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Time of India
13 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
A new HIV drug promises 99.9% protection. But it's making Indian health activists wary; Why?
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved lenacapavir, a new injectable drug that claims to offer 99.9% protection against HIV. But concerns are being raised in India over its affordability and accessibility, particularly through the public healthcare system. The injection costs around ₹24 lakh ($28,218) for two doses administered six months apart. Lenacapavir belongs to the class of HIV prevention drugs known as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). However, India's National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) has not included PrEP in its public programmes so far. "Our govt distributes condoms to break HIV transmission, it provides antiretroviral therapy drugs to prevent parent-to-child transmission of HIV, but it hasn't ever given PrEP to youngsters who are likely to indulge in high-risk behaviour," said health activist Ganesh Acharya. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Hanoi: Unsold Furniture Liquidation 2024 (Prices May Surprise You) Unsold Furniture | Search Ads Learn More Undo He added that NACO had made it mandatory for its counselling centres to provide information on PrEP a couple of years ago. He also expressed concern that 75% of the 88% people diagnosed with HIV in Mumbai in 2023–24 were from the 15–49 age group. PrEP, however, remains available only in the private sector. Experts call for government action, tiered pricing PrEP has existed for over a decade and is widely used in developed countries. In India, public health discussions around PrEP only began recently. Live Events A doctor from a government hospital said, "They set up a committee, then a white paper was brought out that served as a backgrounder for guidelines that were drawn up last year. However, there has been no development since." Dr Ishwar Gilada of the People's Health Organisation (India) said, "The govt should distribute PrEP to check the spread of the disease, which has only been increasing in recent years. The total number of HIV-positive people in India increased from 2.2 million to 2.5 million in a few years." According to him, sexually transmitted infections have been rising in Mumbai. "A recent survey in Mumbai among men who have sex with men found that 60% of them were positive for the human papilloma virus. While gonorrhoea and chlamydia vanished 25 years ago, their numbers are shooting up," he said. He suggested a three-tier pricing structure: full price for those who can afford it, subsidised pricing for some, and free access for those unable to pay. NACO officials were not available for comment. India has also not approved HIV self-testing kits. "We have self-testing kits for pregnancy, diabetes, and Covid, but policymakers fear about the mental health of people after a positive result in self-testing HIV kits," said Dr Gilada. A senior doctor suggested that similar fears may be behind the delay in rolling out PrEP publicly, as officials worry it might encourage risky behaviour. Hope for lower-cost versions as UNAIDS urges price drop Bala from Bombay Gay called lenacapavir a "monumental milestone forward in HIV treatment and prevention," but added that the current price point makes it inaccessible in India. "So, we have to wait and see if prices will come down over time," he said. Dr Gilada expressed hope that Indian manufacturers licensed by Gilead Sciences might eventually offer the injection at less than $100 per year. "India can do it," he said. UNAIDS, in a recent statement, urged Gilead Lifesciences to reduce the price of the new drug to improve global access.
Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
Drug offers 99.9% HIV shield, but Indians will have to wait
Mumbai: A new drug promising 99.9% protection against HIV received approval from the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) a few days ago, but the city's HIV rights activists are sceptical about its practical impact in India. The main concern stems from the new injectable drug lenacapavir's substantial cost of Rs 24 lakh ($28,218) per person for two injections taken six months apart. Also, NACO (National AIDS Control Organisation) has not fully embraced PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) medications, the category to which lenacapavir belongs. "Our govt distributes condoms to break HIV transmission, it provides antiretroviral therapy drugs to prevent parent-to-child transmission of HIV, but it hasn't ever given PrEP to youngsters who are likely to indulge in high-risk behaviour," said health activist Ganesh Acharya. A couple of years ago, NACO made it mandatory for its counselling centres to disburse information on PrEP. He is alarmed because 75% of the 88% diagnosed with HIV in Mumbai between 2023-24 were in the 15-49 age group that is classified as young. PrEP is available for those seeking treatment in the private sector. PrEP, as a method to prevent HIV transmission before a risky exposure, has been around for almost 12 years. It was widely accepted in developed countries, but India's public health machinery never mentioned it until a few years ago. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo "They set up a committee, then a white paper was brought out that served as a backgrounder for guidelines that were drawn up last year. However, there has been no development since," said a doctor with a public hospital. Dr Ishwar Gilada of the People's Health Organisation (India) said PrEP is the lesser evil compared to HIV transmission. "The govt should distribute PrEP to check the spread of the disease, which has only been increasing in recent years. The total number of HIV-positive people in India increased from 2.2 million to 2.5 million in a few years," he added. The problem is more pronounced in Mumbai, he said, where the number of people with sexually transmitted diseases has been rising. "A recent survey in Mumbai among men who have sex with men found that 60% of them were positive for the human papilloma virus. While gonorrhoea and chlamydia vanished 25 years ago, their numbers are shooting up," said Dr Gilada. PrEP would be the solution, according to him. The govt could adopt a three-tier payment system for PrEP: Charge full cost from those who can afford it, subsidy for some, and free for those who cannot afford medications. Despite efforts, NACO officials were not available for comment. PrEP is not the only HIV-related policy that the govt hasn't acted on. Self-testing HIV kits, for instance, are not allowed in India. "We have self-testing kits for pregnancy, diabetes, and Covid, but policymakers fear about the mental health of people after a positive result in self-testing HIV kits," said Dr Gilada. The same logic is possibly behind the delay with introducing PrEP in the public health system, said a senior doctor, as a section of public health officials fear that giving PrEP would seem like a licence for risky behaviour. However, there is hope that lenacapavir would be available in India sooner rather than later. Bala of Bombay Gay said lenacapavir is a "monumental milestone forward in HIV treatment and prevention," but its pricing makes it inaccessible to Indian patients. "So, we have to wait and see if prices will come down over time," he added. Dr Gilada is positive Indian generic pharma companies licensed by Gilead Sciences can bring lenacapavir injections at below $100 per annum cost and may be rolled out soon. "India can do it," he said. In a statement released a couple of days ago, UNAIDS urged Gilead Lifesciences to drop the price of the new HIV prevention shot.
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Lack of voluntary blood donations help ‘red market' thrive
1 2 3 Nagpur: As the world observes World Blood Donor Day 2025 under the theme "Give blood, give hope: Together we save lives," Maharashtra's health minister, Prakash Abitkar, directed officials to urgently implement a "No Shortage, No Wastage" policy. The policy aims to ensure timely access to safe blood for patients while also curbing avoidable wastage due to poor coordination. "Blood is a national resource, and its collection, storage, and use must be meticulously managed," said Abitkar during a state-level review of blood services. He noted that seasonal imbalances, such as massive blood collection during national events or birthdays of politicians, often contrast with shortfalls during festivals and summer, creating a mismatch in supply and demand. He directed health authorities to design and submit a comprehensive policy immediately. The state govt also plans to introduce new rules for granting NOCs to blood bank operators and explore NAT (Nucleic Acid Testing) in govt blood banks for higher safety. Meanwhile, Dr Sunil Khaparde, former director of NACO and now a city-based national expert on blood safety, raised alarm over India's growing dependence on paid or professional donors, despite legal bans. "With a demand of 1.2 crore units annually, we still fall short by over 30 lakh units. The deficit often drives patients to the underground 'Red Market,' where ethics and safety are routinely compromised," said Dr Khaparde. He stressed that while portals like e-RaktKosh and govt campaigns have made strides, the absence of a centralized national blood collection agency is keenly felt. "Even today, much of our blood supply comes from professional donors or family replacements. Genuine voluntary donation remains under 50%," he noted. Dr Harish Warbhe, medical director of Lifeline Blood Centre in the city, emphasized the health benefits of voluntary donation even for the donors themselves. "Regular voluntary blood donation not only saves lives but also stimulates the donor's bone marrow to produce fresh, healthier blood cells. It reduces iron overload in the body and gives a sense of purpose and community connection. It's a simple act with profound benefits — for recipients and donors alike," he said. India's Blood Gap: Key Facts India needs around 1.2 crore units of blood every year Only about 90 lakh units are collected annually This leads to a shortfall of approximately 30 lakh units each year In the summer months, the shortfall often touches 50%, worsening the crisis India still does not meet the WHO-recommended 1% blood reserve based on the total population Less than 50% of blood donations are truly voluntary; the rest come from relatives if patients Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
With 1.6L units till May, Pune dist ahead in blood donation so far this year
