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Sep 18, 2024 New Delhi: A new study has revealed that consuming three cups of coffee daily could significantly lower the risk of developing multiple metabolic conditions, including diabetes and healt-related issues. The research suggests that moderate coffee consumption may reduce the risk ofthese conditions by 40 to 50 per cent. Growing Concern Over Cardiometabolic Multimorbidity As global populations age, there is an increasing number of individuals facing multiple cardiometabolic diseases—a condition known as “cardiometabolic multimorbidity.” This trend is becoming a major public health concern, prompting researchers to explore preventive measures. Study Based on UK Biobank Data The research, conducted by Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, China, analysed data from the UK Biobank. It examined caffeine intake among over 1.72 lakh individuals and compared it with data from 1.88 lakh people who consumed coffee and tea. None of the palticipants had cardiometabolic conditions at the start of the study. The findings, published in the Jotunal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, indicate that people who consumed moderate amounts of caffeine—equivalent to three cups of coffee or 200-300 milligrams daily had a significantly lower risk of developing cardiometabolic comorbidities compared to those consuming less than 100 milligrams of caffeine. Coffee and Caffeine’s Protective Effect Caffeine, present in not only coffee and tea but also chocolates, energy drinks, and snack bars, has been studied for its potential protective effects. The research highlights that while various levels of caffeine intake were inversely linked to the risk of developing multiple cardiometabolic disorders, those consuming moderate levels had the lowest risk. “Consuming three cups of coffee, or 200-300 mg caffeine, per day might help to reduce the risk of developing cardiometabolic multimorbidity in individuals without any cardiometabolic disease,” said Chaofu Ke, lead author from the School of Public Health at Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University. Promoting Coffee as a Preventive Measure Previous studies have explored the benefits of coffee and tea for individuals with one cardiometabolic condition, but this study sheds light on the potential for coffee to prevent multiple such conditions simultaneously. Ke emphasized the significance of the findings, stating, “The findings highlight that promoting moderate amounts of coffee or caffeine intake as a dietary habit to healthy people might have far-reaching benefits for the prevention of cardiometabolic comorbidity.” This research could encourage a shift in dietary habits as populations seek ways to mitigate the risk of cardiometabolic diseases, which continue to rise with aging demographics. Source: Economic Times

Sep 13, 2024 The lack of a proper health insurance plan can be financially stressful in the event of a medical emergency. It not only gives you a financial cushion but at the same time, ensures that you and your loved ones receive the best treatment out there. If you visit a hospital that is recommended or is in the insurance provider’s network, you can avail yourself of cashless benefits as well. Individuals planning to buy a health plan will most likely come across the term Deductible. Here is evelYthing that you need to know about deductibles in health insurance plans. What is a deductible? A deductible is an out of pocket expense that the insured must contribute when they raise a claim on their policy. When the insured needs to claim their health insurance plan, and it has a deductible component, the insurance provider will only start with the settlement of claim, once the deductible is exceeded. Here is an example to better understand what a deductible is. Let us consider health insurance for parents and it has a deductible clause of Rs. 10,000. The parents of the insured undergo any medical treatment and the treatment costs Rs. 50,000. When the insured raises a claim for the policy, he or she must pay Rs. 10,000 first and then the insurer will settle the remaining amount i.e. Rs. 40,000 depending on other policy conditions. The deductibles in health insurance policies work similar to the ones in motor insurance plans. You must pay the deductible amount to the medical service provider, either the doctor or hospital and the insurance provider will pay the remaining amount. Types of Deductibles Health insurance plans have two types of deductibles: mandatcny and voluntary. 1. Mandatory Deductible: A mandatory deductible, as the name suggests, is mandated by the  insurance provider. When you raise a claim on your policy, the  insurance provider will only settle the claim once you have paid the  mandat01Y deductible or the compulsory deductible. It is a fixed  amount. 