Latest news with #Abitkar
Time of India
2 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
Kolhapur district planning body okays 67cr to revamp zilla parishad schools
Kolhapur: The district planning and development (DPDC) council meeting of Kolhapur approved Rs67 crore for the first phase of revamping Zilla Parishad (ZP) schools under a special programme. The meeting of DPDC, the apex body for planning and spending of the funds for works, was held on Monday under the chair of district guardian minister Prakash Abitkar. For the development works proposed in 2024-25, the approval to spend nearly Rs 700 crore was given by the body, and works to be taken through the Rs 764 crore outlay for 2025-24 were discussed in the meeting. Abitkar said, "Most of the schools are as old as 80 years, and some are even 100 years old. ZP's programme is the first of its kind in the state. The ZP is going to make some funds available, and the funds will be raised through corporate social responsibility as well. Once the revamping of the ZP schools is done through this programme, a similar school development model will be implemented across the state." "A special programme has been undertaken by Kolhapur ZP-Samruddh and Adarsh schools for revamping 357 ZP-run schools from the district. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 40세 미만이라면 이 매혹적인 게임을 하지 마세요 경복의 바다 게임 플레이 Undo The programme will be implemented in the next five years. For the first phase of work, we have approved Rs 67 crore. Along with the schools, we are going to strengthen the health infrastructure, for which Rs 32 crore have been allocated from DPDC," said Abitkar. The members of the DPDC suggested allocating land to grow cattle feed crops so that there is no shortage of fodder during the monsoon. Member of Parliament Dhairyasheel Mane suggested managing the discharge from the dams effectively when filled to 70% of the total capacity to avoid floods in the district.
Hindustan Times
13-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Health dept to focus on doorstep services amid Covid cases, monsoon
Pune: Following the ongoing Covid-19 situation and monsoon, the state public health department and local administrations have been directed to prioritise door-to-door services to ensure health, sanitation, and social support reach every household, said officials. State health minister Prakash Abitkar has issued the directions, as per statement released on Friday. 'Waterlogging and stagnant water during rainy season increases risk of waterborne and vector-borne diseases. Hence, it is necessary to implement preventive measures in vulnerable areas,' Abitkar said. He stressed the need for rigorous quality control of water sources to prevent waterborne disease outbreaks. According to officials, district health officials have been asked to upgrade and maintain water testing laboratories on priority. Abitkar has instructed officers and health staff not to leave headquarters and remain present for emergencies during the monsoon.
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Lack of voluntary blood donations help ‘red market' thrive
1 2 3 Nagpur: As the world observes World Blood Donor Day 2025 under the theme "Give blood, give hope: Together we save lives," Maharashtra's health minister, Prakash Abitkar, directed officials to urgently implement a "No Shortage, No Wastage" policy. The policy aims to ensure timely access to safe blood for patients while also curbing avoidable wastage due to poor coordination. "Blood is a national resource, and its collection, storage, and use must be meticulously managed," said Abitkar during a state-level review of blood services. He noted that seasonal imbalances, such as massive blood collection during national events or birthdays of politicians, often contrast with shortfalls during festivals and summer, creating a mismatch in supply and demand. He directed health authorities to design and submit a comprehensive policy immediately. The state govt also plans to introduce new rules for granting NOCs to blood bank operators and explore NAT (Nucleic Acid Testing) in govt blood banks for higher safety. Meanwhile, Dr Sunil Khaparde, former director of NACO and now a city-based national expert on blood safety, raised alarm over India's growing dependence on paid or professional donors, despite legal bans. "With a demand of 1.2 crore units annually, we still fall short by over 30 lakh units. The deficit often drives patients to the underground 'Red Market,' where ethics and safety are routinely compromised," said Dr Khaparde. He stressed that while portals like e-RaktKosh and govt campaigns have made strides, the absence of a centralized national blood collection agency is keenly felt. "Even today, much of our blood supply comes from professional donors or family replacements. Genuine voluntary donation remains under 50%," he noted. Dr Harish Warbhe, medical director of Lifeline Blood Centre in the city, emphasized