Background:India has increasingly endorsed One Health at the policy level. However, evidence on its operationalization at the district level, particularly among frontline public-sector workers, remains limited. This study assessed the awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and practices (AKAP) related to One Health among frontline personnel in Gujarat, India. Methods:A convergent mixed-methods study was conducted from January to June 2025 in Rajkot District, Gujarat. Quantitatively, 400 frontline workers from five departments (Health, AYUSH, Animal Husbandry, Food Safety, and Environment) were selected using proportionate stratified random sampling and interviewed using a validated AKAP questionnaire. Qualitatively, in-depth interviews were conducted with 25 purposively selected participants. Descriptive statistics, multivariable logistic regression, and exploratory factor analysis were performed for quantitative data, while thematic analysis was used for qualitative findings. Results:Overall, 72% of participants were aware of the One Health concept, and 71% demonstrated positive attitudes toward its implementation. However, only 45% reported good One Health practices. Knowledge and attitude scores were significantly higher among Health and Animal Husbandry personnel compared with Food Safety and Environment sectors (p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis identified high knowledge (aOR 2.8; 95% CI 1.9-4.2), positive attitude (aOR 2.3; 95% CI 1.6-3.4), prior One Health-specific training (aOR 3.1; 95% CI 2.0-4.9), and work experience >5 years (aOR 1.4; 95% CI 1.0-2.0) as independent predictors of good practice. Qualitative findings highlighted fragmented governance, limited interdepartmental coordination, lack of formal mandates, and absence of dedicated resources as major barriers to effective One Health implementation. Conclusions:Despite high awareness and favorable attitudes, the translation of One Health principles into routine practice remains limited at the district level. Institutionalizing structured training, strengthening intersectoral governance, and prioritizing inclusion of environmental and food safety sectors are essential to operationalize One Health effectively in India and similar low- and middle-income settings.

BackgroundCivil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) systems are fundamental to evidence-based governance and public health. In India, a persistent gender disparity exists in death registration: approximately 73% of male deaths are officially recorded compared to only 64% of female deaths nationally (NFHS-5). Gujarat, despite its relatively advanced socio-economic standing and near 93.1% overall death registration rate (CRS 2023), continues to exhibit this troubling gap.ObjectiveThis study analyses the structural, economic, and socio-cultural drivers of gender disparities in death registration in Gujarat and proposes policy interventions aimed at achieving universal and gender-equitable registration completeness.MethodsThis study employs a mixed-method policy analysis framework, synthesizing secondary data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), the Civil Registration System (CRS) 2023 Annual Report, Sample Registration System (SRS) data, and peer-reviewed literature. Qualitative insights are drawn from administrative case studies, district-level reports from Gujarat, and comparative analysis of high-performing states (Kerala and Tamil Nadu).ResultsThe gender gap in death registration was widest among the poorest wealth quintile (13 percentage points) and narrowed substantially among the richest quintile (4 percentage points). Key barriers included: (i) an economic-utility logic, whereby male deaths are prioritized due to implications for asset succession (“Varsai”); (ii) higher prevalence of female home deaths linked to healthcare access inequities; (iii) administrative and bureaucratic barriers at the Panchayat level; and (iv) under-reporting of socially sensitive female deaths, including maternal mortality and suicides.ConclusionClosing gender gaps in death registration requires a rights-based approach that integrates administrative simplification, strengthened community-level reporting through ASHA and Anganwadi networks, expanded digital infrastructure, and targeted public awareness initiatives. If equitably implemented, Gujarat’s digital governance architecture has the potential to substantially reduce female invisibility in official mortality statistics.

