Tag: COVID-19

Health minister reviews Covid situation, directs officials to be alert, strengthen surveillance

Post author By Pragya sharma
Post date December 22, 2022
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Synopsis

In view of the rise in cases in Japan, the United States of America, Republic of Korea, Brazil and China the Union Health Ministry on Tuesday urged all states and Union territories to ramp up the whole genome sequencing of positive samples of Covid to keep track of emerging variants.

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday reviewed the COVID-19 situation in the country in view of a sudden spurt in cases in some parts of the world, and directed officials to be alert and strengthen surveillance.
“In view of the rising cases of Covid-19 in some countries, reviewed the situation with experts and officials today. COVID is not over yet. I have directed all concerned to be alert and strengthen surveillance. We are prepared to manage any situation,” Mandaviya said in a tweet.

The secretaries of health, department of pharmaceuticals, department of biotechnology, Ayush, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Director General Rajiv Bahl, Member (Health) of NITI Aayog Dr V K Paul and National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) Chairman Dr N K Arora attended the meeting among other officials.

In a letter to states and UTs, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan had said such an exercise will enable timely detection of newer variants, if any, circulating in the country and will facilitate undertaking of requisite public health measures.

In view of the rise in cases in Japan, the United States of America, Republic of Korea, Brazil and China the Union Health Ministry on Tuesday urged all states and Union territories to ramp up the whole genome sequencing of positive samples of Covid to keep track of emerging variants.

COVID has been rapidly spreading in China. Informal reports show that about 40 percent of Beijing’s residents are currently infected with COVID. The CCP has, however, changed its agenda to project COVID as a mere flu.

As cases rise in major Chinese cities, even people with mild symptoms are rushing to the hospitals. Emergency call operators are receiving 30,000 calls a day, six times the average number of calls received.

According to Voices Against Autocracy, there are queues outside fever clinics in various cities. Drugs and medicines are in short supply and hospitals are under stress as doctors and nurses catch the virus. Doctors who have tested positive or are asymptomatic are also being asked to come to work, risking further transmission.

According to data from Ctrip, a China-based travel service provider, flight searches in China have increased by 160 per cent. Searches for train tickets have increased by 600 percent.

Many rural areas in China are not prepared to handle the rise in cases. The vaccination rate is low and the vulnerable population is in high numbers. The death toll in China is thus going to remain high, according to the Voices Against Autocracy report.

Recently, Epidemiologists predicted that at least three COVID waves will hit China during the winter.

According to The Hong Kong Post, it is certain that the Chinese government was “under-prepared” as it decided to end its zero-COVID policy abruptly after people held protests across the country.

The Chinese government has so far remained silent on the number of deaths. However, the Chinese authorities have warned of successive waves of COVID infections in the coming months, as cases continue to increase after the lifting of restrictions earlier this month.

Vitamin C to zinc; important nutrients you must add to your winter diet

Post author By Pragya sharma
Post date December 20, 2022
No Comments on Vitamin C to zinc; important nutrients you must add to your winter diet

There are few essential nutrients that you must include in your diet in order to prepare your body and mind for the cold weather.

Wonder why you always feel lethargic, sleepy and low on energy during winter? Days are shorter and nights are longer in winter and this disturbs our circadian rhythm causing the body to produce more melatonin. Considering we may not get enough sun exposure on certain days; the levels of Vitamin D may also go down causing mood swings and anxiety. To tackle all these winter woes, one should step out more in the sun and also add the right nutrients to the diet for improving immunity, mood and prevent against winter ailments. Iron is important to regulate body temperature while zinc can provide protection from cold. Vitamin C boosts immunity and protects against seasonal illnesses.

“Winter is just like every season, the cold days also demand special care. So, it’s important to alter your diet according to the needs of the particular season. During winters, people take special care of their diets and try to include as many warm and nutritious foods, to improve their immunity an improve your skin and hair from dryness and dullness. A healthy winter diet is like internal layering of your body to protect against the harsh cold and the diseases that come with it. There are few vitamins that you must include in your diet, in order to prepare your body for the cold weather. During winter mood swings are common and the vitamins in your diet will boost your mood as well,” says Sukanya Poojary, Executive Nutritionist, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Malleshwaram, Bangalore.

MUST HAVE NUTRIENTS IN YOUR DIET FOR WINTERS

Poojary on all the winter nutrients that you must add to your diet.

IRON

Iron help to regulate body temperature during winter and also helps maintain healthy skin, hair, cells growth apart from maintaining haemoglobin.

