News Analysis India

Tag: Union Health Ministry

  • Enormous task ahead to meet end TB target by 2025, says parliamentary panel

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Expressing its concerns over “a sense of complacency” within the Union Health Ministry and the centre in implementing the TB elimination programme, a parliamentary panel has said that the shifting of responsibility to non-governmental organisations “eventually may impede the overall progress” of TB eradication programme.

    In its 149th report in Parliament, the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare said it “believes that the task at hand is enormous and time is short to meet the End TB target by 2025.” 

    India has set the target of eliminating TB by 2025, five years ahead of the global deadline of 2030.

    As the government is working in mission mode, the Committee recommended that robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms be implemented to track progress towards TB elimination goals, it added.

    Appreciating the immense potential of the Ni-Akshay Mitra Initiative in enhancing TB control efforts in India and alleviating the 58 socio-economic burdens of TB disease, the Committee, however, said that the adoption of TB patients under Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (PMTBMBA) to eradicate TB by 2025, the Ni-Akshay adoption model cannot be considered as the mainstay to fight against TB.

    “The Committee further expresses its concerns over a sense of complacency within the Ministry and the Government organisation responsible for implementing the TB elimination programme due to a shift in their responsibility to non-governmental organisations, which eventually may impede the overall progress,” it added.

    It thus suggested that the government establish a robust selection process for Ni-Akshay Mitra and implement effective monitoring mechanisms to ensure their diligent fulfilment of responsibilities.

    Under the Ni-kshay Mitra initiative, which was launched by President Droupadi Murmu last year, community support is provided to TB patients so that they can be adopted and cared for by an individual, elected representatives or institutions.

    As per WHO Global TB Report 2022, around one-quarter of the world’s population – two  billion – is latently infected with TB, and it is the 13th leading cause of death and the second leading infectious killer after COVID-19. India contributes approximately one-fourth of the international cases, roughly 25 lakhs out of 1.05 crores globally.

    The panel said that over the last five years, TB disease has been more commonly seen in the age groups of 15-24 years and 25-34 years than in other age groups.

    As the health of the young population is central to the nation’s health, it suggested a robust population-based approach be worked out to address their socio-economic conditions, healthy lifestyle and preventive strategies to have a holistic approach to the TB elimination drive.

    “The Committee believes that as the health of the young population is central to the nation’s health, a robust population-based approach should be worked out to address their socio-economic conditions, healthy lifestyle and preventive strategies to have a holistic approach to the TB elimination drive.”

    It also said that it is imperative to conduct a survey on the financial impact of TB in India, which would give a realistic picture of socio-economic status as well as the financial burden of TB disease on a family. “Such surveys can also be combined with other health surveys on a national level to assess the catastrophic costs related to TB disease. The government may also explore avenues to integrate such surveys with the Ni-kshay portal.”

    Keeping in view the large population of India and the target of achieving TB elimination by 2025, the panel suggested that there is a need to significantly increase the rate of TB case finding by taking various steps, including aggressive use of X-rays for faster and confirming TB diagnosis; scaling up molecular laboratories to block levels; and holistic implementation of intensified case finding in OPDs of all healthcare facilities.

    It also suggested contact tracing, involvement of the private sector and an increase in awareness programmes.

    In view of higher prices of anti-TB drugs, the Committee suggested that the government may collaborate with pharmaceutical companies to negotiate prices for TB drugs through bulk purchasing or licensing agreements.

    It said that it has come to their notice that some drugs used for treating Drug-Resistant TB are still unavailable to private practitioners and recommended establishing an arrangement with fixed accountability to maintain a regular supply of quality TB medications to all parts of the country.

    “Moreover, the government may encourage the domestic production of generic TB drugs with infrastructural support, streamlined regulatory processes, and tax incentives to reduce dependency on imported medicines,” it added.

    The Committee also pushed for newly developed skin tests to be utilised extensively for TB preventive treatment and conducted for close contact with TB patients and risk groups like diabetes, alcoholics, etc. The validation of this test for children less than 18 years old may be expedited so that the TB preventive treatment may be given at the infection level itself.

    NEW DELHI: Expressing its concerns over “a sense of complacency” within the Union Health Ministry and the centre in implementing the TB elimination programme, a parliamentary panel has said that the shifting of responsibility to non-governmental organisations “eventually may impede the overall progress” of TB eradication programme.

    In its 149th report in Parliament, the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare said it “believes that the task at hand is enormous and time is short to meet the End TB target by 2025.” 

    India has set the target of eliminating TB by 2025, five years ahead of the global deadline of 2030.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    As the government is working in mission mode, the Committee recommended that robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms be implemented to track progress towards TB elimination goals, it added.

    Appreciating the immense potential of the Ni-Akshay Mitra Initiative in enhancing TB control efforts in India and alleviating the 58 socio-economic burdens of TB disease, the Committee, however, said that the adoption of TB patients under Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (PMTBMBA) to eradicate TB by 2025, the Ni-Akshay adoption model cannot be considered as the mainstay to fight against TB.

    “The Committee further expresses its concerns over a sense of complacency within the Ministry and the Government organisation responsible for implementing the TB elimination programme due to a shift in their responsibility to non-governmental organisations, which eventually may impede the overall progress,” it added.

    It thus suggested that the government establish a robust selection process for Ni-Akshay Mitra and implement effective monitoring mechanisms to ensure their diligent fulfilment of responsibilities.

    Under the Ni-kshay Mitra initiative, which was launched by President Droupadi Murmu last year, community support is provided to TB patients so that they can be adopted and cared for by an individual, elected representatives or institutions.

    As per WHO Global TB Report 2022, around one-quarter of the world’s population – two  billion – is latently infected with TB, and it is the 13th leading cause of death and the second leading infectious killer after COVID-19. India contributes approximately one-fourth of the international cases, roughly 25 lakhs out of 1.05 crores globally.

    The panel said that over the last five years, TB disease has been more commonly seen in the age groups of 15-24 years and 25-34 years than in other age groups.

    As the health of the young population is central to the nation’s health, it suggested a robust population-based approach be worked out to address their socio-economic conditions, healthy lifestyle and preventive strategies to have a holistic approach to the TB elimination drive.

