Latest news with #DMHO
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
First suspected COVID-19 case reported in Andhra's Annamayya district
TIRUAPTI: A suspected COVID-19 case was reported in Madanapalle on Saturday, marking the first such instance in Annamayya district. The individual, Nagendra (27), had recently returned from Kerala, where he had been seeking employment. Nagendra reportedly developed a cough and fever while in Kerala. His sister, a resident of Madanapalle, travelled to Ernakulam and arranged for medical tests at a local hospital. Although tests were conducted for multiple illnesses including COVID-19, doctors found no specific symptoms of the virus but advised home quarantine due to his persistent fever. After returning to Madanapalle, his sister consulted doctors at the Government General Hospital, requesting admission and further tests. The hospital staff recommended an RT-PCR, stating that a COVID-19 diagnosis can only be confirmed based on its results. They also assured that Nagendra would be quarantined and treated at the hospital if the test is positive. On Saturday, Nagendra informed district health officials that he was travelling to SVIMS in Tirupati to undergo the RT-PCR test and would remain in quarantine there if necessary. District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO) Dr Usha Sree clarified that no case has been officially confirmed, and urged the public not to panic in response to unverified messages circulating on social media. Health officials visited Nagendra's residence and advised them on safety protocols.
Hans India
3 days ago
- Health
- Hans India
Awareness rally held on World No Tobacco Day
Kurnool: On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day, the District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO), Dr Shanti Kala, led an awareness rally from the District Medical and Health Office to the Collectorate on Saturday. The rally included the participation of ASHA workers and office staff and aimed to spread awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco consumption. The rally was flagged off by Dr Shanti Kala in the presence of program officers from the health department. Speaking on the occasion, she stated that World No Tobacco Day is observed every year on May 31 to highlight the health risks associated with tobacco use and to advocate for effective policies to reduce consumption. This year's theme, 'Protecting youth from industry manipulation and preventing them from tobacco and nicotine use', focuses on exposing the deceptive strategies used by the tobacco industry. Dr Shanti Kala emphasized that what begins as a casual habit often turns into a deadly addiction, leading to life-threatening diseases. As part of the programme, ASHA workers took a pledge to spread awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and to actively participate in anti-tobacco campaigns. Dr Shailesh Kumar, District NCD Officer; Dr Nagaprasad; Dr Raghu; Dr Uma; Dr Rama Sirisha; Dr Nissi Grace; Demo Srinivasulu Shetty; Deputy Demo Chandrasekhar Reddy; DPO Vijayaraju; Fluorosis Consultant Sudhakar; NTCP Psychologist Chandrasekhar; Social Worker Somashekar Swamy; DCM Prasad; HE Padmavati; Consultant Mallikarjun; Projectionist Khaleel, and a large number of ASHA workers participated in the rally.
Hans India
5 days ago
- Health
- Hans India
Violations in drug sale rampant in Wanaparthy
Wanaparthy: Monthly drug sales in the district have crossed the Rs 10 crore mark but all is not well in the business. A large portion of this sale is allegedly illegally driven by unlicensed medical shops operating without proper permits and proper oversight. Of the 320 medical shops in the district, more than 100 running unofficially. Over half of these are operating without proper licence. Moreover, medical shops are required to issue receipts for any purchase but there are allegations that receipts are not being provided and prices charged are above MRP. Generic medicines are being sold at high prices as if they are branded. 'The Drugs and Cosmetics Act is not being properly enforced, indicating a lack of supervision from ground-level drug control officers,' said a local. 'Even kirana shops are selling tablets,' said Ramesh, resident of Pebbair. 'In emergencies, they are exploiting people by charging high prices. Officials must act against such practices,' he said. Some medical shop operators are reportedly bringing in doctors from Hyderabad, Kurnool and other areas without any authorisation, using their names to attract patients and sell medicines. To run a clinic or hospital, DMHO approval is required. However, many shop-owners in the district are ignoring these regulations and are running businesses illegally, earning large sums by violating norms. Companies are reportedly making deals with shop-owners and doctors, offering commissions between 25% and 40% for selling their products. As a result, doctors are allegedly prescribing these medicines to patients regardless of necessity, focusing more on meeting company-imposed sales targets than on patient care. 'Violation of rules will lead to action,' warned Drug Inspector Rashmika. 'Last year, we registered 15 cases in the district. Some shops selling banned drugs have already been seized and are under court jurisdiction. People must insist on taking a receipt when purchasing medicines from any medical shop. Everyone should be aware of this,' she underscored.