2. Voluntary Deductible: A voluntary deductible, on the other hand, is chosen by the insured. The insured can choose a deductible that they are comfortable to pay when they file for a claim. One might wonder, what is the benefit of opting for additional out of the pocket expenses. Well, deductibles help you to reduce the policy premium. Perks of Deductibles in policy It might seem countelproductive at first, to buy a health insurance plan and opt for voluntary deductibles, since the insured ends up paying both. Here are a couple of straight forward benefits of choosing deductibles. 1. Choosing a policy with a deductible will reduce the policy premium by a considerable margin. Thus, allowing you to benefit from lower premiums for your health care plan. 2. Conversely, the dip in policy premium will allow you to opt for a policy that offers higher coverage in terms of the sum insured. By choosing a volunta1Y deductible, you can now afford a policy with a higher sum insured for a similar premium, as you would have without a voluntary’ deductible. 3. Insurance providers include a deductible clause in the policy to avoid frequent or unnecessa1Y claims. This is a blessing in disguise for the insured, as it helps retain the policy’s NCB, or no-claim bonus. The NCB leads to a higher sum insured over time. Sensibly choosing a volunta1Y deductible for your health insurance policy will result in higher savings and even assist you to get access to a higher sum assured. Disadvantage of Deductible Deductibles bring a strong case for themselves to the table. However, there are a couple of disadvantages of deductibles in policies. 1. Should you opt for a higher deductible amount, in a bid to lower the policy premiums, you will need to pay the amount during a claim. During emergencies and crunch situations, the higher deductible can pinch you a little. 2. Not opting for a deductible will prevent you from making any out of pocket payments during a claim. However, it will result in a higher policy premium. There is a thin line between convenience and financial burden when it comes to deductibles. Thus, choosing a deductible sensibly will make way for lower premiums and at the same time not be a burden during claims. Deductible vs Copayment While buying a new health insurance plan, quite a few policy buyers get confused between deductibles and copayments. Though both are out of pocket expenses for the insured, there is a considerable difference. Copayment or copay is the cost sharing of healthcare related expenses between the insured and the insurance company. In the policy wordings, the insurance company usually outlines the percentage of copayment for the insured. Let us consider an example. A policyholder chooses a plan with a sum insured of Rs. that has a copayment clause of 10%. In the event of a medical emergency, if he or she raises a claim for Rs. the insurance provider will not settle the entire amount. The insured must first pay 10% of the claim amount, which in this case is Rs. 50.000. The insurance provider will settle the remaining Rs. once the insured has paid the copayment amount to the medical establishment. Some insurance companies have the copayment as a certain percentage of the claim amount, while others have it as a fixed amount. Making it crucial to read the policy wording carefully. Should you opt for deductibles? In most of the cases, opting for a deductible is a more sensible option. If you are someone who is healthy and does not anticipate major treatments or regular treatments, choosing a deductible will make things easier. Not only will you save money on premiums but you can also choose a policy with a higher sum insured. It also aids with the no claims bonus, which can fulther enhance the sum insured of the policy. On the other hand, if you are someone who needs regular medical treatment, deductibles can add

Sep 24, 2024 New Delhi: A combination of ‘Siddha’ drugs can reduce anaemia among adolescent girls, according to a recent study. The results of the study conducted under the Public Health Initiative and undertaken to mainstream the use of ‘Siddha’ drugs to combat anaemia was published in the reputable Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge. According to a statement from the Union Ayush minist1Y, the researchers were from Siddha institutions, including the National Institute of Siddha, Xavier Research Foundation (Tamil Nadu), and Velumailu Siddha Medical College and Hospital (Tamil Nadu). The researchers found that ABMN (Annapeticenturam, Bavana katukkay, Matulai manappaku and Nellikkay lekiyam) a combination of ‘Siddha’ climg treatment can improve haemoglobin levels as well as packed cell volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin in anaemic adolescent girls, it said. The study observed 2,648 girls, of whom 2,300 completed the standard 45-day programme. Reportedly, before the programme started, the researchers dewormed the participants with cuntaivarral curanam, and then a 45-day ABMN treatment was given, the statement said. The study noted that the presence of clinical features such as breathlessness, fatigue, giddiness, headache, anorexia and pallor was evaluated by the investigators before and after completion of the programme, along with haemoglobin evaluation and biochemical