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New Indian Express
5 days ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
Cleaner fuel push in rural India needs more energy
Women's access to clean energy and gender equality are intrinsically related, as transition to clean energy provides greater opportunities for women to improve their economic and physical well-being. The gender-energy nexus is central to the framework of the global sustainable development goals, notably those linked to poverty (SDG 1), health and well-being (SDG 3), education (SDG 4), gender equality (SDG 5), climate change (SGD 13), and most importantly, affordable and clean energy (SDG 7)—for the promotion of gender equality. Yet, 2.4 billion people globally lack access to clean energy for cooking and rely on wood, charcoal, coal, animal waste, etc, as highlighted by a 2023 UN Women report titled 'Gender equality in the sustainable energy transition.' Women bear a substantial burden of this energy poverty, which is inextricably linked to other time and labour-consuming activities, as well as their safety. Indoor air pollution (IAP), a major contributor to environmental pollution, disproportionately affects women and children due to their greater exposure to such environments. The World Health Organization reported 3.2 million deaths per year due to IAP in 2020. In India, the number stands at 5,00,000 deaths per year, with women and children making up a significant proportion of the number both globally and in India. Further, women spend a considerable amount of their time on unpaid and care work, including time spent in forest and firewood collection across different geographical regions, which limits their employment opportunities. The Time Use Survey, 2024 released recently by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI),reported the amount of time spent in unpaid domestic activities by women has reduced from 315 minutes in per day 2019 to 305 minutes in 2024. A total of 140 minutes per day was spent on caregiving activities in 2024. The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) has the potential to be a significant game changer in reducing women's time spent on unpaid and care work, and in ameliorating health inequities.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Phoenix Contact Celebrates 100 Years with Sustainability Initiatives in the Middle East
DUBAI, UAE, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Phoenix Contact, as a global market leader in industrial automation and connectivity, offers technical solutions for a livable and sustainable future, with electrification, networking, and automation as its core fields of expertise. Phoenix Contact Middle East in the United Arab Emirates is an independent subsidiary with local management, sales, training, support, and logistics operations. Their reliable presence in the region brings Phoenix Contact's products and expertise into closer proximity to their clients and partners in the Middle East. The company proudly announces the successful implementation of a sustainability project in Jordan as part of its 100th anniversary celebrations. Committed to the sustainable use of living spaces and resource conservation, Phoenix Contact has long championed sustainability across its global operations. In honor of the company's 100th anniversary in 2023, Phoenix Contact Middle East launched several sustainability initiatives aimed at optimizing water resources. One notable project is the installation of reverse osmosis systems to provide clean drinking water to disadvantaged children and children with disabilities in Jordan. This initiative aims to reduce plastic bottle consumption and ensure access to safe water. "Phoenix Contact has launched a solid corporate social responsibility program. With small actions, we will make a big impact on society," states Pradeep Menon, Segment Manager - Industry Management and Automation at Phoenix Contact Middle East. Three schools in Jordan have been equipped with these systems: Al Rajaa School for the Hearing-Impaired, and two schools under the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate; the oldest educational institution in Jordan. The reverse osmosis systems, now fully operational, are purifying municipal water supplies, significantly improving the quality of life for students and staff. The management of the schools expressed their gratitude, noting the positive impact on the health and learning environment of their students. This project not only benefits the school community but also serves as an inspiration for other businesses and communities to adopt responsible practices. We anticipate that a total of 1,223 individuals (comprising 1,098 students and 125 staff members) are drinking water from this RO system, potentially resulting in annual plastic waste savings of 4.4 tons per annum. "This aligns closely with our efforts to support the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6, which aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, and SDG 3, which promotes healthy lives and well-being for all ages. The reduction in plastic bottle usage due to this project will have a significant environmental impact. We hope this initiative inspires others to contribute to the betterment of local communities," emphasizes Iyad Madanat, General Manager at Phoenix Contact Middle East. The reverse osmosis systems, installed with the help of a local system integrator, include Phoenix Contact products such as PLC logic, HMI, and necessary alarms for system monitoring. This project exemplifies Phoenix Contact's commitment to sustainability and its dedication to making a positive impact on society. Photo: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Phoenix Contact Middle East Sign in to access your portfolio
