Bhopal, June 17 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel has chaired a meeting to review the ongoing efforts under the sickle cell anaemia eradication campaign at Raj Bhawan.

During the discussion on Monday, the Governor spoke about the ambitious resolution of Prime Minister Narendra Modi — the Sickle Cell Anemia Eradication Mission 2047.He also highlighted the successful efforts undertaken by the Madhya Pradesh government.Apart from senior officials of the Madhya Pradesh Health department, A.R. Dalla, an experienced doctor in the field of sickle cell anaemia eradication in Chhattisgarh, was a special invitee in the meeting.During the meeting, they mutually exchanged thoughts on various dimensions of sickle cell disease, diagnosis, treatment and management.Governor Patel said that there is abundant availability of medicinal plants in Madhya Pradesh.The Governor told that the Raj Bhavan has also provided financial assistance to all Red Cross district units in the state for providing sickle cell testing, treatment and necessary equipment.The review meeting was held ahead of President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to Madhya Pradesh to attend a World Sickle Cell Day programme scheduled on June 19.The programme will be held at a stadium in Barwani district, one of the tribal populated districts of Madhya Pradesh, government officials said on Monday.During his visit, President Murmu will address the programme, and she will also participate in several other events as well.Governor Patel, who is monitoring sickle cell eradication programme initiated by Prime Minister Modi, along with Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla, who also heads the state’s Health and Family Welfare department, will also be present at the event.Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Eradication Mission at a public programme from Madhya Pradesh’s tribal-dominated Shahdol district in June 2023.–IANSpd/khz

Imphal, June 16 (IANS) Manipur reported seven more fresh cases of Covid-19 on Monday, taking the cumulative total count in the state to 20, health officials said.

According to state health officials, of the total positive cases of 20 on Monday, 14 cases were reported in Imphal West district, three in Imphal East district and one each in Kakching, Thoubal and Bishnupur districts. All five districts fall in the Imphal valley region.On June 9, a 23-year-old woman tested positive for Covid-19 in Manipur, the first such case in the northeastern state in the current wave of the Coronavirus infection.Manipur Health Services Director Dr Chambo Gonmei said that the woman hails from Bishnupur district and had developed Covid-like symptoms. Her samples were tested at a private clinic in Imphal on June 5, and the results came on June 9, Gonmei said. He appealed to people to be on alert in view of the spread of the infection in other parts of the country.Meanwhile, Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla chaired a Covid-19 review meeting on Monday at the Raj Bhavan. The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh, senior medical officials from the state Health Department and other concerned authorities. The review was held in view of recent directives from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on enhanced preparedness amid rising concerns of a possible Covid-19 resurgence.A Raj Bhavan official said that the health officials briefed the Governor on the state’s preparedness, including diagnostics, protective equipment, oxygen supply, ICU and isolation wards, essential drugs, and the IDSP–IHIP portal. Challenges related to testing capacity, medical supplies and hospital readiness were also discussed.The Governor advised the importance of proactive measures, adequate medical infrastructure, and community awareness to ensure the state remains equipped to handle any potential surge in Covid-19 cases, the officials said.–IANSsc/uk

Patna, June 16 (IANS) Six people lost their lives and eight others sustained serious injuries due to lightning strikes in Bihar’s Bagaha (West Champaran) and Buxar districts on Monday.The incidents have cast a shadow of grief over the affected villages, with families mourning the unexpected loss of their loved ones.The first tragedy occurred in Meghwal Mathiya village of Ramnagar block in Bagaha, where Shahabuddin Ansari and Afsar Ansari died on the spot after being struck by lightning during a sudden thunderstorm.The victims were taking shelter under trees in a garden when the lightning struck.Three others – Shamim Ansari, Azim Mian, and Dheeraj – sustained serious burn injuries and were rushed to the hospital for treatment.The incident left the entire village in shock, with heartbroken families inconsolable and a pall of mourning hanging over the area.The second incident unfolded in Buxar, where four people lost their lives and five were seriously injured due to separate lightning strikes in Chausa and Rajpur police station areas.In Chausa, lightning struck a group of villagers who were sitting on the banks of the Ganga River.Mithlesh Ram, 22, Shri Bhagwan alias Jhola Singh, 60, and Virendra Gond, 45, were among the deceased.A head of cattle also died in the strike.The injured in Chausa include Neeraj Kumar, 16, Amit Chaudhary, 30, and Sonu Kumar, 18.They are currently undergoing treatment at Buxar Sadar Hospital.Chausa police station in-charge Shambhu Bhagat said that three deaths and three injuries occurred under his jurisdiction alone.He added that all the injured are being treated at local healthcare centres.In Rajpur, Ankush Kumar, 11, lost his life, while another person, Anant Ram, was critically injured.The sudden and tragic incidents have led to widespread grief and panic across affected villages.Villagers have demanded that the state government provide immediate compensation to the families of the deceased and proper medical support to the injured.–IANSajk/vd

