Latest news with #MagneticResonanceImaging
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Delhi taps PPP mode for diagnostic upgrade in state-run hospitals
New Delhi: Delhi govt has decided to hire a consultant to work out the modalities for commissioning and operating radiological diagnostic services at state-run hospitals on a public-private partnership (PPP) basis. Officials said the consultant will visit the selected hospitals to assess the approach, location and connectivity, evaluate the population served, demand for radiological diagnostics, assess the volume and variety of services being offered by labs in the vicinity, and identify the service gaps that PPP could help address. The consultant will also carry out a financial analysis of the project and will help in the legal onboarding of the concessionaire. With the state-run hospitals abysmally short of diagnostic facilities, the Delhi cabinet decided last month to install Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), CT scan, and ultrasound machines on a PPP basis. Of the 35 hospitals run by Delhi govt, only three — Lok Nayak, GB Pant and Indira Gandhi Hospital — are equipped with MRI machines. Similarly, ultrasound and CT scan machines are not available in all hospitals. The waiting time at these facilities goes up to several months. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like One of the Most Successful Investors of All Time, Warren Buffett, Recommends: 5 Books for Turning... Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Click Here Undo Patients seeking treatment at other hospitals are forced to either wait for diagnostic tests or pay huge costs out of their own pocket for radiological imaging in private centres. In case of a malfunction, repairing the machines also takes a lot of time. "The health and family welfare department has decided to expand and enhance diagnostic services across its health facilities. For achieving this, radiological diagnostic labs with CT scan, MRI and ultrasound machines will be set up in select govt hospitals for providing quality services onsite at affordable user charges on a PPP mode," said an official. A Delhi govt official said the consultant, or the transaction advisor, will assist in selecting credible private partners for operating and maintaining the services. "From preparing and submitting the inception report, which will serve as the core document for all activities related to the scope of services, to working out an integrated plan that covers detailed tasks and activities, and a resource deployment strategy, the transaction advisor will help at every stage," the official said. A crucial task, said an official, to be assigned to the advisor is the financial analysis of the project. He added that the consultant will look into capital and operational expenditure estimates and revenue, will carry out cash flow analysis, analyse business models, requirement of the viability gap funding and other parameters. "Commercial arrangements, profit and cost sharing, identifying potential risks in the PPP model, including operational, financial risks, and developing a risk mitigation strategy will be done by the consultant," said an official.
Express Tribune
15-06-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Radiocontrast film shortage stalls diagnosis at govt hospitals
In Punjab's government hospitals, there are significant challenges in accessing essential imaging services such as X-ray, ultrasound, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), and CT (Computed Tomography) scan, despite official claims of free medicines and treatment facilities. Although government hospitals claim to provide immediate access to X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, and CT scan services in emergency situations, routine patients, on the other hand, often face long waiting times due to overcrowding. This is in spite of the fact that each quarter, the government disburses billions of rupees to hospitals in Lahore, including the Mayo, General, Services, Jinnah, and Guru Nanak Dev hospitals, to support medical facilities. Abdul Rehman, a resident of Lahore, shared his experience at the Services Hospital, where his brother was taken after an accident. After receiving medical attention in the emergency department, his family encountered a troubling situation when they sought a CT scan and X-ray. 'When I brought my brother to the radiology department, the technician told me that I should take a picture of the reports with my mobile phone since films were not available. I am a poor man, and I do not own a smartphone with a good-quality camera. Eventually I had to sought help from someone else to capture the images, which were then shown to the doctor. Similarly, the X-ray image was simply printed on plain paper,' said Rehman. According to the Health Department, government hospitals across Punjab are grappling with severe financial challenges. Although the Punjab government recently released additional funds worth Rs2 billion to support hospital operations, the issues plaguing the healthcare system persist. In recent years, the government has upgraded hospital infrastructure, renovated buildings, and increased annual budgets however, the rapidly growing population has led to a surge in the influx of patients, placing immense pressure on public healthcare facilities. Public health expert, Dr Muhammad Ajmal, highlighted the fact the increasing population in the country necessitated the construction of more hospitals. 