Govt planning to set up organ retrieval centres at MCHs
Among state-run hospitals, only SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, has this facility.
"After the brain stem death of a person, a team from SCB will visit the MCH immediately, and with the help of the concerned MCH doctors, organs will be retrieved from the brain-dead patient. Later, they can be transplanted at SCB and other hospitals. The organ retrieval centres will immensely help us to get organs from deceased donors," Satapathy said.
He said the govt is prepared to start heart transplant at SCB soon. "This type of transplantation is not a scheduled event like a planned surgery. Screening for heart transplantation is ongoing. We will conduct the transplant whenever we get a deceased donor and an eligible receiver," he added.
The govt signed an MoU with a Chennai-based hospital on Oct 23 last year to start heart transplant at SCB. The Chennai-based healthcare institution has provided training to five doctors, two perfusionists and two nursing officers to make the heart transplant unit of the hospital functional.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
It's Great for My Business [Explore]
SearchPad
Learn More
Undo
"The private agency will conduct the first 10 transplants for free as per the agreement," Satapathy said.
On July 31, Orissa high court had directed the govt to take urgent steps to resume liver transplant at SCB, which was stopped in April following the expiry of the MoU with a Hyderabad-based institute. The court also sought a report from the govt regarding proper functioning of bone marrow transplant (BMT) procedures.
Satapathy said the govt will follow the high court order and soon resume liver transplant at SCB. "The earlier agency from Hyderabad, whose agreement ended a few months ago, is not showing interest in another MoU to continue the liver transplant activities at SCB. The govt is exploring other ways, like roping in an experienced hospital in Chennai, to resume the transplant work," he added.
Stay updated with the latest local news from your
city
on
Times of India
(TOI). Check upcoming
bank holidays
,
public holidays
, and current
gold rates
and
silver prices
in your area.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Nehru Zoological Park prioritises animal mental health, focuses on moot enrichment
1 2 Hyderabad: At the Nehru Zoological Park (NZP), animal care goes beyond physical health. Besides providing healthcare treatment at the veterinary hospital for the physical upkeep of animals, officials are now focusing on their mental well-being too, through a moot enrichment programme, which consists of placing structures inside animal enclosures to provide recreational activities for the animals. "For an animal to be truly healthy, it's very important for its mental health to be taken care of. People often think that mental health is only associated with human beings, but it equally matters when it comes to animals too," said Sunil S Hiremath, the director of NZP. Mental health key factor You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad | Gold Rates Today in Hyderabad | Silver Rates Today in Hyderabad Various studies in the past few years have validated the importance of mental health in animals and have identified various mental health conditions that animals face. According to a study done by nine recognised veterinary scientists from different prestigious universities across the world called the '2020 Five Domains Model', findings revealed that the physical and mental state of animals are inherently linked. The study recognised that the mental health of animals is central to their welfare, which gets compromised if the other four domains—nutrition, health, environment, and behaviour—are negatively affected. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Diversify your portfolio with Edelweiss NFO Edelweiss Mutual Fund AMC Undo Other studies have reported depression-like conditions in animals when they were exposed to solitary confinement, loss of a loved one, and chronic stress. Animals also experience a condition called zoochosis, which is a state of mental anguish exhibited by captive animals as a result of stress, frustration, or deprivation of natural needs. "It becomes extremely difficult for an animal when it gets taken away from its natural habitat and put in a zoo. At the zoo, they are suddenly exposed to conditions they are not used to, like restrictions and relatively small spaces, which can make them feel claustrophobic. If necessary steps are not taken to deal with this, there's a high chance that an animal can become dull and very sick," said Deepak Tarun, an educator working with the zoo. What is Moot Enrichment? The moot enrichment programme, which the zoo has been implementing since 2018, involves structures put up in the enclosures with the goal of creating an environment where the animal can be engaged, active, and happy. The kind of structures that are put up varies from animal to animal. "Just like how different methods work for different people, the same is the case with animals. For example, monkeys get immense happiness from swinging, so we have put up rope ladders for them to do just that. Leopards and jaguars love to perch on top of tall trees, so we have set up elevated corridors in their enclosures to provide an experience very similar to that. With tigers and lions, we make them work to get their food by placing it at a certain height, giving them a form of physical exercise and also enabling critical thinking in the process," Deepak explained. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. "Get the latest news updates on Times of India, including reviews of the movie Coolie and War 2 ."
