HEALTH MINISTRY
The worrying changes in India’s monsoon patterns have implications for everything from agriculture to health
Take Maharashtra, 80% of which is rainfed. In areas such as Vidarbha and Marathwada, the onset of monsoon is now late. After a small pickup in July, there is a break in rainfall in August, lasting up to three-four weeks during the fruit formation phase. The wet spell starts again in September and continues well into October, when it should be dry. This isn't limited to Maharashtra. Several critical areas considered the breadbasket of India—Bihar, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh—are witnessing the same pattern. Little rain in June-July and peak rainfall in September/October, when the southwest monsoon should be withdrawing.
Over 1.8 million beedi, cine and non-coal mine workers benefited from Labour Welfare Scheme
Labour secretary Sumita Dawra chaired a review meeting of the Labour Welfare Scheme (LWS), being run by the ministry, on Friday for beedi, cine and non-coal mine workers to assess the achievement under the scheme in the last financial year. The centre is working on building a comprehensive database through the e-Shram portal to assess coverage under both central and state schemes for the beedi workers, non-coal mine and cine workers who are in the informal sector.
India has taken lead in ensuring 'One Health' goals: Niti Aayog's Dr VK Paul
India is ahead of several countries in drafting a legal framework to support the implementation of the 'One Health' initiative, which integrates the health of people, animals, and the environment. The 'One Health' approach is crucial for addressing complex health challenges such as zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, food safety, and climate change. India is framing National Action Plan 2.0 to address antimicrobial resistance issues, conceptualizing the One Health Mission, and working on broader issues of climate change.
Foreign Office issues warning over spread of bacterial infection in the UK
The UK and other countries are dealing with the outbreak of meningococcal disease after it was detected in some individuals returning from Saudi Arabia. This can be fatal in some cases. It is important to take some precautions.
NEET-PG exam postponed, fresh date to be announced soon
NEET-PG exam: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has postponed the NEET-PG Entrance Examination, originally scheduled for tomorrow, citing recent allegations questioning the integrity of certain competitive exams. The ministry stated that this decision was made to conduct a thorough assessment of the examination processes conducted by the National Board of Examination for medical students.
Anti-paper leak law for exams comes into effect amid NEET, UGC-NET row; Jail term and hefty fines introduced
Amid concerns over exam leaks, the Indian government has introduced a new law with stringent penalties, including jail terms and fines, to combat cheating in public exams. The law, effective from June 21, aims to bring transparency and credibility to exams like NEET and UGC-NET, which have faced controversies. The move comes after protests and legal actions following allegations of question paper leaks and irregularities in recent exams.
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Education ministry to initiate talks with health ministry over reforming format, structure of NEET
The move comes with the NEET-UG 2024 exam, which saw nearly 2.4 million participants, facing allegations of question paper leaks and grace marks being awarded to over 1,500 students. The results, announced on June 4, triggered protests and legal actions. Senior officials confirmed to ET that learning from the experience, such an effort is being initiated to minimise any vulnerabilities in the exam process.
Summer of deaths: 143, 209 or 448 - What's the real death toll in India due to heatwave?
Heatwave deaths: The Union health ministry reported 143 confirmed heatstroke deaths in India, but data from states suggests a total of 448 confirmed and suspected fatalities this summer. Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of deaths, with Delhi leading in confirmed cases. The ministry anticipates the toll may rise as investigations continue.
Govt pulls up Amazon for labour law violations in Manesar warehouse case
The union labour ministry in New Delhi criticized Amazon for inadequate occupational safety and working conditions at its Manesar warehouse. Labour secretary Sumita Dawra met with Amazon officials to address issues related to facilities like utilities and restrooms. The ministry found violations of labour laws impacting welfare and productivity of workers, leading to unrest among the workforce.
Brutal heatwave: Death toll climbs to 143, actual numbers could be high
The Indian health ministry has reported 143 recorded deaths and 41,789 people suffering from suspected heatstroke between March 1 and June 20 this year. However, the heatwave toll is expected to be higher due to the lack of updated data from states and health facilities uploading data on heatwave casualties. Union Health Minister J P Nadda has directed officials to visit central hospitals to assess the number of deaths due to heatstroke and to set up special heatwave units in all central government hospitals.
Summer of '24: India's heatwave turns deadly with over 100 deaths, 40,000 suspected heatstroke cases
The summer of 2024 in India has claimed over 100 lives and affected the health of thousands amid a prolonged heatwave and severe floods. Over 40,000 suspected heatstroke cases have been reported due to the relentless heat. Simultaneously, heavy rainfall has triggered severe floods in parts of the country, particularly in the northeastern region.
Amid rising temperatures, Health Minister orders special heatwave units in government hospitals
Nadda reviewed heatwave situation, ensuring hospitals are prepared to provide top healthcare amidst soaring temperatures up to 45 degrees Celsius. The health ministry advised states to organize task force meetings for heat-health action plans.
