Varanasi: A workshop on 3rd Space Endoscopy for achalasia cardia disease was organized by the department of Gastroenterologyof Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS), Banaras Hindu University (BHU) on Saturday.The workshop inaugurated by IMS director Dr. SN Shankhwar was attended by about 50 consultants of different departments of BHU. Achalasia cardia is a disease, in which the patient experiences difficulty in swallowing food and water.The treatment options include Endoscopy, balloon dilation and surgery. A new process-POEM has been discovered for this disease in which without any external surgery achalasia cardia disease can be treated. The main advantage of POEM remains early discharge of the patient. Dr. Devesh Yadav said that four patients of achalasia cardia were treated free of cost in this workshop. The POEM process was performed by Dr Vikas Singla, director, Gastroenterology Department, Max Hospital, New Delhi.We also published the following articles recentlyHeres how air pollution contributes to respiratory diseasesAir pollution is a significant health concern worldwide due to its impact on respiratory health and the link between air pollution and respiratory diseases. This article discusses various pollutants present in the air, including PM, NO2, SO2, O3, CO, and VOCs, and how they can affect the respiratory system. The pollutants can cause irritation, inflammation, and damage to lung tissues, trigger asthma attacks, worsen existing respiratory conditions, and even contribute to the development of lung cancer. Reducing air pollution by implementing stricter emission controls and promoting cleaner energy sources is crucial in protecting respiratory health.For the first time, Made in India drugs launched for rare diseasesThe Centre has introduced a special initiative to manufacture Made in India drugs for rare diseases. The Central Government, CDSCO department of pharmaceuticals, Union Health Ministry, drug regulators, and academia collaborated to prioritize 13 rare diseases and sickle cell disease. These homegrown drugs will significantly reduce costs, making treatments more affordable. The initiative aims to replace imported drugs with locally manufactured ones, with potential cost reductions of up to 100-fold. This game-changing move will benefit millions of people in India with rare diseases.Government approves 4 home-grown, cheaper drugs for rare diseasesThe government has approved the marketing of four drugs manufactured by Indian firms, providing relief for rare disease patients. These domestic versions are significantly cheaper than their imported counterparts. For instance, the cost of Nitisinone capsules for Tyrosinemia Type 1 treatment has reduced from Rs 2.2 crore to Rs 2.5 lakh. Similarly, the cost of Eliglustat capsules for Gauchers disease treatment has decreased from Rs 1.8-3.6 crore to Rs 3-6 lakh. The domestically manufactured Trientine capsules for Wilsons disease treatment are now priced at Rs 2.2 lakh instead of Rs 2.2 crore. The imported Cannabidiol oral solution for Dravet-Lennox Gastaut Syndrome treatment has been replaced by a cheaper domestic version priced at Rs 1-5 lakh. Additionally, the government has prioritized the manufacturing of generic versions for 13 rare diseases, including sickle cell anemia, and expects the commercial supply of Hydroxyurea Syrup for sickle cell anemia treatment to begin by March 2024 at a price of Rs 405 per bottle.

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