Category: Health

On its 10^th anniversary,Clove Dental appeals to the government to roll out a national plan for a cavity free nation

New Delhi, [India]: Clove Dental turns 10 on 18^th March. As a token of gratitude to our patients for trusting us as their dental partner, all 343 clinics in 23 cities across India are carrying out oral health awareness campaigns throughout March. Additionally, Clove’s Anniversary month also coincides with the World Oral Health month recognized globally. On these occasions, Clove appeals to the government to roll out a national plan for a cavity free nation on the lines of other national plans like Anemia Mukt Bharat, Prevention & Control of NCD & so on.

Mr. Amrinder Singh, Founder & CEO, Clove Dental said, “Oral Health in India lags behind those of most nations, including many developing nations. According to the draft National Oral Health Policy, the proportion of untreated caries of permanent teeth and severe periodontitis is higher compared to other oral disorders. Yet, only 12% of adults have ever had their mouth examined by a dentist, potentially increasing the risk of other conditions. The reason behind this abysmal figure is that people neglect oral hygiene or consider it secondary to general health. There is a need of national plan backed by government to realize the dream of a cavity free nation. AtClove, on our 10^th anniversary, we pledge to take charge of the dental health of 10 lac more people this year.”

The Clove story started in 2011, when Mr.Amarinder Singh, Founder & CEO, launched the first Clove Dental Clinic in Delhi with a vision to build an ethical, transparent and high-quality network of dental clinics across India.

Within few years, Clove Dental became the Largest Dental Chain in India & Asia. Clove’s 700+ dentists are highly experienced and most have specialized advanced degrees (MDS) to ensure that every Clove patient gets the right treatment in a high-qualityset up in an ethical manner. These clinicians have enabled us to earn the trust of more than 10 lac patients. Every Clove clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, follows stringent standardized clinical protocols and uses branded FDA, IMA & CE approved consumables. Clove Dental offers complete spectrum of Dental Solutions, from restorative treatments like fillings and root canal to Dental Implants and other complex Oral and maxillofacial surgery along with the latest smile designing treatment procedures at affordable prices.

The clinical network has grown based onstrict adherence to the highest standards in asepsis, sterilization, and disinfection with a constant focus on ethics and transparency. Without these fundamental pillars of operations; Quality, Convenience and transparency in pricing, providing dental treatment to 10 lac patients would be impossible.

“Keeping in view the sharp focus that we had on enabling best customer experience, we increased our presence in every neighborhood with clinics being operational even on weekends. Most people are scared to visit dentists & to address that we introduced a warm and friendly Café style clinic design look to our clinics with soothing ambience to reduce the anxiety during a dental visit”, said Mr. Singh.

Lt Gen Dr Vimal Arora, Chief Clinical Officer, Clove Dental said “What sets Clove Dental apart is its commitment to provide quality dental care with a zero-compromise policy on safety & hygiene standards. During COVID pandemic, Clove was the only chain of dental clinics to continue providing emergency services from few assigned clinics following stringent protocols. Clove enhanced its already comprehensive safety protocols and launched the ‘10x Safety Protocols’which are now trademarked. We also deployed safety equipment like Aerosol suction & decontamination unit and Constant fumigation device to ensure a completely sterile & hygienic clinical environment in all its clinics. These 10XSafety Protocols have been requested and adopted by many dental set ups across the globe and acknowledged internationally.The stringent safety protocols also include the4-step sterilization process of instruments which was trademarked way back in 2015 and practiced in all clinics. These processes are a testament to our highest safety and sterilization standards. The autoclaved and sealed pouches of instruments are opened in front of the eyes of the patient to instill confidence in its processes.“

“I have always believed that to celebrate a milestone we have to celebrate the journey. In healthcare, every day is a learning experience and in the last 10 years we have learnt so much from our doctors & patients and we continue to grow &deploy new equipment, processes, and technology to provide an unparalleled clinical experience.Clove plans to continue its expansion phase and envisions to add 100+ centers every year as the infrastructure deployment tries to catch up to the need which exceeds 2500 new clinics every year in India.” said Mr. Singh.

On the occasion of World Oral Health Day & Clove Dental’s 10^th Year anniversary, Clove dentists are renewing their commitment tooral health awarenessand pledging to take charge of the dental health of 10 lacmore people this year with its anniversary special dental health program.

On its 10^th anniversary,Clove Dental appeals to the government to roll out a national plan for a cavity free nation

New Delhi, [India]: Clove Dental turns 10 on 18^th March. As a token of gratitude to our patients for trusting us as their dental partner, all 343 clinics in 23 cities across India are carrying out oral health awareness campaigns throughout March. Additionally, Clove’s Anniversary month also coincides with the World Oral Health month recognized globally. On these occasions, Clove appeals to the government to roll out a national plan for a cavity free nation on the lines of other national plans like Anemia Mukt Bharat, Prevention & Control of NCD & so on.

