Latest news with #RRT
India Gazette
16-06-2025
- Health
- India Gazette
On Father's Day, IMA South Delhi Launches India's First Rapid Response Team for Doctors
SMPL New Delhi [India] June 16: In a meaningful tribute to the doctors who serve not only in hospitals but also in their families, the Indian Medical Association's South Delhi Branch celebrated Father's Day at Apollo Hospital, Sarita Vihar. The event, which brought together the medical community and their families, also witnessed the landmark launch of India's first Rapid Response Team (RRT) designed specifically to support doctors in times of crisis. The celebration began with a chair yoga session, followed by cultural performances and a special felicitation of senior doctors who have played fatherly roles within the fraternity and beyond. The event honoured their dual contributions to both healthcare and society at large. The most significant moment of the day came with the unveiling of the Rapid Response Team. The initiative was formally launched by Dr. Sanjiv Malik, Past National President of the Indian Medical Association, who first envisioned the project as a structured and timely support system for doctors facing emergencies. 'This initiative is not just timely, it is necessary,' said Dr. Malik during the launch. 'In the current climate, where doctors face unprecedented levels of stress, legal pressure, and even physical threats, the Rapid Response Team will serve as a protective framework. Its message is clear--doctors are not alone.' The RRT has been developed to offer swift and coordinated assistance to medical professionals during situations such as clinic attacks, medico-legal complications, health emergencies, and emotional burnout. With a structured network of volunteers and professionals, the team will function through a digital alert system and aim to respond within 10 to 30 minutes of any distress signal. Backed by a strong operational protocol, the RRT will coordinate with legal advisors, hospitals, police departments, and mental health experts to ensure comprehensive support. The initiative also includes preventive elements such as mock drills, legal workshops, and the distribution of clinic signage and emergency SOPs that visibly identify premises as IMA-supported spaces. Dr. Rita Bakshi, Vice President of IMA South Delhi, who played a key role in implementing the initiative, described the RRT as a long-awaited safety net for the medical community. 'Doctors today are working in high-pressure environments, often without institutional protection when things go wrong,' said Dr. Bakshi. 'This team is our collective response. It ensures that no doctor feels isolated when facing violence, legal intimidation, or personal distress. We are a fraternity--and this is our promise to stand together.' The initiative is being led by the core team of IMA South Delhi, which includes Dr. Rajiv Sinha (President), Dr. Sandeep Sharma (Secretary), Dr. Tarini Taneja (Treasurer), and Dr. S.K. Bakshi (Joint Secretary), along with Dr. Rita Bakshi (Vice President). This leadership has played a central role in conceptualizing, designing, and executing the operational model of the RRT, which they hope can serve as a blueprint for IMA chapters nationwide. The system is also supported by a series of partnerships with legal experts, retired police officers, local SHOs, and partner hospitals to enable on-ground interventions in real time. Doctors in distress can activate the team via WhatsApp alerts or emergency calls, which then trigger a coordinated response across the relevant verticals--legal, medical, security, and emotional support. In addition to crisis management, the RRT will also engage in community outreach and capacity-building initiatives. These include training sessions on handling mob situations, creating clinic emergency kits, and conducting awareness campaigns to promote respect for healthcare workers. The Father's Day celebration concluded with lunch and a renewed sense of purpose among members. While the event honoured the personal roles of doctors as fathers, it also underscored the urgent need for institutional safeguards for those who serve on the frontlines of India's healthcare system. With the launch of the Rapid Response Team, IMA South Delhi has not only celebrated its community but also taken a definitive step toward protecting it. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by SMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
India Today
11-06-2025
- Health
- India Today
Kerala logs 170 Covid-19 cases in highest single-day spike, 2,223 cases in state
