Temporary solution to supply crisis at SCTIMST

The crisis that evolved at the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) following supply shortage of cath lab materials used for interventional radiology procedures seems to have had a temporary resolution, with the institute reaching an interim agreement with HLL Lifecare Ltd. for the procurement and supply of materials.
At a meeting called by the Director of SCTIMST with HLL Lifecare Ltd. here on Monday, it was decided that the latter would procure and supply the high-end cath lab materials required by the institute through its AMRIT (Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment) retail pharmacy network, so that the immediate crisis at SCTIMST, which had resulted in a total halt to all neuro interventional procedures, can be resolved.
Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Tourism Suresh Gopi was also present at the meeting, along with senior faculty members of the institute.
The supply shortage of cath lab materials had reached a situation wherein the doctors at the Imaging Sciences and Interventional Radiology department had informed the director that from Monday, they would not be performing any interventional procedures till a regular and uninterrupted supply of materials could be ensured.
Without an MoU
'It would require a lot of paperwork and legal vetting before we can enter into a formal MoU with HLL Lifecare Ltd. so that steady procurement through the AMRIT pharmacy network is possible. However, in view of the current crisis, HLL Lifecare has agreed to ensure uninterrupted supply of cath lab materials for us even without the MoU. We hope to resume interventional procedures at the hospitalmaybe within a week,' a senior administrative official at SCTIMST told The Hindu.
'For the past two years, the institute has been trying to shift to a new procurement system and this involved a lot of process delays. In 2023, we renewed the rate contract with 24 medical device companies who had been our suppliers for the past several years. The current crisis resulted when four companies, who had the monopoly over the specific materials, refused to go with the 2023 prices and in effect, pulled the rug from under our feet,' he added.
Mostly imported materials
He added that the Institute now has the option of procurement through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal as well as AMRIT, which is also a fair price initiative under the Health ministry. However, there have been many quality concern issues and technical rejections due to non-conformance to specifications under the GeM. Most of the materials used by the interventional radiology department are imported, many of which do not have Indian substitutes.
While the meeting was on, a group of Youth Congress activists had barged into the SCTIMST, protesting against the disruption in patient care. A minor scuffle ensued, but the protesters were pacified by the director.
In a statement here, CPI(M) district secretary V. Joy, MLA, claimed that the Union government was systematically trying to undermine the functioning of the SCTIMST.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

India Today

38 minutes ago

• India Today

Do dermats even approve of sunscreen sticks?

