Odisha moves back into malaria territory again
Health officials also admitted that 1.56 crore LLINs which were supposed to be provided by the Ministry of Health by 2022 have not arrived yet despite repeated reminders by the state health minister and secretary. 'The net dispatch was initially delayed due to late finalisation of tenders by the ministry. Although last year they had assured to supply the required quantity of nets as per the indent, the consignment did not reach us. This year again, we have been assured to get 1.56 crore of LLINs, but it will take at least three to four months time,' said an official.
Director of public health Dr Nilakantha Mishra said the state government had procured 56 lakh nets last year due to delay in central supply. 'The nets were distributed in 10 districts in November and December. The malaria cases have come down in some of the districts where the net use has been maximum. We have asked the field officials to make door-to-door visits and convince the people to use the nets. Three lakh more nets will be procured and distributed in hostels soon,' he said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Today
9 hours ago
- India Today
Prime Minister Modi calls for 10% less oil use to fight obesity crisis in India
Obesity rates have surged in recent years, with a Lancet study earlier this year warning about the alarming speed at which the condition is spreading worldwide. The study predicts that by 2050, more than one-third of India's population will be classified as the issue in his Independence Day speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Indians to take small but meaningful steps towards better health. Among his suggestions was a call to buy at least 10% less cooking oil and to use 10% less oil in daily I talk about fitness, I have a concern that I need to highlight. Obesity is becoming a huge public health problem for India. It is projected that at least one in three people will become obese. We have to get freedom from obesity. That's why I suggested that every family decide to buy 10% less oil, use 10% less oil, and participate in the fight against obesity,' said Prime Minister Modi in what became his longest Independence Day address to Independence Day in his address to the nation, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji highlighted that true freedom includes being free from lifestyle diseases. With obesity on the rise, small steps like using only 10% oil can make a big embrace healthier Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) August 15, 2025 Prime Minister Modi's suggestion essentially promotes a gradual reduction in daily calorie intake. Oil, being highly calorie-dense, is an easy starting point. Just one tablespoon (about 15 ml) contains around 120 calories are not always obvious, but they add up quickly. Cutting oil use by 10% — even without changing the volume of food — can make a difference over time. For example, if someone typically uses three tablespoons of oil a day, reducing that by 10% means consuming about 36 fewer calories daily. While that number may seem small, such reductions, sustained over months or years, can lead to noticeable weight now ranks third in the world for the highest number of overweight and obese individuals, after the United States and approach does not compromise satiety, meaning people are less likely to feel deprived or overcompensate by eating more elsewhere. Reducing oil use also lowers the amount of excess dietary fat that can be easily stored as body fat, and encourages more mindful cooking habits, helping people become aware of hidden calories in other essence, its not a drastic diet change or a major taste sacrifice, just a subtle change that gradually chips away at excess calorie experts often say that such small, sustained adjustments, combined with better food choices and active lifestyles, could make a meaningful dent in India's growing obesity crisis, which is amplified by lifestyle shifts and the introduction of convenience ultra-processed foods.- EndsMust Watch
Hindustan Times
11 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
NEET-MDS 2025 cut-offs lowered: NBEMS announces revised qualifying scores
The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has revised the qualifying scores for NEET-MDS 2025 after the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) ordered a reduction in the minimum percentile requirement. The qualifying percentiles for all categories have been lowered by 19.863 points, as per the Dental Council of India's MDS Regulations, 2017, and its 2018 amendment. The NEET-MDS 2025 results were declared on May 15, 2025. For the current academic session (2025–26), the updated qualifying criteria and corresponding cut-off scores (out of 960) are given below. The NEET-MDS 2025 results were declared on May 15, 2025. For the current academic session (2025–26), the updated qualifying criteria and corresponding cut-off scores (out of 960) are: NEET-MDS 2025 cut-offs lowered NBEMS clarified that this revision will not impact the ranks already published on May 15, 2025. Candidature will remain provisional until all eligibility conditions mentioned in the NEET-MDS 2025 information bulletin are met, including Face ID/Biometric verification where required. Aspirants have been advised to regularly check the Medical Counselling Committee's official website — — for updates on counselling schedules. For further assistance, candidates can contact NBEMS at 011-45593000 or submit queries through its communication portal at