estimations. Following World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, the cut-off point for anaemia was set at 11.9 mg/dl and haemoglobin level below 8.0 mg/dl considered as ‘severe’, between 8.0 and 10.9 mg/dl as ‘moderate’ and between 11.0 and 11.9 mg/dl as ‘mild’. The study repoltecl that a laborat01Y investigation was done for haemoglobin, packed cell volume, mean ccnpuscular volume, mean ccnpuscular haemoglobin, red blood corpuscles, platelets, total white blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes and eosinophils in a randomly selected subset of 283 girls. The researchers found that ABMN significantly lowered the clinical features of anaemia such as fatigue, hair loss, headache, loss of interest and menstrual irregularities and significantly improved the level of haemoglobin and packed cell volume, mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular haemoglobin in all anaemic girls. National Institute of Siddha Director Dr R Meenakumari, who was also among the senior authors of the study, said, ‘”Siddha’ medicine plays a notable role in public health initiatives of the Ministry of Ayush.” “The awareness created among adolescent girls, dieta1Y advice and preventive care provided to them and the treatment through ‘Siddha’ drugs provided therapeutic benefits to the anaemic patients. Hence, ‘Siddha’ drugs for anaemia can contribute to public health by providing cost-effective and accessible treatment in various settings.” Source: Economic Times

Sep 24, 2024 The ultimate goal of any healthcare system is to ensure that people remain healthy and thrive outside of clinical settings. In the past, fitness trackers were the best Al aspect in wellness-related equipment. However, now, they have started to enter clinical care settings. Al is increasingly assisting healthcare professionals in improving health outcomes by enabling precise, faster, and accurate diagnoses, and delivering personalized treatments—all while maintaining a strong focus on patient safety. The integration of Al into healthcare in the recent past holds enormous potential. For example, Al embedded into modalities like MRI, CT, or, X-Ray provide real-time feedback to the technicians to position the patient precisely to avoid repeat scanning. Screening, Triaging and diagnosis A number of computational Al algorithms enable reconstruction of high-quality images with scans that are done faster with low dosages thus minimizing radiation exposure for the patients. While diagnostics is central to effective care, challenges persist as a result of growth in the use of medical imaging on one hand and workforce shortages on the other, potentially leading to incorrect or delayed treatment, thereby causing harm to patients. Intelligent algorithms integrated in radiology workflow can automatically determine and deliver the right case to the most appropriate available radiologists, based on their area of expertise, availability and current workload. This leads to efficient balance of caseloads thus accelerating reading times and corresponding faster diagnosis and treatments. Higher risk cases based on abnormalities can be prioritised in the review order to ensure the most urgent cases are not missed. Al enabled solutions can lighten the cognitive burden by analyzing vast amounts of medical data, imaging, and patient histories to provide a summary for the Health Care Professional to act upon. Sophisticated computer vision machine learning models can detect patterns and anomalies that may be missed by the human eye, leading to more accurate diagnoses. Al-driven imaging tools can identify early signs of diseases such as cancer, significantly improving early detection and treatment outcomes. In the future, Al can create personalized treatment, by analyzing historical data and current patient information, suggesting care plans for patients. It can do this even by considering allergies and other nuances associated with each case. Predictive analytics play a crucial role in identifying high-risk patients, predicting adverse events and suggesting proactive interventions. This capability allows healthcare providers to address potential issues before they become critical, thereby improving patient outcomes and safety. A rapidly growing body of research has demonstrated how Al can have a wide range of useful applications in healthcare, such as the interpretation of chest X-rays, spotting cancer in mammograms, identifying brain tumors in MR images, and detecting arrhythmias in ECGs. Al has also been used to inform cancer treatment recommendations based on a patient’s genetic profile and to predict the likelihood of complications in stroke treatment. With those applications comes the promise of earlier detection of disease, more precise diagnosis, and more personalised treatment — supporting healthcare professionals and patients across the continuum of care. Discharge and post-Discharge Surveillance It is a well-established fact that recuperation of the patients can happen faster at home in the company of loved ones. Moreover, patients whose immune system is