Latest news with #GovernmentRajajiHospital
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Donor milk support goes up at Rajaji hospital
Madurai: The breast milk bank at Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH) has been a lifeline for newborns in the hospital for nearly a decade now. This year, till July, 2,529 mothers have donated breast milk to the bank, helping 2,334 babies. This is a considerable rise from last year when a total of 3,821 mothers donated. The department of neonatology, which deals with care for newborns, particularly premature infants, in GRH is the largest in the state. Head of the department, Dr J Ashok Raja, said 15 to 20% of the newborns have a condition called necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). "During the first week of life, the baby starts vomiting, and it is harmful to the body," he said. "Breast milk is the best preventive measure for NEC." He added that there are biological components in breast milk that have growth factors for the newborn that formula milk can't match. Babies born in less than 32 weeks or weighing less than 1.5kg are the most important candidates for receiving breast milk. Doctors emphasise six months of exclusive breastfeeding for the newborn. "Breast milk contains 60% water, so there is no need for water too," Dr Nandini Kuppusamy, HOD of paediatrics, said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like She Was Everyone's Dream Girl In 90's, This Is Her Now The Latest Article Undo It is crucial for brain development and also prevents respiratory and diarrhoeal diseases. Dr Ashok said gripe water is not recommended for newborns as it contains preservatives banned in some European countries. Breast milk donation starts with a screening of the mother for active diseases like HIV or transmissible infections. This is followed by counselling and collection of consent. The milk collected is sent to storage, and from there to pasteurisation and to the microbiological lab. After ensuring the milk is fit, it is distributed to newborns in need. Donor milk is especially given to premature newborns within the hospital for whom breast milk is crucial. Some mothers who are unable to breastfeed their child or those who have nipple soreness also use stored milk for their child. Most mothers who come to donate breast milk are doing so out of gratitude, says Ashok. "They may have a premature firstborn, after which they return to donate breast milk," he said. Other factors that influence mothers to donate are education and awareness, he said. Two mothers, Sivapriya R, 31, and Mutheeswari K, 29, were honoured for donating a total of 6.5 litres of breast milk in the last 20 days by dean Dr L Arul Sundaresh Kumar at a valedictory ceremony on Thursday on account of World Breastfeeding Week. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and s ilver prices in your area.
Time of India
23-07-2025
- Time of India
Woman ends life; hubby, in-laws booked
Ramanathapuram: A 31-year-old woman died in hospital of burn injuries after she attempted self-immolation at her house in Ramanathapuram district on Tuesday night. Police have booked her husband and in-laws for abetment following a dying declaration given by her. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now According to police, the deceased, M Ranjitha, 31, of Veeramatchanpatti was married to A Muneeshwaran around 12 years ago, and the couple have a son and daughter. On Tuesday night, Ranjitha locked herself inside her house when she was alone and set herself on fire after pouring kerosene on herself. Hearing her screams, neighbours rescued her and rushed her to a nearby govt hospital. She was referred to Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai where she died of 70% burns in the night. Before her death, police recorded her dying declaration in which she blamed her husband and in-laws, especially her father-in-law, for her death. Based on Ranjitha's father's complaint, Perunali police registered a case under section 108 of BNS on Wednesday and booked Muneeshwaran and his parents, R Annadurai and A Soorammal, for abetment of suicide. Police said Ranjitha alleged that Annadurai repeatedly sexually assaulted her. When she informed her husband and mother-in-law, they asked her to keep quiet and endure it as it was a 'humiliating' matter. Ranjitha's family also alleged that Muneeshwaran and his family harassed Ranjitha for dowry, and tortured her by asking her to obey whatever they said. Further investigation was on.
New Indian Express
15-07-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Temple consecration held with religious zeal at Thiruparankundram
Speaking to reporters, Minister Sekar Babu said, "The Dravidian Model government has successfully conducted kumbabishekam in about 3,347 temples, including 124 Murugan temples, so far in Tamil Nadu. Proper arrangements have been made in each temple to ensure safety of people." "Though we arrived in Thiruparankundram on Sunday night, we could not go near the temple, as a large number of devotees had already gathered there. We witnessed the rituals from far and later had darshan of the deity." said M Srinivasan, a devotee from Madurai. Several philanthropists were seen offering refreshments and food to the devotees. Also, the health department had deployed special teams in as a large number of people are expected to visit the temple on Tuesday also. Speaking to TNIE, an official from health department said,"A team of doctors from PHCs in Madurai city are conducting 10 camps near Thiruparankundram. Since there is a huge gathering of devotees, two special teams from Thiruparankundram GH have been formed. Besides, a calamity ward with 50 beds has been created in the Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH) to meet any emergency."
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
For rural patients, MRI scans still a ‘distant' reality
Madurai: When S Palpandi's relative suffered a road accident a month ago, he had to travel around 50km with him to get an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan done after being referred from Usilampatti Government Headquarters Hospital (GHQH), where the facility is yet to be established. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now While larger hospitals like Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH) are equipped with even multiple MRI and CT scans, rural patients rely on nearby govt taluk and headquarters hospitals. They either have to make a long journey or get the scans done at a private centre. "Even then, we were unable to get the scan done immediately at GRH as there was a long queue of patients waiting," he added. Usilampatti GHQH sees a footfall of around 1,500-2,000 outpatients and gets a number of road accident victims. There has been a long-pending demand for an MRI scan facility at Usilampatti GHQH but health department sources said lack of funds has been delaying it. An MRI scan machine can cost up to Rs 6 crore. Following a PIL filed by health activist C Anand Raj, Madras high court had, in 2017, directed the state govt to set up MRI scan in all Government District Headquarters Hospitals within one year. "There is no way rural patients can travel a long distance to a medical college just for a scan. Either they will neglect it or go to a private scan centre where it is expensive. The scans should also not be delayed when being covered under the Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS) for free of cost," said Anand Raj. Health department sources said Usilampatti GHQH's case was recently taken up at the DISHA review meeting with officials, ministers, MP and MLAs. A proposal for setting up MRI scan facility at around Rs3 crore has been approved and work is to be expedited, added the source. "Similarly, in south Tamil Nadu, only three other GHQHs have both MRI and CT scan facilities. MRI scan facilities also have to be established immediately at GHQHs in Periyakulam (Theni), Kovipatti (Tuticorin), and Karaikudi (Sivaganga), which all cater to a sizable rural populations," added Anand Raj.
New Indian Express
02-07-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Spotty network disrupts digital payments at Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai
MADURAI: Stating that mobile network signals are weak inside the building housing the MRI and CT scan centre on Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH) premises, due to which they are unable to make online bill payment, patients and their kin suggested that the billing counter be shifted. Speaking to TNIE, Agalya said,"My relative was admitted in the hospital and was advised an MRI scan. We arrived at the counter to pay the charges of Rs 2,500 and staff at the counter insisted on UPI payment. As the counter is located in the ground floor, the network signal is weak. We had to wait for several minutes to get a signal, which was a frustrating experience." Rajapandi, attender of a patient, said,"The counter is in a narrow passage of the ground floor of the building which has three floors. This blocks mobile network. Not just here, the network is weak in several locations in the hospital. Many have to wait for at least 20-30 minutes for making payment. Some seek help of people who have already paid." Officials of GRH have assured to address the issue immediately. Speaking to TNIE, Resident Medical Officer (RMO) Dr S Saravanan said,"People who don't have android phone, can pay in cash. Apart from this, if there is a possibility to move the counter, we will check. If there is not anything, we will think about installing a WIFI facility in the spot for better network."
