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India aims to tighten quality of drugs

India aims to tighten quality of drugs

In a move to improve quality of drugs manufactured in India and mend its image as the pharmacy of the world, the Central Government has decided to implement Schedule M to tighten the manufacturing practices of pharmaceutical companies in India.

The Good Manufacturing Practice System was first incorporated in 1988 in Schedule M of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1945. New GMP Standard in Schedule M was made in 2001 and implemented in 2005.
Schedule M prescribes requirements to facilities for maintenance, manufacturing, control and safety testing, storage and transport material, written procedures and records, traceability etc.
Issues according to the ministry, which inspected over 160 units and 14 public testing labs range from poor documentation, absence of testing incoming raw material, quality failure investigation, professionally qualified employees amongst others.
Companies have been given six to 12 months to adhere to requirements starting August 1. Companies with a turnover of over Rs 250 crore will be given six months and those with a turnover of below Rs 250 crore 1 year to comply to standards. The certification will be valid for 3 years.
While this step is expected to be positive especially at a time when Indian companies have been in the dock due to recent global incidents of substandard drugs, there are some concerns point out experts.
India aims to tighten quality of drugs
For example, one of big concerns is that currently the pharma companies come under the purview of state regulators. Hence the power to issue or cancel licenses is with state governments. The concern then is that the central government does not have the power to implement the compliance standards.
Also, while Schedule M became mandatory in the law in 2005 companies have struggled to implement it for the last 18 years. Many of the smaller companies for example might need to upgrade their existing facilities to comply with the standards, to do so they will require capital and infrastructure, which they might lack. An example of this is quality control labs, which were made compulsory in 2005 but companies did not comply due to inability to afford setting up the units.
Lastly, the timelines of 6 months to 1 year might not be feasible for the large number companies to adhere to the standards. India currently has around 10,500 drug manufacturers including MSMEs but only 2,000 companies mainly exporters are expected to have a good manufacturing certificate. That means 8,000 companies needing to comply to standards set out in Schedule M in just the span of a year might be a tall task.
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Medical Equipments Medical Updates Medicine & Health

Kombucha consumption might lower blood sugar levels in individuals living with type-2 diabetes: Study

Kombucha consumption might lower blood sugar levels in individuals living with type-2 diabetes: Study

Drinking kombucha for four weeks may lower fasting blood glucose levels in people with type II diabetes, according to recent research at Georgetown University.

According to the findings of a clinical trial conducted by researchers at Georgetown University’s School of Health, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and MedStar Health, people with type II diabetes who drank the fermented tea drink kombucha for four weeks had lower fasting blood glucose levels than those who drank a similar-tasting placebo beverage. This conclusion from a pilot 12-person feasibility trial suggests the possibility of a nutritional intervention that could help lower blood sugar levels in persons with diabetes, as well as laying the groundwork for a bigger trial to validate and expand on these findings.

This finding was reported in Frontiers in Nutrition. Kombucha is a tea fermented with bacteria and yeasts and was consumed as early as 200 B.C. in China, but it did not become popular in the U.S. until the 1990s. Its popularity has been bolstered by anecdotal claims of improved immunity and energy and reductions in food cravings and inflammation, but proof of these benefits has been limited.

“Some laboratory and rodent studies of kombucha have shown promise and one small study in people without diabetes showed kombucha lowered blood sugar, but to our knowledge this is the first clinical trial examining effects of kombucha in people with diabetes,” says study author Dan Merenstein, M.D., professor of Human Sciences in Georgetown’s School of Health and professor of family medicine at Georgetown University School of Medicine. “A lot more research needs to be done but this is very promising.”

Merenstein continued, “A strength of our trial was that we didn’t tell people what to eat because we used a crossover design that limited the effects of any variability in a person’s diet.” The crossover design had one group of people drinking about eight ounces of kombucha or placebo beverage daily for four weeks and then after a two-month period to ‘wash out’ the biological effects of the beverages, the kombucha and placebo were swapped between groups with another four weeks of drinking the beverages. Neither group was told which drink they were receiving at the time.