already impacted by an illness run a higher risk of contracting infections that are present in the hospital. So ideally the doctor may want to discharge the patient as fast as possible to ensure a speedy recovery and prevent exposure to pathogens at the hospitals. This could also ensure availability of beds for patients that are next-in line. However, determining the right moment to discharge a patient balancing the recovery, safety, re- admission risk and other considerations is a “tight-rope walking” exercise for the treating doctors. Here again, Al-based discharge readiness scores can aid the physicians in this discharge process both from ICU to ward and from ward to home. Surveillance of patients post discharge and risk stratification powered by Al can provide the assurance both to the doctors and patients alleviating some of the risks associated with the discharge process. As a next frontier, Al will help connect previously disconnected and disparate patient data to provide novel insights that support healthcare providers in their decision-making. In cancer care, for example, Al can help integrate information across different clinical domains such as radiology, pathology, EHR systems, and genomics — providing a clear, intuitive view of the patient’s disease state. This can assist multidisciplinary tumor boards in making timely, informed treatment decisions, to give every patient the best chance of a positive treatment outcome. In the future, the intelligent integration of data could give further insight into a patient’s prognosis, supporting selection of the best care pathway for that particular patient based on an analysis of treatment outcomes for similar patients. As another example of Al supporting precision care, Al can analyze vital signs in acute and post-acute care to help care teams identify patients at risk of deterioration, allowing for timely intervention. The future of Al in healthcare is promising, with emerging technologies and advancements poised to further reduce errors and enhance patient safety. Advanced predictive analytics, improved Al algorithms, and increased integration of Al in clinical workflows hold the potential to significantly transform healthcare delivery. As these technologies and tools evolve, the continued focus on mitigating diagnostic errors through Al will be crucial in achieving safer and more effective patient care. To make the most of Al’s impact in healthcare, it is also important to overcome existing challenges around data management, lack of interoperability and maintaining data standards. These challenges can make it difficult to compile the necessary high-quality data for training Al models, particularly if those models rely on multimodal data from different sources. To overcome these challenges, robust and interconnected platform infrastructures are needed for collecting, combining and analyzing data at scale. As healthcare becomes increasingly distributed, extending from the hospital to the home, such infrastructures need to cover the entire continuum of care to connect patient data across settings and over time. For example, adoption of

18 Sep, 2024 Bengaluru: As diabetes diagnoses steadily rise in the country, Bengalum’s doctors are witnessing an uptick in severe complications, particularly diabetic foot. City doctors note there has been an increase of over 20% in such cases following the Covid pandemic. Many of these complications go unnoticed until they escalate, putting patients at greater risk of serious infections and limb loss. Dr Krishna Chaitanya, lead consultant — vascular and endovascular surgery, Aster CMI Hospital, told TOI he se- es a minimum of 500 cases of diabetic foot a month, of which 20% lead to minor amputations. Before Covid, he was seeing only about 150 such cases a month. “In Bengaluru, where 14% of the population is diabetic, the incidence of diabetic foot has risen significantly over time. Many patients who come to hospital with symptoms have already developed severe infections, often requiring minor amputations. This happens because by the time they’re diagnosed, they’ve already lost sensation in their feet and the wounds or ulcers have progressed too far for effective treatment,” he explained. Dr Sanjay Sharma, podiatric surgeon, explained to TOI how diabetic foot occurs. “In diabetes, the key issue is the cells throughout the body lack proper nutrition, which leads to degeneration of vital organs. This is because glucose, the primary energy source, remains in the bloodstream rather than being absorbed by the cells where it’s needed. Newe cells, which require large amounts of glucose, are particularly vulnerable. When glucose doesn’t transfer from the blood to the nerves, they begin to die off, leading to nerve damage.” The brain takes priority when it comes to glucose supply, leaving areas like feet last in line. “This lack of proper microcirculation and nutrition in the foot’s nerves leads to conditions like diabetic peripheral neuropathy, which affects nearly 50% of diabetics. In essence, the nerve and blood supply issues compound, leading