Trends of suicide among cancer patients in India Trends of suicide among cancer patients in India Content Editor: Dr. Sathya Prashaath January 29, 2024 BMJ General Psychiatry Mental Health, Cancer, Suicides A study recently published in BMJ Psychiatry looked for the trends in suicide among cancer patients in India. It was a secondary analysis wherein data regarding suicides among cancer patients was collected from the National Bureau of Criminal Records. The findings suggested that a total of 2.96 million cases of suicide were noticed in India, of which 0.67% were cancer-related. Also, suicides among cancer patients have increased by 53% from 1997 to 2020 in India. There was a significantly higher number of suicidal deaths among males when compared to females. Out of the total suicidal deaths among cancer patients, 70% were found to be male patients. Also, in the last 4 years, approximately 9 per 1000 cancer patients have died by suicide. Multiple factors can be a cause of these high numbers, such as Poor prognosis Depression Anxiety Financial burden Social stigma Painful treatment modalities The study highlights the urgent need to address the mental health needs of patients with cancer and provide them with adequate counseling and support. Click here to read more.

Massive fire calls for progressive approach to waste management Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala Maiti March 19, 2023 at 1:14:07 PM Waste disposal, Environmental Health On March 2, 2023, a fire broke out at the solid waste treatment plant in Brahmapuram, Kerala. After 12 days of firefighting , the blaze has finally come down with toxic fumes engulfing the city and its suburbs. The plant was maintained by Kochi Corporation until the state government warranted composting and biomining. In a drone survey conducted by the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Kozhikode, 5.5 lakh cubic meters of waste lay over an area of 40.25 acres. 206 tonnes of waste are dumped daily. No segregation of waste makes processing laborious. With biomining occurring at a slow pace, environmentalists call for a decentralized approach to waste management , processing at source by the adoption of household composting techniques . Previous Next

G20 India- A game changer for midwives and nurse’s leadership in global health. G20 India- A game changer for midwives and nurse’s leadership in global health. Content Editor: Dr. Prayag May 21, 2024 The Lancet Regional Health Gender Equity, Leadership, Empowerment A review was recently published in the Lancet on how the G20 could be the game changer for midwives and nurses in Indian healthcare. There has been a slow increase in women's leadership among the midwives and the nurses. There have been multiple platforms wherein there has been a lack of women leadership due to men-only panels. However, the G20 serves as an opportunity for women to rise in their leadership roles. India has a unique chance to consolidate its leadership position in global health and set the standard for advancing the agenda for gender equality internationally during the forthcoming G20 meeting. To accomplish this, 3 key areas must be prioritized at the G20 summit. These three areas are as follows: Priority 1: Health care workforce, dignity & fair pay Priority 2: Women's involvement in rights-based decision-making for their sexual, reproductive, and maternity health, with the assistance of midwives and nurses Priority 3: Leadership in health governance and policy formulation by midwives and nurses to support universal health coverage and enhance the provision of healthcare services Click here to read more.

WHO launches landmark Patient Safety Rights charter Content Editor: Dr. Manjeet May 7, 2024 at 12:30:00 PM Patient Rights, Safety, International Health The World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Patient Safety Rights Charter at the Global Ministerial Summit on Patient Safety, emphasizing the significance of patient safety within healthcare systems worldwide. This Charter, the first of its kind, outlines patients' rights in the context of safety and aims to guide stakeholders in shaping legislation, policies, and guidelines. Patient safety encompasses processes, procedures, and cultures that minimize risks of harm to patients, regardless of their demographics or status. The Charter delineates 10 crucial patient safety rights , including timely and appropriate care, safe healthcare practices, qualified staff, and patient and family engagement. The Charter aligns with global priorities identified in the Global Patient Safety Action Plan and the World Health Assembly resolution on patient safety. It aims to empower healthcare workers, leaders, governments, and patients alike to foster patient-centered healthcare systems and advocate for high-quality, safe healthcare. Click here to read more. Previous Next