    “The Committee believes that as the health of the young population is central to the nation’s health, a robust population-based approach should be worked out to address their socio-economic conditions, healthy lifestyle and preventive strategies to have a holistic approach to the TB elimination drive.”

    It also said that it is imperative to conduct a survey on the financial impact of TB in India, which would give a realistic picture of socio-economic status as well as the financial burden of TB disease on a family. “Such surveys can also be combined with other health surveys on a national level to assess the catastrophic costs related to TB disease. The government may also explore avenues to integrate such surveys with the Ni-kshay portal.”

    Keeping in view the large population of India and the target of achieving TB elimination by 2025, the panel suggested that there is a need to significantly increase the rate of TB case finding by taking various steps, including aggressive use of X-rays for faster and confirming TB diagnosis; scaling up molecular laboratories to block levels; and holistic implementation of intensified case finding in OPDs of all healthcare facilities.

    It also suggested contact tracing, involvement of the private sector and an increase in awareness programmes.

    In view of higher prices of anti-TB drugs, the Committee suggested that the government may collaborate with pharmaceutical companies to negotiate prices for TB drugs through bulk purchasing or licensing agreements.

    It said that it has come to their notice that some drugs used for treating Drug-Resistant TB are still unavailable to private practitioners and recommended establishing an arrangement with fixed accountability to maintain a regular supply of quality TB medications to all parts of the country.

    “Moreover, the government may encourage the domestic production of generic TB drugs with infrastructural support, streamlined regulatory processes, and tax incentives to reduce dependency on imported medicines,” it added.

    The Committee also pushed for newly developed skin tests to be utilised extensively for TB preventive treatment and conducted for close contact with TB patients and risk groups like diabetes, alcoholics, etc. The validation of this test for children less than 18 years old may be expedited so that the TB preventive treatment may be given at the infection level itself.

  • Parliamentary panel seeks reasons from centre for not bringing euthanasia law

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: A parliamentary panel wants to know from the Union Health Ministry about the challenges in bringing a bill on a “sensitive subject” like passive euthanasia, an issue pending since 2018. 

    The panel said it has asked the ministry to deliberate on the issue with all stakeholders so that an “informed and well-considered decision” is taken at the right time and there is “no inordinate delay” in coming up with the law.

    The Committee noted that “three assurances relating to the formulation of legislation on passive euthanasia “are yet to be fulfilled by the ministry.”

    “The ministry has informed that a judgment of Supreme Court has come in this matter, and until a law is made the same judgment is applied on case to case basis keeping in view the sensitivity involved,” the panel said in its report ‘Review of pending assurances about the ministry of health and family welfare.’

    The ministry in 2018 had said that the matter regarding the formulation of legislation on Passive Euthanasia is under consideration.

    An expert committee was constituted in 2020 to discuss the issue of legislation and was still examining the various aspect. 

    “The recommendations of the expert committee are still awaited,” said the report which was tabled in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. 

    Passive euthanasia is a condition where there is withdrawal of medical treatment with the deliberate intention to hasten the death of a terminally ill patient.

    On March 9, 2018, the Supreme Court legalized passive euthanasia using the withdrawal of life support to patients in a permanent vegetative state. 

    The decision was made as part of the verdict in a case involving Aruna Shanbaug, a nurse who was sexually assaulted, and during the attack, she was strangled with a chain. Oxygen deprivation left her in a vegetative state until her death in 2015.

    Headed by Lok Sabha BJP MP Rajendra Agrawal, the committee on government assurances said that the Supreme Court had further directed that the guidelines and directives shall remain in force till the parliament brings legislation in the field.

    “The Committee noted that the issue is delicate and emotional which cuts across complex and dynamic aspects of the civilized society such as legal, ethical, human rights, health, religious, economic, spiritual, social and cultural and hence, more discussions with the stakeholders and legal opinion need to be taken on the subject

    The Committee fully agrees that in order to preserve harmony in society, decisions on delicate and soft issues such as passive euthanasia need to be taken with much caution, the report said.

    The Committee pulled up the ministry for their assurance on creating a cadre restricting of physiotherapists. The panel said that the assurance is pending for more than three years.

    “Taking note of inordinate delay in fulfilment of the said assurance, the Committee are of the view that cadre restructuring is crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of service and capacity building of physiotherapists,” the panel said, adding that they recommend the ministry to “earnestly pursue” the matter and chalk out an action plan to finalise the requisite cadre restructuring of a physiotherapist at the earliest.

    The Committee also pulled up the ministry for not sharing sanctioned posts, filled up posts, shortfall and backlog in central health institutes, despite assurances.

    “The Committee is concerned to note that even though two years have lapsed, the information is yet to be compiled and the assurance is pending without any outcome,” the report added.

    NEW DELHI: A parliamentary panel wants to know from the Union Health Ministry about the challenges in bringing a bill on a “sensitive subject” like passive euthanasia, an issue pending since 2018. 

    The panel said it has asked the ministry to deliberate on the issue with all stakeholders so that an “informed and well-considered decision” is taken at the right time and there is “no inordinate delay” in coming up with the law.

    The Committee noted that “three assurances relating to the formulation of legislation on passive euthanasia “are yet to be fulfilled by the ministry.”googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “The ministry has informed that a judgment of Supreme Court has come in this matter, and until a law is made the same judgment is applied on case to case basis keeping in view the sensitivity involved,” the panel said in its report ‘Review of pending assurances about the ministry of health and family welfare.’

    The ministry in 2018 had said that the matter regarding the formulation of legislation on Passive Euthanasia is under consideration.

    An expert committee was constituted in 2020 to discuss the issue of legislation and was still examining the various aspect. 

    “The recommendations of the expert committee are still awaited,” said the report which was tabled in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. 

    Passive euthanasia is a condition where there is withdrawal of medical treatment with the deliberate intention to hasten the death of a terminally ill patient.

    On March 9, 2018, the Supreme Court legalized passive euthanasia using the withdrawal of life support to patients in a permanent vegetative state. 

    The decision was made as part of the verdict in a case involving Aruna Shanbaug, a nurse who was sexually assaulted, and during the attack, she was strangled with a chain. Oxygen deprivation left her in a vegetative state until her death in 2015.

