Taluk hospitals in Karnataka to establish fresh frozen plasma in blood storage units

The Karnataka government has taken a significant step to improve maternal health by granting administrative approval for the establishment of cryoprecipitate, also known as Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP), at all 147 taluk hospitals in the state. This announcement was made by Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao via a social media post on February 13.

This initiative is a direct response to the alarming statistics surrounding maternal mortality in the state, where approximately 20% of deaths among new mothers are attributed to postpartum hemorrhage. The government has recognized this pressing issue and aims to mitigate it through enhanced availability of FFP.

FFP is a crucial blood component rich in pro-coagulant factors that play a vital role in controlling bleeding, particularly in cases of severe postpartum hemorrhage. By incorporating FFP into the blood storage units at local hospitals, the Karnataka government hopes to provide timely interventions and save the lives of new mothers.

Fast lanes and fatal fates in Hyderabad’s streets

The night of January 28 was filled with devotion and celebration as the Muslim community in Hyderabad gathered to mark Shab-e-Miraj, a sacred occasion preceding Ramzan. At the bustling Bahadurpura crossroads in the Old City, the enticing aroma of biryani filled the air from 'AK Caterers & Cooking Services'. Here, Mohammed Ilyas worked tirelessly, navigating the frenzy of a busy kitchen with mountain-high orders from eager customers. Outside, the innocent laughter of his son, 10-year-old Mohammed Ahmed, echoed through the streets, accompanied by his friends, 15-year-old Maaz and 17-year-old Syed Imran, as theyJoyously headed to the mosque for prayers.

However, unknown to their families, the trio had other plans: a late-night joyride to experience the thrill of speed under the starry night. They reached out to another friend, Mohd Owais, who decided to stay back, unaware of the tragic fate awaiting his companions. Just over an hour later, Ilyas's phone rang with a heart-wrenching message — his son was no longer alive.

On a newly inaugurated four-kilometre stretch of the Aramghar flyover, devoid of crucial CCTV surveillance, the boys' motorcycle reportedly spun out of control and crashed into a streetlight pole, the tragic consequence of reckless driving combined with the absence of law enforcement.

In our fractured reality, Ilyas recounted the night that changed his life forever, his voice heavy with sorrow. When he reached the hospital, he found his son's lifeless body, a heartbreaking sight that made him wish for different choices that night. The grim statistics tell a similar tale: in 2024, nearly half of all road fatalities in Hyderabad occurred between dusk and dawn, with the night roads turning into perilous traps for its unwary travelers.

Hyderabad's road safety issue is exacerbated by speeding and the lack of nighttime enforcement, resulting in preventable tragedies like Ahmed's. With an alarming percentage of accidents happening in the dark, there is a dire need for action — whether it’s increasing police presence during the night or utilizing technology for better surveillance and traffic regulation. A proactive approach to address enforcement challenges, coupled with public awareness campaigns, could significantly reduce the risks involved in nighttime driving.

Serpentarium near Hunsur in Mysuru district to help produce region-specific antivenom

India's Battle Against Snakebites: A Human-Snake Conflict

Once romanticized as the land of snake charmers, India now holds the grim title of the world's snakebite capital. Every year, around 1 million people are bitten by snakes, resulting in nearly 60,000 deaths nationwide, according to recent estimates. This shocking figure surpasses fatalities caused by conflicts with other wild animals, including elephants and tigers. To combat this escalating crisis, Karnataka has recently opened the country's first-ever serpentarium dedicated to snakebite research, located in Rathnapuri near Hunsur.

The serpentarium aims to address the urgent need for antivenom tailored to the diverse range of snake species in India. With research capabilities, this initiative will extract venom from local snake species to develop a more potent and region-specific antivenom. Understanding the importance of localized antivenom production, experts emphasize the need for antivenom made from regional venoms, as variations can exist even within the same species across different parts of the country.

The antivenom production process involves injecting a small amount of snake venom into large animals like horses, which then produce antibodies in response. These antibodies are harvested and used to create life-saving antivenom. However, it has been observed that the currently available antivenom produced in Tamil Nadu may not be sufficiently effective across all the states due to differences in venom composition.

