wRAP 9: Mar 13 - Mar 19, 2023 || When Poetry Meets Healthcare News

For those readers who offered ideas, some words of gratitude.

Thank you for your positive mindsets, in a world of cynical attitudes!

?

But hey! ‘Crowdsourcing’ ideas by design imply a big crowd.

So go ahead - sound fantastical, outlandish, even outrageous, or loud.

?

Your ideas could be used in parts, or after ironing out the creases.

They could be one-time or as a series, long bits or short pieces.

?

Typically, the (w)RAP organizes more than one story into themes.

Occasionally, the structure has played around with a few memes.

Yes, many things have happened, but it’s not been a ‘newsy’ week.

The (w)RAP, however, will follow a somewhat uneven streak.

?

A not-so-deep dive, this week’s news-hive…

Remember who sang “I can feel it coming in the air tonight”?

In this case, though, it is a bouquet of viruses raising flu infections to a newer height.

You could also blame it on the breathable quality of our air.

Respiratory diseases are consequences people have to bear.

?

Priorities on innovation and pharmaceutical research have been set high…

Which led many leading institutions to give it their best shots as they try!

Sciences sticking to their knitting is no longer the rule.

Now, engineers too, are building a bacteria-fighting molecule.

?

New discoveries have to often refresh or replace old ones.

Even those that have had very long and tremendous runs.

The effectiveness of cancer treatments has been almost proverbial.

But new research suggests that drug resistance is more than anti-microbial.

?

A second drug-maker jumped on the bandwagon of insulin price cutting,

Just 3 companies account for 90 percent of the US market, so no strutting.

Insurance companies already get deep discounts, so there is no actual loss.

The stock market approved, and the third company also come across.

?

Companies in India that provide health insurance coverage are not as generous.

For many people, getting comprehensive coverage can be quite onerous.

Only half the women were covered for maternity benefits, a survey found.

Just 2 in a hundred firms covered outpatient visits: that’s the reality on the ground.

The government may not be able to address health insurance right away.

But it has circulated new legislation to replace an outdated one, by the way.

Between state and central governments, the goal is a redistribution of powers.

Earlier attempts at modern, relevant legislation got more brickbats than flowers.

More far-reaching regulations – some on thorny issues – are on the cards.

Medical negligence is one; guidelines are being mulled over in this regard.

The Supreme Court had ordered the framing of these guidelines 17 years ago.

Too many complications have stalled the process, with almost nothing to show.

Currently, e-pharmacies are where serious action is being considered.

Notices have been issued to 31 firms, leaving many of them embittered.

Medicines should only be dispensed under a pharmacist’s direct supervision.

Strict implementation and compliance in a digital world are hard to envision!

?

Industry associations, on the other hand, are arguing in the e-pharmacies' favor.

Standards and behavior can be mandated: A code of conduct can be the savior.

E-pharmacies seem inevitable given the government's priorities on digital health.

Having new rules and a public discussion on the issues is better than doing it by stealth.

End Note…

Before signing off, here is a gentle reminder…

To crank up and recharge your ideas finder!

That thought you discarded as useless might be the one.

Dust it off, pen it down, and message it here, and it’s done!