COVID-19 update: Total active cases at 6,815 in India, 3 new deaths recorded till 8 am on June 10
The ministry's daily COVID-19 bulletin showed a rise of 324 new cases across India since yesterday, with Karnataka being the most affected, having reported 136 new COVID-19 cases, data showed.
It is followed by Gujarat (129 new cases), Kerala (96), Madhya Pradesh (9), Haryana (8), Maharashtra (6), Odisha (5), Chhatisgarh (3), Jharkhand (2), and Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Manipur (1 case each).
The states of Arunachal Pradesh, Chandigarh (Union Territory), Jammu and Kashmir (UT), Mizoram, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Tripura, did not report new cases over the past 24 hours, as per the data.
Further, the total number of patients discharged since January 2025 is at 7,644 with as many as 783 of these being till June 10. It added that COVID-19 data from West Bengal is still awaited.
According to the ministry bulletin, the COVID-19 death toll in India, since January this year is at 68 so far, with three new COVID-19 deaths reported till 8 am on June 10. One death was reported in Delhi, where a 90-year-old woman with respiratory acidosis passed away due to comorbidities — the report called the COVID-19 finding 'incidental'.
While in Jharkhand, a 44-year-old man suffering from aspirational pneumonia, septic shock, hypertension, and hypothyroidism died from COVID-19.
And in Kerala, a 79-year-old man with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and heart failure passed away due to Covid-19 pneumonia and sepsis.
Overall, since January 2025, Maharashtra has recorded the highest number of deaths — 18, followed by Kerala (16), Karnataka (9), Delhi (8), Tamil Nadu (6), Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat (2 each); and Jharkhand, Rajasthan and West Bengal (1 each).
To bolster readiness, the central government has initiated mock drills across hospitals nationwide, evaluating critical resources such as oxygen supply, ventilators, and essential medicines to handle potential surges efficiently.
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News18
2 hours ago
- News18
In Maharashtra, Cane-Cutting Women Are The Healthcare Lifelines For Migrant Communities
Last Updated: In drought-hit Marathwada, women trained as Arogya Sakhis are providing first aid and medical support to thousands of migrant families left behind by the public health system. Beed, Maharashtra: 'Many women use chumbal, the cloth we tie on our heads to carry sugarcane, as a sanitary pad during our periods," Sadhana Waghmare (32), a cane-cutting labourer from Maharashtra's Beed district said. 'While on the field, we have no time or safe place to wash or change clothes in the fields, so we continue using the same cloth. This causes itching, swelling and infections. Earlier, we had no one to share this with. Now, because of the Arogya Sakhis, at least someone listens and suggests solutions." In 2023, Waghmare was among 20 women trained under the Arogya Sakhi programme, a community health initiative for migrant cane-cutters in drought-prone Marathwada region. Every harvesting season, thousands of families migrate to work in the fields of western Maharashtra and beyond, with little access to healthcare. The programme – run by Society for Promotion Participative Ecosystem Management (SOPPECOM) and Anusandhan Trust Sathi – was born out of the Covid-19 pandemic, when SOPPECOM distributed notebooks to migrant workers to track their injuries, illnesses and health expenses during the lockdown. The data showed that basic health training for volunteers could help reduce medical emergencies. Arogya Sakhis are trained to offer first aid and distribute non-prescription medicines from standardised kits, with supplies provided by the Beed Zilla Parishad. The kits include essentials like paracetamol, oral rehydration salts, antiseptic lotion and cotton dressings. While the women work as volunteers, they receive a travel allowance of Rs 500 when applicable. To qualify, participants must have studied up to at least Class 7 and be literate. The initial seven-day training covered first aid, menstrual hygiene, and record-keeping, while subsequent batches received a condensed four-day version. Though many early trainees were cane-cutters with limited education, support from trainers in Pune helped them overcome unfamiliar medical vocabulary. Over time, they gained confidence and began offering health support not just at field sites but also in their home villages. By the second year, the programme's impact was visible. Volunteers were also representing their communities in Jana Aarogya Samitis or village health communities with the help of local grassroots groups like Mahila Ustod Sanghatana helped coordinate this outreach. 'There were no health services at the migration sites," said district convener Manisha Tokale. 'We realised that if even one woman in each group was trained, she could help others and connect them to care when needed." CYCLE OF NEGLECT During the migration season, labourers shift in pairs called koyta, typically husband and wife, and are paid Rs 350 to Rs 400 per ton of sugarcane cut. They are expected to meet a daily target of two tons which helps them get Rs 800 a day per pair. And, taking even a single day off, including for medical reasons, invites a penalty of Rs 1,200 from contractors. As a result, many workers continue cutting cane while unwell. 'These contractors are least bothered about the workers' health or rights," Ashok Tangade, president of the Beed District Child Welfare Committee said. 