Mr. Amrinder Singh, Founder & CEO, Clove Dental said, “Oral Health in India lags behind those of most nations, including many developing nations. According to the draft National Oral Health Policy, the proportion of untreated caries of permanent teeth and severe periodontitis is higher compared to other oral disorders. Yet, only 12% of adults have ever had their mouth examined by a dentist, potentially increasing the risk of other conditions. The reason behind this abysmal figure is that people neglect oral hygiene or consider it secondary to general health. There is a need of national plan backed by government to realize the dream of a cavity free nation. AtClove, on our 10^th anniversary, we pledge to take charge of the dental health of 10 lac more people this year.”

The Clove story started in 2011, when Mr.Amarinder Singh, Founder & CEO, launched the first Clove Dental Clinic in Delhi with a vision to build an ethical, transparent and high-quality network of dental clinics across India.

Within few years, Clove Dental became the Largest Dental Chain in India & Asia. Clove’s 700+ dentists are highly experienced and most have specialized advanced degrees (MDS) to ensure that every Clove patient gets the right treatment in a high-qualityset up in an ethical manner. These clinicians have enabled us to earn the trust of more than 10 lac patients. Every Clove clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, follows stringent standardized clinical protocols and uses branded FDA, IMA & CE approved consumables. Clove Dental offers complete spectrum of Dental Solutions, from restorative treatments like fillings and root canal to Dental Implants and other complex Oral and maxillofacial surgery along with the latest smile designing treatment procedures at affordable prices.

The clinical network has grown based onstrict adherence to the highest standards in asepsis, sterilization, and disinfection with a constant focus on ethics and transparency. Without these fundamental pillars of operations; Quality, Convenience and transparency in pricing, providing dental treatment to 10 lac patients would be impossible.

“Keeping in view the sharp focus that we had on enabling best customer experience, we increased our presence in every neighborhood with clinics being operational even on weekends. Most people are scared to visit dentists & to address that we introduced a warm and friendly Café style clinic design look to our clinics with soothing ambience to reduce the anxiety during a dental visit”, said Mr. Singh.

Lt Gen Dr Vimal Arora, Chief Clinical Officer, Clove Dental said “What sets Clove Dental apart is its commitment to provide quality dental care with a zero-compromise policy on safety & hygiene standards. During COVID pandemic, Clove was the only chain of dental clinics to continue providing emergency services from few assigned clinics following stringent protocols. Clove enhanced its already comprehensive safety protocols and launched the ‘10x Safety Protocols’which are now trademarked. We also deployed safety equipment like Aerosol suction & decontamination unit and Constant fumigation device to ensure a completely sterile & hygienic clinical environment in all its clinics. These 10XSafety Protocols have been requested and adopted by many dental set ups across the globe and acknowledged internationally.The stringent safety protocols also include the4-step sterilization process of instruments which was trademarked way back in 2015 and practiced in all clinics. These processes are a testament to our highest safety and sterilization standards. The autoclaved and sealed pouches of instruments are opened in front of the eyes of the patient to instill confidence in its processes.“

“I have always believed that to celebrate a milestone we have to celebrate the journey. In healthcare, every day is a learning experience and in the last 10 years we have learnt so much from our doctors & patients and we continue to grow &deploy new equipment, processes, and technology to provide an unparalleled clinical experience.Clove plans to continue its expansion phase and envisions to add 100+ centers every year as the infrastructure deployment tries to catch up to the need which exceeds 2500 new clinics every year in India.” said Mr. Singh.

On the occasion of World Oral Health Day & Clove Dental’s 10^th Year anniversary, Clove dentists are renewing their commitment tooral health awarenessand pledging to take charge of the dental health of 10 lacmore people this year with its anniversary special dental health program.

On its 10^th anniversary,Clove Dental appeals to the government to roll out a national plan for a cavity free nation

New Delhi, [India]: Clove Dental turns 10 on 18^th March. As a token of gratitude to our patients for trusting us as their dental partner, all 343 clinics in 23 cities across India are carrying out oral health awareness campaigns throughout March. Additionally, Clove’s Anniversary month also coincides with the World Oral Health month recognized globally. On these occasions, Clove appeals to the government to roll out a national plan for a cavity free nation on the lines of other national plans like Anemia Mukt Bharat, Prevention & Control of NCD & so on.

Mr. Amrinder Singh, Founder & CEO, Clove Dental said, “Oral Health in India lags behind those of most nations, including many developing nations. According to the draft National Oral Health Policy, the proportion of untreated caries of permanent teeth and severe periodontitis is higher compared to other oral disorders. Yet, only 12% of adults have ever had their mouth examined by a dentist, potentially increasing the risk of other conditions. The reason behind this abysmal figure is that people neglect oral hygiene or consider it secondary to general health. There is a need of national plan backed by government to realize the dream of a cavity free nation. AtClove, on our 10^th anniversary, we pledge to take charge of the dental health of 10 lac more people this year.”

