Renovation works of Somwarpet govt hosp nearing completion
Madikeri: The renovation works of Somwarpet Government Hospital, which started at a cost of Rs 1.6 crore, are nearing completion, according to the members of the Arogya Raksha Samithi.
Speaking to reporters, Raksha Samithi member Manjula Harish said currently, Rs 17 lakh worth of medicines, tablets, and chemicals required for high-tech blood testing unit have been purchased. "All types of tests are conducted for patients in the hospital itself. All medicines and tablets are available," he said.
The govt hospital in the town is ready to provide various types of treatment to the patients. He informed that 8 to 9 doctors are available in the hospital every Monday, and medicines and tablets are being distributed to the patients in the hospital itself.
MLA Manthar Gowda, who is the chairman of the Raksha Samithi, is continuing all efforts to equip the hospital. A total of eight doctors are on duty in the hospital, and the services of a paediatrician will be available within a week. Surgeons, rheumatologists, obstetricians, ENT specialists, physicians, and dentists are available. He said joint and bone specialists are available on Monday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday.
An ophthalmologist, pulmonologist, and paediatrician are available on Mondays at the Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences. Anaesthesiologists are available two days a week, and all types of surgical treatments are being done, he informed.
Member KP Ravish said 200 to 300 patients are receiving treatment on Mondays. "Six machines are working in the dialysis unit. Four hundred dialysis cycles are done per month.
Forty-one patients are receiving treatment," he said.
Covid wards, ventilators, and oxygen concentrators are available for needy patients. CB NAT new equipment is available, and TB disease can be detected very quickly. The anaesthesia workstation is working. Currently, three ambulance vehicles are available in the hospital. He said the selection counselling for officers and staff will be held at the DHO office on Friday, and the vacant posts in Somwarpet hospital will be filled.
The conference was attended by Raksha Samithi members NN Ramesh, HK Lokesh, and Jacob Simon.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
ACB Files Case Against AAP's Jain, Bharadwaj
New Delhi: The Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) has registered a case against former health ministers Saurabh Bharadwaj and Satyendar Jain, besides some govt officials and private contractors, alleging large-scale corruption in Delhi govt's health infrastructure projects. The investigation is claimed to have revealed massive irregularities, unexplained delays and significant misappropriation of funds in the construction of various hospitals, polyclinics and ICU infrastructure across the city. ACB is in the process of sending summons to the two former AAP ministers as well as a few govt officers of the health and PWD departments, proprietors of two private firms, contractors and some private individuals, according to sources. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi The FIR filed by the agency reveals systematic manipulation of project budgets, misuse of public funds and collusion with private contractors. "Substantial deviations and cost escalations, amounting to several hundred crores, were observed. Not a single project was completed within the prescribed timeline. Serious violations of rules, tender conditions and financial protocols were uncovered during scrutiny, revealing deliberate delays, inflated project costs, rejection of viable alternatives, and the creation of idle assets -- collectively leading to massive losses to the public exchequer," ACB said in its statement. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo The probe began last year after a complaint was filed by Vijender Gupta, the then Leader of Opposition, on Aug 22, 2024, alleging irregularities and suspected corruption in various health infrastructure projects. According to ACB, 24 hospital projects worth Rs 5,590 crore were sanctioned in 2018-19, but these were plagued by inexplicable delays and astronomical cost overruns, indicating massive financial embezzlement. "Similarly, the Rs 1,125 crore ICU Hospital Project, covering seven pre-engineered facilities with a total of 6,800 beds, remains only 50% complete after nearly three years and expenditure of Rs 800 crore, despite an initial six-month completion timeline," ACB said. The probe claimed to have revealed unauthorised additional construction at govt hospitals in Jwalapuri — by M/s Parnika Commercial & Estate Pvt Ltd — and Madipur — by M/s Ramacivil India Construction Pvt Ltd — carried out without approval from competent authorities. Notably, the Madipur hospital project was to be completed by Nov 2022, but remains abandoned and far from completion, states the FIR. Further, it was revealed that the seven ICU hospitals, contracted to M/s SAM India Buildwell Pvt Ltd, witnessed cost escalations exceeding 100%, with construction still incomplete well beyond the deadline of Feb 2022. "The new block at LNJP Hospital, awarded to M/s Swadeshi Civil Infrastructure Pvt Ltd, saw project costs escalate from Rs 488 crore to Rs 1,135 crore over four years, with the structure still incomplete beyond its Jan 2023 deadline," the FIR added. Additionally, the polyclinic project also indicated misuse of funds -- only 52 out of 94 planned clinics were constructed, while the cost rose from Rs 168 crore to Rs 220 crore. Many of these polyclinics remain non-functional, ACB said. "Despite a public announcement in 2016–17, the Health Information Management System (HIMS) -- a