Salesforce Research: COVID-19 has rewired the fabric of the workplace
83% of survey participants from India are more interested in online learning/training since the pandemic
79% survey participants from India say technology should play a major role in workplace safety
53% of survey participants from India say that they would switch jobs if it meant they could work remotely
Mumbai, India — November 26, 2020 —Salesforce, the global leader in CRM, today revealed India insights from its report titled,‘Global Stakeholder Series’.Insights from this report reveal the changing ways in which we are working today, including the digital imperative pushing companies to re-examine their business models; the all-digital, work from anywhere world; and the role of businesses as a platform for change. This report surveyed 20,000 people across ten countries, including 4,000 people from India, focused on gaining insights about the participants’ perceptions of the future of work from around the world.
Insights reveal that remote work is a luxury not available for all and that working remotely will look different everywhere. 53% of survey participants from India say that they would switch jobs if it meant they could work remotely. Companies have had to transition to remote work overnight — leaving employees with an urgent need to skill up to succeed in an all-digital world. There has been a heightened interest in online learning since COVID-19 with 83% of survey participants from India saying they are more interested in online learning/training.
The pandemic has pushed companies to adapt to new realities that are radically transforming how they operate and serve both their employees and customers. In the rush to digitize, businesses must ensure the safety of their employees. Businesses should prioritize workspace design and technology to ensure employee safety at work and emphasize employee mental health. In fact, 79% of survey participants from India say technology should play a major role in workplace safety.
The findings reinforce the importance of businesses to prioritize closing inequalities, and companies in India are in a position to do so. 65% of survey participants from India say closing global inequalities should be a high priority for businesses and 61% of Indian respondents say it’s critical their employer gives back to their community. Trust in business and government is significantly higher in India than the global population; 89% of survey participants from India trust businesses to create a better future and 70% of survey participants from India trust business leaders to create a better future.
Comments on the news:
Dulles Krishnan, Area Vice President, Salesforce India, said, “Amid the global pandemic, companies have been leveraging technology to pivot their businesses at hyperspeed. This new all-digital world poses an opportunity for business leaders to rethink how they not only connect with their customers, but also their employees. By shifting our priorities on our employees, ensuring safety and reskilling for the future, we have the opportunity to use technology to make the future of work a more inclusive and resilient environment.”
Data in this report is from a blind survey conducted in June 2020 that generated 20,000 responses from general population citizens in the U.S., Canada, U.K./Ireland, France, Germany, Brazil, Japan, Australia/New Zealand, India, and Singapore. The data was weighted by age, gender, income and education to reflect the national representation of citizens in each country. To dive into more data please visit this Tableau Dashboard.
About Salesforce
Salesforce is the global leader in Customer Relationship Management (CRM), bringing companies closer to their customers in the digital age. Founded in 1999, Salesforce enables companies of every size and industry to take advantage of powerful technologies—cloud, mobile, social, internet of things, artificial intelligence, voice and blockchain—to create a 360-degree view of their customers. For more information about Salesforce (NYSE: CRM), visit: www.salesforce.com.
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1. Union Health Minister approves National Policy for Rare Diseases, 2021 Saturday April 3 2021 : Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Health & Family Welfare Minister approved the “National Policy for Rare Diseases 2021” on 30th March 2021. The policy document has been uploaded on the website of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. For quite some time different stake holders have been demanding for a comprehensive policy for prevention and management of rare diseases.
The field of rare diseases is very complex and heterogeneous and prevention, treatment and management of rare diseases has multiple challenges. Early diagnosis of rare diseases is a major challenge owing to a variety of factors that include lack of awareness among primary care physicians, lack of adequate screening and diagnostic facilities etc.
There are also fundamental challenges in the research and development for the majority of rare diseases as relatively little is known about the pathophysiology or the natural history of these diseases particularly in the Indian context. Rare diseases are also difficult to research upon as the patients pool is very small and it often results in inadequate clinical experience. Availability and accessibility to medicines are also important to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with rare disease. Despite progress in recent years, there is a need to augment effective and safe treatment for rare diseases. The cost of treatment of rare diseases is prohibitively expensive. Various High Courts and the Supreme Court have also expressed concern about lack of a national policy for rare diseases.
To address all these challenges, a very comprehensive National Policy for Rare Diseases 2021 has been finalized by the Ministry of H&FW after multiple consultations with different stakeholders and experts in the area. Draft Policy for Rare Diseases was put in public domain on 13th January 2020 on which comments/views were invited from all stakeholders, general public, organization and States and Union Territories. All the comments received were examined in depth by an Expert Committee constituted by the Ministry.
The Rare Diseases Policy aims to lower the high cost of treatment for rare diseases with increased focus on indigenous research with the help of a National Consortium to be set up with Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare as convenor. Increased focus of research and development and local production of medicines will lower the cost of treatment for rare diseases. The policy also envisage creation of a national hospital based registry of rare diseases so that adequate data is available for definition of rare diseases and for research and development related to rare diseases within the country.
The Policy also focuses on early screening and prevention through primary and secondary health care infrastructure such as Health and Wellness Centres and District Early Intervention Centres (DEICs) and through counselling for the high-risk parents. Screening will also be supported by Nidan Kendras set up by Department of Biotechnology. Policy also aims to strengthen tertiary health care facilit
2. COVID-19 vaccines do not cause infertility Friday June 25 2021 : We are soon going to have the world’s first DNA-plasmid vaccine by Zydus Cadilla which has been Made in India. The other vaccine that we can expect soon is Biological E – a protein sub-unit vaccine, informs Dr. Narendra Kumar Arora, Chairman of COVID-19 Working Group of the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI). He further informs that the trials of these vaccines have been quite encouraging. “We are hopeful that this vaccine will be available by September. The Indian m-RNA vaccine which can be stored at temperature 2 - 8 Degree Celsius should also be available by September. Two other vaccines namely Novavax by Serum Institute of India and Johnson & Johnson may also be expected soon. By the third week of July, the production capacity of Bharat Biotech and SII are going to be increased phenomenally. This will enhance the vaccine supply in the country. By August, we expect to procure 30-35 crore doses in a month”. Dr. Arora says that this will enable us to vaccinate one crore persons in a day.
The Chairperson spoke on these and various other facets of India’s COVID-19 vaccination drive, in an interview to Department of Science and Technology’s OTT - India Science Channel.
How effective are the new vaccines going to be?
When we say a certain vaccine is 80% effective, it means that vaccine reduces the chances of COVID-19 disease by 80%. There is a difference between infection and disease. If a person has contracted COVID infection but is asymptomatic, this person only has an infection. However, if the person has symptoms due to the infection, this person has COVID disease. All vaccines in the world prevent COVID disease. There is very little chance of severe disease after vaccination while the chances of death after vaccination are negligible. If the efficacy of a vaccine is 80%, then 20% of the vaccinated people may contract mild COVID.
The vaccines available in India are capable of reducing the spread of the Corona Virus. If 60%-70% people are vaccinated, the spread of the virus be checked.
The Government started the COVID immunization drive by vaccinating the elderly, in order to vaccinate the most vulnerable population first and thus reduce casualty and the burden on our health services.
There is a lot of mis-information regarding the COVID vaccine. Could you please clarify?
Recently, I travelled to Haryana and Uttar Pradesh and spoke to people in both urban and rural areas in these states to understand issues of vaccine hesitancy. Many people mostly from rural areas do not take COVID seriously and confuse it with normal fever. People need to understand that COVID may be mild in many cases. But when it takes a severe form, it may become a financial burden and may also lead to loss of life.
It is very encouraging that we can protect ourselves from COVID through vaccination. We must all firmly believe that COVID-19 vaccines available in India are completely safe. I assure every one that all the vaccines have undergone rigorous tests, including clinical trials
3. 40% of health outcomes can be determined through achieving equity in Social Determinants – IIHMR University on World Health Day Thursday April 8 2021 : 40% of health outcomes can be determined through achieving equity in Social Determinants – IIHMR University on World Health Day 40% of health outcomes can be determined through achieving equity in Social Determinants – IIHMR University on World Health Day
Conducts a talk on ‘Transforming Public Health Education in Developing Nations’
under the SD Gupta School of Public Health
· Integration of non-communicable diseases in primary health care
· Contribution for health systems and social protection
· Building capacities of public health professionals
· Incorporating leadership and public health management from right based approach
· Strengthening the data of health information systems for a stronger health system
Jaipur, 8th April, 2021: There is a dire need for Public Health Education to produce high-quality Public Health professionals. The Evolution for Public Heath that dates to the 19th century marks a conscious shift from medical health to Public Health education. To highlight the prime needs of Public Health as a discipline to be incorporated in the curriculum and must be considered more seriously in Developing Nations, IIHMR University organized a talk on ‘Transforming Public Health Education in Developing Nations. The experts Padmabhushan Dr. Srinath Reddy, President, Public Health Foundation of India and Dr. SD Gupta, Chairman, IIHMR University presented their views. Dr. D. K. Mangal, Dean Research at IIHMR University, moderator of the programme,and summarized their views by stating that there is a need of addressing changing requirements of public health education in India and also in developing nations.
Dr. Ashok Agarwal, Trustee, IIHMR, underlining the contribution by IIHMR and the need for Public Health Education, said, “IIHMR has a different approach where the institution began working and thinking about the specialist areas of public health. University has made a tremendous contribution in its research towards Polio Eradication. It has been working on the area of Public Health with an emphasis on implementation level in management practices. IIHMR University has been an apex institution in the field of Public Health, Training, Research and Academics. COVID-19 has exposed the acute need for further research as well as training in Public Health. To address, IIHMR University has recently launched the
4. Health A-Z Sunday September 8 2019 : Health A-Z
Acne
Adult ADHD
Alcoholism
Allergies
Alzheimer's Disease
Anorexia Nervosa
Anxiety
Appendicitis
Arrhythmia
Asthma
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Autism
Back Pain
Bipolar Disorder
Birth Control
Breast Cancer
Bronchitis
Bulimia
Cervical Cancer
Childhood Vaccines
Cholesterol
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic Pain
Cold, Flu, and Sinus
Colorectal Cancer
COPD
Crohn's Disease
Depression
5. Health challenges being solved through holistic methods with integrated medicine systems: PM Friday November 13 2020 : Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today dedicated two future-ready national premier Ayurveda institutions to the nation to mark celebration of the 5th Ayurveda Day, here today through video conferencing. The Prime Minister dedicated to the nation the Institute of Teaching & Research in Ayurveda (ITRA), Jamnagar as an Institution of National Importance (INI), and the National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA), Jaipur as a Deemed to be University by the University Grants Commission.
Shri Shripad Naik, Minister of State (IC), Ministry of AYUSH, Shri Kalraj Mishra, Governor of Rajasthan, Shri Ashok Gehlot, Chief Minister, Rajasthan, Shri Acharya Devvrat, Governor of Gujarat, and Shri Vijaybhai Rupani, Chief Minister of Gujarat participated virtually.
The Prime Minister highlighted the rich legacy of traditional medicine that India has been blessed with. This has been recognized worldwide, more so during the times of the global pandemic of COVID-19 for its beneficial and health and wellness endowing supreme properties, he stated. The Prime Minister stated that the focus has now shifted to prevention and wellness, and the importance of holistic and integrated medicine systems for overall wellness and health of the people. India’s traditional systems of medicine have amply demonstrated to the world the power of Ayurveda. It is now important to develop scientific evidence-based research structures to integrate with the modern knowledge repositories to move ahead in the 21st century. Integrative medicine is the need of the hour, he highlighted. While India has been known as Pharmacy of the World, with evidence-based research, we can take traditional medicine systems and Ayurveda to new heights, he stated.