Kombucha appeared to lower average fasting blood glucose levels after four weeks from 164 to 116 milligrams per deciliter while the difference after four weeks with the placebo was not statistically significant. Guidelines from the American Diabetes Association recommended blood sugar levels before meals should be between 70 to 130 milligrams per deciliter.

Kombucha consumption might lower blood sugar levels in individuals living with type-2 diabetes: Study

The researchers also looked at the makeup of fermenting micro-organisms in kombucha to determine which ingredients might be the most active. They found that the beverage was mainly comprised of lactic acid bacteria, acetic acid bacteria, and a form of yeast called Dekkera, with each microbe present in about equal measure; the finding was confirmed with RNA gene sequencing. The kombucha used in this study was produced by Craft Kombucha, a commercial manufacturer in the Washington, DC, area. It has been re-branded as Brindle Boxer Kombucha.

“Different studies of different brands of kombucha by different manufacturers reveal slightly different microbial mixtures and abundances,” says Robert Hutkins, Ph.D., University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the study’s senior author. “However, the major bacteria and yeasts are highly reproducible and likely to be functionally similar between brands and batches, which was reassuring for our trial.”

“An estimated 96 million Americans have pre-diabetes — and diabetes itself is the eighth leading cause of death in the U.S. as well as being a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke and kidney failure,” says Chagai Mendelson, M.D., lead author who was working in Merenstein’s lab at Georgetown while completing his residency at MedStar Health. “We were able to provide preliminary evidence that a common drink could have an effect on diabetes. We hope that a much larger trial, using the lessons we learned in this trial, could be undertaken to give a more definitive answer to the effectiveness of kombucha in reducing blood glucose levels, and hence prevent or help treat type-II diabetes.”
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Preventing conjunctivitis: 7 simple exercises to ward off eye flu and keep your eyes healthy

Eyes, allergies and monsoon: Tips on coping with seasonal eye allergies in rainy season

Eye flu or conjunctivitis can also be prevented by following certain measures from taking a nutritious diet to doing eye exercises.

Conjunctivitis cases are spreading exponentially across various parts of the country especially in areas which have witnessed heavy rains, flooding and waterlogging. Keeping the ongoing monsoon season and the high humidity levels in mind that are leading to rise in bacterial and viral infections, it’s imperative to take care of your eye health. Acute viral conjunctivitis is on rise these days which can spread quite easily as it can survive on surfaces for quite a long time. To prevent its spread, it’s important to wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your eyes when in a public place. One should try to maintain social distance and be careful while travelling in public transport. Redness, itchiness, stickiness and pain in eyes should not be ignored as these can be signs of conjunctivitis or pink eye.

Eye flu or conjunctivitis can also be prevented by following certain measures from taking a nutritious diet to doing eye exercises. There are certain exercises that help control inflammation in the eyes and prepare them for fighting infections.

“As the monsoon season arrives, it not only brings a sense of relief from the scorching heat, but also ushers in a host of infections and diseases. The combination of humid weather and stagnant water becomes a breeding ground for various illnesses, posing a significant threat to our health. Among the common monsoon-related ailments, eye flu, or conjunctivitis, emerges as a frequent concern,” says Dr Anurag Wahi, Senior Consultant, Sharp Sight Eye Hospitals in an interview with HT Digital.

“Eye flu, also known as conjunctivitis, is a contagious eye infection that can cause discomfort and inconvenience. In addition to maintaining good hygiene practices, recent studies suggest that regular exercise can significantly contribute to preventing eye flu and promoting better eye health. Engaging in specific exercises helps improve blood circulation, reduce inflammation, and enhance tear production, making our eyes more resistant to infections,” adds Dr Wahi.

Let’s check out some simple yet effective exercises to keep your eyes healthy and flu-free.

Preventing conjunctivitis: 7 simple exercises to ward off eye flu and keep your eyes healthy

1. Brisk walking

Brisk walking is an accessible and low-impact exercise that stimulates blood flow throughout the body, including the eyes. Aim for at least 30 minutes of walking daily to improve overall circulation and eye health.