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Tragedy strikes: 13 Asian expats dead in Kuwait after consuming suspected toxic alcohol
13 Asian expats dead in Kuwait/Representative Image Kuwait is grappling with a tragic crisis as 13 expatriate workers, all of Asian nationality, have died and dozens more have been hospitalised due to toxic alcohol poisoning. The Ministry of Health confirmed that 63 cases of poisoning linked to methanol-contaminated alcoholic beverages have been treated since Saturday. This severe outbreak has led to multiple fatalities, critical illnesses, permanent blindness, and an ongoing government investigation to find the source and prevent further harm. TL;DR: 13 deaths and 63 hospitalised cases reported, with 31 patients on ventilators, 51 undergoing urgent kidney dialysis, and 21 suffering permanent or severe vision loss. Poisoned individuals consumed locally made illicit alcohol believed to have been purchased in Al Shuyoukh Block 4, an area known for black-market liquor despite Kuwait's alcohol ban. Health and security authorities are conducting investigations and intensifying crackdowns on illegal alcohol production while providing emergency medical care. Details of the toxic alcohol outbreak The poisoned individuals, mainly construction and labour workers, exhibited a variety of symptoms typical of methanol toxicity. Methanol is a highly toxic substance used industrially as solvent or fuel, but it is deadly when ingested even in small amounts. Unlike ethanol in regular alcoholic beverages, methanol's metabolites cause metabolic acidosis, nervous system depression, vision impairment (including permanent blindness), kidney failure, and can be fatal. Victims experienced headaches, vomiting, blurred vision, seizures, and some progressed to coma or death. Hospitals in Kuwait's major medical centers have seen 63 cases since the weekend surge began on August 10. Of these, 31 are critically ill on mechanical ventilation, 51 required emergency dialysis to treat kidney failure induced by poisoning, and 21 individuals have lost vision permanently or severely impaired eyesight. The situation remains critical as doctors work to stabilise patients and provide life-saving treatments. Source and government action Preliminary investigations indicate the methanol-contaminated liquor originated from illicit, locally produced alcohol available in black market outlets, with Al Shuyoukh Block 4 cited as a key source. Kuwait banned alcohol imports in 1964 and criminalized consumption, yet illegal production and smuggling persist, especially targeting migrant workers. The Ministry of Health, in coordination with security and regulatory agencies, has launched a rigorous investigation to trace and dismantle the production and distribution networks of this toxic brew. Authorities are increasing raids and public warnings stressing the dangers of consuming unregulated alcoholic drinks that may contain methanol. Embassies of affected nations have engaged with Kuwaiti authorities and hospitals to support their nationals, facilitate medical treatment, and assist families. Dedicated hotlines are open for information and support. Understanding methanol poisoning Methanol is often mistaken for safe alcohol due to its similar appearance and smell to ethanol, but it is lethal. Ingesting even 10 mL can cause permanent blindness, and amounts above 15 mL can be fatal. Symptoms typically start 2-12 hours post-ingestion with mild intoxication but progress to severe metabolic acidosis, respiratory failure, and neurological damage within 12-48 hours. Immediate medical intervention involves administration of antidotes like fomepizole or ethanol that block methanol metabolism, supportive care with hemodialysis to remove toxins, and symptom management. Delay in treatment significantly worsens outcomes. Public health experts advise avoiding unlicensed or homemade alcoholic beverages, especially in countries with alcohol prohibitions or heavy restrictions. Residents and workers in Kuwait are urged to avoid black-market alcohol, heed official warnings, and report suspicious activities to prevent further loss of life. Immediate medical attention is critical if methanol poisoning is suspected. The incident highlights the urgent need for continued vigilance against illicit substances and improved awareness among vulnerable populations about the risks of toxic alcohol. FAQ 1. How many people have died in the Kuwait toxic alcohol incident? Thirteen expatriate workers have died so far. 2. What caused the poisoning? The victims consumed locally made illicit alcohol contaminated with methanol. 3. What other health impacts have been reported? Dozens remain hospitalised, with cases of kidney failure, critical illness, and permanent blindness. 4. What actions are authorities taking? Kuwait is investigating the source, intensifying raids on illegal alcohol production, and issuing public warnings.
