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Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Punjab Health Minister issues strict directives for uninterrupted oxygen supply in all critical care units
Chandigarh: Punjab's Health Minister Balbir Singh on Tuesday issued strict directives to ensure uninterrupted oxygen supply and power backup in all critical care units, including ICUs, Operation Theatres (OTs) and emergency wards across all government health facilities in the state. The directives came in the wake of the death of three patients at the civil hospital in Jalandhar on Sunday, with the kin of the deceased blaming a technical fault in the oxygen supply at the trauma centre for the deaths. Presiding over a high-level meeting with civil surgeons from all districts, Balbir Singh emphasised the need for 24x7 oxygen availability, functional UPS systems and fully operational generator sets to prevent any disruption in life-saving medical services. Balbir Singh said that approximately one thousand new doctors will be joining in the coming months, as the recruitment process is near completion, which will considerably improve the quality of health services. The Health Minister also issued stringent directives regarding medicine supply, instructing civil surgeons to maintain at least one month's buffer stock of all 368 types of essential medicines and warned against any shortage of essential medicines. "No patient should be prescribed any medicines from outside the hospital," he said, while reiterating that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led government's commitment to ensure free and accessible healthcare. He said that Senior Medical Officers (SMOs) have been empowered to purchase any non-essential medicine as per their requirement, warning that strict disciplinary action would be taken against any non-complying medical officer. To bolster the medicine dispensing system and overall patient experience, civil surgeons and SMOs were also directed to visit OPDs daily and collect patient feedback. To further enhance patient satisfaction, Balbir Singh directed civil surgeons to ensure that Outpatient Department (OPD) services are delivered within an hour of registration. In another move to enhance critical care capabilities, the minister announced that every doctor and paramedic, including staff nurses, will undergo training in critical care and advanced life support. He also tasked each civil surgeon to submit their district's health status in comparison to the Millennium Development Goals, enabling the department to set targets for better progress.>
The Print
2 days ago
- Health
- The Print
Punjab Health Minister issues strict directives for uninterrupted oxygen supply in all critical care units
Presiding over a high-level meeting with civil surgeons from all districts, Balbir Singh emphasised the need for 24×7 oxygen availability, functional UPS systems and fully operational generator sets to prevent any disruption in life-saving medical services. The directives came in the wake of the death of three patients at the civil hospital in Jalandhar on Sunday, with the kin of the deceased blaming a technical fault in the oxygen supply at the trauma centre for the deaths. Chandigarh, Jul 29 (PTI) Punjab's Health Minister Balbir Singh on Tuesday issued strict directives to ensure uninterrupted oxygen supply and power backup in all critical care units, including ICUs, Operation Theatres (OTs) and emergency wards across all government health facilities in the state. Balbir Singh said that approximately one thousand new doctors will be joining in the coming months, as the recruitment process is near completion, which will considerably improve the quality of health services. The Health Minister also issued stringent directives regarding medicine supply, instructing civil surgeons to maintain at least one month's buffer stock of all 368 types of essential medicines and warned against any shortage of essential medicines. 'No patient should be prescribed any medicines from outside the hospital,' he said, while reiterating that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led government's commitment to ensure free and accessible healthcare. He said that Senior Medical Officers (SMOs) have been empowered to purchase any non-essential medicine as per their requirement, warning that strict disciplinary action would be taken against any non-complying medical officer. To bolster the medicine dispensing system and overall patient experience, civil surgeons and SMOs were also directed to visit OPDs daily and collect patient feedback. To further enhance patient satisfaction, Balbir Singh directed civil surgeons to ensure that Outpatient Department (OPD) services are delivered within an hour of registration. In another move to enhance critical care capabilities, the minister announced that every doctor and paramedic, including staff nurses, will undergo training in critical care and advanced life support. He also tasked each civil surgeon to submit their district's health status in comparison to the Millennium Development Goals, enabling the department to set targets for better progress. PTI SUN RT RT This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Time of India
21-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Hyderabad doctors report alarming rise in cases of stroke among young adults
Hyderabad: City doctors are reporting a worrying rise in strokes among young adults aged 18–45, a demographic traditionally considered low-risk. Termed 'young onset stroke', this trend has seen two to three of every ten stroke patients in OPDs now belonging to this age group. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Once rare, strokes in younger adults are now being seen regularly in hospitals like NIMS, OGH, Gandhi, and major private clinics. 'Apart from sedentary lifestyles, we're seeing newer risk factors like iron deficiency anaemia, chronic kidney disease, and metabolic syndrome — including high BP, cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity,' said Dr Sireesha Yareeda, senior neurologist at NIMS. 'These strokes can cause long-term disability, especially if not caught early.' Doctors blame high-stress corporate culture, poor sleep, indoor air pollution, passive smoking, and rising recreational drug use as key contributors. In one case, a 35-year-old HR executive from Narsingi, despite daily workouts, suffered a stroke triggered by job stress and travel. 'He thought he was fit, but chronic stress played a major role,' said Dr Hemanth Kalakuntla, neurologist at OGH. Post-COVID complications are also under scrutiny. 'We're seeing a pro-coagulant status — thicker blood that raises stroke risk,' noted Dr Akhilesh Kumar of OGH. A joint NIMS-Yashoda study found that COVID-affected stroke patients had higher mortality rates, with 1 in 4 deaths in hospitals. India sees a stroke every 20 seconds, with over 18 lakh new cases annually, according to the Indian Stroke Association. Alarmingly, the average stroke age has dropped to 50–60 years in India, compared to 60–70 in the West. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 'Just a few years ago, we'd be shocked to see a stroke in someone under 40. Now, it's common,' said Dr Sudhir Kumar of Apollo. 'Even those who work out or play sports aren't immune. Ignoring early symptoms is a big mistake.' Doctors warn that delayed treatment often means the difference between recovery and lifelong disability. 'When young breadwinners suffer strokes, the financial burden is enormous,' said Dr P Ranganadham of Aster Prime. 'Even a few seconds count.'