Background:Despite widespread use of bidi and other tobacco products in India, multicentre studies examining product-specific risks for cancer remain limited. This study aimed to determine association of bidi smoking and tobacco-use patterns (exclusive, dual, and poly-tobacco use) in relation to cancer risk, metastatic presentation and treatment modalities. Methods:This hospital-based unmatched case-control study was conducted across eight tertiary-care centres in seven Indian states (2024-2025). Cases were recruited based on histologically confirmed cancer and controls were selected based on no prior history of cancer. Individuals with severe illness, or inability to provide reliable information were excluded. Associations were assessed using Firth-penalised logistic regression and adjusted for confounders. Findings:Among 4500 screened, 2037 cases (1143 females, 894 males) and 2066 controls (553 females, 1513 males) were enrolled. Tobacco use was reported by 608 cases (29.8%) and 364 controls (17.6%). Compared with non-tobacco users, exclusive bidi smokers (82 cases, 30 controls) had three times higher odds (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] 3.11 [95% CI 1.86-5.31]), smokeless tobacco users had (329 cases, 260 controls) 1.5 times higher odds (aOR 1.55 [95% CI 1.24-1.95]), dual bidi-smokeless users nearly four times higher odds (aOR 3.88 [95% CI 2.11-7.36]), and poly-tobacco users over four times higher odds of any cancer (aOR 4.54 [95% CI 2.65-7.88]). Bidi duration (≥10 years) (aOR 6.75 [4.43-10.47]) and number of bidis (≥10 bidis/day) (aOR 7.19 [4.57-11.51]) were also associated with increased cancer risk. Tobacco use was also significantly associated with metastatic presentation and treatment outcomes. Interpretation:Bidi smoking and its combinations with other tobacco products showed strong associations with cancer risk, while other tobacco-use patterns also demonstrated significant associations; however, findings should be interpreted cautiously due to the observational design. These findings support the need for strengthened bidi regulation and targeted tobacco cessation policies. Funding:This work was supported with funding from Bloomberg Philanthropies Bloomberg Initiative to Reduce Tobacco Use.

PurposeBeedi rolling, employing nearly five million predominantly female home-based workers across India, remains one of the less formally organized occupational sectors. This study aimed to evaluate the working conditions and health hazards of beedi rollers across five Indian states.MethodsA multi-centric cross-sectional study conducted in five states enrolled 1,800 adults; 900 beedi rollers and 900 controls. Data were obtained through structured interviews, clinical examinations, spirometry, and biochemical analyses of blood and urine samples. A multivariable binary logistic regression model was used to quantify the adjusted associations between occupational status (beedi rollers vs. non-beedi workers) and various morbidities, accounting for sociodemographic confounders.ResultsBeedi rollers had significantly higher odds of musculoskeletal and exposure-related conditions. Adjusted odds ratios for neck pain, back and leg pain, and lower back pain were 5.77, 3.14, and 1.71, respectively. Respiratory and ocular symptoms were more prevalent, with sneezing (AOR 3.13) and ocular redness (AOR 2.19) markedly elevated. Mean urinary cotinine levels were substantially higher among exposed workers (76.97 ng/ml) compared to controls (15.81 ng/ml; p < 0.001), corresponding to an AOR of 4.61 for elevated cotinine. Beedi rollers also exhibited higher diastolic blood pressure and HbA1c, alongside reduced Serum Glutamic-Oxaloacetic Transaminase (SGOT) levels.ConclusionThis multi-state analysis underscores the profound occupational health burden among beedi rollers, driven by ergonomic strain and chronic tobacco exposure. Despite being a large informal workforce, these workers have yet to be fully integrated into occupational health services, highlighting opportunities to strengthen India's progress toward Universal Health Coverage. Addressing these gaps calls for strengthening workplace design, reinforcing occupational safety standards, and implementing targeted policy interventions.

BackgroundAnemia remains a persistent public health challenge among adolescent girls in India, with states like Gujarat continuing to report a high burden despite ongoing national nutrition and anemia control programs. Regional disparities, particularly across rural and tribal populations, further exacerbate the problem. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of anemia among adolescent girls in Gujarat, India, and examine its sociodemographic, nutritional, behavioral, hematological, and biochemical associated factors.MethodsA community-based, multi-centric cross-sectional study was conducted among 2,815 adolescent girls in ten purposively selected districts of Gujarat, representing rural, urban, and tribal settings. A multistage Probability Proportionate to Size sampling strategy was used. Data collection included structured interviews, anthropometric assessments, and venous blood sampling. Hematological parameters were analyzed using an automated six-part hematology analyzer, while biochemical markers—including iron profile, ferritin, vitamin B12, folate, albumin, prealbumin, and C-reactive protein (CRP)—were measured using standardized laboratory platforms. Anemia was defined according to World Health Organization criteria. Statistical analyses were performed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests with a significance level of p < 0.05.ResultsThe overall prevalence of anemia was 60.85%, with marked inter-district variation ranging from 42.37% to 75.00%. Mild anemia was most prevalent (33.46%), followed by moderate (25.04%) and severe anemia (2.34%). Anemia prevalence was significantly higher among tribal (73.57%) and rural (56.39%) adolescents compared to urban counterparts (48.19%) (p < 0.001). Socioeconomic disadvantage, lack of digital access, poor knowledge regarding anemia, and non-consumption of iron–folic acid (IFA) supplements were significantly associated with anemia. A strong inverse association was observed between anemia prevalence and knowledge scores (p < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated significant association between health insurance coverage and anemia prevalence (aOR = 1.15, p = 0.004). Biochemical analysis revealed significantly lower serum iron, ferritin, transferrin saturation, albumin, and prealbumin levels among anemic girls, alongside elevated total iron-binding capacity and CRP, indicating a predominance of iron deficiency anemia with an inflammatory component. Hemoglobinopathy screening identified beta-thalassemia trait (5.44%) and sickle cell trait (4.80%), highlighting regional genetic contributors.ConclusionsAnemia was highly prevalent among adolescent girls in Gujarat, affecting 60.85% of participants, with higher burden observed in tribal and rural populations. Significant associations were identified with socioeconomic status, health insurance coverage, knowledge levels, and iron–folic acid supplementation. Biochemical findings indicated iron deficiency with an inflammatory component, and hemoglobinopathy traits were also present among a subset of participants. These findings highlight the multifactorial nature of anemia in the study population.

