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Time of India
17 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Dwindling Development Assistance by OECD for Healthcare: Africa could Tap Indian Partnership
Traditional donor countries have been downsizing development partnership commitments. The US, by far the largest donor of Official Development Assistance (ODA) for over six decades, is on its way to eliminating up to 90 per cent of its foreign aid contracts. The US administration, in early 2025, initiated freezing of foreign development assistance financing. The other donors of the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) are also reducing aid commitments and increasingly channelling their economic assistance bilaterally through issue-specific earmarked funds. The leading DAC donors are reported to be slashing their aid budgets from 25 to 40 per cent by 2027. Development financing channeled bilaterally or multilaterally by the donor countries for long-term development or short-term humanitarian purposes include ODAs in the form of grants, interest free or low-interest loans - referred to as 'aid', technical assistance, other debt instruments, and in-kind support, for development in other countries. The beneficiaries of such ODAs have been traditionally the developing countries in the Global South. Foreign aid has played a critical role in addressing challenges in development of vital infrastructure and public services in resource constrained countries, one of the predominant areas being Healthcare . At the same time, there is a growing consensus among the aid recipient countries that foreign aid is an inadequate driver for growth in development sectors due to its inherent nature of being unpredictable and unsustainable. Recent years have seen the rise of South-South cooperation with increasing private sector involvement in this space. China, Japan, Turkey and India have emerged as significant development partners in Sub-Saharan Africa , South and East Asia. Diminishing aid-environment has raised concern in the aid recipient countries, especially in Africa, about looming uncertainties in resource availability affecting progress in healthcare. Despite significant progress in addressing mortality rate, mother and child health and tackling communicable diseases, lack of adequate healthcare infrastructure including workforce, rising healthcare costs, shrinking healthcare budgets of the Governments and their inability to achieve universal health coverage, continues to plague the African Healthcare. According to the WHO and a recent AfDB report, Africa currently has 1.3 hospital beds per 1000 people (compared to 6.1 in Europe), and only one intensive care bed for every 100,000 people (compared to seven in India). Africa has on an average 1.55 healthcare workers (including physicians, nurses and midwives) to 1000 people, with only four countries equating the global average of 4.45 per 1000 people. This gap is wider with diagnostic capacity, with only 0.7 Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners for every 1,000,000 of its population (compared to 4.8 in China and 37 in the USA), demonstrating limited diagnostics capabilities and lack of medical technicians. Africa is today faced with dual challenges in healthcare both with communicable diseases, such as malaria, HIV, Ebola and other parasitic outbreaks, and with economic progress, rising non-communicable diseases ( NCD ), such as diabetes, hypertensive heart diseases etc. This calls for urgency in adapting healthcare infrastructure and services, accordingly. Experts tracking the global developments on intensified geopolitical competition and dwindling aid from traditional multilaterals, sees non-traditional partner, China as the front runner in filling the void by expanding its 'Health Silk Road' under its signature Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which gained momentum during Covid 19 pandemic and remained mostly confined to partnering with the national healthcare capacities. Countries in the African region views development cooperation, as not just providing financial resources but delivering value and technical expertise and working collaboratively with the governments and the civil society. India has an advantage here in unlocking its potential as a collaborative healthcare provider to Africa. India has been steadily strengthening its development partnership in the African region since the mid-2000s, blending development instruments and active private sector participation. Historically, India has been the affordable pharmacy to Africa, and health has figured prominently in the India-Africa partnership through several initiatives, such as the Pan-Africa e-Network Project (PANeP) facilitating telemedicine; announcement of an India-Africa Health Fund in 2015; the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) collaboration with the African Union (AU) under the India-Africa Health Sciences Collaborative Platform (IAHSP); and medical tourism in India. India under its Lines of Credit (LOC), providing concessional loans for development projects, have the largest number of credit lines extended to Africa. However, utilisation of these LOCs for Healthcare accounts for only around 1.28 per cent. With Indian healthcare companies increasingly venturing