Hindustan Times
18-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Roadmap to address vitamin D deficiency in India
India, the world's most populous country, suffers from widespread micronutrient deficiencies, with Vitamin D deficiency emerging as a silent epidemic. It affects individuals across all age groups, income groups and professions, from children, sportspersons, and outdoor workers to health care workers, leading to severe health conditions such as rickets in children and osteoporosis in adults. Beyond its health impacts, it threatens national productivity, diminishes workforce efficiency, and contributes to rising health care costs. Given this, the objective of the study is to create a roadmap to eradicate Vitamin D deficiency and help India achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) 2030, particularly SDG 3 of good health and well-being and SDG 2.2, of eradicating all forms of malnutrition by 2030. The study is based on secondary data and information analysis, systematic and meta-analysis of literature, key informant interviews (KIIs) and a stakeholder consultation. After examining the initiatives taken by international organisations, the best practises of other countries and a comprehensive review of literature on Vitamin D deficiency with a focus on its economic and health impact and the impact of policy interventions, this report presents an overview of the status of the deficiency in India, identifies the reasons behind the deficiency, examines existing policies, and makes recommendations for the Centre and states. The report presents a structured framework to address the Vitamin D deficiency, through strengthening inter-ministerial and Centre-state coordination. It presents innovative ways for affordable testing and treatment, options to scale up food fortification and Vitamin D supplementation programmes, enhance public awareness, and multi-stakeholder's engagement and collaborative partnerships to create a 'Vitamin D Kuposhan Mukt Bharat'. This paper can be accessed here. This paper is authored by Arpita Mukherjee, Aashish Chaudhry, Latika Khatwani, Trishali Khanna, Pallavi Verma – ICRIER, New Delhi.
Hindustan Times
12-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Nursing the nation: Policy must be in sync with practice
International Nurses Day is a timely reminder to celebrate nurses and push for structural reforms that empower the profession. In the spirit of the Prime Minister's call for women-led development, India's nursing workforce stands out as a living example of how a single profession can drive gender equity, economic advancement, and social progress—all at once. The International Council of Nurses (ICN) has aptly chosen the 2025 theme: Our nurses. Our future. Caring for nurses strengthens economies. This theme underscores a growing global consensus—when we invest in nurses, we not only secure the health of our people but also stimulate economic resilience and gender parity. With over 70% of India's nurses being women, nursing remains one of the largest conduits for women's participation in the formal workforce. India currently has approx. 1.96 nurses per 1,000 people, far below the World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended ratio of 3. To meet rising healthcare needs, estimates suggest India requires over two million additional nurses. Nursing offers women more than just employment—it offers education, financial independence, and the dignity of purpose. It is a pathway to upward mobility, often in communities where opportunities for women are limited. The nurse's role today goes far beyond bedside care—she leads community outreach, advocates for patients, implements protocols, and navigates digital systems. These are the very qualities that define leadership. Nurses contribute significantly to India's health care indices—supporting maternal and child health, managing non-communicable diseases, and strengthening rural access. Their impact directly advances the country's commitments under SDG 3 (Good Health) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality). With the health care sector projected to reach $ 372 billion by 2025, nurses form the operational backbone—improving patient outcomes, reducing systemic strain, and enabling economic productivity through healthier communities. While many nurses continue to face challenges like long hours, health risks, and unsafe workplaces, some institutions are setting new standards. Apollo Hospitals has implemented the Pink Book—a framework outlining tangible safety protocols such as panic buttons, staff-only zones, mental health support, and zero-tolerance harassment policies. These measures foster a workplace culture that prioritises dignity and protection. Apollo has also launched a large-scale initiative to upskill thousands of nurses, covering clinical specialisations, leadership, digital fluency, and career mentoring. To support