6 August, 2015

England Worst Country for Cancer Patients' Survival Compared To Other Western Countries

In a new study, England has emerged as the worst country for cancer patients' survival. The chance of surviving cancer was up to 12 percent lower in England than for patients in other Western countries with similar health systems, although there were some signs of improvement.

The study looked four million cancer patients and compared outcomes in England, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Norway and Sweden over 15 years. Australia and Sweden had the best rates overall. As per recent figures, 5 percent to 12 percent fewer in England stayed alive for at least five years than in Australia, Canada, Norway or Sweden. 

Lead researcher Dr Sarah Walters, of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said that the way England's cancer survival had improved and showed promise, but it's vital more is done to close the gap. The findings are published in the British Journal of Cancer.

Source: www.medindia.net

06.08.2015

Maharashtra to Follow Amendments Made in Central Government's Human Organ Transplant Act

After a year of contemplation whether to have its own Organ Transplant Act, Maharashtra has finally decided to follow the amendments made in the central government's Human Organ Transplant Act, 2011.

On the lines of the central Act, which was amended in 2011, the state cabinet approved the amendments to the state Act on human organ transplant.

  Dr Pravin Shingare, director of Medical Education and Research, said: "We have officially accepted the central Act in toto and reviewed our organ transplant Act. The central Act was amended in 2011. We were contemplating to have our own organ Act but decided to go with the former to avoid legal complications."

The state's organ transplant Act will now be called Organ and Tissues Act, said Shingare. "Among the changes in the new Organ and Tissue Act, paternal and maternal grandparents and grandchildren have been included in near relatives," he said.

The Act now allows swap transplant in the state. "Although swap transplants were being conducted in the state, it was done because the central Act allowed it for the benefit of the patient. Necessary permissions were taken for the same. It will now be done officially," said Dr Shingare.

An unrelated donor could donate his or her kidney to a recipient whose family member would in return donate one kidney to another patient, according to the central Act. "This method is successful for those whose blood group does not match within the family and require kidney donation from a stranger," said Dr Shingare. 

Source: www.medindia.net

06.08.2015

Thinking is progress, non-thinking is stagnation of the individual, organization & the country

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam