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New Indian Express
4 hours ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
49-year-old mom secures seat on day one of TN medical admission counselling, daughter awaits her turn
CHENNAI: With age no bar to sit for NEET, Amuthavalli Manivannan, 49-year-old mother of a girl who is also aspiring to become a doctor, secured an MBBS seat in a government college under the reservation for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwD) on day one of the medical admissions counselling that began in Chennai on July 30. A physiotherapist by profession, Amuthavalli, who had scored 147 marks in NEET, secured a seat in Government Medical College in Virudhunagar, close to her native district of Tenkasi. Her daughter, M Samyuktha, whose preparation for NEET inspired her mother to attempt the exam this year, is awaiting the general round of MBBS counselling to commence.
Hans India
2 days ago
- Hans India
Risky situations fail to dissuade Major Kavitha from rafting forward!
Visakhapatnam: Breaking stereotypes and braving the odds, Medical Officer of Indian Army Major Kavitha Vasupalli embarked upon a horrendous journey laced with life-threatening risks and insurmountable challenges. Spanning 1,040-km from the Indo-Tibetan border, Arunachal Pradesh to the Indo-Bangladesh border, she took part in a historic and daring river rafting expedition along the Brahmaputra River. Led by Col Ranveer Singh Jamwal, director NIMAS, a Tenzing Norgay awardee, the expedition is considered equivalent in challenge to summiting Mount Everest in the adventure space. Apparently, Maj Kavitha turned out to be the only woman participant in this world-record journey that began in the month of February. She successfully summited Mt. Gori Chen, the highest climbable peak in Arunachal Pradesh. Despite rough weather conditions, she rendered emergency medical aid to a fellow climber at high altitude. Serving the Indian Army from 2021, Kavitha, a native of nondescript village of Metturu, pursued her MBBS at Government Medical College in Srikakulam district. Apart from getting awarded with Chief of Army Staff commendation 2025, Major Kavitha was honoured with Vishisht Seva Medal on the Republic Day this year for her exemplary courage, service and dedication. Her name gained an entry into the World Book of Records (London) for this achievement. After wrapping up the outstanding feat along with the team, Kavitha met Andhra Pradesh Governor S Abdul Nazeer. Heaping praise on her, the Governor said, 'We often hear spiritual or geographical tales of the Brahmaputra, but this is the first time I've heard of an adventurous story of battle and bravery on its waters. Major Kavitha's adventure is one of sheer determination and grit. She has brought pride to Andhra Pradesh and to every Indian who takes pride in the Armed Forces. The Governor encouraged Kavitha to continue inspiring others and keep bringing honour to the state and country. Sharing her experience, Kavitha recalled, 'The Brahmaputra was magnificent. But it's also merciless. One day, a giant wave had hit us with such force that our raft flipped. In those few seconds, we were completely underwater, unsure of whether we would be alive or not. But we didn't panic as we trusted our training. We held on to each other and eventually survived. That moment showed me how thin the line is between life and death and how powerful courage and calmness could be.' Fond of swimming since childhood, Kavitha says, 'I'm a girl from a remote village in Srikakulam. If I could make it, so can anyone,' she adds.
News18
2 days ago
- Health
- News18
Snakebites: When Is It Too Late For Anti-Venom Injection?