'The government says India is free of bonded labour, but sectors like sugarcane and brick kilns still practice bandhua majdoori. The contractor, farm owner and sugar factory are all responsible for providing medical facilities, but they shirk these responsibilities completely." As a result, Tangade said, labourers are squeezed from both ends: unable to afford medical care and punished if they try to access it. 'They work through illness, risking long-term harm. They compromise on nutrition, healthcare, even their children's education and vaccinations," he added. These labourers belong to Marathwada, a drought-prone region in central Maharashtra, comprising seven districts. The region lies in the rain shadow of the Western Ghats. With poor irrigation and limited industrial development, farming here is usually restricted to a single, rain-fed crop each year. As a result, thousands of families migrate annually to western Maharashtra and to other states such as Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu for sugarcane-cutting work. This pattern of migration began after the 1972 drought and has continued for over five decades. In many villages, the children of cane-cutters grow up expecting to follow the same path. From Beed district alone, over 10 lakh people migrate for the harvest season each year. Of them, more than 3 lakh are women, according to civil society estimates. A VOICE IN THE SYSTEM Over time, Arogya Sakhis have become important intermediaries between migrant women and the public health system, not just by treating symptoms, but by helping women articulate their needs and push for better access to care. Volunteers like Waghmare and Kalpana Thorat have repeatedly raised the demand for sanitary pads at Jan Aarogya Samiti meetings, even if the response has been slow. 'I have raised the sanitary pad issue with the Sarpanch before every migration season," said Thorat, a cane-cutter from Pimpalwadi village. 'He always promises, but we never receive anything. Even the ASHA worker in our Samiti could not help." Despite this, Thorat said she felt empowered to speak up. 'It is a major issue for migrant women. I am glad I was able to bring it up in front of the Samiti, which includes the Sarpanch, Community Health Officers, Primary Healthcare Centre nurses, Anganwadi and ASHA workers, and SHG members." Her efforts are recognised by others in the community. 'Every village should have someone like an Arogya Sakhi," said Shahnaj Ajbuddin Sayyad, president of the self-help group in Pimpalwadi and a member of the Samiti. 'I worked as a cane-cutter for 15 years. The ASHA worker gave us medicine sometimes, but her visits were irregular, and our work was unpredictable. With Arogya Sakhis we have a constant connection." BRIDGING LANGUAGE AND DISTANCE Waghmare recalled the difficulty of seeking care in unfamiliar places during migration. 'In Karnataka, my younger daughter was suffering from Unhali, a condition where you need to urinate frequently in summer," she said. 'For the first four hours at the clinic, we couldn't explain the issue to the doctor, we didn't speak Kannada, and the doctor didn't understand Marathi. A translator from a nearby village finally helped." In another case, she said, an elderly woman from her village used to travel 10 km to Beed just to get medicine for fever. 'Now, for the past two years, she doesn't need to. She gets the medicines in the village itself," Waghmare said. The effectiveness of the Arogya Sakhi training becomes most evident during emergencies. 'One fellow labourer's leg was cut by a metal sheet," said Thorat. 'I was able to stop the bleeding with the first-aid kit. He later got eight stitches from the doctor." The illustrated manuals and labelled kits, she said, helped her identify the correct medicine for each condition. 'The sharp sugarcane leaves and the koyta often cause hand injuries," Thorat added. 'The Band-Aid strips have been really useful. Paracetamol helps with period pain, otherwise, the contractors don't allow rest during those days." Her work has extended beyond the fields into her village. 'Recently, my grandson got a cut on his foot. We were planning to take him to a private clinic, but by evening my son called me. I dressed the wound, and it saved us money," said Shantabai Pakhare, a 50-year-old villager from Pimpalwadi. 'Kalpana has helped us many times, especially when the PHC is closed at night." The programme has also led to visible cost savings. 'We used to spend Rs 25,000 during harvest season on medical expenses," said Waghmare. 'For the last two years, we've saved that money with the help of the Arogya Sakhi kit." During one migration, she said, she provided medicine to four tolis, about 40 to 50 people. After returning home, another 20 people from her village also benefited from the same kit, which contains paracetamol, Flura, Dome, cotton bandages, wool, Gentian violet antiseptic lotion and other over-the-counter medicines. 'I can now treat fever, diarrhoea, dehydration and minor injuries, and do basic bandaging," she said. 'This has helped both my own toli and others at the migration site." CHANGEMAKERS Arogya Sakhi training hasn't just improved healthcare access, it has helped cane-cutting women emerge as local health leaders. Many are now pushing for systemic change. The Mahila Ustod Sanghatana demanded that cane-cutting workers be included in the Jan Aarogya Samiti during the October-April migration season, so healthcare support continues in their villages while they're away. These demands were raised in women's assemblies and later passed in Gram Sabhas. In 2021, SOPPECOM began documenting the Arogya Sakhis' work. By 2022, it encouraged women to seek representation in the Samitis. In 2023-24, the key demands included Samiti membership and identity cards for migrant women. The Zilla Parishad initially resisted, citing budget constraints. But health advocates argued that representation would improve access to schemes, health camps and sanitation drives, and bring migrant women into the public health system. Identity cards, to be issued by local bodies, would formally recognise cane cutters and help them access aid during migration. Signature campaigns and follow-ups were carried out with the Chief Minister's Office and the District Health Officer. Lists of trained volunteers linked to PHCs were submitted. Despite early pushback, 28 Arogya Sakhis in Beed and 24 in Hingoli now work at the Gram Panchayat level. According to SOPPECOM, each migrant family saves an estimated Rs 25,000-Rs 30,000 per season on healthcare due to their work. Ahead of the 2024–25 season, the Beed Zilla Parishad organised refresher training and distributed new kits, which the Arogya Sakhis say lasted them beyond the migration period. 