The newly established serpentarium will house seven species of snakes, including the Common Krait, Russell’s Viper, and King Cobra. It plans to collaborate with the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru to mass-produce venom samples while adhering to WHO standards. By supplying local antivenom producers with high-quality venom, the serpentarium aims to enhance treatment efficacy for snakebite victims.

Beyond antivenom production, the serpentarium is a significant step forward in snake conservation and management. It will provide training in snake husbandry, ensuring better care and understanding of these often-misunderstood creatures. With backing from the Habitats Trust, this initiative is not a commercial venture but a lifeline for many affected by snakebites, positioning Karnataka as a leader in snakebite research and treatment.

WhatsApp chatbot for snakebite awareness in Mysuru district

In a pioneering initiative for snakebite awareness in Karnataka, the Liana Trust has launched a WhatsApp chatbot, designed to educate residents about snakes and the vital first-aid responses needed in case of snakebites. This chatbot, developed in collaboration with Humane Society International/India, aims to empower the community by providing easily accessible information to increase awareness about the local snake species and prevention methods.

Users can access the chatbot by sending a simple 'Hi' to the WhatsApp number +919154190472, where they will receive engaging and informative content in both English and Kannada. Since its launch in June 2024, over 3,000 users have joined, illustrating the community's interest in such crucial educational resources. The chatbot personalizes user experiences by requesting their location and subsequently sharing region-specific details about local snakes, addressing prevalent myths, and outlining preventive measures against snakebites.

In addition to educational content, the chatbot also emphasizes critical first-aid practices for snakebites, advising against harmful myths such as giving milk to snakes and cautioning against unnecessary interference with bite wounds. Vinod Krishnan from HSI/India noted the urgency of addressing snakebites, which he termed a “mass problem,” and highlighted WhatsApp's popularity as a tool to disseminate life-saving information. Gerry Martin, founder of The Liana Trust, acknowledged the necessity of evolving public outreach methods, reinforcing the importance of continuous community engagement through modern channels.

This initiative reflects the long-standing collaboration between HSI/India and The Liana Trust, which has been operational in the Mysore district since 2018, focusing on ecological studies, community outreach, and policy development to create an effective model for snakebite prevention and management.

CDC Study Finds Silent Bird Flu Infections in Dairy Veterinarians

Recent research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has revealed that three dairy veterinarians, including one who worked exclusively in states without reported bird flu outbreaks, tested positive for recent undetected infections of the H5N1 virus. This study analyzed antibody tests from 150 veterinarians in 46 states across the U.S., indicating a potential underreporting of the virus's spread.

While the findings were not entirely unexpected, they raised alarm bells about the possibility that bird flu could be infecting both cattle and humans in more states than currently acknowledged. Seema Lakdawala, a virologist at Emory University, highlighted the uncertainty regarding the extent of the outbreak, stating, "We do not know the extent of this outbreak in the U.S." This suggests that there are certainly additional infections occurring that health authorities have yet to capture.

Since the onset of the bird flu outbreak in dairy cows last March, over 950 herds in 16 states have confirmed the presence of the virus, and 68 individuals have been diagnosed with the virus, primarily those who had direct contact with infected cows. Most human cases have presented with mild symptoms. The findings from the CDC study were initially scheduled for publication earlier but faced delays due to the Trump administration pausing public communications from health and science agencies. The results stress the critical need for public health preparedness, as Dr. Nahid Bhadelia, director of the Boston University Center on Emerging Infectious Diseases, pointed out.

Two die in far north Queensland as health authorities warn of spike in melioidosis

In far north Queensland, two individuals have tragically lost their lives due to melioidosis, a serious tropical bacterial infection. This has raised alarm bells among health authorities, who report a notable surge in cases, likely linked to the recent heavy rainfall experienced in the region.

Melioidosis is known to be endemic in parts of Queensland and the Northern Territory, where it is typically contracted through contaminated soil. However, it can also be transmitted through water or air. According to Queensland health data, there have been 43 recorded cases of this infection in the first six weeks of 2025 alone—essentially double the number of cases reported during the same timeframe in recent years. Cairns and Townsville are currently the hardest-hit areas.