2. Cycling

Cycling is a great cardiovascular exercise that increases oxygen supply to the eyes. Regular cycling can help maintain eye health and prevent eye flu.

3. Aerobics

Engaging in aerobic exercises, such as jumping jacks and dancing, boosts heart rate and promotes tear production. Tears help protect the eyes from potential contaminants, reducing the risk of eye infections.

Simple yet effective exercises to keep your eyes healthy and flu-free.(Twitter/Central American Art)

4. Eye rolling

Eye rolling is a simple exercise to reduce eye strain and enhance eye lubrication. Sit comfortably and slowly roll your eyes in a circular motion five times clockwise and five times counterclockwise.

5. Blinking rapidly

Blink rapidly for about 20 seconds at regular intervals. Rapid blinking spreads natural tears over the eye’s surface, keeping them moisturized and less susceptible to infections.

6. Focus shifting

Focus on an object near you for a few seconds, then shift your focus to something far away. Repeat this exercise several times to improve eye flexibility and reduce strain.

7. Palming

Rub your palms together until they become warm, then gently place them over your closed eyes. Palming relieves eye fatigue, relaxes eye muscles, and provides a soothing effect.

“Preventing eye flu goes beyond practicing good hygiene; incorporating regular exercise into your routine can significantly contribute to better eye health. These simple exercises promote blood circulation, reduce inflammation, and enhance tear production, making your eyes more resilient to infections. Alongside exercise, remember to wash hands frequently, avoid touching your eyes unnecessarily, and maintain overall eye care,” concludes Dr Wahi.

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SARS-CoV-2 emerging in US, immunity levels are waning’, warns US epidemiologist

SARS-CoV-2 emerging in US, immunity levels are waning', warns US epidemiologist

US epidemiologist Eric Feigl-Ding warns of a new COVID-19 wave in the United States as immunity levels decline and booster shots are not yet available. Evidence of SARS-CoV-2 resurging is emerging, and hospitals could become overwhelmed even without a surge in deaths.

According to US epidemiologist Eric Feigl-Ding, there is evidence of SARS-CoV-2 resurging in the United States, indicating the emergence of a new COVID-19 wave.

Taking to Twitter, Epidemiologist and health economist Eric Feigl-Ding said that the immunity levels are declining, and the availability of new booster shots is not yet imminent.

“A new COVID wave is clearly emerging in the US, all while immunity levels are waning and new boosters aren’t even close to arriving yet. You don’t need another original Omicron winter wave to cause disruption—the Delta variant killed a lot in Aug-Oct 2021. Plus don’t risk Long Covid.”

Speaking on the effective SARS-CoV-2 virus concentration in the last six months. “The upward movement in wastewater puts us about equal to April levels, but we clearly could be headed to another wave.”

SARS-CoV-2 emerging in US, immunity levels are waning', warns US epidemiologist

Meanwhile, when asked about the potential toll of the new wave compared to the Delta variant, Eric explained that while it might not result in the same level of fatalities, it can still cause significant disruption.

He emphasized that hospitals can easily become overwhelmed even without a surge in deaths.

Earlier in June, Reuters reported that COVID-19 vaccines being developed and manufactured for the 2023-2024 campaign should target one of the currently dominant XBB variants, the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) staff reviewers.

In May, an advisory group to the World Health Organization (WHO) proposed updating the COVID-19 booster shots for the year to target XBB subvariants. In the United States, last year’s COVID vaccine boosters included a bivalent shot containing both the original strain of the vaccine and the Omicron variant.

According to CDC data available up to early May, approximately 17% of people in the United States received a COVID booster shot during the 2022-2023 vaccination season.

Vaccine manufacturers such as Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna Inc, and Novavax Inc are currently in the process of developing updated versions of their COVID-19 vaccines specifically targeting the XBB.1.5 variant and other strains that are currently circulating, Reuters reported.

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Eye flu cases rising in schools; how to protect your child from conjunctivitis

Eye flu cases rising in schools; how to protect your child from conjunctivitis

Due to heavy rains and floods, eye flu cases are surging in schools, putting kids at risk of the infection. Here’s how parents can safeguard their young ones.

