Partnership to strengthen public health system in T.N.
The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) has partnered with the Government of Tamil Nadu to strengthen the public health system in the State through indigenous and innovative health technologies. Through this, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and philanthropy partners can enable joint projects led by the Tamil Nadu government and C-CAMP.
As a part of this, the Directorate of Public Health (DPH) and Preventive Medicine, Tamil Nadu and C-CAMP came together to host a 'Roundtable on Public Health 2025'. During this, they announced a strategic alliance with the aim to strengthen the State's comprehensive primary healthcare delivery through the implementation of indigenous health solutions and medical innovations.
C-CAMP, a deep-science innovation hub, is an initiative supported by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India.
Already, three key healthcare programmes were initiated in the State. Public health officials said that the initiatives were piloted through a collaboration with C-Camp with CSR support. One of the initiatives was 'Strengthening Last Mile Cold Chain Healthcare for Routine Immunisation and COVID-19 Vaccination' using an electronic active vaccine carrier. As part of this, solar power systems were installed at four Primary Health Centres (PHC) in Dindigul district to ensure reliable power for critical vaccine storage and medical equipment. The next phase will involve solarisation of the maternity ward operating theatre/labour room in Government Kodaikanal Hospital, a press release said.
In another initiative, devices for early screening of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy were introduced at selected PHCs in three districts. During the COVID-19 pandemic and immediately after, Contactless Remote Vital Parameter Monitoring Technology was deployed in public hospitals of Coimbatore, Madurai, Tirunelveli and Chennai with CSR support.
Health Secretary P. Senthilkumar, Mission Director of National Health Mission, Tamil Nadu Arun Thamburaj, Director of Public Health T.S. Selvavinayagam and Taslimarif Saiyed, C-CAMP director, participated.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NDTV
an hour ago
- NDTV
Covid Infections Growing Milder, Not A Cause Of Concern: Experts
New Delhi: Covid is growing milder with time but an occasional surge in cases is expected because the virus that causes it is now endemic and constantly evolving, say scientists while assuring that there is no cause for concern. Addressing worries over the rising incidence of the disease in various parts of the country, the experts noted that it appears to be a result of waning immunity combined with seasonal factors such as temperature extremes, which tend to keep us in air-conditioned spaces. They also stressed the need for caution, particularly in vulnerable sections of the population. "With every passing year, COVID-19 is causing milder infections. It is (now) just another respiratory illness and less dangerous than flu. We can forget COVID-19 as a special case. It is not a cause of concern," global health expert Dr Chandrakant Lahariya told PTI. "All the subvariants are similar, having a lower virulence but high infectivity. While highly susceptible people can still get severe disease, the vast majority don't, especially those who have had prior infections or vaccines," added Anurag Agarwal, dean of biosciences and health research, Trivedi school of biosciences at Ashoka University, Haryana. The World Health Organization declared an end to COVID-19 as a 'public health emergency' two years ago in May 2023. Health experts characterise the disease as 'seasonal', 'endemic', here to stay, or 'restricted to a certain region'. Active cases in the country crossed 5,300 as of June 6, with nearly 500 added in the past 24 hours. Of these, over 4,700 have recovered. The death toll is 55 in the current surge which started January this year, primarily among individuals with pre-existing illnesses, according to the Union Health ministry. "People with pre-existing illnesses and those older than 65 should follow standard precautions, as they would against any other respiratory infection -- not just for COVID-19," explained Lahariya, a consultant physician and former staff member of WHO. Kerala is the most affected with over 1,600 cases, followed by Gujarat, West Bengal, Delhi and Maharashtra, ministry data shows. The case surge in India is part of a wider wave impacting parts of Southeast Asia, including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Hong Kong, which have been seeing a rise in infections over the past months. Wastewater surveillance by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Chemical Laboratory (NCL) has detected presence of SARS-CoV-2 -- which causes COVID-19 -- in samples from 10 sewage treatment plants in Pune, the Times of India reported. Patterns are similar to those seen in the weeks preceding earlier surges, NCL scientists were quoted as saying. Genome sequencing of samples from India's west and south have shown links to the subvariants of Omicron -- LF.7, XFG, JN.1 and NB.1.8.1. The cases are not severe and there is no need to worry, Director General of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Rajiv Behl said earlier this week. LF.7 and NB.1.8.1. have been classified as 'variants under monitoring' (VUM) by the WHO to alert public health authorities that a variant of SARS-CoV-2 requires prioritised attention and monitoring. JN.1 has been circulating in India since November 2023. The current situation, Behl stressed, is being monitored. Immunologist Satyajit Rath explained that the subvariants driving up case numbers indicate that they are probably better at binding themselves to human cells, despite pre-existing antibodies created in response to a prior infection or vaccination -- or 'infectivity'. 