Latest news with #UnionHealthMinistry
Mint
12 hours ago
- Health
- Mint
India's Covid-19 cases decline even as new Omicron sub-variants emerge
New Delhi: India's active Covid-19 caseload fell to 5,976 on Friday, down from 6,483 cases a day earlier, even as new Omicron sub-variants continue to drive infections. The country reported three deaths in the past 24 hours—two from Delhi and one from Kerala—taking the total fatalities this year to 116, according to data from the Union Health Ministry. Health authorities have identified two new Omicron sub-lineages, NB.1.8.1 and LF.7—both mutations of the JN.1 variant—as the cause of the current surge. However, scientists at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) have indicated that these new strains are not causing increased disease severity compared to earlier Omicron waves. Several states are witnessing a decline in daily infections. Kerala reported 1,309 active cases, followed by Gujarat (1,046), West Bengal (747), Delhi (632), Karnataka (466), and Maharashtra (443). According to ICMR, genome sequencing data shows that while the earlier spike was largely due to the JN.1.16 sub-variant, most recent cases are being attributed to recombinant variants like LF.7 and LP.8.1.2. The Union Health Ministry has urged the public to continue observing Covid-appropriate behaviour, avoid crowded places, and take necessary health precautions, especially when unwell. The ministry emphasized that while Covid-19 has transitioned into an endemic stage, all circulating variants over the past three years have remained within the Omicron lineage. To ensure preparedness, the government has directed states and union territories to review medical readiness across healthcare facilities, including the availability of oxygen supplies, isolation beds, ventilators, and critical medicines. A nationwide mock drill was conducted to assess oxygen supply infrastructure in hospitals. Surveillance units at the state and district level are closely monitoring Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases. All SARI admissions and 5% of ILI cases continue to be tested for Covid-19, with positive SARI samples sent for whole genome sequencing to track emerging variants. Meanwhile, 1,219 people recovered from Covid-19 in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of recoveries this year to 17,164, ministry data showed.
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Business Standard
a day ago
- Health
- Business Standard
Younger population seeing high rates infection amid Covid surge: Experts
Waning immunity, delayed testing, social behavior among reasons behind the mild but high infection rate in the 18-45 age group Sanket Koul New Delhi As India confronts a fresh surge in Covid-19 cases, doctors suggest that the virus is disproportionately affecting younger age groups, with the 18 to 45 age bracket facing the brunt of infections. According to data available on the Union Health Ministry's Covid dashboard, India has 5,976 active cases from 29 states and union territories as of 19 June. Of these, Kerala has the highest caseload at 1,309, followed by Gujarat and Delhi at 1,046 and 632 cases respectively. While the government does not provide an age- or gender-wise breakdown of cases, doctors are seeing a noticeable increase in Covid-19 cases among young adults, specifically those aged between 18 and 45. Tushar Tayal, consultant, internal medicine at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, said that on average, 10 to 12 patients per day are coming to him with flu-like symptoms and a small but steady percentage of them are testing positive for Covid-19. Aakashneel Bhattacharya, consultant, infectious diseases at Paras Health Gurugram, added that 80 to 85 per cent of Covid patients coming to him fall into the age bracket. Young adults previously considered to be at relatively low risk of severe illness are now presenting with heightened susceptibility, particularly those with a poor follow-up history of vaccination or waning immunity. Divya K S, an infectious disease specialist at Apollo Hospitals Sheshadripuram, Bengaluru, added that the waning immunity over the years, in addition to the emergence of immune-evading strains, makes the younger population more vulnerable. Tayal added that in the 18 to 25 age group, most come with high-grade fever, throat pain, tiredness, body pain, and sometimes gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhoea. Some also complain of a dry cough lasting for days and mild difficulty in breathing. In individuals over 30, symptoms persist longer, and there are more instances of prolonged fatigue or post-viral cough. Commenting on the reasons, Bhattacharya said that younger people are at high risk of contracting the infection as they are the ones who mostly go out and mix with other people in the community. 'Till now, we are not seeing patients developing serious pneumonia or having low oxygen saturation. While few patients may have had minor pneumonia, they are not requiring oxygen,' he added. Tayal, however, added that although most cases of Covid in younger patients are not serious, there needs to be caution against complacency. 'Reinfections are being observed even in persons who have been vaccinated or infected before, pointing to changing viral strains,' he added. Another reason is that many younger patients are delaying getting tested, assuming the infection to be seasonal flu or viral fever. 'Infectious strains that spread faster within a group that is in close contact with each other can result in more case numbers among younger populations, who tend to be at the centre of workplace and social interactions,' Deepesh G Aggarwal, consultant physician and head of department for critical care medicine at Saifee Hospital, Mumbai, added.