Health Minister JP Nadda reviews heatwave situation, preparedness of central government hospitals
Union Health Minister JP Nadda reviewed heatwave situation and hospital preparedness. He directed officials to ensure hospitals are ready to provide best care and ordered starting special heatwave units in central government hospitals.
Health Ministry issues interdepartmental referral guidelines for hospitals
The guidelines stress the need for a multi-disciplinary approach for patients with multiple co-morbidities and highlight the importance of training in high-quality patient care.
Now bomb scare at Delhi museums, health institutes; nothing suspicious found
Several museums, including the National Museum and Rail Museum, and two mental health institutes -- IHBAS (Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences) and VIMHANS (Vidyasagar Institute of Mental Health, Neuro and Allied Sciences) -- have received bomb threat e-mails, officials said on Wednesday. The officials said that nothing suspicious was found in the searches and later the calls were declared hoax.
Ayushman coverage to all over 70 years, roll out of U-WIN in health ministry's 100-day agenda
The new government under Narendra Modi aims to extend Ayushman Bharat coverage to individuals above 70 years and implement the pan-India roll out of the U-WIN portal for digitizing routine vaccinations as part of the 100-day agenda for the Union health ministry.
Ayushman Bharat expansion is prescription for nation's health
JP Nadda, new Health Minister, sets agenda for first 100 days including extending Ayushman Bharat scheme to 70+ age group and launching U-Win vaccine portal.
BJP President JP Nadda gets two ministries, Health and Fertilizers, in PM Modi's new cabinet
Jagat Prakash Nadda has been allocated the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's new cabinet. He returns to the ministry after leading the Bharatiya Janata Party for over four years.
Gaza's Health Ministry says 274 Palestinians were killed in Israeli raid that rescued 4 hostages
274 Palestinians killed in Israeli rescue operation in Gaza. 700 wounded. Largest since October. Hostages held by Hamas rescued.
Japan’s shocking population decline calls for urgent action, govt to take these actions, offer financial help
Birth rate and number of marriages have once again again Japan. This has prompted an urgent budgetary intervention by the government.
Be prepared to beat the heat: Health ministry to states
The government urged all states and union territories to promptly implement heat health action plans to safeguard people from intensifying heatwaves. In a meeting chaired by Dr. Atul Goel of the health ministry, directives included assessing healthcare facilities, creating heatstroke rooms, and disseminating heatwave forecasts. Additionally, measures for fire prevention and staff training were emphasized.
56 confirmed deaths due to heat stroke recorded in India in last 3 months: Health Ministry
India records 56 deaths from suspected heat stroke cases between March and May. Data by Union Health Ministry and National Centre for Disease Control reveals 46 deaths in May. Heatwave conditions affect the country.
Union health secy highlights India's health achievements, future goals at WHO assembly
India, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), plans to strengthen its drug regulatory system to ensure quick access to high-quality medical products for all. Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra highlighted the country's core capacity score of 86% to detect, assess, report, and respond to health emergencies, surpassing the Southeast Asia Region and Global average.
Large parts of India swelter under intense heat, 37 cities record temperatures over 45 deg C
The intense heat wave sweeping across large parts of India has led to soaring temperatures and challenging conditions for residents and authorities alike. Maharashtra's Akola has imposed Section 144 until May 31 to prohibit public gatherings, while a 'red' warning has been issued for several states including Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi, indicating a very high likelihood of heat-related illnesses.
No respite from heat wave in large parts of India, Barmer sizzles at 48.8 degrees C
Barmer was followed by Phalodi with maximum temperature at 48.6 degrees degrees, Fatehpur at 47.6 degrees Celsius, Jaisalmer at 47.5 degrees Celsius, Jodhpur at 47.4 degrees Celsius, Jalore at 47.3 degrees Celsius, Kota at 47.2 degrees Celsius and Churu at 47 degrees Celsius, the Met Centre said.
Brutal heat in large parts of India; temperatures set to rise further, says IMD
Official data showed that at least 24 places in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh recorded maximum temperatures of 45 degrees Celsius or above on Wednesday.
290 cases of COVID-19 variant KP.2, 34 cases of KP.1 detected in India: INSACOG data
India has reported 290 cases of KP.2 and 34 cases of KP.1, both sub-lineages of COVID-19 responsible for a surge in cases in Singapore. However, a Union health ministry source said these are all sub variants of JN1, and there is no associated increase in hospitalization or severe cases. The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) has found 34 cases of KP.1 across seven states and UTs, with Maharashtra reporting the highest number at 148.
Nearly 12 pc of India's eligible children received no dose of measles vaccine, study finds
Researchers from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi investigated previously overlooked critical aspects of measles vaccination, focusing on zero-doses, partially vaccinated, and those fully immunised. They analysed data of over 43,000 children aged 2-3 years, collected through the National Family Health Survey 2019-21 (NFHS-5).
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