Heat-related illness advisory: Guidelines & preparedness Heat-related illness advisory: Guidelines & preparedness Content Editor: Dr. Manu Goel April 20, 2024 National Centre for Disease Control Heat-related illnesses, Disease prevention, Intersectoral coordination, National Centre for Disease Control Due to the risk of above-normal seasonal temperatures, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) released an advisory to the State Health Departments on Heat-Related Illnesses (HRIs) . The salient points are as follows - Ensure dissemination of national and state-level guidelines on tackling heat-related illnesses. Manage coordination among various stakeholders at the state level. Start maintenance and reporting of cases and deaths due to heat-related illnesses . Deaths due to such cases must be investigated to understand the epidemiology of the illness. Health facilities must be able to manage HRIs and must have adequate human and medicinal resources for the same. The facilities should also be able to withstand the complications of extreme heat. Mass gatherings and sports events must be prepared to manage HRIs Early warnings for heat waves and health-related activities to spread awareness about HRIs should be carried out. Click here to read more

Zika virus spreads in Maharashtra : Two pregnant woman infected as cases surge to 8 Zika virus spreads in Maharashtra : Two pregnant woman infected as cases surge to 8 Content Editor: Dr. Mohammed Kashif July 8, 2024 Social Trends DIsease outbreak, Zika virus, Aedes mosquito Zika, like dengue and chikungunya, is transmitted by the Aedes mosquitoes. It typically causes mild symptoms lasting 2–7 days, such as rash, fever, and joint pain. The association of the virus with microcephaly in babies born to infected pregnant women is a cause of significant concern. In Maharashtra, a second pregnant woman has been diagnosed with Zika , bringing the state's total to eight cases in the past ten days. Officials report both women are currently asymptomatic and in good health. Dr. Rajesh Dighe, Assistant Health Officer at Pune Municipal Corporation, underscores ongoing efforts to control Zika through surveillance and vector control measures. Testing is available at NIV Pune, NCDC Delhi, and ICMR labs, but experts warn of potential underreporting due to limited Zika virus diagnostic facilities in the country. They stress the importance of genomic sequencing alongside routine case detection . The Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and the National Center for Vector-Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) are continuously undergoing surveillance. Health camps are being established during the Palkhi pilgrimage to monitor symptoms and prevent potential outbreaks.

CARB-X grants $1 Million to develop a portable test for antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea CARB-X grants $1 Million to develop a portable test for antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav July 5, 2024 Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy Antibiotic Resistance, International Health, Diagnostic test CARB-X has given Prompt Diagnostics LLC a $1 million grant to create a portable, quick diagnostic test for antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea. The company will use the grant to develop its cartridge-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) platform further , which is portable and capable of detecting multiple targets of pathogenic bacteria and identifying mutations that confer antibiotic resistance. In low- and middle-income nations, where access to secondary healthcare facilities is restricted, and gonorrhea and the burden of resistance are more prevalent, the inexpensive test may be very helpful. The urgency of combating drug-resistant bacterial infections worldwide cannot be overstated. Fast, high-tech diagnostics are a crucial tool in this battle, as they can identify infections at the earliest stage and guide medical professionals toward the most effective treatment. Click here to read more.

Man vs Venom: Antivenom Created from Snakebite Survivor’s Blood Man vs Venom: Antivenom Created from Snakebite Survivor’s Blood Content Editor: Dr. Anamika May 23, 2025 PHC Editorial Bureau Antivenom, snake bite Scientists at Centivax , led by Dr. Jacob Glanville , developed a broad-spectrum antivenom using antibodies from Timothy Friede, who self-injected venom from 16 deadly snakes over 18 years. Combining two of Friede’s antibodies with varespladib , a toxin-inhibiting drug, the cocktail fully protected mice against 13 of 19 WHO-listed venomous snakes and partially against six others. The antibodies target conserved toxin sites, enabling broad neutralization. Plans include testing in dogs and developing antivenoms for vipers. This approach could replace species-specific treatments, simplify stockpiling, and address antivenom shortages, especially in rural areas.