    Headed by Lok Sabha BJP MP Rajendra Agrawal, the committee on government assurances said that the Supreme Court had further directed that the guidelines and directives shall remain in force till the parliament brings legislation in the field.

    “The Committee noted that the issue is delicate and emotional which cuts across complex and dynamic aspects of the civilized society such as legal, ethical, human rights, health, religious, economic, spiritual, social and cultural and hence, more discussions with the stakeholders and legal opinion need to be taken on the subject

    The Committee fully agrees that in order to preserve harmony in society, decisions on delicate and soft issues such as passive euthanasia need to be taken with much caution, the report said.

    The Committee pulled up the ministry for their assurance on creating a cadre restricting of physiotherapists. The panel said that the assurance is pending for more than three years.

    “Taking note of inordinate delay in fulfilment of the said assurance, the Committee are of the view that cadre restructuring is crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of service and capacity building of physiotherapists,” the panel said, adding that they recommend the ministry to “earnestly pursue” the matter and chalk out an action plan to finalise the requisite cadre restructuring of a physiotherapist at the earliest.

    The Committee also pulled up the ministry for not sharing sanctioned posts, filled up posts, shortfall and backlog in central health institutes, despite assurances.

    “The Committee is concerned to note that even though two years have lapsed, the information is yet to be compiled and the assurance is pending without any outcome,” the report added.

  • 250 rabies deaths reported in 18 Indian states, Karnataka tops with 32 

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Nearly 250 deaths due to rabies were reported in the country this year from 18 states, with Karnataka reporting the highest number of 32 deaths, followed by 24 deaths each from Maharashtra and West Bengal, the Union Health Ministry told the Lok Sabha on Friday. 

    While Tamil Nadu reported 22 deaths, followed by 21 deaths each from Kerala and Telangana, both Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh recorded 19 deaths each, followed by Delhi and Bihar.  Both the states reported 18 deaths each due to rabies, Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, said in the written reply.

    The ministry said some deaths have occurred in persons who had been administered post-exposure prophylaxis in Kerala and were sent for repeat quality testing at Central Drugs Laboratory, Kasauli.

    “All the tested batches have been reported to be conforming to required quality standards,” she said to a question on the testing of samples and quality of vaccines that lead to deaths in Kerala, despite being administered to the victims.

    The deaths of at least six victims, who had taken the anti-rabies vaccine, had triggered a major debate in Kerala over the efficacy of the vaccine. The state reported nearly 2 million dog bites. The central government had dispatched a team following the furore.

    The minister said that as per information provided by the Kerala government, all vaccines and immunoglobulin batches had been tested for quality before delivery.

    Pawar said the ministry had launched the National Rabies Control since the 12th Five-Year Plan for prevention and control of rabies. The National Rabies Control Program has been implemented in the entire country (Except in Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep).

    The minister said various initiatives had been taken, including procurement of an Anti-Rabies Vaccine for animal bite victims through the National Free Drug Initiative, capacity building through training of medical officers and health workers and strengthening surveillance of human rabies and dog bite cases.

    She said all the vaccines are tested for standard quality and released by Central Drugs Laboratory, Kasauli.

    On what steps the government is taking to ensure the availability of vaccines in the country, she said, all manufacturers have been asked to ensure that the manufacturing of ARV is carried out with total capacity and the first preference may be accorded to meet domestic requirements including government institution supplies in the country.

    NEW DELHI: Nearly 250 deaths due to rabies were reported in the country this year from 18 states, with Karnataka reporting the highest number of 32 deaths, followed by 24 deaths each from Maharashtra and West Bengal, the Union Health Ministry told the Lok Sabha on Friday. 

    While Tamil Nadu reported 22 deaths, followed by 21 deaths each from Kerala and Telangana, both Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh recorded 19 deaths each, followed by Delhi and Bihar.  Both the states reported 18 deaths each due to rabies, Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, said in the written reply.

    The ministry said some deaths have occurred in persons who had been administered post-exposure prophylaxis in Kerala and were sent for repeat quality testing at Central Drugs Laboratory, Kasauli.

    “All the tested batches have been reported to be conforming to required quality standards,” she said to a question on the testing of samples and quality of vaccines that lead to deaths in Kerala, despite being administered to the victims.

    The deaths of at least six victims, who had taken the anti-rabies vaccine, had triggered a major debate in Kerala over the efficacy of the vaccine. The state reported nearly 2 million dog bites. The central government had dispatched a team following the furore.

    The minister said that as per information provided by the Kerala government, all vaccines and immunoglobulin batches had been tested for quality before delivery.

    Pawar said the ministry had launched the National Rabies Control since the 12th Five-Year Plan for prevention and control of rabies. The National Rabies Control Program has been implemented in the entire country (Except in Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep).

    The minister said various initiatives had been taken, including procurement of an Anti-Rabies Vaccine for animal bite victims through the National Free Drug Initiative, capacity building through training of medical officers and health workers and strengthening surveillance of human rabies and dog bite cases.

    She said all the vaccines are tested for standard quality and released by Central Drugs Laboratory, Kasauli.

    On what steps the government is taking to ensure the availability of vaccines in the country, she said, all manufacturers have been asked to ensure that the manufacturing of ARV is carried out with total capacity and the first preference may be accorded to meet domestic requirements including government institution supplies in the country.

  • Twenty-four lakh HIV-positive people in India, most in Maharashtra, Andhra and Karnataka 

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in India is estimated to be around 24 lakh, with Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka reporting the maximum numbers, according to the India HIV Estimates 2021 report released Thursday.

    The Union Health Ministry report said annual new infections in 2021 are estimated at around 63,000, a 46.3 per cent decline since 2010. 

    A declining trend was noted in most states, with the rapid decline seen in Himachal Pradesh (43 per cent), Tamil Nadu (72 per cent), and Telangana (71 per cent). 

    However, new infections were reported from the northeastern states of Tripura, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Sikkim, and Mizoram, and also the union territory of Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

    Also, last year AIDS-related deaths were estimated at around  42,000, a 75.5 percent decline from 2010 to 2021, the report said.

