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Indian scientists flag evasive virus mutations

“We are seeing some mutation coming up in some samples that could possibly evade immune responses,” said Shahid Jameel, chair of the scientific advisory group of INSACOG and a top Indian virologist. He did not say if the mutations have been seen in the Indian variant or any other strain.

“Unless you culture those viruses and test them in the lab, you can’t say for sure. At this point, there is no reason to believe that they are expanding or if they can be dangerous, but we flagged it so that we keep our eye on the ball,” he said.

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Everything falls on my shoulders but can’t do it alone: Adar Poonawalla on vaccine pressure in India

On the charge of profiteering as the cost of Covishield was recently hiked, he termed it as “totally incorrect” and added that Covishield will still be “the most affordable vaccine on the planet” even at a higher price.

“We have done the best we can without cutting corners or doing anything wrong or profiteering. I’ll wait for history to judge,” he said.

“I’ve always had this sense of responsibility to India and the world because of the vaccines we were making, but never have we made a vaccine so needed in terms of saving lives,” he added.

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ICMR advises against NSAIDs, says some painkillers found to worsen Covid-19

On whether patients with heart disease, diabetes or hypertension are at an increased risk to get the infection, the apex health research body said, “No, people with hypertension, diabetes or heart diseases are at no greater risk of getting the infection than anyone else.”

Some people with diabetes, hypertension and heart diseases, including heart failure (weak heart), may develop more severe symptoms and complications, it said, adding that extra care is advised for these patients.

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Indian states run out of COVID-19 vaccines, nationwide inoculation delayed

Prominent U.S. disease modeler Chris Murray, from the University of Washington, said the sheer magnitude of infections in India in a short period of time suggests an “escape variant” may be overpowering any prior immunity from natural infections in those populations. “That makes it most likely that it’s B.1.617,” he said. But Murray cautioned that gene sequencing data on the coronavirus in India is sparse and that many cases are also being driven by the UK and South African variants.

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No restriction of Covid-19 info,Pvt vaccine manufacturers can’t decide on vaccine allocation to states, says SC

“What happens to the marginalised and SC/ST population? Should they be left to the mercy of private hospitals, it asked.

The court also said the government must consider National Immunisation Programme for various vaccines and must think of providing free of cost vaccination to all citizens.

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India’s insurers face potential profitability and solvency margin pressures as health segment grows:AM BEST

The health segment has posted some of the weakest underwriting results in India’s non-life industry over the past decade; the 10-year average loss ratio of the health insurance business is approximately 98% (FY2010-FY2020). Although this has abated in recent years, the loss ratio remains unviable at 88% in FY2020.

Another major cause of non-life companies’ poor underwriting results is the prevalence of group health insurance with limited rate adjustment capacity.

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