News Analysis India

Tag: Pandemic

  • India eases COVID-19 ear rules for international flyers, RT-PCR tests dropped

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: With the world returning to a new normal following the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indian government on Wednesday announced the easing of its guidelines for international travellers.

    The Union Health Ministry said that the two per cent random testing of international flyers will be dropped from July 20th on account of India’s improving conditions following the pandemic. The Centre had earlier come out with guidelines for international travellers when the pandemic was raging in India and globally.

    “Taking note of the prevalent COVID-19 situation and the significant achievements made in COVID-19 vaccination coverage across the globe, the Union Health Ministry has further eased guidelines for international travellers in the context of Covid-19,” a statement issued by the ministry said.

    The new guidelines will be applicable at all points of entry including airports, seaports, and land borders. “However, the earlier advice for precautionary measures to be followed in the context of COVID-19 by airlines as well as international travellers shall continue to apply,” the statement said.

    On May 6, the WHO had announced that it is ending its highest level of alert for Covid-19 – three years after its original declaration, saying that countries should now manage the virus along with other infectious diseases.  However, the global health body also said the decision did not mean the danger was over and cautioned that emergency status could be reinstated if the situation changed.

    The health ministry said the dropping of the random testing doesn’t mean that India has stopped following the Covid-19 situation. “The ministry continues to follow the Covid-19 scenario closely,” the statement added. However, some measures are expected to continue.

    The ministry said that all travellers should preferably be fully vaccinated as per the approved primary schedule of vaccination against Covid-19 in their country. 

    During travel, the ministry said, “In-flight announcements about the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic including precautionary measures to be followed, preferable use of masks and following physical distancing shall be made in flights/travel and at all points of entry.”

    “Any passenger having symptoms of Covid during travel shall be isolated as per standard protocol and the said passenger should be wearing a mask, isolated and segregated from other passengers in flight/travel and shifted to an isolation facility subsequently for follow-up treatment.”

    On arrival, the “de-boarding should be done ensuring physical distancing,” said the new guidelines.

    The guidelines said that all travellers should self-monitor their health post-arrival and shall report to their nearest health facility or call the national helpline number (1075)/ State Helpline Number in case they have any symptoms suggestive of COVID-19. It also said that thermal screening should be done on all passengers by the health officials present at the point of entry. The updated guidelines are available on the official website of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. 

    NEW DELHI: With the world returning to a new normal following the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indian government on Wednesday announced the easing of its guidelines for international travellers.

    The Union Health Ministry said that the two per cent random testing of international flyers will be dropped from July 20th on account of India’s improving conditions following the pandemic. The Centre had earlier come out with guidelines for international travellers when the pandemic was raging in India and globally.

    “Taking note of the prevalent COVID-19 situation and the significant achievements made in COVID-19 vaccination coverage across the globe, the Union Health Ministry has further eased guidelines for international travellers in the context of Covid-19,” a statement issued by the ministry said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    The new guidelines will be applicable at all points of entry including airports, seaports, and land borders. “However, the earlier advice for precautionary measures to be followed in the context of COVID-19 by airlines as well as international travellers shall continue to apply,” the statement said.

    On May 6, the WHO had announced that it is ending its highest level of alert for Covid-19 – three years after its original declaration, saying that countries should now manage the virus along with other infectious diseases.  However, the global health body also said the decision did not mean the danger was over and cautioned that emergency status could be reinstated if the situation changed.

    The health ministry said the dropping of the random testing doesn’t mean that India has stopped following the Covid-19 situation. “The ministry continues to follow the Covid-19 scenario closely,” the statement added. However, some measures are expected to continue.

    The ministry said that all travellers should preferably be fully vaccinated as per the approved primary schedule of vaccination against Covid-19 in their country. 

    During travel, the ministry said, “In-flight announcements about the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic including precautionary measures to be followed, preferable use of masks and following physical distancing shall be made in flights/travel and at all points of entry.”

    “Any passenger having symptoms of Covid during travel shall be isolated as per standard protocol and the said passenger should be wearing a mask, isolated and segregated from other passengers in flight/travel and shifted to an isolation facility subsequently for follow-up treatment.”

    On arrival, the “de-boarding should be done ensuring physical distancing,” said the new guidelines.

    The guidelines said that all travellers should self-monitor their health post-arrival and shall report to their nearest health facility or call the national helpline number (1075)/ State Helpline Number in case they have any symptoms suggestive of COVID-19. It also said that thermal screening should be done on all passengers by the health officials present at the point of entry. The updated guidelines are available on the official website of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. 

  • Pandemic preparedness on agenda in meeting of G-20 science advisors in Uttarakhand

    Express News Service

    DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand hosted the first meeting of the G20-Chief Science Advisor Roundtable (G20-CSAR) at Ramnagar, which saw in-depth discussions on science and technology issues of common interest.

    “Under the theme ‘Opportunities in Health’ for better disease control and pandemic preparedness, we discussed the plan for a flexible, adaptive and timely response to the pandemic,” said Principal Scientific Advisor (PSA) Professor Ajay Sood at a media briefing on Wednesday evening on the sidelines of the three-day G-20 meeting.