As conjunctivitis cases continue to surge in various parts of the country, many schools have issued guidelines to tackle the spread. The rapid spread of the highly contagious infection in Delhi, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Northeast is being attributed to floods and waterlogging due to heavy monsoon rains. Schools in Arunachal Pradesh were closed to contain the spread while in many other educational institutions, students have been asked to practice hygiene measures like washing hands frequently, avoiding touching eyes, not share hand towels and maintain social distance

Which kind of conjunctivitis is spreading nowadays?

While conjunctivitis is of many types and can be caused by bacteria, virus or allergy, the infection that is widespread nowadays is mostly acute viral infection which takes its own course and is self-limiting. The symptoms range from redness, itchiness, stickiness in eyes and swollen eyelids. In case of bacterial infection, the thick discharge from the eyes is yellow or green. While there is no immediate relief from medicine or eyedrops in case of viral infection, the symptoms take 1-2 weeks to ease.

Why children are more at risk of conjunctivitis

Kids are more likely to get conjunctivitis simply because they are more physically active than adults and stay in groups be it in school or parks. The little ones may also get their hands dirty frequently and are more likely to rub and touch their eyes which makes exposure to virus or bacteria high.

“As the seasons change, eye flu cases are surging within school premises, putting our children’s precious vision at risk. It’s crucial for parents and guardians to be proactive in safeguarding their young ones from this alarming trend,” says Dr. Rishi Raj Borah, Country Director – India, Orbis who suggests tips to prevent the infections among children.

Eye flu cases rising in schools; how to protect your child from conjunctivitis

How to prevent eye flu in children

1. Hand hygiene

Your little ones should keep their hands clean and parents must encourage regular handwashing to prevent the spread of germs, as eye flu can be transmitted through contaminated hands.

2. Avoid touching eyes

Children often rub or touch their eyes more frequently than adults. Teach your child to refrain from touching their eyes to minimize the chance of infection.

3. Proper use of tissues

Emphasize the importance of using tissues when sneezing or coughing to reduce exposure to airborne viruses.

4. Keep personal belongings clean

Regularly sanitize eyeglasses, contact lenses, and any items that come in contact with the eyes.

5. Maintain distance

Encourage maintaining a safe distance from peers displaying symptoms to prevent transmission.

6. Seek medical attention

If your child exhibits any signs of eye flu, promptly seek medical attention to prevent complications and further spread.

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Government Guidelines Medical Equipments Medical Updates Medicine & Health

Tips on how to avoid infection during the rainy season

Tips on how to avoid infection during the rainy season

High humidity during the monsoon season encourages the growth of bacteria and viruses. Here are tips to avoid infection during the rainy season.

The rainy season brings relief from the scorching heat but it can also increase the risk of infections as the moisture in the air and the waterlogging on roads create an environment that is conducive to the growth of bacteria and viruses. Many of us love the rainy season and want a break from the summer sweat however, monsoon rains bring many diseases including eye related infections therefore, it is very important to take proper care of your eyes.

Eye infections are one of the most common ailments during the monsoon season, with over 20 million cases reported annually in India alone, according to the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology. By taking necessary precautions and seeking medical attention when necessary, we can help protect our eyes and prevent potentially serious eye infections.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Sandeep Buttan, Technical Lead at Eye Health and Health System Strengthening at Sightsavers India, said, “As an ophthalmologist, I cannot stress enough the importance of taking necessary precautions to prevent eye infections during the monsoon season. This time of year presents a number of challenges for maintaining good ocular hygiene, but with the right strategies, we can help protect our eyes and prevent potentially serious eye infections. One of the biggest challenges during the monsoon season is the high humidity, which encourages the growth of bacteria and viruses. Wet surfaces also retain agents of infections, and there is a potential for exposure to contaminated water. Frequent contact between hands and eyes can also increase the risk of eye infections, particularly for children.”

