UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 30 August 2026

National Health Claim Exchange (NHCX) Latest News

A sub-committee on health insurance headed by Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) Chairman considered measures that will encourage insurers and hospitals to join the National Health Claims Exchange (NHCX).

About National Health Claim Exchange (NHCX)

It is developed under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).
It is developed by the National Health Authority (NHA) in consultation with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).
It the
NHCX serves as a gateway for exchanging health claim information among insurers, third-party auditors, healthcare providers, beneficiaries, and other relevant entities.
Purpose: To streamline and standardize the processing of health insurance claims across the country, leveraging the Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) standards to ensure interoperability across diverse systems.

Features of National Health Claim Exchange (NHCX)

Checking Coverage Eligibility: Providers can verify if a treatment is covered by insurance to avoid unexpected costs.
Pre-Auth Request Submission: Hospitals can request approval from insurers before starting treatment.
Predetermination Request Submission: Providers can ask for an estimate of benefits for a treatment before it begins.
Claim Submission: Hospitals submit claims in a standard format for easier processing by insurers.
Payment Status: Hospitals can check the payment status of submitted claims, ensuring everyone stays informed.
Communication Request: Providers can send questions or requests for more information through NHCX.
Reprocess Request: If a claim has issues, providers can request a review for a solution.

Source: TH

National Health Claims Exchange FAQ's

Q1: What is aim of National Health Claims Exchange?

Ans: aims to streamline and standardize health insurance claim processing, enhancing efficiency in the insurance industry and improving the patient experience.

Q2: Who developed the National Health Claims Exchange?

Ans: It is developed by the National Health Authority (NHA) in consultation with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).

Epidermolysis Bullosa Latest News

Recently, a medical college in Karnataka has received a ₹5.5-crore research grant from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to develop affordable diagnostic and precision treatment approaches for epidermolysis bullosa (EB).

About Epidermolysis Bullosa

It is a rare genetic disorder that causes extreme skin fragility.
It comprises a group of inherited disorders in which minor friction or trauma can cause blistering and wounds.
Patients can develop chronic wounds, scarring, nutritional complications and an increased risk of skin cancer.
There are four types of epidermolysis bullosa (EB), all caused by different genetic mutations:
- EB simplex (EBS)
- Junctional EB (JEB)
- Dystrophic EB (DEB)
- Kindler's syndrome
EB simplex is the mildest and most common form of EB, while Junctional EB and Dystrophic EB are relatively less common and affect the patient more severely.
Kindler's syndrome is a mix of the other types of EB.
Cause: It is caused by an inherited gene. One may inherit the disease gene from one parent who has the disease (autosomal dominant inheritance) or from both parents (autosomal recessive inheritance).
Symptoms
- Fragile skin that blisters easily, especially on the palms and feet
- Nails that are thick or unformed
- Blisters inside the mouth and throat
- Scalp blistering and hair loss (scarring alopecia)
- Tiny pimple-like bumps (milia)
- Itchy, painful skin
Treatment: There's currently no cure for EB, so treatment aims to relieve symptoms and prevent complications developing.

Source: TH

Epidermolysis Bullosa FAQs

Q1: What is Epidermolysis Bullosa ?

Ans: Rare genetic fragile skin disease

Q2: What are the causes of Epidermolysis Bullosa ?

Ans: It is caused by an inherited gene.