Blood bank traceability application on the anvil
A portal is also being created for the public to provide accurate information on the availability of blood across all blood banks in the State and this is expected to be functional by the end of the year, a statement issued by the Health department said.
The project is being implemented by K-DISC, Kerala State AIDS Control Society, State Blood Transfusion Council and e-Health, in coordination with the Health department
In the coming years, the State's aim will be to achieve 100% voluntary blood donation
The blood bank traceability application is a centralised software platform linking all blood banks in the State. Efforts are on to link private blood banks also on to this platform
The State hopes that this facility will ensure that the available blood units across Kerala would be visible to all on the same platform so that safe blood is accessible to all.
The blood bank traceability application will be operational on an experimental basis at General Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram. The application will be scaled up across the State later in the year
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Indian Express
7 hours ago
- New Indian Express
August 13 event to honour families of brain-dead organ donors
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Looking to counter growing misconceptions about organ donation, the Kerala State Organ and Tissue Transplantation Organization (K-SOTTO) has decided to honour deceased organ donors and their families. The special event will be held in Thiruvananthapuram on World Organ Donation Day—August 13. The event comes at a critical time, when organ donations from brain-dead patients in Kerala are on a steady decline despite awareness campaigns. The programme aims to recognise 120 families who made the courageous decision to donate the organs of their loved ones who were declared brain dead, even as negative campaigns and legal controversies have cast a shadow over the initiative. Families from other states, including Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, who chose to donate the organs of their loved ones who were declared brain dead in Kerala, will be in attendance, too. 'There has been overwhelming response to the programme. It's as if the families were waiting for such an event,' said Dr Noble Gracious, K-SOTTO executive director.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Face recognition, e-KYC completed for 75% of 'Take Home Ration' beneficiaries
New Delhi, Over three-fourths of eligible beneficiaries registered for the government's Take Home Ration scheme have completed facial recognition and e-KYC verification, the Ministry of Women and Child Development said on Friday. Face recognition, e-KYC completed for 75% of 'Take Home Ration' beneficiaries As of August 5, face capturing and e-KYC of 3.69 crore beneficiaries which is 75.12 per cent of the 4.91 crore registered under the scheme have been completed, Minister of State for Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur informed the Lok Sabha. The verification drive is part of Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0, a centrally sponsored programme that subsumes Anganwadi services, Poshan Abhiyaan and the Scheme for Adolescent Girls to tackle malnutrition through a life cycle approach. Supplementary nutrition is provided to children aged six months to six years, pregnant and lactating women, and adolescent girls, in line with revised norms introduced in January 2023 that focus on diet diversity, quality protein, healthy fats and micronutrients. The Face Recognition System module, developed under the Poshan Tracker application, was piloted in August 2024 and rolled out nationwide on an optional basis in December 2024. Since July 1 this year, it has been used for mandatory monthly verification of beneficiaries to ensure last-mile delivery of rations. For children under six, where Bal Aadhaar lacks biometric data, the FRS is carried out for a parent or guardian. The ministry said the system works in both online and offline modes to accommodate areas with poor connectivity and is compatible with low-end smartphones. Regular training, field visits and meetings with state officials are being conducted to resolve technical issues. According to the ministry, stringent data protection measures are in place, including encryption of all verification requests, no permanent storage of images on devices, role-based access for authorised personnel, and encrypted internal databases to prevent misuse of sensitive information. Thakur said the mission remains open to all eligible beneficiaries without entry barriers, with the aim of breaking the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Is sugar-free really safe for diabetics? Benefits, risks, and smart choices diabetics should know