    “A declining trend is noted in all states and union territories, excluding Puducherry, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Tripura. The highest decline in AIDS-related diseases is estimated in Chandigarh, Telangana and West Bengal,” said the report, released on Thursday on the occasion of World AIDS Day, by S. Gopalakrishnan, Special Secretary in the Union Health Ministry.

    Speaking at the occasion, Hekali Zhimomi, Additional Secretary and Director General National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), said that “annual new HIV infections have declined by 46 percent between 2010-2021 against the global average of 32 percent. AIDS-related mortality has declined by 76 percent against the global average of 52 percent.”

    The report said that overall the estimated adult HIV prevalence – 15-49 years – had been declining in India since the epidemic’s peak in 2000 when it was estimated at 0.55 per cent. It dipped to 0.32 percent in 2010 and 0.21 percent in 2021.

    “In 2021, HIV prevalence among the adult male population was estimated at 0.22 percent while among the adult female population, it was 0.19 percent,” the report said.

    It also said that adults above 15 years who are living with HIV are estimated to account for 97 percent (over 23 lakh) of the total infections, while children (0-14 years) were estimated to account for three percent (0.69 lakh).

    Young people (15-24 years) were estimated to account for seven percent (1.70 lakh) of the total number of people living with HIV in India.

    An estimated 55 percent of those living with HIV are male, and 45 percent are female.

    The report also said an estimated number of annual new HIV infections was over 63,000 in 2021. Those above 15 years accounted for 92 percent (over 58,000) of the total new infections, while children (0-14 years) accounted for eight percent (5.0 thousand).

    The number of new HIV infections among people (15-24 years) was estimated at 15,000 in 2021. While 42 percent of females accounted for the total number of annual HIV infections, the figure stood at 58 percent for males.

    According to Nidhi Kesarwani, Director NACO, under the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) Phase V, the ministry aims to reduce annual new HIV infections and AIDS-related mortalities by 80 percent by 2025-26 so that AIDS as a public health threat ends in India by 2030.

    NACP Phase V is a central government-funded scheme for April 1, 2021, to March 31 2026, with an outlay of Rs. 15471.94 crores.

    NEW DELHI: The number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in India is estimated to be around 24 lakh, with Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka reporting the maximum numbers, according to the India HIV Estimates 2021 report released Thursday.

    The Union Health Ministry report said annual new infections in 2021 are estimated at around 63,000, a 46.3 per cent decline since 2010. 

    A declining trend was noted in most states, with the rapid decline seen in Himachal Pradesh (43 per cent), Tamil Nadu (72 per cent), and Telangana (71 per cent). 

    However, new infections were reported from the northeastern states of Tripura, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Sikkim, and Mizoram, and also the union territory of Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

    Also, last year AIDS-related deaths were estimated at around  42,000, a 75.5 percent decline from 2010 to 2021, the report said.

    “A declining trend is noted in all states and union territories, excluding Puducherry, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Tripura. The highest decline in AIDS-related diseases is estimated in Chandigarh, Telangana and West Bengal,” said the report, released on Thursday on the occasion of World AIDS Day, by S. Gopalakrishnan, Special Secretary in the Union Health Ministry.

    Speaking at the occasion, Hekali Zhimomi, Additional Secretary and Director General National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), said that “annual new HIV infections have declined by 46 percent between 2010-2021 against the global average of 32 percent. AIDS-related mortality has declined by 76 percent against the global average of 52 percent.”

    The report said that overall the estimated adult HIV prevalence – 15-49 years – had been declining in India since the epidemic’s peak in 2000 when it was estimated at 0.55 per cent. It dipped to 0.32 percent in 2010 and 0.21 percent in 2021.

    “In 2021, HIV prevalence among the adult male population was estimated at 0.22 percent while among the adult female population, it was 0.19 percent,” the report said.

    It also said that adults above 15 years who are living with HIV are estimated to account for 97 percent (over 23 lakh) of the total infections, while children (0-14 years) were estimated to account for three percent (0.69 lakh).

    Young people (15-24 years) were estimated to account for seven percent (1.70 lakh) of the total number of people living with HIV in India.

    An estimated 55 percent of those living with HIV are male, and 45 percent are female.

    The report also said an estimated number of annual new HIV infections was over 63,000 in 2021. Those above 15 years accounted for 92 percent (over 58,000) of the total new infections, while children (0-14 years) accounted for eight percent (5.0 thousand).

    The number of new HIV infections among people (15-24 years) was estimated at 15,000 in 2021. While 42 percent of females accounted for the total number of annual HIV infections, the figure stood at 58 percent for males.

    According to Nidhi Kesarwani, Director NACO, under the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) Phase V, the ministry aims to reduce annual new HIV infections and AIDS-related mortalities by 80 percent by 2025-26 so that AIDS as a public health threat ends in India by 2030.

    NACP Phase V is a central government-funded scheme for April 1, 2021, to March 31 2026, with an outlay of Rs. 15471.94 crores.

  • Global Hunger Index exaggerates measure of hunger, has problems, say Health Ministry sources

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The Global Hunger Index exaggerates the measure of hunger, lacks statistical vigour and has problems on multiple counts, Union Health Ministry sources said Tuesday after India stood 107th out of 121 in this year’s rankings.

    It does not really measure hunger, they said while asserting that the report “deliberately ignores the tremendous efforts made by the government to ensure food security for the population, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic”.

    Three out of the four indicators used are related to the health of children and cannot be representative of the entire population, sources said.

    They said that according to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) the indicators of undernourishment, stunting, wasting and child mortality do not measure hunger per se as these are not the manifestations of hunger alone.

    Many of the measures that are used to evolve an index that measures hunger are probably contextual, the ministry sources said.

    Claiming that the Global Hunger Index was erroneous and suffers from serious methodological issues, an official said, “It exaggerates the measure of hunger, lacks statistical vigour, has a problem of multiple counts, and gives higher representation to under-five children.

    “The fourth indicator, the ‘Estimate of Proportion of Undernourished Population’ for India is 16.3 per cent. For a country of the size of India, the data has been collected from a minuscule sample of 3,000 and is statistically wrong, lacks validity, biased, and unethical,” sources in the ministry said.

    “Also, the framing of questions was inappropriate and negative.