to the condition known as diabetic foot. We see at least 80 patients a day at KIER,” Dr Sharma said. The five Footsecure Clinics, founded by Dr Sharma in Bengaluru, see 40- 50 diabetic foot cases every day. More vascular cases Diagnosis of diabetic foot cases is changing and doctors attribute it to many patients missing regular consultations, leading to more severe complications. “Over the years, we’ve observed a shift in types of cases. Previously, most patients exhibited neuropathy, where they experienced a loss of sensation in the foot. Now, we’re seeing more vascular cases, where blood flow to the foot is obstructed,” Dr Anusha Nadig, consultant in Endocrinology at Fortis Hospital, said. “Unfortunately, awareness about diabetic foot remains alarmingly low,” Dr Nadig said. “The few patients who’re knowledgeable typically have seen or known someone who required amputation due to untreated wounds. Out of every 10 patients I treat, six come to me after exhausting home remedies, only to discover it’s too late for simple intelventions. Early medical attention could have made a significant difference in these cases.” Source: Economic Times

Sep 13, 2024 The government has approved health insurance coverage for all senior citizens aged 70 and over, regardless of income, under the flagship initiative Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). This was announced via a Press Information Bureau release on September 12, 2024. AB PM-JAY’s advantages would now be available to all senior citizens who are 70 years of age or older, regardless of their socioeconomic status. Under AB PM-JAY, a new, unique card would be given to the senior citizens who qualify. This announcement was earlier made in April 2024 that the coverage would be extended to senior individuals who are 70 years of age and older. “It is indeed a step in the right direction to ensure accessible health for the aged population of the country to bring all senior citizens aged 70 years and above into the ambit of the expanded Ayushman Bharat scheme. The move will be highly beneficial in many ways for those who are often left vulnerable due to limited access to health and finances. This will ease the burden on the families as it provides health insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh per year, ensuring that medical emergencies do not become a financial crisis. Finally, it’s a good move, benefiting one and all: public health improves, family security improves, and India moves toward more inclusive healthcare solutions,” said Pankaj Nawani, CEO of CarePa1 Secure. Ayushman Bharat: Who are already covered under the scheme The senior citizens of the age 70 years and above belonging to families already covered under AB PM-JAY will get an additional top-up cover upto Rs 5 lakh per year for themselves (which they do not have to share with the other members of the family who are below the age of 70 years). All other senior citizens of the age 70 years and above will get a cover upto Rs 5 lakh per year on a family basis. Other health insuranceSenior citizens of the age 70 years and above who are already availing benefits of other public health insurance schemes such as Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), Ayushman Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) may either choose their existing scheme or opt for AB PMJAY. Private health insuranceIt has been clarified that senior citizens of 70 years and above who are under private health insurance policies or Employees’ State Insurance scheme will be eligible to avail benefits under AB PM-JAY. Ayushman BharatWho it will benefit This aims to benefit approximately 4.5 Crore families with six (6) crore senior citizens with 5 Lakh rupees free health insurance cover on a family basis. AB PM-JAY scheme detailsAccording to the PIB release, “The AB PM-JAY scheme has witnessed continuous expansion of the beneficiary base. Initially, 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable families comprising the bottom 40% of India’s population were covered under the scheme. Later, the Government of India, in January 2022 revised the beneficiary base under AB PM-JAY from 10.74 crore to 12 crore families considering India’s decadal population growth of 11.7 % over 2011 population. The scheme was further expanded to cover 37 lakh ASHAs/AWWs/AWHs working across the country and their families for free healthcare benefits. Taking the mission ahead, AB PM-JAY would now provide free healthcare coverage of Rs 5 lakh to all citizens of the age-group of 70 years and above across the country.” How to Apply for Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya YojanaStep 1: Visit the official website https://abdm.gov.in/Step 2: eligible person should get your Aadhaar card or ration card verified at a PMJAYkioskStep 3: Submit family identification proofsStep 4: Get your e-card printed with a unique AB-PMJAY ID Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana coverage The scheme covers all expenses related to: Source: Economic Times