With 170 new infections and three deaths, Kerala reported the highest single-day rise in Covid-19 cases in the state. Kerala also leads the tally of number of active cases in the country, with a total of 2,223 patients under a review meeting with the State Level Rapid Response Team (RRT) on Tuesday, Health Veena George said 96 patients were under treatment, with most of them also suffering from other health conditions. Among the districts, Ernakulam recorded the highest number with 431 cases, followed by Kottayam with 426, and Thiruvananthapuram with Health Minister said that all hospitals have been instructed to conduct Covid-19 tests for individuals showing symptoms and ensure the availability of oxygen. 'Special care should be taken as Covid-19 is more severe in the elderly and those with other related diseases,' said Veena George. She added that masks should be worn in public places and while travelling. Genomic sequencing is underway to determine the circulating variant. According to the Minister, the Omicron JN.1 sub-variants LF.7 and XFG, which are prevalent in South East Asian countries, are also the most common in Kerala. While these variants are not considered severe, they have a high potential for RRT has directed that patients should not be referred to private hospitals unnecessarily due to COVID-19 and advised people to avoid non-essential hospital visits. Individuals with symptoms such as cold, sore throat, cough, or shortness of breath should wear masks. Masks have been made mandatory in hospitals. The public has also been advised to regularly wash hands with soap or use hand cases across India continue to see a gradual uptick, with 306 fresh infections reported in the past 24 hours. According to official data released by the Union Health Ministry on Wednesday, the active case count in the country has risen to 7,121. IN THIS STORY#Kerala
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Covid more severe among elderly: Kerala Health Minister advocates special care as cases increase
Thiruvananthapuram: Amid an increase in Covid-19 cases, Kerala Health Minister Veena George has said that special care should be taken as the disease remains more severe among the elderly and those with other diseases. She added that the Omicron JN.1 variants LF.7 and XFG were the most common in Kerala. These variants are "not as severe" but have a high potential for spreading the disease. "Masks should be worn in public places and during travel. Genomic sequencing is being conducted to identify the Covid-19 variant. The Omicron JN.1 variant LF.7 and XFG, which are spreading in Southeast Asian countries, are the most common in Kerala. Although these variants are not as severe, they have a high potential for spreading the disease," the minister said. There are 2,223 active cases in the state, with 96 people undergoing treatment. Ernakulam district reported 431 Covid-19 cases, 426 cases in Kottayam, and 365 in Thiruvananthapuram. "There are currently 2,223 active Covid cases in the state. 96 people are under treatment. Most of them have other diseases. 431 cases have been reported in Ernakulam district, 426 cases in Kottayam and 365 cases in Thiruvananthapuram," the ministry said. All hospitals have been instructed to conduct Covid tests for those with symptoms, including cold, sore throat, cough and shortness of breath. The minister also stated that instructions have been given to ensure oxygen availability. This comes after George chaired a meeting with the state unit of the Rapid Response Team (RRT) to assess the situation in the state. The concerned officials have been directed not to refer patients to private hospitals unnecessarily due to Covid. "Unnecessary visits to hospitals should be avoided. Those with symptoms such as a cold, sore throat, cough and shortness of breath should wear masks. Masks are mandatory in hospitals. Hands should be cleaned with soap or sanitiser from time to time," the minister added. As of Tuesday morning, India has reported 6,815 active Covid-19 cases. According to data from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), 163 cases of the new Covid-19 variant XFG have recently been detected across the country. Earlier, Balram Bhargava, former Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and former Secretary of the Department of Health Research, said that the emergence of the XFG variant is part of the SARS-CoV-2 virus's natural evolution. He added that India is well-positioned to detect and contain emerging variants swiftly due to the widespread deployment of rapid molecular diagnostic platforms such as Truenat. (ANI)
Hindustan Times
11-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Kerala health minister says Covid more severe among elderly, suggests special care
