Page 148 - Health Medical Pharma
Paras Healthcare launches new programme to consolidate and channelise scattered SCR funds in healthcare
Leading healthcare organisation Paras Healthcare has initiated a unique programme that provides a common platform to scattered CSR funds in a bid to bridge the healthcare gap for the poor.Paaras Saarthi is a healthcare delivery platform based on a CSR funding-focused aggregator model that provides a common ground for corporate houses, PSUs and other individuals to associate together for healthcare social responsibility initiatives.In a press release, the organisation stated, "the program offers guidance, participation programs and impact report to the participating organisations to highlight their contribution towards the CSR Legislation.""The Rs 2240.16 crore spent on CSR healthcare initiatives amounted to 25 per cent of the total CSR money spent in the country in 2017, the second highest after education. A bulk of these funds were spent on initiatives such as health camps, mobile vans, construction or repair of hospitals, toilet construction, provision of safe drinking water, and ..
Novel software may help detect heart diseases: Study
Scientists have developed an innovative new software that may make it easier to spot potentially lethal heart conditions, and lead to improvements in prevention and treatment. The ElectroMap software is an open-source software for processing, analysis and mapping complex cardiac data, said experts at the University of Birmingham Dubai. The heart's pumping ability is controlled by electrical activity that triggers the heart muscle cells to contract and relax. In certain heart diseases such as arrhythmia, the organ's electrical activity is affected. Cardiac researchers can already record and analyse the heart's electrical behaviour using optical and electrode mapping, but widespread use of these technologies is limited by a lack of appropriate software, according to the study published in the journal Scientific Reports. "We believe that ElectroMap will accelerate innovative cardiac research and lead to wider use of mapping technologies that help to prevent the incidence of arrhythmia," .
Novel blood test can measure severity of pain
A first-of-its kind blood test that can measure the severity of pain in patients may help curb unnecessary precriptions of painkillers, which are often addictive. For the study published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry, researchers tracked hundreds of participants to identify biomarkers in the blood that can help objectively determine how severe a patient's pain is. The blood test would allow physicians far more accuracy in treating pain-as well as a better long-term look at the patient's medical future. "We have developed a prototype for a blood test that can objectively tell doctors if the patient is in pain, and how severe that pain is," said Alexander Niculescu, a professor at Indiana University in the US. "It's very important to have an objective measure of pain, as pain is a subjective sensation. Until now we have had to rely on patients self-reporting or the clinical impression the doctor has," said Niculescu. "When we started this work it was a farfetched idea. But the ...
Novel blood test for pain may help combat opioid epidemic
A one-of-its-kind blood test to measure pain in patients could open the door to precision medicine and help stem the tide of the opioid crisis, say researchers.
Canned food during pregnancy could affect baby's health: Study
Eating canned food during pregnancy can put the baby at risk of exposure to an industrial chemical bisphenol A (BPA), potentially affecting their reproductive health in later life, scientists say. While previous studies have shown the adverse health effects of prenatal exposure to BPA, there is little evidence surrounding effects specifically on ovarian function. Researchers from Boston University in the US found that there is sufficient data to raise concerns regarding exposure and ovarian performance. Detectable in surface water and soil sediments, BPA is used in many industrial processes and in the lining of food cans. While the greatest exposure is dietary from canned foods and plastic containers, skin exposure is a secondary route of smaller exposure, researchers said. Ovarian development and function represents a complex coordination of processes, starting early during prenatal development. Early aberrations have the potential to carry through the female reproductive lifespan, ..
Novel software may help detect heart diseases: Study
Researchers have developed a new software that could spot potentially lethal heart diseases and may lead to improvements in prevention and treatment, says a new study.
I don't mind playing a fat girl: Khushboo Shroff
Actress Khushboo Shroff has no qualms about playing a "fat girl" on screen, but is against working on "mindless things like showing fat people in a funny and useless context".
Mid-life chronic inflammation linked to cognitive decline: Study
People who have chronic inflammation in middle-age may develop cognitive problems in the decades leading up to old age, researchers say.
Orthonova Hospital Performs Hip Replacement Surgery on 110 Years Old Lady
/ -- - It's the first hip replacement surgery in the world done on a 110 year old woman A 110 years old lady Chanan kaur W/o Mohinder Singh, resident of Kapurthala, Punjab was admitted in Orthonova Hospital, Jalandhar, with a broken hip due to a fall. Chanan kaur was in pain and refused treatment by many doctors. Dr Harprit Singh, M.S., Mch (Ortho) Gold medallist surgeon of Orthonova Hospital, Jalandhar, took the challenge and performed a successful Hip replacement surgery on Mrs Chanan Kaur. The perfect surgery ended with a smile on many faces. It was the first Hip Replacement surgery on a 110 years old patient in the whole world. Mrs Chanan Kaaur is able to walk comfortably at present. Dr Harprit Singh has done more than 30,000 Joint replacement surgeries and 42,000 other ortho surgeries in a period of 20 years and now leads in the orthopaedics with magical fingers and the grace of god. About Orthonova Joint and Trauma Hospital: Orthonova Hospital has been the leader in the field ..
US Congressmen seek briefing on contaminated drugs from India, China
A bipartisan group of powerful US lawmakers Wednesday sought a congressional briefing on contaminated drugs from India and China for the treatment of high blood pressure. Since July last year, at least 15 recalls have been issued for a class of drugs known as angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB), which are generally used to treat high blood pressure. The recalls appear to be connected to at least two foreign drug manufacturing facilities -- Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical in China and Hetero Labs in India. Both facilities have a history of troubling FDA inspection reports prior to the detection of trace amounts of carcinogens, the bipartisan energy and commerce Congressmen said in a letter to the US' Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Scott Gottlieb. Expressing concern over such a development, the lawmakers requested a briefing on the drugs manufactured overseas that may have been contaminated with trace amounts of known carcinogens, which could lead to a shortage of ...