Sources: Honey, red meat, green leafy vegetables, dry fruits and seeds, fortified foods, jaggery, beetroot, spinach, broccoli pomegranate.

Recipes: Mixed sprouts and Chana dal tikki,ragi upma, methi and moong sprouts wrap, pineapple and coriander juice, watermelon guava juice.

CALCIUM

Calcium is very important for growing kids. Body needs calcium to build and maintain strong bones. Your heart, muscles and nerves also need calcium to function properly. Some studies suggest that calcium, along with vitamin D, may have benefits beyond bone health: perhaps protecting against cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure.

Sources: Green leafy vegetables, milk and milk products, lean meat, dry fruits and seeds, soya products

Recipes: Guava and paneer salad, turmeric milk, rajma chat, paneer burji, broccoli and almond soup.

ZINC

Research has shown that taking zinc within 24 hours of the first sign of a cold can reduce the duration of the cold. Zinc is the essential mineral that needs to be included in your winter diet because zinc mineral contains more than 300 enzymes that helps in repairing wounds, maintaining growth in children and fertility in adults, and protecting against free radicals along with other functions.

Sources: Eggs, meat, oysters, seafood, tofu, black-eyed peas, and wheat germ

Recipes: Spinach and chickpea soup, Badam milkshake, avocado milkshake, Bean chat, Sesame ladoos, and roasted pumpkin seeds.

FOLIC ACID

Folic acid is essential for proper cell growth. Also referred to as folate or vitamin B9, it is one important nutrient for every woman, especially the ones who are pregnant or trying to conceive.

Sources: Spinach, beetroot, broccoli. Mustard green, orange, Banana, egg.

Recipes: Banana pancakes, broccoli paratha, egg masala, palak dhal.

VITAMIN C

This one’s nature’s immunity booster and is present in a number of seasonal vegetables and fruits. It is important to consume Vitamin C to ward off cold, cough and other seasonal diseases. Drinking a glass of warm water with lemon juice may help you boost Vitamin C levels in the body.

Sources: Carrots, beetroots, citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, tomato, kiwi fruits

Recipes: Lemon and coriander soup, kiwi jam, orange with mozzarella, lemon rasam, beetroot and orange soup.

VITAMIN A

Vitamin A acts as an antioxidant and supports the health of bones, teeth and soft tissues. It also supports the health of the immune system by maintaining the body’s natural defences.

Sources: Spinach, carrot, apricots and sweet potatoes, pulses, tomato.

Recipes: Spicy potato and roti roll, chana subzi, tomato soup, dalia veg risotto.

VITAMIN D

During winters, days get shorter and nights get longer, the levels of Vitamin D or the sunshine vitamin may be depleted in the body. It’s essential to consume it with your food.

Sources: Egg yolk, orange juice, dairy products, soya milk, fatty fish like tuna, mackerel, salmon.

Recipes: Cream of broccoli and mushroom soup, egg paratha, lassi, fish cutlet, oats idli.

Ayurveda expert on herbs to help keep flu, RSV and Omicron at bay

Post author By Pragya sharma
Post date December 9, 2022
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A strong immune system protects one from disease-causing agents and lowers chances of experiencing severe symptoms in case of any infections, says Dr Archana Sukumaran.

Winter is the season of piping hot tea and coffee, staying curled up in your blankets and also of cold, cough and fever that threaten to ruin the joy associated with the cold months. A good immunity can help you be at the top of your health and cut risk of getting infected with seasonal flu, RSV and new strains of Covid and Omicron. The symptoms of all these viral and respiratory infections are similar and most of the people are reporting fever, cough, cold, runny nose, sore throat, headaches and sneezing. In fact, flu, RSV and Covid are together raising hospitalisation cases especially in children in US and other parts of the world.

Ayurveda recommends different herbs, foods and other tips depending on the Ritucharya to cope with seasonal changes. According to the ancient medicinal practice, winter season is divided into two spans based on the intensity of the cold. The first half is called Hemanta, with comparatively milder chill, while the other half, with a more chill, is known as Sisira.

“As we all know, winters are more or less lethargic. This feeling tends to escalate the dosha in the body with this same lethargy, the Kapha. Winters are generally believed to be the Kapha season. When it is stabilised, it brings strength to the body, while on its countermand, it causes all the winter blues in the form of cold, flu, muscle stiffness, etc,” says Dr Archana Sukumaran of Kerala Ayurveda.