'I'm hopeful that thousands of trained women can work as Fadavarchi ASHA and support the 3 lakh women who migrate from Beed," said Manisha. Now, the administration is planning a new initiative: Arogya Mitra. Each migrant group will have a trained volunteer to coordinate with ASHA and Anganwadi workers. Training is expected to begin in August. top videos View all Former Zilla Parishad Chief Executive Officer Aditya Jivane said such women can offer first-line care, promote nutrition and immunisation, and help link remote camps to the health system. (Abhijeet Gurjar is a freelance journalist and a member of 101Reporters, a pan-India network of grassroots reporters.) Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! view comments Location : Pune, India, India First Published: August 13, 2025, 10:33 IST News india In Maharashtra, Cane-Cutting Women Are The Healthcare Lifelines For Migrant Communities Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
3 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Chandigarh: 60% COVID ventilators at GMCH-32 lying ‘defunct'
Over 60% of ventilators at Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32, remain non-functional, severely impacting critical care services. Of the 95 ventilators received from the central government during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-21, only 35 are currently operational in the hospital's ICUs, while the rest have been left unused and stored away. This lapse poses a significant challenge to patient care in the 1,047-bed facility, which saw these machines fully utilised during the pandemic to support patients struggling to breathe. An official, speaking on condition of anonymity, criticised GMCH-32, for failing to alert the administration about the prolonged non-utilisation of ventilators. (HT Photo for representation) The GMCH-32, which serves not only the tricity but also patients from Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, received 95 ventilators during the COVID-19 pandemic at an estimated cost of ₹4 lakh each. These ventilators, supplied by Bharat Heavy Electrical Limited (BHEL), Jyoti Dhaman, and Covidien, now face operational hurdles, as the hospital cannot renew their comprehensive maintenance contracts (CMC) due to non-responsiveness from the manufacturers. Dr Sanjeev Palta, head of the anaesthesia department, stated that despite repeated attempts to contact BHEL and Jyoti Dhaman, the lack of contract renewal has rendered many ventilators unusable, affecting critical care for the region's patients. An official, speaking on condition of anonymity, criticised GMCH-32, for failing to alert the administration about the prolonged non-utilisation of ventilators. The official said, 'It was the institute's responsibility to maintain the equipment, renew the CMC, and ensure their smooth functioning rather than allowing them to deteriorate in a storage room.' While manufacturers have reportedly not responded to the hospital's requests for contract renewal, Dr Palta said a biomedical engineer at the institute is currently handling the upkeep of the 35 operational ventilators. 'These machines are being used across multiple critical care units, including medicine, pulmonary, surgical, paediatric and cardiology ICUs, as well as high-dependency unit catering to neurology, orthopaedics and gynaecology patients,' Dr Palta added. Chandigarh MP and chairman of the Rogi Kalyan Samiti governing body, Manish Tewari, has raised concerns over the large number of non-functional ventilators lying unused at the GMCH-32, for the past four years. Calling it a 'gross wastage' of government funds, MP Tewari said significant public money was spent on procuring these machines during the COVID-19 pandemic, yet they remain unutilised. He emphasised that they should be put to use without delay. The MP also revealed that in a recent governing body meeting, a proposal to purchase new ventilators for Government Multi Specialty Hospital (GMSH), Sector 16 was dropped after hospital officials admitted they lacked trained staff to operate them. Another major obstacle in bringing the unused ventilators at GMCH-32 into service is the acute shortage of trained staff, as operating an ICU ventilator requires an anaesthetist, two nurses, two resident doctors, a sweeper and an attendant in three shifts, along with relievers and rotators. The staffing challenge is mirrored at GMSH-16, where several ventilators supplied during COVID also remain defunct. Dr Suman Singh, director of health services, said many of the ventilators received during the pandemic are unsuitable for ICU use due to subpar performance. GMCH-32 director principal Dr Ashok Attri stated that ventilators are deployed according to the hospital's capacity, with about 35 high-end units currently in use, some shifted to the south campus. Apart from the 95 COVID ventilators, the institute also has another 50–60 ventilators spread across anaesthesia, medicine, surgery, respiratory medicine, and cardiology departments.
