Latest news with #SSP
Daily Mirror
18 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
'Worst ever' drug shortage leaves cancer patients unable to eat
Shortages of Creon, which replaces a key enzyme needed to digest food, means patients with pancreatic cancer, cystic fibrosis and chronic pancreatitis are rationing meals Thousands of cancer and cystic fibrosis patients are being hit by a critical shortage of a key drug they need to help them digest food. Pharmacists are warning some patients are only eating once a day to ration supplies of the drug Creon. Patients with chronic pancreatitis are also among around 60,000 people who rely on the drug which replaces a key enzyme in what one pharmacist called the "worst stock shortage" they have ever had to deal with. The National Pharmacy Association surveyed 300 pharmacies and found 96% were having trouble supplying Creon, which is subject to the Government's serious shortage protocols (SSP). Creon is a pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (Pert) which helps people digest food and absorb its nutrients. A Europe-wide problem in getting hold of stocks is being caused by a shortage of its raw ingredients. Patients like Harriet Corr, 9, from Hebburn, Tyneside, who suffers from Cystic fibrosis are being advised to basically cut back on their calories to reduce the amount of Creon tablets they need. People with CF struggle as it is to keep weight on so this can be dangerous. Speaking last year, her mum Emma Corr told the Express: Emma, of Hebburn, Tyne and Wear, told the Daily Express: "Harriet needs about 10-15 Creon tablets every day and usually it's never a problem getting any. But people increasingly seen unable to source Creon anywhere. It's becoming a full blown crisis. We're now unable to find it either. "We've been scouring our house to see if we've left any pots of Creon lying about - that's how desperate we're getting. Not only does Creon help Harriet absorb the nutrients and fats in her food but it enables her CF drug Kaftrio to work properly too. If we have to reduce the fats in her diet not only will she lose weight but it could mean her Kaftrio does not fully work either." The NPA survey heard examples of patients in distress such as those eating one meal a day to ration their Creon, going without medication or travelling long distances and contacting numerous pharmacies in an attempt to find stock. The NPA said some are travelling more than 30 miles to get hold of a pack of the drug. Some 89% of pharmacies also reported difficulties in supplying Pert alternatives. Olivier Picard, chairman of the NPA, said: "Pharmacies are at the sharp end of medicine shortages, spending hours hunting stock and supporting frustrated and concerned patients. "As this distressing survey shows ongoing supply problems with Creon has had a profound effect on the patients who depend on it to survive and lead a normal life. It simply cannot be right that in the 21st century patients are skipping meals in order to ration their medication.' Alfie Bailey-Bearfield, head of influencing and health improvement at Pancreatic Cancer UK, said: "These deeply worrying findings echo the distress and frustration we are hearing from patients and their loved ones across the UK. "Thousands of people affected by pancreatic cancer rely on taking Pert tablets every time they eat simply to digest their food and absorb nutrients - something most of us take for granted. It's totally unacceptable that they are still taking desperate measures which puts their health, wellbeing and their eligibility for treatment at risk.' The Government has extended the current serious shortage protocols (SSP) in place for Creon until November. This allows pharmacists to supply a reduced quantity of Creon capsules that might be in stock, without having to send a patient back to their GP for a new prescription. The NPA survey also found that 81% of pharmacies felt the current arrangements for managing shortages of Creon were inadequate. It found pharmacists are still having to refer patients back for new prescriptions for an alternative Pert product, stock permitting, or an unlicensed Creon product. Olivier Picard, of the NPA, added: "Although we recognise this situation is complex and not the fault of the Government, it's important they convene a taskforce and a national action plan to tackle this particular shortage given its impact on patients. "Medicine shortages are all too common so highly trained pharmacists should also be permitted to use their professional judgment to supply alternative medicines - where it is safe and appropriate - in the event of the prescribed version being unavailable." Alfie Bailey-Bearfield, of Pancreatic Cancer UK, added: "For over a year, we have been raising concerns with Department of Health and Social Care officials and Pert suppliers, urging them to prioritise solutions that reduce the impact on patients. But despite these conversations, progress has been far too slow and patients continue to pay the price. "It is critical that they take immediate, decisive action and explore every available option to increase supply, including directly purchasing this vital medication from countries with a surplus. This crisis continues to put people's health on the line, and they cannot afford to wait any longer. The situation is unacceptable and it demands immediate action." A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: "We know how frustrating and distressing medicine supply issues can be for patients and the clinicians caring for them. "The European-wide supply issues with Creon are caused by a limited availability of raw ingredients and manufacturing capacity constraints. We are working closely with industry and the NHS to mitigate the impact on patients and resolve the issues as quickly as possible."
