ABSTRACT
The tree Melia azedarach (Family: Meliaceae) is known locally as bakain or drek (Hindi), Persian lilac or China tree (English), and Fleurs lilas (French). In South America is commonly known as “paraiso” or paradise, and in the US as Indian lilac or white cedar. The whole plant or its specific parts (leaves, stem, and roots) are known to have medicinal properties and have a long history of use by indigenous and tribal people in India. Melia azedarach is used as an ayurvedic medicine in India and Unani medicine in Arab countries as an antioxidative, analgesic, anti-Inflammatory, insecticidal, rodenticidal, antidiarrhoeal, deobstruent, diuretic, antidiabetic, cathartic, emetic, antirheumatic and antihypertensive. It is highly nutritious having a calorific value at 5100 kcal/kg. Also, it is used to manufacture agricultural implements, furniture, plywood, boxes, poles, tool handles and fuel wood. It is widely planted as a shade tree in coffee and abaca (Musa textilis) plantations. It is a wellknown ornamental tree. The present review is therefore, an effort to give a detailed survey of the literature on its botanical details, phytochemical reports, pharmacological studies and its therapeutic importance.
ABSTRACT
A branded drug costs more than the same molecule available as a generic drug. Some state governments have issued instructions to doctors to prescribe only generic drugs, failing which punitive action may be taken against them. The intention appears to be good: to provide drugs to people at a low cost. However, this may act as a double-edged sword: making drugs available at a lower cost, but of an inferior quality. It is presumed that reputed pharma houses maintain stringent quality control of their products as their reputation is at stake. The same may be true of unbranded products also. But, the market is currently flooded with spurious or sub-standard drugs.
ABSTRACT
This refers to a very thought-provoking article by Jayakrishnan. I fully agree with the statement, “Immunisation matters are left to manufacturers and international organisations, to “guide” and decide what is to be introduced in our market.”
ABSTRACT
This refers to a thought provoking article by Vijay Mahajan and a commentary by Arun Sheth.What both authors have stated is, unfortunately, true. Dr Sheth’s comments reflect the hopelessness of the situation, as he does not suggest any remedial steps except “time-tested, age-old golden practices in spirituality…” Dr Mahajan states that the list of things that doctors must do is long, and spells out a very long list of do’s and don’ts for doctors, authorities and the people. He concludes: “Corruption is spreading its tentacles far and wide in the medical system. To restore its noble and distinct status, all sections of society must work together to stamp out the biggest killer in the medical system – corruption.”
ABSTRACT
India has over a century old tradition of development and production of vaccines. The Government rightly adopted self-sufficiency in vaccine production and self-reliance in vaccine technology as its policy objectives in 1986. However, in the absence of a full-fledged vaccine policy, there have been concerns related to demand and supply, manufacture vs. import, role of public and private sectors, choice of vaccines, new and combination vaccines, universal vs. selective vaccination, routine immunization vs. special drives, cost-benefit aspects, regulatory issues, logistics etc. The need for a comprehensive and evidence based vaccine policy that enables informed decisions on all these aspects from the public health point of view brought together doctors, scientists, policy analysts, lawyers and civil society representatives to formulate this policy paper for the consideration of the Government. This paper evolved out of the first ever ICMR-NISTADS national brainstorming workshop on vaccine policy held during 4-5 June, 2009 in New Delhi, and subsequent discussions over email for several weeks, before being adopted unanimously in the present form.