Telangana's 2024 Gig Workers Policy: Comprehensive social welfare scheme for a diverse workforce Telangana's 2024 Gig Workers Policy: Comprehensive social welfare scheme for a diverse workforce Content Editor: Dr. Mohammed Kashif June 8, 2024 Social trends Social security, Labour rights, Gig workers Amidst the evolving gig economy, the Telangana Platform-Based Gig Workers Policy, 2024 , emerges as a comprehensive framework safeguarding the felt needs of workers across multiple sectors. Forum for Good Governance, an NGO, along with the state Labour Department, has developed the policy. The draft Telangana Platform-Based Gig Workers Policy, 2024, proposes: Minimum wages for gig workers. Accidental insurance of Rs 5 lakh. Mandatory health coverage. Contributions from aggregator companies to a welfare fund managed by a board. Contributory old age pension. Contributory wage compensation scheme. Scholarships for workers' children. Maternity benefits. The policy requires aggregators to establish dispute resolution committees and mandates worker registration with the government. Ride-sharing platforms and food delivery aggregators need to register with the Transport and Labour Departments, respectively. The key issue of severance pay in this sector is overlooked, as companies view their workers as partners and not employees. The policy extends coverage to workers in sectors beyond ride-sharing and food delivery, including logistics, healthcare and hospitality.

Riverine plastisphere: The new AMR reservoir? Riverine plastisphere: The new AMR reservoir? Content Editor: Anubhav Mondal November 22, 2023 Centre for Infectious Disease Policy and Research Microbial resistance, Water Pollution, AMR Researchers from the University of Warwick led a team that found that after being immersed in a river for a week, both new and old plastics carried opportunistic "microbial hitchhikers" and different sets of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Examples of these hitchhikers were organisms such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii. Plastics operate as a reservoir for pathogenic bacteria, or ARGs, often exacerbated by their persistence in the environment due to their recalcitrance and buoyancy. The findings raise worries that the "riverine plastisphere" could act as an antibiotic resistance reservoir. However, the researchers note that it's too early to tell whether plastics can transmit infection-causing, antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Recent study says 34 Million Years of Life Lost (YLL) due to four risk factors Recent study says 34 Million Years of Life Lost (YLL) due to four risk factors Content Editor : Dr Urmimala Maiti December 7, 2023 eClinical Meidicne Journal Global Health, Cancer prevention, Years of Life Lost An International study undertaken by the Cancer Surveillance Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer, focused on the impact of four risk factors on mortality and Years of Life Lost (YLL) due to cancer across seven countries. The study found the following YLL from cancers: 20.8 million YLL to tobacco smoking 5.9 million YLL to alcohol consumption 4 million YLL to HPV infection 3.1 million YLL to excess body weight. The study also demonstrated the disparities in YLL among countries, reflecting the differences in risk factors and cancer deaths in their population. The study underscores the importance of primary prevention of cancer as a key to reducing cancer mortality as well as its societal implications.

Water Amendment (Pollution and Prevention) Act, 2024 Content Editor: Dr Tanya Tanu February 17, 2024 at 3:30:00 PM Water pollution, Pollution control Changes in the Water Amendment (Pollution and Prevention) Act passed on 12th February 2024 include: Decriminalizing certain violations of the Act deemed ‘minor’, replacing most of the penalties of imprisonment with fines ranging from ₹10,000 to 15 lacs. In case of an unfair fine, a provision for appeal has been provided in the bill. Empowering the Centre to frame rules to select the chairpersons of State pollution control boards. The text of the Act notes that the amended bill will establish a balance between the severity of the offense and the gravity of the punishment given. However, there were a few points of concern with the new amendment. These include: Absence of deterrent to violating environmental laws due to decriminalization. Limited role of state government in safeguarding the environment. Click here to read more. Previous Next

New Biopesticide to Combat Malaria Content Editor: Dr Tanya Malaria, Insecticides Malaria , a parasitic disease which spreads from the bite of female Anopheles mosquito, claims about 600,000 deaths annually. The new biopesticide is the powdered form of the dead and dried cells of Chromobacterium species . It prevents transmission of malaria by inhibiting the mosquitoes’ ability to transmit the pathogen along with a cidal effect on the mosquito. Advantages over conventional insecticides: Less Toxicity More species-specific hence development of genetic resistance becomes significantly low Longer Shelf Life Easily compostable Effective in small concentrations Click here to read more. Previous Next

