Senior academic pharmacist, Professor Mahendra Patel, recently received an award for his outstanding contribution and support for the Nigerian community
in the UK.
The Medical Association of Nigerians across GB (MANSAG) conducted its two-day annual General and Scientific Conference on October 27 and 28 in London.
The theme of the conference focussed on "Transforming Health Outcomes" to celebrate the contributions Nigerian doctors make to healthcare systems in the UK and
globally.
Dr Patel delivered an encouraging speech on "Leading Black And Minority Ethnic Population Research by BAME Researchers".
A recent study published in the British Journal of Nutrition reveals promising results regarding the use of daily prebiotic fiber supplements in patients
with pre-diabetes, suggesting significant improvements in insulin sensitivity and other vital health markers.
"Pre-diabetes affects over 7 million individuals in the UK," says Dr. Thomas Gurry, CEO at myota. "Our findings have shown that prebiotic fiber represents a
promising and efficacious fast-acting treatment to manage pre-diabetes."
Conducted over 24 weeks with 66 prediabetic participants, the study, led by scientists from myota and CRO Lindus Health, utilised a diverse prebiotic blend.
"The results of our study suggest that this natural diverse prebiotic fiber supplement could be taken to reverse pre-diabetes and to prevent or slow the onset
of type 2 diabetes," says Dr. Caitlin Hall, Head of Research at myota.
Diamorphine 5mg and 10mg powder used for solution for injection ampoules will remain unavailable until February 2022, Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has said in an update.
These injection ampoules are used to treat severe pain associated with surgical procedures, pain in the terminally ill, and to provide relief in acute pulmonary oedema.
Diamorphine 30mg and 100mg ampoules are available, however, the stock is not enough to support an uplift in demand.
Separately, the DHSC has extended the Medicine Supply Notification for Kolanticon gel, which is expected to remain unavailable until October 2022.
Healthcare reform emerged as a cornerstone of the Labour Party's manifesto leading up to the recent general election. A standout pledge was the establishment
of a Community Pharmacist Prescribing Service, aimed at granting pharmacists independent prescribing rights where clinically suitable. This initiative is seen as a
positive step in addressing critical challenges within the National Health Service (NHS).
Numark Chairman Harry McQuillan praised Labour's recognition of pharmacists' role in patient care through expanded prescribing rights.
"Let's be honest, pharmacists are an underutilised resource within the healthcare system. We possess extensive training and expertise, yet our full potential
hasn't always been acknowledged.
"By harnessing pharmacists expanded prescribing rights, Labour is acknowledging our significant role in patient care. This initiative aims to recognise our skills
and enhance patient care, ensuring quicker access to necessary treatments," he said.
However, he pointed out that the concept requires further exploration, as the rights to prescribe are already granted through the recent change to undergraduate
training that incorporates prescribing.
Britain on Monday (January 10) put the biggest private health companies on high alert to deliver crucial treatments such as cancer surgery should Omicron
overwhelm National Health Service hospitals in England.
The United Kingdom's death toll from the Covid-19 pandemic stands at 150,154, the world's seventh worst official Covid toll after the United States, Brazil, India, Russia, Mexico and Peru.
Prime minister Boris Johnson has bet on refraining from lockdowns to deal with the Omicron variant which in recent weeks has swept across the UK, albeit with death
rates significantly lower than previous waves.
In a sign of just how stretched the NHS could become, health secretary Sajid Javid ordered England's NHS to strike a three-month deal with private health companies to allow patients to get treatments such as cancer surgery outside.
"Millions of patients have already got their tests and treatment quicker thanks to our existing deal with independent providers," said David Sloman, NHS England chief operating officer and Covid incident director.
More than 100 NHS clinicians have urged the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to change its decision - declining recommendation of romosozumab, the first new osteoporosis medication for over a decade.
In a joint letter published on January 2, the clinicians warned of the consequences of barring access to the drug to those who suffer the bone-weakening disease.
The joint letter, led by the Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS), raised concern over the scarcity of the drug pipeline for osteoporosis and lack of public funding for new research.
It quoted recent government research that showed the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) invested less than £1 million in osteoporosis research in 2020-21, against the £4.6 billion per year cost to the NHS of fractures.
Craig Jones, chief executive of the Royal Osteoporosis Society said: "We're calling on NICE and the applicant company to get back round the table and work with us to ensure equal access to this important new treatment.
Holland & Barrett, the UK's leading wellness retailer, has become the latest retailer regulatory member of PAGB, the consumer healthcare association.
PAGB represents the manufacturers of branded over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, self care medical devices and food supplements in the UK.
Holland & Barrett's decision to PAGB follows its recent introduction of a selected range of OTC and healthcare products in its stores across the UK. These
include painkillers, cough and cold medicines, children's health essentials, hay fever relief, as well as skin and gastrointestinal products.
With this expansion, the retailer aims to not only help customers to stay well, but also provide relief when needed.
To support environmental cause, natural health pioneer BetterYou has pledged its allegiance to Antarctic Quest 21 - an expedition to undertake essential exploration activities.