    “Integrated disease surveillance mechanisms for humans, livestock and wildlife, R&D roadmap for diseases of health importance, and investments in analytics such as disease modeling and data standards were discussed in detail at the summit,” he said.

    Sharing the achievements of the discussions at the summit, Sood said, “Under the theme of coordinating global efforts to expand scholarly access to scientific knowledge, we discussed that access should be free, immediate and universal. The high subscription and article processing fees levied by magazines should be reduced.”

    ALSO READ | Gandhinagar all decked up to host G-20 meet on disaster risk reduction

    “The repository should be reduced. There should be an open access mandate to establish interoperable inter-linking of national repositories with archives and to make knowledge production of public funded scientific research widely available,” he added.

    Sharing the gist of the brainstorming sessions of the summit, Sood further said, “Another theme was on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in science and technology. The participating countries also shared their work in advancing access to under-represented, disadvantaged, marginalized, minority as well as tribal communities in the larger scientific enterprise.”

    “The fourth session discussed the need for an institutional mechanism for an inclusive, sustainable and action-oriented global science and technology policy dialogue. It was agreed that scientific advisors play an important role in shaping policy choices by providing evidence-driven science advice and, in the spirit of collaboration and dialogue, it is the responsibility of the chief science consultants to collaborate and engage in international dialogue to address cross-border issues affecting the entire scientific enterprise so that science and technology can benefit all,” he said.

    Expressing happiness over the achievement in vaccination, Sood said, “The success in administering 220 crore vaccines in record time during the Corona period is a living example of India’s S&T power.”

    Dr Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary and Naman Upadhyay, Under Secretary at the G20 Secretariat, were also present.

    The meeting was attended by 51 delegates from 18 countries, of which 18 delegates are from India, four from Russia, one from Nigeria, two from France, two from Italy, two from USA, one from Korea, five from United Kingdom, one from Japan, one from Spain, four from South Africa, one from Australia, one from Netherlands, two from Canada, three from Saudi Arabia, one from Brazil, two from China and three from the EU.

    DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand hosted the first meeting of the G20-Chief Science Advisor Roundtable (G20-CSAR) at Ramnagar, which saw in-depth discussions on science and technology issues of common interest.

    “Under the theme ‘Opportunities in Health’ for better disease control and pandemic preparedness, we discussed the plan for a flexible, adaptive and timely response to the pandemic,” said Principal Scientific Advisor (PSA) Professor Ajay Sood at a media briefing on Wednesday evening on the sidelines of the three-day G-20 meeting.

    “Integrated disease surveillance mechanisms for humans, livestock and wildlife, R&D roadmap for diseases of health importance, and investments in analytics such as disease modeling and data standards were discussed in detail at the summit,” he said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Sharing the achievements of the discussions at the summit, Sood said, “Under the theme of coordinating global efforts to expand scholarly access to scientific knowledge, we discussed that access should be free, immediate and universal. The high subscription and article processing fees levied by magazines should be reduced.”

    ALSO READ | Gandhinagar all decked up to host G-20 meet on disaster risk reduction

    “The repository should be reduced. There should be an open access mandate to establish interoperable inter-linking of national repositories with archives and to make knowledge production of public funded scientific research widely available,” he added.

    Sharing the gist of the brainstorming sessions of the summit, Sood further said, “Another theme was on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in science and technology. The participating countries also shared their work in advancing access to under-represented, disadvantaged, marginalized, minority as well as tribal communities in the larger scientific enterprise.”

    “The fourth session discussed the need for an institutional mechanism for an inclusive, sustainable and action-oriented global science and technology policy dialogue. It was agreed that scientific advisors play an important role in shaping policy choices by providing evidence-driven science advice and, in the spirit of collaboration and dialogue, it is the responsibility of the chief science consultants to collaborate and engage in international dialogue to address cross-border issues affecting the entire scientific enterprise so that science and technology can benefit all,” he said.

    Expressing happiness over the achievement in vaccination, Sood said, “The success in administering 220 crore vaccines in record time during the Corona period is a living example of India’s S&T power.”

    Dr Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary and Naman Upadhyay, Under Secretary at the G20 Secretariat, were also present.

    The meeting was attended by 51 delegates from 18 countries, of which 18 delegates are from India, four from Russia, one from Nigeria, two from France, two from Italy, two from USA, one from Korea, five from United Kingdom, one from Japan, one from Spain, four from South Africa, one from Australia, one from Netherlands, two from Canada, three from Saudi Arabia, one from Brazil, two from China and three from the EU.

  • Pandemic sees rise in online consultations; users mostly women, young adults

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The Covid pandemic saw a rapid rise in online consultations in India, mostly among women, with over 65 per cent of them opting for this quick and easy way to meet their urgent medical needs, a new survey has said.

    After women, it was young adults, below 25, who wanted guidance about their sexual-related health problems, said the survey, which was conducted from data collated from 111 million interactions that happened between users and doctors on the Lybrate platform, a healthcare digital platform, in 2022.