If there's one skincare essential that's as important as a cleanser, it is a sunscreen. That's what dermatologists protects from harmful UV radiation which can lead to early ageing, skin cancer and skin admit that there is a growing awareness among Indians about using sun protection. Industry numbers also suggest so. Meanwhile, cosmetic, pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical companies are coming up with innovative formulations to make sunscreens easier to apply and enjoyable to sunscreen tubes apart, we now have whipped sunscreens for those who want skincare to be fun. There are also sunscreen sprays which are super quick to use. Sunscreen sticks, however, are the biggest stars of the moment. Sunscreen sticks are now popular all over the world. (Photo: Unsplash) From cult-favourite K-Beauty and J-Beauty brands to homegrown Indian labels, sunscreen sticks are everywhere. Beauty enthusiasts love them too. Sunscreen sticks are going viral, and many brands are now selling them. Just take that sunscreen stick out of the pocket, swipe it across the skin and you're protected from sun damage. At least that's what most of us believe. But do dermatologists approve of sunscreen sticks?Moreover, should it replace your regular sunscreen tube? We took these questions to the skin experts. The answers? You wouldn't want to concernsOne of the top concerns while using a sunscreen stick is how to know if the quantity dispensed on your face is enough.'For proper protection, you need 2 mg/cm of sunscreen on your face. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, this means at least four generous passes of a sunscreen stick across your entire face,' says Dr Kiran Sethi, medical director of Isya applying that amount of sunscreen stick is impractical. Think greasy skin and acne!'Applying such large amounts of wax on your face is bound to be comedogenic,' adds Dr Sethi. Something that is comedogenic clogs facial pores and causes blackheads or acne to Geetika Srivastava, dermatologist and founder of Influennz Skin and Hair Clinic in Delhi, says that frequent reapplication becomes more important because limited quantity comes off with each sunscreen sticks are wax-based and contain ingredients like beeswax, lanolin and paraffin, which are highly comedogenic, especially if used in large amounts.'Look for less comedogenic waxes like sunflower or rice bran wax,' suggests Dr concern pertaining to sunscreen sticks is low SPF.'Many trending sunscreen sticks offer low SPF, which leads to inadequate protection. So, it's important to check the SPF and the ingredient list before choosing one,' highlights Dr Deepali Bhardwaj, Delhi-based dermatologist and hair transplant a sunscreen should be SPF 30 or when the weather is hot and humid, a sunscreen stick might also end up feeling heavy or positivesThere are a lot of positives too. Firstly, the easier application – that's prime. If a product is built in a manner that you are encouraged to use it, you know it has won half the sunscreen sticks, they can be easily kept in pockets or even be hung as bag charms. Indian brands Gush Beauty and Lakme offer sunscreen sticks with on-the-go keychains. Sunscreen? Yes. But also a bag charm. Dermats agree too. 'They encourage more frequent use, especially among people who typically skip sunscreen altogether,' says Dr sticks are also good for targeted use. They are ideal for small or often-missed areas like the nose, ears, jawline and sides of the face. Those who swear by sunscreen sticks really love how it allows easy application, even over makeup. Reapplication is a sunscreen rule. You need to do that after 3 to 4 if you are already out and have your makeup on, a lotion sunscreen might hamper that makeup. A sunscreen stick won' are the key reasons behind the hype of sunscreen sticks, industry insiders say.'They've (sunscreen sticks) quickly gained popularity, particularly among young consumers. And for good reason: they're compact, effective and perfect for reapplication throughout the day, especially in India's hot and humid climate. While traditional sunscreens are ideal for your first layer, sunsticks are a practical, on-the-go addition making it easier than ever to stay protected. They're not a replacement, but an essential upgrade for real-life routines,' says Manasa Garamella, co-founder of kindlife, an online beauty retail highlight that a sunscreen stick, at the end of the day, is a sunscreen. Only the formulation is a bit different.'I'd like to clarify that sunscreen sticks use the same active ingredients (UVA and UVB blockers), both physical (like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) and chemical filters, as conventional lotions or creams. The difference lies in the format,' says Dr sticks: To skip or keep?While they are not as effective as traditional sunscreens, there is no reason to completely ditch sunscreen sticks. Their easy-to-use format makes them a skincare superhero, as it enables reapplication which is an unmissable aspect of using are plenty of good options available in the market. 'Cosmeceutical brands often make more effective, skin-safe sunscreen sticks,' says Dr for a sunscreen stick with:Non-comedogenic labelUVA and UVB blockersPhysical filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxideSPF 30 to 50 for adequate UVB protectionPA rating of +++ or more, for UVA protectionFragrance-free and paraben-free formulas, to avoid sensitising agents that may trigger contact dermatitisThe best way to go about with sunscreen sticks? Start with lotion in the morning, then reapply with stick throughout the day. advertisement

Mint

2 hours ago

• Mint

Missing from India's population narrative: Unmet family goals, financial barriers, coercion