India's Immunization Milestones: A Testamentt to Public Health Committment Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav Immunisation, Public Health World Immunization Day, observed on November 10, highlights the importance of vaccines in preventing diseases and protecting public health. This day underscores the country’s progress in immunization, especially through initiatives like the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP ) and Mission Indradhanush . The UIP, launched in 1985, aims to provide vaccines to millions of newborns and pregnant women , significantly reducing child mortality. Mission Indradhanush targets areas with low immunization rates, ensuring no child is left behind . India’s remarkable achievements include becoming polio-free in 2014 , eliminating maternal and neonatal tetanus in 2015 , and leading a successful COVID-19 vaccination drive . The U-WIN portal further enhances immunization accessibility through digital records and nationwide coverage. India’s public health success showcases the importance of vaccines in saving lives and strengthening global health security, setting a model for other nations to follow. Previous Next

Slicing departments to inflate approved medical colleges raises concerns Content Editor: Akhila Nandan August 31, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM Medical Education, National Medical Council The NMC has come up with a bizarre decision to drop Chest Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and PMR from the list of essential departments so as to gain approval for the establishment of new medical colleges in the academic year 2023-24. When diseases like TB, asthma, pneumonia, and lung cancer are topping the list, scraping out chest medicine will make the students devoid of any knowledge of the same , condemned Dr. Keerthy Varman. The Indian Association of PMR has also highlighted the importance of their subject and expressed disappointment at this blunt decision. The Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Government Doctors Association, Dr. N. Ravishankar, has also expressed his grief over this decision of the NMC. Previous Next

Innovative techniques in detection of arsenic in Water Innovative techniques in detection of arsenic in Water Content Editor: Dr. Shubham May 6, 2024 IIT-Madras Newsletter Environmental Health, Arsenic toxicity Researchers at IIT-Madras developed a point-of-need diagnostic tool for testing underground water samples in rural areas. As explained, the tool can be used for up to 200 meters underwater in lakes and other water bodies as well. The fundamental element of the tool is a micro bottle optical resonator, a device as small as a grain of sand, fabricated using optical fiber, and whose surface is coated with a chemical sensitive to arsenic. The tool consists of an optical tip (probe), as small as a skinny ballpoint pen, with the tip attached to a spool of fiber that can extend around 200m when drawn out. This battery-operated device detects the reflected light, measuring the levels of arsenic in water. The pen will be immersible in water. Prof Ravinder K Jain, University of Mexico, explained how the notch in the laser spectrum will shift when the contaminant (arsenic) binds to the surface of the micro bottle resonator, and this shift will indicate the levels of arsenic in the water . This tool can sense even very low levels (below parts per billion levels) of arsenic within a few seconds after the probe is dipped to determine the safety of drinking water.. In 2017, around 240 million people across the country were found to have arsenic levels higher than normal, even today, levels are measured using electro-chemical sensors that are not very efficient at detecting further lower levels.

National consultation on One Health: Policy perspectives National consultation on One Health: Policy perspectives Content Editor: Dr. Tanya July 26, 2024 Social Trends One Health, Zoonotic Diseases, Public health Globally, more than 75% of human diseases are zoonotic . An intersectoral approach is important to curb the rising incidence of zoonotic diseases, as advocated under the “One Health” approach, which aligns with the Prime Minister’s “One Earth, One Health” vision. “One Health” advocates preventing and managing risks associated with zoonotic diseases at the human-animal-plant interface. The National Consultation for Legal Environment Assessment for One Health Activities aims to: Assess the current legal framework to i dentify strengths, gaps, and overlaps in the existing laws and regulations. Foster multi-sectoral dialogue by e ngaging stakeholders to discuss legal challenges and opportunities. Develop recommendations by formulating proposals to enhance the legal environment. Promote inter-sectoral collaboration by strengthening partnerships among all sectors. Click here to read more.

WHO launches landmark Patient Safety Rights charter WHO launches landmark Patient Safety Rights charter Content Editor: Dr. Manjeet May 7, 2024 WHO News Section 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.

Do digital payments have any effect on the morale of healthcare workers? Do digital payments have any effect on the morale of healthcare workers? Content editor: Dr. Anubhav Mondal February 23, 2024 WHO News Section Healthcare workers, Digital payments WHO has been a leader among international organizations in transitioning from the cumbersome, less secure practice of paying salaries in cash. Over the last few years, the Organisation established its Digital Finance Team and joined the Better Than Cash Alliance to advance payment digitalization efforts. Since its inception in 2020, WHO's Digital Finance Team has designed and implemented digital payment systems in 24 African nations, including last year in Benin, Botswana, Madagascar, Rwanda, Togo, and Zimbabwe. Digital payments also save time and money for health campaign organizers by eliminating the need and price of carrying huge sums of cash and completing paperwork. Workers valued the security of not carrying cash, the ease of no longer having to travel to a location to get their paychecks, and, most importantly, the timeliness of payment. Click here to read more.