Dr. Jacqueline Murdoch, director of Tropical Public Health Services in Cairns, emphasized the importance of awareness for those categorized as high-risk, including individuals with diabetes, kidney or lung issues, or those undergoing cancer treatments. “We've had a very big season of melioidosis so far,” she stated, highlighting nearly 40 cases in the Cairns and Hinterland region since the beginning of the wet season, which sadly includes two fatalities.

Dr. Murdoch speculated that heavy rains from the previous year might have brought the bacteria closer to the soil surface, with ongoing rainfall facilitating its circulation. Notably, many recent infections stem from people inhaling contaminated air during windy and rainy conditions. The clinical manifestations often involve the lungs, with patients suffering severe effects such as sepsis.

The Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service has reported that melioidosis can be fatal in up to 20% of treated cases. Symptoms of acute melioidosis can include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, often requiring hospitalization for antibiotic treatment. Furthermore, the disease can appear as skin infections or abscesses in various parts of the body. Dr. Murdoch urged anyone observing persistent non-healing wounds or fevers lasting several weeks to consult their general practitioner for a thorough assessment for this infection.

13 babies born at mela hospital since Kumbh began on January 13

In a heart-wrenching revelation from the ongoing Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj, 54 devotees, already grappling with health issues, have tragically lost their lives. This figure does not encompass the additional 30 pilgrims who died in a stampede during Mauni Amavasya on January 29. According to reports from Rajeev Mani, this congregation, renowned as the world's largest spiritual gathering, has become the final destination for many who made the pilgrimage despite their health challenges.

In a contrasting note, the congregation has also been blessed with the arrival of 13 newborns at the Central Hospital, which is one of the 13 medical facilities set up to cater to the needs of attendees. These hospitals are equipped to handle various medical emergencies, including childbirth. However, amidst these celebrations are grim realities, as it has been indicated that a significant number of deaths may be attributed to underlying respiratory conditions, exacerbated in the current post-COVID era. The severe congestion and lack of oxygen in crowded environments are contributing factors, especially under extreme weather conditions.

A senior doctor at the Central Hospital shared a concerning observation about the conditions at the Maha Kumbh. With temperatures plummeting between 6 to 8 degrees Celsius towards the end of January, the festival's environment could prove fatal for individuals not in optimal health. The combination of relentless walking and harsh weather poses serious risks, raising alarms about health management in such large gatherings.

Union carbide waste unloaded at Pithampur

INDORE: On January 2 of this year, a significant environmental action took place when 337 metric tons of waste from Union Carbide were transported from Bhopal in 12 trucks. This waste, which continues to be a reminder of the 1984 gas tragedy, was successfully unloaded at a designated disposal facility in Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh, on Thursday—just five days before a scheduled hearing in the High Court.

Dhar district collector Priyank Mishra confirmed that the unloading process followed thorough public consultations aimed at ensuring transparency throughout the operation. The waste containers have been arranged in batches of four at the premises of Pithampur Industrial Waste Management Pvt Ltd, and it is noteworthy that the waste is secured in leakproof packaging, addressing concerns about potential hazardous leaks.

This operation took place against a backdrop of public protests, as many residents opposed the idea of incinerating this toxic waste in the industrial township located just 25 kilometers from Indore. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav stated that the government will proceed with any further actions based on directives from the court.

Diarrhoea-causing bacteria may be behind surge in GBS cases, says ICMR

Recent reports have highlighted a concerning connection between Campylobacter Jejuni, a bacterium known for causing diarrhoea, and the recent spike in cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in Maharashtra. According to the Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Dr. Rajiv Bahl, over 170 individuals have been affected by GBS in various locations across the state, particularly in Pune, in the last few weeks.

The outbreak has unfortunately taken a serious toll, with at least seven confirmed fatalities linked to the disease. Dr. Bahl revealed that laboratory tests indicate that nearly 20–30% of the samples collected have tested positive for Campylobacter Jejuni. Alarmingly, the patients afflicted with GBS exhibited symptoms of a prior infection caused by this bacterium.

In light of this troubling situation, the Union Health Ministry has dispatched a team of specialists to Maharashtra to offer technical support and guidance to local authorities, aiming to effectively manage the outbreak and safeguard public health.