PAHO released report on Poliomyelitis in the Region of the Americas PAHO released report on Poliomyelitis in the Region of the Americas Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala Maiti March 27, 2023 PAHO News section Global Health, PAHO, Polio, VDPV, Outbreak, Surveillance On 21st March 2023, the Peru National Institute of Health received lab confirmation of vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) type 1 in a 16-month child presenting with acute flaccid paralysis (AFP). Immunization coverage in the district which the child belongs is <80% of 3rd dose of polio vaccination with zero reporting of AFP cases. Another case of AFP linked to Sabin OPV type 2 (mOPV2) in Rockland country in 2022. Wastewater surveillance conducted in Orange and Sullivan counties, New York City, and Nassau County confirmed 101 samples positive for VDPV, indicating continued circulation. PAHO/WHO is working with respective counties to improve surveillance.

WHO’s latest 2024 Mental Health report highlight increasing prevalence and critical gaps WHO’s latest 2024 Mental Health report highlight increasing prevalence and critical gaps Content Editor :Dr. Sudeep September 21, 2025 World Health Organization Mental Health The WMHT introduces some surprising findings including that globally, over 1 Billion people (>1 out of every 8 people) continue living while having a mental health condition, often silently and without any consultation/treatment. Mental health conditions have consistently become a leading cause of disability and their burden continues to increase every year. Yet, the challenges to diagnose, the cost of financing and the high quality standards needed means the majority of nations lag behind in providing mental care to their population. Suicides have become the 3rd leading cause of all deaths among all 15-29 years globally, and is 2nd leading cause of death in young women and 3rd for young men. Surprisingly, >56% of all suicides happen <50 year old and about 3 out of every 4 suicides globally (~73%) occur in Low and middle income countries (LMIC’s). Mental health conditions are among the leading causes of disability globally, and also impose high costs on households, employers and economies. Persistent shortages of financial resources, skilled workers and quality services leave countries unable to meet population needs. For further reading, click here

FSSAI’s proposal: Empower, educate and promote health FSSAI’s proposal: Empower, educate and promote health Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy July 23, 2024 Press Information Bureau Nutrition, Noncommunicable disease, Public health The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI ) approved a proposal that aims to empower consumers to make healthier decisions . The proposal includes the following: To increase the font size of labels on packed food. To display information concerning total sugar, salt, and saturated fats in bold letters . It will include the percentage of the food item's total sugars, saturated fats, and salt that contributes to the RDA per serve. This move will also contribute to the ongoing efforts to address the risk of NCDs . This proposal will increase the consumer's knowledge of nutrients and promote public health and well-being. Click here to read more.

FSSAI streamlines food standards: one Certification, many benefits FSSAI streamlines food standards: one Certification, many benefits Content Editor: Dr. Kishore February 28, 2024 Press Information Bureau FSSAI, Food safety regulation, Public Health Nutrition FSSAI eliminates the need for BIS or AGMARK certification , streamlining the certification process for food businesses. Revision of milk fat products standards ensures quality and safety in dairy products consumer preferences. Revision of milk fat product standards will ensure the quality and safety of dairy products . Haleem, a popular dish, received standardized regulations under meat product standards, enhancing consumer trust. The comprehensive compliance manual provides guidelines for regulatory adherence, promoting transparency and accountability. Stakeholder feedback was invited before finalizing amendments, ensuring inclusivity and consensus-building in the high-level meeting. Click here to read more.

Our minds, our rights- World mental health day 2023 Our minds, our rights- World mental health day 2023 Content Editor: Dr. Himabindu Reddy November 1, 2023 WHO Campaigns WHO, Mental health, Global health, Public health, Human rights World Mental Health Day this year also marks the 75th anniversary of the WFMH foundation in 1948. This day is a chance for everyone to come together to increase understanding and awareness and to motivate actions that support and reinforce mental health as a fundamental human right for everyone. WHO persists in its efforts to promote and protect mental well-being and stresses urgent action to ensure quality mental healthcare is available to all those who need it. On this occasion, the WFMH secretary general remarked that despite continued campaigns by international and regional organizations, stigma and stereotypes persist in the community, leading to pervasive human rights violations of individuals with mental health disorders. To end this, efforts to invest in and transform mental healthcare facilities need to be doubled.