Public Health Headlines  02 -14th February, 2023

Kanpur Ophthalmologists treat blindness by stem cell transplant – First in India

• The Ophthalmology department of Ganesh Shankar Vidhyarthi Medical College (GSVM), Uttar Pradesh, has claimed to cure 4 patients of blindness by retinal stem cell transplantation in the last four months. Among the patients, two had congenital visual impairment, and the other two suffered blindness due to acquired causes. 

• A detailed report of this research has been sent to the Indian Councill of Medical Research to take forward and expand this research project and seek a grant for the same •

• The procedure is costly in the current times but it’s cost is expected to be brought to ₹50,000 in the coming years as per Prof. Parvez Khan, HOD, Ophthalmology, GSVM.

Published on :

Tuesday, February 14, 2023

Jal Jeevan Mission report

• Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) –  Har Ghar Jal was implemented in 2019 with the aim: to make provision of potable tap water supply in adequate quantity, of prescribed quality and on regular & long-term basis to every rural household by 2024. 

• As on 13/02/2023, 11.12 Crore (57.36%) of 19.39 Crore rural households reported to have tap water supply in their homes, with Haryana becoming the ‘Har Ghar Jal State’. 

• An online JJM – Water Quality Management Information System (WQMIS) portal has been developed for reporting data on lab testing and Field-Testing Kits for water samples. 

• In view of ensuring safe source of drinking water, States/ UTs in areas contaminated with chemicals have been advised to install community water purification plants (CWPPs), as an interim measure and in all 2,076 plants, drinking water quality testing laboratories have been set-up.

Published on :

Monday, February 13, 2023

MDA campaign to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis by 2027

• With an aim to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis by 2027, three years ahead of the global NTD Roadmap target, India has launched Sarva Dawa Sevan or Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (LF). 

• A multi-pronged approach with MDA through door-to-door drug administration in two phases to 1113 blocks in 90 districts across ten high burden states have been launched on 10th Feb 2023. 

• In spite of 10-15 rounds of MDA in the past, the LF elimination could not be achieved due to suboptimal coverage. Hence, over the last month, states have adopted innovative mechanisms to reach out to communities to sensitize on MDA.

Published on :

Friday, February 10, 2023

Public Health at risk after devastating earthquakes in Southeast Turkey and Syria

• The public health of thousands of children and families is at risk after two earthquakes hit southeast Turkey and Syria. The earthquakes have resulted in over 2,300 deaths and thousands of injuries, with the number expected to increase. 

• Homes have been destroyed, leading to displacement and exposing families to harsh weather conditions. Schools, hospitals, and other essential facilities have been damaged or destroyed, impacting children and the wider humanitarian response. 

• Waterborne diseases are a significant threat, with a cholera outbreak already affecting the country, making children especially vulnerable. 

• UNICEF is coordinating with the governments and disaster management authorities to provide support and assess the impact of the earthquakes.

Published on :

Friday, February 10, 2023

Death toll crossed 6000 in Turkey Earthquake - Rescue ongoing

• The devastating Earthquake of 7.8 magnitude has caused damage over a wide area and the relief operation team is finding it hard to reach many places.

• Assistance and rescue aids flow into Turkey and Syria in the backdrop of the devastating Earthquake the 2 countries have faced. 

• According to World Health Organization, the Quake in Turkey and Syria is likely to affect up to 23 million people, as this has damaged civilian and health infrastructure.

• Rescuers are working in freezing temperatures with their bare hands to search for survivors and rescue them. The death toll has passed 6200 and is expected to increase further.

Published on :

Wednesday, February 8, 2023

India CENSUS 2021 : Delayed. When it is expected to start?

• In an indication that the Census exercise meant to be conducted in 2021, but delayed because of the COVID 19 pandemic, may get delayed further. 

• The Union budget allocation under the Census Survey and Statistics head has been slashed to ₹1,565 crore this year, from the ₹3.676 crores in 2022-23. 

• As per the latest PTI report (on January 07, 2023), census enumeration remains postponed till September 30, 2023. 

• The date of freezing administrative boundaries for the enumeration has been extended till June 30 and census can be conducted only 3 months after the freezing of the boundary limits. 

• It is the first census of India that is expected to be digitalized, where the data will be collected through a mobile app. Also, facility for self-enumeration will be available.

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Thursday, February 2, 2023

India to be the Global Hub for Millets ("Shree Anna")

• India is the largest producer and second largest exporter of millets in the world. Referring to millets as 'Shree Anna', the finance minister aims to make India a global hub for millets. 

• The Indian Institute of Millet Research, Hyderabad will be supported as the Centre of Excellence for sharing best practices, research and technologies at the international level. 

• The Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Program will be launched to boost the availability of disease free, quality planting material for high value horticultural crops like fruits, vegetables, flowers at an outlay of Rs 2,200 crore (Union Budget 2023-24).

Published on :

Thursday, February 2, 2023