New Delhi, May 27 (ANI): On the incident of wrong second COVID-19 vaccine dose given in Uttar Pradesh, NITI Aayog member Dr VK Paul said, "Our protocol is clear that both doses given should be of the same vaccine. This matter should be investigated. It is very unlikely to have significant adverse affect of it. Even if this has happened it should not be a cause of concern to that individual."
New Delhi, May 27 (ANI): In an exclusive interview with ANI on May 27, NITI Aayog Member (Health) Dr VK Paul spoke on vaccines for children. He said, "When any drug/vaccine is discovered, typically it is first sorted out in the adult population because you do not want to risk children....It has been found out now that Pfizer can be administered to the younger population. 1-2 countries will start doing that now. WHO hasn't given any recommendation yet to cover pediatric population in general as any illness in pediatric population is very mild. If we go with paradigm of deaths as a public health objective, it's at lower priority." He further said, "This has always been on our radar. Covaxin has received permission, they will start pediatric trial, I think they are going all the way to 2 years of age in a systematic way...I have been told that SII wants to begin pediatric trial of Novavax... The trial for pediatric will be done systematically."
New Delhi, May 27 (ANI): Union Health Ministry held a press conference on COVID-19 situation of the country on May 27 where they informed that 24 states reported decline in active cases since last week. Joint Secretary Lav Agarwal said, "24 states have reported a decline in active cases since last week. Overall recoveries are now exceeding the number of cases being reported on a daily basis. The recovery rate has increased from 85.6% to 90% now, it's a positive indication. Highest single day tests done in India conducted on 26th May, i.e., 22,17,320".
Madurai (Tamil Nadu), May 27(ANI): Oxygen Express loaded with medical oxygen reached Tamil Nadu's Madurai on May 27. The Oxygen Express was loaded at Odisha's Rourkela for Kudal Nagar. The train containing with 5 tankers carrying 66.12 MT of Liquid Medical Oxygen arrived at the destination today. Amid the second wave of COVID in the country, several states reported shortage of oxygen. The Centre started to run Oxygen Express train in order to supply medical oxygen.
New Delhi, May 27 (ANI): Speaking on Pfizer vaccines during an exclusive interview with ANI on May 27, NITI Aayog Member (Health) Dr VK Paul said, "We are in contact with the company, decisions are being made. This process has been escalated... Their concerns and requirements are being addressed. They have to formally apply. We will come to a solution soon."
Purba Medinipur (West Bengal) May 27 (ANI): Coastal areas in East Medinipur suffered damages after cyclone Yass hit West Bengal on May 26. As cyclone hit parts of the Medinipur city in the West Bengal. Strong and gusty winds have torn off the roots of the Houses and shops near Digha Sea. People are bearing the brunt of the heavy storm.
Purba Medinipur (West Bengal), May 27 (ANI): Cyclone Yaas with its full force has impacted the coastal area of West Bengal's Purba Medinipur. But due to high tide in Digha, sea water entered the beach area and speedy winds continue to flow. The high waves are overpowering the banks of eastern-coastal areas in Digha.
New Delhi, May 27 (ANI): In an exclusive interview with ANI on May 27, NITI Aayog Member (Health) Dr VK Paul stated that vaccine supply is not closed and also said that it is up to state governments to use the available production for vaccinating people of their state according to flexible approach by them. He said, "States know our vaccine production capacity. When they said they want flexibility and say in vaccine procurement, a new system was brought in-Centre will procure 50% of vaccines produced domestically, for states for free, for 45+ group. Besides this, a special channel was created for remaining 50% where state governments and private sector can purchase and supply vaccines. On whatever states procure, (from private sector) state governments have to decide as to which group it has to be given to and taken forward." He further said, "To say that the supply has closed isn't true. Truth is that out of the available production, a distinct part is available to non- government cha
As many as 577 children across the country were orphaned after their parents succumbed to Covid-19 in the second wave of the pandemic.The government has revealed its plan on how to secure the future of these vulnerable children. Watch this video to get a sense of the issue and how we can also play an important part as a responsible citizens help the authorities in the noble initiative.
AIIMS director Randeep Guleria said that as the number of recovered patients rises, clinics have to be developed to deal with the treatment of symptoms which persist beyond the disease. He said there was now a better understanding of post-Covid acute syndrome which can continue 8 to 12 weeks and long Covid which can occur if symptoms continue beyond 12 weeks. Watch this video to understand the post-Covid complications and treatment options as explained by the AIIMS chief.
A deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into cyclonic storm 'Yaas' and is likely to cross the Odisha-West Bengal coasts on May 26 after turning into a very severe cyclonic storm, according to the India Meteorological Department. Watch this video for all the key updates and highlights
A UP girl who delivers oxygen to the needy on her scooty, an IAS-turned-actor who has launched 'OxyTaxi' for Covid patients and a social activist who feeds over 250 people on roadside in Madurai amid curfew, there are several heart-warming stories from across the country about people who are doing their bit to provide helping hand to the needy amid an unprecedented crisis. Watch the video
Moga (Punjab), May 21 (ANI): An Indian Air Force MiG-21 fighter aircraft crashed near Moga in Punjab late last night. The accident happened when the aircraft was on a routine training sortie. More details are awaited.
New Delhi, May 20 (ANI): Ministry of External Affairs of India on May 20 informed that Over 40 countries have supplied COVID-related equipment and material to us through the Indian Red Cross Society. "A large number of countries have expressed solidarity with and support to India, in our fight against 2nd wave of COVID-19. Many of these countries, numbering over 40, have supplied COVID-related equipment and material to us through the Indian Red Cross Society," said MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi.
New Delhi, May 20 (ANI): Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan at 33rd Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting said that more COVID vaccines are required to be developed to end the pandemic effectively. "For effectively ending the pandemic, more COVID vaccines need to be developed, and once proven to be both safe and efficacious against the virus, must be deployed rapidly across the world," said Harsh Vardhan.
New Delhi, May 20 (ANI): Indian is in touch with Iranian authorities over Farzad-B gas field, said Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on May 20. "Iran had decided to develop the Farzad-B gas field on its own and wanted to involve India at a later stage. The involvement of the Indian consortium is underway and we are in touch with Iranian authorities," said MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi.
New Delhi, May 20 (ANI): Ministry of External Affairs of India on May 20 informed that India is expected to make a statement in UNGA over Israel-Palestine conflict. "We are closely following development on the Israel-Palestine issue. We also expect to make a statement in UNGA when the issue comes up again," said MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi.
New Delhi, May 20 (ANI): Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan at 33rd Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting said COVAX aims to deliver at least 2 billion vaccines by the end of 2021. "COVAX aims to deliver at least 2 billion vaccines by the end of 2021, covering 20% of the most vulnerable population in about 92 low and middle-income countries," said Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan. He added, "India, in line with its long-held belief of 'Vasudev Kutumbakam', has provided COVID-19 vaccines to more than 90 countries under its 'vaccine maitri' initiative."
New Delhi, May 20 (ANI): Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal met the family of Sheoji Mishra, a teacher who succumbed to COVID-19. He handed over a cheque of Rs 1 crore to them. A total of 22,346 have succumbed to the virus in national capital so far.
New Delhi, May 20 (ANI): Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal urged hospitals and doctors to use steroids in controlled amount in COVID cases keeping in view the rising number of Black fungus cases. "I want to appeal to all hospitals and doctors to use steroids in controlled amount. Patients need to control their sugar levels. Mixture of steroids and sugar is causing Black fungus. We have made special arrangements in 3 govt hospitals," said Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.