Heatwave in Kolkata intensifies public health concerns Heatwave in Kolkata intensifies public health concerns Content Editor: Dr. Abith May 13, 2024 Social Trends Public Health; Climate Impact, Heat waves As Kolkata faces an extended heatwave, health professionals are sounding the alarm over a spike in heat-related health issues, primarily dehydration and heat exhaustion. The sustained high temperatures have led to an increase in hospital visits, with symptoms ranging from mild dehydration to severe heat stroke, particularly among the elderly and other vulnerable groups. Health authorities are stressing the importance of staying hydrated, avoiding peak heat hours, and utilizing cooling measures to prevent heat-related ailments. This situation calls for enhanced public awareness and preparedness to address the health risks such extreme weather conditions pose.

Critical Shortage: Manpower crisis in 25% of operation theatres in Delhi hospitals Critical Shortage: Manpower crisis in 25% of operation theatres in Delhi hospitals Content Editor: Dr Pradipta S January 8, 2024 Social Trends Healthcare Infrastructure Data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare revealed that 1 in 4 operation theatres in Delhi. This implies that a total of 62 out of 235 are non-functional due to a 50 % manpower shortage . Though during the COVID pandemic, hospital beds almost doubled, manpower remained the same. Hence, patients are often referred to larger hospitals resulting in time delay and long queues. A committee was formed to address this crisis, consisting of medical directors and specialists from various hospitals . The goal was to compile a comprehensive list of doctors , evaluating their performances and the conduct of surgeries . This aims to help: Streamline surgeries Allocate time schedules and duties Reduce the burden on larger hospitals Minimize waiting periods Deter doctors from private consultancy services

The water and sanitation crisis- a step away from learning, play and safety The water and sanitation crisis- a step away from learning, play and safety Content Editor: Dr. M Swathi Shenoy July 28, 2023 WHO news section Drinking water, Sanitation, Violence, Gender According to a new report by the WHO, globally, 1.8 billion people live without access to water at their home premises. Also, 1.4 million lives are lost due to inadequate WASH facilities. It was observed that women and girls face the brunt of the problem. In 7 out of 10 households , girls are responsible for fetching water. Every step a girl takes to collect water is a step away from learning, play, and safety . In addition to the increased risk of infectious diseases due to inadequate WASH services, women are also vulnerable to violence and harassment. Even though there has been an increase in the accessibility to WASH services, further progress is required to attain the SDG target. Click here to read more

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) case detected in UAE Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) case detected in UAE Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav Mondal August 7, 2023 WHO news Section Infectious Diseases, International Health, MERS MERS CoV can cause asymptomatic or mild respiratory symptoms to severe acute respiratory illness and mortality. The 108 identified contacts of the case were all kept under observation for 14 days. The last MERS-CoV illness from the UAE was reported before this in November 2021. The Case Fatality Rate of MERS-CoV patients is 35% , however, this figure may overstate. Direct or indirect interaction with dromedaries and healthcare facilities have been the sites of observed non-sustained human-to-human transmission. WHO advocates strict surveillance by all Member States for acute respiratory illnesses, including MERS-CoV, and to carefully assess any atypical trends. WHO currently did not suggest the implementation of any trade or travel restrictions or additional screening at entry points concerning this event.