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Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
Min: 41k to be appointed in health dept before polls
Patna: Health minister Mangal Pandey on Friday announced that 41,000 appointments will be made in the state health department before the model code of conduct for elections comes into effect. He was speaking after handing over appointment letters to 228 specialist doctors in Patna. "The process for 8,500 appointments is in its final stages. We are taking major steps to strengthen healthcare in Bihar. Advertisements have been issued for 41,000 posts across various health categories," he said. Under the National Health Mission (NHM), the recruitment of 722 general physicians will be completed within 15 days. "Pathology services are being improved to ensure better diagnostic and treatment facilities," he added. The newly appointed specialists include 30 orthopaedic surgeons, 27 general surgeons, 17 ophthalmologists, 25 physicians (MD), 38 paediatricians, 55 gynaecologists, 13 ENT surgeons, 12 psychiatrists, 3 dermatologists and 8 anaesthetists. "All vacant posts in the health sector will be filled soon. Bihar is leading in several sectors, and efforts are underway to surpass the national average in healthcare," Pandey said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 中年以降であれば、このゲームは必須です。 BuzzDaily Winners ゲームをプレイ Undo He added that Bihar currently ranks top in supplying medicines to government hospitals and is nearing the national average in ambulance availability. "We will surpass it within a month," he said. "Bihar is third in generating Ayushman Bharat cards. We have created 3.96 crore cards across 1.79 crore families. So far, 1.62 crore families have received the cards, covering 91% of the target. Our aim is to reach four crore," he said. Senior officials, including development commissioner and additional chief secretary (health) Pratyaya Amrit, were present at the event.
The Hindu
a day ago
- Health
- The Hindu
The politics of periods: why India cannot afford to ignore menstrual health
Imagine Priya, a bright 13-year-old in a village nestled miles from the nearest town. Her first period arrives not with understanding or support, but with hushed warnings and a palpable sense of shame, passed down through generations. Given a rough, inadequate piece of cloth, she's quietly instructed to avoid the kitchen, refrain from touching the shared water pot, and crucially, stay home from school during those five days each month. The school's basic toilet lacks water, privacy, and disposal facilities, making managing her period there an unthinkable ordeal. Fearful of leaks, whispers, and breaking unspoken rules, Priya isolates herself, her education disrupted, her potential dimmed with each recurring cycle. Priya's story, sadly, is not unique. It echoes the lived experience of countless girls and women across India, particularly in rural areas. As Menstrual Hygiene Day observed on May 28 prompts reflection, it is crucial to acknowledge that while awareness around menstruation is growing in India, it remains largely absent from the mainstream political agenda and public discourse. Menstrual health is often relegated as a 'women's issue,' shrouded in a pervasive culture of silence and coloured by patriarchal notions that limit knowledge and open conversation. This silence translates into a chronic health and social challenge, where many lack adequate information, access to necessary products, and face stigma, impacting their well-being and participation in society. While efforts to distribute sanitary pads are visible and sometimes feature in government schemes, we must recognise that true access demands a fundamental shift beyond products towards systemic policy change and robust infrastructure. A complex reality Focusing solely on period product distribution dangerously simplifies this complex reality. While commendable progress has been made, with National Family Health Survey-5 data indicating that around 78% of individuals who menstruate in India may use commercial period products, this statistic masks a deeper infrastructural gap. The figure plummets dramatically when we consider those who have access to both products and essential water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities – clean, private toilets with water and soap. Shockingly, only about 27.7% benefit from this comprehensive access. This stark difference highlights a critical point: distributing pads achieves little genuine progress towards dignified menstrual health if individuals lack the basic infrastructure needed to manage their periods hygienically and privately, particularly in schools and public spaces. This lack of essential WASH facilities remains a persistent barrier, often highlighted during crises that disrupt normal life. The current political landscape shows some commendable, albeit limited, steps. Various Central and State government schemes, such as those under the National Health Mission or State-specific initiatives like 'Asmita Yojana' in Maharashtra or 'Swechcha' in Andhra Pradesh, aim to provide subsidised or free sanitary napkins, primarily targeting adolescent girls in schools. While valuable, these initiatives often face limitations. Their focus frequently excludes women outside the school system, those in the