    The survey conducted by HealthScape Advisors, a management consulting firm working in the areas of health, also found that online consultations have jumped by 87 per cent in tier-II and tier-III cities like Jaipur, Ahmedabad, and Lucknow, while metro cities witnessed a 75 per cent increase in the same period.

    “The last two years have seen a rapid increase in online doctor consultations. Telemedicine has given patients more accessible access to primary health care,” the study said

    Online appointments by women grew over 65 per cent in 2022 as compared to 2021, the study said, adding that most women consulted specialities including gastroenterologists and ENT, which grew by over 150 per cent

    This was followed by dermatologists and internal medicine, which grew by 125 per cent, psychiatry and paediatrics by 110 per cent each and gynaecology consultations grew by 100 per cent in 2022, the study said.

    The study said young adults under 25 are more curious about sexual health-related guidance and many of them posted queries on the platform, including on masturbation addiction, STDs, pregnancy and Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a common condition that affects hormones, and causes irregular menstrual periods, excess hair growth, acne and infertility.

    The data also showed that people between the ages of 25-45 majorly booked consultations for their kids or for issues related to sexual or mental health. Those above 45 years primarily seek consultations on chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, post-Covid-19 complications and thyroid-related ailments.

    Some of the highest searched keywords among men across age groups were masturbation addiction, penile enlargement and erectile dysfunction, the study added.

    Meanwhile, PCOS, healthy pregnancy and irregular periods were the highest searched keywords among women across India.

    Harsimarbir Singh, co-founder of Pristyn Care, said, “The pandemic has brought a massive shift in patient behaviour, especially most of them seeking medical consultations and communicating with doctors online and offline.”

    “We are not only witnessing a great demand for online consultations, but offline consultations have also jumped and have shown two times growth over the past year. It is encouraging to see that Indians are becoming more and more health conscious,” he said. 

    NEW DELHI: The Covid pandemic saw a rapid rise in online consultations in India, mostly among women, with over 65 per cent of them opting for this quick and easy way to meet their urgent medical needs, a new survey has said.

    After women, it was young adults, below 25, who wanted guidance about their sexual-related health problems, said the survey, which was conducted from data collated from 111 million interactions that happened between users and doctors on the Lybrate platform, a healthcare digital platform, in 2022.

    The survey conducted by HealthScape Advisors, a management consulting firm working in the areas of health, also found that online consultations have jumped by 87 per cent in tier-II and tier-III cities like Jaipur, Ahmedabad, and Lucknow, while metro cities witnessed a 75 per cent increase in the same period.

    “The last two years have seen a rapid increase in online doctor consultations. Telemedicine has given patients more accessible access to primary health care,” the study said

    Online appointments by women grew over 65 per cent in 2022 as compared to 2021, the study said, adding that most women consulted specialities including gastroenterologists and ENT, which grew by over 150 per cent

    This was followed by dermatologists and internal medicine, which grew by 125 per cent, psychiatry and paediatrics by 110 per cent each and gynaecology consultations grew by 100 per cent in 2022, the study said.

    The study said young adults under 25 are more curious about sexual health-related guidance and many of them posted queries on the platform, including on masturbation addiction, STDs, pregnancy and Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a common condition that affects hormones, and causes irregular menstrual periods, excess hair growth, acne and infertility.

    The data also showed that people between the ages of 25-45 majorly booked consultations for their kids or for issues related to sexual or mental health. Those above 45 years primarily seek consultations on chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, post-Covid-19 complications and thyroid-related ailments.

    Some of the highest searched keywords among men across age groups were masturbation addiction, penile enlargement and erectile dysfunction, the study added.

    Meanwhile, PCOS, healthy pregnancy and irregular periods were the highest searched keywords among women across India.

    Harsimarbir Singh, co-founder of Pristyn Care, said, “The pandemic has brought a massive shift in patient behaviour, especially most of them seeking medical consultations and communicating with doctors online and offline.”

    “We are not only witnessing a great demand for online consultations, but offline consultations have also jumped and have shown two times growth over the past year. It is encouraging to see that Indians are becoming more and more health conscious,” he said. 

  • SC gives six weeks to Centre to decide fate of Ukraine-returned medicos  

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI:  The central government on Wednesday informed the Supreme Court that it has constituted a committee of experts to find a solution for the students who could not complete their medical training in foreign countries like China and Ukraine due to the ongoing war and the Covid-19 pandemic.

    A bench of Justices BR Gavai and Vikram Nath adjourned the matter for six weeks after being informed that the committee had met once but needed more time to take a decision. The Centre also needs time to consultss with the states, Additional Solicitor General of India Aishwarya Bhati submitted before the bench.

    The court also reiterated that it cannot go on compromising with medical education and would go as per the committee’s recommendations. On July 28, the National Medical Commission (NMC) had notified a scheme allowing students who were in the last year of their undergraduate medical course and those who were granted certificate of completion of course/degree before June 30, 2022 to take the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination.

