New Delhi, Dec 20 (IANS) Even as weight-reducing or anti-obesity drugs are gaining popularity in India, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh on Saturday urged for their judicious use.Addressing the inaugural session of the 2-day “Asia Oceania Conference on Obesity”, the Minister called for a whole-of-society approach to effectively combat obesity — which has emerged as one of India’s most pressing public health challenges.”Obesity is a complex…

New Delhi, Dec 20 (IANS) Delhi Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh on Saturday outlined measures taken by the city government to protect public health amid worsening air pollution, saying that authorities have issued health advisories and ensured the availability of essential medicines in hospitals to treat respiratory ailments.“We have issued advisories and ensured that all essential medicines are available in hospitals. There is no shortage of supplies, and patients who come in are being provided im…

New Delhi, Dec 20 (IANS) The government spends Rs 30-35 lakh for every MBBS student, said Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Saturday, while urging new doctors to work towards society.Addressing the 21st annual convocation ceremony of King George’s Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, the Minister highlighted the remarkable progress achieved in India’s healthcare and medical education sector over the past decade.“The government spends between 30-35 lakh for every MBBS studen…

New Delhi, Dec 20 (IANS) Indian Railways serves about 58 crore meals every year on average and receives only 0.0008 per cent complaints on average, according to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.Based on inquiry on these complaints, a fine of Rs 2.8 crore was imposed over the last four years, the minister informed the Rajya Sabha.”It is the continuous endeavour of Indian Railways (IR) to provide good quality and hygienic food to travelling passengers. Necessary steps are accordingly taken by Ind…

Satna/Bhopal, Dec 20 (IANS) Chief Health and Medical Officer (CHMO) of Satna district, Dr Manoj Shukla, on Saturday said that multiple teams are investigating the case of six thalassaemic children who tested positive for HIV, but no concrete findings have emerged so far.Dr Shukla, a senior surgeon who has been issued a show-cause notice by the state administration, told IANS that the matter is complex and will take time to reach definitive conclusions.“Multiple investigation teams have arrived…

Srinagar, Dec 20 (IANS) As Kashmiris awaited rain and snow on Saturday, as forecast by the Meteorological Department, the 40-day-long period of intense winter cold called the ‘Chillai Kalan’ is also set to begin.The weather office has forecast rain in the plains and moderate to heavy snowfall in the higher reaches of J&K from Saturday night.Authorities in Baramulla, Kupwara, and Bandipora districts have issued advisories asking people living in the higher reaches not to move out of their hom…

New Delhi, Dec 19 (IANS) While imbalances in life, gut health, sleep, and workplace are creating significant global health challenges, implementing traditional medicine can help restore balance and harmony and boost health, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday.Speaking at the concluding ceremony of the second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine at the Bharat Mandapam here, the Prime Minister underscored India’s growing leadership and pioneering initiatives in shaping a global, sci…

Patna, Dec 19 (IANS) Principal of Government Tibbi College in Bihar said on Friday that Dr Nusrat will join her duty on December 20, who had gone silent after Chief Minister Nitish Kumar “pulled” down her hijab during a ceremony in Patna a few days ago. The hijab-related incident had sparked a political storm in the country, with opposition parties accusing the Chief Minister of disrespecting a Muslim woman doctor.Professor (Dr.) Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman, Principal of Government Tibbi College, P…

Chandigarh, Dec 19 (IANS) Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao on Friday told the Assembly that the government is working to improve the doctor-population ratio by increasing MBBS seats through the establishment of new medical colleges, both in the public and private sectors. She said while Haryana had only 700 MBBS seats in 2014, the number has now risen to 2,710. The minister was replying to a question by a member during the winter session of the Vidhan Sabha here.Rao further informed the Ho…

Ahmedabad, Dec 19 (IANS) Gujarat’s flagship 108 Emergency Service has emerged as a lifeline for millions, standing firm as a protective shield for citizens in times of medical and accident-related emergencies. Launched in 2007 by then Chief Minister and current Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the pioneering healthcare initiative has today evolved into a benchmark model for other states across the country.The 108 Emergency Service now operates round-the-clock, free of cost, reaching every city, d…