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The Hindu
3 hours ago
- General
- The Hindu
Toxicology protocols to be in place across healthcare network in Puducherry
In a significant boost to toxicology preparedness, the government has brought out a region-specific poisons manual that will set the protocol and standardise the management of poisoning cases across the three-tiered healthcare delivery network in Puducherry. The poisons management manual, drafted by experts and tailored to the toxicological profile of the Union Territory, was formally launched at a workshop hosted recently at the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute (IGMC&RI). Besides, a resource base of 81 healthcare professionals — 35 doctors and 46 nurses — from various institutions, including primary health centres (PHCs), community health centres (CHCs), district hospital and tertiary hospitals were trained as master trainers during the 'TOXI-TRAIN' workshop, a State-level Training of Trainers (ToT) initiative in toxicology. The event, which aimed at enhancing Puducherry's capacity to handle poisoning cases through hands-on training and knowledge dissemination, was jointly organised by IGMC&RI's Department of Emergency Medicine and Trauma, the INDIA-EMS Project (supported by the Indian Council of Medical Research), and the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare Services. The trainees, who comprised doctors/nurses from each of the 30 PHCs at the primary level, two CHCs at the secondary level and the Indira Gandhi Government General Hospital at the level of district hospital, will serve as resource persons for peer-to-peer dissemination of knowledge among colleagues within their institutions and thereby facilitating a robust systemic readiness. According to experts, poisoning remains a leading cause of preventable deaths, especially in rural environments. In this context, the 'Toxi-Train Manual for Standardised Poison Management' is the first-of-its-kind resource tailored to the region's toxicological profile. By addressing critical gaps in emergency toxicology by providing structured, evidence-based protocols for a trained cadre of frontline healthcare providers (doctors and nurses), the initiative hopes to make Puducherry better equipped to prevent avoidable deaths due to poisoning through timely and skilled interventions. In fact, Puducherry is among the five sentinel sites for the prestigious Integrated Nationwide District-based Implementation Research for Emergency Model System (INDIA-EMS), an ICMR-led flagship initiative of the National Health Research Priority (NHRP), and the only one that is devoted to toxicology-related medical emergencies. The key features of the manual, include step-by-step decontamination and stabilisation protocols, recognition of signs and symptoms across poison types, antidote preparation and administration, case-based scenarios and peer training tools. The toxicology manual, designed for doctors and nurses, is ready for distribution among primary health centres (PHCs), community health centres (CHCs), and the district hospital. During the workshop, IGMC&RI Director C. Udayasankar noted that there was growing importance of emergency medicine and trauma care in Puducherry, particularly in the light of increasing toxicological incidents. In this situation, an initiative for building long-term capacity through systematic training was commendable and of critical value, he added. The workshop was led by Manu Ayyan, associate professor, Department of Emergency Medicine and Trauma at Jipmer and principal investigator of the INDIA-EMS Project and supported by R. Surendar, assistant professor at IGMC&RI and co-principal investigator, and S. Sooriyaprasannan, ICMR research scientist at Jipmer and project-cum-workshop coordinator. Ramachandra V. Bhat, Dean, IGMC&RI and Kavita Vasudevan, Head, Department of Community Medicine of the institute also addressed the delegates. I. Joseph Raajesh, medical superintendent, IGMC&RI announced the induction of 12 Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) ambulances into Puducherry's 108 emergency services. 'We are expecting the resource persons to complete the peer-to-peer sharing of knowledge by the end of this month. This will ensure adherence to evidence-based and uniform treatment protocols in poisoning emergencies across Puducherry,' Dr. Sooriyaprasannan said. A dedicated WhatsApp group will facilitate a continuum of toxicology support to physicians dealing with acute management of poisoning on a 24/7 basis. 'The future plan involves formulation and widespread dissemination of protocols for all designated emergencies, including heart attack, brain stroke, trauma, respiratory emergencies, and neonatal and maternal emergencies across the healthcare network,' he said.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
US policy shift an opportunity to explore education elsewhere
LONDON: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that policy and systemic changes in the United States (US), including in the education sector, should be viewed as opportunities to explore the advantages of education in other countries. Zahid, who is also Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said this includes exploring new opportunities in the United Kingdom (UK), which has long established educational cooperation with Malaysia. "We know that Mara (Majlis Amanah Rakyat) has decided to stop sending its sponsored students to the US. My approach is this: when there is a threat, there is always an opportunity. We have to look at the other side of the coin. "In situations like this, I believe the UK education system, which we are familiar with, can be put to good use," he said. Zahid, who is also National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Committee chairman, said this during a press conference after chairing a meeting with the Malaysian delegation in conjunction with his four-day working visit to the UK starting today. Yesterday, Mara chairman Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki announced that Mara will stop sending its sponsored students to the US starting this year, following the introduction of new policies and directives under President Donald Trump. Previously, the Trump administration issued an order to halt the processing of all foreign student visas and was reportedly considering screening new applicants based on their social media posts. Zahid also said he would use his working visit to broaden cooperation in the field of TVET, particularly in exploring new areas such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, robotics and green energy in collaboration with UK universities. "There are many new technology sectors, especially in green energy, that have already been implemented here and from which we can learn. We hope programmes like 'training the trainers' (ToT), for example, will bear fruit once they have undergone courses here," he said. Among the key items on Ahmad Zahid's itinerary in the UK are meetings with representatives of leading institutions such as University College London, delivering a public lecture on Malaysia's TVET direction and engaging with Mara-sponsored students.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
