DRONE- the innovative technology Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy April 27, 2024 at 2:00:00 PM Innovation, Research, and Technology In a revolutionary step in innovative research, the pilot testing of DRONE technology for transferring pathological specimens mid-surgery was conducted recently. DRONE technology stands for “Deployment of a Robust Need-based aerial healthcare delivery system. This initiative was undertaken as a collaborative effort between ICMR and Kasturba Medical College, Manipal. This technology transferred the specimen across 37 km, reducing the waiting period from 60 to 15 minutes. This study aims to evaluate the potential use of such technology to transport specimens from secondary to tertiary care centers. This innovative approach would enable faster decisions during surgery and improved access to high-level health care for patients in peripheral hospitals Click here to read more. Previous Next

First Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) under Nav Bharat Saksharta Abhiyan Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala Maiti April 1, 2023 at 6:08:51 PM Literacy, Education The New India Literacy Programme launched in the FY 2022-2027, aligned with SDG goal 4, aims to deliver Foundational Literacy and Numeracy. Reading, Writing, and Numeracy to non-literates; Critical Life Skills; Basic Education; Vocational skills; Continuing Education; to all above 15 years of age, Priority groups: women, differentially abled persons, minorities, and marginalized communities. The term "Education for all" replaces "Adult education " to include 15 to 18 years with adult learners. Ten states participated in the first Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) on 19th March 2023 to assess Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, where Madhya Pradesh showed maximum participation. The scheme will be voluntary-driven in an online mode. After completion of the study on the course, the learner may register for an assessment test. For further reading - click here Previous Next

International Daughters Day: India's empowering initiatives Content Editor: Shayarai October 5, 2024 at 4:15:00 PM Women Empowerment, Equity, Inclusion International Daughter's Day, observed on September 22nd, highlights the importance of empowering girls and investing in their future. Key Highlights: Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana: This savings scheme, launched in 2015, encourages parents to invest in their daughters' education and future by providing a dedicated account with attractive interest rates. Over 500 villages in North Gujarat have achieved the status of "Sukanya Samriddhi Gram" where all eligible girls have opened accounts. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao: This flagship campaign, launched in 2015, aims to improve the status of girls in India by addressing gender disparities and promoting their education. Other Initiatives: Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG): Provides nutritional and health support to adolescent girls. Scheme for Promotion of Menstrual Hygiene: Enhances menstrual hygiene practices for girls in rural areas. UDAAN: Empowers girls to pursue careers in engineering by providing them with resources and support. National Scheme of Incentives to Girls for Secondary Education (NSIGSE): Provides financial incentives to girls from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to encourage their enrollment and retention in secondary education. By investing in these initiatives, India is taking concrete steps to empower its daughters and ensure they have equal opportunities to thrive and contribute to society . International Daughter's Day serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of these efforts and the need to continue working towards a future where all girls are valued and empowered. Click here to read more. Previous Next

Revamping the rules: Pandemic insights driving IHR amendments Content Editor: Dr. Sangya Chaudhary October 21, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM International Health Regulations, Global Health During the fifth round of discussions under the Working Group on Amendments to the International Health Regulations 2005 (IHR), progress was made on over 300 proposed amendments. These encompassed areas such as: Points Of Entry Public Health Measures Health Documents General Provisions. The group also addressed proposals concerning equitable access to health products and consultation. Efforts will continue before the next meeting in December, including discussions between proponents of amendments and inter-sessional briefings. It's anticipated that the package of amendments may not be ready by January 2024. The IHR, legally binding 196 state parties, has been amended twice, in 2014 and 2022, with the most recent amendments set to take effect in May 2024, in response to lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. Previous Next

Karnataka sets up a second opinion helpline for complex joint surgeries Karnataka sets up a second opinion helpline for complex joint surgeries Content Editor: Dr. Manu December 5, 2024 Social trends Telemedicine, Public Health, Universal Health Coverage Mr. Dinesh Gundu Rao, Health Minister, Government of Karnataka , unveiled a ‘second opinion’ helpline on November 19th under the aegis of the Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust , to help patients undergoing complex joint surgeries get advice to guide them regarding their decisions. The first-of-its-kind helpline in India will provide information in Kannada and English from a group of expert joint replacement surgeons on second opinions, treatment options, surgical plans, and rehabilitation programs. The expert group will also review patients referred from government facilities to empanelled facilities under the health scheme to review gaps in manpower and facilities within the state and amend these. The government aims to roll out the service in other specialties in a phased manner.

Implications of reducing screen time on child’ mental health Implications of reducing screen time on child’ mental health Content Editor: Dr. Sathya Prashaath October 12, 2024 JAMA Network Open Screen time, Mental health, Child health A study published in JAMA Network Open observed that reducing screen media use significantly improves the mental health of children and adolescents. The study involved 89 families and focused on a 2-week intervention to limit screen time to 3 hours per week. The key outcomes of the study are behavioral improvement and prosocial behavior, and the findings include: Behavioral Improvements: The intervention group showed a notable decrease in behavioral difficulties, particularly internalizing symptoms such as emotional and peer problems. Prosocial Behavior : Children in the screen reduction group exhibited enhanced prosocial behavior, indicating better social interactions. Short-term reduction in screen media use positively affects children's and adolescents' mental health. Click here to read more.

2022 Walking statistics: Leisure and transportation patterns of Americans 2022 Walking statistics: Leisure and transportation patterns of Americans Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay August 3, 2024 Center for Disease Control and Prevention Physical activity, International health, Lifestyle The 2022 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR ) QuickStats study compares walking behaviors in urban and rural areas and looks at walking patterns among adults in the United States who are at least 18 years old. It distinguishes between walking for transit and walking for pleasure. In the last seven days, 58.7% of adults walked for pleasure, whereas 16.2% of individuals walked for transportation. Urban dwellers were likelier to walk for both purposes than rural areas. In particular, 18.3% of adults in cities and 7.6% in rural areas walked for transit. 59.5% of urban people and 55.6% of rural dwellers went for leisure walks. The differences in walking patterns between urban and rural populations are highlighted by this data, which may point to places where public health programs to promote physical activity, especially in rural regions, could be particularly effective. Click here to read more.

Adverse drug reactions to counterfeit botox Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala April 18, 2024 at 2:00:00 PM Adverse Drug Reaction, Food and Drug Administration, Outbreak Investigation The CDC and US FDA reported 19 cases and 9 hospitalizations across 9 states in the United States of America. They reported zero deaths as of 15th April 2024. The outbreak investigation reported that the victims received botox injections from untrained personnel in non-healthcare settings . Symptoms of blurry visions, drooping of eyelids, slurred speech, breathing difficulty, etc. were reported. The FDA has issued an advisory for healthcare personnel and consumers on identifying the signs and symptoms of harmful reactions and signs to differentiate original Botox products from counterfeit ones. The incident throws light on the need for stricter regulation on authorized drug sales and purchases and its use by trained healthcare personnel to ensure the safety of the consumers. Click here to read more. Previous Next

Railway Board emphasizes on Mental Health of RPF personnel Railway Board emphasizes on Mental Health of RPF personnel Content Editor: Dr. Sumana Mukhopadhyay August 17, 2023 The Hindu Mental health , Health evaluation, Pre-placement Examination The Railway Board has taken prompt measures to rectify a tragic event in which a Railway Protection Force (RPF) constable killed four persons on a moving train. To avoid such incidents in the future, a six-member high-level group was formed with a critical mandate: to recommend comprehensive mechanisms for examining the mental health of RPF personnel before they are entrusted with weapons . Their primary focus will be on the precaution that must be taken before issuing guns to RPF . The Railway Board has requested that the committee conduct a thorough evaluation of existing rules for both physical and mental health exams and submit a detailed report. The presumed psychotic diagnosis of the accused constable, Chetan Singh, was withheld from RPF authority, emphasizing the severity of the situation. By implementing the recommendations, the Board aims to strengthen the mental health evaluation process for RPF personnel, ensuring a safer and more secure environment.

04. Climate Change Performance Index - India secured 8th position 04. Climate Change Performance Index - India secured 8th position December 19, 2022 Press Information Bureau Environment & Climate Change The Climate Change Performance Index 2023 report was released recently.Since no country was strong enough in all index categories to achieve an overall very high rating, thus the top three places i.e 1-3 are vacant. Thereafter India is amongst the top 5 countries. With India (8th), the United Kingdom (11th), and Germany (16th), only three G20 countries are among the high performers in CCPI 2023.Thus India’s rank is the best amongst the G20 countries.