    For example, respondents were asked: During the last 12 months, was there a time when, because of lack of money or other resources you were worried you would not have enough food to eat? You ate less than you thought you should? “Inclusion of such questions signifies that the agencies had pre-formed biases and did not search for facts based on relevant information about the delivery of nutritional support and assurance of food security by the Government,” an official source said.

    The other three indicators relate primarily to children such as stunting, wasting and under-five mortality.

    These indicators are the outcomes of complex interactions of factors such as drinking water, sanitation, genetics, environment and utilisation of food intake apart from hunger.

    Interpreting ‘hunger’ based on health indicators of children is neither scientific nor rational, the sources said.

    Even then their estimates are wrong as National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) has shown improvement in stunting and wasting and a significant reduction in U5MR, they said.

    According to NFHS India has shown improvement in child nutrition indicators as stunting (height-for-age) among children under 5 years has declined from 38.4 per cent (NFHS 4 – 2015-16) to 35.5 per cent (NFHS-5 – 2019-21).

    Wasting (weight-for-height) among children under 5 years has declined from 21.0 (NFHS 4) to 19.3 per cent (NFHS-5).

    Children under 5 years who are underweight (weight-for-age) declined from 35.8 (NFHS 4) to 32.1 per cent (NFHS-5) and U5MR to 109 (1990) to 42 in 2021.

    In the Global Hunger Index, 2022, India ranked 107 out of 121 countries, much behind its South Asia neighbours, with the child wasting rate at 19.3 per cent, the highest in the world.

    With a score of 29.1, the level of hunger in India has been labelled “serious”.

    The Ministry of Women and Child Development on October 15 rejected the findings, alleging it is an effort to taint the country’s image and the index suffers from serious methodological issues and is an “erroneous measure” of hunger.

    The opposition leaders said the government must take responsibility for its “failure”.

    NEW DELHI: The Global Hunger Index exaggerates the measure of hunger, lacks statistical vigour and has problems on multiple counts, Union Health Ministry sources said Tuesday after India stood 107th out of 121 in this year’s rankings.

    It does not really measure hunger, they said while asserting that the report “deliberately ignores the tremendous efforts made by the government to ensure food security for the population, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic”.

    Three out of the four indicators used are related to the health of children and cannot be representative of the entire population, sources said.

    They said that according to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) the indicators of undernourishment, stunting, wasting and child mortality do not measure hunger per se as these are not the manifestations of hunger alone.

    Many of the measures that are used to evolve an index that measures hunger are probably contextual, the ministry sources said.

    Claiming that the Global Hunger Index was erroneous and suffers from serious methodological issues, an official said, “It exaggerates the measure of hunger, lacks statistical vigour, has a problem of multiple counts, and gives higher representation to under-five children.

    “The fourth indicator, the ‘Estimate of Proportion of Undernourished Population’ for India is 16.3 per cent. For a country of the size of India, the data has been collected from a minuscule sample of 3,000 and is statistically wrong, lacks validity, biased, and unethical,” sources in the ministry said.

    “Also, the framing of questions was inappropriate and negative.

    For example, respondents were asked: During the last 12 months, was there a time when, because of lack of money or other resources you were worried you would not have enough food to eat? You ate less than you thought you should? “Inclusion of such questions signifies that the agencies had pre-formed biases and did not search for facts based on relevant information about the delivery of nutritional support and assurance of food security by the Government,” an official source said.

    The other three indicators relate primarily to children such as stunting, wasting and under-five mortality.

    These indicators are the outcomes of complex interactions of factors such as drinking water, sanitation, genetics, environment and utilisation of food intake apart from hunger.

    Interpreting ‘hunger’ based on health indicators of children is neither scientific nor rational, the sources said.

    Even then their estimates are wrong as National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) has shown improvement in stunting and wasting and a significant reduction in U5MR, they said.

    According to NFHS India has shown improvement in child nutrition indicators as stunting (height-for-age) among children under 5 years has declined from 38.4 per cent (NFHS 4 – 2015-16) to 35.5 per cent (NFHS-5 – 2019-21).

    Wasting (weight-for-height) among children under 5 years has declined from 21.0 (NFHS 4) to 19.3 per cent (NFHS-5).

    Children under 5 years who are underweight (weight-for-age) declined from 35.8 (NFHS 4) to 32.1 per cent (NFHS-5) and U5MR to 109 (1990) to 42 in 2021.

    In the Global Hunger Index, 2022, India ranked 107 out of 121 countries, much behind its South Asia neighbours, with the child wasting rate at 19.3 per cent, the highest in the world.

    With a score of 29.1, the level of hunger in India has been labelled “serious”.

    The Ministry of Women and Child Development on October 15 rejected the findings, alleging it is an effort to taint the country’s image and the index suffers from serious methodological issues and is an “erroneous measure” of hunger.

    The opposition leaders said the government must take responsibility for its “failure”.

  • Health ministry deputes high-level team to UP for dengue management in Firozabad, Agra, Etawah

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The Union Health Ministry has deputed a high-level multi-disciplinary team to Uttar Pradesh to collaborate with the state authorities in instituting public health measures for dengue management in Firozabad, Agra and Etawah districts, which are reporting high numbers of dengue cases.

    The six-member team comprises experts drawn from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control and Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital, New Delhi, according to a statement issued by the ministry.

    The team is headed by Dr V K Chaudhary, senior Regional Director, Regional Office of Health and Family Welfare, Lucknow.

    The ministry said the committee will work closely with the state health departments, take a stock on the ground situation and recommend necessary public health interventions to manage the increasing cases of Dengue being reported by the state.

    Uttar Pradesh has been reporting a considerable number of dengue cases recently. Officials said about 140 dengue cases were reported on October 13 with Lucknow reporting 39 and Prayagraj 46 instances of the vector-borne disease.

    The number of dengue cases reported in Lucknow on an average daily has been 35 to 40 while in Bareilly and Budaun it has been in the range of 15-20, officials added.

    The daily average in Noida is four to five and in Ghaziabad seven to eight. A fortnight ago, Jaunpur district had reported a daily average of 14 to 15 dengue cases but now it has dropped to 8-10, the official added.