Background & Objective: The effectiveness of Ice-Lined Refrigerators (ILRs) is crucial in maintaining the cold chain for vaccines, particularly in India's Universal Immunization Program (UIP). This cross-sectional study aimed to compare the performance of top-and front-opening ILRs in Gujarat, focusing on temperature stability, holdover time, and functionality. Methods: A total of 123 ILRs from various manufacturers were assessed across urban and rural health facilities. Key parameters such as ambient temperature, breakdown frequency, ease of use, and temperature fluctuations during door openings were recorded. Mann-whitney U test/ t-test and Binary logistic regression model were used as statistical methods. Results: Analysis indicated that top-opening ILRs, which made up 72.4% of the sample, performed significantly better in maintaining temperature stability and had a longer holdover time (mean: 5.4hours) compared to front-opening ILRs (mean: 4.3hours). Temperature breaches were more frequent in top-opening models (34.8%) compared to front-opening ones (5.9%), but the front-opening ILRs exhibited a greater temperature rise during door openings. Logistic regression analysis revealed a strong association between longer holdover time and top-opening ILRs. The study also found infrastructure and training gaps at some facilities, with only 57.7% of ILRs equipped with functional temperature monitoring systems, and many health workers lacking updated training. The findings suggest that top-opening ILRs are more reliable for cold chain management, though further investigation into front-opening models is warranted. Conclusion: For future cold chain management, prioritize top-opening ILRs for their reliability, increase AMC coverage for consistent maintenance, and enhance training for personnel on ILR handling, especially with newer models. Additionally, invest in backup-power and temperature monitoring equipment to prevent temperature breaches, particularly in remote areas.

IntroductionAnemia remains a critical public health challenge in India, particularly among pregnant women, where its multifactorial etiology is often underappreciated. Despite long-standing supplementation programs, anemia prevalence in Gujarat remains high, necessitating granular, region-specific investigations.ObjectivesTo assess the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women across ten districts of Gujarat, and to identify key sociodemographic, nutritional, hematological, and biochemical determinants contributing to anemia and its geographic disparities.MethodologyThis community-based study included 2,805 pregnant women from diverse settings (tribal/rural/urban). Hematological and biochemical assessments included serum ferritin, iron, C-Reactive Protein (CRP), folate, vitamin B12, prealbumin, and hemoglobinopathy screening. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the independent factors associated with anemia, with the findings presented as adjusted odds ratios (aOR) along with their 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsOverall anemia prevalence was 64.2%, with mild anemia comprising 82.1% of cases. Tribal women had 2.21-fold higher odds of anemia than urban counterparts (aOR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.88–2.61, p < 0.001). Anemia was also associated with illiteracy (aOR = 2.16, p < 0.001), underweight status (aOR = 1.58, p < 0.001), and low dietary diversity (aOR = 2.26, p < 0.001). Biochemical assessments revealed absolute iron deficiency in 17.2%, folate deficiency in 15.5%, and vitamin B12 deficiency in 60.3% of anemic women. Elevated CRP levels indicated inflammation in 34.7%. Multivariable binary logistic regression revealed five significant and independent predictors of anemia: reduced red blood cell count (aOR = 0.26; 95% CI: 0.22–0.31), elevated red cell distribution width (RDW-CV) (aOR = 1.39; 95% CI: 1.33–1.46), diminished serum prealbumin (aOR = 0.92; p < 0.001), lower folate levels (aOR = 0.97; p < 0.001), and decreased ferritin concentrations (aOR = 0.99; p < 0.001), each independently contributing to anemia risk.ConclusionAnemia in Gujarat's pregnant women is highly prevalent and multifactorial, shaped by overlapping nutritional, inflammatory, and social determinants. Region-specific, integrated strategies targeting biochemical deficits and structural inequities are essential for effective anemia mitigation.