“Some authors also believe that Vata dosha is also on the verge of rising due to increased coldness and dryness in the atmosphere. According to Ayurveda, the winters are also the season that gives the most strength to the body,” adds Dr Archana.

Herbs and remedies to boost your immunity

Dr Archana says the endurance of the body changes as the conditions change and a strong immune system protects one from disease-causing agents and lowers chances of experiencing severe symptoms in case of any infections.

“Each season requires a distinct regimen and food to deal with the outside environment and temperature,” says the Ayurveda experts.

She also suggests a few herbs that can be effectively incorporated into your diet to boost your immunity.

● Shundi (Zingiber officinale): The constant companion of all delicious Indian meals, dry ginger is the best herb that can impart immunity. It has abundant potential to normalize the digestive fire and reduce the accumulation of Ama, the product of improper digestion, the key factor for forming flu-like symptoms. This Gastrointestinal stimulant has an expressive immunomodulatory property that helps to impart tissue-level protection.

How to include in your diet

Dry ginger can be most effectively incorporated into your diet as an infusion to teas, mild sugar, dry ginger candy, or even a pinch to enhance the taste of your salads. Tuss nil syrup is enriched with Shundi, which can help keep a dry cough away.

● Amla (Emblica Officinalis): The sour goodness of Indian gooseberry is well acclaimed throughout the world. This tiny fruit is filled with innumerable health benefits.

How to include in your diet

Simply munching on this sour punch, pickling it, or even having a glass of gooseberry juice can tremendously help you gain Vitamin C. You can also try Amla effervescent tablets or Chyavanprash to improve your strength, immunity, and longevity. Although there are plenty of companies manufacturing chyavanprash, for best results, go for the original formula that uses a wild variety of amlas rich in tannin instead of the large hybrid ones.

● Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum): The aromatic goodness of Indian basil is not only a compulsory component of religious rituals but a vital factor available in our homes that can enhance immunity responses to its optimum. Although it mildly increases pitta content, it normalises the function of both Vata and Kapha entities. It has antimicrobial action that helps to protect the body, particularly the respiratory system, against pathogenic interventions.

How to take

Inhaling the steam of tulsi-infused water is an ideal method to relieve respiratory congestion.

● Haridra (Curcuma longa): The compulsory ingredient of every Indian home, turmeric is a must-have herb to boost immunity. It has Usha Virya (Hot potency) with Krimighna (Antimicrobial) action. It is a natural detoxifying agent that helps to improve immunity. It relieves depression, anxiety, and other cognitive malfunctions and improves mental health.

How to add it to your diet

Consuming the revolutionary Golden milk is the best yet most simple you can adopt daily to impart the wellness of Haridra in your lives. You can also try turmeric effervescent tablets to improve your immunity.

● Black pepper/Long pepper: Pepper is one of the best herbs to balance Kapha because of its hot potency.

How to add it to your diet

You can include pepper in your diet or in delicious recipes such as soups or Rasam to keep cold at bay. Agasthyarasayanam, an original formula with long pepper as one of the ingredients, helps keep cold and cough at bay while acting as a lung detox.

Other Ayurveda recipes for Flu season

Doing nasya with Anu thailam, a unique blend of 30 balancing ingredients such as leptadenia or jivanti, liquorice or yashtimadhu, fragrant swamp mallow or hrivera & Indian bael or Bilva, and other herbs processed in goat’s milk and sesame oil helps in clearing the accumulated doshas from the nasal passage and helps you breathe better.

– Similarly, another popular Ayurvedic remedy- Karpooradi Thailam- a warming chest rub oil, soothes down and clears congestion in winter. Suitable even for kids, simply rub the oil over your chest and steam inhalation to enjoy uninterrupted breathing.

“Along with these, the proper dietary habits and the right regimen according to seasonal change is necessary to tune the body with the music of nature,” says Dr Archana.

Omicron: 7 important tips to prevent Covid infection in winter season

Post author By Pragya sharma
Post date December 5, 2022
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It is important for people to protect themselves from seasonal flu and the possible new immune strains of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2. Here are some tips to follow.

Covid-19 pandemic is far from over and one needs to be especially cautious in winters as it’s the season of viral infections including influenza and Covid. Amid pandemic turning less aggressive and people dropping guards, scientists and infectious disease specialists warn that Covid appropriate measures should continue. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: “Gaps in testing … and vaccination are continuing to create the perfect conditions for a new variant of concern to emerge that could cause significant mortality.” Omicron, the highly contagious variant of Covid, has more than 500 sublineages that is evolving fast. It is important to get tested when one has flu-like symptoms and wear masks in crowded areas. Regular hand-washing should not be ignored and it is important to keep good ventilation in offices, restaurants and other public areas.