He added, “There are certain high-risk cases to consider, such as those with existing eye conditions like diabetes, allergies, or dry eyes, as well as contact lens wearers and those who have recently had eye surgery. In these cases, it is particularly important to take extra precautions to protect the eyes. The symptoms of eye infections during the monsoon season may include increased irritability, redness, and discomfort, as well as lid infections (stye – painful swelling over the lids) and conjunctivitis (red/ pink eyes) with sticky eyes. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention from an eye specialist.”

Tips on how to avoid infection during the rainy season

To prevent eye infections during the monsoon season, he suggested that it is important to improve the general level of cleanliness through regular hand washing and face washing. Dr Sandeep Buttan said, “It is also important to avoid rubbing the eyes, particularly for children. Contact lens users should avoid exposure to rainwater and follow proper lens care practices to reduce the risk of infection. Finally, use of antibiotic eye drops should only be done on the advice of a specialist. Statistics from reputable organizations help support the importance of these practices. For example, the American Academy of Ophthalmology reports that contact lens wearers are more likely to develop eye infections if they use tap water or do not properly clean their lenses. Additionally, a study published in the Journal of Hospital Infection found that hand hygiene interventions can reduce the incidence of eye infections by up to 50%.”

Dr Pankaj Chaudhary, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine at Max Hospital in Vaishali, recommended five tips to avoid infection during the rainy season –

  1. Keep yourself clean and dry: One of the most effective ways to prevent infections is to keep yourself clean and dry. Make sure to take a bath daily and dry yourself thoroughly. Avoid wearing wet clothes or shoes for a long time as it can create a breeding ground for bacteria.
  2. Drink clean water: Waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid are common during the rainy season. Make sure to drink only clean and filtered water. If you are not sure about the quality of water, boil it before drinking.
  3. Eat healthy and hygienic food: The rainy season is also a time when food contamination is high. Avoid street food and unhygienic eateries. Make sure to wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consuming them.
  4. Boost your immunity: A strong immune system can help you fight off infections. Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly and get enough sleep to boost your immunity. You can also take supplements like vitamin C to strengthen your immune system.
    1. Avoid crowded places: Crowded places like markets, malls and public transport are breeding grounds for infections. If possible, avoid going to crowded places during the rainy season. If you must go, wear a mask and maintain social distancing.

    Bringing his expertise to the same, Dr Shantanu Mukherjee, Senior Consultant at Sharp Sight Eye Hospitals, advised five eye care tips to keep your eyes healthy this summer –

    1. Keep your eyes protected from rainwater: Even if you like to play, dance and bath in the rain, don’t let the rainwater get directly into your eyes. Don’t open your eyes and enjoy the rain hitting your face. Although the rain is clean, it collects tons of germs, microbes and atmospheric pollutants as it falls, which are harmful for the eyes. That’s why you need to protect your eyes from the rain to avoid any potential eye infections.

    2. Never share your towels or napkins with anyone: Eye infections are contagious. Therefore, the transmission of germs and diseases from one person to another through personal hygiene items (such as hand towels, bath towels, and handkerchiefs) can cause the spread of this disease.

    3. Eat healthy food: Rain and roadside chai-pakoda may seem like a match made in heaven to many but may also cause a magnified risk of contracting eye problems. Therefore, avoid the consumption of oily snacks, and aerated drinks. Instead, you should opt for healthy snacks, fruits, and salads. During the rainy season, include green leafy vegetables, corn, strawberries, yogurt and eggs in your diet.

    4. Try to avoid wearing contact lenses: Try to avoid wearing contact lenses during rainy season as they can cause extreme dryness in the eyes which may result in redness and irritation. Sometimes, it may also lead to severe corneal infection and loss of vision. Always try to keep your glasses clean and dry.

    5. Do not self medicate: We often think that our eye related infections are a trouble for only a few days and will pass away in a couple of days. During this time, most of the people visit a nearby chemist store and get some eye drops or medication not prescribed by a doctor to treat their eye problems, which is not a correct practice. In case you experience even the slightest symptoms of eye infections during monsoon season, you must seek an appointment with your eye doctor.

    Dr Shantanu Mukherjee concluded, “If you wake up with red, swollen and itchy eyes, there is a strong possibility that your eyes are infected. A little eye care goes a long way in preventing infections and keeping your eyes healthy so you can enjoy the rainy season without any problems. However, if you still have symptoms of an eye infection despite taking all precautions, consult your ophthalmologist immediately.”