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Birth issues for Panchkula's Mother & Childcare Hospital even after first birthday
1 2 Panchkula: One year after its virtual inauguration by Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini, the towering 11-storey Mother and Childcare Hospital in Panchkula stands tall — mostly as a monument to missed deadlines and unrealized promises. While the building boasts a Rs 113-crore price tag and a skyline-worthy silhouette, its actual contribution to healthcare remains limited to two OPDs. Yes, just two. The rest of the facility — labour rooms, operation theatres, ICUs, emergency wings, and even the education institute — are still waiting for their debut. The OPDs finally opened in March, after a long delay and a wave of negative press. But even four months later, the promised gradual transition of other departments remains a distant dream. Apparently, the hospital is still in its "soft launch" phase — except no one's quite sure when the "hard launch" will happen. The culprit? A missing fire NOC. Turns out, you can build a hospital, paint it, and even inaugurate it, but without a fire safety clearance, you can't actually use it. The OPDs were allowed to function only after provisional NOCs were hurriedly issued — because nothing says "urgent healthcare" like a bureaucratic scramble triggered by bad publicity. A fire wing official reminded everyone that this isn't just any building — it's meant for women and children. So, no, they won't be cutting corners. The hospital still hasn't addressed the fire safety anomalies flagged months ago. Thus, only OPDs were given a go-ahead with a provisional NOC, the fire official added. Dr R S Chauhan, principal medical officer (PMO), Panchkula, said, "We are not in a hurry as the public works department (PWD) is still carrying out the works. We highlighted our requirements, which are currently being undertaken. Following this, the fire NOC will be applied for and procured again." Importantly, the adjoining civil hospital — meant to be relieved by this new facility — is bursting at the seams. With 300 sanctioned beds and 500 patients, maternity wards have become a game of musical chairs, except with beds. Two women to a bed? Why not — it's bonding time! Ultrasounds and tests? Bring snacks, it's going to be a long wait. The new hospital was supposed to add 200 beds—100 for gynaecology and 100 for paediatrics—bringing the total to 500. But for now, those beds are just numbers on a blueprint. The building, with its 7 hospital floors and 3 parking levels, is more of a vertical promise than a functioning healthcare facility.
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Delhi govt to launch 4-tier mental health programme for children, workers and seniors
New Delhi: The Delhi government is set to launch a dedicated mental health programme focused on children, the working class and senior citizens, through a four-tier model offering teleconsultation, counselling, OPD care and a referral system. In a bid to tackle the rising cases of stress and anxiety across age groups, a comprehensive mental health programme under the AYUSH intervention will help people of all ages, Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Singh said He said that the initiative -- aimed at promoting holistic well-being -- will focus on three key population groups: children, the working class and senior citizens. The service will be anonymous, accessible and rooted in traditional systems of medicine including Ayurveda, Homoeopathy and Unani, he said, adding that this will be the first focused mental health initiative under Ayush and it will support people at every stage -- from a phone call to a consultation, and even hospital-level care if needed. Many people hesitate to speak about mental stress. Through this platform, they can reach out anonymously and seek help without fear or stigma, the minister said. The programme will operate through a four-level structure starting from telephonic consultations, moving to mental health counselling , followed by OPD services at Ayush hospitals and a final referral stage in case specialised psychiatric intervention is needed. The programme is especially significant at a time when stress is increasingly being reported among school children, with some showing early signs of aggression and anxiety. Also, working professionals are burdened with high-pressure targets and a lack of work-life balance. Women who juggle home and workplace responsibilities will also be covered within this group. The elderly, too, face isolation and other age-related mental health challenges. Under the plan, people can call a dedicated helpline and book a time slot to speak with a counsellor. If the counsellor feels that in-person help is required, the case will be referred to OPDs at Ayush hospitals. There are currently four such teaching hospitals in Delhi -- Karol Bagh, Defence Colony, Najafgarh and Nanak Pura. If further care is necessary, the final level will involve referral to allopathic or psychiatric facilities based on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Functioning under the Delhi government's health framework, the AYUSH systems comprise Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy. PTI