    NEW DELHI: The Union Health Ministry has deputed a high-level multi-disciplinary team to Uttar Pradesh to collaborate with the state authorities in instituting public health measures for dengue management in Firozabad, Agra and Etawah districts, which are reporting high numbers of dengue cases.

    The six-member team comprises experts drawn from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control and Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital, New Delhi, according to a statement issued by the ministry.

    The team is headed by Dr V K Chaudhary, senior Regional Director, Regional Office of Health and Family Welfare, Lucknow.

    The ministry said the committee will work closely with the state health departments, take a stock on the ground situation and recommend necessary public health interventions to manage the increasing cases of Dengue being reported by the state.

    Uttar Pradesh has been reporting a considerable number of dengue cases recently. Officials said about 140 dengue cases were reported on October 13 with Lucknow reporting 39 and Prayagraj 46 instances of the vector-borne disease.

    The number of dengue cases reported in Lucknow on an average daily has been 35 to 40 while in Bareilly and Budaun it has been in the range of 15-20, officials added.

    The daily average in Noida is four to five and in Ghaziabad seven to eight. A fortnight ago, Jaunpur district had reported a daily average of 14 to 15 dengue cases but now it has dropped to 8-10, the official added.

  • Active Covid cases in country decline to 90,707

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: India logged 10,256 new coronavirus infections taking the total tally of cases to 4,43,89,176, while the active cases declined to 90,707, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday.

    The death toll climbed to 5,27,556 with 68 fatalities which include 29 deaths reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am stated.

    The active cases comprise 0.20 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has increased to 98.61 per cent, the ministry said.

    ALSO READ | Two new studies bolster theory that coronavirus emerged from Wuhan animal market

    A decline of 3,340 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.

    India’s COVID-19 tally 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.

    It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19.

    ALSO READ | India records 10,725 new COVID cases; active infections in country decline to 94,047

    The country crossed the grim milestone of two crores on May 4 and three crores on June 23 last year.

    It crossed the four-crore mark on January 25 this year.

    NEW DELHI: India logged 10,256 new coronavirus infections taking the total tally of cases to 4,43,89,176, while the active cases declined to 90,707, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday.

    The death toll climbed to 5,27,556 with 68 fatalities which include 29 deaths reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am stated.

    The active cases comprise 0.20 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has increased to 98.61 per cent, the ministry said.

    ALSO READ | Two new studies bolster theory that coronavirus emerged from Wuhan animal market

    A decline of 3,340 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.

    India’s COVID-19 tally 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.

    It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19.

    ALSO READ | India records 10,725 new COVID cases; active infections in country decline to 94,047

    The country crossed the grim milestone of two crores on May 4 and three crores on June 23 last year.

    It crossed the four-crore mark on January 25 this year.

  • See Union Govt’s guidelines for battling Monkeypox outbreak

    By ANI

    NEW DELHI: In the wake of the rising cases of Monkeypox in the country, Union Health Ministry on Wednesday released guidelines to prevent the spread of Monkeypox disease.

    The Ministry, in its official communication, informed that there was no reported case of the Monkeypox virus in India till May 31, 2022. However, India needs to be prepared in view of the increasing reports of cases in non-endemic countries.

    Monkeypox (MPX) is a viral zoonotic disease with symptoms similar to smallpox, although with less clinical severity. MPX was first discovered in 1958 in colonies of monkeys kept for research, hence the name ‘Monkeypox.’

    The first human case of Monkeypox was reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in 1970. The Monkeypox Virus primarily occurs in Central and West Africa. In 2003, the first Monkeypox outbreak outside of Africa was reported in the United States of America, which was linked to contact with infected pet prairie dogs. These pets had been housed with Gambian pouched rats and dormice that had been imported into the country from Ghana.

    Monkeypox is usually a self-limited disease with symptoms lasting from 2 to 4 weeks. Severe cases occur more commonly among children and are related to the extent of virus exposure, patient health status and nature of complications.

    It is known to occur primarily through large respiratory droplets generally requiring prolonged close contact. It can also be transmitted through direct contact with body fluids or lesion material, and indirect contact with lesion material, such as through contaminated clothing or linens of an infected person.

    ALSO READ | Third monkeypox case in Delhi, government says not to panic

    It may occur by a bite or scratch of infected animals like small mammals including rodents (rats, squirrels) and non-human primates (monkeys, apes) or through bush meat preparation.

    A person of any age having a history of travel to affected countries within the last 21 days presenting with an unexplained acute rash and one or more of the following signs or symptoms

    Swollen lymph nodes

    Fever

    Headache

    Body aches

    profound weakness

    Prodrome (0-5 days)

    a. Fever

    b. Lymphadenopathy. Typically occurs with fever onset. Periauricular, axillary, cervical or inguinal. Unilateral or bilateral

    c. Headache, muscle aches, exhaustion

    d. Chills and/or sweats

    e. Sore throat and cough

    Skin involvement (rash)

    a. Usually begins within 1-3 days of fever onset, lasting for around 2-4 weeks

    b. Deep-seated, well-circumscribed and often develop umbilication

    c. Lesions are often described as painful until the healing phase when they become itchy (in the crust stage)

    The Ministry further laid down

    a) Contacts should be monitored at least daily for the onset of signs/symptoms for a period of 21 days (as per the case definition above) from the last contact with a patient or their contaminated materials during the infectious period. In case of occurrence of fever clinical/lab evaluation is warranted.

    b) Asymptomatic contacts should not donate blood, cells, tissue, organs or semen while they are under surveillance.

    c) Pre-school children may be excluded from daycare, nursery, or other group settings.

    d) Health workers who have unprotected exposures to patients with monkeypox or possibly contaminated materials do not need to be excluded from work duty if asymptomatic but should undergo active surveillance for symptoms for 21 days.

    1. Avoid contact with any materials, such as bedding, that have been in contact with a sick person.

    2. Isolate infected patients from others.

    3. Practice good hand hygiene after contact with infected animals or humans. For example, washing your hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

    4. Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for patients.

    5. Surveillance and rapid identification of new cases are critical for outbreak containment. During human Monkeypox outbreaks, close contact with infected persons is the most significant risk factor for monkeypox virus infection. Health workers and household members are at a greater risk of infection.