Public Health Daily News Snippets WHO Bulletin Releases Special Edition on Traditional Medicine Ahead of Global Summit The WHO Bulletin published its first special issue on traditional medicine since 1977, featuring research and policy analyses. This release precedes the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine scheduled for December 2025 in New Delhi. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Global Health, Traditional Medicine Integration Read More Global Summit in Geneva Intensified Efforts to Curb Toxic Mercury Pollution A major international conference was held in Geneva from 3rd to 7th November 2025 to strengthen the global fight against mercury pollution . Delegates collaborated to accelerate the phase-out of this toxic metal from products and industrial processes, aiming to protect human health and the environment. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : United Nations Environmental Health, International Policy Read More Fitness & Nation-Building: Insights from the National Fitness & Wellness Conclave 2025 The first-ever National Fitness & Wellness Conclave 2025 in Mumbai brought together policymakers, athletes, and industry leaders to reaffirm one message: India’s progress towards becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047 depends on how seriously we take fitness today. With icons from sports and cinema joining the conversation, the conclave highlighted fitness as both a cultural shift and a public health necessity. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fit India Movement, Physical Activity, Non-Communicable Diseases, Viksit Bharat Read More Global Evidence Review of the Inequality- Pandemic Cycle: UNAIDS report The UNAIDS established the “Global Council on Inequality, AIDS and Pandemic ” in 2023. Its report “Breaking the inequality-pandemic cycle ” released in November 2025 is based on evidence from more than 1500 peer-reviewed literature and reports from government agencies and research institutions across multiple pandemics and its own empirical studies over the past 2 years. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), 2025 Pandemic preparedness, Social inequality, Global Health Read More Decomposition Analysis of Factors Driving Global Maternal Mortality Reduction A new Lancet Global Health paper highlights evidence that combining family planning with quality maternity services has driven a 41% global decline in maternal deaths since 2000. The study shows how contraception alone prevented more than 77,000 maternal deaths in 2023. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : The Lancet Global Health Maternal Health, Reproductive & Sexual Health, Gender Equality, Family Planning, Declining Global Maternal Mortality Read More Delhi’s Air Quality Sees Noticeable Improvement: CAQM 2025 Report The 2025 update from the C ommission for A ir Q uality M anagement (CAQM ) highlights significant enhancements in Delhi's air quality and a marked reduction in stubble-burning incidents in nearby states. The report offers data-backed evidence of collaborative efforts to reduce pollution through the use of cleaner fuels, improved waste management, and more stringent regulatory measures. Published on : Tuesday, November 18, 2025 Source : Press Information Bureau, New Delhi Air Pollution, Environmental Health, Public Health Policy Read More Genomic Collaboration for a Safer Future: India and Italy Unite for Pandemic Preparedness The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) round table in New Delhi emphasized the power of genomic research and collaboration in strengthening pandemic preparedness. Experts called for sustained global surveillance and rapid translation of genomic data to safeguard public health. Published on : Friday, November 14, 2025 Source : Press Information Bureau, New Delhi Genomic Surveillance, Pandemic Readiness Read More WHO Unveils Global Agenda to Strengthen Paediatric Clinical Trials The World Health Organization has unveiled a new global research agenda to close gaps in evidence on child health. It prioritizes equitable, high-impact paediatric trials to ensure that treatments for children are safe, effective, and grounded in sound science. Published on : Friday, November 14, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Health Research, Pediatric Health, Clinical Trials Read More WHO refutes Tylenol-Autism Link: Urges Evidence-Based Care A statement by the current US President, which linked Tylenol use during pregnancy to autism, prompted an immediate response from the World Health Organization. The WHO clarified that no scientific evidence supports this claim and urged reliance on medical guidance. Published on : Friday, November 14, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Maternal and Child Health, Health Communication, Global Health Governance Read More 2025 Lancet Countdown Report on Climate Change and Health Impacts of climate inaction have led to a 23% increase in heat-related deaths since the 1990s. Food insecurity affected 124 million more people due to extreme weather in 2023, with losses reaching $1.35 trillion. Addressing climate change has prevented 160,000 premature deaths from coal pollution and supported 16 million jobs in renewable energy. With COP30 ahead, WHO, along with member states, plans to emphasize climate action and a swift transition away from fossil fuels. Published on : Friday, November 7, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Climate change, food insecurity, Sustainability Read More WHO Introduces New Global Framework to Enhance National Health Emergency Response The World Health Organization has unveiled a new global guide, the National Health Emergency Alert and Response Framework, to bolster countries' readiness for health crises. Developed from lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, it provides a standardized approach for managing emergencies. Published on : Friday, November 7, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Global Health Security, Emergency Preparedness Read More Training Modules to Strengthen Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Response in India The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has introduced three specialized training modules to enhance India’s capacity for managing chemical emergencies. This initiative aims to build a skilled, coordinated response system across healthcare and disaster management sectors. 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World Hearing Day (3rd March 2023) is here to remind us of the importance of preventing hearing loss and promoting ear care worldwide by integrating ear and hearing care into primary healthcare for universal health coverage. Public Health News Analysis World Hearing Day 2023 – Let’s know more about it Content Editor : Dr Ranjitha Ranganathan Updated on : March 3, 2023 World Hearing Day - 2023, WHO World Hearing Day (3rd March 2023) is here with the theme "Ear & hearing care for all! Let’s make it a reality" to remind us of the importance of preventing hearing loss and promoting ear care worldwide by integrating ear and hearing care into primary healthcare for universal health coverage. Globally, one out of twenty people has hearing loss which needs management. A World Health Organization (WHO) survey in 2013 revealed that only 30 countries (out of 76 respondents) have data on hearing loss. World Hearing Day (WHD), is celebrated on March 3 every year as a global advocacy event for raising awareness. As part of promotion activities, the World Hearing Forum (WHF), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Coalition for Global Hearing Health (CGHH) give WHF-CGHH Small Grants (up to 800 USD) for World Hearing Day 2023 . Every year WHO advocates and promotes countries to participate, under various themes. World Hearing Day Themes 2015 - Make listening safe 2016 - Act now, here is now! 2017 - Make a sound investment 2018 - Hear the future 2019 - Check your hearing 2020 - Hearing for life 2021 - Hearing care for all 2022 - To hear for life, listen with care 2023 - Ear & hearing care for all! Let’s make it a reality The Key messages for World Hearing Day, 2023: I ntegrating ear and hearing care within primary care, as an essential component of universal health coverage. 60% of hearing problems can be identified and addressed at the primary care level. WHO offers promotional materials in various languages, awareness videos, an overview of planned events, and resource materials for WHD. WHO launched the " hearWHO" app- a mobile-based screening app for hearing loss, that can be used as a screening tool. The hear WHO app is based on validated digits-in-noise technology. The "hearWHO" app is available in play store for download IEC materials are available for promotion of World Hearing Day & also for Ear & Hearing Care Tips for Healthy Ears Tips for safe listening Tips for hearing aid users Flyer for Ear care Basic ear & Hearing care resources Care for discharging ears Flyer for checking hearing loss in adults Hearing & language milestones in children To download IEC materials - Click here Various resources and guidelines related to World Hearing Day World report on Hearing Importance of hearing across life course Challenges faced and solutions for ear and hearing care A manual for Ear and Hearing care, planning & monitoring of National Strategies Development and planning for Ear & Hearing care. Pre-planning phase, Planning phase, Monitoring and evaluation Preferred profile for hearing aid technology suitable for low-& middle-income countries Hearing health services in these countries Types of hearing aid available in these countries Integrated people-centred Ear & Hearing care Policy briefs with Vision - The H.E.A.R.I.N.G package for ear & hearing care interventions Target: Overall, 20% relative increase in effective coverage of ear & hearing care services by 2030. Safe-listening-devices-and-system-WHO-ITU-standard Effect of noise on hearing Recommendations on safe listening. Indicators for monitoring provision of services Health system indicators Service delivery indicators Health workforce indicators Medical products & health technology indicators Situation Analysis Tool National level situation analysis plan Handbook on how to implement msafe listening Safe listening devices and system Workplan development with promotion strategies of msafe listening programme Hearing screening- Implementation guidelines Hearing screening in New-borns & infants School based ear & hearing screening Hearing screening in older people World hearing day- Survey book Methodology to conduct a survey to find :- Prevalence of hearing loss in each area Overview of most common probable cause of hearing loss in the study area WHO Global Standard for safe listening venues & events Sound level limit Sound system design Personal hearing protection Quiet zones World Hearing Day report -2022 Country wise report of activities on World Hearing Day Download these resource materials - Click Here Conclusion:- Unaddressed hearing loss is the third largest cause of years lived with disability globally. Children, elderly people, people working in certain occupation are greatly affected. Appropriate screening, referral system and hearing care will help to curtail the problem. Health care professionals have to use efficiently the available resources by WHO to promote ear care at primary level, prevent hearing loss, and advocate for safe listening. Reference:- https://worldhearingday.org/ comments debug Comments Rated 0 out of 5 stars. No ratings yet Rate the Article* Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Join the team Public Health Chronicle! APPLY NOW