SoPs implemented at Eluru village after bird flu confirmed; Collector warns against spreading rumours

In response to concerns about bird flu, Eluru Collector K. Vetriselvi addressed public rumors regarding a reported case in the district, emphasizing that these claims are unsubstantiated. She reassured the community that there is no documented transmission of bird flu to humans in India, thus urging residents to remain calm and not spread misinformation. Vetriselvi affirmed that properly cooked eggs and poultry meat are safe for consumption.

Following a complaint about chicken deaths at a poultry farm in Badampudi village, authorities sprang into action. The animal husbandry officials collected samples from the deceased birds and sent them to the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases in Bhopal for testing. The results confirmed the presence of bird flu, prompting immediate implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs).

A coordination meeting with district officials assessed the situation, leading to the establishment of a 24/7 Command and Control Centre, accessible via the toll-free number 9966779943 for reporting unusual poultry deaths. Notably, a one-kilometer radius around the affected farm has been declared an infected zone, while a ten-kilometer area has been designated as a surveillance zone. Measures to control the outbreak include culling and burying infected birds.

To facilitate this process, a total of 20 Rapid Response Teams, each comprising five members equipped with PPE kits, have been deployed. Vetriselvi added that local residents are being informed about necessary precautions against bird flu, and medical camps are being organized to administer antiviral treatments to symptomatic birds within the designated surveillance radius.

Doctor, assistants held for running abortion racket

Illegal Abortion Racket Exposed in Kolhapur

In a shocking turn of events, a BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) doctor, identified as Dipali Taingade, was arrested in Kolhapur alongside her two assistants. The healthcare practitioner is accused of being involved in an illegal sex determination and medical termination of pregnancy racket.

Taingade operates a clinic in Kalamba, which has been falsely transformed into a hospital. Health officials revealed that she possessed only the necessary permissions for Outpatient Department (OPD) services. However, she went ahead to stock a considerable amount of medication and perform procedures that were never sanctioned.

The illegal activities came to light after receiving multiple complaints directed to the district collector, Amol Yedge. Investigations indicated that the clinic was not just breaching laws but was also endangering lives, further emphasizing the need for regulatory enforcement in the healthcare sector.

'It's a money game to them':son takes on UnitedHealth over elderly father's care

Two years ago, Robby Martin received a distressing call from his father, Jackie, who at 82 years old was recovering from a back fracture at a nursing home. In the early hours, a representative from the insurance company UnitedHealth Group entered Jackie’s room at 2:30 AM, abruptly notifying him that his rehabilitation coverage would be cut off by the end of the week. Despite Jackie’s struggle to take a few steps without becoming breathless, this decision stemmed from a system where denying medical care translates into increased profits for the company.

Jackie, enrolled in UnitedHealth's Medicare Advantage program, underwent this unsettling ordeal just two weeks after beginning his necessary rehabilitation. The Medicare Advantage program is designed to provide insurance companies a lump sum for patient care, leading to a profit incentive that often comes at the cost of essential services for elderly patients. Following the initial coverage denial, Jackie and Robby successfully appealed, only to face yet another termination letter weekly, sapping their energy and hope. Robby recalled his father's weariness with the process, as Jackie eventually opted to return home, expressing a desire to see if he would improve.

Tragically, shortly after arriving back home, Jackie conveyed that he felt he was no longer improving and needed alternative care. Within just five days of UnitedHealth cutting off his rehabilitation, Jackie sadly passed away alone in his bathroom. This heartbreaking event has now propelled Robby to join a lawsuit against UnitedHealth, accusing the healthcare giant of unjustly denying vital care for elderly patients under the Medicare Advantage umbrella.

Robby describes UnitedHealth's approach as purely monetary, emphasizing that the corporation's actions appear solely driven by profit motives. Compounding the issue, a recent federal inquiry revealed that the rate of prior authorization denials for post-acute care among older adults enrolled in Medicare Advantage has soared, raising serious concerns about the care provided to this vulnerable population.

Despite being urged to responsibly manage the care of their patients, UnitedHealth's response to the allegations has been dismissive, indicating that decisions are made based on criteria and guidelines meant to ensure the best outcomes. As Robby continues his fight for justice for his father, he hopes the emergence of this lawsuit will spark change in UnitedHealth’s practices regarding coverage denial.