Last Updated: If you live in a snake-prone area during monsoon, stay alert. Some snakes are highly venomous, and without quick anti-venom treatment, their bite can be deadly Cases of snake bites tend to rise during the rainy season because rainwater floods their burrows, forcing snakes to come out. In search of drier shelter, they often move towards houses or hide in nearby trees, plants, or bushes. India is home to nearly 400 species of snakes, out of which around 60 are venomous. The Russell's viper, Indian cobra, common krait, and saw-scaled viper are considered the most dangerous. If you live in an area prone to snake sightings during the monsoon, it's important to remain extra cautious. Many snakes are so venomous that without immediate medical intervention, including an anti-venom injection, the bite can be fatal. In this situation, knowing how soon anti-venom should be administered after a snake bite and how much anti-venom is required becomes important to save lives in critical situations. In conversation with Dr Dilip Singh, Chief Medical Superintendent at the Government Medical College, Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh, he tried to answer these important questions: Injection For Snake Bite Dr Dilip Singh explains that the snake anti-venom injection is a prescription medicine given as treatment for venomous snake bites. It is regarded as the most effective remedy for such cases. The anti-venom used is a combination designed to counteract the venom of four major types of snakes. It works by neutralising the venom and can save lives even after a bite from a venomous snake. According to Dr Singh, an anti-venom injection is not needed for non-venomous snake bites. However, in the case of venomous bites, such as those from a cobra or krait, the anti-venom must be administered immediately, ideally within 30 to 40 minutes. If given even earlier, the chances of a faster recovery increase. In some cases, the injection can still be beneficial if administered within 24 hours. Which Venom Attacks Which Organ? According to the expert, before administering anti-venom, it is crucial to understand what kind of snake venom is involved and its effect on the body. Snake venom is broadly categorised into two types: cardiotoxic and neurotoxic. These affect the nervous system and cardiovascular system, respectively. In cardiotoxic cases, symptoms can include heart failure, an increased heart rate, and high or low blood pressure. In neurotoxic cases, patients may experience unconsciousness, fainting, and high-grade fever. Dose Of Anti-Venom According to Dr Singh, the required dose of anti-venom depends on the condition of the patient. In some cases, where the effect of the venom is mild, only one dose is needed. In more serious cases, patients may require three or four follow-up doses. If the snake is highly venomous, a larger quantity of anti-venom may be needed, as each dose may contain fewer antibodies. Types of poison Neurotoxic Poison: This type of venom affects the nervous system, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and even death. Neurotoxin is commonly found in snakes like the cobra, krait, and viper. Haemotoxic Poison: This venom damages blood vessels, which can lead to bleeding, organ failure, and death. Haemotoxin is usually found in snakes like the Russell's viper, tiger snake, and king cobra. Cytotoxic Poison: This type of venom destroys body tissues, resulting in swelling, pain, and potentially death. Cytotoxin is usually found in snakes like the rattlesnake, boa constrictor, and python. Location : Kannauj, India, India First Published: July 28, 2025, 10:28 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
Leptospirosis cases rise as rain lashes Kerala; 88 deaths so far this year
KOCHI: With the monsoon winds bringing copious amounts of rain this season, Kerala is witnessing a rise in the number of leptospirosis cases and deaths reported. The state reported 1,494 confirmed leptospirosis cases and 88 deaths till July 22 this year. July alone has seen 287 cases and 22 deaths. More than 50% of the fatalities were reported in June and July. The disease is spread by leptospira, a bacteria present in the urine of several animals. 'Leptospirosis spreads during the monsoon season as the bacteria that live in biofilm under the soil become active and enter the human body through small cuts on the feet,' said Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, convener of the Indian Medical Association Research Cell, Kerala. 'These bacteria are also carried by animals, including rats, dogs and cattle, and naturally come out through their urine. Thus, people working in fields, farms, and engaged in cleaning work can easily get infected,' he pointed out. Healthcare workers play an important role in educating workers and ensuring safety, said Dr Althaf A, epidemiologist and professor with the Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram. 'Often, people involved in cleaning activities or farming are not educated enough to know diseases and their consequences. Also, the state has many migrant labourers. Healthcare workers need to educate them about the importance of wearing safety gadgets and taking precautionary medicine,' Dr Althaf said. According to Dr Rajeev, early diagnosis is important. 'Most common febrile illnesses have similar symptoms, like fever and body ache. Hence, it is difficult to accurately identify who has this particular disease. Checking the patient's work background or a test can help identify the disease and start antibiotics early,' he said. Personal hygiene and precaution can also help prevent the spread of the disease. Doxycycline, a preventive medicine, is available at health centres. Local bodies and contractors should ensure the safety of workers and provide them with gadgets and preventive medicines, experts stressed.