FDA Inspector among 17 dead in Arpit Palace hotel fire
An Inspector with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from Pune was one of the 17 persons who died in a fire tragedy at Arpit Palace hotel in the heart of the national capital on early Tuesday.
Reconsider restrictions on manufacturing of oxytocin in India: IMA to govt
Stating the importance of life-saving drug oxytocin for young mothers and obstetricians, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has demanded a reconsideration of the government's policy which prohibits the import of the drug, and restricts its manufacture for domestic use. The Union Health Ministry had exclusively handed over the production of oxytocin to Karnataka Antibiotics and Pharmaceuticals Limited (KAPL) after reports of misuse of the drug in the dairy sector came to light. The IMA has claimed that KAPL does not have the experience or the capacity to handle such a huge responsibility. "As per the company's record, any bulk production would take over four years, which raises questions whether a single public sector company is competent enough to supply the needs of the entire nation. "IMA would hold the government responsible for shortages in oxytocin and unfortunate consequences," said R V Asokan, Honorary Secretary General of IMA and a medical practitioner. IMA has no objections
Union minister S S Ahluwalia admitted to AIIMS
Union minister S S Ahluwalia was Wednesday admitted to the AIIMS here after he complained of breathing problems, officials said. His condition is stable and a team of doctor is monitoring his condition, sources at the premier hospital said. "Upon returning to Delhi after attending prime minister's rally at Jalpaiguri on February 8, the minister has been admitted to a hospital with high fever and flu-like symptoms. Today, after his condition worsened, he was shifted to the AIIMS for specialised treatment," an aide of the minister said. The Minister of State for Electronics and IT complained of breathing problems and restlessness, sources said. A team of doctors is monitoring his condition, they said.
Land allocation for vaccine plant in Tamil Nadu cleared by Cabinet
The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved allotment of land to Pasteur Institute of India (PII) for setting up of new viral vaccine manufacturing unit at Coonoor in Tamil Nadu. The project entails production of viral vaccines such as TCA anti-measles vaccine, Japanese encephalitis and anti-sera at the PII, Coonoor. Land for the project will be transferred free of cost, an official statement said. The allotment of land will encourage the production of life-saving vaccines for children and strengthen the vaccine security of the country. Most of these vaccines are at present imported.
Dr Agarwal group to double eye hospitals to 150; Singapore
Singapore headquartered global investor Temasek has acquired a minority stake in Dr Agarwal's eye care hospital chain as the Indian group Wednesday unveiled an ambitious expansion plan to double its number of hospitals from 76 to 150 in five years. Chairman of Dr Agarwal's Group of Eye Hospitals, Amar Agarwal, told reporters that the chain has raised Rs 270 crore investment from Temasek which has acquired a minority stake in the hospital chain. He, however, did not outline the nitty gritty of share pattern following the investment. "For the first time Temasek is investing in eye care in India and it is proof of our credibility," he said. From a single hospital in 2006 here, Agarwal said the hospital has grown to 76 in just over 10 years and backed by such a hands on experience, he was confident of expanding its footprint. Of the 76 Agarwal eye hospitals, 13 are in African countries including Ghana and the rest in 10 Indian States with Tamil Nadu topping the list with 25 .
Dr. Agarwal's Healthcare raises Rs 270 cr from Temasek for expansion
City-based Dr Agarwal's Healthcare Ltd on Wednesday said it has raised Rs 270 crore from Singapore-based global investment company Temasek for expanding its network.
Hearing loss may point to greater cognitive decline risk: Study
Hearing impairment in older adults may indicate increased risk of faster cognitive decline with age, a study claims. Researchers from University of California San Diego in the US tracked 1,164 participants for up to 24 years. All had undergone assessments for hearing acuity and cognitive function between the years 1992 to 1996 and had up to five subsequent cognitive assessments at approximately four-year intervals. None used a hearing aid. The study, published in the Journal of Gerontology: Series A Medical Sciences, found that almost half of the participants had mild hearing impairment, with 16.8 per cent suffering moderate-to-severe hearing loss. Those with more serious hearing impairment showed worse performance at the initial visit on a pair of commonly used cognitive assessment tests. Hearing impairment was associated with greater decline in performance on these tests over time, both for those with mild hearing impairment and those with more severe hearing impairment. However, ...
Method to identify antibiotic-resistant bacteria developed
Researchers have developed a novel method to quickly identify single antibiotic-resistant bacteria cells, which are agents of tuberculosis (TB).
Low-calorie meals may protect against Alzheimer's, Parkinson's
Consuming low-calorie meals can boost cell performance and provide a protective effect against diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, a study claims. Researchers from University of Sao Paulo (USP) in Brazil showed that the number of calories a person eats directly influences the performance of different cells. "We are looking at how changes to the diet affect metabolism and how that ends up changing the odds of having diseases associated with aging," said Alicia Kowaltowski, a professor at the USP Chemistry Institute (IQ-USP). One of the group's experiments on mice shows how a low-calorie diet can protect the brain from neuronal cell death associated with diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, epilepsy and cerebral vascular accident (CVA). The mice were divided into two groups. The researchers calculated the average number of calories the group with no caloric restrictions would eat and then fed the other group 40 per cent fewer calories. After 14 weeks, mice belonging to ..
Gallbladder removal during pregnancy ups risk of preterm delivery
Getting the gallbladder removed during pregnancy may increase the risk of preterm delivery and hospital re-admissions among others, researchers said.