Current Affairs 17-NOV-2023 (The Hindu)

University Grants Commission (UGC)

(D => Pg-18)

UGC

• Established in 1953.
• Statutory status - UGC Act of 1956.
• Co-ordinate, determine & maintain standards of university education in India.
• Headquarters - New Delhi.
• 6 regional offices - Bengaluru, Bhopal, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kolkata & Pune.

Composition of UGC

• Chairman, a Vice-Chairman, & 10 other members - appointed by Central government.
• Tenure of Chairman and members:
• Chairman - 5 years or until he attains the age of 65 years.
• Vice-Chairman & members - 3 years.

Powers & Functions of UGC

• Promotion & coordination of university education in India.
• Determine & maintain standards of teaching, examination & research in universities.
• Financial functions of UGC:
• Oversee - budgetary requirements of universities.
• UGC - Assign & disburse grants to the Universities - founded or incorporated by or under a Central Act.
• Confers recognition to Indian universities.
• Advise CG / SG - on the allocation of any grants to Universities from their Consolidated Funds.
• Criteria for exams - ICAR NET, UGC NET, & CSIR UGC NET.
• Duty of the Commission to prepare an annual report every year:
• Laid down by the Central Government before both Houses of Parliament.

Practice Question – Prelims

Consider the following statements about University Grants Commission (UGC)

1. It was established by the UGC act of 1956.

2. The chairman and members are appointed by the committee consisting of members of both central and state governments.

3. It submits its annual report before both the houses of the parliament.

How many of the statements given above is/are correct:

a) Only One

b) Only Two

c) All Three

d) None

Chikungunya

(D => Pg-12)

Chikungunya

• One of the neglected tropical diseases – More than 3 million infections every year.
• Severe among the developing & underdeveloped countries - resulting in the loss of lives.
• National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control data - India had 93,455 suspected chikungunya cases until September in 2023.

Vaccine for Chikungunya

• World’s 1st vaccine for chikungunya - approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the U.S.
• Developed by European vaccine manufacturer Valneva.
• Marketed under Brand name - Ixchiq.
• Approved for people 18 & over who are at risk of exposure.

Details on Ixchiq

• Administered as a single dose by injecting into the muscle.
• It has a live, weakened version of the chikungunya virus.
• It may cause symptoms to the recipient of the vaccine.
• Symptoms – mild, but similar to those experienced by the real sick people.

Practice Question – Prelims

Consider the following statements about Chikungunya virus.

1. It is an RNA virus that spreads through Aedes Aegypti mosquito.

2. It is one of the neglected tropical diseases.

3. Recently, the world's first vaccine for chikungunya was approved by the World Health Organisation.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only Two

(c) All Three

(d) None

Generic Medicines

(D => Pg-8)

Practice Question – Mains GS - II

“Recently, the National Medical Council (NMC) withdrew the order on 'generic prescribing' which directed all doctors to prescribe only generic names and not brand names. In this context, write about the pros and cons of generic medicines. What are the steps taken by the government to promote generic medicine?” (250 words, 15 marks)

Generic Medicines

Introduction:

• WHO – it is a pharmaceutical product produced without a license from the innovator company.
• Sold after the expiration of the patent or other exclusive rights.
• Meant to be used interchangeably with an innovator product.

Pros of Generic Medicine:

• Cost-effective - make healthcare more accessible, reduce financial burden on individuals & healthcare systems.
• Have equivalent efficacy.
• Introduces competition into the pharmaceutical market.
• Contribute to broader access to essential medications, especially in regions or communities where healthcare resources may be limited.
• Aids in fund allocation for new research and development.

Cons of Generic Medicines:

• Perceived differences lead to a lack of confidence in the effectiveness of generic medications.
• Allergic reactions to inactive ingredients.
• Concerns related to bioequivalence variability.
• Presence of quality control issues.
• Lack of education and awareness.

Government Initiatives:

• Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP).
• Janaushadhi Sugam mobile application.
• Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002 - physicians should prescribe drugs with generic names legibly.
• Support provided under the free drug initiative of National Health Mission (NHM).
• Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 - applicants must include results from a bioequivalence study.

Conclusion:

• Essential to acknowledge potential concerns.
• Patients encouraged to consult their healthcare providers to address any concerns.
• Make informed decisions about their medication choices for optimal health outcomes.
• Government – ensure universal access to affordable generic medicines without compromising the quality of the medicine.