Latest news with #DirectorateofPublicHealth
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
In Kovai, tattoos trend, studios grow, yet no rules in sight
Coimbatore: Despite the absence of clear guidelines or regulations governing tattooing in Tamil Nadu, the demand for tattoos—especially among youngsters—has surged in recent years in Coimbatore, transforming it into a popular urban trend. Reflecting this rise, the number of tattoo studios in Coimbatore has more than doubled in the past three years—from around 40 in 2021 to more than 100 today. "A decade ago, there were barely 10 tattoo studios in the city. Now, they are as common as beauty parlours, with at least one on every commercial street. But how many of them follow hygiene standards or employ professional artists?" questioned Vaishnavi, founder of Yara Tattoos in the city. "At our studio, we ensure to use a fresh needle and ink before we begin tattooing," she said. Her clients are mostly working professionals in the age group of 22 to 30. "Many choose names of their partners, spouses, or parents inked. Women prefer butterflies, flowers, and birds, while men often opt for tribal designs. Portrait tattoos are usually done out of deep emotion—especially of deceased loved ones. Among religious tattoos, Lord Shiva and Murugan's Vel are the most sought-after, followed by crosses among Christians." she said. Tattoo artist A Gunasekar said a 500ml bottle of ink costs between ₹2,000 and ₹3,000, depending on the quality. "Small studios charge ₹200 to ₹300 per square inch, but to cut costs, some may reuse needles and ink—posing serious health risks. Professional studios charge at least ₹500 per square inch to ensure quality and hygiene." Meanwhile, health experts have expressed concerns about the safety and hygiene in tattooing practices. Dr V Arul Selvan, associate professor of medical gastroenterology at Coimbatore Medical College Hospital, warned that improper practices—especially needle reuse—can transmit dangerous blood-borne infections such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV. "Symptoms of Hepatitis may appear only after significant liver damage. Patients can develop fatigue, jaundice, abdominal swelling, or even liver cancer in advanced stages," he explained. "Many patients, when asked about risk factors, recall getting a tattoo with reused needles." he said. He recommended the use of sterile, single-use needles and suggested that people with skin allergies undergo a patch test before getting tattooed. N Logu, secretary of Coimbatore Consumer Voice, said, "Tattoo artists and studios must be licensed. Health department officials should regularly inspect studios for cleanliness and proper sterilization practices." District health officer Dr P Balusamy said the Directorate of Public Health has recently directed them to inspect tattoo studios. "We currently have no official data on how many studios are operating. Only after inspections will we know the actual numbers," he said. "I have instructed block medical officers to conduct inspections in rural areas, while inspections within city limits will be overseen by the city health officer," he added.
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Partnership to strengthen public health system in T.N.
The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) has partnered with the Government of Tamil Nadu to strengthen the public health system in the State through indigenous and innovative health technologies. Through this, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and philanthropy partners can enable joint projects led by the Tamil Nadu government and C-CAMP. As a part of this, the Directorate of Public Health (DPH) and Preventive Medicine, Tamil Nadu and C-CAMP came together to host a 'Roundtable on Public Health 2025'. During this, they announced a strategic alliance with the aim to strengthen the State's comprehensive primary healthcare delivery through the implementation of indigenous health solutions and medical innovations. C-CAMP, a deep-science innovation hub, is an initiative supported by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India. Already, three key healthcare programmes were initiated in the State. Public health officials said that the initiatives were piloted through a collaboration with C-Camp with CSR support. One of the initiatives was 'Strengthening Last Mile Cold Chain Healthcare for Routine Immunisation and COVID-19 Vaccination' using an electronic active vaccine carrier. As part of this, solar power systems were installed at four Primary Health Centres (PHC) in Dindigul district to ensure reliable power for critical vaccine storage and medical equipment. The next phase will involve solarisation of the maternity ward operating theatre/labour room in Government Kodaikanal Hospital, a press release said. In another initiative, devices for early screening of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy were introduced at selected PHCs in three districts. During the COVID-19 pandemic and immediately after, Contactless Remote Vital Parameter Monitoring Technology was deployed in public hospitals of Coimbatore, Madurai, Tirunelveli and Chennai with CSR support. Health Secretary P. Senthilkumar, Mission Director of National Health Mission, Tamil Nadu Arun Thamburaj, Director of Public Health T.S. Selvavinayagam and Taslimarif Saiyed, C-CAMP director, participated.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Health standards to be enforced at events to curb disease spread
Chennai: The state health department, amid an increase in Covid-19 and other infectious diseases, has instructed district health officials to intensify supervision and enforcement of public health standards at large public gatherings , including religious congregations, social and cultural events, recreational programs, and political meetings. District magistrates and health officers can issue orders prohibiting assembling of people or restricting movement to contain the spread of disease, exercising powers under the Tamil Nadu Public Health Act , 1939, a circular from Dr T S Selvavinayagam of Directorate of Public Health (DPH) said. "It is imperative to enforce public health standards to prevent disease outbreaks, ensure sanitation and public safety," he said. While the primary responsibility for ensuring essential services - water supply, sanitation, and waste disposal - rests with event organisers, local authorities are empowered to supervise, inspect, and enforce public health measures to ensure all necessary arrangements are in place. If local authorities fail, health officials must verify that organisers provide adequate sanitation, including toilets, safe drinking water, and proper waste disposal. All food stalls and temporary eateries require inspection and licensing. The public must have access to potable water, with sources subject to testing and chlorination monitoring. Vector control and solid waste management plans are mandatory, with real-time collection and adequate staffing for sanitation teams. Health officers must supervise all arrangements. They also have the authority to issue immediate orders for deficiencies. Non-compliance will be penalised under the Tamil Nadu Public Health Act, 1939.
The Hindu
26-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Health officers told to step up measures to curb disease outbreak
: Health officers can exercise their supervisory and enforcement responsibility to uphold public health standards during public gatherings to prevent disease outbreaks. In case of a public health emergency, District Magistrates and health officers are authorised under Section 75 of Tamil Nadu Public Health Act 1939 to issue orders prohibiting assemblies or restricting movement to contain the spread of disease. This comes in the wake of increasing frequency and magnitude of public gatherings across the State. This includes religious congregations, social and cultural events, recreational programmes, and political meetings. It is imperative to enforce public health safeguards to prevent disease outbreaks, ensure sanitation, and protect public safety, the Directorate of Public Health (DPH) and Preventive Medicine said. The directorate said the primary responsibility for ensuring essential services such as water supply, waste disposal, and sanitation rests with the event organisers. It further said that the local authority was empowered to supervise, inspect, and enforce public health measures to ensure all necessary arrangements were in place to prevent potential outbreaks. The district, city, and municipal health officers should supervise, inspect, and enforce public health arrangements made by the organisers. Adequate sanitary facilities should be arranged. All food stalls should be inspected in coordination with the Food Safety Department. Water sources should be inspected and samples sent for testing at the Regional Water Laboratory or District Public Health Laboratory. They should establish surveillance mechanisms to detect clustering of cases or suspected outbreaks. In regions with outbreaks of notified diseases, public gatherings should be regulated. Events may be restricted or postponed if public health is at risk. All suspected cases of infectious diseases should be promptly identified and managed.. Health officers should supervise all public health arrangements, and may issue on-the-spot orders to rectify deficiencies. The Act permits the entry and inspection of venues, food stalls, water sources, and accommodations is permitted under the Act. Non-compliance with these measures can be penalised, DPH added.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Health standards to be enforced at events to curb disease spread
TNN Chennai: The state health department, amid an increase in Covid-19 and other infectious diseases, has instructed district health officials to intensify supervision and enforcement of public health standards at large public gatherings, including religious congregations, social and cultural events, recreational programs, and political meetings. District magistrates and health officers can issue orders prohibiting assembling of people or restricting movement to contain the spread of disease, exercising powers under the Tamil Nadu Public Health Act, 1939, a circular from Dr T S Selvavinayagam of Directorate of Public Health (DPH) said. "It is imperative to enforce public health standards to prevent disease outbreaks, ensure sanitation and public safety," he said. While the primary responsibility for ensuring essential services — water supply, sanitation, and waste disposal — rests with event organisers, local authorities are empowered to supervise, inspect, and enforce public health measures to ensure all necessary arrangements are in place. If local authorities fail, health officials must verify that organisers provide adequate sanitation, including toilets, safe drinking water, and proper waste disposal. All food stalls and temporary eateries require inspection and licensing. The public must have access to potable water, with sources subject to testing and chlorination monitoring. Vector control and solid waste management plans are mandatory, with real-time collection and adequate staffing for sanitation teams. Health officers must supervise all arrangements. They also have the authority to issue immediate orders for deficiencies. Non-compliance will be penalised under the Tamil Nadu Public Health Act, 1939. TOI