Macmillan Cancer Support cuts quarter of staff and scraps hardship scheme

Macmillan Cancer Support Makes Major Cuts Amid Financial Struggles

Macmillan Cancer Support, the UK's leading cancer charity, has made the difficult decision to reduce its workforce by 25%, downgrade its helpline, and eliminate its flagship financial hardship scheme. These drastic changes come as a response to a challenging financial climate that threatens the charity's ability to support vulnerable cancer patients effectively.

A Guardian investigation into the charity's financial practices unveiled alarming trends. Over the past six years, Macmillan has spent £100 million more than it has raised, significantly outpacing its income alongside rising operational costs. Wages and salaries surged by nearly 18%, reaching £80 million in 2023, contributing to the financial strain. With approximately 60% of its workforce at risk of redundancy, 431 staff members will leaving the organization.

The demand for Macmillan’s services is growing. More individuals are being diagnosed with cancer due to better awareness and NHS initiatives for early detection. Historically, Macmillan has played a crucial role in addressing cancer care needs, supporting over 130,000 patients a year and funding around 11,000 specialized clinicians. However, the charity's latest move to close its 100-year-old hardship fund, which provided essential financial grants of £200 to those in dire need, is raising serious concerns about patient welfare.

According to reports, around 50,000 low-income cancer patients who typically benefit from these grants will now be left without this vital support. The charity indicated it aims to focus its resources on the most vulnerable patients, yet the specifics of how they will ensure continued support remain unclear, especially during a time when record levels of poverty are being experienced across the UK.

Among those affected, patients like Laura and Linda have voiced their distress and disbelief over the discontinuation of the grant. Both have shared how these funds were pivotal in managing their living expenses while battling cancer, illustrating the deep emotional and financial impact of this decision.

As Macmillan plans to restructure its services to adapt to the current economic situation, it remains to be seen how these significant cuts will affect the organization and the cancer patients who rely on its support for both emotional and financial assistance.

Student died from sepsis after antibiotics error in London hospital, inquest hears

In a recent inquest, a tragic story unfolded concerning a young man's death from sepsis, raising significant concerns about communication failures in a healthcare setting. William Hewes, a 22-year-old student, succumbed to meningococcal septicaemia on January 21, 2023, shortly after being admitted to the Homerton hospital in East London. His mother, Dr. Deborah Burns, a consultant paediatrician at the same hospital, brought her severely ill son to the emergency room shortly after midnight, emphasizing that he required urgent treatment for meningitis.

The inquest revealed that although antibiotics were prescribed swiftly, an unfortunate mix-up in communication resulted in the essential treatment being delayed beyond the crucial first hour. Dr. Burns learned that her son had not received the life-saving drug ceftriaxone even after expressing her concerns to the on-duty medical team. "I told him I didn’t think William had the antibiotics," she recalled, illustrating the distressing moment of realization.

Despite the alarm raised by Dr. Burns, administering the antibiotic was not prioritized until she insisted on checking the treatment status with Dr. Luke Lake, who admitted to overlooking the crucial task initially. Dr. Rebecca McMillan, another key doctor in the emergency unit, expressed her deep concern upon discovering the delayed medication, indicating a chaotic atmosphere in the emergency response team.

As the inquest progressed, issues of responsibility and clarity in treatment protocols came to light. Dr. McMillan pointed out that misunderstandings about who was in charge of William's care contributed to the tragedy, suggesting a system-wide need for clearer communication and accountability. Dr. Burns reflected on these experiences, acknowledging the necessity of improving instructions in urgent medical scenarios. The inquest remains ongoing, with hopes of shedding further light on this heartbreaking case.

Usaid funding freeze disrupts global tuberculosis control efforts

The Trump administration's recent executive actions have ignited serious concerns within the global tuberculosis (TB) community, particularly following a sudden freeze on foreign aid from the US Agency for International Development (USAID). This unexpected 90-day funding freeze has hit TB treatment, diagnosis, and prevention programs hard, leaving no corner of the global TB control efforts unscathed. With USAID being the primary bilateral donor in the fight against TB—responsible for over $406 million in funding in 2024 alone—its abrupt halt in operations has left numerous programs scrambling for alternatives.