    6. Health workers caring for patients with suspected or confirmed monkeypox virus infection, or handling specimens from them, should implement standard infection control precautions. Samples taken from people and animals with suspected monkeypox virus infection should be handled by trained staff working in suitably equipped laboratories. Patient specimens must be safely prepared for transport with triple packaging in accordance with WHO guidance for the transport of infectious substances.

    A combination of standard, contact and droplet precautions should be applied in all healthcare settings when a patient presents with fever and vesicular/pustular rash. In addition, because of the theoretical risk of airborne transmission of the Monkeypox virus, airborne precautions should be applied as per risk assessment.

    ALSO READ | Covid setup at Gandhi Hospital can be used to test for monkeypox

    In the wake of the rising cases of Monkeypox in the country, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday assured citizens not to panic and said that an awareness campaign is being run in collaboration with the state governments to prevent the spread of the infection.

    Speaking in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday during the ongoing Monsoon session of the Parliament, the Union Minister said, “There is no need to be afraid of Monkeypox, an awareness campaign is being run in collaboration with the state governments: Public awareness is very necessary for the context of Monkeypox. We have also formed a task force under the chairmanship of a member of NITI Aayog on behalf of the Government of India.”

    “On the basis of the observations of the task force, we will assess and study the further action to be taken. If the state government of Kerala needs any kind of help from the Central government, it will be given. Also, an expert team of the Central government is guiding the state government from time to time,” he said.

    NEW DELHI: In the wake of the rising cases of Monkeypox in the country, Union Health Ministry on Wednesday released guidelines to prevent the spread of Monkeypox disease.

    The Ministry, in its official communication, informed that there was no reported case of the Monkeypox virus in India till May 31, 2022. However, India needs to be prepared in view of the increasing reports of cases in non-endemic countries.

    Monkeypox (MPX) is a viral zoonotic disease with symptoms similar to smallpox, although with less clinical severity. MPX was first discovered in 1958 in colonies of monkeys kept for research, hence the name ‘Monkeypox.’

    The first human case of Monkeypox was reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in 1970. The Monkeypox Virus primarily occurs in Central and West Africa. In 2003, the first Monkeypox outbreak outside of Africa was reported in the United States of America, which was linked to contact with infected pet prairie dogs. These pets had been housed with Gambian pouched rats and dormice that had been imported into the country from Ghana.

    Monkeypox is usually a self-limited disease with symptoms lasting from 2 to 4 weeks. Severe cases occur more commonly among children and are related to the extent of virus exposure, patient health status and nature of complications.

    It is known to occur primarily through large respiratory droplets generally requiring prolonged close contact. It can also be transmitted through direct contact with body fluids or lesion material, and indirect contact with lesion material, such as through contaminated clothing or linens of an infected person.

    ALSO READ | Third monkeypox case in Delhi, government says not to panic

    It may occur by a bite or scratch of infected animals like small mammals including rodents (rats, squirrels) and non-human primates (monkeys, apes) or through bush meat preparation.

    A person of any age having a history of travel to affected countries within the last 21 days presenting with an unexplained acute rash and one or more of the following signs or symptoms

    Swollen lymph nodes

    Fever

    Headache

    Body aches

    profound weakness

    Prodrome (0-5 days)

    a. Fever

    b. Lymphadenopathy. Typically occurs with fever onset. Periauricular, axillary, cervical or inguinal. Unilateral or bilateral

    c. Headache, muscle aches, exhaustion

    d. Chills and/or sweats

    e. Sore throat and cough

    Skin involvement (rash)

    a. Usually begins within 1-3 days of fever onset, lasting for around 2-4 weeks

    b. Deep-seated, well-circumscribed and often develop umbilication

    c. Lesions are often described as painful until the healing phase when they become itchy (in the crust stage)

    The Ministry further laid down

    a) Contacts should be monitored at least daily for the onset of signs/symptoms for a period of 21 days (as per the case definition above) from the last contact with a patient or their contaminated materials during the infectious period. In case of occurrence of fever clinical/lab evaluation is warranted.

    b) Asymptomatic contacts should not donate blood, cells, tissue, organs or semen while they are under surveillance.

    c) Pre-school children may be excluded from daycare, nursery, or other group settings.

    d) Health workers who have unprotected exposures to patients with monkeypox or possibly contaminated materials do not need to be excluded from work duty if asymptomatic but should undergo active surveillance for symptoms for 21 days.

    1. Avoid contact with any materials, such as bedding, that have been in contact with a sick person.

    2. Isolate infected patients from others.

    3. Practice good hand hygiene after contact with infected animals or humans. For example, washing your hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

    4. Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for patients.

    5. Surveillance and rapid identification of new cases are critical for outbreak containment. During human Monkeypox outbreaks, close contact with infected persons is the most significant risk factor for monkeypox virus infection. Health workers and household members are at a greater risk of infection.

    6. Health workers caring for patients with suspected or confirmed monkeypox virus infection, or handling specimens from them, should implement standard infection control precautions. Samples taken from people and animals with suspected monkeypox virus infection should be handled by trained staff working in suitably equipped laboratories. Patient specimens must be safely prepared for transport with triple packaging in accordance with WHO guidance for the transport of infectious substances.

    A combination of standard, contact and droplet precautions should be applied in all healthcare settings when a patient presents with fever and vesicular/pustular rash. In addition, because of the theoretical risk of airborne transmission of the Monkeypox virus, airborne precautions should be applied as per risk assessment.

    ALSO READ | Covid setup at Gandhi Hospital can be used to test for monkeypox

    In the wake of the rising cases of Monkeypox in the country, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday assured citizens not to panic and said that an awareness campaign is being run in collaboration with the state governments to prevent the spread of the infection.

    Speaking in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday during the ongoing Monsoon session of the Parliament, the Union Minister said, “There is no need to be afraid of Monkeypox, an awareness campaign is being run in collaboration with the state governments: Public awareness is very necessary for the context of Monkeypox. We have also formed a task force under the chairmanship of a member of NITI Aayog on behalf of the Government of India.”

    “On the basis of the observations of the task force, we will assess and study the further action to be taken. If the state government of Kerala needs any kind of help from the Central government, it will be given. Also, an expert team of the Central government is guiding the state government from time to time,” he said.