in the African region, with interests in healthcare services, including innovative financing strategy to provide low-cost treatment, fostering an Africa-India health cooperation under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model can be path breaking in the India-Africa relation, also strengthening India's position as a development partner in healthcare for the Global South. Manoeuvring this cooperation, Africa can explore leveraging the LOC mechanism for funding healthcare infrastructure in Africa, both in primary and tertiary care, undertaking PPP route wherein, African Governments could engage with Indian healthcare companies in delivering healthcare services and developing diagnostic infrastructure, besides developing policy and regulatory framework in healthcare delivery. The mechanism can also be leveraged for refurbishing existing public and private healthcare infrastructures in Africa. Seeking funds for developing hard infrastructure under the LOC can mitigate the risk in implementing cross border PPP. Further, the cooperation may also facilitate medical goods and services imports by Africa from India. African patients account for around 20 per cent of travel under medical tourism in India and is the largest. Travel for health has limitations of equity of access, as it privileges mostly the high-net-worth Africans. This is further challenged by post recovery follow ups, which is often undertaken through emails and telemedical consultations and identified as a major reason for treatment failure. The cooperation while may continue to give an impetus to medical tourism in India from Africa for tertiary care but also ease post recovery challenges back in Africa. The article is written by Ms. Sumana Sarkar and Mr. David Sinate (Economists with India Exim Bank) (DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely of the author and does not necessarily subscribe to it. shall not be responsible for any damage caused to any person/organisation directly or indirectly)
Scoop
07-08-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Your Lifestyle Could Be Affecting Your Brain's ‘Brake System' And Be Putting You At A Higher Risk Of Dementia
Forty-five percent of dementia cases are potentially preventable, and simple lifestyle choices including exercise, diet and social connection all contribute to your risk score. But what if these risk factors were leaving chemical warning signs of decline in your brain – long before any symptoms of dementia played out? Researchers from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Thompson Institute believe they've found just that. It not only opens new avenues for early detection in dementia research – it could also help our understanding of how the brain deteriorates to increase risk of earlier dementia. The study, published today in Cerebral Cortex, used Magnetic Resonance Imaging and MR-spectroscopy to measure the brain chemical levels of 79 healthy older adults. All participants had normal memory, thinking skills and cognitive function. What varied was their modifiable-dementia risk score – calculated from health and lifestyle factors such as physical activity, sleep, social engagement, and diet. Lead author Dr Jacob Levenstein said the research team discovered specific patterns in individuals' brain chemistry relating to that risk score. 'We examined the concentration levels of Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) – which you can think of as the brain's 'brake system' he said. 'GABA is a neurochemical messenger that helps calm down brain activity and keep neural networks balanced. These results suggest 'riskier' lifestyle choices could hinder the brain's ability to properly regulate itself," he said. "We found that with higher modifiable dementia risk scores, individuals had lower GABA concentrations in movement and sensory brain regions. 'In the prefrontal cortex – a brain region that handles complex thinking and decision-making – we also found that with higher modifiable dementia risk, individuals had lower concentrations of total N-acetylaspartate (tNAA) and total choline (tCho). 'These two neurochemicals play important roles in brain tissue health and cell-to-cell communication. 'Lower levels of these neurochemicals in the brain's 'command centre' may suggest deterioration occurs long before noticeable changes in behaviour or memory.' The findings not only open the door for new early detection and intervention research, they also shed light on how the brain might deteriorate before dementia sets in. 'Crucially, these three neurochemical markers were identified in healthy older adults, meaning they could play a role in the detection of dementia years before behavioural symptoms appear, giving a head-start on prevention and mitigation' Dr Levenstein said. As co-author of the research and Lead of the Thompson Institute's Healthy Brain Ageing Program Dr Sophie Andrews points out, there is additional good news in these findings too. 'These are modifiable factors. You can make simple everyday choices that will improve your brain's health trajectory,' she said. 'We've shown that simple things like improving physical activity levels and sleep quality, looking after your mental health, and moving toward a Mediterranean-style diet, can significantly improve your outlook.'