US policy shift an opportunity to explore education elsewhere
LONDON: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that policy and systemic changes in the United States (US), including in the education sector, should be viewed as opportunities to explore the advantages of education in other countries. Ahmad Zahid, who is also Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said this includes exploring new opportunities in the United Kingdom (UK), which has long established educational cooperation with Malaysia. 'We know that MARA (Majlis Amanah Rakyat) has decided to stop sending its sponsored students to the US. My approach is this: when there is a threat, there is always an opportunity. We have to look at the other side of the coin. 'In situations like this, I believe the UK education system, which we are familiar with, can be put to good use,' he said. Ahmad Zahid, who is also National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Committee chairman, said this during a press conference after chairing a meeting with the Malaysian delegation in conjunction with his four-day working visit to the UK starting today. Yesterday, MARA chairman Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki announced that MARA will stop sending its sponsored students to the US starting this year, following the introduction of new policies and directives under President Donald Trump. Previously, the Trump administration issued an order to halt the processing of all foreign student visas and was reportedly considering screening new applicants based on their social media posts. Ahmad Zahid also said he would use his working visit to broaden cooperation in the field of TVET, particularly in exploring new areas such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, robotics and green energy in collaboration with UK universities. 'There are many new technology sectors, especially in green energy, that have already been implemented here and from which we can learn. We hope programmes like 'training the trainers' (ToT), for example, will bear fruit once they have undergone courses here,' he said. Among the key items on Ahmad Zahid's itinerary in the UK are meetings with representatives of leading institutions such as University College London, delivering a public lecture on Malaysia's TVET direction and engaging with MARA-sponsored students.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Edu dept to include road safety awareness in curriculum
Jaipur: The state education department announced Monday that road safety measures will be taught in schools to spread awareness among students while signing a formal MoU with Muskaan Foundation, a private institute working on road safety for the project. In a meeting regarding the Road Safety School Education Project, chaired by education secretary Krishna Kunal, concern was expressed over the increasing road accidents around schools. The secretary emphasised the importance of including road safety in the curriculum. Instructions were given to paint rules and safety signs related to road safety on one wall of each school. Further instructions were that all teachers will be trained regarding road safety. "Coordinating with the nominated officer of the education department and under their guidance, 50 govt schools located near national highways and busy roads will be selected. Students of classes 6 to 12 will be taught about road safety. Two-thirds of the teachers will be selected from each of these schools, and a 3-day Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop will be organised for them," said a senior official.
Business Recorder
26-05-2025
- Health
- Business Recorder
Women agri workers to launch climate literacy campaign
HYDERABAD: In a major step toward advancing climate justice and labour rights, women agricultural workers and leaders from women-led cotton workers' trade unions in Matiari district have united to launch a district-wide climate literacy campaign. The campaign aims to raise awareness among women workers and growers about the rising risks of climate change and the urgent need for safer, more dignified working conditions. The initiative emerged from a two-day Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop on Climate Change and Health Literacy, organized by the Sindh Community Foundation (SCF) in collaboration with the Commonwealth Foundation, held in Matiari. The workshop brought together 42 women from 21 villages, equipping them with essential knowledge and practical skills to become climate campaigners. The training focused on addressing the impacts of climate change on health, livelihoods, and productivity, empowering these women to lead awareness and action in their communities. The training was inaugurated by Javed Hussain, Executive Director of SCF, who stressed that 'Climate change is not only an environmental crisis but a gender and justice issue. Women agricultural workers are on the frontlines of this crisis, and they must be at center of its solutions.' In two days training participants explored fundamentals of climate change and its specific impacts on women in agriculture. Javed Hussain opened the technical sessions, followed by Dr. Hira Arain, who addressed the effects of rising temperatures on livestock and rural livelihoods. Zubaida Turk spoke on climate-linked working conditions, while Dr. Bakhtwar focused on the health consequences of heat stress, including low blood pressure, heatstroke, and reduced productivity. She also highlighted that extreme heat is contributing to menstrual irregularities, uterine health issues, dehydration, mental health challenges, and even increased breast cancer risks all of which impact women's long-term wellbeing and ability to work. Learned how to stay safe during heatwaves, engage effectively with local communities, and conduct awareness sessions. By the end of the workshop, the women had developed a collective action plan to roll out localized climate awareness activities. Afroz, a cotton worker leader from one of the villages Long Khan Jiskanai, shared, 'We now understand how climate change is harming both our health and our livelihoods. If we don't act now, the situation will only worsen.' She urged growers to increase vegetation cover in the fields to provide shade and protect workers during cotton picking in the scorching heat. Workers also emphasized the urgent need to set a minimum wage for cotton picking. 'Without fair wages, and better working conditions' they said, 'it becomes a serious violation of our labour rights, especially as climate conditions make our work even harder.' With renewed confidence, all 42 women will now serve as local climate campaigners in Matiari. Launching a Climate Literacy Week, they aim to reach over 1,000 women cotton workers, advocate for eco-friendly shade structures, and demand stronger occupational health protections marking the beginning of a women-led climate resilience movement in rural Sindh. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