    By following these simple tips, you can avoid infections during the rainy season. Remember to keep yourself clean and dry, drink clean water, eat healthy and hygienic food, boost your immunity and avoid crowded places.

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Conjunctivitis alert: Follow these tips to prevent red eye infection

Conjunctivitis alert: Follow these tips to prevent red eye infection

After months of high temperatures, Monsoon brings the much needed relief from summers. But it also brings with it a range of vector borne and other infectious diseases. As cases of conjunctivitis continues to rise in India, follow these precautions to stay safe.

On the flip side of all the green trees, tantalising rain showers and mouth-watering snacks, monsoon brings with it a host of infections and disease for people. Out of all the people of different age groups, children and elders are the worst affected.

There have been a spurt in cases of conjunctivitis, also known as red eyes, in Delhi NCR. These cases are rising continously not only in Delhi but also in states like Gujarat, Arunachal Pradesh,etc.

In Delhi, there are around 100 cases of the red eye infection being reported daily, according to Dr JS Titiyal, Chief RP Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, AIIMS.

“We are getting at least 100 cases of conjunctivitis per day. There is usually a seasonal increase in conjunctivitis cases, which coincides with the flu season. The conjunctivitis cases are mostly caused by virus,” Dr Titiyal told ANI.

The conjunctivitis cases are reported each year during monsoon season, “Red eye returns with monsoon, itching, redness, watering and sometimes discharge,” Dr Harsh Kumar, Opthalmologist, Centre for Sight said.

Before your loved ones get affected with this infection, follow these preventive measures to keep you and your family safe this monsoon season.

Conjunctivitis alert: Follow these tips to prevent red eye infection

Tips to prevent Conjunctivitis

-Wash your hands regularly: We keep touching different surfaces at home and in public with our hands. This practice makes it easier for infections to take entry inside our bodies. Hence, regularly wash your hands, especially before eating.

-Avoid touching your eyes: Always avoid touching your eyes unnecessarily. Make sure that you don’t touch your face without any reason throughout the day.

-Use artificial tears: It is advisable to use artificial tears to avoid dry eyes and other irritation to eyes.

-“General hygiene measures should be followed. You should wash your hands whenever coming from outside. Try to avoid closed contact with anyone in your family who has eye flu,” he said.

-“If you have conjunctivitis, use dark goggles, avoid swimming, avoid close contact with others, do not touch your eyes, children may avoid going to school for few days to avoid spread to other students, “he said.

– “Avoid crowded places and avoid touching common objects like railings or handles. Use only antibiotic eye drops,” Dr Harsh Kumar said.

-“In order to reduce the risk of transmitting conjunctivitis, it is essential to maintain strict hygiene practices. Thoroughly washing hands, avoiding touching the eyes, and refraining from sharing personal items like towels or eye makeup can contribute to preventing the infection’s transmission,” Dr Samir Sud said.

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38% urban Indians consume artificial sweeteners every month, survey finds

38% urban Indians consume artificial sweeteners every month, survey finds
Synopsis

A recent survey conducted by Local Circles in India found that 38% of urban Indians consume artificial sweeteners every month. In May 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned against the use of artificial sweeteners, stating they increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has not concluded that there is definitive proof of a link between aspartame and liver cancer.

Following the buzz around the World Health Organization (WHO) stating aspartame to be categorized as “possibly carcinogenic to humans”, a recent survey by Local Circles found that 38 per cent urban Indians consume artificial sweeteners every month.

As many as 11,342 people responded to the question of which 38 per cent people confirmed their consumption of artificial sweeteners in food every month.

Aspartame is a popular artificial sweetener used in food products like diet soda, sugar-free gums, etc. Apart from this, the Indian food regulatory body, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), has allowed the use of five other artificial sweeteners.

These include saccharin sodium, aspartame, acesulfame potassium, sucralose, neotame, and isomaltulose.