Amid an increase in Covid-19 cases, Kerala Health Minister Veena George has said that special care should be taken as the disease remains more severe among the elderly and those with other diseases. She added that the Omicron JN.1 variants LF.7 and XFG were the most common in Kerala. These variants are "not as severe" but have a high potential for spreading the disease. "Masks should be worn in public places and during travel. Genomic sequencing is being conducted to identify the Covid-19 variant. The Omicron JN.1 variant LF.7 and XFG, which are spreading in Southeast Asian countries, are the most common in Kerala. Although these variants are not as severe, they have a high potential for spreading the disease," the minister said. There are 2,223 active cases in the state, with 96 people undergoing treatment. Ernakulam district reported 431 Covid-19 cases, 426 cases in Kottayam, and 365 in Thiruvananthapuram. "There are currently 2,223 active Covid cases in the state. 96 people are under treatment. Most of them have other diseases. 431 cases have been reported in Ernakulam district, 426 cases in Kottayam and 365 cases in Thiruvananthapuram," the ministry said. All hospitals have been instructed to conduct Covid tests for those with symptoms, including cold, sore throat, cough and shortness of breath. The minister also stated that instructions have been given to ensure oxygen availability. Also read: New Covid-19 clusters in urban India raise alarms: Doctor reveals 7 categories of people at higher coronavirus risk This comes after George chaired a meeting with the state unit of the Rapid Response Team (RRT) to assess the situation in the state. The concerned officials have been directed not to refer patients to private hospitals unnecessarily due to Covid. "Unnecessary visits to hospitals should be avoided. Those with symptoms such as a cold, sore throat, cough and shortness of breath should wear masks. Masks are mandatory in hospitals. Hands should be cleaned with soap or sanitiser from time to time," the minister added. As of Tuesday morning, India has reported 6,815 active Covid-19 cases. According to data from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), 163 cases of the new Covid-19 variant XFG have recently been detected across the country. Earlier, Balram Bhargava, former Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and former Secretary of the Department of Health Research, said that the emergence of the XFG variant is part of the SARS-CoV-2 virus's natural evolution. He added that India is well-positioned to detect and contain emerging variants swiftly due to the widespread deployment of rapid molecular diagnostic platforms such as Truenat.
India Gazette
11-06-2025
- Health
- India Gazette
Covid more severe among elderly: Kerala Health Minister advocates special care as cases increase
Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], June 11 (ANI): Amid an increase in Covid-19 cases, Kerala Health Minister Veena George has said that special care should be taken as the disease remains more severe among the elderly and those with other diseases. She added that the Omicron JN.1 variants LF.7 and XFG were the most common in Kerala. These variants are 'not as severe' but have a high potential for spreading the disease. 'Masks should be worn in public places and during travel. Genomic sequencing is being conducted to identify the Covid-19 variant. The Omicron JN.1 variant LF.7 and XFG, which are spreading in Southeast Asian countries, are the most common in Kerala. Although these variants are not as severe, they have a high potential for spreading the disease,' the minister said. There are 2,223 active cases in the state, with 96 people undergoing treatment. Ernakulam district reported 431 Covid-19 cases, 426 cases in Kottayam, and 365 in Thiruvananthapuram. 'There are currently 2,223 active Covid cases in the state. 96 people are under treatment. Most of them have other diseases. 431 cases have been reported in Ernakulam district, 426 cases in Kottayam and 365 cases in Thiruvananthapuram,' the ministry said. All hospitals have been instructed to conduct Covid tests for those with symptoms, including cold, sore throat, cough and shortness of breath. The minister also stated that instructions have been given to ensure oxygen availability. This comes after George chaired a meeting with the state unit of the Rapid Response Team (RRT) to assess the situation in the state. The concerned officials have been directed not to refer patients to private hospitals unnecessarily due to Covid. 'Unnecessary visits to hospitals should be avoided. Those with symptoms such as a cold, sore throat, cough and shortness of breath should wear masks. Masks are mandatory in hospitals. Hands should be cleaned with soap or sanitiser from time to time,' the minister added. As of Tuesday morning, India has reported 6,815 active Covid-19 cases. According to data from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), 163 cases of the new Covid-19 variant XFG have recently been detected across the country. Earlier, Balram Bhargava, former Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and former Secretary of the Department of Health Research, said that the emergence of the XFG variant is part of the SARS-CoV-2 virus's natural evolution. He added that India is well-positioned to detect and contain emerging variants swiftly due to the widespread deployment of rapid molecular diagnostic platforms such as Truenat. (ANI)