The Clove story started in 2011, when Mr.Amarinder Singh, Founder & CEO, launched the first Clove Dental Clinic in Delhi with a vision to build an ethical, transparent and high-quality network of dental clinics across India.

Within few years, Clove Dental became the Largest Dental Chain in India & Asia. Clove’s 700+ dentists are highly experienced and most have specialized advanced degrees (MDS) to ensure that every Clove patient gets the right treatment in a high-qualityset up in an ethical manner. These clinicians have enabled us to earn the trust of more than 10 lac patients. Every Clove clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, follows stringent standardized clinical protocols and uses branded FDA, IMA & CE approved consumables. Clove Dental offers complete spectrum of Dental Solutions, from restorative treatments like fillings and root canal to Dental Implants and other complex Oral and maxillofacial surgery along with the latest smile designing treatment procedures at affordable prices.

The clinical network has grown based onstrict adherence to the highest standards in asepsis, sterilization, and disinfection with a constant focus on ethics and transparency. Without these fundamental pillars of operations; Quality, Convenience and transparency in pricing, providing dental treatment to 10 lac patients would be impossible.

“Keeping in view the sharp focus that we had on enabling best customer experience, we increased our presence in every neighborhood with clinics being operational even on weekends. Most people are scared to visit dentists & to address that we introduced a warm and friendly Café style clinic design look to our clinics with soothing ambience to reduce the anxiety during a dental visit”, said Mr. Singh.

Lt Gen Dr Vimal Arora, Chief Clinical Officer, Clove Dental said “What sets Clove Dental apart is its commitment to provide quality dental care with a zero-compromise policy on safety & hygiene standards. During COVID pandemic, Clove was the only chain of dental clinics to continue providing emergency services from few assigned clinics following stringent protocols. Clove enhanced its already comprehensive safety protocols and launched the ‘10x Safety Protocols’which are now trademarked. We also deployed safety equipment like Aerosol suction & decontamination unit and Constant fumigation device to ensure a completely sterile & hygienic clinical environment in all its clinics. These 10XSafety Protocols have been requested and adopted by many dental set ups across the globe and acknowledged internationally.The stringent safety protocols also include the4-step sterilization process of instruments which was trademarked way back in 2015 and practiced in all clinics. These processes are a testament to our highest safety and sterilization standards. The autoclaved and sealed pouches of instruments are opened in front of the eyes of the patient to instill confidence in its processes.“

“I have always believed that to celebrate a milestone we have to celebrate the journey. In healthcare, every day is a learning experience and in the last 10 years we have learnt so much from our doctors & patients and we continue to grow &deploy new equipment, processes, and technology to provide an unparalleled clinical experience.Clove plans to continue its expansion phase and envisions to add 100+ centers every year as the infrastructure deployment tries to catch up to the need which exceeds 2500 new clinics every year in India.” said Mr. Singh.

On the occasion of World Oral Health Day & Clove Dental’s 10^th Year anniversary, Clove dentists are renewing their commitment tooral health awarenessand pledging to take charge of the dental health of 10 lacmore people this year with its anniversary special dental health program.

Use OSMF Mouth Opening Kit. Detect early, prevent early.

Ahmedabad, Gujarat [India]: This World Health Day, dentists and oncologists have gathered together to send out a powerful message — Be Proud Of Your Mouth. According to https://www.worldoralhealthday.org/, this message is the campaign theme for the years 2021-2023. Looking at the alarming report of growing cases of oral tumours and cancers, doctors want to inspire greater and better change by focusing on the paramount importance of oral health, one that seems innocuous but is rather deadly in nature.

According to dental oral oncosurgeon, restrictive mouth opening precedes most forms of oral cancer. Tobacco, pan masala, gutkha, khaini etc are known to be the chief culprits for this predicament. Avoiding tobacco has been a challenge even after huge price rises by the governments that have fallen on deaf ears. “But we are going to do something different this time. Because this time, the medical dental and healthcare professionals too will be involved in spreading the message on World Oral Health Day. Various events and campaigns are being held for the same. Apart from that, we are also organizing oral cancer screenings for people who’d visit”, said an activist for https://www.worldoralhealthday.org/. “We are going to use social media to the optimum to reach the people to help them quit tobacco, betel nuts etc. Wish we had a vaccine for this. Because this is, in all seriousness, a very avoidable disease”, said the activist.

Dr. Bharat Agravat’s OSMF Mouth Opening Kit that fully treats oral ulcerations, lichen planus, Xerostemia in mouth and restricted mouth opening is pushing to inspire the same change by focusing on the prime importance on maintaining oral health, right from maintaining clean teeth and gums to non-usage of any tobacco products of any variants. “We want you to live a healthy, disease-free life. But for that to happen, you have to follow our lead. See a doctor today.