The Prime Minister pointed out that during the Corona period the demand for Ayurvedic products has increased rapidly all over the world. He said exports of Ayurvedic products increased by about 45 percent in September this year compared to the previous year. He added the significant increase in export of spices like turmeric, ginger, considered as immunity boosters shows the sudden boost in confidence in Ayurvedic solutions and Indian spices across the world. He said that during the Corona period, the focus is not only limited to the use of Ayurveda alone but to advance research related to AYUSH in the country and the world.
The Prime Minister emphasized that Ayurveda is not an option anymore, but forms a fundamental pillar of the country’s national health policy and health interventions.
The Prime Minister congratulated the two premier Ayurveda Institutes and urged them to work in the direction of developing new curriculum to explore and also match the new challenges and opportunities in the field of modern medicine. He urged the Ministry of Human Research and Development (MoHRD) and the University Grants Commission (UGC) to work on this, which shall in turn give a boost to the doctoral and post-doctoral studies.
The Prime Minister also urged the private sector and the start-ups industry
6. Let's Thank Our Healthcare Workers Monday July 5 2021 : Let's Thank Our Healthcare Workers
Last Date Dec 31,2021 23:45 PM IST (GMT +5.30 Hrs)
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What the world witnessed in the form of the COVID-19 crisis was beyond anybody’s wildest dreams. Though the world beheld chaos unfolds before its eyes in starting 2020, it also saw the unprecedented courage, service, and sacrifice of our doctors, nurses & frontline workers during these tough times.
As the second wave of COVID-19 once again tests India's strength & dedication in defeating this virus, we cannot thank our true COVID warriors enough for their spirit, fearlessness, and resolve.
Doctors, nurses & frontline workers have isolated themselves away from their families & have been working day and night to battle all the atrocities of the raging pandemic.
But are we doing enough for them?
The least we can do is make their jobs easier by following COVID Appropriate Behaviour& take out our time to say a heartfelt thank you. Let's make them feel valued. Let’s tell them that they are appreciated every day, but also especially during this unprecedented time, we are all facing together. Let’s hail the selfless work done by the medical professionals in India in dealing with the virus.
Though Thank you might sound like a small word against the momentous task they have undertaken, yet let’s make a small start. Join the Thank You Healthcare Workers Initiative & share your message to encourage them to move on to this difficult task of saving the lives during the COVID-19 pandemic.
7. Health and AYUSH Ministers formally launch inter-disciplinary studies involving AYUSH interventions for COVID 19 situation Friday May 8 2020 : Health and AYUSH Ministers formally launch inter-disciplinary studies involving AYUSH interventions for COVID 19 situation
Health Minister Sh. Harsh Vardhan and Minister of State for AYUSH Sh. Shripad Yesso Naik jointly launched clinical research studies on Ayurveda interventions as an add-on to standard care to COVID 19 situation and Ayush Sanjivani application today at New Delhi. AYUSH Minister was participating in the programme through Video Conferencing from Goa.
Speaking on the occasion Dr Harsh Vardhan informed that through a graded, pre-emptive and pro-active approach, Government of India is taking several steps for prevention, containment and management of COVID-19. These are being regularly reviewed and monitored at the highest level.
Dr Harsh Vardhan said, “India has a history of traditional medicine since long and being the pioneer in the field of Ayurveda, the Ministry of AYUSH is working to address the COVID 19 pandemic problem in the country through clinical studies (prophylactic and add-on interventions) of AYUSH systems.
The Union Health Minister said that the Ayush Sanjivani mobile app developed by Ministry of AYUSH will be useful to generate data on acceptance and usage of AYUSH advocacies and measures among the population and its impact in prevention of COVID 19.
On this Occasion Shri Shripad Naik said that the Ministry of AYUSH has taken initiatives to address the COVID 19 pandemic problem in the country through clinical studies (prophylactic and add-on interventions) of AYUSH systems and also studying the impact of AYUSH based prophylactic interventions in high risk population. The ministry is also studying the impact of AYUSH advocacies and AYUSH measures for prevention of COVID 19 among the population.
Shri Naik futher informed that the Ministry of AYUSH has undertaken four clinical and population based studies to find a better solution to the problem and to assess the role of AYUSH for prevention of the disease.
Speaking on this occasion Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH Vaidya Rajesh Kotech informed that the Ministry has setup an Interdisciplinary Ayush R&D Task Force with a group of experts under the chairmanship of Dr Bhushan Patvardhan, Vice Chairmen, University Grant Commission (UGC) to formulate and develop strategies for this initiative.
The Joint Secretary, AYUSH Shri P.N.Ranjit Kumar gave presentation and explained in detail about three AYUSH based studies related to COVID-19. He also informed the gathering about the Sanjivni App and explained the benefit of Ayurveda. While talking about the three AYUSH based studies, he gave full details about development of the idea, crowd sourcing, making of the task force, alliance of various institutes like SGPGI, AIIMS, ICMR, CSIR & bringing the idea to reality.
The following studies were formally launched in the programme:
Clinical research studies on Ayurveda interventions as prophylaxis and as an add-on to standard care to COVID 19: Collaborative clinical studies as a joint initiati
8. Yoga in Helping Recovery of COVID-19 Patients Tuesday September 15 2020 : The Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy (CCRYN), has undertaken a research project to verify the efficacy of Yoga in facilitating early recovery of COVID – 19 patients in collaboration with Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi, AIIMS Delhi, AIIMS Rishikesh and RML Hospital, Delhi.
Due to stringent restrictions on mass gatherings arising from the contagious nature of COVID-19, the theme for International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2020 was adopted as ‘Yoga at Home, Yoga with Family’.
The Ministry of AYUSH made various online resources available on its digital platforms like the Yoga Portal and the social media handles like YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to provide ample opportunities for the people to learn Yoga from their homes.
The Ministry also organized the ‘My Life, My Yoga (MLMY)’ i.e. the Jeevan Yoga video blogging contest with attractive prizes for the winners and runners-up. Additionally, the Ministry of AYUSH, in association with PrasarBharati, telecasted a trainer led Yoga session on DD National on the sixth International Day of Yoga.
Numerous online discourses on Yoga by prominent Yoga gurus and experts were also organized as a part of the promotional campaign for IDY 2020. 16 Yoga gurus and experts delivered their discourses from the 5th of June 2020 to the 20th of June 2020, which were streamed live on the official Facebook page of the Ministry of AYUSH.
Also, as a part of observation of IDY this Ministry has reached out to Gram Pradhans with suggested plan of action for Yoga promotion in villages. Common Service Centers (CSCs) of the Ministry of Electronics & IT have also been roped in for promotion of Yoga in rural areas.
To facilitate training from home, daily telecast of the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) was organized on DD Bharti for making more and more people familiar with CYP and preparing them for the main event.
Prominent celebrities from the entertainment industry gave promotional messages on Yoga, encouraging the people to be active participants from their homes in the IDY.
This information was given by the Minister of Health and Family Welfare Dr. Harsh Vardhan in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
Sources https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1654498
9. Treatment of Non-COVID-19 Patients During Pandemic Friday September 18 2020 : The patients who were not suffering from Corona but still have been treated in AIIMS and Central Government run hospitals in IPD as well as in OPD after 24th March, 2020 in the country is given in Annexure.
As per the National Health Accounts (NHA) Estimates 2016-17 (latest available), public expenditure on health as a percentage of GDP is 1.2%.
No such patient who was already admitted in AIIMS or Central Government run hospitals whether serious/critical or non-serious was discharged from the hospitals without adequate treatment, due to pandemic situation in the country.
S.No.
Name of the Hospital
No. of patients treated since 24.3.2020
1.
AIIMS, New Delhi
401506
2.
Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi
253220
3.
RML Hospital, New Delhi
268471
4.
LHMC, New Delhi
211796
5.
AIIMS, Bhubaneswar
94999
6.
AIIMS, Jodhpur
127631
7.
AIIMS, Raipur
126486
8.
AIIMS, Rishikesh
48765
9.
AIIMS, Patna
15491
10.
AIIMS, Bhopal
62862
The Minister of State (Health and Family Welfare), Sh Ashwini Kumar Choubey stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha here today.
10. Tele-Medicine Platform for Health Care Delivery Friday September 18 2020 : Public health is a state subject. Under the National Health Mission (NHM), support is being provided to States/UTs to strengthen their healthcare systems including Tele-consultation services based on requirements posed by the States in their Programme Implementation Plans (PIPs).
eSanjeevani Telemedicine solution developed by CDAC-Mohali is being rolled out under Ayushman Bharat – Health & Wellness Centres program.
Under Ayushman Bharat, 1.5 lakh Sub Health Centres (SHCs) and rural and urban Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across the country are being transformed by December 2022 as Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) with an aim to provide Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC) that includes preventive and health promotion at the community level with continuum of care.
The state- wise details of funds approved under NHM for Tele-consultation for FY 20-21 are given below:
State-wise details of funds approved under NHM for Tele-consultation at Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres
Sl. No.
State
Total Amount Approved for Tele-Consultation in FY 20-21 (Rs. in lakh) as on 15.09.20
1
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
0
2
Andhra Pradesh
69.55
3
Arunachal Pradesh
63.2
4
Assam
33.84
5
Bihar
11. DoPT issues guidelines for strict compliance by Ministries/Departments of the Central government in the wake COVID-19 situation Monday April 19 2021 : In view of the unprecedented rise in the number of COVID-19 cases and to take measures to prevent its spread, Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT), Ministry of Personnel has issued certain/instructions guidelines for strict compliance by Ministries/Departments of the Central government. These instructions/ guidelines shall come into effect immediately and will remain in force until 30.04.2021 or further orders, whichever is earlier.
Elaborating on this, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh referred to the Official Memorandum(OM) issued today with certain specific instructions to be followed in all the government offices.
These include physical attendance of the officers of the level of Under Secretary or equivalent and below to be restricted to 50% of the actual strength. Secretary/HoD may regulate the attendance of officials and may, on administrative grounds, direct more officials to attend office. A roster may be prepared accordingly. All officers of the level of Deputy Secretary, equivalent and above are to attend office on a regular basis.
The officers/staff shall follow staggered timings, to avoid overcrowding in offices, as indicated below:
9.00 A.M. to 5.30. P.M.
9.30 AM to 6.00 PM
12. Healthium acquires VitalCare Group in U.K. to strengthen its global urology portfolio Wednesday July 7 2021 : Healthium acquires VitalCare Group in U.K. to strengthen its global urology portfolio
Mumbai, India: Healthium, a global player in medical devices, announced that it has acquired VitalCare Group, a manufacturer of urology consumable care products, through its subsidiary Clinisupplies Ltd. This acquisition will help Healthium expand its urology franchise in Europe and other developed markets.
Healthium has a diverse portfolio of medical devices and consumables, which includes surgical sutures, needles, a patented arthroscopy portfolio, urology portfolio, hernia meshes, haemostats, gloves, ligation clips, surgical staplers and other wound closure devices. The Company holds 60 patents in India and U.S (including those under process).
VitalCare is a manufacturer of urology consumable care products, with relationships with healthcare customers worldwide. The company is headquartered in U.K. with manufacturing operations in China.