    Upon qualifying the FMG examination, the medical graduates were required to undergo Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship for two years. Since the scheme was applicable to students in their last year and the batch of pleas were filed by students in their penultimate year, the SC while expressing concerns with regards to students’ career on December 9 had asked the Centre and NMC to constitute a committee.

    Also in top court

    SC grants interim bail to Ashish Mishra The Supreme Court on Wednesday granted an eight-week interim bail to Union minister Ajay Kumar Mishra’s son Ashish in the “unfortunate ghastly incident” of violence in 2021 at Lakhimpur Kheri which claimed eight lives, and directed him to leave Uttar Pradesh within one week of his release from jail.

    1,091 SC judgments in regional languages  to be realeased todayCJI DY Chandrachud on Wednesday announced that the Supreme Court on 74th Republic Day would release over 1,000 rulings translated in regional languages. The CJI said that SC was on a mission for the provision of its verdict in all scheduled languages. He said that translation now was happening at a faster pace.

    Rana Ayyub: SC asks Gzb court to adjourn proceedings till Jan 31The SC asked a court in Ghaziabad, which has summoned Rana Ayyub in a money laundering case lodged by  ED, to adjourn the proceedings scheduled for January 27 to a date after January 31. The SC said it will hear on January 31 the petition of Ayyub challenging the summons issued to her by the special court. 

    NEW DELHI:  The central government on Wednesday informed the Supreme Court that it has constituted a committee of experts to find a solution for the students who could not complete their medical training in foreign countries like China and Ukraine due to the ongoing war and the Covid-19 pandemic.

    A bench of Justices BR Gavai and Vikram Nath adjourned the matter for six weeks after being informed that the committee had met once but needed more time to take a decision. The Centre also needs time to consultss with the states, Additional Solicitor General of India Aishwarya Bhati submitted before the bench.

    The court also reiterated that it cannot go on compromising with medical education and would go as per the committee’s recommendations. On July 28, the National Medical Commission (NMC) had notified a scheme allowing students who were in the last year of their undergraduate medical course and those who were granted certificate of completion of course/degree before June 30, 2022 to take the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination.

    Upon qualifying the FMG examination, the medical graduates were required to undergo Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship for two years. Since the scheme was applicable to students in their last year and the batch of pleas were filed by students in their penultimate year, the SC while expressing concerns with regards to students’ career on December 9 had asked the Centre and NMC to constitute a committee.

    Also in top court

    SC grants interim bail to Ashish Mishra 
    The Supreme Court on Wednesday granted an eight-week interim bail to Union minister Ajay Kumar Mishra’s son Ashish in the “unfortunate ghastly incident” of violence in 2021 at Lakhimpur Kheri which claimed eight lives, and directed him to leave Uttar Pradesh within one week of his release from jail.

    1,091 SC judgments in regional languages  to be realeased today
    CJI DY Chandrachud on Wednesday announced that the Supreme Court on 74th Republic Day would release over 1,000 rulings translated in regional languages. The CJI said that SC was on a mission for the provision of its verdict in all scheduled languages. He said that translation now was happening at a faster pace.

    Rana Ayyub: SC asks Gzb court to adjourn proceedings till Jan 31
    The SC asked a court in Ghaziabad, which has summoned Rana Ayyub in a money laundering case lodged by  ED, to adjourn the proceedings scheduled for January 27 to a date after January 31. The SC said it will hear on January 31 the petition of Ayyub challenging the summons issued to her by the special court.
     

  • Lowest daily Covid cases recorded in India since March 2020 

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI:  India recorded 89 new coronavirus infections, the lowest since March 27, 2020, while the active cases declined to 2,035, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday.

    The Covid case tally stood at 4.46 crore (4,46,81,233).The death toll stands at 5,30,726, the data updated at 8 am stated.

    The daily positivity was recorded at 0.05 per cent while the weekly positivity was pegged at 0.09 per cent.

    The active cases now comprise 0.01 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate increased to 98.80 per cent, the ministry said.

    A decrease of 84 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.

    The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,41,48,472, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.19 per cent.

    According to the ministry’s website, 220.17 crore doses of Covid vaccine have been administered in the country so far under the nationwide vaccination drive.

    India’s COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16.

    The country crossed the grim milestone of four crore on January 25 last year.

    NEW DELHI:  India recorded 89 new coronavirus infections, the lowest since March 27, 2020, while the active cases declined to 2,035, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday.

    The Covid case tally stood at 4.46 crore (4,46,81,233).The death toll stands at 5,30,726, the data updated at 8 am stated.

    The daily positivity was recorded at 0.05 per cent while the weekly positivity was pegged at 0.09 per cent.

    The active cases now comprise 0.01 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate increased to 98.80 per cent, the ministry said.

    A decrease of 84 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.

    The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,41,48,472, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.19 per cent.

    According to the ministry’s website, 220.17 crore doses of Covid vaccine have been administered in the country so far under the nationwide vaccination drive.

    India’s COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16.