Background & objectives Immunisation is a cornerstone of public health, significantly reducing vaccine-preventable disease (VPD) mortality. The World Health Organization-United Nations Children's Fund (WHO-UNICEF) effective vaccine management (EVM) initiative provides tools to enrich vaccine supply chains. This study evaluated the effectiveness of cold storage management in western part of India, using EVM criteria, comparing performance across districts with varying full immunisation coverage (FIC). Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in six districts (3 high-FIC and 3 low-FIC). Data were collected from 90 service points (SPs) and six district vaccine stores (DVSs) using the WHO EVM tool and structured questionnaire with 204 stakeholders. Secondary data were obtained from vaccine management records and analysed to assess the performance of the vaccine supply chain. EVM criteria scores (e.g., temperature control, stock management) and category scores (e.g., infrastructure, maintenance) were compared to the global benchmark of 80 per cent. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data, while the Shapiro-Wilk test assessed normality. Depending on the distribution, independent samples t-tests or Mann-Whitney U tests were applied to compare EVM scores across relevant groups. Results Gujarat achieved strong scores across most EVM criteria, i.e., temperature control (99%), storage capacity (98%), maintenance (99%), and vaccine management (96%). Management Information System (MIS) and vehicle infrastructure had the lowest scores, with MIS scoring 79 per cent and vehicle infrastructure scoring 80 per cent, slightly below the WHO-recommended benchmark. High- and low-FIC districts showed no statistically significant differences in overall performance, as measured by the EVM composite score (mean EVM score difference: 1.75 percentage points, P>0.05). Category analysis highlighted high scores in buildings (95%), capacity (97%), and training (99%). Compared to earlier assessments, Gujarat demonstrated significant improvements in supply chain efficiency. Interpretation & conclusions Gujarat's vaccine supply chain has demonstrated substantial improvements, meeting or exceeding global benchmarks in most areas, though targeted improvements in MIS and vehicle infrastructure are necessary. The findings emphasise the importance of robust vaccine management systems for public health success.

Background:The potential role of aerosol drug therapy (ADT) in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remains uncertain. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence and practice patterns of ADT in patients with ARDS. Methods:This secondary analysis of a prospective observational multi-centric cohort study done in critically ill patients to know the ADT practice pattern was conducted in nine participating intensive care units (ICUs) across India between November 2022 and March 2023. The study recruited newly admitted adult patients (age >18 years) who had an artificial airway and required mechanical ventilation (invasive or non‑invasive). These patients were followed up for the next 14 days or until ICU discharge or death. This secondary analysis collected data about screened patients with ARDS, related to each aerosol therapy including ongoing respiratory support, type of drug, and aerosol‑generating device, including ongoing respiratory support, type of drug, and aerosol‑generating device. Results:Fifty-three (24.3%) of the 218 patients had ARDS, with a mean age of (60.2±14.8) years. At admission, the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE II) and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score of the recruited patients were 17.4±7.1 and 7.7±4.0, respectively. Respiratory support was provided with invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) alone, non-invasive ventilation (NIV) alone, or both in 45.3%, 24.5%, and 30.2% of patients, respectively. The mean duration of the ICU stay was (6.4 ± 4.0) days. Of the 53 patients with ARDS, 51 (96.2%) received 1285 aerosol sessions during follow-up for 330 patient days. Of all patients with ARDS who received aerosol therapy, 71.4% were prescribed while on IMV and 25.7% on NIV. A single drug was used in 60.7% of the aerosol sessions used a single drug, and 39.3% were prescribed combination drugs. Shorter-acting bronchodilators were the predominant drugs, with jet nebulizers (55.4%) being the most commonly used aerosol generators. These were followed by ultrasonic (23.1%) and vibrating-mesh nebulizers (21.5 %). During IMV, only in 50.1% of aerosol sessions (460 out of 918) was an aerosol generator placed at the optimum position (15-30 cm away from the Y-junction). Conclusions:Aerosol therapy is frequently used in ARDS, with bronchodilators being the most common drug. The jet nebulizer is the most familiar aerosol-generating device, but only half of the aerosol sessions are at the optimum position during invasive mechanical ventilation.