clinical staff further, the group has begun deploying AI-powered tools that reduce administrative burden—automating documentation, improving triage, and freeing up nurses to focus on care. Together, these interventions show how institutional leadership can align with ICN's global agenda in a local context. While institutional best practices matter, structural transformation depends on robust policy backing. India's National Health Policy 2017 and Ayushman Bharat both acknowledge the need to strengthen the health workforce—yet bottlenecks remain. To close the shortfall of over two million nurses, India must significantly expand nursing education, including through public-private partnerships that improve training quality and reach. Nurse practitioner and midwifery-led models must be fast-tracked to build advanced capacity in community settings. Equally, the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Act (2023) must be implemented effectively across states, standardising accreditation and elevating clinical standards. India must also create career progression pathways that enable nurses to move into leadership roles—not only within hospitals, but also in public health administration, health education, and digital innovation. State governments can partner with leading academic institutions to offer advanced certifications in areas such as geriatric care, mental health, and oncology nursing. These specialised roles are becoming increasingly essential with India's ageing population and rising non-communicable disease burden. Moreover, investing in nurses' digital literacy is no longer optional. As health systems become increasingly tech-enabled, nurses must be equipped to use electronic health records, digital triage systems, and remote monitoring tools. With the right training, nurses can lead digital adoption at the last mile, particularly in rural and underserved regions where doctors are scarce but mobile networks are strong. Financial and professional incentives—such as rural retention bonuses, housing assistance, and leadership fellowships—will be key to attracting and retaining talent. Most importantly, nurses must have a voice in policymaking. Their representation in health governance at the district, state, and national levels is essential to ensure that real-world caregiving challenges inform decisions. India's health care goals—whether preventive care, universal access, or digital health—cannot be achieved without a strong nursing foundation. We must scale successful models, sustain investments, and ensure every nurse is equipped, protected, and respected. Imagine nurses leading innovation labs, drafting clinical protocols, and shaping public health strategy. This vision is not aspirational—it is within reach, if we choose to prioritise nursing as a national imperative. This article is authored by Dr Girdhar Gyani, director general, Association of Healthcare Providers (India).
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Mobile workstation to put end to street cobblers' misery
Vadodara: Based on a scientific study on ergonomic challenges faced by , a team of researchers from the M S University developed a design of mobile workstations for street faculty members from the Department of Family and Community Resource Management of MSU's Faculty of Family and Community Sciences carried out innovative research on the " " of street cobblers, who often work in harsh conditions and are prone to long-term health issues due to their strenuous work postures."The was conducted on 34 street cobblers in Vadodara. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now It revealed severe physical discomfort caused by poor working conditions," said Dr Urvashi Mishra, assistant professor, who, along with temporary assistant professors Suraksha Narang and Poripurna Goswami and temporary teaching assistant Komal Parmar, conducted the study."Cobblers spend long hours seated on the ground, bent over their work, leading to significant musculoskeletal strain," Mishra study found that cobblers place their tools and materials on low wooden planks, forcing them into awkward and unhealthy postures. "The constant bending with repetitive tasks, such as hammering and stitching, contributes to chronic pain and long-term health complications," she ergonomic assessment revealed that cobblers frequently suffer pain in their lower back, knees, and buttocks, which endure the most strain due to prolonged floor sitting and bending."Additionally, significant discomfort was noted in their arms, legs, and shoulders, particularly on the right side, which bears the brunt of repetitive movements and dominant-hand workload," the study uneven strain worsens their physical health, leading to chronic discomfort. "The neck, upper back, and thighs experience moderate pain due to static posture and awkward positioning," the study, which categorised body parts based on risk levels associated with poor posture, states."Our findings depict the urgent need for ergonomic interventions to improve the working conditions of these skilled labourers," said Mishra, adding that the faculty members developed the design to address these issues."Our research aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8, which focuses on promoting economic growth and decent work, and SDG 3, which aims to improve health and well-being," she added.