Buy anOSMF Mouth Opening Kit, use it as directed and watch your life change for the better. A healthy mouth creates a beautiful smile and life. Be proud of your mouth”, said a top medical professional at Smile In Hour®.

FAST RELIEF FROM 5 SYMPTOMS OF ORAL SUBMUCOUS FIBROSIS : ORAL ULCERATION, BURNING SENSATION, SWOLLEN GUMS, RESTRICTED MOUTH OPENING, XEROSTEMIA

THE OSMF MOUTH OPENING KIT ADVANTAGE: Award winner Emerging Innovative Product 2020, Do it yourself. Easy to carry and use anytime and anywhere, with convenience. It consist of ….

• OSMF LOLLIPOPS™
  Revolutionary innovative lollipop for oral absorption,  quick relief in oral sub mucous fibrosis symptoms.
• UNIQUE MOUTH OPENER™
  Patent pending, Physio-therapeutic Rehabilitation Device for Oral Sub mucous Fibrosis, Trismus and Guided Mouth opening
• OSMF GEL™
  Osmfgel is the only product to deliver pure turmeric and tulshi directly into the mouth. With antibacterial, antiviral, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• OSMF TAB™
  Increases the capacity of the body to fight against free radicals and acts as an antioxidant.

For more information and shop, please visit http://www.osmfmouthopeningkit.com/

About

OSMF Mouth Opening Kit is a path-breaking, Do-it-yourself combo of mouth opening medicine tablets, gel and mouth opening exercise device. It has been invented by prominent Dr. Bharat Agravat and world renowned Indian Ayurvedic Herbalist Dr Harsha Agravat. He is Cosmetic and Implants Dental Surgeon and has set new benchmarks of award-winning excellence in his 21 year long career.

OSMF Mouth Opening Kit  Develop  by Smile in Hour® An innovation-driven Oral care company created by dentists and health care professionals are driven to enable the true potential of every being we touch through high quality, best-in-class functional dental care, and rehabilitation. Also Marketing and Managed by Dr Agravat Healthcare Ltd Pharmaceutical Company India.

Contact

Address – Smile in Hour® Spalon Dental Clinic Thaltej & Bodakdev

Mohini Complex, UF-2, Beside Atithi Dining Hall Near The Pride Hotel. Off S.G. Road, Judges Bunglow Rd, Bodakdev, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380054

Mumbai, Maharashtra [India] : Although it took a while, hopefully now Governments and Businesses around the world have come to realize that the coronavirus is not the same as the recession in 2008. While both significantly impacted the global economy, the drivers propelling the market crisis during Covid-19 are very different from what caused the recession in 2008.

As India and the world heads into a phase where the crisis wanes, policymakers have to increase the focus on the economic rebound for their respective countries. Tax policies are likely to play a significant role as the country steers its economy towards gradual recovery. Policies and measures taken now would have an impact on tax systems in the future.

Taxation is ‘a key ingredient in the social contract between citizens and the economy’ (Doing Business, 2018). In the sight of the pressing need of the hour to move towards economic recovery, governments will have to pay closer attention to how taxes are raised and spent.

Deloitte’s report ‘Recovery from the COVID-19 crisis: What role will tax policy play’, discusses that tax will play a key role in restoring the public finances of countries.While growth focus is imperative, it will be ideal to do this by offering support for healthy growth, including stimulus packages that will in turn help expand tax revenues.

EY Global Vice Chair – Tax, Kate Barton compellingly presents, “as the tax ecosystem continues to evolve, tax authorities are not only experiencing substantive change but also driving it”.

Tax and Fiscal Policy in Response to the Coronavirus Crisis, a report by OECD, outlines that ‘tax policy can contribute to covering the costs of the crisis’.

The case for increased tax revenue is understood but the timing and how it is done are critical as businesses and individuals are keen to get back up and running. Taxes cannot afford to be perceived as an added burden to pandemic-struck industries and businesses in the country that are exhausted from being cautious of the COVID-19 blade of uncertainty hanging over the head. Barton of EY wisely states, “eventually, governments will look to balance budget deficits and taxes will invariably rise – but timing those increases carefully will be crucial if governments are to drive growth”.

Simple is key

A recent Doing Business study reveals that firms in economies that score better on the study’s ease of paying taxes indicators tend to perceive both tax rates and tax administration as less of an obstacle to business.

In their article “The Effect of Corporate Taxes on Investment and Entrepreneurship” for the American Economic Journal: Macroeconomics, Djankov, et al. point out that “economies with simple, well-designed tax systems can boost businesses activity and, ultimately, investment and employment”. Rabah Arezki and Grégoire Rota-Graziosi put it quite simply by saying that “designing taxes that are simple to administer is the way to go” for the post-COVID era.

A supportive economy

Another pragmatic approach would be to plan for a sustainable source of increased tax revenue from growth through increased business activity, profits, and increased employment.