Indian Express
4 hours ago
- Indian Express
Wastewater surveillance, key tool to spy on diseases, will now cover 50 cities: How will this help prevent outbreaks?
A key public health tool that is crucial to monitor infectious diseases, and identify outbreak trends early, is being strengthened to cover more areas and identify more infections. Wastewater surveillance, which is currently used for polio and Covid-19, is now being deployed to monitor more commonly reported symptoms caused by several pathogens, such as fever, diarrhoea, acute encephalitis syndrome (inflammation of the brain), and respiratory distress. 'We have been doing wastewater surveillance for polio for years. After the pandemic, similar surveillance for Covid-19 was also started in five cities. This will be expanded to ten pathogens across 50 cities over the next six months,' Dr Rajiv Bahl, Director-General of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), told The Indian Express. Why is this coverage arc significant? Such an expansion has significant public health implications since it is being done with the aim of detecting potential outbreaks early, as well as identifying unusual patterns that may indicate a public health concern. The surveillance will also study patterns of antimicrobial resistance — a global public health threat — that results in the drugs becoming less effective, making it difficult to treat infections. At present, tracking changes in the susceptibility of different pathogens to available antimicrobials is being done through a network of 60 hospitals across the country. 'Now, rather than conducting culture studies only on patients coming to these hospitals, these will also be studied in wastewater,' said Dr Bahl. While antimicrobial resistance surveillance through a hospital network can provide important trends on which drug continues to work for which disease, it cannot track resistance patterns in the community. Wastewater surveillance, on the other hand, can capture these patterns — even in those who might not go to a hospital for treatment. How will the surveillance be carried out? The enhanced surveillance will be carried out through the ICMR's (Indian Council of Medical Research) flagship national network of Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories: specialised facilities that focus on the diagnosis, research and surveillance of viral diseases. In the next few months, these laboratories will supplement the findings from patient samples with surveillance of pathogens discharged in wastewater. What's the current surveillance status in India? There is already strong syndromic surveillance for respiratory infections and influenza-like illnesses — instituted after the 2009 swine flu pandemic and strengthened during Covid-19. Around 1,500 samples from patients, who go to hospitals with respiratory symptoms, are tested every week through this national network of laboratories, according to Dr Bahl. Earlier, the network passively monitored whatever samples were sent by the hospitals but now the labs actively seek out the samples needed to maintain surveillance. This helps keep an eye on which respiratory diseases — viral infections such as Covid-19, H1N1, or RSV — are in circulation. It also helps pre-empt outbreaks, allowing the public health system, hospitals, and clinics to prepare for them. Similar syndromic surveillance for fevers, diarrhoea and encephalitis has been initiated recently through the laboratory network. Now, the surveillance will be expanded to wastewater in the coming months. Such surveillance also helps in quickly identifying the pathogen that might be causing an infection by checking the samples for common pathogens that can cause a disease — instead of testing for them one by one. 'And, if we cannot detect the pathogen, then genomic sequencing can be done to find what is causing an outbreak,' said Dr Bahl. Wastewater surveillance proved to be an effective tool in tracking Covid-19. A study from Mumbai shows that the pathogen was detected in wastewater up to three weeks before clinical diagnosis of cases. Another study from Pune showed that silent waves of Covid-19 after the Omicron wave could be detected in wastewater. The XBB variant was detected 130–253 days before it was clinically identified in patients.
