Latest news with #ChristinaZChongthu
Hans India
27-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Gearing up for monsoon: Damodar calls for advanced disease surveillance
Hyderabad:As part of measures to improve preparedness for seasonal illnesses in the upcoming monsoon, Health Minister C Damodar Rajanarasimha on Monday directed officials to have an evolved surveillance system across both State and Central institutions for acute respiratory illnesses and vector-borne diseases like dengue, chikungunya, typhoid in collaboration with CCMB, CDFD, NIN-ICMR, AIIMS Bibinagar and NIMS. The minister convened a high-level review meeting at the Secretariat to assess the COVID situation and preparedness for prevention and control of seasonal diseases in the State. During the deliberations, the subject-matter experts briefed him on the COVID trends in India and globally. It was informed that, based on existing data and ongoing research, the situation was under control and does not pose any significant public health threat. Though sporadic increases in cases have been reported in some countries, hospitalisation rates remain negligible. It was further emphasised that persons with co-morbidities or compromised immunity should exercise due caution, while there is no cause for general alarm among the public. Experts informed that India has largely achieved herd immunity, which was contributing to stabilisation of the situation. They noted that asymptomatic and silent transmissions are being observed occasionally, but these are subsiding without major impact. The minister stressed that public should rely on the inputs from experts across prominent medical and research institutions and avoid unrest. The minister issued directions to strengthen preparedness for seasonal illnesses, including maintaining sanitation, vector control and district-level coordination for the monsoon should be taken up proactively. As agricultural activity increases during monsoon, there was a potential rise in snake and scorpion-bite incidents. All healthcare facilities from PHCs to teaching hospitals must also be equipped with requisite anti-venom and supportive medication. He reiterated the government commitment to ensure robust public health preparedness and directed all concerned officials to remain vigilant and proactive in implementation of the measures. Health Secretary Christina Z Chongthu, director of CCMB Dr Vinay Nandicoori, AIIMS director Dr Abhishek Aror and others attended the meeting.
New Indian Express
25-05-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Telangana reviews Covid readiness; urges vigilance against monsoon diseases
HYDERABAD: Health Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the Covid-19 situation and the Health department's readiness to manage seasonal diseases. Health Secretary Christina Z Chongthu, senior officials, and epidemiologists attended the meeting. Experts noted that while some countries have seen a slight uptick in Covid cases, hospitalisation rates remain low. In India, the situation is stable with limited JN.1 variant cases, which currently pose no major concern. No new advisories have been issued by the Union Health Ministry. Epidemiologists confirmed that Covid-19 has been in the endemic phase for nearly three years, with minor fluctuations expected. A rise in respiratory infections is anticipated due to seasonal weather, but herd immunity and mild symptoms suggest there is no immediate cause for concern. Healthcare infrastructure is well-equipped, with adequate testing kits and medicines. The minister emphasised the importance of monitoring national and global trends and continuing public education on Covid-19's endemic status. He also urged citizens to stay vigilant during the monsoon season, highlighting the need for preventive measures against vector-borne diseases like dengue and malaria. He directed the Health department to ensure sufficient stocks of medicines and called for coordinated action with allied departments to strengthen disease prevention efforts statewide.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Niloufer superintendent suspended for unauthorised private medical store construction in hospital
Hyderabad: The health department on Friday suspended Niloufer Hospital in-charge superintendent Dr N Ravi Kumar for allegedly allowing construction of a private medical store within the hospital premises without official permission. Officials also demolished the store on Friday. The suspension order issued by Telangana health secretary Christina Z Chongthu read: "In the circumstances reported by the director of medical education (DME), Hyderabad, govt places Dr N Ravi Kumar, in-charge superintendent, Niloufer Hospital, Hyderabad, under suspension." Dr G Vijay Kumar, professor of paediatrics at Niloufer Hospital, has been appointed as the new in-charge superintendent until further orders. A source from the health department told TOI that the construction of the medical shop had begun around three days ago and came to notice of authorities after media reports. "The superintendent (Ravi Kumar) had told media persons that permission was given by CMO, Hyderabad collector, DME, and other authorities. But there was no such official permission. Hence, he was placed under suspension for misguiding everyone," the source added. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Esta nueva alarma con cámara es casi regalada en Villa Domínico (ver precio) Verisure Más información Undo Acknowledging to TOI that he received the suspension order, Dr Kumar, however, refused to comment further. DME A Narendra Kumar told TOI, "There is no provision to setup a private medical shop within a govt health setup unless permission is taken. This is because the govt itself provids medicines from its own medical shops. However, the concerned superintendent had not obtained any permission and he was also not able to stop the construction, which reflects his inefficiency." Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes , messages and quotes !
New Indian Express
13-05-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Health department in Telangana holds review meeting on medical emergency preparedness
HYDERABAD: In the wake of prevailing tensions between India and Pakistan, the Health department conducted a review meeting with other departments, including State Disaster Response and Fire Services, on health system preparedness in an emergency, on Monday. According to officials, all government and private hospitals are well prepared in terms of availability of beds, medicine stocks, power backup, blood, etc. Control rooms have been set up at the state headquarters and at the district level to receive calls and alert concerned authorities in case of medical emergencies. The meeting was chaired by HM&FW department health secretary Dr Christina Z Chongthu. Y Nagi Reddy, Director General, Telangana State Disaster Response and Fire Services, and representatives of Indian Medical Association, Indian Red Cross, Telangana Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association (THANA) and Telangana Super Specialty Hospitals Association (TSHA) participated in the meeting. Medical equipment in 45 days, says minister Damodar Rajanarasimha In another review meeting conducted by Health Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha in Vikarabad, he stressed the need to strengthen medical education in all PHCs and sub-centres in the district. The minister stated that medical equipment and infrastructure for the Government General Hospital (GGH) will be provided within 45 days. He sanctioned MRI scan equipment for GGH and establishment of a new trauma centre in the district.