The survey which received as many as 23,000 responses found that 1 in 3 urban Indians consuming artificial sweeteners, consume diet soda or chewing gum.

Several respondents of the total of 4,310 consumers who responded to this query indicated consumption of these sweeteners in more than one food product.

Besides diet soda and chewing gum, both being consumed by 32 per cent of the respondents, other food products were also found to be in rising trends.

As many as 26 per cent people indicated consumption of energy drinks, while 18 percent consume sugar free chocolates. Meanwhile, 18 per cent of consumption was recorded for sugar free ice creams, 5 per cent for energy bars and 37 per cent indicated other foods and drinks.
38% urban Indians consume artificial sweeteners every month, survey finds

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), WHO’s cancer research arm, has not ruled that there is conclusive proof of a link between aspartame and liver cancer, as suggested by some research papers.

In May 2023, the global health body, WHO warned against artificial sweeteners stating that these products are not helpful in losing weight. In fact, the consumption of these increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

After a meeting of the IARC’s external experts, the cancer research body’s ruling in June is based on all the published evidence thereby ending confusion among the public over varied reports.

However, 90 per cent of the respondents said they want food brands to display the use of artificial sweeteners prominently on the front of the pack.

Several food and beverage brands, who have major consumers as minors, use artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose and steviol glycoside in their energy drinks, gums, ice creams etc.

Few also say zero sugar on their packaging.

“By the health regulator at least making it mandatory for all such products to carry prominently on the front of the pack the fact that the product has artificial sweeteners, at least parents will be able to make an informed decision,” Local Circles said in its report.
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Overflowing Yamuna raises risk of dengue; common signs and symptoms of the disease you should know

Overflowing Yamuna raises risk of dengue; common signs and symptoms of the disease you should know

The flooding of Yamuna river inundating low-lying areas has led to the fear of dengue spread. High-grade fever to severe headaches, here’re symptoms of dengue.

While dengue cases have been on the rise ever since the monsoon rains began in the national capital, the flooding of Yamuna river inundating low-lying areas has led to the fear of virus spread growing multi-fold. Almost 140 cases of dengue were reported in Delhi which has raised alarm over the spread of the deadly virus. Transmitted by bite of mosquito, dengue can have both mild and major symptoms. People who have suffered from dengue previously are at higher risk of getting severe dengue. Prevention is always better than cure in case of dengue. The mosquitoes that spread the disease are active during the day and people are at risk of getting bitten while doing their chores, working or even sitting. To tackle this, full sleeved clothes should be worn, and use of mosquito repellents are suggested even during the day.

“With monsoon around the corner, we anticipate dengue and other vector borne diseases. Till last year, statistics show number of cases of the vector-borne disease climbing to over 3000 plus in national capital, according to NVBDCP report. We all are aware that dengue is a viral illness which gets transmitted through the bite of female Aedes mosquitoes. Dengue fever cannot spread directly from person to person unlike Covid-19 or flu, says Dr Neha Rastogi Panda, Consultant, Infectious Disease, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram.

Overflowing Yamuna raises risk of dengue; common signs and symptoms of the disease you should know

Dengue is a viral disease transmitted by the infective bite of a mosquito called Aedes aegypti. Human beings develop disease after 5–6 days of being bitten by infected female mosquitoes that feed both indoors and outdoors during the daytime (from dawn to dusk). These mosquitoes thrive in areas with standing water including puddles, water tanks, containers and old tires. It occurs in two forms – classical dengue fever also known as ‘break bone’ fever and dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) which is life threatening. It is highly contagious and spreads from one person to another through mosquito bites,” says Dr Tushar Tayal, Consultant- Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram.

“The infection is characterized by flu-like symptoms which include a sudden high-grade fever coming in separate waves, pain behind the eyes, muscle, joint and bone pain, severe headache, abdominal fullness and discomfort and a skin rash with red spots which happens by the fifth day of illness,” says Dr Tayal.

Dengue illness can be prevented by using basic steps of hygiene and source control to ensure and eliminate any possible breeding locations in your home, such as watering cans, buckets, and clogged drains.

