National
Sagar Parikrama Phase-III from Hazira Port in Gujarat
⇒ The Phase III Program of ‘Sagar Parikrama’ commenced on 19 February 2023 from Surat, Gujarat and ended on 21 February 2023 at Sasson Dock, Mumbai.
Sagar Parikrama is a program that reflects the far-reaching policy strategy of the government leading to the direct interaction with fishers and fish farmers to understand the issues of coastal areas and problems related to fishermen.
Shri Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, started the Sagar Parikrama Phase-III from Hazira Port, Gujarat. Thereafter it was proceeded towards the coastal line of Maharashtra at Satpati, Vasai, Versova, and Parikrama ended at Sasson Dock, Mumbai.
The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, and National Fisheries Development Board, along with the Department of Fisheries, Government of Gujarat, Commissioner of Fisheries, Government of Maharashtra, Indian Coast Guard, Fishery Survey of India, Gujarat Maritime Board, and fishermen representatives, participated in the event.
The main objectives of ‘Sagar Parikrama’ are-
- to facilitate interaction with fishermen, coastal communities and stakeholders so as to disseminate information of various fisheries related schemes and programs being implemented by the Government
- demonstrating solidarity with all fisher folk, fish farmers and concerned stakeholder as a spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat
- to promote responsible fisheries with focus on sustainable balance between the utilization of marine fisheries resources for food security of nation and livelihoods of coastal fisher communities, and
- protection of marine ecosystems.
Focus:
» The journey of Sagar Parikrama focuses on the sustainable balance between the utilization of marine fisheries resources for the food security of the nation and livelihoods of coastal fisher communities and the protection of marine ecosystems, to bridge the gaps of fisher communities, and their expectations, development of fishing villages, upgradation and creation of infrastructure such as fishing harbours & landing centers to ensure sustainable and responsible development through an ecosystem approach.
Sagar Parikrama program is celebrated in all coastal States/UTs through a pre-decided sea route down right from Gujarat, Diu, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, Andaman & Nicobar, and Lakshadweep Islands to have interaction program with fishermen, fisher communities and stakeholders in these locations to know the problems of Coastal Fisher folk.
- To improve the quality of life and economic well-being of fishers and fishermen in rural areas and to create more livelihood opportunities, a holistic approach has been adopted.
Previous Phases:
- Phase I Programme of ‘Sagar Parikrama’ was organized in Gujarat, started on 5th March, 2022 from Mandvi and ended on 6th March 2022 at Porbandar, Gujarat.
- Phase II The voyage Sagar Parikrama as Phase –II programme started on 22nd September 2022 from Mangrol to Veraval and ended at Mul Dwaraka, on 23rd September 2022 from Mul Dwaraka to Madhwad.
NOTTO Scientific Dialogue 2023
⇒ Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare organized National Organ & Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) Scientific Dialogue 2023 on 19 February 2023 in New Delhi.
The dialogue was organized to bring all the stakeholders under one roof to brainstorm ideas about interventions and best practices in the organ and tissue transplant field that can be taken up for saving lives.
» Speaking on the occasion, Union Health Secretary Shri Rajesh Bhushan said that there is fast resurgence in the transplant activities post COVID and for the first-time country has achieved more than 15,000 transplants in a year (2022). Along with this, there was an annual increase of 27% in transplant numbers.
- Union Health Secretary underlined on three priority areas which include programmatic restructuring, communication strategy and skilling of professionals.
» Ms. V Hekali Zhimomi, AS MoHFW informed the participants about the enhanced capacities under National Organ Transplant program and available facilities that citizens can use such as 24X7 toll free helpline, National organ and tissue transplant Registry, website for ease of access to information.
International
3rd G20 Health Working Group Meeting
⇒ The 3rd Health Working Group meeting under India’s G20 Presidency was held in Hyderabad from June 4 – 6, 2023.
Day 1:
The 3rd Health Working Group meeting under India’s G20 Presidency was inaugurated by Dr Bharati Praveen Pawar, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare.
- Participants included members of G20 countries, guest countries, and invited International Organizations.