With the acquisition of VitalCare, Healthium adds to its manufacturing capabilities in urology and boosts its in-house R&D, which will strengthen its presence in the urology segment in Europe and the U.S. Mr. Lewis Calcutt, Managing Director, VitalCare will continue with the company, building on its global presence and creating a truly differentiated product portfolio.
Commenting on the acquisition Mr. Anish Bafna, MD & CEO, Healthium Medtech said, “It is our ambition to cater to needs of India and the world when it comes to quality medical devices and consumables. We continue to invest in R & D as we aim to make products that address unmet needs of patients and medical professionals. The acquisition of VitalCare will bring together global talent, diverse cultures, differentiated expertise, strengthen our product portfolio and presence in Urology care to drive continuous value for our customers. The combined leadership and synergies in offerings from both companies will further strengthen distribution, offer more choices to our customers and enable us to deliver better patient care worldwide.”
Mr. Paul Cook- CEO Clinisupplies also added, “Given the rapid changes we are witnessing in the global healthcare system, the time is right for both companies to join forces and take on the larger market opportunity. The acquisition will help us expand our footprint in Europe and U.S. Together, we will continue to focus on bringing forward best in class and innovative solutions that will continue to redefine urology care.”
Mr. Lewis Calcutt, Managing Director, VitalCare said, “We are extremely excited about our association and are looking forward to expanding our urology care portfolio under the leadership of Healthium. This relationship will be a strong contributor to our growth and give us access to attractive geographies.”
About Healthium
Healthium is a global player in Medical Devices focused
13. Children impacted by Covid-19 Pandemic being provided Tele Counselling through SAMVEDNA Monday May 17 2021 : With an objective of providing psychological first-aid and emotional support to children affected during COVID-19 Pandemic, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)is providing Tele-Counselling to children through SAMVEDNA(Sensitizing Action on Mental Health Vulnerability through Emotional Development and Necessary Acceptance) - a Toll-Free Helpline launched to provide psycho-social mental support for Children affected during COVID 19 Pandemic. Tele-counselling is being provided through a network of qualified Experts/Counselors/Psychologists trained under the guidance of Dr. Shekhar Seshadri, Professor, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and his team from NIMHANS, on various psychosocial issues in reference to COVID-19, using different Tele counselling strategies.
SAMVEDNAtele counselling service is for psychological support to children to address their stress, anxiety, fear and other issues during the Pandemic. This service is available on a toll-free No: 1800-121-2830 from Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. This service is exclusively for children who are willing to talk and arein need of counseling. When a child/ caretaker/Parent dials SAMVEDNA1800-121-2830,they get to speak to a professional counselor in a safe environment. Tele counselling is provided to the children under three categories:
1.Children who are in Quarantine/isolation/COVID Care centers.
2.Children who have COVID positive parents or family members and near ones.
3. Children who have lost their parents due to Covid-19 Pandemic.
This Toll-free Tele-Counselling cater to the children from all over India in various regional languages like Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Oriya, Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali etc. This service was launched in September,2020 and continuing to support children in the difficult times of COVID-19 pandemic.
NCPCRis a statutory body and works under the aegis of Ministry of Women and Child Development, Govt. of India.
Sources https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1719426
14. Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic Tuesday September 15 2020 : The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying with a view to avoid adverse impact on fisheries due to COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in the country, had issued advisory to State Governments/Union Territories(UTs) to include fish and shrimp in the list of commodities to exempt from lockdown and also allow movement of fish and fish products, fish seed & fish feed for fish-farmers/fishers, aquaculture farms and other commercial establishments like aquarium shop etc. Besides, the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Guidelines dated 10th April,2020 also allowed operations of the fishing(marine)/aquaculture industry including feeding & maintenance, harvesting, processing, packaging, cold chain, sale and marketing, hatcheries, feed plants, commercial aquaria, movement of fish/shrimp and fish products, seed/feed and workers. In addition, the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying has launched a flagship scheme namely Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) as a part of Atma Nirbhar Bharat COVID-19 relief package with an estimated investment of Rs.20,050 crores for implementation in all States/Union Territories over a period of 5 years from Fy 2020-21 to Fy 2024-25.
This answer was given by the Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri Pratap Chandra Sarangi in a written reply.
Sources https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1654544
15. Alternative Therapies for Covid-19 in Ayurveda Tuesday March 9 2021 : Ministry of AYUSH has formed an Inter-disciplinary AYUSH R&D Task Force chaired by Prof. Bhushan Patwardhan and having representation from scientists including Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Department of Biotechnology(DBT), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and AYUSH Institutions. The Interdisciplinary AYUSH Research and Development Task Force has formulated and designed clinical research protocols for prophylactic studies and add-on interventions in COVID-19 positive cases through thorough review and consultative process of experts of high repute from different organizations across the country for studying four different interventions viz. Ashwagandha, Yashtimadhu, Guduchi + Pippali and a poly herbal formulation (AYUSH-64).The task force have taken up the proposals received from screening committees of Councils and proactively explored possibilities based on available leads. Ministry of AYUSH has constituted core group of experts under the Chairmanship of Prof. Bhushan Patwardhan to identify and propose formulations on COVID-19 which are in line with Classical Ayurveda principles and have substantial leads on COVID-19 viz. one for prophylaxis as immunomodulatory, another for management of COVID-19 with antiviral properties and one product for post COVID-19 care.
Ministry of AYUSH has launched interdisciplinary studies involving AYUSH interventions for COVID-19 based on recommendations of Task force. Under various research organizations and National Institutes under Ministry of AYUSH, 112 research studies at 141 centres in the country are being conducted on AYUSH interventions as prophylactic interventions.
AYUSH Sanjivani mobile app developed by Ministry of AYUSH and has documented the impact assessment of effectiveness, acceptance and usage of AYUSH advisories & measures in the prevention of COVID-19 through Mobile app base population study in around 1.5 crores respondents. 85.1% of the respondents reported use of AYUSH measures for prevention of COVID-19, among which 89.8% respondents agreed to have benefitted from the practice of AYUSH advisory.
The Ministry of AYUSH has released “National Clinical Management Protocol based on Ayurveda and Yoga for management of COVID-19” prepared by National Task force which in consensus from expert committees from All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Delhi, Institute of Post Graduate Training and Research in Ayurved (IPGTRA), Jamnagar, and National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA), Jaipur , Central Council for Research in Ayurveda (CCRAS), Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy (CCRYN) and other national research organizations as per the Report & Recommendations of the Interdisciplinary Committee.
The Minister of State (The Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy), Sh. Kiren Rijiju (Additional Charge) stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha here today.
16. New Healthcare Scheme for Covid-19 Victims Tuesday September 15 2020 : There is provision made under ‘Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package for Health Workers Fighting COVID-19. This is a Central Sector scheme.
The scheme provide an insurance cover of Rs. 50 lakh to healthcare providers, including community health workers, who may have to be in direct contact and care of COVID-19 patients and who may be at risk of being impacted by this. It will also include accidental loss of life on account of contracting COVID-19.
The scheme also covers private hospital staff/ retired/volunteer/ local urban bodies/contract/daily wage/ ad-hoc/outsourced staff requisitioned by States/ Central hospitals/autonomous hospitals of Central/States/UTs, AIIMS & INIs/ hospitals of Central Ministries drafted for COVID-19 related responsibilities.
The insurance provided under this scheme would be over and above any other insurance cover being availed of by the beneficiary.
In addition for treatment of those affected by COVID, Government is implementing Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) to provide health cover of Rs. 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to around 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable families (approx. 50 crore Individuals) as per Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data. To effectively cover AB-PMJAY beneficiaries for testing and treatment of COVID-19, packages for ‘Testing for COVID-19’ and ‘Treatment of COVID-19’ have been notified.
The Minister of State (Health and Family Welfare), Sh Ashwini Kumar Choubey stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha here today.
Sources https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1654457
17. Columbia Pacific Communities (CPC) and Fortis Healthcare launch #ReachOut, a mental health initiative supporting India’s elderly amid the second COVID wave Tuesday May 18 2021 : Columbia Pacific Communities (CPC) and Fortis Healthcare launch #ReachOut, a mental health initiative supporting India’s elderly amid the second COVID waveColumbia Pacific Communities (CPC) and Fortis Healthcare launch #ReachOut, a mental health initiative supporting India’s elderly amid the second COVID wave
The ten-day social media campaignencourages senior citizens to seek help for their mental health allowing them to deal with trauma, hopelessness and stress.
Mumbai, May 17, 2021:With India battling the second wave of COVID-19, people of all ages are experiencing miasma, hopelessness and are unable to process the whirlpool of negative news surrounding them. Seniors in particular are feeling increasingly anxious and overwhelmed by the situation, and often tend to shy away from opening up about their mental health for the fear of being judged.
While the pandemic has largely focused on physical health (the importance of hygiene and sanitisation, building one’s immunity), there has not been much focus on the mental distress caused by the pandemic.
To help senior citizens address their mental health issues, Columbia Pacific Communities, India’s largest senior living community operator has partnered with Fortis Healthcare, one of India’s most reputed healthcare service providers to launch a mental wellness initiative titled #ReachOut. The objective of the10-day social media led initiative is to provide senior citizens with free and easy access to experts who can provide them with counselling, therapy andno-judgement, confidential conversations.
Mohit Nirula, CEO, Columbia Pacific Communities, said, “Even after a year of the pandemic, mental health is a topic that is not discussed much. We believe that mental wellness is an integral part of overall wellness, a primary driver of positive ageing, and have always created space and opportunities for our residents to retain charge of their lives. In these difficult times, when seniors staying on their own are feeling lonely, isolated, overwhelmed and hopeless, this initiative in association with Fortis Healthcare, one of India’s most reputed healthcare service providers, will encourage them to open up and reach out for help.”
The objective of this initiative by Columbia Pacific Communities is to stand with India’s senior citizensduring this difficult time and provide them a safe space encouraging them to ask for help.
‘Fortis Stress Helpline’ by Fortis National Mental Health Program, is a free 24x7 helpline providing support, crisis intervention and guidance by psycholog
18. Stimulus Package for COVID-19 Tuesday September 15 2020 : The Central Government, on 26th March, 2020 announced a relief package under the “Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana”, totaling Rs.1.70 lakh crore for the poor to help them fight the battle against Corona Virus. Around 42 crore poor people have received financial assistance of Rs. 68, 820 crore under this scheme.
Central Government allowed the State Governments to use the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) on 14th March, 2020 for taking measures for quarantine facilities, sample, collection and screening, procurement of essential equipments/labs for COVID-19. Thereafter, on 28th March, 2020, Central Government also allowed State Governments to use SDRF for making provisions of temporary accommodation, food, clothing, medical care, etc., to homeless people including migrant labourers. To augment the funds with the States, Central Government released in advance Rs.11, 092 crores from the SDRF to the States on 3rd April, 2020.
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare approved the India COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health Systems Preparedness Package of Rs. 15,000 crores. The said Package seeks to support States/UTs in establishment of COVID dedicated facilities for treatment of COVID-19 cases including for critical care, enhancement in testing capacities, engagement and training of necessary human resources and procurement of essential equipment and protective gear for the health care personnel engaged in COVID-19 duties, etc.
Additionally, State Governments have been allowed additional borrowing limit of up to 2 percent of Gross State Domestic Product (GSPD) for the year 2020-21. As against the additional borrowing limit of 2% of GSDP, consent for borrowing of 0.50 percent of GSDP amounting to Rs. 1,06,830 crore has already been issued to the States to raise Open Market Borrowing (OMB) during the year 2020-21.