Signs and symptoms of dengue explained by Dr Panda

1. High fever: One of the primary signs of dengue fever is a sudden onset of high fever, often reaching 104°F (40°C). The fever typically lasts for 2 to 7 days.

2. Severe headache: Dengue fever is often accompanied by an intense headache, especially behind the eyes. This headache can be debilitating and persistent.

3. Pain behind the eyes: Individuals with dengue fever may experience pain and discomfort behind their eyes. This symptom is often described as a deep ache.

4. Joint and muscle pain: Dengue fever is known for causing severe joint and muscle pain, earning it the nickname ‘breakbone fever.’ The pain can be widespread and excruciating.

5. Rash: A characteristic rash may develop on the skin after a few days of fever. It typically appears as small, red, and raised spots and can be itchy.

6. Nausea and vomiting: Dengue fever can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. These symptoms may contribute to dehydration.

7. Fatigue: Individuals affected by dengue often experience extreme fatigue and weakness, even after the fever subsides. This fatigue can persist for weeks.

8. Bleeding: In some cases, dengue fever can lead to bleeding manifestations, such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or easy bruising. If severe, it may indicate dengue hemorrhagic fever, a potentially life-threatening condition.

Myths associated with dengue

“More than this illness, myths and panic associated with dengue is viral. The majority (90%) of people recover from this viral infection without much medical intervention following simple dictum of preventing dehydration by drinking with plenty of water, ensuring rest and relief of fever and pain with paracetamol. Severe/complicated dengue is seen in only about 10 per cent patients and only 5 per cent of dengue patients need to be hospitalised,” says Dr Panda.

“It is essential to note that dengue symptoms can vary from person to person, and some individuals may have mild or no symptoms at all. However, anyone experiencing the aforementioned symptoms, especially in areas with a high prevalence of dengue, should seek medical attention promptly,” concludes Dr Panda.

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Government Guidelines Medical Equipments Medical Updates

Full provisions of medical devices regulation to come into force from October 1: DCGI

Full provisions of medical devices regulation to come into force from October 1: DCGI
Synopsis

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the 9th International Pharmaceutical Exhibition (iPHEX) being organised by the Pharmaceuticals Exports Promotion Council (Pharmexcil) here, Raghuvanshi said the regulations would ensure quality in the production of medical devices. “In the medical devices, we are categorising into four groups. Two groups (A and B) are already notified. C and D are left which will happen from October 1,” he said.

Medical devices of all four categories (A, B, C, and D) will be brought under the regulation by October 1 and as of now only two groups (A and B) are being regulated, Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi said on Wednesday. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the 9th International Pharmaceutical Exhibition (iPHEX) being organised by the Pharmaceuticals Exports Promotion Council (Pharmexcil) here, Raghuvanshi said the regulations would ensure quality in the productivity in the production of medical devices.

“In the medical devices, we are categorising into four groups. Two groups (A and B) are already notified. C and D are left which will happen from October 1,” he said.

The Union Cabinet on April 26 approved the National Medical Devices Policy, 2023 to give a thrust to the sector with quality controls. The market size of the medical devices sector in India is estimated to be USD 11 billion (approximately Rs 90,000 crore) in 2020 and its share in the global medical device market is estimated to be 1.5 per cent, an official release had earlier said.

Full provisions of medical devices regulation to come into force from October 1: DCGI
Earlier during the inaugural session of iPHEX, S V Veeramani, Chairman of Pharmexcil, highlighted that the Indian pharmaceutical industry has carved out a unique distinction in reaching 200 countries in the world.

He said the Indian pharma exports were pegged at USD 25.39 billion in FY 23 and the target for the current year is USD 28 billion.

Ravi Udaya Bhaskar, Director General of Pharmexcil, said the Indian pharmaceutical industry has contributed substantially to healthcare through the supply of quality, affordable generic medicines to nearly 200 countries and is popularly called as the ‘Pharmacy of the World’.

Bhaskar further said earlier all the eight editions attracted over 4,500 foreign delegates, including regulatory officials, public procurement agencies, journalists and importers from more than 120 countries, 3,500 exhibitors and one lakh visitors.

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