Latest news with #T.S.Selvavinayagam
The Hindu
18 hours ago
- Health
- The Hindu
89% schools and 87% colleges declared tobacco-free: DPH
In Tamil Nadu, 89% of schools and 87% of colleges have been declared as tobacco-free educational institutions, according to the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine. Issuing a press release in line with the World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) observed on May 31, T.S. Selvavinayagam, Director of Public Health, said that Tamil Nadu has implemented comprehensive interventions focussed on enforcement, awareness, capacity building, cessation services and safeguarding institutions from tobacco exposure. This year, WNTD is observed on the theme 'Unmasking the appeal: Exposing industry tactics on tobacco and nicotine products' underscoring the urgent need to counter deceptive marketing strategies targeting children, adolescents and vulnerable communities, the release said. Listing out key achievements in tobacco control (up to May 2025) in the State, the directorate said on strict enforcement of the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), a total of 4,60,486 persons were fined and a fine amount of ₹7,97,13,387 was collected. A total of 45,865 out of 51,477 schools and 2,173 out of 2,484 colleges were declared tobacco-free. To enforce Section 6 of COTPA and to protect the young, the directorate has asked district officials to ensure that all educational institutions mark the 100-yard tobacco-free zones by implementing the 'Yellow Line Campaign'. 'This year's theme reminds us that the battle against tobacco is not just about controlling consumption — it is about exposing the industries that profit by endangering lives,' he said. Dr. Selvavinagayam added that Tamil Nadu leads by example with widespread enforcement, education, and community engagement. 'Through initiatives like the Yellow Line Campaign, we are drawing a visible boundary between our children and the threat of tobacco.' In line with this year's theme, Cancer Institute (WIA) organised a series of events that included an awareness rally, sand sculpture, open mic and announcement of awareness messages in Chennai Metro Rail stations, according to a press release. The department of Psycho-Oncology, Cancer Institute (WIA) along with HCL Foundation organised the awareness rally at Elliot's Beach, Besant Nagar on May 31. Nearly 1,000 participants including school and college students took part. R. Murugan, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Greater Chennai Police, Adyar Range and T. G. Sagar, Governing Body Member and former director, Cancer Institute (WIA) were present. A social media campaign aligned with World Health Organisation's (WHO) WNTD was also held. It highlighted tobacco's harmful effects, debunked myths, and exposed industry tactics targeting youth, and promoted the health benefits of quitting tobacco to encourage informed choices. Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research conducted an awareness rally to mark WNTD. Students, faculty members and healthcare professionals participated in the rally. Sri Ramachandra Hospital has opened a cessation clinic as per WHO guidelines to overcome addiction of tobacco usage through counselling and supportive medication, a release said.
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Sequenced COVID-19 samples in Tamil Nadu in were of Omicron and its sub-lineages: Director of Public Health
The Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) of COVID-19 samples showed that the infections were caused by the existing Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 and its sub-lineages, T.S. Selvavinayagam, Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, said. The strains currently in circulation are of Omicron and its sub-variants. It has not produced any virulent infections, he pointed out. In a video message put out by the directorate on Tuesday (May 27, 2025), Dr. Selvavinayagam said the current COVID-19 situation in the State was being continuously monitored through the Integrated Health Information Platform. As of now, 10 to 15 cases of COVID-19 were being reported in the State per day. Non-virulent infections Noting that there were non-virulent infections, he said that there were no hospital admissions and deaths due to COVID-19 in the State. 'It is a simple respiratory tract infection. The symptoms are the same and are not severe in nature. So, we may not experience any challenges,' Dr. Selvavinayagam said. To monitor the situation and look out for any new strains of COVID-19, the State had taken up WGS. Of the 26 samples, 19 were sent for WGS to the National Institute of Virology, Pune, in April, he added. 'The results have shown that there is no new variant. The samples were found to be of the existing Omicron, and its descendant variants — JN.1.16.1, LF.7.9, and LF.7.1.2. All these are sub-lineages of Omicron. There are no new variants or any virulent strains of COVID-19. All cases are of simple infections only,' he said. There was one case of NB.1.8.1 variant as well. Reiterating that there was no need for panic, Dr. Selvavinayagam said there was a need to approach this scientifically. 'We are continuously monitoring the situation. What people should know is that if any one has symptoms of COVID-19, especially persons with co-morbidities or the elderly, immediate medical help should be sought at hospitals,' he said. Hand hygiene and cough etiquette should be maintained. 'We should be vigilant. There is no need for panic and no need for any additional restrictions in this situation,' he said. The State government had adequate health infrastructure, Dr. Selvavinayagam added.