Under the expedition, a team of eight military and ex-military men and women will travel the untrodden regions of the Antarctic Peninsula on the 100th Anniversary
of Sir Ernest Shackleton's last Antarctic expedition.
The team will gather data for research of climate change, meteorology, geology and glaciology to enable study on recent and future environmental changes.
BetterYou will support the team with specialist equipment and smart nutritional support.
The firm has partnered with performance nutritionist, Emily Whitehead, to provide nutritional guidance and support overall wellbeing of the team pre, during and post
the expedition.
The Galien Foundation recently announced the winners of the 2024 Prix Galien UK Awards, with the University of Oxford receiving accolades for its
groundbreaking contributions to public sector innovation through the PRINCIPLE and PANORAMIC Trials.
These trials, spearheaded by Oxford's team of experts, have set a new standard for scientific innovation aimed at improving global health outcomes.
Led by University of Oxford, the PRINCIPLE and PANORAMIC Trials epitomize a remarkable collaboration aimed at combating the COVID-19 pandemic.
A recent study, conducted by CBD experts at Brown's CBD, unveiled Dundee as the UK's leading CBD hotspot, with an average monthly search volume
of 530.29 per 100,000 residents, sparking a surge of interest in natural wellness solutions.
New research analysed search volume data across UK cities for CBD-related terms, reflecting a staggering 1100% increase in searches for 'what is CBD' over
the last decade.
Following Dundee, Brighton secures the second spot in the rankings with an average monthly search volume of 530.08 per 100,000 residents for CBD related
terms, closely trailed by St. Albans in third place.
Other notable cities making the top ranks include Gloucester, Hereford, and Bath, indicating a widespread curiosity about CBD products and their purported
health benefits.
A recent report by the British Generic Manufacturers Association (BGMA) has shed light on ongoing supply challenges in England's generic medicines market,
revealing significant issues impacting patient care.
The report highlights significant challenges faced in supply of medicines as currently, 51.72 per cent of generics in short supply lack licensed alternatives,
posing substantial hurdles to ensuring continuous patient care.
Additionally, 39.08 per cent of affected generics are branded, indicating widespread disruptions across the market.
A notable 26.44 per cent of generics experiencing shortages have been affected for over six months, highlighting persistent difficulties in supply chain management.
The report indicates that 0.15 per cent of generic medicine presentations listed in the Drug Tariff are currently facing supply issues, impacting accessibility
nationwide.
Modulator therapies, manufactured by Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX.O), may no longer be available for new cystic fibrosis (CF) patients in the UK.
A draft guidance recently published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) stated that it would not recommend the use of Kaftrio,
Symkevi and Orkambi on new CF patients.
Kaftrio and Symkevi are currently recommended for the treatment of cystic fibrosis in patients aged 6 years and older, while Orkambi is used for patients aged
1 and older.
The NICE draft guidance highlighted medicine costs and the strain on resources and finances faced by the National Health Service (NHS) as reasons for removing
these drugs.
A new study by the University of East Anglia has found that giving out 'vape starter kit vouchers' on the NHS could help even hardened smokers quit.
In the recent study, researchers worked with GPs and the 'NHS stop smoking service', commissioned locally by Public Health at Norfolk County Council, to set up a
pilot 'vape shop voucher' scheme (worth £25 each) to help patients who had tried but failed to stub it out in the past.
An evaluation of the scheme, funded by Norfolk County Council, showed it was a big success - with 42 per cent of the entrenched smokers who were referred to it and
redeemed their vape voucher having quit within a month.
After the success of the pilot, the scheme has been rolled out across Norfolk and the research team hope it could be rolled out nationally to help more smokers quit.
Lead researcher and addiction expert Prof Caitlin Notley, from the UEA's Norwich Medical School, said: "Research shows that vaping is an effective way of quitting
smoking, compared to nicotine replacement therapies like patches and gum. E-cigarettes or vapes are now the most popular way of stopping smoking.
The Indian government has suspended manufacturing in over 40 pharmaceutical companies based on a risk-based assessment conducted earlier in the year across 162
firms, according to the data provided by Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in Parliament on Thursday (Aug. 10).
"Overall, a sum of 143 show-cause notices has been issued," Mandaviya said.
There have been numerous recent incidents involving accusations from foreign countries regarding the contamination of syrups, eye drops, and ointments manufactured
in India. Countries such as the Gambia, Uzbekistan, and Cameroon have linked the deaths of 70, 18, and six children, respectively, to cough syrups contaminated in
India.
Licenses for specific products have been either temporarily suspended or fully revoked for an additional 66 companies. In one case, an FIR has been registered,
and in 21 cases, warning letters have been issued following inspections by both the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization and State authorities, the Minister
added.
Meanwhile, the Indian government has mandated rigorous testing for cough syrups before export. Starting June 1, any cough syrup must possess a government
laboratory-issued certificate of analysis before being exported, the government said in a notice dated May 22.