Since 2000, it is estimated that USAID and its partners have successfully saved over 58 million lives from TB across the globe. Hence, countries battling high TB burdens have become heavily reliant on USAID’s support. Unfortunately, many of these programs received immediate stop-work orders, jeopardizing access to essential TB treatments and diagnostics. The resulting chaos has disrupted the supply chain for TB medications that were already purchased, leaving healthcare providers unable to distribute these vital resources. Additionally, community organizations aimed at aiding underserved populations have been forced to halt their initiatives entirely.

Experts fear the funding freeze could drive a resurgence in TB cases and drug-resistant strains. Lucica Ditiu, executive director of Stop TB Partnership, voiced her concerns regarding the immediate impacts seen on the ground. With many programs uncertain if they fall under the waiver for life-saving humanitarian aid, there’s unease about whether vital support services will be recognized and funded.

Moreover, Jennifer Furin, a respected expert on multidrug-resistant TB, highlighted the potential for this freeze to catalyze the spread of drug-resistant strains both domestically and internationally. As TB services worldwide are just starting to recover from setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, these cuts could further exacerbate existing health crises.

The funding freeze has also frozen ongoing research into TB treatments, preventing essential studies from progressing, thereby delaying innovations that could provide better care for TB patients. The tremors caused by this freeze ripple far beyond immediate care; they threaten America's own public health infrastructure by allowing infectious diseases to spread unchecked.

Despite these challenges, some experts believe that the US won't entirely retreat from funding TB control efforts, given TB's nature as an airborne disease. The existing threat it presents makes a full withdrawal imprudent, as that's likely to lead to greater public health risks.

1,314 government buildings in States and U.T.s made accessible for differently-abled persons: Union Minister

The Government of India has made significant strides in enhancing accessibility for differently-abled persons, known as Divyangjans, across various public sectors. According to Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment B.L. Verma, a total of 1,314 government-owned public buildings in states and Union Territories have undergone accessibility audits and have been improved under the Accessible India Campaign. This initiative aims to ensure that public spaces are inclusive for all citizens.

Mr. Verma shared these updates while responding to an unstarred question from D. Ravikumar, a Member of Parliament from Villupuram. As part of the efforts by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD), retrofitting has been completed on 211 buildings under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and an impressive 889 buildings from various other departments. Such improvements indicate a dedicated commitment to creating accessible environments in government infrastructure.

Accessibility improvements have extended to transportation as well. All 35 international and 55 domestic airports are now equipped with essential facilities, including ramps, accessible toilets, and lifts, making air travel more user-friendly for persons with disabilities. Furthermore, the Indian Railways has also completed retrofitting at all 709 A 1, A, and B category railway stations, introducing facilities such as ramps, help desks, and accessible drinking water. In the bus sector, 42,000 buses have been made partially accessible, with 8,695 completely accessible, reflecting a nationwide initiative aimed at enhancing transportation and mobility.

Moreover, Mr. Verma highlighted the third-party evaluation of the implementation of the Accessible India Campaign, which reported an encouraging change in attitudes among government officials and the general public towards accessibility for persons with disabilities. This positive shift not only signifies progress in compliance but also fosters a more inclusive society that recognizes the rights of all individuals to access public spaces safely and easily.

Harish Rao accuses govt. of making primary healthcare services sick

In a strong critique of the current Congress Government, T. Harish Rao, a leading member of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), has voiced serious concerns about the inadequate healthcare services being offered to the economically vulnerable populations. He pointed out that the recent closure of the health and wellness centre located in Keesara, within the Dammaiguda Municipality of the Medchal-Malkajigiri district, serves as a glaring example of this neglect.

Mr. Rao highlighted the deteriorating conditions of ‘basthi dawakhanas’—the community clinics—across not only Hyderabad but also in districts like Nizamabad, Adilabad, and Mahabubnagar. He questioned the drastic decrease in outpatient numbers at both the community and rural clinics, suggesting that these facilities are suffering from governmental neglect. During the tenure of the previous BRS Government, there was a proactive effort to address public health needs, marked by the establishment of approximately 500 ‘mohalla’ clinics where healthcare access was significantly improved.