Sugar substitutes can be beneficial for diabetics by helping manage blood sugar levels and reducing overall calorie intake. They offer a way to enjoy sweet flavors without the glucose spikes caused by regular sugar. Options like stevia, erythritol, and monk fruit are generally considered safe and do not affect blood sugar significantly. However, some artificial sweeteners may impact gut health or trigger cravings for more sweets. It's important for diabetics to choose natural or well-studied substitutes and consume them in moderation. Consulting a healthcare provider is key to finding the best sugar alternative based on individual health needs. Understanding sugar-free products and sugar substitutes for diabetics The label 'sugar-free' can be misleading. While it usually indicates that a product contains no added or refined sugars, it doesn't necessarily mean the item is carbohydrate-free, calorie-free, or safe for blood sugar levels. Many sugar-free foods still include sugar alcohols or starch-based ingredients that can raise blood glucose. This is why reading the full nutrition label is essential. Diabetics should check for total carbohydrates, fiber, and sugar alcohols, not just the sugar content. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Types of sugar substitutes Sugar substitutes fall into two main categories: natural sweeteners and artificial sweeteners. Each has unique effects on the body, with different pros and cons. Natural sweeteners Stevia: A zero-calorie plant extract that does not raise blood glucose levels. It may also help improve insulin sensitivity. Monk Fruit: Derived from a small melon, this sweetener is much sweeter than sugar but contains no calories or carbohydrates. Erythritol and Xylitol: These sugar alcohols contain fewer calories than sugar and have minimal impact on blood sugar. However, they may cause digestive discomfort if consumed in large amounts. Artificial sweeteners Aspartame, Sucralose, Saccharin, Acesulfame-K These are synthetic sweeteners, intensely sweet with little to no calories. They generally do not raise blood glucose, making them popular among diabetics. However, some research raises concerns about long-term use, suggesting possible effects on metabolism, gut health, and insulin resistance. Benefits of sugar-free products for diabetics When chosen carefully, sugar-free products can offer several benefits for people with diabetes: 1. Blood sugar management Sugar substitutes typically have low or zero glycemic indexes, meaning they don't cause sudden spikes in blood sugar. This is helpful in maintaining stable glucose levels. 2. Calorie reduction Many sugar-free sweeteners are non-caloric, helping people reduce overall calorie intake, which is essential for weight management and metabolic control. 3. Supporting weight loss Lower calorie intake can support healthy weight loss, which is often recommended for type 2 diabetes management. Weight reduction improves insulin sensitivity and reduces the need for medication in many cases. 4. Curbing sugar cravings Sugar-free products can help reduce sweet cravings, making it easier to stick to a diabetic-friendly diet. They offer a satisfying taste without the sugar rush (or crash). Potential risks and drawbacks of sugar substitutes Despite the benefits, sugar-free products are not a 'get out of jail free' card. There are important caveats diabetics should be aware of. 1. Overconsumption Because these products are labeled 'sugar-free,' people may assume they are healthy in unlimited quantities. But some contain hidden carbs, unhealthy fats, or artificial additives that may have negative effects on metabolism. 2. Digestive issues Some sugar alcohols, especially sorbitol or maltitol, can cause bloating, gas, or diarrhea when consumed in large amounts. 3. Possible impact on insulin response Some studies suggest that certain artificial sweeteners may interfere with insulin sensitivity, increase appetite, or affect glucose metabolism—potentially leading to weight gain or worsened diabetes control in the long term. 4. Gut health disruption There is growing concern that artificial sweeteners may alter the gut microbiome, which plays a vital role in immune function, digestion, and blood sugar regulation. How to choose the right sugar substitute Here are some practical tips for diabetics looking to include sugar-free products safely in their diets: Stick to natural options: Opt for natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit, which are generally safer and better tolerated. Check the labels: Always read the ingredient list and nutrition facts. Avoid products with added starches or high total carb content. Watch the serving size: Even sugar-free products can add up in calories and carbs if consumed in large amounts. Limit artificial sweeteners: Use artificial sweeteners sparingly and avoid consuming them multiple times a day. Monitor your body's response: Everyone responds differently. Track your blood sugar after trying new products to see how your body reacts. Lifestyle matters It's important to remember that sugar-free foods are just one tool in diabetes management. They cannot replace a healthy, balanced diet, regular physical activity, proper hydration, and consistent medical care. A diet rich in whole foods, including vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, healthy fats, and low-glycemic fruits, will always outperform one focused on sugar-free processed snacks Also read | How Hepatitis D virus can cause liver cancer: Know its symptoms, risks, causes, and more