'Currently, the situation has become such that X-ray, MRI and CT scan films are not available, due to which patients have to take photos on their phones. Doctors check reports on their phones, and this practice is becoming a part of their routine. At present, resources are scarce, but doctors are doing their job within these resources. More hospitals should be built and the number of radiological machines should also be increased,' said Dr Ajmal. At the same time, it is also worth emphasizing that private-sector healthcare has become increasingly unaffordable for many citizens. Over the past three years, the prices of medical supplies have skyrocketed, but the budget allocation for government hospitals has not kept pace. Despite government funding, the gap remains unfilled. Similarly, the prices of imported X-ray, MRI, and CT scan films have increased significantly due to the rise in the dollar's value, much like the raw materials for medicines. Although medicines are being provided, shortages are still observed. Sources have reported that the budget allocations for government hospitals are determined based on the number of beds each facility has. For instance, the Mayo Hospital, which has 2,484 beds, receives an annual allocation of Rs3.3 million per bed. However, other hospitals in Lahore reportedly receive a higher per-bed allocation. The correspondent tried contacting the Provincial Health Minister Salman Rafiq however, the official was unable to comment on the matter.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Persica strengthens global IP portfolio with EU patent granted for PP353
London, UK, 11 June 2025 - Persica Pharmaceuticals Limited (Persica), a clinical stage biotechnology company developing a transformative treatment for chronic Low Back Pain (cLBP), today announces that it has been granted a patent by the European Patent Office for PP353, its clinical stage asset. The new patent, EP3709970, was granted on 14th May 2025 and relates to injectable, thermosensitive hydrogel compositions comprising linezolid for relieving and/or treating cLBP. The patent adds to Persica's extensive worldwide IP portfolio for PP353, with corresponding patents having already been granted in the US, Japan and China. These provide broad global coverage of the product up to 2038 and are supplemented by additional granted and pending patent applications. Dr Steve Ruston, Chief Executive Officer of Persica Pharmaceuticals Ltd, said: 'PP353 is a ground-breaking therapy which has enormous potential to positively transform the lives of patients by treating the cause of the problem and not just the symptoms. The addition of this EU patent to our suite of IP protection is further recognition of our innovation, and enables us to continue to develop this important new treatment for those who are not helped by existing options.' In March 2025, Persica announced positive topline data from its Phase 1b Modic Trial, a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial assessing the safety and efficacy of PP353 for patients with cLBP associated with Modic Type 1 changes, which may be caused by infection. PP353, a targeted intradiscal antibiotic injection, has the potential to help millions of patients suffering with persistent pain and disability, and to offer an alternative to long-term opioid use for pain relief. Ends For further information: ICR Healthcare - Tracy Cheung, Chris Welsh, Emily Johnson persica@ About Persica Pharmaceuticals Persica Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing PP353, a groundbreaking and transformative treatment for chronic Low Back Pain (cLBP) with Modic type 1 changes. Modic changes are a sign of inflammation which is visible, with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans, at the vertebral endplate adjacent to a degenerate lumbar disc, and which can extend into the body of the vertebrae. PP353 is a patented, targeted intradiscal antibiotic injection that is delivered directly to the site of infection. It is a non-opioid treatment which addresses an underlying cause of cLBP, rather than just the symptoms, and reduces the need for repeated antibiotic doses. About PP353 PP353 (intradiscal linezolid) is a suspension of linezolid powder in a thermosensitive vehicle which is liquid at room temperature but increases in viscosity when injected into the site of infection and warmed to body temperature. This increase in viscosity prevents PP353 from leaking out of the degenerate disc into adjacent tissues during injection. PP353 also contains a radio-opaque dye which allows the physician to use image guidance to make sure the gel is positioned correctly in the target disc on injection. About chronic Low Back Pain with Modic Type 1 changes Chronic Low Back Pain (>3 months) with Modic Type 1 changes is a common patient subgroup (~25% of cLBP). These patients are readily identifiable on MRI and typically suffer from moderate to severe persistent pain and disability with limited relief from the current standard of care e.g. physiotherapy and analgesia including opioids with a prevalence of >2 million patients in the US alone. Current treatment options provide only limited short term relief or involve invasive and non-reversable nerve ablation which does not treat the underlying cause of the pathology, a probable bacterial infection of the in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Persica strengthens global IP portfolio with EU patent granted for PP353
