Page 607 - Health Medical Pharma
MP: Two tribals die after consuming local liquor
A tribal community in Barwani district was struck with tragedy on Wednesday after some of its members consumed locally-produced liquor.Two people died and three were admitted to a hospital with critical condition after they drank the spurious liquor, which they had produced locally.One person has been arrested in the case.As per the reports, the liquor was formed by mixing lemon and sugar along with tea leaves. The solution was then kept for fermentation for a long period before it was consumed by the tribals."A total of five patients had fallen sick out of which two have died. One of the critically ill persons mentioned that it was the consumption of the liquor that led to this condition," a doctor of the hospital said.The local governing body along with The Red Cross society has announced a compensation of Rs. 10,000 to the families of the deceased and Rs. 5,000 for the treatment of others.
Relatives of Zika virus may cause birth defects
Relatives of the Zika virus, especially West Nile, can spread from an infected pregnant mouse to her fetuses, causing brain damage and fetal death, researchers said on Wednesday.
SRMCRI, MedGenome set up genomics centre
The Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute (SRMCRI) and MedGenome, global leader in research and diagnostics, today announced the launch of a new genomics centre here. The centre located at the SRMCRI in Porur, would provide an environment for doctors and researchers to translate "Next Generation Sequencing" based genomic solutions into new and actionable patient services, a press release said. "The focus of the facility will be to deliver the most up-to-date genomic-based diagnostics for patients and also provide researchers a great opportunity to advance their understanding of the human biology," it said. The release said that a Genetic Health Clinic will also be set up to offer counselling to patients on hereditary cancers, pregnancy-related issues, genetic and neurological disorders. "We are extremely pleased to be collaborating with MedGenome. This is an exciting step forward in our efforts to deliver the benefits of the latest technologies and ...
Top US health official resigns in conflict of interest
The top US public health official resigned today due to financial conflicts of interest, a day after US media reported she bought tobacco stocks while heading the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A statement from the US Department of Health and Human Services confirmed that it had accepted the resignation of CDC director Brenda Fitzgerald. "Dr Fitzgerald owns certain complex financial interests that have imposed a broad recusal limiting her ability to complete all of her duties as the CDC director," said the statement by spokesman Matt Lloyd. "Due to the nature of these financial interests, Dr. Fitzgerald could not divest from them in a definitive time period." On Tuesday, POLITICO reported that Fitzgerald bought shares in a tobacco, drug and food companies just weeks after taking the job. Among the CDC's top responsibilities is reducing smoking, which is a top killer and leading cause of lung cancer and heart disease. Fitzgerald, a medical doctor and ...
Super blue blood moon enchants skygazers
Many parts of the globe on Wednesday caught a glimpse of 'super blue blood moon', a rare celestial triple treat.A total lunar eclipse took place alongside a blue moon and a supermoon that made skywatchers excited for the epic moment.The phenomenon began in India around 4:21 pm and lasted until 8:42 pm.It was the first time in 35 years that a blue moon synced up with a supermoon and a total lunar eclipse.NASA offered a free live feed of the 'lunar trifecta' on NASA TV and NASA.gov/live.In Asia, the last Blue Moon and a total lunar eclipse happened 35 years ago on December 30, 1982. Meanwhile, for Americans, this phenomenon is happening after 152 years and the last time it happened was in 1866.
Delhi Govt. approves creation of posts of Hospital Managers
The Delhi government on Wednesday approved the creation of posts of Hospital Managers in government hospitals.The decision has been taken to allow doctors to concentrate more on clinical service.Last year in September, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had asked the Lieutenant Governor (L-G) Anil Baijal to draw his attention to the 'ailing' health infrastructure in the hospitals.In a letter, Kejriwal informed Baijal about the shortage of staff in Delhi government hospitals and asked him to take immediate measures to fill vacant posts.