Additionally, Rao reminded the public that these clinics had received recognition from the 15th Finance Commission for their efficiency. However, he lamented that the existing Congress Government has failed to maintain these services, resulting in a forced reliance on private healthcare providers. The complaints extend to operational issues faced by these clinics, including irregular doctor attendance, shortages of essential medications for chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, and insufficient lab services.

Mr. Harish Rao urged the government to urgently address these critical issues in order to ensure that quality healthcare services are accessible to the poor in a timely manner.

New norms for disposal of medical equipment in govt. hospitals in A.P.

New Guidelines for Hospital Equipment Disposal Approved

The Minister for Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare, Y. Satya Kumar Yadav, has introduced new directives aimed at streamlining the disposal of outdated hospital equipment at government hospitals. Until now, the disposal process relied heavily on reports submitted by biomedical engineers, which often delayed action due to their limited availability. This backlog led to an accumulation of waste, posing potential health hazards.

Under the newly approved guidelines, government hospitals, including Government General Hospitals and District Hospitals, are now empowered to manage their own disposal of unutilized equipment. They are required to complete this process within 45 days, significantly enhancing efficiency and reducing the burden of cluttered waste.

The move comes as a necessary measure to improve cleanliness and safety standards within healthcare facilities across the region. By allowing hospitals to take charge of waste disposal, it is anticipated that the management of unused equipment will become more proactive and less prone to delays.

Healthcare providers not accepting digital health records because they do not want to be accountable: Former Ayushman Bharat CEO

Indu Bhushan, the former chairman of the National Health Authority and CEO of Ayushman Bharat, raised concerns regarding the reluctance of many healthcare providers to digitize patient health records. During a panel discussion titled “Future of Care: Revolutionising Healthcare Through Digital Innovation and Collaboration” at the Global Investors' Meet, he highlighted that this resistance is partly due to a desire to avoid accountability.

Dr. Bhushan illustrated his point by pointing out that some doctors habitually prescribe unnecessary tests and antibiotics. He explained that documenting such practices digitally could increase scrutiny and accountability among healthcare professionals. Currently, when records are kept on paper, it is challenging to audit a doctor's prescribing habits, but digital records would reveal persistent patterns in prescribing, which many doctors prefer to avoid.

He also addressed the issue of interoperability, noting that some hospitals don’t want patients to seek care elsewhere, as this would allow others to access their patient records. While acknowledging that not every healthcare facility operates this way, he indicated that this is a common concern among providers.

Dr. Bhushan described the unequal distribution of technology in healthcare, where some hospitals utilize digital tools effectively while others lag behind. According to him, as acceptance of digital health increases—similar to the adoption of digital payment methods like Unified Payments Interface (UPI)—insurance companies will push for the use of electronic health records.

On a broader scale, Ashutosh Raghuvanshi, Managing Director of Fortis Healthcare, raised questions about mandatory digitization under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Mission (ABDM), emphasizing that public health policies will ultimately propel this transition. He pointed out discrepancies in patient experience between public and private sectors, including wasted resources due to repeated investigations.

Furthermore, the session highlighted the significance of addressing security in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare. Shashank N.D., CEO of Practo, underscored the essentiality of anonymization in technology to ensure personal information protection while maintaining functionality.

Bird flu: mass burial of dead birds begins in West Godavari

On Thursday, West Godavari District Collector, Ch. Nagarani, took charge of overseeing the mass burial of poultry layers affected by the avian influenza, specifically the H5N1 strain, at a poultry unit in Velpuri village. The birds, primarily raised for egg-laying rather than for consumption, had suffered significant losses, with a staggering 20,000 birds reported dead within just a month.

Wearing a protective PPE kit, Ms. Nagarani led a rapid response team that was engaged in the crucial task of disposing of the carcasses, following stringent health protocols. She visited the G. Krishnanandam Poultry site, where mass mortality had occurred across all five sheds in operation. To effectively tackle the crisis, the district had deployed a total of 22 rapid response teams.

During the monitoring efforts, the District Animal Husbandry Officer, K. Muralikrishna, along with the District in-charge Medical and Health Officer, B. Bhanu Naik, and a team of veterinarians, ensured that the health procedures were meticulously adhered to during the burial process. This proactive approach showcases the authorities' commitment to controlling the outbreak and protecting public health.