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Unsung Heroes: Meet Dr Rajesh Rao, offering affordable cardiac care to the underserved
Growing up in Yelburga taluk of Karnataka's Koppal district in the 1970s and 1980s, Dr Rajesh Kishan Rao, now 51, experienced first-hand the 'backwardness' of the district, especially in the healthcare sector. This awareness gradually transitioned into a personal mission, a trigger point to pursue medicine and serve the rural households in the state. Dr Rao is a professor and unit head of cardiothoracic surgery at Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research (SJICS&R) in Bengaluru. Till now, he has over 600 minimally invasive cardiac surgeries (MICS) and over 3,000 cardiac surgeries to his name. 'Operating on more and more patients isn't something that makes me happy. My goal is to ensure that the number of patients reduces over time. I always wish for a healthy life for one and all,' says Dr Rao. Recalling an incident from his young days, Dr Rao says, 'One day, one of the villagers fractured his arm, and we had to wait for 12 hours to get him proper treatment. He was later shifted to a hospital in Gangavati town. This pained me and made me wonder about the reach of healthcare in villages. That is when I decided to take up medicine seriously and ensure no patient, especially those from a lower socioeconomic background, is left unattended.' Dr Rao studied in a government school and later pursued MBBS from the Government Medical College, Bellary. However, he did not crack the seat in the first attempt. 'I narrowly missed the MBBS seat, and I did not have a solid financial backing to afford management quota seats. Hence, I dropped a year, prepared harder, and took another shot at it in the following year, and then secured a seat,' he says. Later, Dr Rao worked briefly at a government hospital in Delhi as a junior registrar in 2001 before pursuing his MS (General Surgery) in KMC, Mangalore in 2004. Drawing inspiration from his cardiology professor, Dr Suresh Pai, he took up cardiology. He also worked as a cardiothoracic surgeon at NIMS, Hyderabad, before joining SJICS&R as an assistant professor in 2008. Dr Rao specialises in complex cardiac and thoracic surgical procedures, including coronary artery bypass grafting, valve repairs/replacements, minimally invasive techniques including Right Anterior Thoracotomy (RAT), and Right Ventricle Infra-Axillary Thoracotomy (RVIAT). Unlike traditional open-heart surgery, which requires cutting through the breastbone and leaves a long, visible scar down the chest, the RVIAT approach uses a 3-5 cm incision hidden beneath the right arm. For the patient, this means less pain, less blood loss, and a far quicker return to normal life. For young girls and women, it means something even more precious: the scar is hidden away from the 'milk line', ensuring that future breast development is not affected. Dr Rao has performed more than 95 per cent of these surgeries free of cost for patients below the poverty line – when advanced cardiac care costs several lakhs in private hospitals. 'In fact, Jayadeva Hospital in Bengaluru is the only government hospital in India where more than 600 MICS have been performed,' claims Dr Rao. The doctor says that the most challenging part of his job is when he performs surgeries on young children who develop a hole between the upper chambers of the heart. 'This gives a very traumatic experience. It only makes me ponder as to why God is unkind to such young children,' he adds. Dr Rao also conducts free medical camps at Gangavati and offers diagnostic checks to villagers. 'Since there is no necessary infrastructure and resources to perform surgeries in villages, I ask them to visit Jayadeva Hospital in case they are diagnosed with serious cardiac problems,' he says. Dr Rao is also someone who is not enticed by offers from private hospitals. 'I don't align with the vision of private hospitals. I am not a medical professional who can work on 'targets' as some call them. A lot of Jayadeva's patients travel for hundreds of kilometres in multiple modes of transport to reach the hospital. Nothing else pleases me than seeing these people recover,' concludes Dr Rao. Sanath Prasad is a senior sub-editor and reporter with the Bengaluru bureau of Indian Express. He covers education, transport, infrastructure and trends and issues integral to Bengaluru. He holds more than two years of reporting experience in Karnataka. His major works include the impact of Hijab ban on Muslim girls in Karnataka, tracing the lives of the victims of Kerala cannibalism, exploring the trends in dairy market of Karnataka in the aftermath of Amul-Nandini controversy, and Karnataka State Elections among others. If he is not writing, he keeps himself engaged with badminton, swimming, and loves exploring. ... Read More