Paediatric Emergency Research Network (PERN) develops a model to stratify pneumonia severity. Paediatric Emergency Research Network (PERN) develops a model to stratify pneumonia severity. Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay June 4, 2025 The Lancet International Health News, Community acquired pneumonia Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) remains a leading cause of pediatric hospitalization and mortality worldwide. Relying solely on clinician judgment can lead to both unnecessary admissions and missed high-risk cases. To address this gap, the Pediatric Emergency Research Network (PERN) developed two predictive models using data from 2,200 children (3 months–14 years) across 73 emergency departments in 14 countries. The clinical model , based on bedside signs and symptoms within 4 hours to 7 days of presentation, and an enhanced radiograph model , incorporating the number of lung regions affected on chest X-ray, both demonstrated “good to excellent” discrimination compared with unaided clinician assessment. Key predictors of progression to moderate or severe CAP included: Hypoxemia (SpO₂ 90–92%) : adjusted odds ratio (aOR) ≈ 3.24 Chest retractions : aOR ≈ 2.86 Abdominal pain , refusal to drink , tachycardia/tachypnea (> 95th percentile), and prior antibiotic use Conversely, runny nose or nasal congestion was protective (aOR 0.59), identifying low-risk children. Among 1,900 children with complete data, 53–58% had mild CAP, 36–41% moderate, and 5–6% severe. Lead author Dr. Todd Florin emphasized that early identification of children at risk enables prompt aggressive treatment and more efficient resource allocation. Next steps include external validation in diverse settings, integration into electronic health records or mobile apps, and implementation studies to assess impacts on admission rates, resource utilization, and patient outcomes. Once validated, these models could be incorporated into pediatric pneumonia guidelines, standardizing care and improving safety for children globally. Click here to read more.

