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Time of India
14 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Assam free from high MMR burden, infant mortality rate also down: CM
1 2 Guwahati: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said the state has come out from the historical backlog of high burden of maternal mortality ratio (MMR), which has been recorded by the sample registration survey (SRS) special bulletin for 2020-22, released recently. He added that the state's infant mortality rate (IMR) and under-5 mortality ratio (U5MR) have also improved significantly. "Assam is no longer the state with the highest MMR in the country. Assam's MMR is now better than Madhya Pradesh (159), Chhattisgarh (141), Uttar Pradesh (141) and Odisha (136) as per SRS 2020-22," Sarma said. As per SRS 2020-22, MMR of Assam has come down to 125. "This shows, 70 points (36%) drop in MMR in just two years. No other states in the country have shown such decline," Sarma added. He said from MMR of 490 in 2001-03, Assam improved to 125 by 2020-22, "almost reducing MMR to 1/4th. It is a great achievement for the state of Assam to bring such a great reduction of MMR even during the period of the Covid-19 pandemic." He attributed this high historical MMR to poor maternal health conditions and health infrastructure in the state. "Now, it is time to move forward and capitalise on all our effective strategies. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Scam Exposed: What They Won't Tell You about zero trust! Expertinspector Click Here Undo We must push Assam towards one of the five best states in the country in health sector," Sarma said, acknowledging that the state still has a great distance to go. "With renewed commitment and by adopting focused strategies for improvement of health sector with collective efforts of all members of health and family welfare department, medical education and research department, NHM and all other related departments we shall achieve our goals," he said. "In the last two decades, tremendous efforts have been undertaken, especially in the last 10 years, for which, significant improvement has been observed in reduction of maternal mortality," he said. He said it is not just MMR, but IMR also has improved tremendously. "Now, our performance (IMR) is at par with Odisha (32) and better than Uttar Pradesh (38), Chattisgarh (38) and Madhya Pradesh (40)," Sarma said. "Our Under 5 Mortality Rate (U5MR) was as high as 88 per 1000 live births in 2008. This has also come down from 40 (SRS 2020) to 37 (SRS 2021) and further down to 35 (SRS 2022), almost reducing to 1/3rd. Similarly, our neonatal mortality rate also has improved from 33 per 1000 live births in 2005 to 22 in 2020-22," he added.
Hindustan Times
21 hours ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Decode, Detect, Defeat: National Campaign Puts Spotlight on Sickle Cell Disease
India's ambitious drive to eliminate Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) by 2047 is gaining momentum this month with the launch of a national media campaign titled 'India's Fight Against Sickle Cell: From Awareness to Action.' The campaign, led by and HealthShots in partnership with Novo Nordisk and .. The campaign begins in June to mark the significance of World Sickle Cell Day, observed globally on June 19th. To honour this milestone and deepen the national conversation, the initiative will culminate in a high-level conclave on June 30th, 2025, at The Lalit, New Delhi. One of India's less widely recognised public health priorities Sickle Cell Disease remains one of India's most urgent yet under-recognised public health burdens. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), more than 20 million people in India carry the sickle cell gene, with an estimated 1.5 lakh children born annually with the disease. Source: Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is an inherited blood condition that changes the shape of red blood cells, which can sometimes affect how oxygen flows through the body. While it may lead to episodes of discomfort and certain health challenges over time, many people with SCD live full and active lives, especially with early diagnosis, regular care, and the right support systems in place. In India, the condition is more commonly found in specific geographic belts, including parts of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Bihar, Uttarakhand Increasing access to screening and care in these regions is helping to bridge longstanding gaps and offer better outcomes for individuals and families alike. Source: According to data from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and National Health Mission (NHM), carrier prevalence in tribal districts ranges from 10% to 40%, with disease prevalence among newborns at 1–2% in high-burden NHM — National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission Guidelines (2023) The Government of India launched the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission (NSCAEM) in July 2023, targeting 7 crore screenings by 2027 and aiming for disease elimination by 2047, in line with India's 100 years of independence goals. Putting Patient Voices at the Heart A core goal of 'India's Fight Against Sickle Cell: From Awareness to Action' is to centre patient voices and reduce social stigma through storytelling and journalism. The campaign will bring forward the lived experiences of those affected by SCD—patients, families, caregivers and frontline health workers—highlighting both the challenges and the hope that early diagnosis and proper care can provide. Throughout the campaign, audiences—including healthcare professionals, public health officials, policymakers, researchers, civil society organisations, entrepreneurs, start-ups in health innovation, educators, and the wider public—will hear from individuals across different regions of India who have navigated the realities of this lifelong condition. 