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
NEET UG 2025: List of medical colleges in Tamil Nadu to pursue MBBS
NEET UG 2025: Known for its rich cultural heritage, terracotta tiles, hill stations like Ooty, and home to some of the UNESCO sites, Tamil Nadu holds significance for Indians not only for its vibrant traditions, but also for its medical colleges. The state has the highest number of medical colleges in the country as of 2023-24. Tamil Nadu is home to 38 government medical colleges and 36 private medical institutes in 2023-24, as highlighted by the Union Health Ministry. With NEET UG results declared, students might be considering various options for admission and for the counselling process. To make a decision that is fruitful for a candidate's medical career, it is important to know which medical colleges in Tamil Nadu stand tall. NEET UG Live | NEET UG 2025 Toppers List | NEET UG Qualifying Cut-Off | NEET Rank 3 | NEET Rank 5 | NEET Rank 8 | NEET UG Websites to Check | NEET UG 2025 Result Declared | NEET UG Answer Key Released In the National Institutional Framework Rankings (NIRF), released by the Minsitry of Education every year, these are the seven medical colleges that have ranked in the 2024 rankings under the medical category. –Rank 3: Christian Medical College –Rank 8: Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham –Rank 10: Madras Medical College and Government General Hospital, Chennai –Rank 12: Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences –Rank 18: S.R.M. Institute of Science and Technology –Rank 20: Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research –Rank 41: PSG Institute of Medical Sciences and Research 1. A candidate should be a Tamil Nadu resident. 2. For those schooled in TN (Class 6-12), a Nativity Certificate is required (not a Permanent Residency Certificate). 3. Supporting documents like parents' Birth certificates, Ration Card, or education certificates may be needed. 4. If a candidate has completed his or her schooling from a state outside TN, they will need to submit parents' documents and an undertaking stating they have not submitted their application under another state's quota. 5. NRI/PIO candidates can apply under the Management Quota if they meet the state government's rules. 6. Non-TN students living/studying in TN are considered under the open category, not the state quota. Those who qualify will be eligible to participate in the state counselling process for MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other undergraduate medical programmes in the state. In the state, the Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DME), host the counselling.
