inclusive budget that meets the needs of all DC residents. About the DC Guaranteed Income Coalition The DC Guaranteed Income Coalition, convened by Mothers Outreach Network, is a network of DC-based organizations and individuals committed to achieving a permanent guaranteed income program for residents to ensure that all our District neighbors live above the poverty line and can afford basic necessities. Contact: DCGI Coalition Email: [email protected] Website: A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
Business Upturn
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Upturn
DC Guaranteed Income Coalition Hosts Day of Action to Protect Critical Programs for DC Families
WASHINGTON, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, the DC Guaranteed Income (DCGI) Coalition hosted a Day of Action to demand that the DC Council protect and invest in transformative programs for families. The Day of Action highlighted urgent efforts to preserve the Child Tax Credit for DC, Baby Bonds , the Strong Families, Strong Future DC pilot, and Child Care Subsidies among other critical programs that build economic security and opportunity for families across the District. Despite Mayor Muriel Bowser announcing in April that she would maintain funding for early education programs in DC's FY26 budget proposal, the level of funding proposed for Child Care Subsidies is not enough to serve the current number of enrolled families, and the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund will be completely eliminated starting as early as next year. 'Slashing the Child Tax Credit isn't just a budget decision—it's a moral one. We came ready to deepen the investment in families, to expand support beyond children under six. Instead, we're now forced to fight to restore what should never have been taken away,' said Ward 5 DC Councilmember Zachary Parker. 'The federal child tax credit cut child poverty in half—it's one of the most effective anti-poverty tools in a generation. So why would we walk that back? These are choices, but they are not ones we have to accept. I stand in solidarity with our community to say: we're not backing down. We're fighting together—for our families, our futures, and our right to thrive.' The District Child Tax Credit Act sought to provide up to a $420 tax credit per child for up to 3 children to low- and middle-income families in D.C., while the Baby Bonds plan is an anti-poverty program that includes creating a trust fund for newborns in D.C. born to parents who make less than 300% of the federal poverty level. The Strong Families, Strong Future DC pilot was a direct cash assistance program providing $900 per month for one year to 132 new and expectant mothers in Wards 5, 7, and 8 to address financial stressors. 'We need DC to invest in its families instead of cutting programs that help them achieve financial mobility and build a future in which they can succeed and thrive,' said Melody Webb, Executive Director of Mothers Outreach Network, which convenes the DC Guaranteed Income Coalition. 'Research shows that additional cash support allows families to build financial stability, reduce stress, and improve healthcare access. It is integral that the Mayor's budget reflects that we value equity, care, and opportunity for our city's families.' The event was held from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. on the steps of the Wilson Building during the Council's final budget deliberations. Organizational sponsors included Mother's Outreach Network, Bread for the City, My Sister's Place, DC Action, Let's GO DMV, ONE DC, Save Us Now, SPACEs in ACTION, Serve Your City/Ward 6 Mutual Aid, ROC-DC, and LIFT, Inc. DCGI Coalition invited all community members, families, and advocates to join and raise their voices for a just, inclusive budget that meets the needs of all DC residents. About the DC Guaranteed Income Coalition The DC Guaranteed Income Coalition, convened by Mothers Outreach Network, is a network of DC-based organizations and individuals committed to achieving a permanent guaranteed income program for residents to ensure that all our District neighbors live above the poverty line and can afford basic necessities. Contact:DCGI Coalition Email: [email protected] Website:
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Business Standard
09-06-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
AMR crisis: Centre asks states to monitor antibiotic use in animals
In an effort to tackle the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which is estimated to claim 2 million lives in India by 2050, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has asked all state drug controllers to support the development of an antimicrobial use (AMU) reporting framework. The aim is to strengthen monitoring of antibiotic use in animals. For the first time, a joint working group will be formed, comprising representatives from the CDSCO, state licensing authorities (SLAs), and the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), to facilitate the implementation of the framework. Officials in the know said the framework will focus on the systematic collection of data on the sale, manufacture, and import of antibiotics for veterinary use. This move follows the Centre's release of the Standard Veterinary Treatment Guidelines for Livestock and Poultry (SVTG) in October last year. The guidelines emphasise minimising antibiotic use to prevent AMR in animals, mirroring similar efforts in human health. They provide symptomatic treatment guidance until a disease is laboratory-confirmed, ensuring minimal or no antibiotic use unless necessary. AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to antimicrobial medicines used to treat humans and animals. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), around 10 million deaths are projected globally by 2050, with India expected to account for 2 million. In 2019, AMR was directly responsible for 1.27 million deaths globally, while 4.95 million were associated with drug-resistant infections. The WHO notes that the emergence and spread of AMR is accelerated by human activity — mainly the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials to treat, prevent, or control infections in humans, animals, and plants. Vegetables, poultry, and dairy products may contain antibiotic residues, which can enter the human bloodstream when consumed, further aggravating exposure. A recent study published in The Lancet Planetary Health stated that there are bidirectional associations between antibiotic consumption and AMR rates in humans and animals — that is, antibiotic use in animals can lead to AMR in humans, and vice versa. A separate study from 2015 estimated that nearly two-thirds of global antibiotic sales were for animal agriculture, with consumption projected to rise by another 67 per cent by 2030 due to increased demand for livestock products in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Coordinated action needed on new framework, says DCGI In a letter to all state and Union Territory (UT) drug controllers, Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) Rajeev Raghuvanshi called for coordinated action on AMU, specifically in the veterinary sector. The letter instructed all SLAs to nominate a nodal officer, not below the rank of assistant or joint drugs controller, to act as the point of contact for AMU data collection and coordination with the joint working group. It also asked state regulators to provide a comprehensive list of pharmaceutical companies involved in the manufacturing, distribution, and sale of veterinary antibiotics within their respective jurisdictions. In a separate letter dated 5 June, the DCGI also asked all zonal and sub-zonal offices of the CDSCO to share a list of approved drugs — including antibiotics, fixed drug combinations (FDCs), and their premixes — for veterinary use. A framework for AMU reporting is being seen as another key step to address AMR. Just last month, the central drug regulator released a draft guidance document for the safe disposal of unused or expired drugs, aimed at preventing AMR and other public health risks. The Centre had also urged pharmacists last year to dispense antibiotics only on the prescription of a qualified doctor, thereby limiting over-the-counter (OTC) sales. Under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, antibiotics are included in Schedule H — a list of drugs that may be sold by retail only on the prescription of a Registered Medical Practitioner (RMP).
Mint
09-06-2025
- Business
- Mint
Glenmark to launch cancer drug Zanubrutinib in India
New Delhi: Glenmark Pharmaceuticals on Monday said it will launch cancer treatment drug zanubrutinib in India following approval by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI). Zanubrutinib will be marketed in India under the brand name Brukinsa. It is the first and only Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor approved in India for the treatment of five distinct B-cell malignancies: chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma, Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, mantle cell lymphoma, marginal zone lymphoma, and follicular lymphoma. "We look forward to bringing Brukinsa to India in the coming months as part of our ongoing partnership with BeiGene (now BeOne Medicines)," Glenmark Pharmaceuticals President and Business Head - India Formulations Alok Malik said. The launch marks a significant milestone in our innovative oncology portfolio, offering patients in India access to a globally trusted therapy with proven efficacy and safety, he added. Glenmark shares on Monday ended 0.68 per cent up at ₹ 1,600.85 apiece on BSE. In March, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals had launched a medication for glycemic control and weight-loss for diabetes patients. The Mumbai-based drug firm launched Empagliflozin, a widely recognised SGLT2 inhibitor, under the brand name Glempa (Empagliflozin 10/25 mg), along with its fixed-dose combinations (FDCs)''Glempa-L (Empagliflozin 10/25 mg Linagliptin 5 mg) and Glempa-M (Empagliflozin 12.5 mg Metformin 500/1000 mg). The medications are designed to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus while also reducing cardiovascular outcomes in patients with cardiovascular risk. Studies have demonstrated several benefits of Empagliflozin, including effectively improving glycemic control, supporting weight-loss, and reducing cardiovascular-renal risks in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Empagliflozin has also demonstrated benefits in heart failure patients by lowering the cardiovascular death or hospitalisation. "The launch of Glempa range reinforces this commitment by providing a comprehensive and affordable solution that empowers healthcare professionals and patients to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus with established cardiovascular disease more effectively," Glenmark Pharmaceuticals President and Head of India Formulations Business Alok Malik had said.