Pune: Pune district has topped the state with 1.58 lakh units of blood donated to banks between Jan and May, this year. Between Jan and May, 2,127 blood donation campaigns were organized in Pune district, data from State Blood Transfusion Council said. Mumbai held 1,651 campaigns and collected 1.27 lakh units. Solapur district came third with 88,000 blood units from 1,276 campaigns. Overall, the state collected 9.81 lakh units through 17,139 campaigns, but the collection is nowhere close to the demand, health department officials said. Dr Purushottam Puri, additional director of the council, health services in Maharashtra, said in 2024, the state collected 21.68 lakh units. This year, in the first five months, 9.48 lakh units of blood was collected, so far. Puri added, "Very few blood donation camps have been held because of college vacations. The demand for blood is always higher than the supply, especially in tier two cities where there is less awareness about blood donation. With increased road accidents and medical emergencies, the demand for blood is going up. More people must donate blood. No healthcare institute can survive without adequate supply." Dr Liza Bulsara, consultant for hemato oncology and bone marrow transplant physician at Jupiter Hospital in Pune, said blood donation should be a lifelong process. "Certain patient groups require blood far more frequently than others. Children with thalassemia may need transfusions every 15-20 days. Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, or those in ICUs, often depend on a steady blood supply. Each donated unit can be separated into red cells, plasma and platelets. One unit can help up to three patients at once," she added. Health minister Prakash Abitkar, in a statement on Friday, said new rules were needed to issue no objection certificate to institutions setting up blood banks in the state. "No shortage, no waste policy should be implemented so that every needy patient in the state gets blood on time. The feasibility of starting NAT (Nucleic Acid Testing) in govt blood banks in the state should be studied and a report should be submitted," the statement added. Steady Rise In Collection In 2020 I 15.46 lakh units In 2021 I 16.73 lakh units 2022 I 19.28 lakh units 2023 I 20.44 lakh units 2024 I 21.68 lakh units (Maharashtra figures I Source: State Blood Transfusion Council) Today Is Blood Donor Day WHO says most people can give blood if they are in good health, blood donation by 1% of the population is minimum need for a nation's basic requirements Ideal age I Between 18 and 65 years with weight above 50kg One unit corresponds with 450 ml of blood The clinical demand was estimated to be 14.6 million units of blood by National Estimation of Blood requirement in India prepared by NACO In 2017,annual collection reported by NACO was 11.1 million units Do not donate blood if your haemoglobin level is less than 12g/dl for women and 13g/dl for men Caption: On Friday, Pune Airport organized a blood donation camp in observance of the World Blood Donor Day Photo credit: Pune Airport Authority Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Lack of blood donations help ‘red market' thrive
slug: World Blood Donor's Day Nagpur: As the world observes World Blood Donor Day 2025 under the theme "Give blood, give hope: Together we save lives," Maharashtra's health minister, Prakash Abitkar, directed officials to urgently implement a "No Shortage, No Wastage" policy. The policy aims to ensure timely access to safe blood for patients while also curbing avoidable wastage due to poor coordination. "Blood is a national resource, and its collection, storage, and use must be meticulously managed," said Abitkar during a state-level review of blood services. He noted that seasonal imbalances, such as massive blood collection during national events or birthdays of politicians, often contrast with shortfalls during festivals and summer, creating a mismatch in supply and demand. He directed health authorities to design and submit a comprehensive policy immediately. The state govt also plans to introduce new rules for granting NOCs to blood bank operators and explore NAT (Nucleic Acid Testing) in govt blood banks for higher safety. Meanwhile, Dr Sunil Khaparde, former director of NACO and now a city-based national expert on blood safety, raised alarm over India's growing dependence on paid or professional donors, despite legal bans. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo "With a demand of 1.2 crore units annually, we still fall short by over 30 lakh units. The deficit often drives patients to the underground 'Red Market,' where ethics and safety are routinely compromised," said Dr Khaparde. He stressed that while portals like e-RaktKosh and govt campaigns have made strides, the absence of a centralized national blood collection agency is keenly felt. "Even today, much of our blood supply comes from professional donors or family replacements. Genuine voluntary donation remains under 50%," he noted. Dr Harish Warbhe, medical director of Lifeline Blood Centre in the city, emphasized the health benefits of voluntary donation even for the donors themselves. "Regular voluntary blood donation not only saves lives but also stimulates the donor's bone marrow to produce fresh, healthier blood cells. It reduces iron overload in the body and gives a sense of purpose and community connection. It's a simple act with profound benefits — for recipients and donors alike," he said. India's Blood Gap: Key Facts India needs around 1.2 crore units of blood every year Only about 90 lakh units are collected annually This leads to a shortfall of approximately 30 lakh units each year In the summer months, the shortfall often touches 50%, worsening the crisis India still does not meet the WHO-recommended 1% blood reserve based on the total population Less than 50% of blood donations are truly voluntary; the rest come from relatives if patients Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