crucial tool for ensuring financial transparency in the health department -- remained unimplemented. A free, cost-effective solution from NIC (e-Hospital) was deliberately rejected without justification," ACB said. Based on the findings, a proposal seeking prior approval under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act was submitted against the former health ministers. The FIR was filed after an approval was received from lieutenant governor V K Saxena. "Accordingly, FIR No. 37/2025 dated June 26, 2025 under Section 13(1) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, read with Sections 409, 420, and 120-B of IPC, has been registered against Saurabh Bharadwaj, Satyendar Jain, yet to be identified govt officials, and private contractors. A comprehensive investigation has been launched to uncover the full extent of the alleged conspiracy and determine the roles and accountability of the former ministers, officials, and private entities involved," ACB added.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Renovation works of Somwarpet govt hosp nearing completion
Madikeri: The renovation works of Somwarpet Government Hospital, which started at a cost of Rs 1.6 crore, are nearing completion, according to the members of the Arogya Raksha Samithi. Speaking to reporters, Raksha Samithi member Manjula Harish said currently, Rs 17 lakh worth of medicines, tablets, and chemicals required for high-tech blood testing unit have been purchased. "All types of tests are conducted for patients in the hospital itself. All medicines and tablets are available," he said. The govt hospital in the town is ready to provide various types of treatment to the patients. He informed that 8 to 9 doctors are available in the hospital every Monday, and medicines and tablets are being distributed to the patients in the hospital itself. MLA Manthar Gowda, who is the chairman of the Raksha Samithi, is continuing all efforts to equip the hospital. A total of eight doctors are on duty in the hospital, and the services of a paediatrician will be available within a week. Surgeons, rheumatologists, obstetricians, ENT specialists, physicians, and dentists are available. He said joint and bone specialists are available on Monday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. An ophthalmologist, pulmonologist, and paediatrician are available on Mondays at the Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences. Anaesthesiologists are available two days a week, and all types of surgical treatments are being done, he informed. Member KP Ravish said 200 to 300 patients are receiving treatment on Mondays. "Six machines are working in the dialysis unit. Four hundred dialysis cycles are done per month. Forty-one patients are receiving treatment," he said. Covid wards, ventilators, and oxygen concentrators are available for needy patients. CB NAT new equipment is available, and TB disease can be detected very quickly. The anaesthesia workstation is working. Currently, three ambulance vehicles are available in the hospital. He said the selection counselling for officers and staff will be held at the DHO office on Friday, and the vacant posts in Somwarpet hospital will be filled. The conference was attended by Raksha Samithi members NN Ramesh, HK Lokesh, and Jacob Simon.
The Print
8 hours ago
- The Print
In battle for Indian anti-obesity market, Eli Lilly's pre-filled pen on one side, Novo Nordisk's on other
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has granted marketing authorisation for Mounjaro in the KwikPen presentation, Eli Lilly said in a statement Thursday, adding that the approval marks an important step in advancing care for people living with type 2 diabetes and obesity in India. Mounjaro by US-based Eli Lilly & Company, which has tirzepatide as its active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), was launched in India on 20 March this year in vial format, which meant it was more cumbersome to administer. New Delhi: Eli Lilly India, makers of the obesity drug Mounjaro, said Thursday that they have received approvals from the Indian regulator for their pre-filled pen, a day after competitor Novo Nordisk's global mega-selling drug for obesity, Wegovy, hit the Indian markets. The pens offer a convenient way for patients to take their medication. First developed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes in lower doses, both Mounjaro and Wegovy are weekly injections intended to dramatically reduce weight in obese patients. They have emerged as global sensations in the pharmaceutical market world over, with their sales reaching multi-billion-dollar figures. These drugs have also been fighting to dominate the obesity management space in many developed countries. They are now aiming to capture a share of the market in India, where obesity is growing rapidly, driven by changing dietary and lifestyle patterns. India's anti-obesity drug market is currently valued at Rs 3,000-3,500 crore, and is projected to grow nearly eightfold to Rs 25,000 crore by 2030, according to market estimates. A 2023 survey by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF) had shown that 25.4 crore Indians, or 28.6 percent, of the population had generalised obesity. Obesity, now recognised as a chronic, relapsing disease, is a major risk factor for diabetes and is linked to over 200 health complications, including hypertension, dyslipidemia or high blood cholesterol, coronary heart disease, and obstructive sleep apnea. Also Read: Fat-busting drug Mounjaro launched in India. Here's how much it will cost Promise of simplified treatment KwikPen, or Mounjaro, is a multi-dose, prescription-based, single-patient-use pre-filled pen designed for