'However, the important issue here is not their infectivity, but their tendency to cause severe disease, or 'virulence'," Mr Rath, former scientist at New Delhi's National Institute of Immunology, told PTI. "Since selection pressure among the virus strains depends on infectivity and transmissibility -- and not on virulence -- there is no reason to expect a steady increase in the virulence of the emerging virus strains, which, in fact, has not at all been seen either," he added. Moreover, given that the COVID-19-causing virus is now endemic and constantly 'mutating' or evolving, ups and downs in infections in the population are expected, the health experts said. "People need not worry themselves until they are informed of a new 'variant of concern'. VUM is not relevant to the public, but only to public health authorities," Mr Agarwal said. Mr Lahariya advised the public to gather information from reliable sources and not to forward unverified messages, while Mr Rath suggested that citizens keep a watch for the virulence of newly emerging strains. The experts also stressed on the role of authorities. "National and state governments in India should keep a watch on cases, monitor the trends in new cases and share data widely. The linkage between infections and clinical outcomes should be explored to understand the clinical features of the variants in circulation," Mr Lahariya said. Mr Rath drew attention to systemic issues that remain regarding preparedness of public health systems and availability of healthcare facilities across sections of the society should a virulent variant emerge. "The catch is, how efficiently, systematically and rigorously are our public health systems tracking virus strains, their infectivity and their virulence, not only for SARS-CoV-2 but for any other infection?" he asked. "Are we making next generation Covid vaccines at all? Are we making them available widely and affordably? Are we even carefully tracking evidence to see how well or poorly the current vaccine-induced immunity functions against emerging strains?" he added. The poor and vulnerable would need special protection "but are masks being made widely and freely available? 'And if not, we are throwing poor communities onto their own resources even for taking such simple precautions, and that is a systemic problem," Mr Rath said.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Multigrain toast vs oatmeal: Which is better for the gut? Harvard doctor ranks popular breakfast foods
Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist, ranks common breakfast foods based on their impact on gut health, emphasizing scientific backing over trends. Multigrain toast and Greek yogurt score high due to fiber and probiotics, while sugary cereals and breakfast sausages rank low due to high sugar, processed content, and potential harm to gut bacteria and overall health. Breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day. So what we consume holds a huge significance. It can reflect on the entire day's eating pattern, wellness, and mood. Eating healthy is crucial for overall health and also to keep diseases at bay. So, what is a healthy breakfast according to you? Do you reach for a toast or breakfast sausages? Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist trained at Harvard and Stanford, with over a million Instagram followers, has now ranked some of the most common breakfast foods based on their impact on gut health. 'This ranking is backed by science, not trends,' he stresses. Multigrain toast Multigrain toast is one of the popular breakfast options preferred by people across the world. Dr. Sethi gives it an 8 out of 10. This is because multigrain toast has high fiber content and complex carbohydrates. When paired with nutrient-dense toppings like avocado or nut butter, the benefits multiply. Instant oatmeal (Pic courtesy: iStock) Instant oatmeal may be convenient, but it often contains added sugars and fewer nutrients. The gut doctor has ranked it 6 out of 10. The pre-packaged flavours can negate potential gut health benefits. Bagel New Yorkers often prefer bagels for breakfast, but it has only scored a 5 out of 10 in the gastroenterologist's opinion. This is because a bagel is made of refined flour, which has less fiber and can spike blood sugar. Whole-grain bagels are a better option if consumed sparingly. Greek yogurt Greek yogurt is a top breakfast choice, earning a 9 out of 10 from Dr. Sethi. Its high levels of live probiotics promote beneficial gut bacteria. This helps in digestion and boosts overall health. However, it is important to choose unsweetened varieties to maximize the benefits. Steel-cut oatmeal While on a grocery run, if you have oats on the list, reach for steel-cut oatmeal. Because it is a wholesome breakfast staple, it scored a 7 out of 10 from the doctor. It's minimally processed and has solid fiber content, which supports steady blood sugar and gut health. Sugary cereals No matter how tempting they are, sugary cereals are not a healthy breakfast option. Dr. Sethi has ranked it lowest at 1 out of 10. High sugar and low fiber content, such cereals, can starve beneficial gut bacteria, and also lead to gut issues. Stay ready with these 7 essential medical gadgets as COVID cases rise Breakfast sausages Breakfast sausages are often enjoyed by thousands if not millions, thinking its loaded with protein. However, breakfast sausages have earned a 2 out of 10. This is because sausages are often highly processed and cured meat, raising the risk of cardiovascular diseases. They contain high saturated fat and preservative content, which can lead to inflammation and upset the gut microbiome. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