What are the potential sources that India and other developing nations can tap into to increase tax revenue? One solution need not fit all in this case. Specific groups of individuals and large corporations could be targeted through increased income tax rates and/or base-broadening measures, new minimum taxes, wealth taxes, and other indirect taxes such as Digital Services Taxes (DSTs).

Incentives to drive investments

During the pandemic, digital emerged to become imperative for the survival of organizations, and individuals. Tax policies that incentivize digital infrastructure and operations can assist in encouraging investment in these areas (Deloitte.)

“For governments looking to drive economic recovery after the pandemic, supporting such digital competitiveness will be key. One way is through foreign direct investment (FDI) in the digital economy”, Matthew Stephenson and Nivedita Sen, World Economic Forum.

Turning into an FDI hub while aiming for economic recovery will not be a small feat for India. Multiple aspects of the economy have to be conducive to encourage this. An all-around approach will be imperative to tap into this source of finance.

T for transparency

For the post-COVID economy and going ahead, tax authorities and tax policymakers will have to embrace transparency and accountability in a new way. The need and importance of tax have to be communicated with all taxpayers in the country clearly and regularly.

In short

Taxes will invariably rise but this is an opportunity to fix inconsistencies and inadequacies in the country’s tax system. Policymakers should be willing to identify and work on areas for improvement. It is important to ensure that chasing tax revenue does not cause further despondence in the economy. The post-COVID economy should foster a transparent and reliable tax ecosystem in India that has a clear grip on the bigger picture and be citizen-centric. Can that be achieved?

A global thought leader, disruptor and innovator with an entrepreneurial flair, Lal Bhatia has conceptualized and developed new business models in the most challenging environments.

Bhatia’s has invested 33 years kick starting New-Ventures, Building Teams, Managing Change, Developing Brands and Businesses and Strategizing Digital Transformation. Lal has a vast network of clients and professionals in every corner of the globe, which he believes in cross leveraging for the task at hand.

Lal Bhatia is the Chairman of the Hilshaw Groupwww.hilshawgroup.com

Mumbai, Maharashtra [India] : Although it took a while, hopefully now Governments and Businesses around the world have come to realize that the coronavirus is not the same as the recession in 2008. While both significantly impacted the global economy, the drivers propelling the market crisis during Covid-19 are very different from what caused the recession in 2008.

As India and the world heads into a phase where the crisis wanes, policymakers have to increase the focus on the economic rebound for their respective countries. Tax policies are likely to play a significant role as the country steers its economy towards gradual recovery. Policies and measures taken now would have an impact on tax systems in the future.

Taxation is ‘a key ingredient in the social contract between citizens and the economy’ (Doing Business, 2018). In the sight of the pressing need of the hour to move towards economic recovery, governments will have to pay closer attention to how taxes are raised and spent.

Deloitte’s report ‘Recovery from the COVID-19 crisis: What role will tax policy play’, discusses that tax will play a key role in restoring the public finances of countries.While growth focus is imperative, it will be ideal to do this by offering support for healthy growth, including stimulus packages that will in turn help expand tax revenues.

EY Global Vice Chair – Tax, Kate Barton compellingly presents, “as the tax ecosystem continues to evolve, tax authorities are not only experiencing substantive change but also driving it”.

Tax and Fiscal Policy in Response to the Coronavirus Crisis, a report by OECD, outlines that ‘tax policy can contribute to covering the costs of the crisis’.

The case for increased tax revenue is understood but the timing and how it is done are critical as businesses and individuals are keen to get back up and running. Taxes cannot afford to be perceived as an added burden to pandemic-struck industries and businesses in the country that are exhausted from being cautious of the COVID-19 blade of uncertainty hanging over the head. Barton of EY wisely states, “eventually, governments will look to balance budget deficits and taxes will invariably rise – but timing those increases carefully will be crucial if governments are to drive growth”.

Simple is key

A recent Doing Business study reveals that firms in economies that score better on the study’s ease of paying taxes indicators tend to perceive both tax rates and tax administration as less of an obstacle to business.

In their article “The Effect of Corporate Taxes on Investment and Entrepreneurship” for the American Economic Journal: Macroeconomics, Djankov, et al. point out that “economies with simple, well-designed tax systems can boost businesses activity and, ultimately, investment and employment”. Rabah Arezki and Grégoire Rota-Graziosi put it quite simply by saying that “designing taxes that are simple to administer is the way to go” for the post-COVID era.

A supportive economy

Another pragmatic approach would be to plan for a sustainable source of increased tax revenue from growth through increased business activity, profits, and increased employment.

What are the potential sources that India and other developing nations can tap into to increase tax revenue? One solution need not fit all in this case. Specific groups of individuals and large corporations could be targeted through increased income tax rates and/or base-broadening measures, new minimum taxes, wealth taxes, and other indirect taxes such as Digital Services Taxes (DSTs).

Incentives to drive investments

During the pandemic, digital emerged to become imperative for the survival of organizations, and individuals. Tax policies that incentivize digital infrastructure and operations can assist in encouraging investment in these areas (Deloitte.)

