Latest news with #DistrictHealthOffice
The Hindu
24-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Over 20,000 people from rural areas in Tiruchi district attend cancer screening programme
Over 20,000 of those invited from rural areas in Tiruchi district to take part in the Organised Cancer Screening programme launched on May 12 have responded, and efforts are on to improve attendance in the coming weeks, officials have said. The free programme is aimed at screening people aged over 18 for oral cancer and women aged over 30 for breast cancer and cervical cancer. Tiruchi was among the districts chosen for the first phase of the State Health Department initiative and was launched by Collector M. Pradeep Kumar at Kora Street Health and Wellness Centre, Gandhipuram, Woraiyur, on May 12. 'In the rural areas, approximately 60% of the invitees attended the screening camps conducted in 142 health and wellness centres. In due course, we hope these numbers will improve through inter-sectoral coordination and motivation of field staff,' a senior official from the District Health Office told The Hindu. As per official records, 47,378 invitee cards were issued to residents in rural areas from May 12 to June 23, out of which, 28,709 attended the screening programme. A total of 74 potential cases of cancer were referred to Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital (MGMGH) in Tiruchi for further treatment. This included 31 cases that tested positive for breast cancer, followed by 29 for cervical cancer, and 14 for oral cancer. Health authorities have stepped up efforts to increase awareness of the programme and enrol people under the Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme.
IOL News
10-06-2025
- Health
- IOL News
KZN Health Department calls for official channels for medical complaints
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health calls on the public to refrain from discussing medical grievances on social media. Image: File The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health is sending a clarion call to the public, urging individuals to refrain from airing medical grievances on social media platforms. The department appealed to the public to use official complaint mechanisms and protect patient privacy. The department said it was important because: Patient privacy and dignity: Publicly sharing medical details strips patients of their fundamental rights to privacy, dignity, and confidentiality. Not every patient consents to having their health struggles broadcast worldwide. Doctor-patient confidentiality: The department is legally and ethically bound by strict doctor-patient privacy laws (e.g., the Health Professions Act). They cannot and will not publicly discuss patient files or specific medical cases to counter social media claims. Doing so would violate their legal obligations and betray patient trust. Medical complexity: Human physiology and medical treatments are highly complex. What may appear concerning or negligent to a layperson is often standard, scientifically grounded practice (e.g., managing complex wounds, specialised nutritional support, or medically-induced fasting). Years of specialised training equip healthcare professionals to make these nuanced decisions. Harm of misinformation: Public speculation based on incomplete understanding fuels misinformation, damages institutional reputations built on expertise, and causes distress to vulnerable patients and their families. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The department said it has robust, confidential complaint mechanisms designed to address concerns without compromising patient privacy or dignity: Start locally: Raise your concern with the sister-in-charge of the ward. Escalate internally: If unresolved, contact the hospital's Public Relations Officer (PRO). Hospital leadership: Next, approach the Hospital CEO. District level: Escalate further to the District Health Office. Final provincial escalation: If still unresolved, contact the Health MEC's office. PRO, CEO, and district directors' contact details are displayed on notice boards in all health facilities. The department's appeal: Respect patient privacy: Never share identifiable patient details or medical information on social media. Trust the process: Understand that complex medical situations require specialised expertise. Trust the professionals. Use official channels: Our internal mechanisms exist to investigate and resolve concerns confidentially, respectfully, and effectively, protecting all involved. Refrain from public speculation: Avoid simplifying or misrepresenting complex medical situations online. How to raise health-care related concerns with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health. Image: KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health / Facebook Speaking on the department's KZN Health Chat multimedia programme in Durban recently, Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane stated that if someone complains that 'health workers don't work or that nurses are useless', they cannot investigate that matter. It helps to know which facility, at what time, and which nurse did what. If the nurse's name is unknown, the time is pertinent. 'We are addressing this in two ways: fixing the issues for those affected and preventing future occurrences,' Simelane said. 'We ask the public to cooperate in this matter. If there is a problem, contact us.' Simelane also urged the public to treat health-care workers well. 'You can't come to the hospital, and they say, 'here is the line, please wait here', and you tell them of your importance.' Simelane said health-care workers have a way of working. 'We need to respect them because we also expect them to respect us as a community. That cooperation is very important.' She added: 'We ask our people, even if you know that I was sick, I was in the hospital, and I was not treated well. We ask people to treat someone's illness with dignity.'