    The country crossed the grim milestone of four crore on January 25 last year.

  • Govt panel recommends market authorisation for Covovax jab as heterologous booster dose

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: An expert panel of the central drug regulatory authority has recommended market authorisation for Serum Institute of India’s Covid vaccine Covovax as a heterologous booster dose for adults who have been administered two doses of Covishield or Covaxin, official sources said on Thursday.

    Prakash Kumar Singh, director (government and regulatory affairs) at Serum Institute of India (SII) had recently written a letter to Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) for approval of Covovax heterologous booster dose for those aged 18 years and above in view of escalating covid-19 pandemic situation in some countries, the sources said.

    “The subject expert committee (SEC) of the CDSCO on Wednesday deliberated on the issue and recommended for market authorisation of Covid jab Covovax as a heterologous booster dose for adults who have been administered two doses of Covishield or Covaxin,” an official source said.

    The DCGI had approved Covovax for restricted use in emergency situations in adults on December 28, 2021, in the 12-17 age group on March 9, 2022 and also in children aged 7-11 years on June 28, 2022 subject to certain conditions.

    Covovax is manufactured through technology transfer from Novavax. It has been approved by the European Medicines Agency for conditional marketing authorization.

    It was granted emergency-use listing by the World Health Organization (WHO) on December 17, 2021. In August 2020, US-based vaccine maker Novavax Inc. had announced a licence agreement with SII for development and commercialization of NVX-CoV2373, its ocvid-19 vaccine candidate in India and low-and-middle-income countries.

    NEW DELHI: An expert panel of the central drug regulatory authority has recommended market authorisation for Serum Institute of India’s Covid vaccine Covovax as a heterologous booster dose for adults who have been administered two doses of Covishield or Covaxin, official sources said on Thursday.

    Prakash Kumar Singh, director (government and regulatory affairs) at Serum Institute of India (SII) had recently written a letter to Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) for approval of Covovax heterologous booster dose for those aged 18 years and above in view of escalating covid-19 pandemic situation in some countries, the sources said.

    “The subject expert committee (SEC) of the CDSCO on Wednesday deliberated on the issue and recommended for market authorisation of Covid jab Covovax as a heterologous booster dose for adults who have been administered two doses of Covishield or Covaxin,” an official source said.

    The DCGI had approved Covovax for restricted use in emergency situations in adults on December 28, 2021, in the 12-17 age group on March 9, 2022 and also in children aged 7-11 years on June 28, 2022 subject to certain conditions.

    Covovax is manufactured through technology transfer from Novavax. It has been approved by the European Medicines Agency for conditional marketing authorization.

    It was granted emergency-use listing by the World Health Organization (WHO) on December 17, 2021. In August 2020, US-based vaccine maker Novavax Inc. had announced a licence agreement with SII for development and commercialization of NVX-CoV2373, its ocvid-19 vaccine candidate in India and low-and-middle-income countries.

  • Need to address frontline workers’ mental health issues as they still face Covid-19 ‘burnout’

    By PTI

    NAGPUR: Several doctors and nurses who served as frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic experienced tremendous stress, other mental health problems and felt “burnt out”, an expert has said while stressing on the need to address their health concerns.

    There were many incidents wherein doctors and nurses attempted or committed suicide in the world due to depression during the pandemic, Dr Vithyalakshmi Selvaraj, psychiatrist and chief medical officer of the Omaha Insomnia and Psychiatric Services, Nebraska, USA, told PTI.

    She gave a presentation on ‘Long-term consequences of COVID-19 infection’ at the Indian Science Congress currently underway in Nagpur.

    Speaking on the sidelines of the presentation, Dr Selvaraj said depression, anxiety and sleeplessness magnified not just in India, but across the world, and there was need to “destigmatise” mental illness and increase awareness to prevent negative outcomes of such disorders.

    She said a study of 662 adults in India found that more than 80 per cent (of the respondents) were preoccupied with COVID-19- related thoughts, 37.8 per cent reported paranoia about having COVID-19 infection, 36.4 per cent reported stress and 12.5 per cent reported sleep disturbances.

    More than 80 percent of (study) participants reported the need for mental health services (care). Also, many case studies from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh reported that individuals committed suicide out of fear of COVID-19, she said.

    Females under 40 years of age, students and people with chronic illnesses or history of a psychiatric illness comprised the high-risk population for mental health conditions during the pandemic, Dr Selvaraj said.

    She said the pandemic has resulted in a significant increase in mental health conditions such as major depressive disorder and anxiety.

    Factors like social isolation, high utilisation of social media and loneliness have exacerbated the physical and mental health issues, she added.

    During the pandemic, mental health disorders were experienced not just by the general population, but also frontline workers such as doctors and nurses who were fearful that they may expose their family members to COVID-19 due to their work with the viral infection patients, she said.

    “The health care workers were burnt out as they did not have the training of what to do, how to treat (patients) and how to take care of themselves,” Dr Selvaraj said.

    She said that after COVID-19, students whom she has mentored do not want to become a doctor or a nurse.