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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Health
- Business Standard
India's active Covid-19 cases dip below 7,000; 1 death reported in 24 hrs
India's active Covid-19 caseload saw a significant decline, falling to 6,836 on Tuesday, down from 7,264 the previous day. One death was reported in the past 24 hours, according to latest data by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The single fatality was a 44-year old female from Maharashtra who had a chronic liver problem. India is currently witnessing a rise in Covid-19 cases, attributed to emerging subvariants including LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and the recently identified NB.1.8.1. State-wise update: Karnataka sees spike in cases Karnataka recorded the most number of fresh Covid-19 cases with 105 new infections, taking its toll to 696. However, Kerala continues to report the highest number of active Covid-19 cases at 1,659, followed by Gujarat with 1,248. Maharashtra and Delhi reported 512 and 555 active cases, respectively. Kerala also saw the largest single-day drop, with 261 fewer cases in the past 24 hours, while Gujarat reported a decline of 185 cases. State Active Cases New Cases (Last 24 Hours) Deaths (Last 24 Hours) Kerala 1,659 -261 0 Maharashtra 512 -28 1 Gujarat 1,248 -185 0 Delhi 555 -94 0 Rajasthan 251 +29 0 Karnataka 696 +105 0 Tamil Nadu 222 +2 0 Northeast steps up Covid-19 vigil as first case recorded Nagaland reported its first Covid-19 case of the year, with a Dimapur resident testing positive. The mildly symptomatic patient is under home isolation and being monitored, according to Health Director Mereninla Senlem. Health authorities noted that current Covid-19 variants are mild, with symptoms like fever, cough, and sore throat usually resolving without hospitalisation. The public has been urged not to panic and to maintain Covid-appropriate behaviour. In Manipur, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla chaired a review meeting on state preparedness following recent Union Health Ministry directives. The meeting focused on protective gear, oxygen supply, ICU and isolation facilities, essential drugs, and readiness challenges. Meanwhile, the Sikkim Education Department has asked all schools and hostels to adopt precautionary measures. Heads of institutions have been directed to monitor the health of students and staff, isolate symptomatic students during exams, and suspend affected classes for sanitisation if cases rise. Experts advise targeted boosters Health experts have advised against a mass Covid-19 booster drive, recommending instead a focused approach for high-risk groups such as the elderly, immunocompromised, and those with chronic illnesses. Authorities continue to stress Covid-appropriate behaviour—masking, hand hygiene, and avoiding crowds. The Centre has urged states and UTs to stay alert, while doctors emphasise distinguishing Covid-19 from other seasonal viruses with similar symptoms.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Eat jowar roti, wash your clothes: Telangana CM Revanth Reddy on how to get six pack without steroids or gym
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Tuesday urged young people to choose traditional foods and take up simple daily chores to stay healthy, instead of spending on gyms or relying on steroids and supplements. Speaking at a public event focused on agriculture, the Chief Minister advised the youth to include local millet-based foods like jowar roti in their diets. He said young people are wasting time and money following diet trends that ignore traditional Indian nutrition. His message was clear—fitness and quality healthcare can both begin at home, with simple habits and serious planning. You don't need supplements or steroids to get six pack abs: Reddy to youth 'You don't need steroids or artificial supplements to get a six-pack. Eat right, do your own work, and you'll stay fit,' Revanth said. The Chief Minister pointed out that daily tasks such as washing clothes can help build a strong body. He told the audience that these physical chores offer a natural way to build fitness without having to step into a gym . 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 — sudhakarudumula (@sudhakarudumula) Local recipes deserve a comeback Revanth Reddy also highlighted the impact of dietary shifts and changing farming patterns. He said Telangana's food diversity is shrinking, and old recipes are being forgotten. As an example, he praised the traditional dish of dosakaya cooked with toor dal, commonly made in Achampet. He said it 'taste better than chicken or mutton.' Medical colleges under review In a separate development on healthcare, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy directed the state's medical and health department to prepare a detailed action plan to improve facilities in all 34 government medical colleges in Telangana. The move comes after the National Medical Commission found serious deficiencies during inspections at 26 of these colleges. Live Events The CM announced that an official committee would be formed to assess urgent infrastructure needs, staff shortages, hospital equipment gaps, and the overall status of medical education. This committee will conduct field visits and submit a detailed report to the state government. Push for reforms and funding Chairing a review meeting on Monday, Revanth Reddy asked officials to prepare a report on issues related to hospital staffing, promotions, vacant positions, and hospital bed availability. He assured that the state government will release funds without delay and would also coordinate with the Union Health Ministry for any required permissions or central support. He said officials should not hesitate to take the matter to Union Health Minister JP Nadda, if needed. Monthly reviews, language focus To improve the functioning of hospitals, the CM proposed a digital system to monitor patient visits, doctor attendance, and hospital service quality. He asked the Chief Secretary to hold regular reviews every month, starting from the third week, to monitor healthcare services and education. Revanth also spoke about introducing Japanese as an optional subject in nursing colleges. This, he said, would help nursing graduates find work opportunities in Japan, which is facing a rising demand for trained healthcare professionals.