The Hindu
31-05-2025
- The Hindu
Signature drive, rally mark World No Tobacco Day in Coimbatore
The district administration observed World No Tobacco Day by organising a signature drive and a two-wheeler awareness rally on Saturday, promoting a drug-free and tobacco-free Tamil Nadu. The event was inaugurated near Race Course by Collector Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar and City Police Commissioner A. Saravana Sunder. The aim was to spread awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco and encourage healthy, tobacco-free living. After the inauguration, an awareness pledge was administered to participants. District Health Officer Balusamy, and several other government officials joined the event. The Collector stressed the importance of creating awareness among young students about the health risks and environment damage caused by tobacco. He said that along with the rally, several activities such as painting, poetry, and slogan-writing competitions were held in schools and colleges across the district to engage students and spread the message creatively. 'Strict action will be taken if tobacco products are found being sold near schools and colleges,' the Collector warned. The rally started from the District Collector's camp office and ended at the District Health Office, passing through the Race Course track. More than 200 two-wheeler riders took part in the rally, carrying banners and placards highlighting the dangers of tobacco use.
Daily Express
02-05-2025
- Daily Express
Grapes with pesticide: Firm fined
Published on: Thursday, May 01, 2025 Published on: Thu, May 01, 2025 By: Cynthia D Baga Text Size: The company was charged with importing the fresh grapes that contained Chlorpyrifos pesticide residues amounting to 0.068 mg/kg, detected on Nov 7, 2024 at 11.50am in Kg Darau, Jalan Tuaran Bypass, near here. Kota Kinabalu: A company was fined RM8,500 by the Magistrate's Court here for importing fresh grapes containing pesticide residues. Magistrate Wan Farrah Farriza Wan Ghazali imposed the sentence on Phoenix Series (S) Sdn Bhd, after its a representative of the company pleaded guilty to the charge. The court also ordered a warrant of levy to be issued should the company fail to pay the fine. The company was charged with importing the fresh grapes that contained Chlorpyrifos pesticide residues amounting to 0.068 mg/kg, detected on Nov 7, 2024 at 11.50am in Kg Darau, Jalan Tuaran Bypass, near here. As the importer, the company was found to have violated the Regulation 41(3)(c) of the Food Regulations 1985, which prohibits any person from importing, preparing for sale, or selling any food that contains 0.01 milligrammes or more per kilogramme of pesticide residue if that pesticide is not listed for that food item in the Sixteenth Schedule or the Codex Alimentarius. In this case, the Chlorpyrifos content in the grapes exceeded the permitted limit of 0.01 mg/kg. The company was charged under Section 13B(1) of the Food Act 1983 and read together with Section 13B(2)(e) of the same Act and punishable under Section 13B(4) of the same Act which provides for a fine of up to RM20,000, or a jail term of up to five years, or both, on conviction. In mitigation, the company's director asked for a lower fine. However, Prosecuting Officer John Raynold Anak Achon urged the court to impose an appropriate and deterrent sentence, noting that this was a serious offence involving public health and safety. He explained that Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate pesticide widely used in agriculture to control various insects and pests. It has been the subject of regulatory scrutiny and public health concern due to its potential harmful effects on human health and the environment. 'It can cause side effects on individuals exposed to it through the skin, such as numbness, tingling, itching, burning sensations, loss of bladder control, and seizures. 'For the public, consuming food containing excessive pesticide residues can stimulate the nervous system, leading to nausea, prolonged vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhoea, unconsciousness, coma and even death,' he added, stressing the importance of food safety. According to the facts of the case, an officer from the Kota Kinabalu District Health Office had taken a random sample of fresh grapes weighing not less than 1kg, in accordance with the Regulation Four of the Food Regulations 1985. The sample was then sent to the Kota Kinabalu Public Health Laboratory for analysis by a food analyst. On Dec 11, 2024, a laboratory report confirmed that the sample contained Chlorpyrifos at a level of 0.068 mg/kg. The company has since paid the fine. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Fashion Value Chain