once-weekly administration, the company said. It also added that the full range of doses for Mounjaro—2.5 mg to 15 mg—will be available in India soon, supporting personalised treatment as recommended by treating physicians. Earlier, the vial format of the drug was launched in only two dosage strengths—2.5 mg and 5 mg—in the country. The latest announcement came after Wegovy, which has semaglutide as its API, got a strategic launch in India as an innovative, easy-to-use pre-filled pen called FlexTouch devices. It was aimed at stealing the thunder Mounjaro had by reaching Indian patients first. A less potent version of semaglutide, in the form of an oral pill-under the brand name of Rybelsus, has been available in India since 2022 for the treatment of diabetes. The Wegovy pre-filled pen has been launched in five dosing strengths: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg and 2.4 mg. While the monthly cost of the first three dosages is Rs 17,345, the higher doses will cost Rs 24,280 and Rs 26,050, respectively. Mounjaro, in the vial format, was launched at a cost of Rs 14,000 (for 2.5 mg) and Rs 17,500. Eli Lilly, however, has yet to decide the price of the Mounjaro KwikPen for all five dosages. Meanwhile, experts ThePrint spoke to said pre-filled pens will simplify treatment, making these powerful anti-obesity and diabetes medications more convenient for patients. 'With simplified administration, adherence improves, helping more individuals achieve better weight and metabolic health outcomes,' explained Mumbai-based diabetologist Dr Rajiv Kovil. Senior diabetologist and researcher Dr V. Mohan also said this could make a profound impact on the lives of lakhs of people in India. Mounjaro vs Wegovy—which is more effective Both tirzepatide and semaglutide, the prescription-only drugs, mimic the effects of natural gut hormones that work by lowering caloric intake, primarily by influencing appetite control mechanisms. Tirzepatide is a dual GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist, while semaglutide functions as a mono GLP-1 receptor agonist. Both GIP and GLP-1 are natural incretin hormones, that stimulate a decrease in blood glucose levels, found in brain regions that regulate appetite. In May this year, Lilly said in a statement that a head-to-head clinical trial comparing tirzepatide and semaglutide in their maximum tolerable doses showed the former to be significantly more effective than the latter in reducing both weight and waist circumference after 72 weeks of treatment. According to the US-based pharma giant, participants administered tirzepatide saw an average weight reduction of 20.2 percent, while those on semaglutide experienced a 13.7 percent loss—indicating a 47 percent greater relative weight loss for the former, based on the treatment regimen estimated at 72 weeks. But one advantage that semaglutide has in the higher dose strength is its ability to also treat several other metabolic conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases and kidney disorders. While Mounjaro is better than Wegovy in percentage of weight loss, there is stronger evidence in the case of Wegovy for reducing cardiovascular conditions in obese people without diabetes and also for treating kidney and diabetes, experts said. During the launch of Wegovy on 24 June, Novo Nordisk underlined that the drug is the only medication approved in India for treating major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), along with obesity. Diabetologist Kovil said, 'If there is an obese patient who does not have other major underlying issues yet, I will be more inclined towards prescribing Mounjaro.' He added that, in patients with comorbidities such as diabetes, liver or kidney disorder or cardiovascular condition, Wegovy could be a better choice as it reduces mortality and improves longevity. In response to queries by ThePrint, Eli Lilly said that Mounjaro offers a novel approach to metabolic health management, giving treating physicians an innovative option for treating both diabetes and obesity. 'Ultimately, it is up to physicians to determine the most appropriate treatment based on individual patient needs and clinical judgment,' said the drugmaker. According to Dr Ambrish Mithal, chairman and head, endocrinology and diabetes with Max Healthcare, anti-obesity drugs can be indicated for people with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 30 and above in the absence of other comorbidities. However, in people with other pre-existing conditions, either of the drugs can be initiated at a BMI of 27 and above, in conjunction with diet, lifestyle changes and under expert supervision, he said. Experts also warn about the possible side effects of GLP-1 agonist drugs amid concerns around misuse of these drugs in India, given the regulatory loopholes which allow patients to access most prescription drugs over the counter. Large clinical trials and post-marketing evidence following use of these medicines have shown that while nausea, bloating, vomiting and diarrhoea are comparatively mild side effects of these medications. In rare cases, they can also cause stomach paralysis, a disorder that affects the normal movement of the stomach muscles. In a response to queries by ThePrint, Eli Lilly emphasised that Mounjaro is a prescription-only drug and should be taken strictly under a doctor's supervision. 'Tirzepatide is not approved for, and should not be used for, cosmetic weight loss or by individuals under 18. Lilly neither promotes nor encourages the unapproved use of tirzepatide by anyone,' the company said. (Edited by Sanya Mathur) Also Read: Mounjaro will shrink India's appetite for packaged food, gyms, weight loss supplements