workforce, or other vulnerable groups. Additionally, distribution can be hampered by external factors like school closures, and the focus often remains narrowly on disposable pads, without adequately expanding knowledge on diverse, sustainable options like menstrual cups (despite pioneering efforts in States like Kerala and Karnataka) or addressing the crucial need for safe disposal and the environmental impact of sanitary pads. This lack of strong, consistent political backing, often stemming from the underrepresentation of women and their allies in decision-making spaces, means menstrual health remains a relatively neglected public health concern, susceptible to policy oversights like initial exclusion from essential items lists during emergencies or debates around taxation. Integration into national policy framework Therefore, building a truly stigma-free, inclusive menstrual health infrastructure demands its integration into the core of our national policy framework. This means legislating for mandatory, comprehensive, and scientifically accurate menstrual health education within school curricula for all students, treating it not just as biology but as essential for equity and empowerment. It requires prioritising and funding national standards for MHM-friendly WASH facilities in all public institutions – viewing this as critical infrastructure essential for public health, education continuity, and enabling of full economic participation. Health policy must be reformed to train healthcare providers for sensitive care, integrate MHM screening and treatment into primary healthcare, ensure insurance coverage, and use inclusive language for all who menstruate. Fair fiscal policies, such as eliminating discriminatory taxes on essential menstrual products and exploring targeted subsidies, are needed to ensure affordability is not a barrier to dignity. Policy levers should encourage supportive workplace environments with adequate facilities and understanding for menstrual health needs, recognising its impact on labour force participation. Crucially, these comprehensive interventions must be framed not as an expenditure, but as a strategic political and economic investment. Ensuring economic viability requires moving beyond siloed projects. Funding for MHM should be integrated into existing budgets for Health, Education, WASH, Gender Equality, and Rural/Urban Development, leveraging existing political and administrative structures. Smart fiscal tools like tax reform and targeted subsidies offer cost-effective ways to improve access. Supporting local social enterprises producing affordable, sustainable menstrual products can boost local economies, create jobs, and reduce import dependency, aligning with national development goals. Most importantly, policymakers must recognise and champion the significant return on investment: improved educational attainment, increased workforce participation, better public health outcomes, and accelerated gender equality far outweigh the costs. The economic and social cost of inaction – perpetuated by silence and policy neglect – actively undermines India's broader development objectives. This Menstrual Hygiene Day, the call must be for decisive political action. We need political leaders and parties to champion menstrual health not as a marginal issue, but as fundamental to human rights, public health, and national progress. It requires integrating MHM robustly into national development plans, legislative agendas, and resource allocation. While the efforts of NGOs and local champions are vital, sustainable change at scale hinges on political will. It is time to break the silence in our policy chambers and build an India where everyone can manage their menstruation with dignity, safety, and informed choice – unlocking the full potential of half our population. (Karan Babbar is an incoming assistant professor at Plaksha University. Email: phd17karanb@
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
Karnataka hikes salaries of NHM doctors, specialists, nurses
BENGALURU: To boost healthcare services and retain talent under the National Health Mission (NHM), the state government on Thursday revised the salaries of MBBS doctors, senior specialists and nursing officers working in the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCUs) and Intensive Care Units (ICUs) across the state. MBBS medical officers working in various NHM programmes at the state and district levels will now receive a consolidated monthly salary of Rs 75,000 and senior medical officers Rs 86,858 – Rs 80,000. Major clinical specialists including OBG, Paediatrics, Anaesthesia, General Medicine, Orthopaedics, Surgeons and Ophthalmologists will draw Rs 1.4 lakh per month, revised from the earlier Rs 1.1–1.3 lakh range. For these posts, experienced candidates will be eligible for an additional 25 per cent increment per annum. The pay cap is fixed at Rs 1.75 lakh and is only applicable to retirees. The same rules must be readapted for new and serving staff. Their experience will be given priority during recruitment. Similarly, nursing officers working in SNCU or ICUs, with computer skills and a minimum of 5 years of experience will now earn Rs 22,000 per month, up from the earlier Rs 14,186–Rs 18,141 range.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Health dept takes steps to contain diseases