Sep 5, 2024 New Delhi: A recently published study has identified 125 viruses circulating in animals from fur farms in China, raising concerns about the risk of these viruses spilling over into human populations. The study, led by Chinese researchers and co-authored by virologist Edward Holmes, has highlighted the urgent need for better virus monitoring on fur farms. The discovery includes 36 previously unknown viruses, with 39 identified as having a “high risk” of crossing species, potentially leading to human infection. The research, published in the journal Nature, was conducted between 2021 and 2024 and focused on 461 animals that had died from disease. Most of these animals, including minks, foxes, raccoon dogs, rabbits, and muskrats, came from fur farms, with some farmed for food or traditional medicine. The study also included around 50 wild animals. The viruses detected include known pathogens like hepatitis E and Japanese encephalitis, as well as 13 new viruses, highlighting the role of fur farms as potential virus transmission hubs. Call to Close the Fur Farming Industry Edward Holmes, a virologist who has been actively researching the spread of viruses in animals, expressed his concern over the fur farming industry’s role in potentially facilitating virus transmission. Holmes stated, “Personally, I think the fur farming industry globally should be closed down.” He has been a strong advocate for heightened suweillance and action to prevent future outbreaks. One of the viruses identified in the study was the “Pipistrellus bat HKU5- like virus,” which had previously been found in bats but was now detected in the lungs oftwo farmed minks. This virus is closely related to the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS), which can be deadly to humans. Holmes warned “That, we now see that it jumped from bats to farmed mink m arm bell. This virus needs to be monitored.” Fur Farms as Virus Transmission Hubs The study’s findings emphasize the potential for fur farms to act as conduits for virus transmission between animals and humans. The researchers found evidence of several types of bird flu in animals like guinea pigs, minks, and muskrats. The team also detected seven types of coronaviruses in these animals, although none were closely related to SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for Covid-19. Raccoon dogs and mink were identified as carrying the highest number of potentially dangerous viruses, making them key species of concern. According to the study, these species harbor viruses that are particularly high-risk for crossing species barriers, which could lead to human infections. “The intensive breeding environment of farmed animals serves as a possible bridge for virus spillover,” the researchers stated. The global fur trade is a multi-billion-dollar industry, with China being the dominant player, accounting for over 80% of the world’s fur production. In 2021, China produced pelts from an estimated 27 million animals, most of which were turned into luxury garments. The northeastern Chinese province of Shandong, home to many fur farms, was identified as a region with a particularly high concentration of high- risk viruses. Wildlife Trade and Virus Origins The study’s findings draw attention to the broader issue of virus transmission linked to the wildlife trade. Many scientists believe that the Covid-19 pandemic originated from the wildlife trade, with bats being the likely source of the virus. Holmes shared his thoughts on this connection, saying, “I strongly believe that the wildlife trade was responsible for the emergence of SARS-CoV-2.” He further suggested that the fur farming industry, closely related to wildlife trade, could easily give rise to another pandemic virus. While the exact origins of Covid-19 are still under investigation, some of the earliest human cases were linked to wet markets in Wuhan, where live animals, including raccoon dogs, were sold. These animals have bee implicated in past outbreaks, with fur animals such as foxes, civets, and minks being identified as potential hosts for viruses like the original SARS coronavirus and SARS-CoV-2. The research suggests that the interaction between humans, farmed animals, and wild animals on fur farms may increase the likelihood of viral transmission across species. Surveillance and Global Responses The researchers emphasized the need for increased surveillance of fur farms, particularly focusing on species like mink, raccoon dogs, and guinea pigs. These animals were found to harbor the majority of the “high risk” viruses. The study’s authors, led by Shuo Su from Fudan University in Shanghai, stressed the importance of monitoring these animals closely to prevent zoonotic transmission, which is when viruses jump from animals to humans. The researchers emphasized the need for increased surveillance of fur farms, particularly focusing on species like mink, raccoon dogs, and guinea pigs. These animals were found to harbor the majority of the “high risk” viruses. The study’s authors, led by Shuo Su from Fudan University in Shanghai, stressed the importance of monitoring these animals