This was stated by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Nityanand Rai in a written reply to question in the Lok Sabha today.
Sources https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1654599
19. Lucknow lab records shortest average time to process Covid-19 samples among institutions in India Wednesday September 23 2020 : As the COVID 19 patient numbers are recorded, a testing hub in Lucknow for the disease has recorded the shortest average time to process samples among institutions in the country.
With 1000 to 1200 samples being tested per day, the story of the rise of Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology, to the top institution not only in the state but throughout the country in terms of average processing time of samples is one of sheer grit and dedication.
With a small team of 8 members, the lab is running 24x7 to test samples from various districts of Uttar Pradesh. The number of samples tested by BSIP has crossed 50,000, of which approximately 1600 samples were reported positive for SARS-CoV-2 with zero pendency. Keeping in light the present scenario and to aid the authorities to contain this pandemic, BSIP has provided testing reports (on daily basis) to the concerned districts in record time of 24 hours.
BSIP joined hands with the Government of Uttar Pradesh to combat COVID-19 in the state, becoming one of the five Central Government research institutes in Lucknow, which took initial steps to start laboratory testing of COVID-19. Availability of a BSL-2A laboratory, primarily for ancient DNA work in the Institute, became the advantage needed to immediately prepare for testing.
The BSIP approached the GOI and the UP Government in early April for the necessary approvals for COVID-19 testing. Subsequent to inspection and approval of the laboratory by the ICMR and the UP Government, BSIP became the first of the five Central Govt. Institute in Lucknow to start with RT-PCR based testing, from 2nd May 2020.
The institution started with testing 100-150 samples per day that has now scaled up to 1000-1200 samples per day in from the month of July 2020. With proper lab management and dedication of the lab staff, BSIP decreased its average time to process the samples. The BSIP is currently processing and reporting the samples in an average time of 18 hours. Furthermore, the pendency of the samples is almost zero within 18 hours after receiving the samples.
Apart from diagnostic service, the BSIP is also actively involved in research activities related to COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, a real-time tracking of COVID-19 spread in India, using SARS-CoV-2 genotype-based analysis, is being developed.
“RT-PCR is a perfect example of repurposing the existing human resources and infrastructure built for research to effectively address the needs in the time of crisis with speed, scale and resolve,” said Prof Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, DST.
The 8 members of the team work with determination and commitment under the supervision of Dr. Vandana Prasad, Director, BSIP, and Dr. Anupam Sharma, Nodal-in-charge of the COVID-19 lab. Dr. Niraj Rai, in-charge of the ancient DNA laboratory, is also in-charge of COVID-19 facility. Nagarjuna P., as the COVID-19 lab manager
20. 11 Proven Health Benefits of Garlic Tuesday April 20 2021 : 11 Proven Health Benefits of Garlic11 Proven Health Benefits of Garlic
Garlic Contains Compounds With Potent Medicinal Properties
Garlic Is Highly Nutritious But Has Very Few Calories
Garlic Can Combat Sickness, Including the Common Cold
The Active Compounds in Garlic Can Reduce Blood Pressure
Garlic Improves Cholesterol Levels, Which May Lower the Risk of Heart Disease
Garlic Contains Antioxidants That May Help Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
Garlic May Help You Live Longer
Athletic Performance Might Be Improved With Garlic Supplements
Eating Garlic May Help Detoxify Heavy Metals in the Body
Garlic May Improve Bone Health
Garlic Is Easy to Include in Your Diet and Tastes Absolutely Delicious
21. Ministry of Tourism organises a webinar titled “Yoga for Immunity and Respiratory Health” Saturday June 19 2021 : Ministry of Tourism and its domestic as well as overseas offices have already initiated weeklong programmes for celebration of International Day of Yoga 2021. Based on this year’s theme given by Ministry of Ayush “Be With Yoga Be At Home”. The Ministry of Tourism organised a webinar titled “Yoga for Immunity and Respiratory Health” in association with Isha Foundation today , Saturday the 19th June 2021.
The webinar started in guidance of Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudevji, a multi-facet personality famous world-wide for its Isha Foundation dedicated to raising human consciousness and fosters global harmony through individual transformation. Sadhguruji explain about the importance of yoga and its benefits and later explained the Simha Kriya in detail. Simha Kriya, a simple but powerful yogic practice to improve immunity, strengthens the respiratory system and enhances lung capacity. A volunteer from Isha foundation demonstrated the kriya. Ms. Mahima Chopra from Isha Foundation also explained about the Simha Kriya, Sashtanga Makarasana, do & don’ts while following the kriya.
On International Day of Yoga that on 21st June 2021, the Ministry of Culture in association with the Ministry of Tourism have organised live streaming celebration of Yoga from 30 sites across India identified by the Ministry of Culture following covid protocols strictly. Culture is increasingly an important element of the tourism product, which creates distinctiveness in a crowded global marketplace. At the same time, tourism provides an important means of enhancing culture and creating income which can support and strengthen cultural heritage, cultural production and creativity. Creating a strong relationship between tourism and culture can therefore help destinations to become more attractive as well as more competitive as locations to live, visit, work and invest in.
In the presence of Union Minister of State for Tourism & Culture (I/C)Shri Prahlad Singh Patel and Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji, on Monday, the 21st June 2021, the Ministry of Tourism would be organising one more webinar “Yoga: The way of life” at 1200 hrs .
To join the webinar, please register at:
https://digitalindia-gov.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8bYtqL-fSKWjFdtrcuJCwQ
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22. Medical waste management during COVID-19 pandemic Sunday September 20 2020 : As informed by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), disposal of bio-medical waste including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kit worn by healthcare professionals as well as general public became a challenge during the on-going Corona Virus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Public Health’ being a State subject, information relating to increase in COVID-19 cases among individuals employed in garbage collection and disposal, due to mismanagement in disposal of bio-medical waste including PPE kit etc., is not centrally maintained.
As per Bio-medical Waste Management (BMWM) Rule, 2016, waste generated from Healthcare Facilities is required to be treated and disposed as per provisions under said Rules. CPCB has also prepared guidelines, which gives guidance on Handling, Treatment & Disposal of bio-medical waste in line with provisions under BMWM Rules, 2016.
Further, CPCB issued separate guidelines for ‘Handling, Treatment & Disposal of bio-medical waste generated during Treatment/Diagnosis/Quarantine of COVID-19 patients’ which gives guidance on management of COVID-19 related bio-medical waste including used masks and gloves. These guidelines were initially issued on 19.03.2019 and later revised on 17.07.2020.
As per CPCB Guidelines, used PPEs like face shields, goggles, hazmat suit, plastic coverall, used masks, head cover, shoe cover etc. generated from COVID-19 isolation wards at Healthcare Facilities shall be segregated and
sent to Common Facilities for
disposal as per Bio-medical
Waste Management Rules, 2016 (BMWM Rules). However, used PPEs like masks and gloves generated in Common Households, Commercial Establishments, Institutions, etc., are required to store separately for minimum 72 hours for disposal along with solid waste after cutting or shredding. Such shredded used masks from household can be collected as dry solid waste by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
Guidelines issued by CPCB have been circulated to all stakeholders and specific Directions were also issued by CPCB to all State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)/ Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) to ensure compliance.
The following additional measures have been taken by CPCB for improvement of management of bio-medical waste during COVID-19 pandemic:
In order to monitor COVID-19 related bio-medical waste, CPCB developed COVID-19 waste tracking App named “COVID19BWM”. Both Android Mobile and Web versions of software application were designed for waste generators, CBWTF Operators, SPCBs/PCCs and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). 1st version of the App. has been introduced and a demonstration was given to SPCBs/PCCs and other stakeholders in May, 2020. SPCBs and CBWTFs were directed to ensure usage of Tracking App. CPCB vide it’s letter dated 21.07.2020 issued Show Cause Notice to 106 CBWTFs for not using the COVID19BWM tracking App.
Directions under section 5 of Environment (Protection) Act were issued in July, 2020 to all the SP
23. MyGatebrings affordable health insurance scheme for support staff of its 3 million households Tuesday August 24 2021 : MyGatebrings affordable health insurance scheme for support staff of its 3 million households
Users can now purchase a daily cash benefit from Rs. 500 to Rs. 3000, with premium starting at Rs.155 per annum, which will be particularly useful to maids, drivers, cooks or nannies
Mumbai, 24 August 2021: The pandemic has laid bare the tenuous financial situation of India’s lower income groups, such as those employed as daily help. Simultaneously, there is growing evidence of a willingness among gated community residents to support their staff; for example, the MyGate Trust Circle report revealed that 76.04% of residents are now more likely to provide monetary assistance to their daily help as compared to pre-Covid times. Taking a cue from this behavioural shift, MyGate now enables its 3 million users to purchase a hassle-free Group Health Insurance cover. This comes at a low cost and is relevant to their domestic help, such as maid, nanny, cook or driver.
MyGate’s members can buy a group health cover that allows beneficiaries to claim daily cash benefit (Hospi Cash) for hospital admissions ranging from Rs.500 per day to Rs. 3000 per day for 30 days in a year with no deductibles. The policy premium starts at Rs. 155 and goes up to a maximum of Rs. 900. The policy is available for 12 months for those aged 18 years to 65 years. This cover is underwritten by Care Health Insurance.
“It has been heartening to learn of growing empathy toward support staff, as illustrated in the MyGate Trust Circle report. It is clear that gated community residents are looking for meaningful ways to give more to their support staff and we believe that Hospicash is a valuable benefit they can provide their maid, driver or nanny with” said Abhishek Kumar, COO and Co-founder,MyGate.
Since March 2020, MyGate has made the health and safety of its users and the broader gated community ecosystem a priority. For example, it has launched more than 10 features specifically to combat the coronavirus, such as Leave at Gate, Temperature & Mask Check and Quarantine at Home. The organisation also organised mass RT-PCR and vaccination drives within gated communities and made the facility open to support staff as well.
About MyGate
Founded in 2016, MyGate is the largest community app in the country, simplifying urban living of over 3 million homes in 20,000+ housing societies. It was ranked #4 on YourStory’s list of India’s Most Disruptive Start-ups in December 2019 and one of India’s coolest start-ups by Business Today in 2019. MyGate was founded by Vijay Arisetty, an ex- IAF pilot (Shaurya Chakra awardee), Abhishek K, former VP at Goldman Sachs, and ShreyansDaga, former project head at Oracle and Digit. For more information, please see https://mygate.com/
24. Quess Corp launches new vertical to transform Healthcare Services in India Tuesday August 24 2021 : Quess Corp launches new vertical to transform Healthcare Services in India
Mumbai, India. August 23, 2021.
Quess Corp, India’s leading business services provider, today announced the launch of its new healthcare vertical to address the shortage of healthcare professionals. The vertical aims to provide trained healthcare manpower, home care solutions, and end-to-end hospital management services by identifying, training & upskilling healthcare professionals through a network of accredited medical training institutes, enabling quick & on-demand deployment.