Researchers from King's College London and the University of Helsinki have identified a link between periodontitis (gum disease) and cryptogenic ischemic
stroke, which causes a blockage in the blood vessel supplying blood to a region of the brain.
The findings, recently published in the Journal of Dental Research, emphasise severe gum disease as a risk factor for young-onset stroke, particularly in
patients with no other identifiable risk factors.
Dr. Susanna Paju, Periodontology Specialist from the University of Helsinki, led the study in collaboration with Dr. Svetislav Zaric, Clinical Lecturer in
Periodontology from King's College London. Dr. Zaric explains the implications of their research:
"Stroke remains the second leading cause of death globally. Strikingly, the incidence and prevalence of ischemic stroke have been increasing in the younger
population during past decades," she said.
"Periodontitis, which involves deep inflammation of the gums due to bacteria under the gumline, can lead to systemic effects as bacteria enter the bloodstream
and affect other parts of the body," she added.
In recent years, there has been an increased focus on the importance of health. People are looking for ways to improve their health and live a longer, more
productive life. There are many different places that people can go to work on their health, but some are better than others. Here is a list of the top six places
to work on your health.
1) MEDICAL SPA
A medical spa is a place where people can go to improve their health. medical spas offer a variety of services, including skin care, laser hair removal, and body
contouring. They also offer a variety of medical treatments, such as laser surgery and Botox injections.
Medical spas offer a number of benefits to their patients. First, they offer a wide variety of services that can help people improve their health. Second, they offer
a number of medical treatments that can help people address specific health concerns. Third, they offer a relaxing environment where people can come to improve their
health and wellbeing. No matter if you're looking for a medical spa in Alexandria, VA, New York, or any other state, they can be a great place to work on your health.
Plus, if you're looking for a place to get health insurance, they can also help you with that.
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The National Health Service(NHS) has reported a record number of attendances at Accident & Emergency (A&E) departments and emergency admissions for any
June, reflecting significant pressure on healthcare services amidst hot weather and recent strikes by junior doctors.
Last month, hospitals across the UK handled over 2.29 million A&E attendances and more than 536,884 emergency admissions, marking increases of 3.1 per cent
and 7.2 per cent respectively compared to the previous year.
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS national medical director, acknowledged the strain on frontline teams:
"Frontline teams are continuing to work exceptionally hard under significant pressure to provide the best care they can for patients."
HayMax, manufacturer of organic, drug-free allergen barrier balms for hay fever, dust, and pet allergies, has recently won the 2023 Global 100 awards. The
HayMax balm, applied around nostril rims and eye bones, is an innovative allergen blocker against pollen, dust, and pet allergens entering the body.
Independent university research confirms it traps over a third of pollen, along with dust mites and pet dander, before they enter the body, according to HayMax.
The drug-free balm is Soil Association-certified organic, comprising 100 per cent natural ingredients. Safe for children, pregnant, and breastfeeding women, it
holds the Vegetarian Society Approved trademark.
This award has come as a complete surprise to us at HayMax," said HayMax MD, Max Wiseberg. "Being held in such high regard through this global recognition is truly
delightful."
"The Global 100 aims to offer readers insight into firms that excel in their chosen specialties, and the award underscores hard work and innovation of various
companies," said its organisers.
The number of people suffering from addiction is at an all time high, with more people seeking treatment across the USA due to the fentanyl crisis, but new
studies have shown that addiction drugs may not only be able to aid those suffering from the deadly disease, but also aid people suffering from long COVID.
While there has long been research underway to find a cure for the likes of alcoholism and drug addiction, it turns out naltrexone, a drug used in the addiction
treatment space, is helping people who have been suffering from headaches, seizures and fatigue as a result of long COVID.
According to Dr. Paul Valbuena at The River Source, an Arizona drug rehab, naltrexone is typically used by rehab centers and prescribed to patients suffering from
addiction to reduce cravings and the feeling of euphoria associated with substance use disorder, giving patients clarity and focus to concentrate on recovery.
Thanks to a recent report, that has also been revealed to be the case for those suffering with long COVID too, with Lauren Nichols, a long COVID sufferer from Chicago
being prescribed the drug by her doctor.
She found that the drug helped quell her seizures and headaches, alowing her to think clearly and get on with her life as normal. It's been a similar story for other
patients too, and has marked a major breakthrough in the bid to help those who are still suffering in the aftermath of the pandemic.
Expressing apprehension over the concerning decline in the nursing workforce, Sir Julian Hartley, CEO of NHS Providers, urged the forthcoming government
to bolster investment in nursing education and enhance support for student nurses.
Recent analysis from the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has projected that the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan will fall short by 10,000 new nurses by 2025.
Commenting on the RCN analysis, Sir Hartley underscored the critical importance of having an adequate number of nurses to ensure the delivery of safe,
high-quality patient care.
"Without enough nurses, the delivery of safe, high-quality patient care is compromised," he said.
He cautioned that the predicted shortfall in nurses would exacerbate existing pressures on the NHS, resulting in long waiting times, delayed treatments and
staff burnout.