“For governments looking to drive economic recovery after the pandemic, supporting such digital competitiveness will be key. One way is through foreign direct investment (FDI) in the digital economy”, Matthew Stephenson and Nivedita Sen, World Economic Forum.

Turning into an FDI hub while aiming for economic recovery will not be a small feat for India. Multiple aspects of the economy have to be conducive to encourage this. An all-around approach will be imperative to tap into this source of finance.

T for transparency

For the post-COVID economy and going ahead, tax authorities and tax policymakers will have to embrace transparency and accountability in a new way. The need and importance of tax have to be communicated with all taxpayers in the country clearly and regularly.

In short

Taxes will invariably rise but this is an opportunity to fix inconsistencies and inadequacies in the country’s tax system. Policymakers should be willing to identify and work on areas for improvement. It is important to ensure that chasing tax revenue does not cause further despondence in the economy. The post-COVID economy should foster a transparent and reliable tax ecosystem in India that has a clear grip on the bigger picture and be citizen-centric. Can that be achieved?

A global thought leader, disruptor and innovator with an entrepreneurial flair, Lal Bhatia has conceptualized and developed new business models in the most challenging environments.

Bhatia’s has invested 33 years kick starting New-Ventures, Building Teams, Managing Change, Developing Brands and Businesses and Strategizing Digital Transformation. Lal has a vast network of clients and professionals in every corner of the globe, which he believes in cross leveraging for the task at hand.

Lal Bhatia is the Chairman of the Hilshaw Groupwww.hilshawgroup.com

Mumbai, Maharashtra [India] : Although it took a while, hopefully now Governments and Businesses around the world have come to realize that the coronavirus is not the same as the recession in 2008. While both significantly impacted the global economy, the drivers propelling the market crisis during Covid-19 are very different from what caused the recession in 2008.

As India and the world heads into a phase where the crisis wanes, policymakers have to increase the focus on the economic rebound for their respective countries. Tax policies are likely to play a significant role as the country steers its economy towards gradual recovery. Policies and measures taken now would have an impact on tax systems in the future.

Taxation is ‘a key ingredient in the social contract between citizens and the economy’ (Doing Business, 2018). In the sight of the pressing need of the hour to move towards economic recovery, governments will have to pay closer attention to how taxes are raised and spent.

Deloitte’s report ‘Recovery from the COVID-19 crisis: What role will tax policy play’, discusses that tax will play a key role in restoring the public finances of countries.While growth focus is imperative, it will be ideal to do this by offering support for healthy growth, including stimulus packages that will in turn help expand tax revenues.

EY Global Vice Chair – Tax, Kate Barton compellingly presents, “as the tax ecosystem continues to evolve, tax authorities are not only experiencing substantive change but also driving it”.

Tax and Fiscal Policy in Response to the Coronavirus Crisis, a report by OECD, outlines that ‘tax policy can contribute to covering the costs of the crisis’.

The case for increased tax revenue is understood but the timing and how it is done are critical as businesses and individuals are keen to get back up and running. Taxes cannot afford to be perceived as an added burden to pandemic-struck industries and businesses in the country that are exhausted from being cautious of the COVID-19 blade of uncertainty hanging over the head. Barton of EY wisely states, “eventually, governments will look to balance budget deficits and taxes will invariably rise – but timing those increases carefully will be crucial if governments are to drive growth”.

Simple is key

A recent Doing Business study reveals that firms in economies that score better on the study’s ease of paying taxes indicators tend to perceive both tax rates and tax administration as less of an obstacle to business.

In their article “The Effect of Corporate Taxes on Investment and Entrepreneurship” for the American Economic Journal: Macroeconomics, Djankov, et al. point out that “economies with simple, well-designed tax systems can boost businesses activity and, ultimately, investment and employment”. Rabah Arezki and Grégoire Rota-Graziosi put it quite simply by saying that “designing taxes that are simple to administer is the way to go” for the post-COVID era.

A supportive economy

Another pragmatic approach would be to plan for a sustainable source of increased tax revenue from growth through increased business activity, profits, and increased employment.

What are the potential sources that India and other developing nations can tap into to increase tax revenue? One solution need not fit all in this case. Specific groups of individuals and large corporations could be targeted through increased income tax rates and/or base-broadening measures, new minimum taxes, wealth taxes, and other indirect taxes such as Digital Services Taxes (DSTs).

Incentives to drive investments

During the pandemic, digital emerged to become imperative for the survival of organizations, and individuals. Tax policies that incentivize digital infrastructure and operations can assist in encouraging investment in these areas (Deloitte.)

“For governments looking to drive economic recovery after the pandemic, supporting such digital competitiveness will be key. One way is through foreign direct investment (FDI) in the digital economy”, Matthew Stephenson and Nivedita Sen, World Economic Forum.