Quess Corp has signed an MoU with the Association of Healthcare Providers (India) (AHPI), a not for profit representative body of healthcare providers, to evangelize formalization of training and staffing services for healthcare professionals and create a talent marketplace for private and public healthcare institutions. The collaboration aspires to create a pipeline of trained paramedical and healthcare service professionals through a proposed hire-train-deploy model, besides building a digital pool of highly skilled, experienced, ready-to-hire doctors across India. In addition to creating an organized demand and supply support service for healthcare manpower such as nurses, paramedics, doctors, phlebotomists, and lab technicians, the collaboration will also enable corporates to set up safer workspaces with adequate medical facilities, and to train candidates with endorsements from reputed domestic and international accreditations. Through this alliance, Quess Corp and AHPI plan to jointly work towards industry advocacy in critical areas of staffing and healthcare manpower management.
Mr. Guruprasad Srinivasan, Chief Operating Officer-India Region, Quess Corp, said, “The healthcare industry in India has witnessed increasing staffing demands since the advent of the pandemic. There are nearly 600 investment opportunities worth USD 32 Billion in the hospitality/medical infrastructure sub-sector on Indian Investment Grid (IIG). We look forward to effectively bridging the talent gap and challenges in the Indian healthcare infrastructure, which was largely brought to the fore during the pandemic.”
Dr. Naresh Shetty, President, Quess Healthcare said, “In India, the healthcare segment faces dismaying challenges with an acute shortage of skilled manpower to the tune of six million paramedics today. We hope to bridge this gap and indisputably impact skill development and knowledge enhancement of the healthcare sector, which is the absolute need of the hour. Through tech-enabled skilling and access to a talent pool of trained professionals, we want to empower healthcare providers to cater to a wide public reach while providing access to quality healthcare for all.”
Dr. Alex Thomas, President of AHPI said, “Having been associated with both organisations for many years, I
25. CSIR-CMERI indigenously developed Oxygen enrichment technology may effective for treating COVID-19 patients: Dr. V R Sirsath Monday April 26 2021 : CSIR-CMERI, Durgapur, in association with MSME-DI, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, Government of India jointly organised a Webinar on ‘Oxygen Enrichment' Technology on 25th April, 2021.
Dr. V R Sirsath, Jt. Director & HOO, MSME DI Raipur in his welcome address stated the entire nation is undergoing an unprecedented pandemic situation of COVID-19 & is running out of medical grade oxygen. The CSIR-CMERI indigenously developed Oxygen enrichment technology may effective for treating COVID-19 patients. This Technology has tremendous potential. He urged all the participant industries/Entrepreneurs to come forward in this crucial juncture & manufacture the device at earliest.
Prof. (Dr.) Harish Hirani, Director, CSIR-CMERI during his address stated that CSIR-CMERI developed an Oxygen enrichment unit requiring easily available oil free reciprocating compressor, Oxygen grade zeolite sieves and pneumatic components. This unit can safely be placed in the isolation ward of the hospital for patients who are in dire need of Oxygen. He also added that CSIR-CMERI will be providing manufacturing guidance to the technology transferees as well as provide information on raw materials sourcing.
Dr. Anupam Sinha, Sr. Principal Scientist, CSIR-CMERI, Durgapur presented the technical note on the Oxygen enrichment unit, which has been transferred to two industries. The unit is capable of delivering medical air in the range of up to 15 LPM with oxygen purity of more than 90%. If required, this unit can even deliver up to 70 LPM at a purity of around 30%.
President, Industry association, Raipur along with several others from the industry and entrepreneurs participated in the webinar and interacted with the speakers on the subject. A good number of industries have shown their interest in CSIR-CMERI developed Oxygen Enrichment technology & expressed their willingness to start the manufacturing with the cooperation of CSIR-CMERI.
CSIR-Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute, Durgapur is a premier Mechanical Engineering Research Institute of the country under Ministry of Science & Technology, Govt. of India. CSIR-CMERI has already invited Expression of Interest (EOI) from Indian Companies / Manufacturing agencies/ MSMEs / Start ups for manufacturing Oxygen Enrichment Units through Technology Transfer.
Sources https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1714106
26. Fortis Healthcare hands over cheque of Rs 2.5 crore to ICMR from CSR fund in the presence of MoS Health and Family Welfare Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey Sunday September 27 2020 : Private sector medical service provider Fortis Healthcare handed over a cheque of Rs 2.5 crore to ICMR in the presence of Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey in his office.
Fortis Healthcare’s MD and CEO Dr Ashutosh Raghuvanshi, senior Vice President (Corporate Affairs and CSR) Manu Kapila, SRL’s CEO Anand Kumar presented the cheque to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Director General Prof (DR) Balram Bhargav and senior financial advisor Rajiv Roy.
At the event, Shri Choubey said that the ICMR has “established an outstanding parameter in the field of research”. Not only in India, this institute one of the best research institute in the world. Scientists have worked tirelessly day and night since day one of Covid-19 pandemic.”
He also said “the Fortis Hospital has done a commendable job and I am sure this would inspire many.”
Sources https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1659305
27. India Approves Emergency Use Of Remdesivir To Treat COVID-19 Patients Tuesday June 2 2020 : India Approves Emergency Use Of Remdesivir To Treat COVID-19 Patients
The government said on Tuesday it has approved Gilead Sciences Inc's antiviral drug remdesivir for emergency use in treating COVID-19 patients.
Remdesivir is the first drug to show improvement in COVID-19 patients in formal clinical trials. It was granted emergency use authorization by the US Food and Drug Administration last month and has received approval by Japanese health regulators.
"(Remdesivir) approved on June 1 under emergency use with condition for five dose administration," the Drugs Controller General said in an email statement.
The drugmaker did not immediately respond to an email seeking further details.
As of Tuesday, India has 198,706 cases of coronavirus and has recorded 5,598 deaths, health ministry data showed https://www.mohfw.gov.in.
Gilead Sciences had on Monday reported that remdesivir showed modest benefit in patients with moderate COVID-19 given a five-day course, while those who received it for 10 days in the study did not fare as well.
European and South Korean authorities are also looking at remdesivir, with South Korean health authorities last Friday saying they would request imports of the drug. Gilead is yet to gain regulatory approval in either market.
Sources https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/covid-19-government-approves-remdesivir-under-emergency-use-for-covid-19-2239371
28. The CAR-T therapies market is characterized by a healthy pipeline of promising therapies, claims Roots Analysis Monday August 2 2021 : The CAR-T therapies market is characterized by a healthy pipeline of promising therapies, claims Roots AnalysisReport Keywords - CAR-T Cell, Therapies Market, Rootsanalysis, Report, Biotech
Given the success of approved CAR-T cell therapies, such as KYMRIAH®, YESCARTA®, TECARTUS® and BREYANZI®, this upcoming class of biologics are anticipated to carve out a significant share of the multi-billion dollar cancer immunotherapy market
Roots Analysis has announced the addition of “CAR-T Cell Therapies Market (3rd Edition) by Target Indications (NHL, Multiple Myeloma, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Follicular Lymphoma, Mantle Cell Lymphoma, Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Others), Target Antigens (CD19, BCMA, CD19 / CD22, GPC3 and EGFR), Key Players and Key Geographies (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and North Africa, and Rest of the World) – Industry Trends and Global Forecasts, 2021-2030” report to its list of offerings.
Given their ability to selectively direct a cell mediated immune response against cancer cells and, thereby, offer prolonged periods of disease remission, several CAR-T cell therapies provide a promising therapeutic strategy for advanced stage cancers and are expected to achieve blockbuster status. With four approved products and many candidate therapies under evaluation for the treatment of multiple disease indications, the CAR-T cell therapy market is characterized by a healthy and growing pipeline. Further, with lucrative financial support and notable increase in partnerships, the CAR-T-cell therapies market is abuzz with activity.
To order this 795+ page report, which features 165+ figures and 270+ tables, please visit https://www.rootsanalysis.com/reports/view_document/car-t-therapies-market/269.html
Key Market Insights
Over 755 CAR-T cell therapies are currently approved / under development
Close to 40% of the aforementioned candidates are in preclinical and discovery stages, while more than 25% are being evaluated in clinical stages (phase I/II and above). Examples of late-stage clinical candidates include bb2121, CD123/CLL1 CAR-T CD19 CAR-T and LCAR-B38M CAR-T / JNJ-68284528.
Currently, the focus is on developing product candidates to treat various types of cancers
Over 95% of the products in the development pipeli
29. Why do new waves happen? Member (Health), NITI Aayog answers Tuesday June 22 2021 : “There are countries where even the second wave has not occurred. If we do what is required and do not indulge in irresponsible behaviour, then outbreak should not occur. This is a simple epidemiological principle.” Dr. V.K. Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog was explaining the reasons behind emergence of new pandemic waves and how it can be controlled or even avoided by following COVID appropriate behaviours and taking measures such as vaccination. He was addressing the Union Health Ministry's media briefing on COVID-19, held at National Media Centre, PIB Delhi today.
Why do new waves happen
Dr. Paul said that there are four elements leading to the formation of a new wave.
Behaviour of the virus: The virus has the capacity and ability to spread
Susceptible host: Virus keeps looking for susceptible hosts for it to survive. So, if we are not protected either via vaccination or by previous infection, then we are a susceptible host.
Transmissibility: The virus can become smart enough where it mutates and becomes more transmissible. The same virus which used to infect three hosts becomes capable of infecting 13! This factor is unpredictable. No one can pre-plan to fight such mutations. The change of the very nature of the virus and its transmissibility is an X factor and no one can predict when and where it may happen.
Opportunity: ‘Opportunities’, which we give to the virus to infect. If we sit and eat together, crowd, sit in closed areas without masks, then the virus gets more opportunities to spread.
A call to do what is in our hands
The NITI Aayog Member reminds us what is in our hands. “Out of the above four, two elements– Susceptibility and Opportunities for infection are totally under our control whereas the other two - Behaviour of the virus and Transmissibility, cannot be predicted or controlled. So, if we are protected and ensure we are not susceptible, then the virus will not be able to survive. We can control the susceptibility by wearing a mask or getting vaccinated. Hence if we decrease opportunities by following COVID Appropriate behaviour and decrease susceptibility to infection, then a third wave will not occur.”
Dr. Paul also called for collective efforts of the citizens as well as the system in order to stop another wave. “Some of these require individual efforts, while some others such as isolation of clusters, contact tracing, ensuring testing capacity and building awareness require the system to act.”
“Decision to open schools has to be taken very cautiously”
Speaking about easing restrictions and reopening of schools, Dr. Paul said that the decision has to be taken cautiously and that we should take risks only when we are protected. “School is a crowd, a medium or large gathering, which gives opportunity for virus to infect. So, we should take that risk only when we are rather better protected, vir
30. World Health Organisation applauds India for Fitness Ka Dose Aadha Ghanta Roz campaign; celebrities from all walks support the movement Thursday December 10 2020 : The clarion call made by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to all Indians of Fitness Ka Dose Aadha Ghanta Roz has received praise from the World Health Organisation. In a tweet, WHO said, "WHO applauds India's initiative on promoting physical activity through its campaign Fitness Ka Dose Aadha Ghanta Roz."
The campaign launched as part of the nation-wide Fit India Movement by Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Kiren Rijiju on December 1, has gained the support of celebrities from different fields - Bollywood, sportspersons, writers, doctors, fitness influencers, among others, who have enthusiastically urged Indians to follow the basic mantra of 30 minutes of fitness every day.
Badminton World Champion and Olympic Medalist PV Sindhu tweeted "Fitness is a huge part of my life and this is the chance for everyone to come together and unite for this great movement!"
Writer Chetan Bhagat further added that one’s fitness has a “profound effect on immunity, mood, health and overall wellness in life.” And thus, is great that all of us can do.