“Covid 19 is a virus and we have been getting viral during the winters. It is important for people to protect themselves from seasonal flu and the possible new immune strains of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2. It’s essential to safeguard yourself from the cold weather and stay healthy throughout the season. Though it seems difficult, there are several ways to keep the commonly suffering ailments away from your family,” says Dr Rajesh Chawla, Senior Consultant Pulmonology and Critical Care, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi.

Sticking to the basic rules to prevent Covid spread, people should continue to follow measures to keep the deadly infection at bay. Children, elderly and those will chronic illnesses especially should be cautious.

Here are 7 tips to prevent Covid infection this winter season by Dr Chawla:

• Know the symptoms: The flu and COVID-19 are caused by different viruses, but they are both infectious respiratory diseases, spread by droplets and aerosols when infected people cough, sneeze, speak, sing, breathe, etc. They have similar symptoms, including cough, runny nose, sore throat, fever, headache and fatigue. People may have varying levels of illness with both the flu and COVID-19. Because symptoms are similar, it is important to take a test, so that treatment can begin quickly, if needed.

• Cover coughs and sneeze: Following a good respiratory hygiene is extremely important. It is important to cover the mouth and nose with a bent elbow or tissue when one coughs or sneezes.

• Get vaccinated: It is essential to get vaccine. Elderly and those with underlying conditions like high blood pressure, lung and heart disease, diabetes, obesity or cancer must get them vaccinated. The more fully vaccinated people there are, the better protected they are as well.

• Wear a mask: Masks help stop people from spreading the virus or being infected when droplets containing the virus are inhaled or come directly into contact with the eyes, nose or mouth

• Keep physical distancing: It is important for all viral infections which can spread from an infected person’s mouth or nose in small liquid particles when they cough, sneeze, speak, sing or breathe. Understanding, the situation, it is advisable to Keep a physical distance of at least 1 metre from other people

• Keep hands clean: People may pick up a virus by touching surfaces that have been contaminated, then touching your eyes, nose or mouth with those hands. Cleaning hands frequently eliminates germs that may be on the hands, including viruses.

• Meet outside or increase ventilation: All these viral infections including COVID-19 is more easily transmitted in crowded and poorly ventilated spaces and where people spend long periods of time together. Settings with increased risk of outbreaks include restaurants, offices and places of worship. Hence, it is advisable to go outside, whenever possible

“There is an increased risk of both the flu and COVID-19 circulating over the next few months. For a safer winter, it is important to understand the symptoms and who is at risk, get vaccinated, take steps to protect, and stay safe,” concludes Dr Chawla.

Responsive Policymaking For Achieving India’s Tobacco Control Goals

Post author By Pragya sharma
Post date November 4, 2022
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About 200 million people use smokeless tobacco, 72 million use beedis and 28 million use cigarettes in India. However, the focus of tobacco control and taxation has been on cigarette smokers only. This blinkered approach ignores the plight of the socio-economically disadvantaged people who use beedis or smokeless tobacco.

We need to start conversations with our patients about tobacco use – more so about smokeless tobacco. But the usual Power Talks tend to demonize Nicotine as a root cause of all ills, treat tobacco as a taboo and cast uncalled-for assumptions about smokers.

The first step would be to accept that nicotine and tobacco are not interchangeable: Nicotine by itself is not carcinogenic. Delinking the two can radically alter the way we go about reducing the suffering and deaths from tobacco. We need to educate ourselves all over again about nicotine.

Consider the stats and facts critical to tobacco control –

A single “cessation-only” strategy to get all people to quit will not produce spectacular results.

The quit rate in India is about 0.5% annually. (a 99.5% failure rate).

It takes smokers over 30 attempts to finally quit – and the large majority never manage to do so; because the likelihood of quitting diminishes with each attempt, as per a study by Chaiton et al in 2016.

Over 70% of smokers want to quit, but only 7% manage to do so, as per the US CDC in 2017.

The Government’s plan to add Nicotine Replacement Therapy products (NRT) — chewing gums, patches, tablets, oral strips and lozenges — to the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) is a very welcome step in helping people to quit tobacco, more so as the prevalent problem here is smokeless tobacco. The objective could be better served if products like nicotine pouches and inhalers are also considered for inclusion in the NLEM.

