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After coronary stents, knee implant prices slashed by almost 69 pc

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The reduction in implant prices – ranging between 59 and 69 per cent – will annually help an average of 1.5 lakh patients who require the orthopaedic knee transplant procedure, says Union minister for chemicals and fertilizers, Ananth Kumar

In a welcome move that is expected to benefit at least 1.5 lakh people annually, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has asserted its powers of price control and regulation to slash the rates of knee implants by a massive 69 per cent.

The move by the NPPA, which had earlier this year reduced the price of coronary stents by a steep 85 per cent, comes within a day of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement during his Independence Day address from the ramparts of the Red Fort in which he had assured that the price of knee replacement will be brought down

The decision by the drug pricing watchdog is expected to yield a combined saving of around Rs 1,500 crore annually for some 1-1.5 lakh patients who require the knee replacement procedure, claimed Union minister for chemicals and fertilizers, Ananth Kumar.

“After cardiac stents, we have now decided to bring knee implants under price control,” Kumar said, shortly after the NPPA issued the notification announcing the cap in knee implant prices. “The government will not be a mute spectator to illegal and unethical profiteering (by hospitals and medical equipment suppliers),” Kumar said, while adding that the government will take stringent action against hospitals, importers and retailers “if they charge in excess of the maximum retail price (MRP).”

These prices are exclusive of goods and services tax, but take trade margins for manufacturers or importers, distributors and hospitals into account, according to the NPPA

Type of implant New price (excl GST) Earlier price Reduction
Cobalt Chromium

(most widely used implant)

Rs 54,720 Rs1.58 lakh 65 %
Titanium & Oxidised Zirconium Rs 76,600 Rs 2.49 lakh 69 %
High flexibility Rs 56, 490 Rs 1.82 lakh 69 %
Revised rate for those patients who require a second implant surgery Rs 1.14 lakh Rs 2.77 lakh 59 %

The price of total knee implants made of cobalt chromium has now been capped at Rs 54,720, down 65% from its average maximum retail price of Rs 1.58 lakh, according to the Union ministry of chemicals and fertilizers which also notes that these are the most widely used complete knee implants in the country.

As per the NPPA notification, total knee implants made of special metals like titanium and oxidized zirconium can be priced at a maximum of Rs 76,600, or 69% lower than the original average MRP. High-flexibility implants have also seen a similar reduction in the maximum price to Rs 56,490. Revision implants, used in repeat procedures when the initial knee implant has failed, is capped 59% lower at Rs 1.14 lakh, down from an average of Rs 2.77 lakh.

The NPPA has also clarified that special knee implants for cancer or tumours will follow the prices of revision knee implants.

A report in The Economic Times quoted a statement by NPPA as: “Out of 1.5-2 crore patients who require arthroplasty interventions, only around a lakh are in a position to pay for the procedure every year”. The NPPA has also cited a World Health Organization (WHO) bulletin from 2003 which states that ‘osteoarthritis could become the fourth leading cause of disability by 2020’ and India is likely to be one of the leading countries of such immobilized citizens in terms of numbers.

“As the public is aware, prices remain too high for devices across the board. We would like this to be the start for NPPA to systematically fix prices of all other devices on which data was collected in public interest,” Malini Aisola of patient group All India Drug Action Network (AIDAN) told the Economic Times. Aisola, however, also cautioned that “price reductions will not be successful without a check on the hospital rates.”

As such, the NPPA has said that no healthcare institution that provides the facility of orthopaedic surgical procedures using knee implants can solicit any patient to buy the knee implant from it which effectively means that a patient is free to procure implants from a third-party and is not bound to buy it from the hospital where he/she is getting the surgical procedure performed.

The NPPA has also directed healthcare institutions to mention the cost of the knee implants component wise. The brand name, name of the manufacturer, importer, batch number, specifications and other details should all be mention in the institution’s estimate, performa invoice or final bill given to the patient.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Mohanlal’s Stephen returns in fearsome form in L2: Empuraan Teaser

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Mohanlal as Stephen Nedumpally in the teaser of L2: Empuraan

The much-anticipated teaser for L2: Empuraan, the second chapter of the planned trilogy directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, has been unveiled, offering a glimpse of a darker, more brutal narrative. Starring Malayalam cinema legend Mohanlal, the film continues the story of Stephen Nedumpally, also known as Khureshi Ab’raam, a character that mesmerized audiences in Lucifer.