Turning into an FDI hub while aiming for economic recovery will not be a small feat for India. Multiple aspects of the economy have to be conducive to encourage this. An all-around approach will be imperative to tap into this source of finance.

T for transparency

For the post-COVID economy and going ahead, tax authorities and tax policymakers will have to embrace transparency and accountability in a new way. The need and importance of tax have to be communicated with all taxpayers in the country clearly and regularly.

In short

Taxes will invariably rise but this is an opportunity to fix inconsistencies and inadequacies in the country’s tax system. Policymakers should be willing to identify and work on areas for improvement. It is important to ensure that chasing tax revenue does not cause further despondence in the economy. The post-COVID economy should foster a transparent and reliable tax ecosystem in India that has a clear grip on the bigger picture and be citizen-centric. Can that be achieved?

A global thought leader, disruptor and innovator with an entrepreneurial flair, Lal Bhatia has conceptualized and developed new business models in the most challenging environments.

Bhatia’s has invested 33 years kick starting New-Ventures, Building Teams, Managing Change, Developing Brands and Businesses and Strategizing Digital Transformation. Lal has a vast network of clients and professionals in every corner of the globe, which he believes in cross leveraging for the task at hand.

Lal Bhatia is the Chairman of the Hilshaw Groupwww.hilshawgroup.com

Mumbai, Maharashtra [India] : Mental health illness is an unaddressed issue in India. One in every five Indians suffers from some kind of mental health issue, according to World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates.

Covid-19 pandemic and the extended lockdown in 2020 only served to worsen the situation. Along with the concerns about physical health, came isolation and depression due to long periods of social disconnection during the extended lockdown, anxiety related to fear of losing jobs, and an increase in stress due to having to cope with the new normal.

Mental illnesses constitute one-sixth of all health-related disorders, and India accounted for nearly 15% of the global mental, neurological, and substance abuse disorder burden (Source: WHO). A National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) 2015-16 report further revealed that the treatment gap—the presence of mental illnesses and the proportion of people who had access to treatment—was over 70%.

These are alarming numbers and yet, most people want to stay quiet about it. The subject continues to be viewed under a lens of stigma. Most people suffering from mental health issues live in denial, and receive very little support from family and friends. It’s about time this changes.

As a brand whose purpose is to be a lifetime partner for the customers, and to lead with empathy, human touch, and innovation, Future Generali has taken a huge step in this direction by undertaking multiple initiatives to drive awareness and education around the issue of mental health.

The starting point was an introduction of a health insurance cover that includes mental health.  Acknowledging the prevalence of the mental health problem and its seriousness, the Insurance Regulatory Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has stated that insurers should keep mental illness at par with physical illness in regular health insurance coverage. Future Generali India Insurance has taken this a step further.

Ruchika Varma, CMO, Future Generali Insurance, says, “Most health insurance policies in the Indian market cover only hospitalisation treatment. However, in the context of mental health, most people start their treatment through consultations with medical practitioners on an outpatient department (OPD) consultation basis. Mental health experts tell us that less than 1% of the patients require hospitalisation. In order to be truly effective in taking care of mental illness treatment, policies that cover OPD treatment are the most desirable and the need of the hour. And this is exactly what our Health Total Policy offers.”

The all-new Future Generali Health Total insurance policy comes as a breath of fresh air in these challenging times. The cover understands the gravity of the problem and is a positive action, which will encourage more people to talk about mental illness as well as seek treatment for it. The policy covers in-patient hospitalization for mental illness. Notably, OPD treatment for mental illness is also covered under the superior and premiere plans of this policy.

The Future Generali Health Total insurance policy covers a sum up to Rs. 1 crore. People can avail a discount of about 15%. And if the sum insured has been exhausted, the amount for that year will be restored, subject to terms and conditions. With a vast network of 6,000+ hospitals that offer cashless choices, you no longer have to worry about arranging cash urgently at a time of need. The incorporation of mental health in the policy is a welcome move—prior to this coverage was offered based on factors such as data and cost.

Future Generali India Insurance has also undertaken other initiatives beyond the product. The brand started the conversation on mental health issues with its #HealthInsideOut campaign, which aims to de-stigmatize the issue by showing that it’s a common problem; create realization that some of these seemingly common-place symptoms could be signs of mental illness, and educate people that help is available, whether it’s medical or financial.

Approaching the delicate topic with a touch of light-heartedness, the brand showed inanimate objects such as a torn stress ball, a broken vase, a pillow, etc, complaining in a human voice about being treated harshly by their owners—a sign that mental health experts say could be an early symptom of underlying mental health issues.

Ruchika Varma adds, “During our multiple conversations with mental health experts and the affected parties we found that the first manifestation of mental health issues is inflicted on inanimate objects. Humanising such objects, our campaign tells a compelling story from their perspective, urging the audience to seek timely help and realize the gravity of these issues”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYeUqON3PhU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZYzpcSc9dw

In order to get people to start taking their mental health as seriously as their physical health, Future Generali also created the Total Health Score, roping in over 25 celebrity fitness influencers including Shilpa Shetty and Mandira Bedi to participate in the test to assess their well-being.