USA Today
04-08-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Napheesa Collier injury update: Lynx star out two weeks with ankle sprain
A blowout victory over the Las Vegas Aces came at a cost for the Minnesota Lynx on Aug. 2. With less than a minute left in the third quarter and the Lynx holding a commanding 43-point lead over the Aces, Minnesota star Napheesa Collier collided with teammate Alanna Smith and landed awkwardly on her right foot. The five-time All-Star remained on the floor for a couple of minutes before walking off the court under her power – but with assistance. Following the game, Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said that Collier would undergo further testing to figure out the extent of her injury. Collier has already missed three games this season. Collier is averaging a career-high 23.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game in her seventh WNBA season. The 2024 Defensive Player of the Year is the current favorite to win 2025 MVP honors and was named Western Conference Player of the Month for July. Here's the latest on Collier's injury: POTM. again. 👑 MORE: Baby dunks on competitors, takes first steps during race to mom at Aces game Napheesa Collier injury update Collier sprained her right ankle with less than a minute left in Minnesota's 111-58 blowout victory over Las Vegas on Saturday, Aug. 2. She sat out the fourth quarter and was officially ruled out of the game midway through the fourth quarter. On Sunday, Aug. 3, Collier had further testing to find out the extent of her injury. According to an ESPN report, Collier will be out for two weeks with a right ankle sprain. However, the good news is that Collier avoided a major injury. The Lynx released an official statement on Collier's injury on Monday, Aug. 4: "After undergoing an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), Collier was evaluated by team physician Dr. Elena Jelsing at Mayo Clinic Square, where a right ankle sprain was confirmed. Collier will be re-evaluated in the coming weeks and further updates on her progress will be provided when available." At the time of her injury, Collier had 18 points, five assists, three rebounds and two steals in 26 minutes. Napheesa Collier stats Here's a look at Collier's stats this season. She has missed three games this year.
Hindustan Times
28-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Aundh District Hospital operating sans MRI machine for a year, adding to patients' woes
PUNE: Aundh District Hospital (ADH), a major government hospital in Pune district, has been operating without an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machine for almost a year now, forcing hundreds of patients—many of whom are from low-income backgrounds—to turn to expensive private hospitals. Pune, India - Aug. 5, 2023: District Hospital in Aundh in Pune, India, on Saturday, August 5, 2023. (Photo by Kalpesh Nukte/HT PHOTO) According to officials, MRI scans are crucial for diagnosing a wide range of medical conditions, including brain injuries, tumours, spine problems, and joint disorders. However, patients at ADH must now wait for weeks or travel long distances to other government hospitals that are already overloaded to avail this facility. Besides, many patients cannot afford the cost of private scans, which range from ₹4,000 to ₹12,000 depending on the body part which is to be scanned. The government of Maharashtra in November 2023 appointed 'Unique Wellness', a private agency, to provide CT scan and MRI services at ADH. As per the agreement, the private agency was handed over possession of a designated space at ADH to set up CT scan and MRI services. As per the agreement, the CT scan and MRI services were supposed to be started within six months from the date of the private agency taking possession of the space. However, only CT scan services have been initiated at the hospital in August 2024 while MRI services are yet to be started, officials said. Pune district civil surgeon, Dr Nagnath Yempalle, has written to the private agency on July 17, 2025 calling for an explanation for its failure to start MRI services at ADH since February 2025. 'The stipulated six-month period to start the MRI service has lapsed in February 2025. This has resulted in inconvenience to the patients at the hospital. We have asked the private agency to submit an explanation regarding the non-initiation of the MRI service immediately. Also, in case of failure to respond, the issue will be reported to the higher authorities for further action,' said the civil surgeon. Dr Yempalle further informed that when patients bring up the issue of the absence of an MRI facility, the hospital authorities ask the private agency to get the MRI done at the latter's private facility in Aundh. Whereas the transport and manpower for the same is arranged by ADH. But it is still an inconvenience to patients, not to mention a waste of resources and time; Dr Yempalle said. Health experts say that the lack of timely MRI services can delay diagnosis and treatment, especially in cases of stroke, tumours, and internal injuries. The situation is challenging in