    “This job has become very hard and is not as it was before,” she added. Providing mental health care to frontline workers is necessary as doctors and nurses face tremendous stress which can lead to several issues like depression, anxiety and suicidal tendencies, she said.

    Pitching for national awareness of mental health, Dr Selvaraj said, “it should start from home and you need to take care of each other at home.”

    She said youngsters are ashamed (to talk about such issues) and the stigma is a real challenge. They can’t even tell their parents about the stress they are going through.

    It should start from home identifying why they are isolating themselves, why they seem to be depressed, she said.

    Dr Selvaraj said mental health awareness can be started from schools with counsellors talking to students about it.

    She said simple yet powerful conversations such as “Are you fearful of COVID-19? It is ok to talk about it, will help immensely.”

    She said it can be done in hospitals, every sector and social media as well. Mental health awareness can be done through billboards on buses, trains, radio and television commercials.

    “Increased mental health awareness and improving our resilience will prevent negative mental health outcomes. Let’s start working on destigmatising mental illness,” she said.

    Dr Selvaraj also said patients with pre-existing mental health conditions are at a higher risk of COVID-19 infection, hospitalisation, COVID-19-related death as well as reduced response to vaccine against the viral infection.

    Long COVID-19/post-COVID-19 syndrome is particularly a concern with detrimental health, she added.

    NAGPUR: Several doctors and nurses who served as frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic experienced tremendous stress, other mental health problems and felt “burnt out”, an expert has said while stressing on the need to address their health concerns.

    There were many incidents wherein doctors and nurses attempted or committed suicide in the world due to depression during the pandemic, Dr Vithyalakshmi Selvaraj, psychiatrist and chief medical officer of the Omaha Insomnia and Psychiatric Services, Nebraska, USA, told PTI.

    She gave a presentation on ‘Long-term consequences of COVID-19 infection’ at the Indian Science Congress currently underway in Nagpur.

    Speaking on the sidelines of the presentation, Dr Selvaraj said depression, anxiety and sleeplessness magnified not just in India, but across the world, and there was need to “destigmatise” mental illness and increase awareness to prevent negative outcomes of such disorders.

    She said a study of 662 adults in India found that more than 80 per cent (of the respondents) were preoccupied with COVID-19- related thoughts, 37.8 per cent reported paranoia about having COVID-19 infection, 36.4 per cent reported stress and 12.5 per cent reported sleep disturbances.

    More than 80 percent of (study) participants reported the need for mental health services (care). Also, many case studies from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh reported that individuals committed suicide out of fear of COVID-19, she said.

    Females under 40 years of age, students and people with chronic illnesses or history of a psychiatric illness comprised the high-risk population for mental health conditions during the pandemic, Dr Selvaraj said.

    She said the pandemic has resulted in a significant increase in mental health conditions such as major depressive disorder and anxiety.

    Factors like social isolation, high utilisation of social media and loneliness have exacerbated the physical and mental health issues, she added.

    During the pandemic, mental health disorders were experienced not just by the general population, but also frontline workers such as doctors and nurses who were fearful that they may expose their family members to COVID-19 due to their work with the viral infection patients, she said.

    “The health care workers were burnt out as they did not have the training of what to do, how to treat (patients) and how to take care of themselves,” Dr Selvaraj said.

    She said that after COVID-19, students whom she has mentored do not want to become a doctor or a nurse.

    “This job has become very hard and is not as it was before,” she added. Providing mental health care to frontline workers is necessary as doctors and nurses face tremendous stress which can lead to several issues like depression, anxiety and suicidal tendencies, she said.

    Pitching for national awareness of mental health, Dr Selvaraj said, “it should start from home and you need to take care of each other at home.”

    She said youngsters are ashamed (to talk about such issues) and the stigma is a real challenge. They can’t even tell their parents about the stress they are going through.

    It should start from home identifying why they are isolating themselves, why they seem to be depressed, she said.

    Dr Selvaraj said mental health awareness can be started from schools with counsellors talking to students about it.

    She said simple yet powerful conversations such as “Are you fearful of COVID-19? It is ok to talk about it, will help immensely.”

    She said it can be done in hospitals, every sector and social media as well. Mental health awareness can be done through billboards on buses, trains, radio and television commercials.

    “Increased mental health awareness and improving our resilience will prevent negative mental health outcomes. Let’s start working on destigmatising mental illness,” she said.

    Dr Selvaraj also said patients with pre-existing mental health conditions are at a higher risk of COVID-19 infection, hospitalisation, COVID-19-related death as well as reduced response to vaccine against the viral infection.

    Long COVID-19/post-COVID-19 syndrome is particularly a concern with detrimental health, she added.

  • ‘PM Modi really knows how to shrug away responsibility’: Congress on deaths due to Covid vaccines

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The Congress on Wednesday took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for “shrugging away” from its responsibility, a day after the government told the Supreme Court that it cannot be held liable to compensate for the deaths post administration of Covid vaccines.