We need to understand that an awareness initiative that portrays the truth about nicotine, without hedging, obfuscation or prevarication will give hope to those of us in tobacco harm reduction.

Also, there is a need for a review of the prohibition on e-cigarettes. Cigarette sales have sharply plummeted in countries that allow e-cigarettes or vaping, proving that they are true substitutes. Significantly, the US FDA has approved e-cigarette and vaping devices. A statement by 15 past presidents of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco (SRNT) – a globally respected organisation dedicated to evidence-based research on tobacco and nicotine use, has called for considering the use of e-cigarettes and vaping as a means to double the quit rate.

The real question one needs to ask is – which one is safer, vaping or cigarettes? While the UK bodies have stated that vaping is 95% safer than cigarettes, other public health bodies have chosen not to answer this question at all.

It boggles the mind that a less harmful method (e-cigarettes) has been banned while cigarettes and beedis continue to be freely available in India. The argument around the “gateway theory” that vaping leads to increased smoking has been comprehensively debunked. Moreover, the UK bodies hold that vaping is not smoking.

During a recent interaction with diverse stakeholders, I was not surprised to see the government policy of bans – like the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Bill, 2019 – receiving a big thumbs-down from tobacco harm reduction leaders and medical practitioners.

Key Takeaways from the discussion –

Ban on the sale and manufacture of e-cigarettes has failed abysmally

We lost a public health opportunity to regulate these devices, hold manufacturers to safety standards and enforcement of age checks

Vaping has been driven underground, where it is freely available to people of all ages with little safety or standards

The reasons for the ban – EVALI, teen vaping, higher health risks – have been debunked.

We need to include tobacco users in policymaking

We need to re-focus our national tobacco control programme on the real problem – smokeless tobacco

India’s harm-reduction campaign can greatly benefit from recent breakthroughs in the UK, Japan, and New Zealand. They have embraced the use of reduced-risk products for combating the harms of tobacco. The same goes for Sweden with its sinuous and nicotine pouches.

Australia’s controversial step of making e-cigarettes available only on a doctor’s prescription is not optimal as social smokers do not always identify as smokers and hence, they are less likely to seek medical help. Also, policies that restrict reduced-risk products have the unintended effect of increasing tobacco use.

In making laws that affect tobacco users, we need to respect their agency and autonomy as well as consider their views. “Nothing about me without me” – a phrase uttered by Valerie Billingham in 1998 captures everything one needs to say about inclusion and shared decision-making.

India adds 1,604 Covid-19 cases, active caseloads fall by 485

Post author By Pragya sharma
Post date November 2, 2022
1 Comment on India adds 1,604 Covid-19 cases, active caseloads fall by 485

Synopsis

According to the health ministry, the active cases comprise 0.04 percent of the total infections, while the national Covid-19 recovery rate was recorded at 98.77 percent. Active Covid-19 caseloads fell by 485 in a span of 24 hours.

India’s coronavirus caseloads rose by 1,604 in the last 24 hours to take the total tally to 4,46,52,266, while the active cases fell to 18,317, the Union Health Ministry said.

With eight more fatalities, the death toll has climbed to 5,29,016, the data updated by the government at 8 am said.

The new fatalities include three deaths reconciled by Kerala.

According to the health ministry, the active cases comprise 0.04 percent of the total infections, while the national Covid-19 recovery rate was recorded at 98.77 percent.

Active Covid-19 caseloads fell by 485 in a span of 24 hours.

Daily positivity rate stood at 1.02 percent, and the weekly positivity rate was at 1.08 per cent.

Case fatalitity rate was at 1.18 percent, while the number of people who have recuperated from the disease rose to 4,41,04,933.

India’s COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19.

The country crossed the grim milestone of two crore on May 4 and three crore on June 23 last year. It crossed the four-crore mark on January 25 this year.

According to ministry data, 219.63 crore doses of vaccines have been administered in the country so far under the Covid-19 vaccination drive.
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Tags #Healthy, #Medical, #Medicalcare, #Medicalproducts, Corona Updates, covid vaccine, COVID-19, health and medicine, health news, medical updates, vaccination

Government Guidelines Medical Updates Medicine & Health Techniques

India to see 80% increase in investment of digital healthcare tools in the next 5 years: MoS Jitendra Singh

Post author By Pragya sharma
Post date October 31, 2022
1 Comment on India to see 80% increase in investment of digital healthcare tools in the next 5 years: MoS Jitendra Singh

Synopsis

Singh added that India has all the essential ingredients for the exponential growth in this sector, including a large population, a robust pharma and medical supply chain, smartphone users, and technical manpower.