India Gazette
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Gazette
"Because of Modi sahab....": Rajpal Yadav on why he quit politics
New Delhi [India], May 31 (ANI): Almost a decade ago, actor Rajpal Yadav, who is best known for his comic roles in films such as 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa', 'Dhol', and 'Hungama', tried his hand at politics with the launch of his party 'Sarva Sambhav Party(SSP)'. However, he left politics later as films are his first love and he wanted to focus on them. In an interview with ANI, Rajpal looked back at his political career, indicating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiatives towards environment preservation and fighting global warming played a role in his decision to take a step back from electoral politics. 'In 2019, because of Modi sahab I said goodbye to politics jungle,zameen, paryavaran, pahad mera in 4-5 cheezo mein bhaut shauk tha. (water, forest, land, environment, mountains, in these four-five things, I had a lot of interest, I realised whatever changes I wanted to bring, have been made by Modiji. Especially with the theme of 'One Earth, One Family, One Future', he brought all the citizens together to fight against all the odds' Despite an interest in politics, Yadav distanced himself to focus more on his acting career. ' It's difficult to do both jobs (acting and politics) together. Both require proper time and 'Kala' mera pehla pyaar hai (Art is my first love). I feel more comfortable there,' he shared. Celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, and Urmila Matondkar also tested political waters but later decided to move away. (ANI)
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Three arrested for black-marketing IPL tickets in Mohali
Mohali police have busted a black-marketing racket involving illegal sale of IPL tickets at inflated prices with arrest of three persons. The accused have been identified as Naveen Kumar from Jind, Haryana; and Darpan Kumar and Parharsh Anurag, both from New Delhi. Mohali senior superintendent of police (SSP) Harmandeep Singh Hans said these arrests were made during the first qualifier match between Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru held at New PCA cricket stadium in Mullanpur on Thursday. The SSP said the accused had procured a large number of tickets in advance and were selling them at exorbitant prices near the stadium premises. Acting on a tip-off, police from the Mullanpur police station apprehended the accused red-handed. Hans added that stated that FIR No. 91 was registered under Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and investigations were underway to uncover any wider network or accomplices involved in the racket. He appealed to general public to give any information regarding sale of IPL match tickets at inflated prices near the cricket stadium, and to immediately inform the Mullanpur SHO at 9203-200-009 and Mullanpur DSP at 7710-111-912.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Samana parents protest and block bridge demanding further action fatal accident case; Samana witnesses shutdown again
Patiala: The grieving families of six schoolchildren killed in a horrific road crash earlier this month reignited protests on Friday, blocking a key road and demanding the arrest of all those alleged to be responsible for the tragedy. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Joined by political leaders, farmer unions, and social organisations, the families staged a sit-in outside the tehsil complex in Samana before moving to the Bhakhra Bridge on the Samana-Patiala Road, bringing the town to a standstill for the second time since the May 7 accident. The crash involved a Toyota Innova ferrying schoolchildren that collided head-on with a tanker-loaded tipper truck. Five children aged between six and 12, along with the 45-year-old driver, died on the spot. A sixth child died the next day, while six others remain in hospital. Police have arrested two main accused — tipper driver Bhupinder Singh and truck owner Davinder Singh — and six others for allegedly sheltering the suspects. However, four additional accused — Aniket Singh, Randhir Singh (alleged operator of the truck), Nirmal Singh (Randhir's father), and Gurjeet Singh, a relative — remain on the run. On May 24, families submitted a memorandum to subdivisional magistrate (SDM) Richa Goel, warning of a complete city shutdown if no action was taken by May 28. Goel forwarded the memorandum to senior superintendent of police (SSP) Varun Sharma, who met with the families and pledged arrests by May 30. That deadline has now passed without further arrests. Outraged by the delay, the families resumed their protest with heightened momentum. Local leaders across party lines criticised the administration for its inaction and pledged continued support for the victims' families. The tragedy has sparked wider concerns over unsafe school transportation, poor road regulation, and the unmonitored movement of heavy mining vehicles on public roads. On May 8, the town observed a total shutdown as hundreds gathered to mourn the children at the cremation ground. With emotions still raw and public outrage mounting, the families vowed to continue their protest until all accused are brought to justice and meaningful reforms are enacted to prevent similar tragedies. MSID:: 121519013 413 |
