• A recent study published in eClinicalMedicine reveals that cancer survivors face elevated risks of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, non-fatal self-harm, and suicide, compared to cancer-free individuals. 

• Researchers conducted a cohort study using UK electronic health records from over 853,000 cancer survivors and 8.1 million cancer-free individuals. 

• The study focused on survivors of the 20 most common cancers and examined mental health outcomes over short, medium, and long-term follow-up.

• The methodology involved matching cancer survivors with cancer-free individuals based on age, sex, and general practice, and analyzing their risks for new mental health episodes using Cox regression models. 

• The results showed that survivors of cancers with poorer survival rates, such as lung and pancreatic cancers, experienced significantly higher risks of depression, anxiety, and self-harm. 

• These risks were highest within the first year after diagnosis but persisted for more than five years for many cancer types.

• The study concludes that cancer survivors need enhanced psychological support, especially those with poorer prognosis cancers. 

• The findings highlight the importance of addressing the long-term mental health impacts of cancer survivorship.

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Content Editor: Dr. Dr Ghurumourthy

• In the year 2021-2022, children and adolescents in the United States had an emergency department (ED) visit rate of 38.6 per 1,000 for acute upper respiratory infections (URI). 

• The highest visit rate was observed in infants under one year at 120.5 per 1,000, while the lowest was in adolescents aged 12-17 at 14.4 per 1,000. 

• Regardless of whether they were viral or bacterial, these infections had a significant impact on younger age groups, and the rates decreased as age increased. 

• The data was collected from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, which focused on general hospitals throughout the United States, excluding federal and military facilities.

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Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay

• Tiruchirappalli, a vibrant city in Tamil Nadu, is setting a powerful example of urban sanitation through its community-managed toilet initiative.

• In areas previously known for poor sanitation, the city’s slums have witnessed a remarkable transformation.

• Approximately 400 public toilets have been constructed, with 150 of them managed by women-led self-help groups (SHGs), known as Sanitation Hygiene Education (SHE) teams.

• These groups play a vital role in maintaining hygiene standards, which has significantly contributed to Trichy becoming an Open Defecation Free (ODF) city.

• As India marks the 10th anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Mission, this initiative highlights the importance of community participation in sustaining sanitation infrastructure.

• The ongoing Swabhav Swachhata Sanskaar Swachhata (4S) campaign celebrates Trichy’s success, demonstrating how grassroots efforts can lead to lasting, sustainable improvements in public health and cleanliness.

• This story of Tiruchirappalli reminds us that the true change can come from within the community

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Content Editor: Dr. Dheena

• Only 221 transgenders currently benefit from the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), a key social protection initiative that provides PKR 10,500 (approximately $37.50) quarterly to 8.6 million recipients nationwide.

• Following the devastating floods of 2022, about 95% of transgender individuals were unable to access relief programs due to challenges in producing identity documents.

• Many lack ownership papers for their residences and utility bills in their names, which further complicates their eligibility for assistance.

• Additionally, few have been able to participate in the government's free solar panel distribution initiative launched in August.

• Transgender individuals are notably absent from Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) disaster management guidelines, highlighting systemic gaps in support for this community.

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Content Editor: Dr. Tanya

• The Indian Cancer Genome Atlas (ICGA) foundation has launched a portal to provide breast cancer patients with their DNA, RNA, and protein profiles and clinical outcomes.

• With a set of data coming from the West, there can be major variances in genetic variants in cancer among Indian patients. The platform aims to increase our understanding about these variations.

• The platform now has data from 50 breast cancer patients in an attempt to increase ethical communication and cooperation in the field of cancer research. In the future, data from more than 500 patients are going to be covered, though.

• The International Consortium for Genome Atlas (ICGA) is modeled after the U.S.-based Cancer Genome Atlas and aims to develop an ecosystem of drug firms, diagnostic businesses, and hospitals by offering incentives for data sharing.

• It is based on the cBioPortal Platform which guarantees smooth integration with worldwide cancer research endeavors.

• The program aims to transform cancer research in India by assisting scientists and medical professionals in creating individualized treatment plans.

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Content Editor: Dr. Shubham

• On 11th October 2024, the Kerala State Surveillance Unit, Directorate of Health Services, reported one case of Murine Typhus in Thiruvananthapuram district.

•  A 75-year-old resident of Kerala, who had returned from Vietnam and Cambodia, fell ill on 8th September. 

• After several tests and consideration of the travel history, the patient was diagnosed with Murine Typhus.

• The bacteria, Rickettsia typhi, causes illness in rats, cats, or opossums. 

• The vector, the Oriental rat flea, can infect humans or animals through a bite that creates a wound.

• When flea dirt (flea feces containing the bacteria) is rubbed into the wound, it leads to infection. Symptoms include fever, chills, rash, and headache. 

• While it can cause severe illness, the case fatality rate is less than 1%. Treatment with doxycycline aids recovery from the illness.

• Kerala has been reporting cases of scrub typhus, but this was the first case of Murine Typhus. 