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Urban women at risk of anemia: How to detect and prevent it
Anemia, a condition marked by a shortage of healthy red blood cells necessary to carry adequate oxygen to the body's tissues, has traditionally been seen as a challenge primarily affecting rural India. However, recent data shows a worrying shift: urban women are now increasingly experiencing this silent health crisis. Despite better access to healthcare, improved sanitation, and higher living standards, factors such as poor dietary choices, irregular meal patterns, busy lifestyles, and socio-economic pressures are contributing to the rising prevalence of anemia in city settings. Iron deficiency, vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies, and inadequate consumption of nutrient-rich foods like leafy greens, pulses, and lean proteins are common culprits. Additionally, lifestyle factors including stress, irregular sleep, and high consumption of processed foods can exacerbate the problem. The growing incidence of anemia among urban women according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and a survey conducted by The National Family Health Survey highlights the need for greater awareness, proactive screening, and nutrition-focused interventions to protect their health, productivity, and overall well-being. Understanding anemia: A growing concern for urban women Anemia is most commonly caused by iron deficiency, but insufficient levels of other essential nutrients like folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin A also contribute significantly to the condition. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare , anemia occurs when hemoglobin levels in the blood are too low, reducing its capacity to transport oxygen to vital organs and tissues. This oxygen shortage can lead to fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and compromised immune function. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Diversify your portfolio with Edelweiss NFO Edelweiss Mutual Fund AMC Undo In addition to nutritional deficiencies, factors such as menstrual blood loss, pregnancy, chronic illnesses, and poor dietary diversity can exacerbate anemia, particularly among women. Understanding the multifactorial causes of anemia is critical for prevention, timely diagnosis, and effective treatment strategies, especially in urban populations where lifestyle and dietary habits may increase vulnerability. Alarming statistics: The prevalence of anemia in urban India The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), conducted between 2019 and 2021, reveals a concerning trend: 57% of Indian women aged 15–49 years are anemic, compared to just 25% of men in the same age group. This stark gender disparity highlights how women, particularly of reproductive age, are disproportionately affected by anemia due to factors such as menstrual blood loss, pregnancy, and nutritional deficiencies. The data underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions, including nutrition education, iron and vitamin supplementation, and lifestyle modifications. Addressing anemia among women is not only critical for their own health but also has broader implications for family well-being and community development. Adequate hemoglobin levels support energy, cognitive function, and immunity, enabling women to lead productive lives. Without focused measures, the high prevalence of anemia can perpetuate cycles of poor health, reduced work capacity, and intergenerational nutritional challenges, making it a pressing public health concern that demands immediate attention. Factors contributing to anemia among urban women Dietary habits Urban diets often include a high intake of processed foods, leading to nutritional deficiencies. The consumption of dark green leafy vegetables, rich in iron, remains suboptimal among urban women. Lifestyle choices Sedentary lifestyles and increased stress levels can exacerbate health issues, including anemia. The lack of physical activity and poor dietary choices contribute to the condition. Socio-Economic factors Women from lower socio-economic backgrounds are more susceptible to anemia. Limited access to nutritious food and healthcare services increases the risk. Educational levels Lower levels of education are associated with higher rates of anemia. Educated women are more likely to be aware of nutritional needs and health services. Government initiatives to combat anemia The Indian government has launched several initiatives to address anemia: Anemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) Program : This program focuses on reducing anemia through iron and folic acid supplementation, deworming, and improving dietary practices. POSHAN Abhiyaan : A national mission to improve nutritional outcomes for children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. School Health Program : Aimed at screening and treating anemia among school-going children and adolescents. Anemia among urban women in India is a complex and multifaceted health issue that demands comprehensive, targeted strategies. Public health campaigns play a crucial role in raising awareness about the causes, risks, and prevention of anemia, while regular health screenings help identify cases early, allowing timely intervention. Improving dietary habits by promoting iron-rich foods, fortified products, and balanced nutrition is essential for preventing nutrient deficiencies that contribute to anemia. In addition, lifestyle modifications, such as stress management, adequate sleep, and education on healthy eating practices, can further support women's overall well-being. Collaboration between healthcare providers, government programs, and community organizations is vital to ensure these interventions reach those most at risk. By addressing these factors holistically, India can significantly reduce anemia prevalence, empowering urban women to lead healthier, more productive lives and strengthening the health of entire communities. Also read| Why doctors advise against salt and sugar for babies: Balancing tradition and nutrition "Get the latest news updates on Times of India, including reviews of the movie Coolie and War 2 ."
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Doctor shares natural ways to lower cholesterol without medication
High cholesterol is often a silent threat, gradually increasing the risk of serious health problems like heart disease and stroke without noticeable symptoms until significant damage has occurred. The good news, however, is that you don't always need medication to start lowering it. Small, consistent changes to your diet and lifestyle can have a big impact, and many of them are surprisingly simple. Dr. Madison Brown, a family medicine physician assistant with 24 years of experience, recommends these natural, research-backed ways to bring your cholesterol into a healthier range. Eat more soluble fiber Foods like oats, lentils, chia seeds, and flax seeds are rich in soluble fiber, which binds to cholesterol in your digestive system and helps carry it out of the body through waste. A meta- analysis in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that just 5–10 grams of soluble fiber a day can lower LDL ('bad') cholesterol by about 5%. The fiber forms a gel-like substance in the gut, trapping cholesterol before it enters your bloodstream. Adding a bowl of oatmeal or sprinkling flax seeds into your smoothie is a simple, tasty way to start. Fill your plate with plants Fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds don't just add color to your meals; they bring plant sterols and stanols, natural compounds that help block the absorption of cholesterol. According to the National Cholesterol Education Program, consuming about 2 grams of plant sterols daily can reduce LDL cholesterol by up to 10%. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Sore Knees? These Foods Could Be Your Natural Solution Undo Plants also offer antioxidants that protect your arteries and more fiber to help clear cholesterol. Swap trans fats for healthy fats Trans fats, often found in processed snacks, fried foods, and some margarines, can raise LDL cholesterol and lower HDL ('good') cholesterol. The American Heart Association recommends replacing these with healthier fats, like those from olive oil, avocado, walnuts, and fatty fish such as salmon or sardines. Omega-3 fatty acids from these foods not only support heart health but can also lower triglycerides and slightly raise HDL. A diet rich in healthy fats improves the balance between 'good' and 'bad' cholesterol, keeping your arteries clearer and your heart happier. Get moving every day You don't need an intense gym routine to boost your cholesterol profile. Experts advise that 30 minutes of brisk walking five days a week can increase HDL levels while also improving blood circulation. Physical activity helps enzymes move LDL from the blood to the liver, where it can be processed and removed. Cut back on sugar and refined carbs High sugar and refined carb intake can raise triglyceride levels, which increases your risk of heart disease. A study found that people getting more than 25% of their calories from added sugar had a higher risk of dying from heart-related issues. Reducing sugary drinks, candies, white bread, and pastries can help bring triglycerides down and keep blood sugar steady. "Get the latest news updates on Times of India, including reviews of the movie Coolie and War 2 ."
