Latest news with #MinistryofHealthandWelfare
South China Morning Post
3 days ago
- General
- South China Morning Post
As loneliness epidemic spreads through South Korea, Seoul is spending millions to fight it
A growing epidemic of social isolation in South Korea has prompted its capital city to invest more than 450 billion won (US$330 million) in a sweeping five-year initiative aimed at reducing loneliness in the city. Advertisement The Seoul Metropolitan Government's efforts include the launch of a convenience store where locals can enjoy free instant noodles while talking about their feelings, as well as a 24-hour counselling hotline. Seoul is at the epicentre of the nation's social isolation epidemic, with people living alone now making up more than 35 per cent of all households in the capital, according to The Korea Herald. A recent Seoul Institute survey revealed that 62 per cent of single-person households reported experiencing loneliness, while 13.6 per cent were socially isolated. A separate 2023 study by the city estimated that about 130,000 people aged between 19 and 39 were living in near-total social withdrawal. According to a recent Seoul Institute survey, 62 per cent of single-person households have reported experiencing loneliness. Photo: Shutterstock Lonely deaths in South Korea – where someone dies by suicide or illness after living in social isolation – increased from 3,378 in 2021 to 3,661 in 2023, according to the South Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare.
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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Health
- Business Standard
203 fresh cases take India's Covid tally past 3,900-mark; 4 deaths reported
India's active Covid-19 caseload has surged to 3,961, with 203 new infections and four deaths reported in the past 24 hours, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare's (MoHFW's) latest update on Monday at 8.00 am. Kerala, currently the worst-hit state, accounts for 1,435 active cases, followed by Maharashtra (506), Delhi (483), Gujarat (338), and West Bengal (331). Other states with rising numbers include Karnataka (253), Tamil Nadu (189), Uttar Pradesh (157), and Rajasthan (69). Covid-19 cases surge sharply The spike has been sharp. From 257 active cases on May 22, the count jumped to 1,010 by May 26, and then more than tripled to 3,961 by Monday (June 2). Covid-19 regional case updates The four fatalities included one each from Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Maharashtra. The deceased from Delhi was identified as a '22-year-old female with old treated pulmonary Koch's/ post tuberculosis lung disease/ Bilateral lower respiratory tract infection.' From Tamil Nadu, a 25-year-old male with bronchial asthma and severe acute tubular injury and an incidental Covid positive status succumbed to the infection, according to MoHFW. In Maharashtra, a 44-year-old male suffered from severe acute respiratory distress syndrome with dilated aortic regurgitation and was Covid-19 positive. The details of the death in Kerala are still awaited. Of the new cases, West Bengal reported 44 infections, followed by Delhi with 47, Kerala with 35, Maharashtra with 21, and Gujarat with 18 cases, the data showed. According to data, 370 people have been discharged from hospitals over the past 24 hours. States ramp up preparedness To counter this surge, several states and UTs have come out with advisories asking both government and private hospitals to ensure preparedness in terms of beds, oxygen, antibiotics, and other drugs. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the genome sequencing of samples from the western and southern regions has indicated that the current rise is driven by subvariants of Omicron, which so far appear to be mild in nature. People urged to remain calm Officials have urged the public not to panic, noting that most cases remain mild. The four subvariants identified are LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and NB.1.8.1, with the first three being more prevalent.
Korea Herald
29-05-2025
- Health
- Korea Herald
Exposure to secondhand smoke rises after 3-year decline
Seoul Station Square to be designated as no-smoking zone from June The rate of exposure to secondhand smoke in indoor spaces in South Korea rose in 2023 after falling for three consecutive years, according to a report released by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Thursday. Secondhand smok, as defined by the governmental agency, refers to individuals inhaling smoke from someone else's cigarette or e-cigarette. As cigarette smoke contains carcinogenic and other harmful substances, secondhand smoke can contribute to 'early death in non-smokers,' the KDCA said. According to the KDCA, the rate of exposure to secondhand smoke in indoor public spaces and indoor workspaces in 2023 was 8.6 percent and 8 percent, respectively. For both indoor public spaces and workspaces, the exposure rate of secondhand smoke fell from 2020 to 2022. After the exposure rate for indoor workspaces reached 14.1 percent in 2019, it decreased to 10.3 percent in 2020 and 6.3 percent in 2022. For indoor public spaces, the rate was also highest in 2019 at 18.3 percent. Before decreasing to 12 percent in 2020 and 7.4 percent in 2022. The rate for 2023 was 8.6 percent. Although the household exposure rate was relatively low, the KDCA noted that it followed the same trend. While it had recorded up to 4.7 percent in 2019, it had decreased to 2.6 percent in 2022, before rising again to 3 percent in 2023. Ahead of World No Tobacco Day, the Ministry of Health and Welfare stated that it will work to 'support all revisions and implementations of laws related to regulating all types of tobacco, including new kinds such as e-cigarettes.' In relation to the government's stance, Seoul Station Square in Jung-gu, central Seoul, will be designated as a non-smoking zone from June 1. From June, smokers will be required to use the smoking booths located around the Seoul Station Square and those who are caught not abiding by this new rule will be fined up to 100,000 won ($72).
India.com
28-05-2025
- Health
- India.com
Covid-19 in India Live: Total active cases rise to 1010, Maharashtra, Kerala among hotspot states
Covid in India: India is witnessing a concerning spike in the Covid cases with the total active patients reaching 1010 on May 27. However, it is important to note that the most of the cases have mild and subtle symptoms. The experts have asked people not to panic and maintain hygiene. As cases rises in Kerala and cross the 400 mark, residents are concerned, spikes were also observed in Delhi, Maharashtra and Gujarat. Punjab reported its first case earlier today and have begun contact tracing. According to the latest data from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Kerala has reported the highest spike among all states, with a rise of 335 cases. Maharashtra follows with 153 new cases, while Delhi has recorded 99 additional infections. As per the recent reports published by WHO, the NB.1.8.1 poses a low global health risk. However, some common symptoms have been identified as sore throat, fatigue, mild cough, fever, muscle aches, nasal congestion, low-grade hyperthermia, headaches, nausea and gastrointestinal issues.
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First Post
26-05-2025
- Health
- First Post
NB.1.8.1 and LF.7: India reports 2 new Sars variants as Covid cases jump, Kerala tops table
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified both as 'Variants Under Monitoring' rather than 'Variants of Concern' or 'Variants of Interest', indicating that the global public health risk is currently minimal read more According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Kerala reported at least 430 Covid-19 cases during the past week, while Delhi and Maharashtra recorded 104 and 209 new cases, respectively. Amid rising cases, India's SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) has identified two new coronavirus subvariants: NB.1.8.1 and LF.7. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified both as 'Variants Under Monitoring' rather than 'Variants of Concern' or 'Variants of Interest', indicating that the global public health risk is currently minimal. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A total of 1,009 active cases have been recorded across India, with 12 in West Bengal, 13 in Rajasthan, 15 in Uttar Pradesh, 69 in Tamil Nadu, 47 in Karnataka, and 83 in Gujarat. Several states, including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, have reported an increase in new infections. Officials stated that the majority of these illnesses are mild and are being managed at home. According to sources, the Union Health Secretary discussed the issue of COVID-19 cases on Saturday with the Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the Secretary of the Department of Health Research (DHR), the DGHS, and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). Health officials in the impacted states advise the public to continue taking preventative precautions, remain up to date on immunisations, and refrain from needless alarm while the nation closely studies the effects of these new variations.
