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Time of India
5 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Govt, Aided School Students and Anganwadi Kids Undergo Health Screening in Coimbatore Every Year
Coimbatore: At least 506 school students in the district were diagnosed with congenital heart disease in the 2024-25 fiscal. Their heart defect would have remained undetected for long had it not been for the screening of students in govt, aided and corporation schools, and anganwadis in the district under the Unition govt's Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) initiative. Early intervention services are also provided under the initiative. P Balusamy, deputy director, Public Health Services, Coimbatore, said 66 of the 506 students diagnosed with congenital heart disease had undergone surgeries in the last academic year. "The surgeries were performed at govt and private hospitals free of cost. The state govt took care of all medical expenses for the children under the Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance scheme. The remaining children were medically managed. " Introduced in 2013, this Union govt initiative aims to identify and treat defects at birth, diseases, deficiencies and disabilities, including developmental delays. The scheme primarily focuses on children aged 0-6 years, followed by those in the age group of 7-19 years. For early intervention, RBSK teams in the district conduct screenings at anganwadi centres twice a year and at schools once a year. Children suspected of having health conditions are referred to the District Early Intervention Centre (DEIC) at the Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital. The centre provides free treatment. As per the data available with the RBSK teams in the district, more than 2.43 lakh school students and 1.34 lakh anganwadi children were screened under the scheme in 2024-25. Among the seven major defects requiring surgery, congenital heart disease was the most common. The number of confirmed congenital heart disease cases has, in fact, decreased to 506 in 2024-25 from 522 in 2023-24. Emphasizing on the importance of early detection, Dr C Lavanya, member of a RBSK team, said, "Unaddressed heart ailments, including a hole in the heart, in girls could affect their maternal journey and contribute to maternal mortality. In boys, these conditions could cause fatigue and damage to other organs due to poor blood circulation. Early detection ensures a better future." The scheme has also helped identify rare conditions like duchenne muscular dystrophy, which could be fatal in the late 20s, among school students. Other conditions such as tongue-tie, gynecomastia and thyroid disorders are also treated under the scheme. However, challenges remain, particularly in convincing parents about their children's diagnosed condition. While 80% of the diagnosed children approach the DEIC, parents of the remaining 20% children refuse to accept the diagnosis. Regular follow-up and counselling are offered to address this issue. According to the medical experts, the congenital heart disease rate aligns with the normal prevalence rate of 9 per 1,000 live births. However, actual numbers might be higher since the RBSK data only covers the govt and aided schools.
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Nipah case in Palakkad: State health dept steps up surveillance on TN-Kerala border
Photo by P Sreedharan COIMBATORE: The Tamil Nadu health department has stepped up surveillance along the inter-state border in Coimbatore district by setting up temporary medical camps at checkposts adjoining Kerala, following a confirmed case of Nipah virus infection in Palakkad district. Health workers are screening individuals entering Coimbatore district from Palakkad through six main checkposts for symptoms of the Nipah virus, which are similar to those of influenza. 'The six checkposts where commuters are being screened are located at Gopalapuram in Pollachi North block, Veerappagoundanur in Kinathukadavu block, Walayar in Madukkarai block, Anaikatti in Periyanaickenpalayam block, Pattisalai in Karamadai block and Meenachipuram in Anamalai block,' said district health officer P Balusamy. 'Health workers stationed at these checkposts are using personal protective equipment (PPE) while screening incoming commuters in all vehicles. They are using infrared thermometers to check passengers' temperatures and look for symptoms of the zoonotic disease, including fever, muscle pain and respiratory issues,' he added. Six teams have been deployed, each comprising one health inspector, one village health nurse and one female health volunteer, amounting to 18 staff members in total. 'At checkposts with high vehicle traffic, we are planning to deploy additional manpower based on the requirement,' he said. 'So far, we did not detect any suspected cases. If we do suspect any passenger, they will be taken to the nearest primary health centre, where throat and blood samples will be collected. Surveillance will continue until further orders from the state govt,' said Balusamy. Another health department official said the zoonotic disease was spread by large fruit bats. 'Humans can contract the virus if they consume contaminated fruit. People should wash their hands regularly and avoid eating fruits and vegetables without thoroughly washing them,' he said.
Time of India
31-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
CMCH security guards advise people to wear masks; dean says it is not mandatory
COIMBATORE: Private security guards at the Coimbatore Medical College Hospital on Saturday morning advised patients and attendants entering the premises to wear masks as a precautionary measure in the wake of an increase in Covid-19 and flu cases. Security guards at the entrance used megaphones to advise people to wear masks. But CMCH dean Dr A Nirmala clarified that the management had not issued any directive regarding mask usage and that it was not mandatory. The hospital's security operations are assigned to Krystal Group. Following an increase in Covid-19 cases in some parts of the country, the private firm directed its staff members, including security and sanitation workers, to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and masks at work. The security workers subsequently began advising visitors and patients to wear masks, the dean clarified. "An inquiry has been initiated against the private firm and its workers. Meanwhile, CMCH has had zero active Covid cases for the past few months. Masks have not been mandated, but it is an advisory action against any respiratory infection that could spread during the monsoon," she said. P Balusamy, deputy director, department of public health and preventive medicines, confirmed that there were no active cases in the district. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Lead Corporate Strategy | IIMK IIMK ASMP Apply Now Undo He said, "There might be random cases reported in other districts. It is nil in Coimbatore. Also, there might be concerns about other flu cases being on the surge. But only two or three cases were reported in the district, which is absolutely normal.' 'Even if there's a surge in flu or Covid-19, we are well equipped with the materials that were procured during the pandemic. Moreover, the virulency of the Omicron virus that's spreading is not a threat. Our bodies have built a strong immune system against it," he added. Sources indicated that Tamil Nadu reported 148 active Covid-19 cases. Only one death was reported this year until Friday, they added.