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital technologies across industries, including health care, which resulted in new innovations and an uptake in virtual care.

Speaking at the Global Digital Health Summit, Expo & Innovation Awards Addressing the summit, Minister of State for Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, said, “This summit is an excellent opportunity to focus on research and innovation priorities, particularly in relation to the digital advances in the healthcare sector. Spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, rapid digitisation, increasing internet and smartphone penetration, and government initiatives like Make in India and National Digital Health Mission, the healthcare sector is digitizing and innovating at an accelerated speed,” said Singh.

The Minister added that under PM Modi’s leadership healthcare has become more focused on innovation and technology over the past few years. 80% of the healthcare systems are aiming to increase their investment in digital healthcare tools in the coming five years. Indian innovators are developing pathbreaking health-tech products and solutions. The government is applying these digital health developments through the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission,” said Singh.

Singh added that India has all the essential ingredients for the exponential growth in this sector, including a large population, a robust pharma and medical supply chain, smartphone users, and technical manpower. “As the pace of digital innovation accelerates, the opportunities for healthcare companies and manufacturers will multiply and patient outcomes will improve,” Singh said.

In a bid to address issues critical to building a digital ecosystem aiming at digital health for all and how organisations can adopt digital technologies, the Global Digital Health Summit, Expo & Innovation Awards kicked off at New Delhi’s Vigyan Bhawan on October 28, 2022 with an attendance of more than 1500 delegates from 50 countries.

The two-day summit began with a welcome address by the Summit co-chair Brian O’Connor and a keynote address by Bakul Patel, Senior Director – Global Digital Health, Strategy and Regulatory, Google. It was followed by a panel discussion on ‘Return on Investment in Digital Health’. Chaired by Rajendra Pratap Gupta, Chairman – Dynamic Coalition on Digital Health, IGF – United Nations, and the panel featured Cathy Wolfe, President & CEO, GGM, Wolters Kluwer, USA; Dr Devi Shetty, Chairman & Executive Director, Narayana Health; Rustom Lawyer, Co-founder & CEO, Augnito; Anand Iyer, Chief Analytics Officer, Welldoc Inc, USA; and Manivannan Selvaraj, Founder & MD, Kauvery Group of Hospitals. The session highlighted the importance of the clinical decision support system (CDSS), challenges, and the way forward for affordable and accessible healthcare.

“In India, as of 2020, the ratio of doctors to population stands at 7.35 to 10,000. It is important to overcome the ratio and provide cost-efficient access to quality care and onboard into digital health. CDSS provides evidence-based medicine, which is way faster and diverse than experience-based medicine. This arrangement not only helps with reducing physician burnout but also ensures improved patient outcomes. Equitable healthcare, the right care at the right time, improved outcomes can result in immediate ROI,” said Wolfe.

Commenting on the way forward, Lawyer shared, “I believe that better healthcare for all is possible by leveraging the power of digital tech artificial intelligence. For best results, we need to build ICT strategy and framework keeping technology investment as a profit centre rather than a cost centre, drive population health analytics by investing in technology that introduces and enhances EMR adoption, invest in solutions that make it easier for doctors to adopt digital solutions such as ABDM, and invest in technology that augments current workforce as shortage of doctors cannot be solved overnight.”

The second half of the event had Patricia Mechael, Co-founder – Global Digital Health Index, delivering the keynote address wherein she highlighted the challenges in data sharing and accessibility, followed by a panel discussion on ‘Adoption of digital health across the continuum of care: hospitals, pharma, clinicians- challenges and solutions’, featuring Rajesh Ranjan Singh, CEO – WISH Foundation; Uma Nambiar, MD – Zeeden Life Sciences; Sudarashan Jain, Secretary-General, Indian Pharmaceuticals Alliance; Manivannan Selvaraj, Founder & MD, Kauvery Group of Hospitals; Ruchi Tushir, VP & GM – Wolters Kluwer GGM India; and Binu Sharma, Senior Director Nursing, Max Healthcare Institute.

“Data accessibility plays an important role in delivering high quality patient care as it provides clinicians with immediate access to patient records, including medical history, test results and relevant information provided by other clinicians. With access to the right data, clinicians can deliver exceptional healthcare by making informed decisions substantially faster,reducing wait times and contributing to providing better healthcare at a better cost. However, access to data that is clean, complete, accurate for use is still an ongoing battle in the healthcare sector. This needs to be addressed immediately,” said Mechael in her keynote address.

