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Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Karnata Govt agency orders dispatch of 89,389 vials of rabies vaccine to hospitals
Bengaluru: In response to growing concerns over the shortage of emergency vaccines, the state health dept has initiated corrective measures to ensure the uninterrupted availability of anti-rabies vaccines (ARV) and anti-snake venom (ASV) across the state. The move comes after several public hospitals reported dwindling stocks and delayed updates on the e-Aushada platform, triggering fears of delayed treatment for animal attack and snakebite victims—conditions that require immediate medical intervention. Currently, 1.5 lakh vials of ARV are available in state-run hospitals. To further bolster supplies, the Karnataka State Medical Supplies Corporation (KSMSCL), the nodal agency for procurement, issued an order to dispatch 89,389 vials of rabies immunoglobulin to hospitals across the state within the next two weeks. Dr Raghunandan, deputy director of non-communicable diseases (NCD), told TOI that while some vaccine stock is available in hospitals, the larger supply for this year is still in the procurement stage at KSMSCL. "We realised the available quantity would not be sufficient for ongoing treatments. Instructions have been issued to ensure strict compliance with stock management protocols and real-time inventory updates in all govt health facilities," he said. Asked about the readiness of storage infrastructure, Dr Raghunandan clarified that the department scaled up facilities to safely store the incoming stock. "We ramped up storage to ensure none of the vials goes to waste. Our focus is on 100% utilisation without unnecessary discards," he added. Karnataka has reported 1.9 lakh dog bites and 16 related deaths, along with 4,786 snakebites and 36 fatalities so far this year. To streamline the vaccine supply and prevent future lapses, the department issued a fresh set of operational guidelines to district health authorities and institutional medical officers. Facilities have been instructed to update patient-wise drug usage daily on the Aushada software, allowing real-time visibility of stocks and consumption. Indents must now be raised strictly based on actual usage, not assumptions or stockpiling, to prevent hoarding and ensure equitable distribution. District officials have been directed to monitor stock levels closely, track usage patterns, and intervene to avoid artificial shortages. Hospitals holding excess stock must redistribute it within their districts before placing fresh requests, and all local procurements must be recorded immediately on the Aushada platform to maintain visibility at all levels. Compliance will be closely monitored by the district health officers and reported to the state's Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP). The department warned that any institutional lapses in following these protocols will invite strict action.
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Snakebite deaths surge from 10 to 21 in first 4 months of year in Karnataka
Bengaluru: According to the health department, over 3,300 snakebite cases and 21 deaths were reported in Karnataka this year till April 28, up from 1,800 and 10, respectively, in the corresponding period last year. On Monday, the department issued a govt order outlining a broad strategy to reduce deaths and disabilities due to snakebites. The programme focuses on early diagnosis, ensuring availability of quality anti-snake venom (ASV), strengthening healthcare provider skills, and running community education campaigns. It emphasises rapid response, with treatment ideally beginning within the post-bite 'golden hour'. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru Even as the govt expands its efforts, serious challenges remain. Reporting is still inconsistent, with several medical colleges and private hospitals either failing to report all cases or delaying data submission. A significant proportion of victims also continue to seek help from traditional healers instead of medical facilities. An audit highlighted in the govt order revealed that about 40% of snakebite deaths were linked to such delays. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like It's Hard To Believe But Every Guy Had A Crush On Her In The 90s Boite A Scoop Undo So far this year, Shivamogga tops the chart with 214 reported snakebite cases, followed by Dakshina Kannada (196) and Mandya (175). Bengaluru has reported 123 cases so far. Chamarajanagar, Dharwad, and Udupi districts have reported the highest number of deaths, with three each. In 2024, there were 13,235 snakebite cases and 100 deaths. Dr Ansar Ahmed, project director at the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, said the state has strengthened its response to snakebites in recent months. "ASV stocks have been bolstered and made readily available, from primary health centres to district hospitals," he explained. "Standard procedures are now in place mandating an initial loading dose of 10 vials of ASV for any snakebite case with signs of envenomation. We've also conducted specialised training for physicians and medical officers at different levels." Gaps in system Ahmed, however, acknowledged that the system is still grappling with gaps. "While awareness has led to more cases being reported, there remains a significant gap between the number of snakebites that occur and those officially recorded. Such medical issues may be prevented with prompt availability of ASV, timely transportation and referral of patients. With focus on education and awareness among people, we hope to manage the situation and better it," he said. "Deaths are 100% preventable, and the department is working hard to bring the cases down," said Harsh Gupta, principal secretary, health and family welfare. "We now plan to look into each death individually to find solutions to curb the numbers. Community awareness must be created through information, education, and communication activities involving other departments as well. The commissioner has also requested that a district-level mechanism be established to strengthen local response." To ensure close monitoring of fatalities, the govt has expanded the role of existing H1N1 death audit committees at the district level and tasked them with auditing snakebite deaths.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Seasats raises funding to expand autonomous maritime solutions
Autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs) developer Seasats has announced the closure of a $10m funding round led by Shield Capital, with contributions from Aero X Ventures, Techstars, and other investors. This investment will accelerate the global deployment of Seasats' maritime autonomy solutions, including the Lightfish, an 11ft solar-powered ASV launched in 2023. The Lightfish is designed for operation with minimal training and can undertake complex missions that last several months. Furthermore, it is currently employed in various applications such as subsea mapping, oil spill monitoring, and border protection. Shield Capital managing partner Philip Bilden said: 'Shield is proud to partner with the accomplished team at Seasats as they continue to innovate and redefine the maritime landscape. 'Seasats is well-positioned to capitalise on the massive opportunities of autonomous surface vehicles to address global security challenges by the US military, allies, and commercial customers.' The Lightfish is gaining recognition for its speed, reliability and cost-effectiveness in both defence and commercial markets, according to the company. It recently completed a more than 7,000-mile journey from San Diego to Japan. Seasats CEO Mike Flanigan said: 'We're redefining the future of the maritime world, and having top-tier partners onboard has been essential to scaling our impact. 'Industry leaders like L3Harris Technologies and Techstars have helped us tremendously, and this new partnership with Shield marks another major milestone for us.' In June 2024, L3Harris Technologies and Seasats successfully tested an ASV in the Pacific Ocean. The surfboard-sized ASV travelled 2,500 miles from San Diego, California, to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, completing a ten-week journey. The test demonstrated the ASV's reliability and ability to operate continuously in challenging conditions, according to L3Harris. "Seasats raises funding to expand autonomous maritime solutions" was originally created and published by Ship Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