severe cases. Sunanda Jadhav (name changed), a housemaid who had travelled from Talegaon, said, 'The doctor advised me to get an MRI of the spine. But I was told the machine is not available at ADH. I don't have the money to go to a private lab…' The ADH, on an average, has over 1k patients seeking treatment at the outpatient department (OPD) daily and has a capacity of 300 beds. While more than 100 patients are admitted to different wards of the hospital. On an average, around five to six patients require MRI services daily, and the number is high during the dedicated 'Ortho OPD' days. Besides, patients with severe/critical illnesses are referred from sub-district hospitals and rural hospitals of the district to ADH. Health activists have also raised concerns over the state's slow response, and have demanded urgent action. 'The absence of such key diagnostic services defeats the purpose of a district hospital meant to serve poor and middle-class citizens. Not every patient goes and meets the civil surgeon, asking for help to get the MRI done. The staff at the hospital only say that an MRI is not available at the hospital, and no transport is provided to take the patients to another MRI facility at Aundh. Even the civil surgeon is not always available at the hospital,' claimed health activist, Sharad Shetty. On his part, Jaipal Ravat, who manages the unit at ADH, said, 'The process to install a new MRI machine at ADH is underway and the issue will be resolved in a month. There was no stipulated time period given by the government in writing to us. Some costing issues related to MRI services are pending with the government, and the decision is yet to be taken.'
Daily Record
25-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Hospital horror as boy, 6, killed in MRI machine by flying oxygen tank
Michael Colombini, of Croton-On-Hudson, died two days after the 2001 mishap at Westchester Medical Center, in Valhalla, which was caused by the oxygen tank becoming magnetised In a shocking tragedy that stunned New York and the entire US, a six-year-old lost his life when a flying oxygen cylinder struck him during a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan. The metal container, hurtling at speeds of 20 to 30 feet per second, caused fatal skull injuries to Michael Colombini, from Croton-On-Hudson, after being pulled in by the MRI's massive 10-tonne electromagnet. Tragically, Michael died two days following the horrific accident at Westchester Medical Center, located north of New York City, roughly an hour's journey from where a 61 year old gentleman recently perished after being dragged into an MRI scanner whilst wearing a heavy metallic chain at Nassau Open MRI in Westbury. Officials say Keith McAllister, who lost his life on July 17, had moved towards the apparatus after his spouse, who was having a scan, cried out for assistance. Back in 2001, when Michael was fatally injured, hospital authorities confirmed the oxygen cylinder was "immediately magnetised and drawn to the centre of the machine, causing head trauma to the child.", reports the Mirror. An MRI scanner is a medical imaging apparatus that utilises powerful magnetic forces and radio frequencies to produce comprehensive images of a patient's internal body structure, enabling medics to identify and track numerous health conditions. Following sedation, Michael was positioned inside one of these devices for examination after having a non-cancerous brain growth surgically removed, but whilst inside the scanner his oxygen levels plummeted rapidly. Staff tried to rectify the situation using the suite's built-in oxygen supply, but their efforts were in vain. They then made the fatal decision to bring a portable steel oxygen tank into the room. The magnetic pull was so powerful that an anaesthesiologist had the cannister yanked from their grip and into the scanner as soon as they received it at the doorway. The cannister struck Michael, leading to his tragic death. In October 2009, Michael's parents secured a $2.9 million legal settlement with Westchester County Health Care of Valhalla, as disclosed by a New York court in 2010. Over 500 people attended the six year old's funeral, where his kindergarten teacher, Diana Heaton, described him as "an awesome kid who liked having fun," adding "we're all shocked and saddened by this." Approximately 100 hospital employees attended a prayer service for Michael. In a statement, the boy's family expressed gratitude for ''the outpouring of public sympathy," but requested privacy as they were "unable to make any public remarks regarding the loss of their beloved son Michael" because they had "just begun the grieving process." As part of the 2009 settlement, the parties agreed not to comment on the accident or litigation, although none sought to seal the legal records. Edward Stolzenberg, then-president and chief executive officer of the medical centre, stated at the time that the facility would "do anything it can to ease the family's grief. " He further stated: "The trauma was due to what can only be described as a horrific accident, and the entire medical centre is grieving."
