International Organisations stress on comprehensive approach to pandemic preparedness International Organisations stress on comprehensive approach to pandemic preparedness Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav May 20, 2024 WHO News Section Pandemic Preparedness, International Organisations The World Health Organisation (WHO ), Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD ), and the W orld B ank have released new guidance on the role of mathematical modeling, specifically integrated modeling, in addressing emerging pandemic-prone pathogen threats. Disciplinary silos, poor data availability, and inadequate venues for communication among policymakers and modelers pose substantial problems in pandemic preparedness. To assist governments in this endeavor, the WHO-OECD-World Bank handbook offers four measures to help develop capacity in integrated modeling and its use in policymaking across varied contexts: Institutionalizing models for policymaking. Establishing active communication between actors. Connecting policy questions to relevant models. Increasing knowledge and comprehension of modeling and integrated modeling. Click here to read more.

India’s commitment to climate resilience: Key highlights from COP29 India’s commitment to climate resilience: Key highlights from COP29 Content Editor: Dr Sumana December 9, 2024 Press Information Bureau Climate action, COP29, One health Key highlights of India’s engagement include: Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (13 Nov): The focus was on integrating Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR ) into adaptation strategies for resilient infrastructure, emphasizing that 88% of adaptation costs relate to infrastructure while exploring initiatives, innovative financing, and collaborative, sustainable development approaches. LeadIT Member Meet (14 Nov): This meeting focused on overcoming industrial decarbonization challenges. Indian companies shared progress on low-carbon transitions. India-Sweden ITP Progress (16 Nov): Reviewed India-Sweden partnership achievements; linked efforts with Brazil-UK decarbonization initiatives. Emphasized the political commitment to deliver results by CoP30. Resilient Infrastructure for SIDS (18 Nov): Highlighted IRIS’s role in climate finance and development for Small Island Developing States. Global South Solar Transition (19 Nov): Advocated solar adoption to meet 75% of energy needs by 2050; emphasized renewables for equity, energy security, and reducing emissions. Women-Led Solar Initiatives (21 Nov): Showcased women-driven clean energy models for adaptation, finance, and job creation. India's leadership and collaborations at CoP29 underscore its proactive stance on climate action, highlighting the balance between addressing global challenges, sustainable development, and inclusive approaches . Click here to read more.

BHISHM Cube: AIIMS Rishikesh's Mobile Hospital Ready in 12 Minutes for Disaster Response BHISHM Cube: AIIMS Rishikesh's Mobile Hospital Ready in 12 Minutes for Disaster Response Content Editor: Dr. Anamika May 28, 2025 PHC Editorial Bureau Disaster Response, Mobile Hospitals All India Institute of Medical Sciences ,Rishikesh recently conducted a mock drill of the BHISHM Cube—Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita and Maitri —a mobile hospital unit under P roject A arogya M aitri by the Government of India. Designed for rapid disaster response , the modular unit can treat up to 200 casualties and integrates artificial intelligence, point-of-care testing (POCT ) and data analytics for real-time monitoring and management. During the drill, the BHISHM Cube was successfully deployed within twelve minutes, demonstrating its preparedness to provide efficient medical care during emergencies. Rapid mobile hospitals could have a great impact in disaster relief across India and developing nations.

AIIMS to launch day care facilities for EHS beneficiaries AIIMS to launch day care facilities for EHS beneficiaries Content Editor: Dr. Mohammed Kashif June 11, 2024 Social trends Healthy ageing, Senior citizens, Employee benefits The Employee Health Services (EHS) facility, modeled on the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), provides comprehensive medical care to faculty, staff, pensioners, their dependents, and students of AIIMS, New Delhi. True to its commitment to advancing healthcare services and addressing the evolving needs of its community, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), after engaging with various stakeholders, announced the establishment of a dedicated daycare facility providing services such as dialysis, chemotherapy, and endoscopy for EHS beneficiaries . The growing demand for specialized services has led to longer waiting times and fewer available routine care slots, impacting the overall quality and accessibility of healthcare for EHS patients, hence, AIIMS decided to start this service because most EHS patients are senior citizens. Operating daily from 8 am to 8 pm at the National Centre for Aging , this facility will offer timely and efficient medical care exclusively for EHS beneficiaries without affecting general patient services.

The new norm: More heat waves and fewer cold waves in India The new norm: More heat waves and fewer cold waves in India Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav Mondal April 24, 2023 Springer Environment, Climate change A study, Bhattacharya et al. discovered that every year, the number of days with abnormally high temperatures rises during the summer while the number of days with unusually low temperatures falls during the winter. The scientists discovered that the frequency of heat wave episodes is rising at a pace of 0.6 incidents every ten years. The researchers discovered that the frequency of cold waves is dropping by 0.4 occurrences every ten years. The authors highlight the divergent patterns of heat waves and cold waves. For instance, across the arid and semi-arid climatic region, heat waves are more frequent whereas cold waves are less frequent.

Directorate General of Civil Aviation recommends steps to boost mental health among the airline staffs Directorate General of Civil Aviation recommends steps to boost mental health among the airline staffs February 25, 2023 The Hindu Mental Health, DGCA DGCA on monday released guidelines on mental health for flight crew and Air traffic controllers. It has recommended 3 major steps to check and improve mental health Mental health assessment during the medical examination Peer support group Pre-employment psychological assessment In a situation where there is a concern regarding the mental state of a crew member or air traffic controller then a detailed clinical mental assessment will be undertaken at one of the Indian Air Force Boarding Centers and such cases will be referred to DGCA Medical Directorate for special medical examinator.