63% doctors seek tax rebate in Budget '18
Like other professionals in the country, doctors too are expecting taxation reforms from the upcoming Budget to increase the affordability of social security, healthcare, and insurance.Curofy, an online community of 220,000+ verified doctors, conducted an opinion poll amongst 2,500 doctors on their expectations from this budget and 63 percent doctors voted in favour of income-tax rebates.Apart from tax rebates, 14 percent doctors believe that universal health insurance, is the need of the hour, and as of now people are not able to afford it.As per a National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) survey, 86 percent of rural and 82 percent of the urban population depend on income or savings to fund their hospital expenditures."These direct payments to healthcare providers at the time of service causes large out of pocket expenditures accounting for bulk medical spending by patients. Universal health insurance will resolve this dominant problem," said Dr Shalini Singh, a practising dentist in ...
Tendulkar to sign certificates for blood donors at CAB
Indian cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar will sign the certificates for the blood donors at the Cricket Association of Bengal's 90th Foundation Day here on February 3. Dedicated to the memory of Sir Frank Worrell, the blood donation camp is being organised for the 38th year in succession as the donors will be handed over badges and certificates of honour signed by the Indian maestro. Seven blood banks with the total collection capacity of 1200 units would collect blood from 9am to 6pm, CAB joint- secretary Avishek Dalmiya said today. Former Indian stalwarts Rahul Dravid, Yuvraj Singh and VVS Laxman had signed the certificates in the last three years. The CAB will also hold an exhibition match between CAB President's XI and Chairman Board of Trustees XI as part of their Foundation Day programme. Since 1981, the CAB has been observing its foundation day of February 3, organising blood donation camp dedicated to Frank Worrell in remembrance of the incident at the Barbados ...
Cervical cancer: Myths and facts
Of all the cancers affecting women, cervical cancer has emerged as the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in India.Women between 15 and 44 years of age are particularly at risk. There are about 122,000 new cases of cervical cancer annually in the country, with 67,500 women succumbing to the disease."Cervical cancer is mostly caused by the Human Papilloma Virus or HPV. It is a condition that affects lining of the cervix, or the lower part of the uterus. This cancer develops gradually and becomes full-blown over time," said Nandita Palshetkar, Medical Director, Bloom IVF Group & President-elect, Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecological Societies of India.HPV infection can spread through sexual or skin-to-skin contact. Though this infection usually goes away on its own over time in most women, in others, it can persist and cause precancerous changes in the cells of the cervix."Some symptoms of this cancer include abnormal vaginal bleeding, vaginal bleeding after ...
Blood donors to get Sachin's signed certificate
Batting legend Sachin Tendulkar's signed certificate and a badge will be presented to donors at a blood donation camp on the occasion of the 90th Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) foundation day on Saturday.
Delhi Cabinet okays proposal for appointment of 92 hospital
The Delhi Cabinet today approved the health department's proposal for appointment of 92 managers at its hospitals, a move that would relieve doctors of administrative works and so that they can focus on medical services only. The proposal for creation of the post of hospital managers was approved in the meeting of the Delhi Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. According to a Delhi government statement, the hospital managers (superintendents) would be appointed on fixed consolidated remuneration initially for a one year, on contract basis. Currently, 24 Delhi government hospitals (excluding autonomous institutions) are providing secondary, tertiary and specialised healthcare to people. "These health facilities need to be run efficiently to cater to clinical service delivery as well as ancillary operations of hospital management for providing quality healthcare services to the citizen of Delhi," the statement said. Till now, apart from clinical service ...
India's first integrated mobility platform is here
Health-tech startup mCURA on Wednesday introduced India's first integrated mobility platform, 'Smart OPD', which ensures minimum counter visits, calculates wait time at each counter and provides e-prescriptions.The long multiple queues, overcrowding and waiting time at hospital OPDs and clinics lead to patient frustration and discomfort.To resolve these issues, the healthcare sector has realized the need for technology which can smoothen the workflow at the hospital OPDs and clinics, offering a comfortable visit to patients.'Smart OPD' enables patients to bypass long queues at registration and billing counters, labs, pharmacies and doctor chambers, completely eliminating the necessity of spending valuable time waiting at the hospitals."Labs, pharmacy, doctors and even patients are integrated fully into the IT Infrastructure through mobile devices. This helps facilitate faster filling of a prescription, reduction in a misreading of doctors' handwriting, lowered waiting time for test ...