'India must see Sickle Cell Disease not as an isolated tribal issue, but as a broader national priority. Given limited awareness around SCD among patients and the public, several challenges remain, including a lack of trained healthcare professionals in rural areas and insufficient coordination among various stakeholders. We are happy to collaborate with Hindustan Times and Novo Nordisk on this national campaign as it fosters better collaboration among the healthcare community, state governments, and non-governmental organisations to achieve the goal of eradicating SCD as a public health issue by 2047,' Prime Minister's Vision. says Gautam Dongre – National Secretary, National Alliance of Sickle Cell Organisations (NASCO). Driving cross-sector collaboration Novo Nordisk India, the campaign sponsor, is supporting this effort to propel the government's national mission by promoting active engagement among stakeholders, including central & state governments, public officials & policymakers, government medical institutions, healthcare professionals, patient groups & NGOs, start-ups & entrepreneurs and broader cross-sector collaboration. "In India, 1.4 million adults and children live with sickle cell disease. Among them, the tribal communities are the worst affected due to poorer health conditions, greater burden of morbidity and mortality and limited access to healthcare services in comparison to the rest of the population. We, at Novo Nordisk, are committed towards strengthening the Indian healthcare infrastructure for early detection and diagnosis of this life-threatening disease. Eliminating SCD will require sustained partnerships between government, healthcare, civil society, and industry. As a first step, Novo Nordisk Education Foundation, in collaboration with We are proud to support this campaign that brings national attention to SCD and helps advance health equity," said Vikrant Shrotriya, Managing Director, Novo Nordisk India. About the campaign Over June, 'India's Fight Against Sickle Cell: From Awareness to Action' will deliver: The World SCD Day event on June 21st, 2025, at The Lalit, New Delhi, will bring together policy leaders, healthcare professionals, patients, and public health advocates to chart the way forward. As India marks nearly 16 years since the United Nations first recognised World Sickle Cell Day in December 2008, with the first global observance held on June 19, 2009, this campaign seeks to accelerate national progress. Under India's National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, the country has set a target to screen approximately 7 crore individuals by 2026 as a milestone toward broader elimination goals for 2047. To date, more than 42 million individuals have already been screened, underscoring the momentum of this public health effort. With a unified national effort — and empowered patient voices leading the conversation — the path to defeating SCD in India is clearer than ever. Sources 1. National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission GuidelinesPublished by: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of IndiaAccess via: National Health Mission Portal 2. UN General Assembly Resolution Recognising World Sickle Cell DayDocument Title: A/RES/63/237: Recognition of World Sickle Cell DayAdopted: December 22, 2008Link: 3. Press Information Bureau — Launch of India's National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination MissionDate: July 2023Summary: Official announcement of the mission by Hon'ble PM Shri Narendra Modi in Shahdol, Madhya PradeshLink: 4. Press Information Bureau — Screening Progress UpdateDate: March 2024Summary: Over 4.2 crore individuals screened under the missionLink: 5. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Annual Reports on Sickle Cell BurdenAgency: ICMRSummary: Includes region-wise prevalence data, screening challenges, and diagnostic researchAccess via: to relevant year-specific annual reports on tribal health or hemoglobinopathies) IN25BRO00002This is a disease awareness article by Novo Nordisk India Private Limited. This does not replace medical advice. For more information, please reach out to your medical registered medical practitioner. Note to the Reader: This article has been produced on behalf of the brand by HT Brand Studio and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. The information does not constitute medical/health advice. Readers are strongly advised to consult a registered medical practitioner.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Govt directs dist admins to check spread of waterborne diseases ahead of Rath
1 2 Bhubaneswar: The Odisha govt on Tuesday directed all district administrations to implement stringent measures to prevent the spread of diarrhoeal diseases ahead of the upcoming Rath Yatra festival, where large gatherings are expected across the state. Health minister Mukesh Mahaling said that the govt has launched a comprehensive awareness campaign alongside strict enforcement actions against contaminated food and water sources. "We are making coordinated and sustained efforts to stop the spread of the disease," Mahaling said. Health secretary S Aswathy said approximately 10% of tested samples in the worst-hit Jajpur district have shown positive results for vibrio cholerae, the bacteria responsible for cholera. However, she noted an encouraging trend in recent days. "New patients reporting to hospitals are showing mild symptoms, indicating that our awareness initiatives are yielding results and people are seeking early medical intervention," she explained. In response to the health concerns, municipal authorities in major cities, including Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, have intensified inspections of food establishments. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 모기, 벌레, 해충 자동으로 쫓는다 앱스토리몰 더 알아보기 Undo Several raids have been conducted to ensure food safety compliance and prevent the sale of contaminated items. The National Health Mission (NHM) deployed additional doctors and mobile health teams in Jajpur to tackle and the situation. Eight medicine specialists and over 20 mobile health teams have been deployed in the affected areas of the district. With the new deployment, there are now 40 NHM mobile health teams operating in the district. Additionally, 45 mobile health camps have been organized in these areas, a govt statement said. Furthermore, awareness messages are being broadcast via microphones at the ward level in villages and urban areas, independent information about diarrhoea is being provided on health walls, ORS and zinc corners are being set up at health facilities, and awareness and precautionary messages are being spread through independent meetings of village welfare committees. Regular disinfection of various water sources is also being carried out extensively at the field level. To expand awareness programmes, NHM has also deployed 10 mobile awareness vans (IEC vans). Additional doctors, medical assistants, medicines and awareness pamphlets have also been sent to other affected regions and field-level awareness programs have been intensified, the govt statement said. Four state-level teams have been dispatched to oversee field-level implementation. These teams are composed of senior officials, specialists and advisors from the health and family welfare department. They will visit areas such as Bhuban, Banki, Dharmasala, Barachana and Bhandaripokhari to monitor field-level efforts and strengthen coordination among various departmental teams working on the ground. The focus is on water source purification, door-to-door campaigns, early identification and primary treatment of diarrhoea patients, distribution of medicines and halogen tablets and public awareness programmes, providing necessary guidance and assistance to make these initiatives more targeted, the govt statement said.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Efforts to ensure better healthcare yielding positive results in Andhra Pradesh, says Health Minister Satya Kumar
The efforts to ensure better delivery of healthcare services to the public at their doorstep during the past one year have yielded positive results, according to Minister for Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare Satya Kumar Yadav. In a five-page report submitted to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on the performance of the department, Mr. Satya Kumar, who had taken charge on June 16, 2024, said these efforts were reflected in increased accountability of those involved in the health sector, regular monitoring and quantification of performance at all levels. In the report that was submitted on June 16 and released to the media on Tuesday, the Minister wrote that at first, he had noticed high degree of absenteeism on the part of doctors, para-medical and other supporting staff, lack of accountability and performance. 'Much of these have seen improvement, including attendance, volume of outpatient and inpatient services, public perception about government hospitals,' he noted. The Minister reported to the Chief Minister about large-scale irregularities in governance, including recruitments, during the tenure of the previous government. To support his statement, he referred to the selection lists at the district level being prepared by some Ministers instead of by the Collectors concerned. 'Zero political interference' 'The present government has taken up recruitment of over 8,000 doctors and other health professionals during the last one year, with zero political interference and without any other considerations. Tenders for various works and procurement are being decided strictly as per stipulated procedure,' the Minister said. Mr. Satya Kumar said performance monitoring and incentivising good work had been given priority, while postings and transfers of District Medical and Health Officers, District Coordinators of Health Services, Superintendents of Government General Hospitals and principals of Government Medical Colleges had been done in an unbiased manner. Central funds 'The efforts have resulted in increased scale of sanction of funds and facilities,' he said. Listing them out, the Minister said the Centre had sanctioned 3,318 buildings for Ayushman Arogya Mandirs at a cost of ₹1,065 crore, 10 Critical Care Blocks, 13 Integrated Public Health Labs, ₹80 crore for AYUSH services, ₹90 crore for strengthening food quality testing laboratories, etc. The Minister added that the Central government also released ₹100 crore as Performance Incentive for effective implementation of National Health Mission (NHM) in the State. More needs to be done to realise 'Arogyandhrapradesh', Mr. Satya Kumar said.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Govt hospitals in Haryana will now have ORS centres for kids
Gurgaon: The health department has set up 24/7 'zinc and oral rehydration salts (ORS) corners' across facilities, including Anganwadi centres and civil hospitals. to address cases of diarrhoea among kids. The initiative, "Stop Diarrhoea Campaign 2025", launched on Monday, aims to prevent diarrheal deaths among infants and children The campaign, themed "Take care of diarrhoea prevention, cleanliness and ORS," is running from June 16 to July 31, and targets approximately 23 lakh children under five across the state. It ensures the timely availability of ORS and zinc supplements, essential for managing diarrhoea and preventing dehydration. The initiative comes after officials observed a significant rise in diarrhoea cases, especially those associated with rotavirus infections, which typically spread during seasonal transitions. Diarrhoea remains a major cause of mortality for children below five years of age, accounting for approximately six to seven percent of deaths in the state. "All districts have been directed to distribute ORS and Zinc tablets to households," stated Dr Virender Yadav, director of National Health Mission (NHM), Haryana. The campaign emphasises door-to-door distribution of ORS and zinc kits by ASHAs and ANMs along with public awareness drives on hygiene, safe drinking water, and handwashing. An official stated, "A health worker, who is trained in the preparation of ORS solution and Zinc solution, is being posted to manage the corner. The doctors should counsel the mother in person about the administration of Zinc for 14 days. Each patient should be provided with at least one ORS packet and 13 tablets of Zinc to take home." The campaign collaborates with several departments, including women and child development, panchayati raj, jal jeevan mission, and rural and urban development.