Lifestyle and wellness expert Luke Coutinho agreed to their thoughts and added “Working out for just 30 minutes a day can go a long way in contributing to your fitness and overall health levels! Thank you so much @narendramodi & @KirenRijiju for making me a part of this wonderful initiative!”
ISSF World Cup Gold Medalist shooter Apurvi Chandela also supported their view and tweeted “Do something today, that your future self will thank you for!! A minimum of 30 minutes of daily exercise can bring about many positive changes in your body, mind and soul. #NewIndiaFitIndia #FitIndiaMovement.”
They were also joined in their call by two time Olympic Bronze medalist & wrestler Sushil Kumar, Olympic Bronze Medalist shooter Gagan Narang, Former India Cricketer Suresh Raina, Paralympic Silver Medalist Deepa Malik, sprinter Hima Das, Commonwealth Gold medallist Manika Batra, actor Anil Kapoor, TV actress Saumya Tondon, cricketer Mithali Raj, CWG Silver Medalist Manish Kaushik, writer Chetan Bhagat, among many others.
31. Scientists working on SUTRA model for charting trajectory of COVID-19 Sunday May 2 2021 : We, the scientists working on the SUTRA model for charting the trajectory of COVID-19, would like to clearly point out some facts related to predictions of our mathematical model, especially since some of these have been misunderstood and misquoted. Recent reports in some media seem to suggest that scientists working on the SUTRA model cautioned in March about the second wave but attention was not paid to it. This is incorrect.
A meeting was called on 2nd April to seek our inputs by one of the very senior officers of the government coordinating the national pandemic response. We indicated that the SUTRA model predicted the second wave to peak by the third week of April and to stay most likely around 1 lakh daily cases. Clearly the model predictions in this instance were incorrect because of the reasons below.
We have been working on a mathematical model to predict the spread of the virus. It is important to note that a mathematical model can only predict future with some certainty so long as virus dynamics and its transmissibility don’t change substantially over time. Mathematical models can also provide a mechanism to predicting alternate scenarios corresponding to various policy decisions such as non-pharmaceutical interventions.
In the case of COVID-19, it is clear that the nature of the virus has been changing very rapidly. In such a context, any prediction for COVID-19 must be continually readjusted, sometimes almost daily.
We are working closely with the government and our inputs have always been received positively. While we could not predict the exact nature of the second wave earlier, we continue our efforts to better estimate its future trajectory.
Manindra Agrawal, Professor, IIT Kanpur
Madhuri Kanitkar, Deputy Chief, Integrated Defense Staff
M Vidyasagar, Professor, IIT Hyderabad
Sources https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1715485
32. Co-WIN is a platform for the citizens of India to Register for COVID-19 vaccination and schedule their vaccination slots at the nearest vaccination centers. Saturday April 3 2021 : Co-WIN is a platform for the citizens of India to Register for COVID-19 vaccination and schedule their vaccination slots at the nearest vaccination centers.Co-WIN is a platform for the citizens of India to Register for COVID-19 vaccination and schedule their vaccination slots at the nearest vaccination centers.
Find Your Nearest Vaccination Center : https://www.cowin.gov.in/home?cbps=1
How it Works
Register Yourself
Register using your Mobile no. or Aadhaar no. or any other Identity docs.
Choose Vaccine Location
Select your nearby Vaccine Center for vaccination
Confirm your Slot
Book your slot to Get Vaccine
Know how to book your appointment visit https://prod-cdn.preprod.co-vin.in/assets/pdf/user-guide-citizen-registration-ver-1.2.pdf
Dos and Don'ts Visit https://prod-cdn.preprod.co-vin.in/assets/pdf/Dos_and_Donts_for_Citizens.pdf
Visit official website https://www.cowin.gov.in/home for Register/ Sign In yourself
33. Karnataka ASHA: Demonstrating the true spirit of a Social Health Activist Friday July 3 2020 : Karnataka ASHA: Demonstrating the true spirit of a Social Health Activist
Annapurna is an ASHA working in Tunganagar in Shivamogga District, Karnataka. She covers a population of 3000 in the slum area and has been working there since 2015, when urban ASHA were introduced as part of the National Health Mission. One of her key tasks as part of COVID-19 activities is to conduct household surveys.
Karnataka’s 42,000 ASHAs have emerged as a crucial pillar in the State’s success in combating COVID-19. They have been actively participating in the COVID-19 household surveys and screening inter-state passengers, migrant workers, and others in the community for symptoms of COVID-19. Recognizing the increased vulnerability of certain population groups to COVID-19, in a one-time survey to identify households with the elderly, persons with co-morbidities, and immuno-compromised individuals, about 1.59 crore households were covered. ASHAs regularly monitor such high-risk groups in their area with periodicity of follow-up visits varying from once a day in the Containment Zones to once very 15 days in other areas. They also visit the houses of persons expressing complaints of ILI/SARI symptoms, and high-risk individuals who have called the State Health Department helpline numbers.
Uniquely, ASHAs are part of the Rural Task Force headed by Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) at the Gram Panchayat level for addressing public grievances on both COVID-19 and non COVID-19 related services. Urban ASHAs have been on the forefront of dissemination of various awareness activities in the Fever clinics and Swab Collection Centres in Urban areas. They have also actively screened cases of ILI and SARI in the urban areas. They are also part of the screening teams at the International and Interstate check-posts.
Glimpses from Karnataka: ASHAs at work against COVID-19
34. Minister of State for Education Shri Sanjay Dhotre launches the Rapid Antigen Test Kit for COVID-19 developed by IIT Delhi Friday June 25 2021 : Minister of State for Education Shri Sanjay Dhotre launched a Rapid Antigen Test kit for COVID-19 developed by IIT Delhi today. The Rapid Antigen Test kit has been developed by the IIT Delhi researchers led by Dr. Harpal Singh, professor at the Institute’s Centre for Biomedical Engineering.
Congratulating the IIT Delhi researchers and their manufacturing partners on the launch of the test kit, MoS, Shri Sanjay Dhotre said, “I am confident that this technology will revolutionize the Covid test availability in the country. I am glad to know that the kit has been developed entirely using the internal resources at IIT Delhi.”
Shri Dhotre also complimented the researchers Prof. Harpal Singh and Dr. Dinesh Kumar and thanked IIT Delhi for helping the nation in becoming Atmanirbhar in fighting the pandemic using indigenously developed technologies and made in India products.
Shri Dhotre commended the efforts of premier institutions during COVID-19 by promoting the development of test kits, ventilators. He lauded the efforts of IIT Delhi for promoting research and development in the field of technology. He informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi led government is focussed on Atmanirbhar Bharat through research, development, and innovations. The focus on research in National Education Policy, National Research Foundation and initiatives like PM Research Fellowship will help further to improve quality of research in our country. Technology plays important role in wealth creation. IITs being premier technology institutions play major role here.
He further asked the premier institutes to make the research centres and innovation parks in their campuses more vibrant and activate industry academia linkages. For popularising science technology among general citizens, he asked the scientists and technologist to write more on these issues in print and other media, to deliver lectures for general public, and to venture into the field of popular science fiction and non-fiction writing. Mechanisms to be developed for regular interaction of IIT professors and students with the school students in the vicinity, and vice versa, in order to inspire the school students to venture in the field of science and technology.
Speaking on this occasion, Prof. V Ramgopal Rao, Director, IIT Delhi said, “IIT Delhi had in July 2020 launched a Rs. 399 RT PCR kit, which helped bring the RTPCR test costs to the current level. Using the technologies developed in the Institute, over 8 Million PPE kits have been supplied so far. With the launch of this Antigen based rapid test kit, we hope to make the diagnostics easy and affordable for the rural areas.”
Prof. Harpal Singh mentioned the salient features of the technology, as certified by the ICMR.
1. This kit is used for in vitro qualitative detection of SARS-CoV-2 antigen.
2. The SARS-CoV-2 Ag Rapid Test is a colloidal gold enhanced double antibody sandwich immunoassay for the qualitative de
35. Advisory issued for induction of trained AYUSH human resources for clinical management of COVID-19 Friday May 7 2021 : Continuing with the efforts to augment human resources for the management of COVID-19 cases, the Ministry issued advisory to deploy the trained AYUSH human resources available with them for clinical management of COVID-19 cases.
The decision to deploy AYUSH professionals to the frontlines of the COVID-19 war is in continuation of decisions taken a few days back to boost availability of medical personnel to fight COVID-19 such as postponement of the NEET-PG Exam, giving priority to medical personnel completing 100 days of Covid duties in forthcoming regular Government recruitments and deployment of medical interns in Covid Management duties under the supervision of their faculty.
AYUSH doctors are institutionally qualified professionals, well-trained in various aspects of medical care. They have already proven their competence in various COVID-19 management roles in different institutions across the country. Some of the institutions under the Ministry of AYUSH like the All-India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi which functions as a COVID -19 Care Centre, are efficiently managing Covid-19 cases at present. Further, States/UTs have trained nearly 1.06 lakh AYUSH professionals in different aspects of COVID-19 management, and 28,473 professionals have been deployed for COVID-19 activities. Training to AYUSH professionals in different aspects of COVID-19 management was also provided by the Ministry of AYUSH through the Integrated Government Online Training (iGOT) digital platform (https://igot.gov.in/), and 66045 AYUSH professionals completed the same. In addition, the Ministry of AYUSH and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have jointly provided training to 33,000 AYUSH master trainers. Thus, a large number of AYUSH professionals have already been prepared through various efforts to take up frontline tasks in the fight against the pandemic. Details of about 8.32 Lakhs of AYUSH manpower have been compiled through the initiatives of the Ministry of AYUSH and provided on the Covid Warriors portal (covidwarriors.gov.in).
The following are the highlights of the advisory being issued:
I - FACILITATION/EXTENSION
Considering the current situation in the wake of resurgence of COVID – 19, the State/UT Governments are advised to reach out to all qualified AYUSH practitioners and persuade them to join the Covid – 19 workforces in this hour of need. The services of these AYUSH doctors can be utilized in the management of COVID – 19 at appropriate levels. The deployment of AYUSH physicians, Post Graduate students and interns in clinical set ups for Covid management may be done under the supervision of medical doctors / specialists. Necessary prescriptions may be issued by medical doctors / specialists and clinical care to the patients will be provided by AYUSH doctors under supervision as mentioned as a part of the treating team. This mechanism will augment the available human resources for Covid management.
AYUSH doctors, PG Students and interns may be deployed to manage e-Sanjivini digital platform (including local languages), where t
36. Research on Ayush Medicines to Curb Covid-19 Outbreak Tuesday July 20 2021 : During the second wave of this pandemic, AYUSH-64 and Kabasura Kudineer were repurposed for COVID 19 after the robust scientific studies found them useful in asymptomatic, mild and moderate COVID-19 infection as standalone and/or as an adjunct to Standard care as per the studies conducted by Ministry of Ayush in collaboration with Ministry of Health and family Welfare, Ministry of Science and Technology (CSIR & DBT), Department of Science and Technology and reputed scientific organisations and hospitals. However, Govt. of India has released “National Clinical Management Protocol based on Ayurveda and Yoga for management of COVID-19”.
States/ UTs licensing authorities / Drug Controllers has been informed to allow the licensed manufactures for AYUSH-64 under their jurisdiction to include new indication of AYUSH-64 for repurposing as an intervention for the management of asymptomatic, mild to moderate COVID-19 in addition to existing indication(s). Further, States/ UTs Licensing Authorities have been requested to expedite the process of the licensing/ approval of application for the manufacturing of AYUSH-64.