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Sequenced COVID-19 samples were of Omicron and its sub-lineages: DPH
The Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) of COVID-19 samples showed that the infections were caused by the existing Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 and its sub-lineages, T.S. Selvavinayagam, Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, said. The strains currently in circulation are of Omicron and its sub-variants. It has not produced any virulent infections, he pointed out. In a video message put out by the directorate on Tuesday, Dr. Selvavinayagam said the current COVID-19 situation in the State was being continuously monitored through the Integrated Health Information Platform. As of now, 10 to 15 cases of COVID-19 were being reported in the State per day. Non-virulent infections Noting that there were non-virulent infections, he said that there were no hospital admissions and deaths due to COVID-19 in the State. 'It is a simple respiratory tract infection. The symptoms are the same and are not severe in nature. So, we may not experience any challenges,' Dr. Selvavinayagam said. To monitor the situation and look out for any new strains of COVID-19, the State had taken up WGS. Of the 26 samples, 19 were sent for WGS to the National Institute of Virology, Pune, in April, he added. 'The results have shown that there is no new variant. The samples were found to be of the existing Omicron, and its descendant variants — JN.1.16.1, LF.7.9, and LF.7.1.2. All these are sub-lineages of Omicron. There are no new variants or any virulent strains of COVID-19. All cases are of simple infections only,' he said. There was one case of NB.1.8.1 variant as well. Reiterating that there was no need for panic, Dr. Selvavinayagam said there was a need to approach this scientifically. 'We are continuously monitoring the situation. What people should know is that if any one has symptoms of COVID-19, especially persons with co-morbidities or the elderly, immediate medical help should be sought at hospitals,' he said. Hand hygiene and cough etiquette should be maintained. 'We should be vigilant. There is no need for panic and no need for any additional restrictions in this situation,' he said. The State government had adequate health infrastructure, Dr. Selvavinayagam added.
The Hindu
22-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Rise in Japanese encephalitis cases prompts T.N. to expand vaccination coverage
The Directorate of Public Health's decision to increase vaccination coverage for Japanese encephalitis (JE) to five more districts, apart from the existing ones, follows close on the heels of the findings of a study done by Christian Medical College, Vellore. The study found that between 2022 and 2024 more JE cases were recorded in Tamil Nadu, with Chennai recording the highest number of cases. The study is a retrospective trend analysis using data uploaded to the IDSP – IHIP portal (Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme - Integrated Health Information Platform) of Tamil Nadu, from January 2022 to December 2024. The analysis found that 306 cases were recorded and 24.2% of the cases were in the age group of 10 to 19 years. The highest number (120 cases) reported was in 2022. In 2023, 112 cases were identified and in 2024, 74 cases were reported. Chennai accounted for the highest proportion at 40.5%, followed by Tiruvallur (8.2%), Tiruvarur (6.2%), Tiruvannamalai (5.6%), Chengalpattu (4.9%), Thanjavur (4.6%), Villupuram (3.6%), and Madurai (2.6%). The remaining districts accounted for less than 2%. The Health Department has identified 14 districts — Tiruvallur, Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Kallakurichi, Perambalur, Karur, Thanjavur, Ariyalur, Tiruvarur, Pudukkottai, Madurai, Virudhanagar and Tiruchi — as endemic. There has been a noticeable increase in cases (more than five cases) in districts outside of endemic areas such as Chennai, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu and Tenkasi, the study found. The authors, Regina Elizebeth Joy et al., cited the World Health Organisation's remarks that in endemic areas adults had likely developed natural immunity due to childhood infection, but children under 15 did not have the chance to develop immunity yet. Males more affected The data also showed gender disparity in JE cases, with higher incidence in males (62.04%) as compared to females (37.06%). More JE cases were reported during the post-monsoon and winter