• Although the risk of spreading the illness is low, as it is not transmitted from human to human, preventive measures are recommended. They include keeping rodents away from homes and workplaces by maintaining safe, clean, and hygienic practices, and protecting oneself from flea bites.

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Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala

• Between 2020 and 2024, four hospitals in California and Colorado reported a total of 46 cases of Burkholderia multivorans infections. 

• The source of these infections was found to be contaminated ice and water from hospital ice machines.  

• Whole genome sequencing confirmed that the ice machines harbored the same bacterial strain (ST659). 

• The bacteria primarily affected immunocompromised and critically ill patients, causing respiratory, blood, and intra-abdominal infections. 

• Investigations by public health authorities revealed that these hospitals used identical ice machines and similar sanitizing products, which likely contributed to the contamination. 

• As a response, public health officials advised against using tap water and ice from these machines during patient care activities. 

• Although the ice machines were replaced, sporadic infections persisted. 

• This outbreak emphasizes the critical importance of implementing rigorous water management practices in hospitals to prevent similar incidents.

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Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay

• A study published in JAMA Network Open observed that reducing screen media use significantly improves the mental health of children and adolescents.

• The study involved 89 families and focused on a 2-week intervention to limit screen time to 3 hours per week.

• The key outcomes of the study are behavioral improvement and prosocial behavior, and the findings include:

1. Behavioral Improvements: The intervention group showed a notable decrease in behavioral difficulties, particularly internalizing symptoms such as emotional and peer problems.

2. Prosocial Behavior: Children in the screen reduction group exhibited enhanced prosocial behavior, indicating better social interactions.

• Short-term reduction in screen media use positively affects children's and adolescents' mental health.

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Content Editor: Dr. Sathya Prashaath

• The Union Health Minister applauded the Department of Health Research's successful implementation of the 100 Days Program, which signaled a major advancement in healthcare innovation.

• Major accomplishments include:

1. The Med-Tech Mitra project: It has helped over 250 medical innovation firms.

2. National One Health Mission launched to improve pandemic preparedness

3. Establishment of the Network of BSL-3 Laboratories

4. A successful H5N1 "Vishanu Yudh Abhyas" simulation drill was carried out during the pandemic preparation.

5. To improve the nation's response to infectious diseases, six Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDL) are being converted into Integrated Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (IRDL)

6. The Program for Development of Indigenous Drugs for Rare Diseases aims to lower the cost of treating diseases like muscular dystrophy.

7. Moreover, high-risk, high-reward biomedical research will be funded under the "First in the World" Challenge, establishing India as a pioneer in international healthcare solutions.

• These revolutionary actions demonstrate India's resolve to achieve Atmanirbhar(self-reliance) in the healthcare sector by 2047.

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Content Editor: Dr. Dheena

• India has reaffirmed its resolute dedication to tackling the increasing challenge of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

• Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel stressed the immediate necessity for worldwide collaboration to confront this vital challenge.

• Key Points:

1. She pointed out that AMR jeopardizes years of advancements in contemporary medicine and poses a significant danger to global public health.

2. She emphasized India's remarkable progress in the battle against AMR through its National Action Plan (NAP AMR), which includes enhancing surveillance systems, advocating for responsible antimicrobial usage, and bolstering infection prevention and control measures.

3. She called for incorporating AMR containment strategies into various health initiatives, such as pandemic preparedness, strengthening health systems, and achieving universal health coverage.

4. India's revamped NAP-AMR 2.0 emphasizes collaborative efforts across sectors, leveraging "One Health" approaches.

• The UNGA High-Level Meeting on AMR was vital to elevate awareness and bolster global initiatives to address this expanding health crisis.

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Content Editor: Shayari

• Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is transforming the lives of young girls in India, promoting financial security and empowerment.

• Launched in 2015 under the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ campaign, it aims to secure the future of girls by opening savings accounts for them.

• Over 4.50 lakh accounts have been opened, with 487 villages declared as complete Sukanya Samriddhi Grams in the North Gujarat region.

• Economic Empowerment: The scheme promotes financial security for girls, supporting their education, career, and marriage.

• Interest and Tax Benefits: Offers an 8.2% interest rate and income tax exemptions.

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Content Editor: Dr. Sathya

• Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, launched in 2018, has covered over 12 crore families.

• Achievements of PMJAY: Over 35.4 crore Ayushman cards issued, 7.79 crore hospital admissions authorized, and ₹1,07,125 crores in financial coverage provided.

• Gender Equity: 49% of Ayushman cards issued to women, with significant hospital admissions utilized by them.

• Impact of the scheme: The scheme has reduced out-of-pocket healthcare expenditures by 21 % and emergency loans by 8%, making life-saving treatments more affordable.

• Expansion for Seniors: In 2024, the scheme expanded to offer free health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 and above.

• Portability and Network: Beneficiaries can access treatment at any of the 30,529 empanelled hospitals across India.

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Content Editor: Dr. Sathya