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
ICAI CA September 2025 exam timetable released for Final, Inter and Foundation courses at icai.org; check here
CA September 2025 exam dates: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has officially released the detailed timetable for the Chartered Accountants (CA) September 2025 examinations. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The schedule covers all three levels: Final, Intermediate (Inter), and Foundation courses. Candidates preparing for the upcoming CA exams are advised to visit the official ICAI website at to access the full timetable and related instructions. This announcement is in accordance with Regulation 22 of the Chartered Accountants Regulations, 1988, and outlines the examination dates and timings, along with important guidelines related to the submission of online application forms. The CA exams are scheduled across multiple dates in September 2025, provided a sufficient number of candidates opt to appear from the designated centres. Examination dates for final, inter and foundation courses The Final Course Examination will be held in two groups: Group I on September 3, 6 and 8, 2025, and Group II on September 10, 12 and 14, 2025. The Intermediate Course Examination is similarly divided, with Group I exams scheduled for September 4, 7 and 9, 2025, and Group II on September 11, 13 and 15, 2025. The Foundation Course Examination is spread over four dates: September 16, 18, 20 and 22, 2025. It is important to note that no examination will be held on September 5, 2025, due to the Milad-un-Nabi gazetted holiday declared by the Central Government. Candidates should also be aware that if any other day of the examination is declared a public holiday by the Central or State Governments, the exam schedule will remain unchanged. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Examination Level Group / Papers Exam Dates Duration Final Group I (Papers 1-5) Sept 3, 6, 8 3 hours each Group II (Papers 1-5) Sept 10, 12, 14 3 hours each Paper 6 Sept 14 4 hours Intermediate Group I (All papers) Sept 4, 7, 9 3 hours each Group II (All papers) Sept 11, 13, 15 3 hours each Foundation Papers 1 & 2 Sept 16, 18 3 hours each Papers 3 & 4* Sept 20, 22 2 hours each *Papers 3 & 4 of Foundation examination will not have advance reading time; all other papers include a 15-minute advance reading period. How and when to apply for the ca september 2025 exams Candidates can submit their examination application forms online via the Self Service Portal (SSP) at The application window will open on July 5, 2025, and the last date for submission without late fees is July 18, 2025. Candidates applying after this date can submit forms with a late fee of Rs 600 (for Indian, Bhutan, and Kathmandu centres) or US$10 (for overseas centres) until July 21, 2025. A correction window to change examination city or medium will be available from July 22 to July 24, 2025. Candidates are advised to use the SSP platform to create or update their usernames, register or convert courses, and upload necessary documents such as photographs and signatures. Examination fee details and payment methods The examination fees vary depending on the course and examination centre. The following table summarises the fee structure: Course Indian Centres (Rs) Overseas Centres (US$) Bhutan & Kathmandu Centres (Rs) Foundation 1,500 325 2,200 Intermediate (Single group) 1,500 325 2,200 Intermediate (Both groups) 2,700 500 3,400 Final (Single group) 1,800 325 2,200 Final (Both groups) 3,300 550 4,000 Payments can be made online via VISA, MasterCard, Maestro credit/debit cards, Rupay cards, net banking, or BHIM UPI. Additional instructions and medium of exam Candidates are allowed to choose between English and Hindi as their medium of examination for Foundation, Intermediate and Final courses. Detailed instructions and guidance notes are available on the ICAI SSP portal. Students should regularly check for any updates or notifications related to the examinations.