London, UK, 11 June 2025 - Persica Pharmaceuticals Limited (Persica), a clinical stage biotechnology company developing a transformative treatment for chronic Low Back Pain (cLBP), today announces that it has been granted a patent by the European Patent Office for PP353, its clinical stage asset. The new patent, EP3709970, was granted on 14th May 2025 and relates to injectable, thermosensitive hydrogel compositions comprising linezolid for relieving and/or treating cLBP. The patent adds to Persica's extensive worldwide IP portfolio for PP353, with corresponding patents having already been granted in the US, Japan and China. These provide broad global coverage of the product up to 2038 and are supplemented by additional granted and pending patent applications. Dr Steve Ruston, Chief Executive Officer of Persica Pharmaceuticals Ltd, said: 'PP353 is a ground-breaking therapy which has enormous potential to positively transform the lives of patients by treating the cause of the problem and not just the symptoms. The addition of this EU patent to our suite of IP protection is further recognition of our innovation, and enables us to continue to develop this important new treatment for those who are not helped by existing options.' In March 2025, Persica announced positive topline data from its Phase 1b Modic Trial, a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial assessing the safety and efficacy of PP353 for patients with cLBP associated with Modic Type 1 changes, which may be caused by infection. PP353, a targeted intradiscal antibiotic injection, has the potential to help millions of patients suffering with persistent pain and disability, and to offer an alternative to long-term opioid use for pain relief. Ends For further information: ICR Healthcare - Tracy Cheung, Chris Welsh, Emily Johnson persica@ About Persica Pharmaceuticals Persica Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing PP353, a groundbreaking and transformative treatment for chronic Low Back Pain (cLBP) with Modic type 1 changes. Modic changes are a sign of inflammation which is visible, with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans, at the vertebral endplate adjacent to a degenerate lumbar disc, and which can extend into the body of the vertebrae. PP353 is a patented, targeted intradiscal antibiotic injection that is delivered directly to the site of infection. It is a non-opioid treatment which addresses an underlying cause of cLBP, rather than just the symptoms, and reduces the need for repeated antibiotic doses. About PP353 PP353 (intradiscal linezolid) is a suspension of linezolid powder in a thermosensitive vehicle which is liquid at room temperature but increases in viscosity when injected into the site of infection and warmed to body temperature. This increase in viscosity prevents PP353 from leaking out of the degenerate disc into adjacent tissues during injection. PP353 also contains a radio-opaque dye which allows the physician to use image guidance to make sure the gel is positioned correctly in the target disc on injection. About chronic Low Back Pain with Modic Type 1 changes Chronic Low Back Pain (>3 months) with Modic Type 1 changes is a common patient subgroup (~25% of cLBP). These patients are readily identifiable on MRI and typically suffer from moderate to severe persistent pain and disability with limited relief from the current standard of care e.g. physiotherapy and analgesia including opioids with a prevalence of >2 million patients in the US alone. Current treatment options provide only limited short term relief or involve invasive and non-reversable nerve ablation which does not treat the underlying cause of the pathology, a probable bacterial infection of the disc.
Indian Express
09-06-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Healthy lifestyle, balanced diet & regular exercise may help reduce brain tumour risk, says expert
Brain tumour affects several people across the world each year, and to raise awareness about the condition and its related complications, World Brain Tumour Day is observed on June 8 every year. Dr (Lt Col) Harmandeep Singh Brar, senior consultant, Neurosurgery, Fortis Hospital, Mohali, says that a brain tumour is an abnormal growth of cells in the brain or its covering (meninges). 'Brain tumours can be either malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous). Only about one-third (27.9%) of the brain tumours are malignant. These can be classified as primary CNS tumours, originating in the brain or secondary tumours spread from cancers elsewhere in the body,' says Dr Brar. As for risk factors, according to Dr Brar, about 5-10% of the patients have a positive family history of brain tumours, with exposure to high-dose radiation significantly increasing the risk of brain cancer. 'Brain tumours can develop at any age, but it is more common in the fifth and sixth decades of life, and cancerous tumours are more common in males and benign lesions occur more frequently in women,' he adds. The most common symptoms include recurrent and strong headaches, severe during the early morning hours, and is associated with vomiting. One may also experience seizures or fits, weakness or numbness in the arms or legs (paralysis), speech disturbances, vision problems, hearing problems or tinnitus, difficulty in swallowing, and imbalance while walking or experiencing vertigo.' Discussing that the diagnosis of a brain tumour depended upon the presence of clinical symptoms such as headaches or seizures, Dr Brar says other related symptoms along with neurological examinations and radiological examinations such as NCCT (Computed Tomography) of the head and a contrast MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of the brain could help detect the disease. The treatment options are many, depending upon the type of tumour, chemotherapy and radiation therapy can be used alone or as an adjunct to the surgical management. Though brain tumours could not be prevented, Dr Brar adds, 'Adoption of a healthy lifestyle, balanced diet, regular exercise, health check-ups and avoiding environmental hazards such as unnecessary radiation exposure can help in early detection and treatment.' Senior neurologists at Park Hospital, Mohali, say there are more than 100 distinct types of primary brain tumours, each with its spectrum of presentations, treatments, and outcomes. However, advanced technologies have made it possible for neuro experts to venture into areas which were, for long, considered to be unapproachable or have unacceptable levels of risk of injury.