Hans India
5 days ago
- Health
- Hans India
Collector urges people to strive for TB-free society
Eluru: District Collector K Vetriselvi has called upon people to strive for a tuberculosis-free society. She unveiled awareness posters and pamphlets on tuberculosis eradication as part of the intensified TB Mukt Bharat campaign at the Collectorate here on Friday. Speaking on this occasion, she said that the Central and State governments are taking special steps to prevent tuberculosis. Under the TB Poshan Abhiyan, tests will be conducted for tuberculosis patients and medicines will be provided free of cost. Those with symptoms should get tested at the nearest health centres and take medicines. Under the Prime Minister's TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, anyone can adopt a TB patient and register as a Nikshay Mitra. For this, they can contact the Ni-Kshay Sampark helpline 1800-11-6666 toll-free. TB should be defeated not only through treatment but also through prevention. The Collector suggested officials strive for removing misconceptions about this disease and proper precautions should be taken. She said that in the current situation where technology has developed, the diagnosis of this disease has become easier. By identifying every case, this disease can be completely eradicated. Cough alone is not a sign of TB. If anyone experiences symptoms such as a sudden change in physical health, a cough with sputum, blood in the sputum, fever, chest pain, fatigue, nausea, or hives or swelling in any part of the body, they should contact the nearest health care provider, she said. DMHO Dr R Malini, DIO Dr Nageswara Rao and others participated in the programme.
Hans India
6 days ago
- Health
- Hans India
Officials Vow Strict Action Against Sex Determination: PCPNDT Act Reviewed in Jogulamba Gadwal
Gadwal: A District Advisory Committee meeting on the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994, was held at the District Medical and Health Department Office in Jogulamba Gadwal under the chairmanship of Dr. S.K. Siddappa, District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO). The meeting focused on reviewing the implementation of the PCPNDT Act and ensuring strict compliance across all departments. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Siddappa emphasized the urgent need to spread awareness at the field level about the ban on sex determination tests and the legal consequences of female foeticide. He urged officials from various line departments to engage with communities regularly to educate people about the Act, especially in rural and remote areas. Highlighting the seriousness of the issue, the DMHO stated that any person or medical professional found violating the PCPNDT Act would face up to 3 years of imprisonment, a fine of ₹50,000, and non-bailable charges. Repeat offenders could face 5 years in prison and fines up to ₹1 lakh. In addition, the licenses of medical practitioners and the registration of clinics involved could be suspended or permanently cancelled. Dr. Siddappa also called for widespread awareness of related laws, such as the POCSO Act and the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, which are crucial for protecting women and children's rights. He further advised that pregnant women experiencing mental health issues should be made aware of the 14416 toll-free helpline, which offers free mental health support. The meeting was attended by key health and welfare officials, including Dr. B. Damayanthi, Professor and HOD, Dr. G. Prasoona Rani, Maternal and Child Health Officer, Tanveer Rizwana, District Immunization Officer, Dr. G. Raju, Program Officer, NCVBDCP, K. Madhusudan Reddy, Deputy DEMO, P. Narendra Babu, DVLM, G. Narasayya, Health Assistant, and B. Narsinglu, District Child Protection Officer. Representatives from the Women and Child Welfare Department, the SAHKI One Stop Centre, and NGOs such as Parashuramudu also participated. The meeting concluded with a unanimous resolution to intensify interdepartmental cooperation, enhance monitoring mechanisms, and ensure that all diagnostic centers strictly adhere to the PCPNDT Act. Officials reiterated their commitment to protecting the rights of the girl child and improving the gender ratio in the district.