The Ministry has undertaken following steps to reduce/ exterminate the effects of COVID-19:-
i. Ministry of Ayush has formed an Inter-disciplinary AYUSH Research & Development Task Force chaired by Prof. Bhushan Patwardhan having representation from scientists of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and Ayush Institutions. The Interdisciplinary AYUSH Research and Development Task Force has formulated and designed clinical research protocols for prophylactic studies and add-on interventions in COVID-19 positive cases through thorough review and consultative process of experts of high repute from different organizations across the country for studying four different interventions viz. Ashwagandha, Yashtimadhu, Guduchi + Pippali and a poly herbal formulation (AYUSH-64).
ii. Ministry of Ayush has also launched interdisciplinary studies involving AYUSH interventions for COVID-19 based on recommendations of the Task force. Under various Research Organizations and National Institutes under Ministry of Ayush, 126 research studies at 152 centres in the country have been initiated on AYUSH interventions.
iii. Ministry of Ayush has constituted an Interdisciplinary Technical Review Committee (ITRC) for COVID-19 for the examination of applications/ claims on patent & proprietary ASU&H medicines/ Classical ASU&H medicines forwarded by State Licensing Authorities/ Individuals.
This information was given by Minister of State for Ayush Shri Mahendrabhai Munjapara in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today. Sources https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1737188
37. COVID-19 vaccination for 18-45 age group is now open Monday May 10 2021 : COVID-19 vaccination for 18-45 age group is now open
In the third phase of the COVID-19 vaccination drive, all those above the age of 18 years are now eligible for a vaccine from May 1, according to the central government. Many states reporting a shortage of vaccines have said the program will start once there is enough stock.
38. Yoga and Health Sunday September 8 2019 : The word “health” originates from the root word “whole.” If one has to experience a sense of wholeness, it is important that besides the body and mind, one’s energy also functions at a certain level of intensity. If your energy is in proper balance and full flow, you will be in perfect health physically and psychologically.
The focus of modern medicine has been the body’s chemistry. For every problem in your body, you ingest a medicine – which is a chemical – to arrive at some balance. This chemical may address a particular health issue, but it also has a side-effect. For the side-effect, there is an antidote. For the antidote, there is another antidote. This becomes an endless chain.
Yoga however, addresses health in a very fundamental way. Whatever is happening with your body chemistry is controlled by the way your energies function. A proper yogic practice is about going to the foundations of your energy system to activate and establish it in such a way that your body and mind naturally function at their full potential.
One important point is to distinguish between infectious and chronic diseases. Infections are an external invasion. You must go to the doctor. Don’t meditate on it! But 70% of ailments on the planet are chronic – they manifest from within. The root cause for these is always within. If people are willing to do a few simple practices to balance and activate their system, they can definitely be free of chronic ailments.
If you look at your body, you were not born the way you are right now. You started as just two cells in your mother’s womb, then you came out as a baby and now your body is fully grown. How did all this happen? No one stretched your body from the outside! That which is the basis of creation, that which you refer to as the creator is functioning from within you. The manufacturer of the body is within.
If you have a repair job to be done, would you like to go to the manufacturer or the local mechanic? If you have lost the manufacturer’s ID, you go to the local mechanic. Yoga is an exploration of the inner terrain and to find the source of our making. When you know the manufacturer and have access to him, you would definitely go to the manufacturer. Yoga means going back to the manufacturer. If you allow the source of creation to function, whatever needs to be fixed will happen effortlessly.
39. COVID Pandemic has impacted to the Mental Health: IIHMR University Study Wednesday July 21 2021 : Mental Illness is the second leading cause of disease burden in India – Dr. SD Gupta
COVID Pandemic has impacted to the Mental Health: IIHMR University Study
Editor’s Synopsis –
· Mental Health is the second leading cause of disease burden in India
· One in Seven Indians were affected by mental disorders of varying severity in 2017 and COVID must have made this ratio worst
· 1140 psychiatrists, counselors, and social workers trained to assess the psychological health of people with COVID infected, older people living alone and children
· Stop watching/reading COVID news to mental wellbeing - Prof. Vimal Sharma of University of Manchester
India | 21st July, 2021
IIHMR University in its series of PUBLIC HEALTH AND MENTAL WELLBEING DISCUSSION SERIES: ISSUES, CHALLENGES, AND SOLUTIONS AMID COVID 19 organized a webinar on ‘Mental Health – A Global Public Health Challenge’. The eminent speakers from the University of London, University of Manchester, and IIHMR University shared their research work and thoughts on the spectrum of mental health during COVID, and coping strategies. The key speakers were – Prof. Mohammed Abou – Saleh, Professor of Psychiatry, St. George’s, University of London; Prof. Vimal Sharma, Professor of Global Mental Health Research, University of Manchester and Dr. S D Gupta, Chairman of IIHMR University.
Dr. S D Gupta, Chairman of IIHMR University said, “Mental Illness is the second leading cause of disease burden in India. And COVID has made this ratio worst with a sudden impact with various factors affecting mental well-being. People were worried about livelihood but the massive impacts on mental health were due to factors such as lockdown, migration, job losses, deaths of family members, work from home, household violence, and study from home due to COVID. Patients who were having mental health issues before COVID, how they managed without non-availability of mental health care during COVID times.”
As per Lancet Psychiatry 2020 report, One in every seven Indians were affected by mental disorders of varying severity in 2017. The proportional contribution of mental disorders to the total disease burden in India has almost doubled since 1990. Substantial variations exist between the states in the burden from different mental disorders and in their trends over time. With the COVID pandemic, this ratio of mental disorders in the Indians must have made the worst impact. CO
40. REC organizes Covid-19 vaccination camp Thursday May 13 2021 : REC Limited, a Navratna CPSE under the Ministry of Power had organized a vaccination camp on the occasion of International Nurses Day in collaboration with Apollo Hospitals for employees of various Power Sector CPSEs and their family members in the age bracket of 18 to 45 years.
As a special gesture of gratitude and respect for our healthcare and frontline workers, the whole medical team of Apollo Hospitals was welcomed with a huge round of applause by the officials of REC.
The camp saw a total of 500 employees and family members turn up to get their first dose of the vaccine. As trying times linger on, REC continues to remain committed to being a major partner in the service of the nation.
About REC Limited: REC Limited is a Navratna NBFC focusing on Power Sector Financing and Development across India. Established in 1969, REC Limited has completed over fifty years in the area of its operations. It provides financial assistance to state electricity boards, state governments, central/state power utilities, independent power producers, rural electric cooperatives and private sector utilities. Its business activities involve financing projects in the complete power sector value chain; different type of projects includes Generation, Transmission, Distribution Projects, and Renewable Energy projects.
Sources https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1718346
41. llegal Immunity Drugs and Medicinal Formulas For covid-19 Friday September 18 2020 : Ministry of AYUSH has received 154 misleading advertisements related to Ayush claims for COVID 19 from different parts of the country till August 2020. In this regard, Ministry of AYUSH has issued directives to the State/UT authorities to initiate necessary action against the defaulters and alleged manufacturers/ advertisers acting in contravention of the provisions of Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 & Rules there under and Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954 and Rules there under and to send the details of the clinical trials of Ayush medicines claimed for the prevention or treatment of Covid 19 for verification. Ministry of AYUSH has also issued public advisories and guidelines for the practitioners about the use of Ayush remedies to meet the challenge of Covid-19 , details are available in the Ministry’s website www.ayush.gov.in
A number of medicinal products for immunity and health promotion have come in the market after Ministry of AYUSH issued public advisories of Ayush-based healthcare during COVID-19 outbreak and promulgated a generic formulation called Ayush Kwath/Ayush Kudineer/Ayush Joshanda comprising of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) leaves: 4 parts, Dalchini (Cinnamomumzeylanicum) stem bark: 2 parts, Sunthi ( Zingiberofficinale) rhizome: 2 parts and Krishna Marich (Piper nigrum) fruits:1 part. State Licensing Authorities have started granting license or approval for commercial manufacturing of such formulations under the provisions of Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 as applicable to Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani (ASU) drugs.
Instances of adverse effects due to consumption of above-mentioned immunity boosting drugs are not reported from the States/UTs. But, the incidences of COVID-19 related exaggerated claims and misleading advertisements of ASU drugs have been reported by Pharmacovigilance centres and forwarded to the concerned State Licensing Authorities / Drug Controllers and individual advertisers/manufacturers for corrective action.
As per the provisions of Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules there under, approval of Ministry of AYUSH is not required to manufacture for sale of Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani drugs and such medicinal formulations. Powers of regulation and quality control of these drugs and formulations are vested with the State Governments, for which State Licensing Authorities/Drug Controllers are appointed.
This information was given by the Minister of Health and Family Welfare Dr. Harsh Vardhan in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Sources https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1656381
42. Ayurvedic Drugs and Protocol for COVID-19 Friday September 18 2020 : A total of 247 proposals of Ayurveda interventions have been received under modified Extra Mural research (EMR) Scheme for SARS CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 disease. Out of 247 proposals, 21 research proposals recommended by competent authority on Ayurveda for SARS/COVID cases have been approved for funding.
Ministry of AYUSH has formed an Inter-disciplinary AYUSH R&D Task Force. Task Force has formulated and designed clinical research protocols for prophylactic studies and add-on interventions in COVID-19 positive cases through thorough review and consultative process of experts of high repute from different organizations across the country for studying four different interventions viz. Ashwagandha, Yashtimadhu, Guduchi + Pippali and a poly herbal formulation (AYUSH-64). AyushSanjivani mobile app developed by Ministry of AYUSH has also been launched to generate data on acceptance and usage of AYUSH advocacies and measures among the population and its impact in prevention of COVID-19 targeting 05 million population. All these studies are at various stages of conduction.
This information was given by the Minister of Health and Family Welfare Dr. Harsh Vardhan in a written reply in the LokSabha today.
Sources https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1656377
43. Primary Health Centres (PHCs) Friday September 18 2020 : Under the National Health Mission (NHM), Primary Health Centre (PHC) are established to cover a population of 30,000 in rural areas and 20,000 in hilly, tribal and desert areas.
PHCs are established to cover defined population. As per the Rural Health Statistics-2019, as on 31.03.2019, a total of 24,855 rural PHCs and 5,190 urban PHCs have been functional in the country. State-wise details including for Rajasthan are given below:
NUMBER OF PRIMARY HEALTH CENTRES (PHCs) FUNCTIONING IN RURAL AND URBAN AREAS
(As on 31.03.2019)
Sr. No.
State / UT
PRIMARY HEALTH CENTRES (PHCs)
Rural
Urban
Total
1
Andhra Pradesh
1,145
364
1,509
2
Arunachal Pradesh
143
4
147
3
Assam
946
55
1,001
4
Bihar
1,899
95
1,994
5
Chhattisgarh
792
45
837
6
Goa
24
0
24
7
Gujarat
1,476
44. Railways have geared up to run Oxygen Express in response to its fight against Covid-19 Monday April 19 2021 : Indian Railways have geared up to run Oxygen Express in response to its fight against Covid-19.
Mumbai Division has built a ramp overnight within 24 hours at Kalamboli goods yard to facilitate loading/unloading of tankers in/from flat wagons. The Ro-Ro service with 7 empty tankers departed from Kalamboli goods yard for Visakhapatnam steel plant siding at 8.05pm today. This train will move via Vasai Road, Jalgaon, Nagpur, Raipur Jn to Visakhapatnam steel plant siding in ECoR zone where it will be loaded with Liquid Medical Oxygen.