months, being attributed to increased breeding of Culex species, which transmit the JE vectors. The increasing number of cases in previously non-endemic regions are attributed to environmental and ecological factors, the authors concluded. Key factors included the presence of paddy fields, bird sanctuaries, field wells, pig populations, and ardeid bird habitats. Though most patients recovered some develop serious neurological sequelae. The neurological complications could lead to long-term disabilities. Many survivors experience cognitive, motor, or speech impairments. Director of Public Health T.S. Selvavinayagam, who is also a co-author of the study 'Epidemiological profile of Japanese Encephalitis in Tamil Nadu, 2022-2024: a secondary data analysis of IDSP-IHIP programme data', published in the recent volume of the Tamil Nadu Journal of Public Health and Medical Research, said the findings led the government to announce expansion of JE vaccination to five districts. 'It's a part of the announcement made in the Assembly,' he said. 'We are getting cases only because of screening, we will only ask everyone to report regularly,' he added. On May 15, the Health Minister had launched the universal Immunisation programme in Chennai. It included 11 vaccines, including for JE.
The Hindu
06-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Tamil Nadu has done better in preventing under-five deaths in last few years
Tamil Nadu has been making steady progress in reducing deaths among children under the age of five in the last few years. Focussed measures on improving growth monitoring, nutritional assessment and support, and immunisation services are paying off. Data from the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine showed that the under-five mortality rate (per 1,000 live births) has been falling steadily in the last few years - from 10.9 during 2022-2023, it dropped to 8.2 during 2024-2025. T.S. Selvavinayagam, Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, said to prevent deaths among children under the age of five, the State was mainly focussed on growth monitoring, nutritional assessment along with supplementation and immunisation services. 'It needs a complete and comprehensive service provision including management of illness, growth monitoring, nutritional support and immunisation services. Tamil Nadu's success is mainly attributed to the activities which cover all these areas including the role played by the Social Welfare department,' he said. While deaths directly caused by diarrhoea and malnutrition were not occurring now but were more contributory in nature, infections and unintentional injury were among the major causes of deaths in the under-five age group, he added. Rema Chandramohan, former director, Institute of Child Health and Hospital for Children, said that earlier, there were deaths due to pneumonia and diarrhoea. Deaths due to diarrhoea came down due to use of zinc, oral rehydration salts, and rotavirus vaccination. Availability of good antibiotics for treating infections, vaccines such as for preventing measles along with sanitation and safe drinking water had helped to a great extent. Improving newborn care prevent under-five deaths. 'There are better follow-up services now to ensure better newborn outcomes. Improving breastfeeding rates can also improve outcomes. We advocate breastfeeding up to two years of age as it protects babies from malnutrition, diarrhoea and pneumonia,' she said. The health-seeking behaviour including for mild illness had improved now, she noted. Dr. Rema added that growth monitoring, up-to-date vaccination, breastfeeding and proper complementary feeding are crucial. 'We could concentrate a little more on monitoring the growth of children every three months, pick up children falling behind and take up immediate remedial measures. Anaemia is also common among children. Once malnutrition is prevented, they will not be susceptible to infections,' she said. Dr. Selvavinayagam said that among the key concerns is ensuring exclusive breastfeeding for six months and introduction of locally available appropriate feeding afterwards. 'For this, the young mother needs support from everyone including family, society and the doctors,' he said. 'We have a special scheme - Uttachathai Uruthi Sei (Ensure nutrition)- for identifying malnourished children in anganwadi centres through our health teams along with ICDS and providing them supplementary nutrition. This is one area where we need to focus continuously,' he added.