The summit concluded with another panel discussion on ‘Making India a World Leader in Digital Health Implementation’ featuring Bharat Lal, Director General – National Centre for Good Governance, GoI; Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary – AYUSH, GoI; Vivek Sehgal, Director General – Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India; and Sanjay Sood, Project Director – eSanjeevani (National Telemedicine Service), C-DAC Mohali.

Other highlights of the event included the release of ‘Women’s Health Guideline’ and ‘Digital Health for All – By 2028’, and launch of Project Concern 2028 and Health Parliament.
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Tags #Healthy, #Medicalcare, COVID-19, Digital Healthcare, Global Digital Health Summit, health and medicine, health news, healthcare, medical updates, Minister of State for Science and Technology, National Digital Health Mission

COVID-19 Medical Equipments Medical Updates

BXX variant of Covid virus spreads, but less severe

Post author By Pragya sharma
Post date October 29, 2022
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Synopsis

According to him the proportion of BXX which is a recombinant variant has increased gradually by20-30% in the country. BA2.75 continues to be the dominant variant accounting for 60% of Covid-19 cases. An INSACOG member said they are monitoring the spread. A review meeting was held on Friday to evaluate the Covid-19 situation across the country.

The Indian Sars-CoV-2 Consortium on Genomics (INSACOG), a network of laboratories monitoring genomic variations of the Covid-19 virus, has found the proportion of BXX sub-variant increasing in the country. However, the good news is that the severity and hospitalisation have not increased, a member told ET.

According to him the proportion of BXX which is a recombinant variant has increased gradually by20-30% in the country. BA2.75 continues to be the dominant variant accounting for 60% of Covid-19 cases.

An INSACOG member said they are monitoring the spread. A review meeting was held on Friday to evaluate the Covid-19 situation across the country.

In the last few weeks multiple Omicron subvariants like BQ.1, and BXX have been detected along with other emerging sub-variants like BA5.1.7 and BF.7. BQ.1 is an offshoot of the variant related to the BA.5 version that drove the surge in the US.

Keeping in view the expected rise in the number of cases due to the festival season, the Union health minister also held a meeting to review the situation last week.

Global roll-out of 12 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses largest-ever but access an issue: WHO

Post author By Pragya sharma
Post date October 26, 2022
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Synopsis

Addressing the annual general meeting of the Developing Countries Vaccine Manufacturers Network (DCVMN) virtually on Thursday, he flagged the issue of inequities in access to COVID-19 vaccines.

World Health Organization (WHO) director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said that global roll-out of more than 12 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses is the largest and fastest in human history.
Addressing the annual general meeting of the Developing Countries Vaccine Manufacturers Network (DCVMN) virtually on Thursday, he flagged the issue of inequities in access to COVID-19 vaccines.

The three-day event is being co-hosted by the Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII), the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer by volume, said a statement.
“Global roll-out of more than 12 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses is the largest and fastest in history with an estimated 60 per cent doses produced by manufacturers in developing countries. Despite this achievement, stark inequities in access to COVID-19 vaccines remain,” he said.

“These inequities are due partly to the fact that globally vaccine production is too concentrated. To address this, the WHO and our partners have established the mRNA Tech Transfer hub in South Africa to facilitate the know-how in low & middle-income countries,” Ghebreyesus said.
Adar Poonawalla, CEO of SII, said it was a proud moment for his company to co-host the 23rd DCVMN annual general meeting in Pune.

“Today, the world is more aware and focused on chalking out an ambition-to-action roadmap for future pandemic preparedness. For that, building the infrastructure and regulations to ensure global equity and timely access to vaccines is the foremost priority,” Poonawalla said.

Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Mansukh Mandaviya delivered the inaugural address.
DCVMN is an international alliance of manufacturers from developing countries who are engaged in innovation, research, development, manufacturing and supply of high-quality vaccines to 170 countries.

The organisation aims to protect people against known and emerging infectious diseases globally by increasing the production of high-quality vaccines in developing countries.

Harnessing the power of partnerships in expanding Covid vaccine coverage

Post author By Pragya sharma
Post date October 20, 2022
No Comments on Harnessing the power of partnerships in expanding Covid vaccine coverage

On the first anniversary of India’s COVID-19 vaccination drive, the Hon’ble Health Minister, Mansukh Mandaviya, observed that Jan Bhagidari helped to fuel India’s achievements in its successful vaccination journey. This, in fact, echoes the sentiment of Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, who emphasizes that the functioning of any robust democracy lies in the power of the collective that Jan Bhagidari stands for.