the health benefits of voluntary donation even for the donors themselves. "Regular voluntary blood donation not only saves lives but also stimulates the donor's bone marrow to produce fresh, healthier blood cells. It reduces iron overload in the body and gives a sense of purpose and community connection. It's a simple act with profound benefits — for recipients and donors alike," he said. India's Blood Gap: Key Facts India needs around 1.2 crore units of blood every year Only about 90 lakh units are collected annually This leads to a shortfall of approximately 30 lakh units each year In the summer months, the shortfall often touches 50%, worsening the crisis India still does not meet the WHO-recommended 1% blood reserve based on the total population Less than 50% of blood donations are truly voluntary; the rest come from relatives if patients Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Bike ambulances, ICUs along wari routes: State health min
Kolhapur: The state health department is going to deploy bike ambulances, cardiac ambulances, and ICUs along the wari routes towards the temple town of Pandharpur. Lakhs of devotees of Lord Vitthal and Lord Rukhmini participate in the annual Ashadi Ekadashi pilgrimage. State health minister Prakash Abitkar held a meeting to review preparations at Pandharpur town of Solapur on Friday. He said that the health department is going to deploy around 1,300 to 1,500 staffers, including doctors, nurses, and other paramedics, along the pilgrimage routes. Several teams of gynaecologists will be present and the Hirkani Kaksh for breastfeeding will be set up. "There will be 24 cardiac ambulances, 300 regular ambulances, 22 ICUs, mobile clinics every five kilometres, and bike ambulances along the warkari route. The ICUs will be set up at the places where Warkaris stay and take short rests," said Abitkar. When asked about the Covid-19 scare during wari, Abitkar said, "The cases are rising, but they are very mild, and most of them need no hospitalisation. There is no reason to fear." Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Lack of blood donations help ‘red market' thrive
slug: World Blood Donor's Day Nagpur: As the world observes World Blood Donor Day 2025 under the theme "Give blood, give hope: Together we save lives," Maharashtra's health minister, Prakash Abitkar, directed officials to urgently implement a "No Shortage, No Wastage" policy. The policy aims to ensure timely access to safe blood for patients while also curbing avoidable wastage due to poor coordination. "Blood is a national resource, and its collection, storage, and use must be meticulously managed," said Abitkar during a state-level review of blood services. He noted that seasonal imbalances, such as massive blood collection during national events or birthdays of politicians, often contrast with shortfalls during festivals and summer, creating a mismatch in supply and demand. He directed health authorities to design and submit a comprehensive policy immediately. The state govt also plans to introduce new rules for granting NOCs to blood bank operators and explore NAT (Nucleic Acid Testing) in govt blood banks for higher safety. Meanwhile, Dr Sunil Khaparde, former director of NACO and now a city-based national expert on blood safety, raised alarm over India's growing dependence on paid or professional donors, despite legal bans. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo "With a demand of 1.2 crore units annually, we still fall short by over 30 lakh units. The deficit often drives patients to the underground 'Red Market,' where ethics and safety are routinely compromised," said Dr Khaparde. He stressed that while portals like e-RaktKosh and govt campaigns have made strides, the absence of a centralized national blood collection agency is keenly felt. "Even today, much of our blood supply comes from professional donors or family replacements. Genuine voluntary donation remains under 50%," he noted. Dr Harish Warbhe, medical director of Lifeline Blood Centre in the city, emphasized the health benefits of voluntary donation even for the donors themselves. "Regular voluntary blood donation not only saves lives but also stimulates the donor's bone marrow to produce fresh, healthier blood cells. It reduces iron overload in the body and gives a sense of purpose and community connection. It's a simple act with profound benefits — for recipients and donors alike," he said. India's Blood Gap: Key Facts India needs around 1.2 crore units of blood every year Only about 90 lakh units are collected annually This leads to a shortfall of approximately 30 lakh units each year In the summer months, the shortfall often touches 50%, worsening the crisis India still does not meet the WHO-recommended 1% blood reserve based on the total population Less than 50% of blood donations are truly voluntary; the rest come from relatives if patients Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