28-04-2025
- Health
- Fashion Value Chain
Signify and SELCO Foundation Collaborate to Solarize 10 24x7 Primary Health Centres in Karnataka under the 'Swasthya Kiran' CSR Initiative
Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, has successfully solarized 10 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in Karnataka under its flagship CSR initiative, 'Swasthya Kiran', in collaboration with SELCO Foundation. This transformative initiative aims to ensure uninterrupted access to lighting and reliable electricity in rural healthcare facilities, significantly enhancing the quality of healthcare services in underserved communities. Signify and SELCO Foundation Collaborate to Solarize 10 24×7 Primary Health Centres in Karnataka Each PHC has been equipped with a 5 kWp solar panel, a 19.2 kWh battery, and a 6 kVA solar PCU, ensuring continuous power supply for critical healthcare operations, lighting, and essential medical equipment. The initiative is expected to save approximately 7,000 electricity units per PHC annually, resulting in a total savings of around 70,000 units across all 10 centres. This translates to an estimated financial saving of â¹4.5 lakhs per year, while simultaneously reducing carbon emissions by approximately 50 metric tons annually-promoting a greener, more sustainable environment alongside improved healthcare delivery. The inauguration ceremony was graced by Dr. Mohandas, T.B. Officer, District Health Office, Tumakur, and Dr. Sidheshwara, Taluk Health Officer, Sira Block, along with Gram Panchayat dignitaries. They applauded the projects vital contribution to strengthening rural healthcare infrastructure. Nikhil Gupta, Head of Marketing, Strategy, Govt. Affairs & CSR – Signify, Greater India, shared his thoughts on this project, 'At Signify, we are committed to using our lighting expertise to create a positive impact on communities through our CSR initiatives. Our Swasthya Kiran CSR project exemplifies this commitment by providing reliable and sustainable energy to power critical healthcare services in rural Karnataka. We are proud to partner with SELCO Foundation in improving the lives of hundreds of thousands of people.' The Swasthya Kiran project covers PHCs across four districts: 4 in Tumkur, 3 in Bangalore Urban, 1 in Kolar, and 2 in Mysore. Selection criteria prioritized PHCs that serve as high-delivery points and those with high outpatient (OPD) footfall to maximize community impact. Speaking at the event, SELCO Foundation remarked, 'At SELCO Foundation, we are committed to enabling sustainable energy solutions for underserved communities. Our partnership with Signify ensures that rural healthcare facilities receive reliable, round-the-clock power to deliver critical health services effectively.' By reducing dependence on diesel generators and ensuring uninterrupted energy access, the project not only advances clean energy adoption but also strengthens healthcare delivery for an estimated half a million rural and last-mile beneficiaries. This initiative sets a benchmark for sustainable healthcare infrastructure and underscores the power of partnerships in promoting inclusive and equitable health solutions through renewable energy. About Signify Signify (Euronext: LIGHT) is the world leader in lighting for professionals, consumers and the Internet of Things. Our Philips products, Interact systems and data-enabled services deliver business value and transform life in homes, buildings and public spaces. In 2024, we had sales of EUR 6.1 billion, approximately 29,000 employees and a presence in over 70 countries. We unlock the extraordinary potential of light for brighter lives and a better world. We have been in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index since our IPO for eight consecutive years and have achieved the EcoVadis Platinum rating for five consecutive years, placing Signify in the top one percent of companies assessed. News from Signify can be found in the Newsroom, on X, LinkedIn and Instagram. Information for investors is located on the Investor Relations page.
