Karnataka CM Siddaramiah's claims on Covid vaccine factually wrong, says Biocon founder
On July 1, Siddaramaiah had claimed that it cannot be denied that the hasty approval and distribution of the Covid-19 vaccine to the public could also be a reason for heart attack deaths. Immediately, the Union Health Ministry took objection to his statement, and dismissed the Covid vaccine link with heart attack deaths.
'Covid-19 vaccines developed in India were approved under the Emergency Use Authorisation framework, following rigorous protocols aligned with global standards for safety and efficacy,' Kiran said on Wednesday, in her reply to the CM's X post.
'To suggest that these vaccines were 'hastily' approved is factually incorrect and contributes to public misinformation,' the Biocon founder stated. She further went on to say that these vaccines have saved millions of lives and, like all vaccines, may cause side effects in a very small number of individuals. 'It is important to acknowledge the science and data-driven processes behind their development, rather than engage in retrospective blame,' she ended.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
29 minutes ago
- Time of India
A Sunday lifeline: Meet Chhapra doc who treats rural poor for free
1 2 Chhapra: In an age where healthcare often comes with a heavy price, one doctor in Saran is rewriting that script by offering affordable, compassionate treatment to the most vulnerable. Dr Ravi Shankar Singh, a 66-year-old paediatrician based in Chhapra, has spent the last 22 years dedicating his Sundays to treating poor patients in remote villages entirely free of charge. His approach is not only patient-centric but deeply rooted in a philosophy of service inspired by the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa and Swami Vivekananda. "Service to man is service to God" is a way of life for Dr Ravi. Every Sunday, without fail, he travels to rural outreach centres affiliated with the Ramakrishna Ashrama in Chhapra. These include the villages of Kohbarwa (under Sadar block), Matkaua (under Garkha block) and Salempur (in Manjhi block), where hundreds of patients, mostly from impoverished backgrounds, line up for free consultation and treatment. "I treat the patients considering them as my own family members. I avoid sending them for costly pathological investigations. Most of my patients are poor. I cannot treat them like they are in Delhi, Mumbai or other metro cities," Dr Ravi said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Serbia: New Container Houses (Prices May Surprise You) Container House Search Now Undo Patients and locals often compare his prescribing style to that of the late Dr Sheo Narayan Singh, a Patna doctor known for his minimalist, cost-conscious prescriptions. Dr Ravi follows the same ethos – fewer medicines and always affordable ones. His commitment to service originates from a turning point in 2003 when the Chhapra branch of the Ramakrishna Mission was taken over by its Belur headquarters. During one evening prayer at the ashram, he was moved by a particular Sanskrit verse – Khandan Bhavabandhan, Jagavandan, Vandi Tomay – which translates to, "You are able to liberate a person from the bondage of the world, I offer my respect to you." "After understanding the meaning of that prayer, I became a dedicated follower of Sri Ramakrishna and committed myself to serve the people," he said. In 2020, shortly after the Covid-19 pandemic, Dr Ravi took voluntary retirement from govt service. Yet, his dedication to the underserved has not diminished. Healthcare runs in the family. Dr Ravi's wife, Dr Kalpana Sharma, is a well-known gynaecologist in Chhapra. Their only son, Dr Pratyush Chandrayan, is a doctor of medicine at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College and Hospital at Bihta in Patna while his daughter-in-law, Dr Priyanka Basu Bal, is a biochemist. Together, the family forms a quiet medical powerhouse with a shared commitment to care. Born in Nalanda's Bahadurpur village under the Sare police station area, Dr Ravi is the second of four brothers. His father, the late Shambhu Sharan Singh, was a respected figure in the community. Though deeply engaged with the world, Dr Ravi has a message for today's youth – resist the distractions of the digital age. "In this era of electronics and artificial intelligence, I never keep a cellphone," he said – a quiet protest against the noise of modern life and a reminder that some healing does not require screens, apps or AI. Just presence, empathy and service.
Hindustan Times
39 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Kenneth Colley dies of Covid and pneumonia: A lung specialist explains the risks
The death of British actor Kenneth Colley, celebrated for his role as Admiral Piett in the beloved Star Wars franchise, has left many in the entertainment world mourning. Colley, who was 87 years old, died on June 30 after contracting Covid-19 and subsequently pneumonia while hospitalised for an arm injury sustained in a fall. His medical case underscores the importance of understanding that older adults are more susceptible to Covid-19 pneumonia, which may affect them more severely. Understanding COVID-19 Risks(Instagram) The connection between Covid-19 and pneumonia Covid-19 does not only induce cardiovascular complications but also lung problems in people. It is a viral infection that affects the lungs and can cause breathing difficulties. One of the serious complications of Covid-19 is pneumonia, which happens when the virus causes the lungs to become inflamed and filled with fluid. Pneumonia caused by Covid-19 is different from regular pneumonia. In Covid-19, the virus directly attacks the air sacs in the lungs (called alveoli), making it hard for the body to get enough oxygen. This can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, and fever. In some people, the condition can get worse quickly and lead to respiratory failure, which may require oxygen support or even a ventilator. Who is at a greater risk of Covid pneumonia? 'Understand that those with weak immune systems, the elderly, or those with health conditions like diabetes, asthma, or heart disease are at higher risk of developing Covid-related pneumonia,' Dr Samir Garde, Director of the Department of Pulmonology and Lung Transplant, Gleneagles Hospital, tells Health Shots. Timely management of pneumonia would be essential for better health, but prevention is the best cure. "It is necessary to cover your mouth while travelling or in public places, follow proper cough etiquette, and avoid being around people who are sick. Take utmost care of the lungs and prevent pneumonia," adds Dr Garde. Understanding pneumonia: Symptoms and causes What is pneumonia? Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in the lungs, causing them to fill with fluid. Common symptoms include: Fever Cough Shortness of breath Fatigue In the context of Covid-19, pneumonia can manifest in two primary ways: through direct viral infection of lung tissue or as a result of an immune response that leads to inflammation. Age-related health risks of covid-19 Older adults are particularly susceptible to severe health risks from Covid-19 and pneumonia due to various factors: Declining immune function: As individuals age, their immune systems become less efficient, making it more challenging to combat infections. As individuals age, their immune systems become less efficient, making it more challenging to combat infections. Underlying health conditions: Many seniors have pre-existing conditions, such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes, which increase their risk of complications. Data indicates that elderly individuals are significantly more likely to be hospitalised with covid-19 and suffer higher mortality rates compared to younger populations. For instance, the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society reported that nearly 80% of Covid-19-related deaths in the US occurred among those aged 65 and older. Hospitalisation risks following falls in seniors In situations like Colley's, a seemingly simple event such as a fall can lead to severe health complications: Increased infection risk in hospitals: Hospital environments expose patients to various pathogens, elevating the risk of infections. Hospital environments expose patients to various pathogens, elevating the risk of infections. Pneumonia risk: Once hospitalised, individuals with Covid-19 face a heightened risk of developing pneumonia, complicating their recovery. Studies published in the medical journal Critical Care have shown a significant increase in pneumonia risk for patients diagnosed with covid-19. The importance of vaccination for older adults Kenneth Colley's situation serves as a poignant reminder of the critical need for preventive measures among older adults, particularly vaccinations. Vaccination: Covid-19 vaccinations have proven to be one of the most effective methods for reducing infection rates and preventing severe illness. Covid-19 vaccinations have proven to be one of the most effective methods for reducing infection rates and preventing severe illness. Additional vaccinations: Seniors should also prioritise receiving flu and pneumonia vaccines to ensure comprehensive protection. Seniors should also prioritise receiving flu and pneumonia vaccines to ensure comprehensive protection. Fall prevention: Implementing strategies to prevent falls can help reduce the likelihood of hospitalisation and associated health risks. Preventing falls and infections in seniors The tragic passing of Kenneth Colley highlights the essential health risks faced by older adults as a result of a Covid-19 infection. His story encourages us to understand better and mitigate the dangers, particularly pneumonia, associated with covid-19. Tips for protecting seniors There are several approaches that families and caregivers can adopt to help protect older adults from Covid-19, pneumonia, and related health risks:
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Sudden heart-attack related deaths in Karnataka's Hassan touch 22, most victims under 45
A sudden surge in heart attack-related deaths in Karnataka's Hassan district has raised public health concerns, with 22 people dying over the past 40 days, many of them under the age of 45. The deaths, reported from various parts of the district, include students, homemakers, teachers, and government employees. Karnataka's Hassan saw raise in heart attacks(Pexels) Also Read - Bengaluru's Yellow Line Metro to open in early August, PM Modi likely to attend the launch event: Report On June 30, four more individuals died of suspected cardiac arrest. The victims included Lepakshi (50), a homemaker from Belur, who collapsed after feeling fatigued; Professor Muttayya (58), an English lecturer from Holenarasipura, who died while having tea, Kumar (57), a D-group employee from Channarayapatna, who had been admitted to hospital with chest pain; and Satyanarayana Rao (63) from Rangolihalli, who collapsed suddenly. Of the 22 reported deaths, five victims were aged between 19 and 25, and eight between 25 and 45, raising concerns about the growing incidence of heart-related issues among younger populations. Only a few victims were above 60. In response, Hassan Deputy Commissioner K.S. Lathakumari has constituted a six-member medical committee, including the District Health Officer, the Director of Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS), and senior cardiologists, to investigate the causes. The committee has been directed to submit a report within a week. 'We are treating this as a priority health issue. While some deaths appear cardiac-related, conclusive medical evidence is still pending,' said Dr. Rajanna B, Director of HIMS. Also Read - Ferrari seized in Bengaluru over unpaid road tax, owner pays ₹1.41 crore after RTO action: Report Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has also acknowledged the rising number of sudden deaths in Hassan. Speaking earlier this week, he said the government has taken the matter seriously and ordered a broader state-level study on sudden cardiac deaths, particularly among the youth. The state has already formed a separate expert panel under Dr. C.N. Manjunath, Director of the Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, to examine the causes of such deaths across Karnataka. The panel will also explore whether post-COVID complications or vaccine-related side effects could be contributing factors. 'There have been over 20 such deaths in Hassan in just one month. We are not blaming anyone, but it is our duty to scientifically understand what is happening,' Siddaramaiah said, urging people to seek immediate medical help if they experience symptoms like chest pain or breathlessness. (With ANI inputs)