As someone with extensive experience in of public health, this principle has always resonated with me. I do believe that it’s the coming together of so many people – healthcare professionals, the larger scientific community, vaccine manufacturers, development partners, local leaders and frontline health workers all under the leadership of the Government of India – that has ensured India’s success in administering more than 2 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses to its eligible population in record time.

I am proud to be associated with a project that has contributed in its own way toward India’s exceptional vaccination trajectory: the MOMENTUM Routine Immunization Transformation and Equity Project. Operational across 18 states and union territories, and supported by USAID, the project has been a key driver in augmenting the efforts of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to improve the uptake of COVID-19 vaccination across states in record time. In many ways, it carries forward the country’s legacy of reaching the unreached, leaving no one behind and ensuring everyone has equitable access to vaccines.

From hard-to-reach areas; tribal communities where confidence in and awareness about vaccines tends to be lower; vulnerable groups such as migrant workers, transgenders, elderly, disabled people, pregnant and lactating mothers– the project has helped to weave a safety net for those at the margins. Most importantly, the project has reiterated the country’s strength of successful collaborations — in this case, with multiple local partners at the state and community levels across a diverse mix — health workers, community champions, faith-based leaders, beneficiaries-turned-influencers and others.

For instance, in Chhattisgarh, an influencer from the trans community ensured that gender doesn’t become a barrier to availing the benefits of a life-saving vaccine. This influencer, Kanchan Sendre, worked hard to ensure an uptick in vaccinations for her community – she was so effective that she earned the title, ‘Vaccine Didi’. In Punjab, collaborations were done with the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee which ensured that all visitors could undergo the immunization process during their visit to the iconic Golden temple. In Madhya Pradesh, key religious and community leaders of Taj-Ul Masjid — one of Asia’s biggest mosques — came forward to help organize a large-scale COVID-19 vaccination-cum-awareness session. More than 400 key religious leaders from various parts of the state and the Director of Immunization of MP participated to increase awareness levels about COVID-19 and the vaccine.

Assam saw the innovative ‘Wellness on Wheels’ initiative — a vehicle with Covid-19 vaccination messages. The vehicle enabled vaccinators to reach out to remote villages and vaccinate vulnerable people who may otherwise struggle to access healthcare. In fact, this initiative saw a total of over 51,000 vaccinations (as on Sep 30, 2022), covering over 1200 villages.

To a large extent, the project typifies the essence of Jan Bhagidari. At every level, every stakeholder has played a significant role to ensure that the greater goal of vaccines for all is achieved. It is only apt to say that that these achievements have come at a time when India is celebrating Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. This is also a time to acknowledge that projects such as this have successfully developed strategies to mobilize communities by developing locally contextual interventions.

In this context, there are two standout cases illustrative of the power of people: polio and tuberculosis. In Uttar Pradesh, perhaps the most inventive tool was the Bulawa Toli – a children’s brigade would go through neighborhoods shouting slogans and inviting younger children to visit the nearest polio booth for the vaccine. When it comes to TB, community engagement has been critical too. Earlier this year, another strong example of community-focused initiative by the government came in the form of the Ni-kshay Mitra under the ‘Pradhan Mantri TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.’ As part of this initiative, a range of stakeholders – cooperative societies, corporate entities, elected representatives, non-governmental organizations, political parties and individuals etc. – can consider supporting and adopting districts and blocks or even one or more TB patients across states in India, in the fight against TB.

From the time of its launch on September 9, approximately 10.5 lakh TB patients have consented to receive nutritional, diagnostic, and vocational support in their journey of battling TB. As of now, over 33,000 people from various backgrounds have signed up as Ni-kshay Mitras, who will now be providing nutrition and other support to over 10.2 lakh patients – an example of how society can truly unite to overcome any adversity. And the numbers are increasing at a rapid pace.

Across different public health issues, the nature of interventions may change. But what has consistently helped our country overcome all obstacles, has been the ability to galvanize the community. And to further strengthen the efficacy of community action vis-à-vis public health, it’s important to continually work toward devising locally-relevant solutions for optimal impact. All this ties in with the broader tenets of Jan Bhagidari, too. I am confident that with such strong foundations, the country’s healthcare systems will be secure and stronger than ever before.