    “First: No deaths due to oxygen shortage. Then: No aid to Covid victims. Now: No accountability for vaccine-related deaths. Prime Minister Modi really knows how to shrug away responsibility. A true event manager!” the Congress said on its Twitter handle.

    Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate also took a dig, saying this government is never responsible for anything.

    “If there is death due to the side effects of Covid vaccine anywhere in the country, then the government is not responsible for it — people are getting it as per their wish. This is Modi government’s affidavit in the Supreme Court. (Well this government is never responsible for anything),” she said in a tweet in Hindi.

    In another tweet, she said, “Thank you Modi ji for quickly traversing the journey from photo on every vaccine certificate to no responsibility.”

    ALSO READ | ‘Not liable to compensate for deaths due to Covid vaccine,’ Centre tells SC

    The government cannot be held liable to compensate for the deaths due to an adverse event following immunisation (AEFI) post-administration of Covid-19 vaccines, the Centre has told the Supreme Court.

    The affidavit filed in the apex court by the Centre assumes significance in view of the fact that the government has been zealously pursuing the Covid-19 vaccination programme to fight the pandemic and, as per latest reports, over 219 crore doses have been administered.

    The affidavit was filed in response to a petition by the parents of two girls who died allegedly due to adverse effects following Covid vaccination.

    It claimed vaccines manufactured by third parties had successfully undergone regulatory review, and holding the state directly liable to provide compensation may not be legally sustainable.

    “The vaccines in use under the vaccination programme are manufactured by third parties and have successfully undergone thorough regulatory review in India as well as other nations, being recognised globally as safe and effective,” it said.

    “In these facts, it is most humbly submitted that holding the State directly liable to provide compensation under the narrow scope of strict liability for extremely rare deaths occurring due to AEFIs from the use of vaccines may not be legally sustainable,” the affidavit said.

    NEW DELHI: The Congress on Wednesday took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for “shrugging away” from its responsibility, a day after the government told the Supreme Court that it cannot be held liable to compensate for the deaths post administration of Covid vaccines.

    “First: No deaths due to oxygen shortage. Then: No aid to Covid victims. Now: No accountability for vaccine-related deaths. Prime Minister Modi really knows how to shrug away responsibility. A true event manager!” the Congress said on its Twitter handle.

    Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate also took a dig, saying this government is never responsible for anything.

    “If there is death due to the side effects of Covid vaccine anywhere in the country, then the government is not responsible for it — people are getting it as per their wish. This is Modi government’s affidavit in the Supreme Court. (Well this government is never responsible for anything),” she said in a tweet in Hindi.

    In another tweet, she said, “Thank you Modi ji for quickly traversing the journey from photo on every vaccine certificate to no responsibility.”

    ALSO READ | ‘Not liable to compensate for deaths due to Covid vaccine,’ Centre tells SC

    The government cannot be held liable to compensate for the deaths due to an adverse event following immunisation (AEFI) post-administration of Covid-19 vaccines, the Centre has told the Supreme Court.

    The affidavit filed in the apex court by the Centre assumes significance in view of the fact that the government has been zealously pursuing the Covid-19 vaccination programme to fight the pandemic and, as per latest reports, over 219 crore doses have been administered.

    The affidavit was filed in response to a petition by the parents of two girls who died allegedly due to adverse effects following Covid vaccination.

    It claimed vaccines manufactured by third parties had successfully undergone regulatory review, and holding the state directly liable to provide compensation may not be legally sustainable.

    “The vaccines in use under the vaccination programme are manufactured by third parties and have successfully undergone thorough regulatory review in India as well as other nations, being recognised globally as safe and effective,” it said.

    “In these facts, it is most humbly submitted that holding the State directly liable to provide compensation under the narrow scope of strict liability for extremely rare deaths occurring due to AEFIs from the use of vaccines may not be legally sustainable,” the affidavit said.

  • Government says masks no more compulsory during air travel 

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The Civil Aviation Ministry on Wednesday said the use of masks is not compulsory during air travel but passengers should preferably use them amid the declining number of coronavirus cases.

    Till now, the use of masks or face covers while travelling on flights was mandatory.

    In a communication to the scheduled airlines, the ministry said the latest decision has been taken in line with the government’s policy of a graded approach to COVID-19 management response.

    In view of the threat posed by COVID-19, all passengers should preferably use mask/face covers. Any specific reference to fine/penal action need not be announced as part of the inflight announcements: Ministry of Civil Aviation pic.twitter.com/V4yrH5x77Z
    — ANI (@ANI) November 16, 2022
    “The in-flight announcements henceforth may only mention that in view of the threat posed by COVID-19, all passengers should preferably use mask/face covers,” the communication said.

    It also said that any specific reference to fine/penal action need not be announced as part of the in-flight announcements.

    The total number of active coronavirus cases in the country accounted was only 0.02 per cent of the total infections and the recovery rate increased to 98.79 per cent, according to the latest official data.

    The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,41,28,580 and the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.19 per cent.

    NEW DELHI: The Civil Aviation Ministry on Wednesday said the use of masks is not compulsory during air travel but passengers should preferably use them amid the declining number of coronavirus cases.