Amway India forays into kids oral care segment
Direct selling FMCG firm Amway India today announced its foray into kid's oral care segment with the launch of Glister Kids toothpaste. The company is targeting to capture a sizeable pie of the fast growing kids oral care market in India which is pegged at Rs 290 crore, growing at a CAGR of 19 per cent over last five years from 2011 to 2016, Amway India said in a statement. Commenting on the development, Amway India Chief Marketing Officer Sundip Shah said, "Through the launch of the Glister Kids toothpaste, we would like to capture children's interest in oral hygiene so that it is easy to inculcate the good habit of brushing." He further said the company is confident of capturing a sizeable pie of the burgeoning segment with Glister Kids toothpaste thus strengthening its oral care portfolio. Amway India said Glister Kids toothpaste has been specially formulated for children aged 2 years and above and is an anti-cavity sugar free toothpaste in gel format.
China develops female radiation virtual human
Chinese scientists have constructed a whole-body female radiation virtual human called Rad-Human and a complete radiation dose database with Chinese anatomical body characteristics.
Healthcare sector awaits GST leeway in Budget 2018-19
Ahead of the presentation of the Union Budget 2018-19, the healthcare industry is one that has been anticipated to gain significant importance in the Budget allocation.In the past few weeks, reports on infrastructure for healthcare, greater attention to curbing malnutrition and the establishment of better medical facilities have been doing rounds.Apart from this, here are some key expectations from the sector:"We sincerely hope healthcare industry would be given some leeway in terms of GST implementation. This will ensure better services to patients by healthcare providers. This will also result in greater accessibility of care and services by the common man. The government must also come out with clear roadmap to make medical insurance more popular. It must also exclude the medical insurance premium exempt from the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Given the acute shortage of manpower, there is need to industry representation in central universities and even medical colleges so that ...
Brain dead worker's organs harvested on 3 persons at JIPMER
Three persons got a new lease of life after the kidneys and liver of a brain dead worker were harvested and transplanted on them at Centrally-sponsored JIPMER here. The organs of one K Vijayakanth of Tiruvannamalai in neighbouring Tamil Nadu were transplanted to three persons after he was declared brain dead by doctors at JIPMER following a mishap on January 25, a press release said today. While the kidneys were transplanted on two patients, the liver was transplanted on the third patient. JIPMER Director S C Parija said that "all the three patients are recovering well in the Intensive Care Unit." Vijayakanth was riding a two-wheeler with his cousin when the mishap occurred near Perungalathur in Chennai. He sustained serious head injuries and was referred to JIPMER by the local hospital where he was initially treated, Nodal Officer of National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation in JIPMER Sreejith Parameswaran said in a release. The man underwent emergency surgery in
Britian's decision to avoid fortifying flour with folic acid 'flawed'
The British government's decision not to implement a health recommendation - to fortify flour with folic acid - that led to death of or birth defects in thousands of babies, was based on a "flawed" analysis and "competely avoidable tragedy", claims a new study.
Bangladesh 'tree man' trapped in hospital for two years
Abul Bajandar, better known as Bangladesh's "tree man" for large bark-like warts on his body, remained in hospital on Wednesday, with doctors saying he might need fresh surgeries in coming days.
US regulator's nod for Strides arm's drug to treat HIV
Strides Pharma Global Pte Ltd, an arm of Strides Shasun, has received approval of the US Food & Drug Administration (USFDA) for its tablets to treat the HIV-1 infection, said the drug major on Wednesday.
Brain pacemaker may delay Alzheimer's symptoms: study
In a first, scientists have found that a brain pacemaker implant could help slow down the decline in problem-solving and decision-making skills in patients with Alzheimer's disease. In a study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, thin electrical wires were surgically implanted into the frontal lobes of the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease. The researchers wanted to determine if using a brain pacemaker could improve cognitive, behavioural, and functional abilities in patients with this form of dementia. The deep brain stimulation (DBS) implant is similar to a cardiac pacemaker device, except that the pacemaker wires are implanted in the brain rather than the heart. "We have many memory aides, tools and pharmaceutical treatments to help Alzheimer's patients with memory," said Douglas Scharre from The Ohio State University in the US. "But we don't have anything to help with improving their judgements, making good decisions, or increasing their ability