India's population estimates often provoke extreme reactions: frustration over overpopulation or alarm over the signs of a falling fertility rate. However, such narratives fail to capture a nuanced picture—one that centres around what couples go through in their fertility journey. A recent report by the UN Population Fund (UNFPA)—State of World Population—finds that Indians are now having fewer children than needed to offset deaths. A parallel crisis is also playing out with many couples struggling to meet their fertility goals, having either more or fewer children than planned, facing several barriers and struggling with coercion. Shrinking fertility India's total fertility rate (TFR) fell to 1.9 in 2025, according to estimates from the report. This figure has been below the replacement level of 2.1 since 2020. In practical terms, this means that Indian women, on average, are now having fewer children than needed to prevent the population from shrinking over time, without accounting for migration. 'This decline is driven by a combination of factors, including rising education levels, increasing urbanization, delayed marriage, improved access to contraception, and evolving social and economic aspirations," said Andrea Wojnar, the UNFPA's India representative. The latest Sample Registration System data showed a fertility rate of 2 in fertility rates have become a cause of concern, especially in developed nations, as their populations are growing older and economies are slowing. Such concerns are taking hold in India as well, despite it being home to the largest population in the world. Unfulfilled aspirations For many years, India has chosen a policy of population control through greater awareness about family planning and making contraceptives available to people, among other measures. However, beyond these policies, several complexities faced by couples may also be contributing to the current trend. Over 30% of Indians experienced unintended pregnancies, and a similar share also went through a time when they wanted a child but couldn't have one, showed the report by the UNFPA, which conducted a survey with polling agency YouGov. About one in four Indians encountered both scenarios. These findings highlight a widespread prevalence of having either more or fewer children than planned or desired, both with detrimental consequences. Unintended pregnancies can lead to financial strain from unexpected childcare costs and potential health risks for mothers and children. Conversely, having fewer children than desired can lead to heightened psychological stress. Barriers to parenthood But what are the barriers preventing Indian couples from achieving their desired family size? Financial constraint is the number one reason, with nearly 40% citing it as a major hurdle, as per the report. Housing issues (22%), job insecurity (21%), and one partner desiring fewer children (19%) are also significant factors in family expansion goals. Many are also holding back due to growing anxiety about the future, from climate change to political and social instability. For many, insufficient involvement of the other partner in housework and childcare holds them back from expanding the family, the report showed. Notably, Indians face a disproportionately higher share of barriers compared to the global average for 10 out of 14 tracked factors. The gap is particularly wide for concerns like climate change, inadequate pregnancy-related healthcare, and pressure from the medical fraternity regarding family planning decisions, underscoring unique challenges in India. Limited agency The discourse around exercising reproductive agency has been largely focused on women since they are more directly affected by childbirth. However, the report showed that both men and women in India report significant constraints on their reproductive rights. Nearly the same share of respondents (about 61%) in both genders reported experiencing some form of coercion during a reproductive relationship in India. More men (30%) than women (26%) reported pressure to have a child when they did not want one. More men also reported feeling pressured to use contraception when they desired a child. Alarmingly, 33% of women and 34% of men reported feeling unable to refuse sexual intercourse, highlighting widespread sexual coercion. This is broadly in line with the global trend, with 60% of men and 70% of women reporting some form of limitation of their reproductive rights. 'This finding, among both women and men, should be a call to action for all policymakers and advocates, a clear indication that sexual coercion is unacceptably commonplace for both men and women," the report noted. Positive trajectory India's declining fertility rate is closing the window for the demographic dividend. However, this may have come on the back of a positive development that prioritized women's education, financial independence, and health through delayed childbearing. Births per 1,000 women for those aged 15-19 years came down dramatically—and at a faster pace than the global trend—in the 21st century. The UNFPA report also highlighted that the recent declines in total fertility rates to low and very low levels, as evidenced in some countries, were intricately linked to rapid reductions in birth rates among adolescents and young women (aged 15-24 years), caused by a postponement of childbearing. According to Wojnar, this shift reflects meaningful progress toward greater reproductive autonomy and healthier life choices for young people. 'India's fertility story is not one story, but many. And the answer lies not in prescribing outcomes, but in ensuring an enabling environment where everyone has the ability and support to realise their own reproductive goals safely, freely, and with dignity," Wojnar added.

Indian Express

4 hours ago

• Indian Express

Jamun for fatty liver: How to have this fruit for maximum benefit

You may have often been advised to eat jamun, also known as black plum or Indian blackberry, for diabetes because it doesn't spike your blood sugar quickly. But it is also a healing food for the liver. Jamun has antioxidants like anthocyanins and flavonoids that help cleanse the liver and protect it from oxidative stress or cell damage. It reduces liver inflammation, liver enzyme levels and helps in regeneration of damaged liver cells. Regular consumption may reduce fat-buildup in the liver, especially in those with high cholesterol or obesity. The fruit helps regulate bile flow, reduces bloating and keeps the digestive system healthy — all of which indirectly support liver function. It is also rich in compounds that regulate how your body converts starch into sugar, keeping your blood sugar levels more stable. Some studies suggest jamun may help your body use insulin more effectively. It is best had raw and fresh. Wash the fruit well, remove the seeds (or keep them if you plan to use them) and eat them as a snack or dessert. Dried jamun seeds can be ground into powder and taken with water. Take about 1 teaspoon in the morning, after checking with your doctor. Freshly made juice (without sugar) is also helpful. Drink 50–100 ml in the morning, not more than once a day. For most people, 8–10 jamuns per day (roughly one small bowl) is a safe amount. Diabetics should monitor blood sugar if eating for the first time and stick to a small serving — ideally not more than 100 grams (half a cup). Always eat it as part of a balanced meal, not on an empty stomach or in excess. Jamun seeds are not eaten raw like the fruit but they are highly valued in powdered form. They contain compounds that help reduce blood sugar levels. You can dry the seeds in the sunlight, grind them into a fine powder and take one teaspoon daily mixed with water or buttermilk — but only after consulting your doctor, especially if you're on diabetes medication. It's generally best to eat jamun on its own, not mixed with other fruits. Some fruits you should avoid combining with jamun are: Citrus fruits (like oranges, sweet lime): These are acidic and may clash with the astringent nature of jamun, causing acidity or indigestion. Milk-based fruits (like bananas or chikoo): Can lead to digestive issues when mixed with jamun. High-sugar fruits (like mangoes, grapes): This combination can spike blood sugar in diabetics. Also avoid having jamun along with dairy products like milk or curd immediately, as it may interfere with digestion. (Dr Chaturvedi is senior consultant, endocrinology, Apollo Hospital, Delhi)