AIM/RESEARCH QUESTION:The aim of the study was to recommend treatment modalities for primary teeth based on the methodological quality of systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRMAs) with high certainty of evidence (CE). RESEARCH PROTOCOL:The protocol was registered in advance in the PROSPERO registry for systematic reviews. LITERATURE SEARCH:A literature search on major electronic bases was conducted using predefined search term combinations, and SRMAs with high CE for any treatment outcome were included in the qualitative assessment. DATA EXTRACTION:All the relevant data required for qualitative assessment were extracted independently by two review authors. QUALITY APPRAISAL:The qualitative assessment of the included SRMAs was done using the AMSTAR 2 tool. RESULTS:Four SRMAs were included for the qualitative evaluation, out of which two studies showed high and the other two showed moderate methodological quality. INTERPRETATIONS OF RESULTS:Resin infiltration, in conjunction with noninvasive treatments, proves to be more effective than noninvasive treatments alone in addressing proximal carious lesions, and optimal obturation quality is achieved through the use of rotary instruments as opposed to hand instruments during biomechanical preparation are the recommended treatments for primary teeth based on the high methodological quality of SRMAs with high CE.

Cancers of the head and neck are common, and this review aimed to systematically analyze the safety and efficacy of anti-PD1/PD-L1 inhibitors (API) therapies in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This is a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) showcasing the safety and efficacy of APIs in HNSCC. An online literature search of PubMed, Cochrane database, and ClinicalTrials.gov was conducted till May 31, 2024, to identify RCTs involving anti-PD1/PD-L1 therapies in oral cancer. The data were analyzed using Review Manager (RevMan) (Cochrane, London, United Kingdom), and the risk of bias was assessed for methodological quality. This study included nine RCTs with 3933 study participants. API treatment showed a significant improvement in overall survival (OS) compared to standard therapy in HNSCC (hazard ratio (HR) =0.85 (0.76,0.95), I2=26%, P=0.004). Even participants with PD-L1≥1%, treated with APIs, manifested substantial advancement of OS. Duration of response (DOR) was notably improved with API (HR= 0.31 (0.20, 0.50), I2=0%, P <0.00001) compared to standard therapy. Safety outcomes revealed comparatively reduced incidence of treatment-related adverse events and Grade 3/4 adverse effects when treated with APIs compared to standard therapy. In the era of emerging immunotherapy, APIs may be considered an alternative therapy in HNSCC, which could improve the OS, OS in patients with >1% PD-L1 expression, and DOR, as well as with a better safety profile as compared to chemotherapy and combination ICI. APIs pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies incorporating immune checkpoint inhibitors in HNSCC management.

Introduction Despite world-class medical facilities and clinical expertise in India, various challenges have hampered biomedical research, including limited funding, overburdened healthcare professionals, and inadequate research infrastructure. The National Medical Commission (NMC) has recognized the need to enhance research capabilities in the medical community and mandated the Basic Course in Biomedical Research (BCBR). This study evaluates the impact of BCBR on medical teachers and postgraduate students across India. Methods A cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted among 245 participants who completed BCBR, out of 1,187 who were sent the questionnaire. A structured questionnaire collected data on demographics, motivations for taking the course, knowledge and skills improvement, and research output. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 29.0 (Released 2022; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results Participants included diverse age groups, with motivations ranging from regulatory compliance to a genuine desire for research knowledge. The majority scored over 70% in the course, indicating substantial knowledge improvement. BCBR positively influenced research output with increased research proposal submissions, publications, and improved thesis mentoring. The analysis showed that participants' designations and branches of study significantly affected course performance, while gender did not. The study revealed a strong correlation between pre-course and post-course performance across various research topics. Conclusion BCBR, mandated by the NMC, not only fulfills regulatory requirements but also promotes a research culture in India's medical community.