We can forget COVID-19, it's not a cause for concern, say health experts, as they explain the reason behind the surge in India
COVID-19 is becoming milder, but occasional surges are expected. Experts say the virus is endemic and constantly evolving. Rising cases are due to waning immunity and seasonal factors. Vulnerable populations should take precautions. The WHO declared the end of COVID-19 as a public health emergency two years ago. Cases are rising in Southeast Asia, including India. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Covid Becoming Milder Every Passing Year: Expert Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Surge in India part of broader trend Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads 'Ups and downs expected because the virus is endemic' COVID-19 is becoming less severe over time, but occasional increases in cases are expected as the virus becomes endemic and continues to change, scientists say. They reassure the public that there is no major cause for alarm. The experts addressed concerns about the rising number of cases in different parts of India . They believe it is due to weakening immunity combined with seasonal factors, such as extreme temperatures that cause people to stay indoors in air-conditioned environments. They emphasised the need for caution, especially for those who are more vulnerable."With every passing year, COVID-19 is causing milder infections. It is (now) just another respiratory illness and less dangerous than flu. We can forget COVID-19 as a special case. It is not a cause of concern," said Dr. Chandrakant Lahariya, a global health Agarwal from Ashoka University added, "All the subvariants are similar, having a lower virulence but high infectivity. While highly susceptible people can still get severe disease, the vast majority don't, especially those who have had prior infections or vaccines."The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the end of COVID-19 as a public health emergency in May 2023. Health experts now describe the disease as seasonal, endemic, or restricted to certain of June 6, there were over 5,300 active cases in India, with nearly 500 new cases reported in the last 24 hours. More than 4,700 people have recovered. Since January, 55 deaths have been reported, mainly among individuals with pre-existing conditions, according to the Union Health advised that "People with pre-existing illnesses and those older than 65 should follow standard precautions, as they would against any other respiratory infection -- not just for COVID-19."Kerala is the most affected state with over 1,600 cases, followed by Gujarat, West Bengal, Delhi, and Maharashtra, according to ministry increase in cases in India is part of a broader trend in Southeast Asia, including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Hong surveillance by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Chemical Laboratory (NCL) has detected the presence of the virus in samples from sewage treatment plants in Pune, according to the Times of sequencing of samples from western and southern India has shown links to Omicron subvariants LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and NB.1.8.1. Rajiv Behl, Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), said earlier this week that the cases are not severe and there is no need to WHO has classified LF.7 and NB.1.8.1 as 'variants under monitoring' (VUM). JN.1 has been circulating in India since November Satyajit Rath explained that the subvariants are likely better at binding to human cells, despite existing antibodies."However, the important issue here is not their infectivity, but their tendency to cause severe disease, or 'virulence'," Rath experts said that ups and downs in infections are expected because the virus is now endemic and constantly stated, "People need not worry themselves until they are informed of a new 'variant of concern'. VUM is not relevant to the public, but only to public health authorities."Lahariya advised the public to get information from reliable sources and avoid sharing unverified messages. Rath suggested monitoring the virulence of new emphasised that "National and state governments in India should keep a watch on cases, monitor the trends in new cases and share data widely. The linkage between infections and clinical outcomes should be explored to understand the clinical features of the variants in circulation."Rath highlighted the need to address systemic issues in public health systems and healthcare questioned, "Are we making next-generation Covid vaccines at all? Are we making them available widely and affordably? Are we even carefully tracking evidence to see how well or poorly the current vaccine-induced immunity functions against emerging strains?"He added, "And if not, we are throwing poor communities onto their own resources even for taking such simple precautions, and that is a systemic problem."(Inputs from PTI)