  • Centre forms task force to monitor monkeypox situation in India closely

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The Centre has formed a task force on monkeypox to closely monitor the emerging situation in India and decide on response initiatives to tackle the spread of the disease, official sources said on Monday.

    The announcement from the Union Health Ministry came following samples of a 22-year-old man who died in Kerala last week and came out positive for monkeypox on Monday. The deceased had earlier tested positive for monkeypox in the UAE.

    So far, India has confirmed four monkeypox cases, three in Kerala and one in Delhi. Officials said two foreign nationals, who were detected with monkeypox symptoms, were kept in quarantine in Delhi hospital. The Delhi man, who has earlier tested positive for monkeypox in Delhi, is said to be stable.

    Officials said the decision to constitute the task force was taken at a high-level meeting held on July 26 at the level of the principal secretary to the prime minister.

    Dr V K Paul, NITI Aayog member (health) will head the task force.

    ALSO READ | Kerala youth who returned from UAE is India’s first monkeypox victim

    The National Aids Control Organisation (NACO) and the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) in the Union Health Ministry have been asked to work on a targeted communication strategy to promote timely reporting, detection of cases and management of patients, officials said.

    Officials said the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) had been directed to operationalise its network of labs and make arrangements for requisite diagnostics of monkeypox disease.

    On July 23, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared monkeypox a global public health emergency of international concern. Globally, over 18,000 cases of monkeypox have been reported from 78 countries. WHO also clarified its earlier statement that the viral disease was detected among men who have sex with men, which triggered a hoax demonising the LGBTQ community by putting out a public health advisory, stating that the risk of monkeypox is not just limited to them.

    The union health ministry has undertaken several initiatives, which include strengthening health screening at Points of Entry and operationalisation of 15 laboratories under the ICMR to undertake tests for monkeypox disease, officials said.

    It also issued comprehensive guidelines in May on the disease covering both public health and clinical management aspects.

    Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis – a virus transmitted to humans from animals -with symptoms similar to smallpox, although clinically less severe. Monkeypox typically manifests with fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes and may lead to various medical complications. It is usually a self-limited disease with symptoms lasting two to four weeks.

    NEW DELHI: The Centre has formed a task force on monkeypox to closely monitor the emerging situation in India and decide on response initiatives to tackle the spread of the disease, official sources said on Monday.

    The announcement from the Union Health Ministry came following samples of a 22-year-old man who died in Kerala last week and came out positive for monkeypox on Monday. The deceased had earlier tested positive for monkeypox in the UAE.

    So far, India has confirmed four monkeypox cases, three in Kerala and one in Delhi. Officials said two foreign nationals, who were detected with monkeypox symptoms, were kept in quarantine in Delhi hospital. The Delhi man, who has earlier tested positive for monkeypox in Delhi, is said to be stable.

    Officials said the decision to constitute the task force was taken at a high-level meeting held on July 26 at the level of the principal secretary to the prime minister.

    Dr V K Paul, NITI Aayog member (health) will head the task force.

    ALSO READ | Kerala youth who returned from UAE is India’s first monkeypox victim

    The National Aids Control Organisation (NACO) and the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) in the Union Health Ministry have been asked to work on a targeted communication strategy to promote timely reporting, detection of cases and management of patients, officials said.

    Officials said the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) had been directed to operationalise its network of labs and make arrangements for requisite diagnostics of monkeypox disease.

    On July 23, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared monkeypox a global public health emergency of international concern. Globally, over 18,000 cases of monkeypox have been reported from 78 countries. WHO also clarified its earlier statement that the viral disease was detected among men who have sex with men, which triggered a hoax demonising the LGBTQ community by putting out a public health advisory, stating that the risk of monkeypox is not just limited to them.

    The union health ministry has undertaken several initiatives, which include strengthening health screening at Points of Entry and operationalisation of 15 laboratories under the ICMR to undertake tests for monkeypox disease, officials said.

    It also issued comprehensive guidelines in May on the disease covering both public health and clinical management aspects.

    Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis – a virus transmitted to humans from animals -with symptoms similar to smallpox, although clinically less severe. Monkeypox typically manifests with fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes and may lead to various medical complications. It is usually a self-limited disease with symptoms lasting two to four weeks.

  • 14 states reporting spike in Covid-19 cases asked to be on alert by Centre

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: As 14 states, including Delhi, Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka and Telangana, are reporting a spike in Covid-19 cases on a weekly basis, along with a high positivity rate, conducting less testing and below-average vaccination,  the Union Health Ministry on Tuesday advised them to continue to be alert and step-up their vigil. 

    In the virtual review meeting, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan strongly advised them to monitor the epidemiological profile of admitted Covid-19 patients strictly and report the clinical manifestation to the ministry, rather than random or anecdotal reporting, a statement issued said. 

    “This will help to identify at an early stage any out-of-the-ordinary or different clinical presentation of the patients,” it added. 

    Noting that the uptake in second and precaution doses in many states reporting the present surge was low, they were advised to rapidly accelerate the vaccination coverage, especially for the elderly population, and second dose among the 12-17 age group.

    Underscoring that there was no shortage of Covid-19 vaccines, states were advised to ensure that vaccines that expire first are administered first to prevent any wastage.

    Since June 1, many states, which have now expanded to 14, have been reporting a spike in Covid cases. The other states that were part of the virtual meet included Assam, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.

    In the meeting, the low level of Covid-19 testing was highlighted as also the drop in RTPCR share. 

    Instead of a thin and broad testing spectrum, states were advised to focus on strategic testing of patients coming to fever clinics and patients of influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) along with new clusters and geographies in all districts reporting higher positivity, the statement said.

    The health secretary also urged states to ensure that claims under ‘Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package: Insurance Scheme for Health Workers Fighting COVID-19′ were expeditiously processed to ensure that insurance dues are paid to those public healthcare providers, including community health workers, who have died due to Covid. 

    In the meeting, Dr Vinod Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog, advised the states to watch the emerging pandemic situation. 

     “Routine surveillance constitutes the steel frame of our Covid response and management strategy and needs continuous and unstinted attention,” he said.