» The inaugural session focused on discussions on the health priorities of the G20 India Health Track.
Highlighting the need for continuous strengthening of healthcare systems Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar stated “The threat of pandemics is far from over. The need is to integrate and strengthen One Health-based surveillance systems.”
The following sessions were held on the first day of the meeting:
Session 1: Health Emergencies Prevention, Preparedness, and Response
- The session underlined the need to promote the One Health approach and create a framework for Antimicrobial Resistance stewardship.
Session 2: Strengthening Cooperation in Pharmaceutical Sector with Focus on Access and Availability to Safe, Effective, Quality, and Affordable Medical Countermeasures
- Discussions in this session revolved around vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics (VTD) and building research and development manufacturing networks, facilitating upstream and downstream delivery of (VTDs) across the globe.
- The delegates highlighted the need to build consensus for a Global Medical Countermeasures Coordination Platform through the ‘Network of Networks’ approach & lessons from vectors like ACT-A.
Day 2:
» A side event on “Strengthening Global Collaboration Network on Research and Development in Medical Countermeasures (Diagnostics, Vaccines, and Therapeutics) with a focus on Future Health Emergencies” was held on the second day of the 3rd HWG meeting.
- It was addressed by Shri Bhagwant Khuba, Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers.
- The purpose of the event was to reinforce the second priority of India’s G20 Presidency, which is to strengthen cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector with a focus on access and availability of quality, effective, safe, and affordable medical countermeasures (MCM).
- Given the importance of focusing equally on each component of the Vaccine, Therapeutics, and Diagnostics (VTD) Value Chains, India’s G20 Presidency has been discussing how to coordinate the various aspects of the upstream and downstream facets of the MCM ecosystem.
» Further, a session was also held on Enhancing digital literacy for Universal Health Coverage.
- Delegates emphasised on establishing a Global Initiative on Digital Health by democratising, leveraging, customising & converging digital health technologies.
» On the sidelines of the 3rd HWG meeting, an exhibition was organised displaying India’s prowess in Health R&D, initiatives, public & private innovations & more.
Day 3:
» The third day of the 3rd HWG meeting witnessed a panel discussion on “Envisaging a Global R&D Network for Research in VTDs to enhance PPR”.
- Dr. Christopher Elias, President (Global Development), Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation stated the need to unlock the power of innovation and R&D for a healthier present and future.
Exhibition by Ministry of AYUSH
- In a side event at the 3rd HWG Meeting, the Ministry of AYUSH showcased research-based AYUSH drugs/formulations like AYUSH-64, AYUSH-82, UNIM004 + UNIM 005, Kabasura Kudineer and Homoeopathic formulation Nanocurcumin, developed by Research Councils under the aegis of Ministry of AYUSH.
- The public sector undertaking, Indian Medicines Pharmaceutical Corporation Limited (IMPCL), under the Ministry of AYUSH, also exhibited AYUSH formulation, manufactured by them.
- During this event, the “G20 Primer on Traditional Medicine” prepared by the Ministry of AYUSH and the Forum on Indian Traditional Medicine (FITM) was unveiled.
Previous Health Working Group meeting under India’s G20 Presidency
Sports
2nd Khelo India Women’s Hockey League 2022 (U21)
⇒ The 2nd Khelo India Women’s Hockey League Under 21 was inaugurated at Major Dhyanchand National Stadium New Delhi on 19 February 2023 with the unveiling of trophies by Shri Harbinder Singh Arjuna Awardee 1964 Gold Medalist of Olympics (Triple Olympian) and Shri Devesh Chauhan Arjuna Awardee Double Olympian.
Winners:
Pritam Siwach Sports Foundation crowned Champions of the 2nd Khelo India Women’s Hockey League 2022 (U-21) on 11 April 2023 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
- Pritam Siwach Sports Foundation won the 2nd Edition of the Khelo India Women’s Hockey League 2022 (U-21) by defeating HAR Hockey Academy 2-0 in the Final.
- Sports Hostel Odisha finished at 3rd Position.