Bhubaneswar: More than 40.49 lakh long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) were provided to seven malaria-prone districts to be distributed among the vulnerable population. These districts are Rayagada, Kalahandi, Koraput, Kandhamal, Malkangiri, Gajapati and Boudh. Similarly, two districts, namely Sundargarh and Khurda, reported a comparatively higher number of dengue cases last year. Health and family welfare secretary Aswathy S at a meeting on Thursday directed officials to intensify preventive and surveillance activities in these districts. She asked them to ensure actual use of LLINs by people in their houses. The chief district medical and public health officers were asked to ensure this with the help of ASHA workers and multi-purpose health workers (MPHWs) in villages and wards. In the meeting, it was decided that senior officers from the directorate of public health and the National Health Mission (NHM) would go to the grassroots level and ensure 100% use of LLINs, availability of testing devices, sufficient stock of drugs, active surveillance, screening, and testing. Director of public health Nilakantha Mishra was advised to draw a detailed schedule for the movement of officers to districts. While reviewing the preparedness, the health secretary directed intensification of wide awareness activities at the grassroots level and ensure sufficient stock of required drugs at different levels, ranging from ASHA workers to sub-centres, primary health centres, community health centres, sub-divisional and district quarter hospitals. Aswathy also directed mobilisation of the community and orient them towards preventive practices involving women self-help groups (WSHGs), community leaders, and MPWHs. It was also decided at the meeting to issue advisories for proper cleaning of overhead water tanks and sanitisation of water sources in residential complexes or hostels before the reopening of educational institutions. The issues relating to regular water quality testing, disinfection, and monitoring in rural and urban areas were also discussed. The activities would be carried out in a targeted campaign mode under the supervision of NHM mission director Brundha D.
Hans India
4 days ago
- Health
- Hans India
TN to open genetic disorder centres in Coimbatore, Madurai
Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Health Department, in collaboration with the National Health Mission (NHM), is in the process of establishing two state-of-the-art Centres of Excellence for the prevention, diagnosis, and management of genetic disorders in Coimbatore and Madurai. These upcoming centres are modelled after the existing and operational facility at the Institute of Child Health and Hospital for Children (ICH) in Chennai. Officials confirmed that construction is underway and nearly 50 per cent of the infrastructure work has been completed. The government has earmarked Rs 8.19 crore to fund the creation of these specialised centres, which are expected to significantly enhance Tamil Nadu's capacity to manage genetic disorders that contribute to the state's Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) and Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR). 'These centres are being established with the vision of improving early diagnosis and care for children suffering from rare and complex genetic conditions,' said Dr S. Srinivasan, expert advisor for Child health at NHM-Tamil Nadu. 'The model at ICH in Chennai has proven successful, and we are now replicating it in government medical college hospitals in Coimbatore and Madurai,' said Srinivasan. The Centres of Excellence will cater to a wide spectrum of genetic and metabolic disorders. These include hemoglobinopathies like thalassemia and sickle cell anemia, chromosomal disorders, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), other neuromuscular conditions, lysosomal storage diseases (LSD), mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS), congenital adrenal hyperplasia, congenital hypothyroidism, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6PD) deficiency, and cystic fibrosis. 'These are often life-limiting conditions that need timely and advanced diagnostic tools for proper management,' Dr Srinivasan added. At the Chennai facility, high-end diagnostic equipment such as Tandem Mass Spectrometry (TMS) and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) machines have already been installed and are operational. These tools allow for the comprehensive screening and diagnosis of rare genetic disorders. TMS, for instance, is used to detect inborn errors of metabolism (IEM), a group of rare disorders caused by enzyme deficiencies that prevent the body from properly converting food into energy. 'With these advanced technologies, we are able to not only diagnose but also offer targeted treatment solutions and genetic counselling to families,' said Dr Srinivasan. 'It marks a crucial step toward bringing precision medicine into the public health system,' he said. The centres in Coimbatore and Madurai are expected to be fully functional in the coming months. Once operational, they will play a pivotal role in addressing the burden of genetic disorders in the state, providing life-saving diagnostics and care to vulnerable children and their families.