Assessment of COVID-19 vaccine safety: A multinational project Assessment of COVID-19 vaccine safety: A multinational project Content Editor: Dr.Urmimala March 2, 2024 Vaccine Journal COVID-19 Vaccine, Research findings, AEFI The study was conducted in Argentina, Australia, Denmark, Canada, New Zealand, France and Scotland. The AESI list was specified by the Safety Platform for Emergency vACcines (SPEAC), following the roll-out of COVID-19 Vaccines in 2020. The researchers estimated the Observed/Expected ratio of selected AESI retrospectively, across certain risk intervals. More than 99 million individuals participated in the study. The potential vaccine safety signals were prioritized for the following vaccines based on a higher OE ratio: ChAdOx1 vaccine for Guillain-Barre syndrome, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, pericarditis and myocarditis mRNA-1273 vaccine for Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, pericarditis and myocarditis BNT162b2 vaccine for pericarditis and myocarditis The present study provides stronger evidence of the previously identified rare side effects. Although the global generalizability of the results is higher, the result’s applicability to the Indian population is still questionable. Click here to read more.

Need for expansion of the social security reforms: Demands at the pre-budget consultation meeting Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala June 29, 2024 at 1:30:00 PM Occupational Health, Legislation, Social security The Trade Union Consultation Committe e (TUCC) presented their demands at the pre-budget consultation meeting with the Finance Minister. They called for ASHA, Anganwadi, and mid-day meal workers , who face similar risks as organized sector workers, to be recognized as permanent employees and included in social security schemes. The TUCC also urged recognizing domestic help as workers , who constitute a significant portion of urban unorganized workers, to ensure their social security coverage. Additionally, they emphasized extending social welfare to gig workers , who are more prone to health issues. The heatwave significantly impacted food delivery workers and construction site workers. Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh demanded increased funding to boards under special categories- beedi, fisheries, agriculture. Previous Next