Railways transported essential commodities and kept the supply chain intact even during the lockdown last year and continue to serve the Nation in times of emergencies.
It may be noted that upon the requests of various states for Oxygen transportation, Ministry of Railways explored the possibilty of transportation of Liquid Oxygen & conducted trial runs. Sources https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1712767
45. Adequate health infrastructure and health facilities set up for COVID-19 management Sunday May 10 2020 : Adequate health infrastructure and health facilities set up for COVID-19 management
Adequate health infrastructure and health facilities have been identified and set up for COVID-19 management in the country. The public health facilities dedicated for COVID-19 case management are categorised into three categories as below:
Category I Dedicated COVID Hospital (DCH) - The Dedicated COVID Hospitals are hospitals that offer comprehensive care primarily for those who have been clinically assigned assevere. These hospitals shall have fully equipped ICUs, Ventilators and beds with assured Oxygen support. These hospitals shall have separate areas for suspect and confirmed cases. The Dedicated COVID Hospitals shall serve as referral centres for the Dedicated COVID Health Centres and the COVID Care Centres.
Category II Dedicated COVID Health Centre (DCHC) - The Dedicated COVID Health Centres are hospitals that offer care for all cases that have been clinically assigned as moderate. The Dedicated COVID Health Centresshall have separate areas for suspect and confirmed cases. These hospitals shall have beds with assured Oxygen support. Every Dedicated COVID Health Centre is mapped to one or more Dedicated COVIDHospitals.
Category III Dedicated COVID Care Centre (DCCC) - The COVID Care Centres shall offer care only for cases that have been clinically assigned as mild or very mild cases or COVID suspectcases. These are makeshift facilities which may be set up by the States/UTs in hostels, hotels, schools, stadiums, lodges etc., both public and private. These facilities shall have separate areas for suspected and confirmed cases.Every Dedicated COVID Care Centre is mapped to one or more Dedicated COVID Health Centres and at least one Dedicated COVID Hospital for referral purpose.
As on 10/05/2020, 7740 facilities in 483 districts have been identified in all the States/UTs that include hospitals and facilities of the State/UT Govts as well as the central Govt. There are 656769 isolation beds, 305567 beds for confirmed cases, 351204 beds for suspected cases, 99492 Oxygen supported beds, 1696 facilities with Oxygen manifold and 34076 ICU beds.
All the States/UTs have been requested by Government of India to notify and upload the assigned three types of COVID dedicated facilities on their websites for public information. 32 States/UTs have already uploaded the information on their websites/public information platforms and the rest are in the process of doing the same.
In view of the need for further increasing the testing capacity for COVID-19 at National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the procurement of a high throughput machine as per the recommendations of Empowered Group 2 was approved. The Cobas 6800 testing machine has been successfully installed at NCDC now. NCDC is providing support for testing of samples from Delhi, NCR, Ladakh, J&K and various other states, as per need. Presently t
46. Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package Insurance Scheme for Health Workers Fighting COVID-19 extended for another 6 months Tuesday September 15 2020 : The ‘Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package Insurance Scheme for Health Workers Fighting COVID-19’ was announced on 30 March 2020 for a period of 90 days. This was extended for a further period of 90 days i.e. up to 25th Sept, 2020.
The scheme has now been extended for another 180 days i.e. 6 months.
This Central Sector Scheme provides an insurance cover of Rs. 50 lakh to healthcare providers, including community health workers, who may have to be in direct contact and care of COVID-19 patients and therefore at risk of being infected. It also includes accidental loss of life on account of contracting COVID-19.
The scheme also covers private hospital staff/ retired/volunteer/ local urban bodies/contract/daily wage/ ad-hoc/outsourced staff requisitioned by States/ Central hospitals/autonomous hospitals of Central/States/UTs, AIIMS & INIs/ hospitals of Central Ministries drafted for COVID-19 related responsibilities.
The insurance provided under this scheme is over and above any other insurance cover being availed of by the beneficiary.
There is no age limit for this scheme and individual enrolment is not required. The entire amount of premium for this scheme is being borne by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. The benefit/claim under this policy is in addition to the amount payable under any other policies. Ministry of Health and Family welfare has collaborated with the New India Assurance (NIA) Company Limited for providing the insurance amount based on the guidelines prepared for the scheme.
Till date, under the scheme, a total of 61 claims are processed and paid. 156 claims are under examination by New India Assurance (NIA) Company Limited, and in 67 cases claims forms are yet to be submitted by the States.
PMGKP Insurance Scheme
States/UTs: Summary of the claims as on 15/09/2020
S. No.
State/UT
Claims Received by NIA
Claim processed
By NIA
Claim forms under examination
At NIA
Claims not eligible**
Claim forms awaited
From states
1
Andaman & Nicobar
0
47. Increase in Mental Health issues during the Pandemic Tuesday September 15 2020 : Realizing the impact that COVID-19 may have on the mental health of the people, including children, the Government has taken a number of initiatives to provide psychosocial support during COVID-19. These initiatives include:
Setting up of a 24/7 helpline to provide psychosocial support, by mental health professionals, to the entire affected population, divided into different target groups viz children, adult, elderly, women and healthcare workers.
Issuance of guidelines/ advisories on management of mental health issues, catering to different segments of the society.
Advocacy through various media platforms in the form of creative and audio-visual materials on managing stress and anxiety, and promoting an environment of support and care for all.
Issuance of detailed guidelines by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru- "Mental Health in the times of COVID-19 Pandemic - Guidance for General Medical and Specialized Mental Health Care Settings".
All the guidelines, advisories and advocacy material can be accessed on Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website under “Behavioural Health – Psychosocial helpline” (https://www.mohfw.gov.in/)
Online capacity building of health workers by NIMHANS in providing psychosocial support and training through (iGOT)-Diksha platform.
Lack of sufficient mental health professionals is one of the challenges faced in the mental healthcare service delivery. The year-wise, State-wise details of mental health practitioners however is not maintained centrally.
With a view to augment the availability of qualified manpower in field of mental health, the Government, under NMHP, is implementing manpower development schemes for establishment of Centres of Excellence and strengthening/ establishment of Post Graduate (PG) Departments in mental health specialties. Till date, support has been provided for establishment of 25 Centres of Excellence and strengthening/ establishment of 47 Post Graduate (PG) Departments in mental health specialties in the country.
The Government is also augmenting the availability of manpower to deliver mental healthcare services in the underserved areas of the country by providing online training courses to various categories of general healthcare medical and para medical professionals through the Digital Academies established at the three Central Mental Health Institutes namely National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru, Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Regional Institute of Mental Health, Tezpur, Assam, and Central Institute of Psychiatry, Ranchi.
The Minister of State (Health and Family Welfare), Sh Ashwini Kumar Choubey stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha here today.
Sources https
48. COVID-19 Fatalities amongst Healthcare Workers Tuesday September 15 2020 : Health is a State subject. Such data is not maintained at Central level by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. However, database of those seeking relief under the “Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Insurance Package” is maintained at national level.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare provided guideline on Infection Prevention and Control practices to the State Governments. Training was conducted for all the States in the month of March 2020. A training plan was also conveyed to States to complete training up to district level by 20th March 2020.
Training on Infection Prevention and Control was also made available for all category of healthcare workers on the iGoT platform.
States were asked to constitute Infection Prevention and Control committees. Hospitals were also to identify a nodal officer who will monitor the healthcare workers and review their exposure status. High risk exposures are placed under quarantine for 7 days. Based on their exposure/clinical profile such doctors, nursing officers and other health workers, a decision shall be taken by the Nodal Officer/Head of the Department (or his appointed Sub-committee) for further period of one week. An advisory for managing health care workers working in COVID and Non-COVID areas of the hospital was issued by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on 18th June, 2020.
Guidelines on rational use of PPEs for hospital and community settings (including front line workers) were issued on 24.03.2020. These guidelines followed a risk based approach and recommended type of PPE that needs to be used in high and low risk areas.
The healthcare workers were provided with hydroxychloroquine for prophylaxis and prevention of infection.
N-95 masks and triple / double ply masks were brought under price control.
Export of PPEs, N 95 masks, triple/ double ply medical masks, goggles and visors were banned till such time we were self-reliant.
The package of Rs 15000 crores (USD 2 Billion) under “India COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Package” was been approved by the Cabinet on 22nd April, 2020. The funds and commodities are allocated to the states under various components including Emergency COVID-19 response. The States were supported with 9.81 Crore tablets of Hydroxychloroquine and 28,476 ventilators supplied to States/UTs.
Initial part of the Pandemic, there were concerns on non-availability of protective gears. However, with Government of India stepping in to enhance capacity and allocating PPE to States as per need, this concern was addressed. States/UTs were provided with 3.05 crore N-95 masks and 1.2 Crore PPE kits.
State-wise details of number of health care workers for whom the relief has been sought under “Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package” is given below:
No. of Health workers died due to COVID-19 as per PMGKP: Insurance Scheme
49. Union Education Minister releases a compilation of initiatives by School Education Department during COVID-19 pandemic Friday November 27 2020 : Union Education Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ virtually released a compilation of initiatives undertaken by School Education Department during COVID-19 pandemic here today.
The Minister noted that in the year 2020-21, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused an unprecedented public health emergency, affecting almost all countries and territories globally. He further said that the pandemic has led to severe disruptions in normal life,and has impacted children and also affected the closure of schools in the country.
Releasing the compilation,Shri Pokhriyal highlighted that Department of School Education & Literacy has taken several initiatives such as PM e-Vidya, Pragyata Guidelines, Manodarpan for Psycho-social support, E-Content, Alternative Academic Calender, etc to ensure that the school going students don’t lag behind in their studies during COVID-19 pandemic. He expressed his happiness that these initiatives have contributed a lot in mitigating the impact of the pandemic. Ministry has come out with several measures to remodel and re-imagine the way teaching and learning have happened so far. The Minister lauded the efforts of the officials of the Ministry to introduce many new suitable methods of delivering quality education through a healthy mix of schooling at home and schooling at school.
Clink on the link for compilation of initiatives taken by of School Education Department during COVID-19 pandemic:
50. Allocation of Funds to States for Battling COVID-19 Tuesday September 15 2020 : Public health and hospitals being a State subject, the primary responsibility of treatment of COVID-19 patients lies with the respective State governments. States/UTs are using their own resources for COVID-19 management including for treatment of the patients and the details are not maintained centrally.
Besides this, States/UTs are being provided required technical and financial assistance under National Health Mission (NHM) for managing the COVID-19.
Further, financial assistance to States/UTs has been given based on the number of cases and trends of COVID-19 Pandemic. Accordingly, all the States/ UTs are provided with necessary financial support under India COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Package. States /UTs were given flexibility to use the resources available under NHM to prepare the public healthcare system for COVID-19 management.
During FY 2020-21, funds of Rs 4230.78 crore have been released to the States/ UTs as on 03.09.2020 and the State wise amount allocated and released to each State/UT is given below:
Statement showing State-wise Central Allocation and Release under the COVID-19 Package (Phase-I and Phase-II)
(Rs. in Crore)
Sl. No.
State/UT
Central Allocation (Phase-I)
Central Allocation (Phase-II)
Central Release (Phase-I)
Central Release (Phase-II)
A. High Focus States
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