Ruchika Varma adds, “We created the Total Health Score, a simple assessment tool which is available on our website and mobile app, with the help of practising therapists and counsellors, who understand the early signs of potential mental health issues. Once you complete the assessment, you are attributed a score that outlines your mental wellness quotient, and also indicated potential issues or mental wellness concerns that you may be going through at the moment.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5_lhKj7BCk

“Future Generali wants to lead the narrative on mental health and transform this into a movement. Going forward, we plan to roll out multiple initiatives around mental health and well-being, be it differentiated and innovative product propositions, services or partnerships to support customers,” adds Ruchika Varma. With influencers and campaigns that unabashedly talk about mental health, tools that help people analyze their mental and physical health status, and inclusive health insurance covers such as Total Health, Future Generali hopes to spark a change in the mindset of people and help them address the elephant in the room.

To know more about this cover, click here.

Applied BiosystemsCoviPathCOVID-19 RT-PCR Kit is approved for in vitro diagnostic useby the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) and Drug Control General of India (DCGI).

Bengaluru, Karnataka [India] : A new state-of-the-art Thermo Fisher Scientific manufacturing facility in Bengaluru will produce COVID-19 testing kits and diagnostic solutions that are made in India for use in India.

CoviPathCOVID-19 RT-PCR Kit, which contains the assays and controls for Thermo Fisher’s gold standard RT-PCRtest intended for the qualitative detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2 in individuals suspected of COVID-19.

The CoviPathCOVID-19 RT-PCR Kit has been approved under MDR 2017 rules for in vitro diagnostic use by the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) and Drug Control General of India(DCGI)

in all authorized laboratories. Testing with the kit can be done on Applied Biosystems real-time PCR instruments with FAM dye, VIC dye, and JUN dye or any RT-PCR platform with 3 dye channels in molecular biology laboratories approved for testing. Samples are collected from nasopharyngeal swab, nasopharyngeal aspirate and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimens.

“Thermo Fisher has been playing a central role in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic. The introduction of this kit and the new facility strengthens our commitment towards the COVID-19 response in India. The new facility is equipped with the capacity to manufacture up to 10 million tests every month. This facility will be instrumental in ensuring access to affordable testing kits while maintaining global quality standards,” said Amit Chopra, managing director, India and South Asia, Thermo Fisher Scientific.

The CoviPath COVID-19 RT-PCR Kit is designed to detect viral targets with low mutations and offers more than 99.5% sensitivity and 99.5% specificity. The kit is packaged in a user- friendly and convenient pack size of 200 reactions. The company will make these kits available across the country leveraging its strong distribution network.

“As the country is racing to normalcy, it is imperative to have reliable, affordable and quick-to deliver testing kits. Thermo Fisher’s local production facility will augment accessibility of testing kits across the country. We are thankful to all our stakeholders and customers in extending their support “, said Kapil Sood, senior director, life sciences solutions, Thermo Fisher Scientific, India.

The Applied Biosystems CoviPath COVID-19 RT-PCR Kit is for use in India only. For more product details, kindly visit website click here

 About Thermo Fisher Scientific 

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with annual revenue exceeding $30 billion. Our Mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Whether our customers are accelerating life sciences research, solving complex analytical challenges, improving patient diagnostics and therapies or increasing productivity in their laboratories, we are here to support them. Our global team of more than 80,000 colleagues delivers an unrivaled combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and pharmaceutical services through our industry-leading brands, including Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific, Unity Lab Services and Patheon. For more information, please visit www.thermofisher.com.

Chhattisgarh, [India] : With the launch of state wide COVID Vaccination Drive, the indigenous COVAXIN got gripped into controversies. The vaccine arrived without the completion of Phase 3 trials, hence Health Minister Shri TS Singhdeo raised an objection over it.

The frontline health workers are been vaccinated in Chhattisgarh, with the launch of Covidshield vaccination drive in state since January 2021. In the mid of this drive, another indigenous vaccine named Covaxin arrived in state. Responding over it, Health Minister Shri TS Singh Deo said that the Vaccines are still passing through the trials. Getting people vaccinated without phase 3 trials would be like innocent people are being used for vaccine trials.

He also raised concern over the forms being provided with the dose of vaccine & termed forms as trial material & asked for not getting vaccinated with the COVAXIN Doses in the state.

On the arrival of Covaxin in state he wrote a letter to Union Health Minister Dr. Harshavardhan mentioning that the state has received 37,760 doses of vaccine & since it hasn’t cleared Phase 3 trials hence CG is unable to use them. Also with the nearing expiry date the vaccines may get wasted. He requested Union Health Minister, not to send more vaccines for the state of Chhattisgarh before completion of phase 3 trials.