Introduction Despite world -class medical facilities and clinical expertise in India, various challenges have hampered biomedical research, including limited funding, overburdened healthcare professionals, and inadequate research infrastructure. The National Medical Commission (NMC) has recognized the need to enhance research capabilities in the medical community and mandated the Basic Course in Biomedical Research (BCBR). This study evaluates the impact of BCBR on medical teachers and postgraduate students across India. Methods A cross-sectional survey -based study was conducted among 245 participants who completed BCBR, out of 1,187 who were sent the questionnaire. A structured questionnaire collected data on demographics, motivations for taking the course, knowledge and skills improvement, and research output. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 29.0 (Released 2022; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results Participants included diverse age groups, with motivations ranging from regulatory compliance to a genuine desire for research knowledge. The majority scored over 70% in the course, indicating substantial knowledge improvement. BCBR positively influenced research output with increased research proposal submissions, publications, and improved thesis mentoring. The analysis showed that participants' designations and branches of study significantly affected course performance, while gender did not. The study revealed a strong correlation between pre -course and post -course performance across various research topics. Conclusion BCBR, mandated by the NMC, not only fulfills regulatory requirements but also promotes a research culture in India's medical community.

Background Tuberculosis (TB) continues to pose a significant public health challenge in India, which is home to one of the highest TB burdens worldwide. This systematic review and meta-analysis will aim to synthesize the anticipated progress and potential challenges in achieving TB elimination in India by 2025. Methods A comprehensive search will be conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, to identify relevant studies. The eligibility criteria will encompass individuals diagnosed with TB in India, interventions targeting TB treatment, prevention, or control, and various comparator groups. Outcomes of interest will include incidence reduction, mortality rate, treatment success rate, barriers to TB care, and more. Both quantitative and qualitative data will be synthesized, and the risk of bias will be assessed using established tools. Outcomes The review is expected to provide a holistic understanding of the TB landscape in India, highlighting the effective interventions and potential challenges in the journey towards TB elimination. Conclusions While it is anticipated that significant progress will be made in the fight against TB in India, challenges are likely to persist. This review will offer a comprehensive roadmap for researchers, policymakers, and healthcare professionals, emphasizing the importance of continued efforts, innovative strategies, and a multi-pronged approach in achieving the goal of TB elimination in India by 2025.

This comprehensive document explores the intersection of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the global transition to renewable energy, with a particular focus on solar energy. The text emphasizes the critical role of reliable and sustainable energy, especially solar power, in achieving health-related SDGs, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). It discusses the challenges faced by healthcare facilities in these regions, emphasizing the importance of uninterrupted electricity for critical medical equipment and services. The document highlights the increasing significance of solar energy globally and its potential to address challenges in the healthcare sector. The International Energy Agency's (IEA) estimation that solar photovoltaic (PV) energy has become the cheapest source of electricity is discussed, along with the World Bank's active role in supporting solar energy projects in developing countries. The document presents the current status of solarization, emphasizing the exponential growth of solar capacity and generation. It also discusses global initiatives such as Mission Innovation and the contribution of various international aid organizations, including Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), Power Africa, Lighting Global, SolarAid, UNDP - Solar for Health (S4H), and the World Bank. A significant portion of the document focuses on the role of solar energy in healthcare, detailing successful solarization projects in India, sub-Saharan Africa, and other regions. It addresses the challenges of implementing solar PV projects in healthcare facilities, emphasizing the importance of maintenance and proper management. The document also provides insights into the contributions of United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in advancing solar-powered health systems, emphasizing its support to over 80 countries in solarization and off-grid energy solutions for healthcare. In conclusion, this article emphasizes the need for collaboration among international aid organizations, governments, and development partners to ensure universal access to reliable and sustainable electricity, particularly in healthcare facilities. It underscores the importance of long-term planning, sustainability, innovative business models, and awareness campaigns to achieve scalable and impactful results in the intersection of solar energy and healthcare delivery.

Medical research in Indian medical colleges is essential for advancing healthcare and fostering innovation but faces significant challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited funding, and insufficient researcher support. Establishing dedicated Research Cells (RCs) offers a viable solution by providing structured support, streamlining administrative processes, and fostering a culture of research excellence. RCs play a pivotal role in managing grants, facilitating ethics approvals, and offering capacity-building programs to enhance research skills and output. Recommendations for effective RC implementation include securing adequate funding, integrating RCs into institutional frameworks, and aligning their objectives with institutional goals. Promoting indigenous indexing agencies and supporting Indian medical journals are critical for improving the visibility and global impact of Indian research. Additionally, incentivizing quality research and ensuring adherence to ethical guidelines are vital for sustaining a robust research ecosystem. This article underscores the transformative potential of Research Cells in addressing systemic issues and enhancing the research environment in Indian medical colleges.