closely to prevent zoonotic transmission, which is when viruses jump from animals to humans. Despite the global awareness of these risks, responses to fur farming practices have been mixed. Denmark, for example, culled its entire farmed mink population in 2020 due to concerns about Covid-19 transmission. However, the country has since reauthorized mink farming. In contrast, China continues to dominate the global fur market, with little indication of stricter regulations being put in place. The researchers also identified examples of cross-species transmission in fur farms, including a novel canine respiratory coronavirus found in raccoon dogs and bat coronaviruses transmitted to minks. These findings further demonstrate the role of fur farms as potential transmission hubs for viruses that could spill over into human populations. Urgent Need for Global Action As fur farming continues to thrive, particularly in Asia, scientists are calling for stronger regulations and improved surveillance systems to prevent future pandemics. The study’s authors recommend increased monitoring of virus activity in farmed fur animals, particularly those found to carry high-risk viruses. Holmes and other experts believe that without proactive measures, fur farms could be the source of the next global outbreak. Holmes reiterated the need for urgent action, stating, “The related

Vaccines are very safe. Your child is far more likely to be hurt by a vaccine-preventable disease than by a vaccine. All vaccines go through rigorous safety testing, including clinical trials, before they are approved for the public. Countries will only register and distribute vaccines that meet rigorous quality and safety standards.

Aug 29, 2024 India is reeling under a critical need for corneal transplants, with over 100,000 transplants required annually whereas only 25,000 out of these requirements are met each year. This makes it feasible for only one out of every four individuals with corneal blindness to avail the required surgery, while 75 per cent of the cases are left untreated. Faridabad: Corneal blindness is the second leading cause of blindness in India with a current burden of 1.1 million people. The incidence rate of corneal blindness in India has seen an increase in recent years. This rise is attributed to factors such as a growing ageing population, a higher incidence of corneal infections, injuries, and conditions like keratoconus. India is reeling under a critical need for corneal transplants, with over 100,000 transplants required annually whereas only 25,000 out of these requirements are met each year. This makes it feasible for only one out of every four individuals with corneal blindness to avail the required surgery, while 75 per cent of the cases are left untreated, said doctors at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad. Celtain regions in India are more prone to corneal blindness due to various factors like healthcare access, environmental conditions, and socioeconomic status. Rural and economically disadvantaged areas tend to have higher incidences of corneal blindness due to limited access to medical care, lack of awareness about eye health, and higher rates of eye injuries and infections. Specific states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh have reported higher rates of blindness, including corneal blindness. These regions face challenges such as inadequate eye care facilities, lower rates of eye donation, and higher exposure to risk factors like agricultural injuries and infectious diseases. Corneal blindness is common in agricultural regions where eye injuries may lead to fungal infections. Dr Meenakshi Y Dhar, HOD, Ophthalmology, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, said, “Injuries to the eye such as rupture of the cornea and chemical injmy to the eye can lead to damage to the cornea and subsequent blindness. Vitamin A deficiency in children, degenerative conditions like keratoconus and corneal dystrophies, congenital opacification of the cornea and post-surgical complications are some other causes of corneal blindness worldwide. The symptoms can vary based on the underlying cause of the corneal damage. Most patients experience blurred vision in the affected eye. Eye infections usually cause significant eye pain, watering, redness and severe photophobia in the acute phase. Visible scars on the cornea are often detectable during an eye examination.” Corneal blindness affects various age groups, but it is most prevalent among older adults. Specifically, most corneal blindness cases occur in individuals aged 50 years and above. This is largely due to the higher incidence of age-related eye conditions, such as corneal degenerations and dystrophies, in this demographic. However, corneal blindness can also affect younger individuals and children, palticularly in cases of congenital corneal disorders, injuries, or infections. Dr Rashmi Mittal, Senior Consultant and Corneal Transplant Specialist, Ophthalmology, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad said, “Treatments for corneal