The teaser debuted at a grand event attended by the film’s key players, including Mohanlal, Prithviraj, and Mammootty, who released the teaser in style. Clocking in at 143 seconds, the preview immediately sets a grim tone, beginning in Qaraqosh, a war-torn town in Iraq. The atmosphere is tense, underscored by the chilling phrase, “Death to the Evil.”

One of the standout moments in the teaser recalls PK Ramdas (Sachin Khedekar) advising Priyadarshini (Manju Warrier) in the first film: “If one day you feel everything is falling apart and I’m not around, the only person you can turn to is Stephen.” This sentiment reverberates through the teaser as it shifts to Stephen’s iconic black Ambassador car, now layered with dust—an ominous sign of his long absence.

The suspense builds as a voice declares, “He leads the most powerful mercenary group in Asia,” introducing audiences to Stephen’s transformation into a figure commanding immense influence and fear. The teaser’s climactic moments highlight Mohanlal’s commanding return as Khureshi Ab’raam, warning of the perils of dealing with the devil.

Star-Studded Cast and Stellar Crew

Joining Mohanlal in this cinematic spectacle are Manju Warrier, Indrajith Sukumaran, Tovino Thomas, and others reprising their roles from Lucifer. The film also features Saniya Iyappan, Saikumar, Baiju Santhosh, Fazil, and Sachin Khedekar in key roles.

The story, penned by Murali Gopy, is brought to life with the expertise of cinematographer Sujith Vaassudev, editor Akhilesh Mohan, and composer Deepak Dev, whose score amplifies the teaser’s intensity.

As the teaser hints at power struggles, deceit, and vengeance, L2: Empuraan sets the stage for an explosive continuation of this gripping saga, leaving fans eagerly awaiting its release.

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MSBTE Result 2025 declared: Maharashtra diploma winter exam results now available online

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MSBTE Result 2025 announcement for Winter Diploma exams

The Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education (MSBTE) has officially announced the results for the Winter 2024 diploma exams. Students who appeared for these exams, held in December 2024, can now access their results on MSBTE’s official website, msbte.org.in.

To check the MSBTE Winter Exam Result 2025, candidates must have their enrollment or seat numbers ready. The results are accessible via a direct link available on the website.

Steps to check MSBTE 2025 results:

  1. Visit the official MSBTE website: msbte.org.in.
  2. Navigate to the “Examination” section and click on “Winter 2024 Exam Result.”
  3. Enter your enrollment number or seat number in the required fields.
  4. Click on the “Show Result” button to view your marksheet.
  5. Download and save the PDF for future reference.

Details mentioned on the MSBTE Winter Diploma results:

The MSBTE Winter Diploma Marksheet 2025 includes the following information:

  • Student’s name
  • Register number
  • Course name
  • Marks obtained in each subject
  • Subject codes and names
  • Total marks
  • Maximum marks
  • Result status (Pass/Fail)

The announcement is crucial for diploma students across Maharashtra as it determines their academic progress and eligibility for future courses or career opportunities.

Students are advised to verify all details on their marksheets and contact the board in case of discrepancies. For further updates, visit the official MSBTE website.

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JPC clears Waqf Amendment Bill with 14 changes, Opposition cries foul

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The Waqf Amendment Bill is poised for a final vote on January 29 in the Joint Parliamentary Committee. The committee had been tasked with reviewing the bill by November 29, which was then extended to February 13, approved 14 changes to the draft. The 44 amendments proposed by the Opposition were rejected by its chairman BJP MP Jagadambika Pal.

The Opposition had accused the BJP of bias in several sittings of the committee leading to the suspension of several MPs, including Kalyan Banerjee of Trinamool Congress and Asaduddin Owaisi of the AIMIM, both vocal critics of the Bill.

The Opposition MPs had also written to Speaker Om Birla against Pal, saying he was rushing the Bill to gain political mileage ahead of the Delhi Assembly election due to be held on February 5.

Earlier, reports had said Banerjee had broken a glass during a verbal altercation while in deliberations with BJP MP and former Calcutta HC judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay.

The Bill aims to reform Waqf Board administration, mandating the inclusion of non-Muslim and women members. The Central Waqf Council’s composition would also change, incorporating a Union minister, MPs, ex-judges, and individuals of national repute, regardless of religious affiliation. Crucially, the Council’s land acquisition powers would be removed. A controversial clause restricts donations to Muslims practicing their faith for at least five years, prompting concerns about religious freedom.

While proponents claim the bill empowers Muslim women and children, critics, including the Congress and the DMK, allege it infringes upon Articles 15 and 30 of the Constitution, which guarantee freedom of religion and the right of minorities to administer educational institutions. The final report is expected by January 31.

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