    Till now, the use of masks or face covers while travelling on flights was mandatory.

    In a communication to the scheduled airlines, the ministry said the latest decision has been taken in line with the government’s policy of a graded approach to COVID-19 management response.

    In view of the threat posed by COVID-19, all passengers should preferably use mask/face covers. Any specific reference to fine/penal action need not be announced as part of the inflight announcements: Ministry of Civil Aviation pic.twitter.com/V4yrH5x77Z
    — ANI (@ANI) November 16, 2022
    “The in-flight announcements henceforth may only mention that in view of the threat posed by COVID-19, all passengers should preferably use mask/face covers,” the communication said.

    It also said that any specific reference to fine/penal action need not be announced as part of the in-flight announcements.

    The total number of active coronavirus cases in the country accounted was only 0.02 per cent of the total infections and the recovery rate increased to 98.79 per cent, according to the latest official data.

    The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,41,28,580 and the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.19 per cent.

  • Pandemic stress drove women, especially with kids, to alcohol

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Women, especially with young kids, affluent families and those suffering from anxiety and depression, reported an increase in alcohol consumption during Covid-19, and the main reason was stress, according to the latest survey carried out by an NGO, which works to protect communities and individuals from drunk driving and underage drinking. 

    The survey conducted among 5,000 women in the age group between 18 years 68 years in Delhi found that, as compared to men, fewer women drink regularly. Still, almost seven per cent admitted to risky or harmful drinking. 

    Over 62 per cent of women agreed to spend more on alcohol during the Covid-19 lockdown, post lockdown and when restrictions started easing up in the country, said the survey conducted by Community Against Drunken Driving (CADD).

    The pandemic pushed many women into a complex mental and emotional state starting from loneliness, and caregiver load, with women almost three times more likely than men to be looking after children full-time, managing household chores and professional responsibilities on their own during Covid-19, it added.

    “Loss of jobs, incidents of physical and mental abuse also increased during the pandemic, which added to the mental health burden for women during Covid-19,” said the survey, which was conducted around malls, markets, bars and pubs from August to October this year to assess if drinking patterns have altered in the last three years, especially in light of the pandemic and the stresses it put on individuals and households. Better retail shops, buy one get one (BOGO) offers, and discounts made alcohol buying more attractive for women, the survey said. According to road safety expert and activist Prince Singhal, founder of CADD, “Recent trends have shown increased alcohol use among women. While many believed the figures would go down, alcohol consumption increased.”

    “Having more drinks also indicated that alcohol was being had either to deal with emotional or mental issues, under the social influence or sometimes because they have developed a higher resistance to alcohol,” he said. “It is a known phenomenon that alcohol is consumed excessively during stress. Stressful events correlate with higher levels of alcohol consumption at the population level.

    The situations in Indian homes during Covid-19 significantly affected collective mental health. For many people, social disconnection, financial strain, increased obligations in the home, and ongoing uncertainty created distress and with it, a need for new ways of coping,” Singhal added.

    NEW DELHI: Women, especially with young kids, affluent families and those suffering from anxiety and depression, reported an increase in alcohol consumption during Covid-19, and the main reason was stress, according to the latest survey carried out by an NGO, which works to protect communities and individuals from drunk driving and underage drinking. 

    The survey conducted among 5,000 women in the age group between 18 years 68 years in Delhi found that, as compared to men, fewer women drink regularly. Still, almost seven per cent admitted to risky or harmful drinking. 

    Over 62 per cent of women agreed to spend more on alcohol during the Covid-19 lockdown, post lockdown and when restrictions started easing up in the country, said the survey conducted by Community Against Drunken Driving (CADD).

    The pandemic pushed many women into a complex mental and emotional state starting from loneliness, and caregiver load, with women almost three times more likely than men to be looking after children full-time, managing household chores and professional responsibilities on their own during Covid-19, it added.

    “Loss of jobs, incidents of physical and mental abuse also increased during the pandemic, which added to the mental health burden for women during Covid-19,” said the survey, which was conducted around malls, markets, bars and pubs from August to October this year to assess if drinking patterns have altered in the last three years, especially in light of the pandemic and the stresses it put on individuals and households. Better retail shops, buy one get one (BOGO) offers, and discounts made alcohol buying more attractive for women, the survey said. According to road safety expert and activist Prince Singhal, founder of CADD, “Recent trends have shown increased alcohol use among women. While many believed the figures would go down, alcohol consumption increased.”

    “Having more drinks also indicated that alcohol was being had either to deal with emotional or mental issues, under the social influence or sometimes because they have developed a higher resistance to alcohol,” he said. “It is a known phenomenon that alcohol is consumed excessively during stress. Stressful events correlate with higher levels of alcohol consumption at the population level.

    The situations in Indian homes during Covid-19 significantly affected collective mental health. For many people, social disconnection, financial strain, increased obligations in the home, and ongoing uncertainty created distress and with it, a need for new ways of coping,” Singhal added.