damage depend on the cause and severity, with corneal transplantation being the most definitive option for advanced cases. Other treatments include laser therapy, scleral contact lenses, amniotic membrane transplants, and stem cell therapy. Preventive measures such as proper eye hygiene, prompt treatment of infections, vaccination, and health education can significantly reduce the risk of corneal blindness. Early diagnosis and treatment of corneal conditions are vital in preventing the progression to blindness, ensuring better treatment outcomes, reducing healthcare costs, and preserving the quality of life for affected individuals. Early detection and treatment not only prevent permanent damage to the cornea but also improves treatment outcomes. Additionally, getting treated during the initial phases of degeneration of the cornea can be less expensive compared to managing advanced disease.” To close the gap in the donor-patient ratio, promoting eye donations can be of great benefit as it can help individuals and society by restoring vision through corneal transplants, improving quality of life, and reducing healthcare costs. Increased donations foster community support, raise awareness about organ donation, and inspire others to contribute. Donated eyes also aid in research for new treatments and technologies in vision care. People of all age groups can donate their eyes after death. Even people with diabetes, hypertension, cataract surgery, myopia, and glaucoma can successfully donate their eyes. Consent for eye donation must be given either by the individual before death or by the family member after death. The only crucial thing to note is that eyes need to be removed within six hours of death to be viable for transplantation. Corneal blindness can also have a significant impact on a country’s economy and GDP in several ways such as reduced workforce productivity with resultant loss of economic contributions, educational impact leading to less skilled workforce, healthcare costs and other indirect costs to the families of the affected individuals. Addressing corneal blindness through preventative measures, early treatment, and support services can help mitigate these economic impacts and promote better economic outcomes. Improving eye donation rates in India requires addressing cultural, logistical, and awareness challenges. Collaborating with leaders and influencers to dispel misconceptions and promote eye donation as a noble act can increase donations. Enhancing infrastructure by upgrading eye banks, surgical facilities, and training healthcare professionals is crucial. Raising awareness through educational campaigns, community events, and testimonials can motivate more people to donate. Source: Economic Times

Aug 30, 2024 The researchers also found that within a country and an age group, more women were consuming inadequate amounts of iodine, vitamin B12 and iron, compared to men, whereas more men were consuming inadequate amounts of magnesium, vitamin B6, zinc and vitamin C, compared to women. New Delhi: People across all age groups in India, both men and women, are consuming inadequate amounts of micronutrients critical for health, including iron, calcium and folate, as estimated in a study published in The Lancet Global Health journal. The study is the first to provide estimates of insufficient consumption of 15 micronutrients across 185 countries, taken through diets without the use of supplements, according to an international team, including researchers from Haward University, US. The findings suggested that around the world, almost 70 per cent, or over five billion, people do not consume enough iodine, vitamin E, and calcium. The researchers also found that within a countlY and an age group, more women were consuming inadequate amounts of iodine, vitamin B12 and iron, compared to men, whereas more men were consuming inadequate amounts of magnesium, vitamin B6, zinc and vitamin C, compared to women. In India, while more women consumed insufficient amounts of iodine, compared to men, more men consumed inadequate amounts of zinc and magnesium, compared to women, the team found. While analyses over the past 10 years have looked at micronutrient deficiencies, the researchers said large data gaps remain for many micronutrients and population groups. In this study, the authors used publicly available data from the Global Dietary Database to estimate the prevalence of insufficient nutrient intakes for 99.3 per cent of the global population. Men and women aged 10-30 years were most prone to low-levels of calcium intake, especially in South Asia, Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, the team said. The authors said that the findings could be used by public health professionals to target populations in need of dietary interventions. They added that since they did not account for intake of fortified foods or supplements, the results could possibly be an overestimate for some key nutrients in palticular locations where people consume high amounts of fortified foods and supplements. Source: Economic Times