Chandigarh, June 16 (IANS) In the lead-up to the 11th International Day of Yoga, the PGI Hospital here on Monday said this time healthcare workers will break its own record of highest number practicing common yoga protocol on June 21. Last year, the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) set a record with the participation of 1,924 healthcare workers in a yoga event, which was officially recognised by the Asia Book of Records. The PGIMER Yoga centre has been conducting 45-minute yoga sessions for patient’s caregivers, daily, since June 1 as a pre-celebration. However, yoga for caregivers is a routine activity which is conducted twice a week at the PGIMER. Additionally, a yoga summer camp for children is currently being held. Director PGIMER Prof Vivek Lal said: “I appeal to healthcare workers of tricity to join PGI’s Yoga Day celebration on June 21 as it brings team spirit necessary for quality delivery of clinical services.” Medical Superintendent Prof Vipin Kaushal added, “All the arrangements are in place. In case of rain, the event will be shifted to Zakir Hall.” Dr Akshay Anand, Professor in-charge of the yoga centre, said: “Yoga is an evidence-based tool for holistic healthcare and important for worklife balance which is why, Y-break has been implemented in over 19 departments.” Over 3,000 participants have registered for the 11th International Day of Yoga celebrations. Yoga offers numerous benefits for both mental and physical health. It helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, supports the management of hypertension and diabetes, alleviates chronic back pain, and improves posture, among other advantages. The PGIMER has actively taken steps to integrate yoga into holistic healthcare and research, recognizing its vital role in promoting overall well-being. Several studies are currently underway exploring the benefits of yoga and its integration into patient care, with the goal of enhancing treatment outcomes and supporting comprehensive rehabilitation. Through its yoga centre, the PGIMER aims to offer a well-equipped facility for practicing yoga under the guidance of experienced trainers. This service is available to healthcare workers, staff, faculty, and patients alike. –IANS vg/pgh

Bhubaneswar, June 16 (IANS) Amid the surge in cases of diarrhea in different parts of Odisha, the state Health and Family Welfare department minister Mukesh Mahaling on Monday launched the statewide ‘Stop Diarrhea’ campaign to control the further spread of the disease. The Health Minister inaugurated the campaign at the Community Health Center at Bhuban in Dhenkanal district.During the launching of the programme, Mahaling said that the state government under Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is giving utmost priority to the prevention and treatment of diarrhea in the state.The health minister further stated that the state government is providing advanced treatment, medicines and necessary infrastructure required to contain the spread of diarrhea in the state.The government has initiated a massive awareness campaign against diarrhea.The Health Minister emphasised the importance of personal hygiene practices such as washing hands, eating fresh food, drinking clean water, treating water sources, and avoiding open defecation to help contain diarrheal diseases.He said that a sufficient amount of ORS packets, zinc tablets, and other medicines have been stocked at all Anganwadi Kendras, community centers, hospitals, and Arogya Mandirs across the state under the ‘Stop Diarrhea’ programme, which will continue until July 31.The ground level health workers, Anganwadi workers and ANMs, etc., have already been provided training regarding identification of diarrhea disease and its management.Mahaling instructed the health workers to visit every household in their respective areas and distribute pamphlets containing awareness messages, ORS, Zinc tablets and medicines.He urged people to follow instructions of doctors and health workers. Meanwhile, the central team investigating the recent outbreak of diarrheal diseases in the worst-hit Jajpur district on Monday confirmed that the outbreak was caused by the cholera vibrio.“We have found an outbreak of diarrheal diseases that is due to the Cholera vibrio. We have given suggestions for water and food safety, maintenance of personal hygiene and creation of awareness,” said a member of the central team.She also informed that the district administration has been providing medicines and other treatment to the patients. Notably, cases of diarrhea were first reported in Jajpur district a few days ago.Later, it started spreading to other parts of the state including Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Dhenkanal, Cuttack, etc causing a headache for the state government.–IANSgyan/pgh

Chennai, June 16 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Monday made an unannounced visit to the Chief Minister’s Dispensary in Thanjavur, conducting a surprise inspection of healthcare services and interacting directly with staff to assess the implementation of the state’s flagship pharmacy initiative. The Chief Minister, who was in Thanjavur to participate in various government programmes, stopped by the dispensary without prior notice.Accompanied by a small team, Stalin examined the availability of medicines, the distribution mechanism, and public footfall at the facility.One of the key focus areas of his inspection was the functioning of the Chief Minister’s Pharmacy Scheme, a welfare initiative launched by the state government to provide essential medicines at subsidised rates to the public. The scheme aims to ease the financial burden of healthcare, especially for low-income families and individuals requiring long-term medication.During his interaction with the dispensary staff, Stalin inquired about medicine stock levels, ease of access for patients, and overall satisfaction with the scheme.Employees told the Chief Minister that the initiative had received a positive response from the public, with many beneficiaries reporting significant savings on their monthly medical expenses.Sources at the dispensary said that the Chief Minister expressed satisfaction with the scheme’s progress and praised the staff for their dedication.He also reportedly instructed health officials to continue monitoring medicine availability closely and ensure uninterrupted service across all dispensaries operating under the scheme.Area residents who witnessed the surprise inspection welcomed the Chief Minister’s hands-on approach, noting that such visits boost accountability and public trust in the healthcare system.Stalin’s visit underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening primary healthcare infrastructure and delivering people-centric services across Tamil Nadu. The Chief Minister’s Pharmacy Scheme is currently operational in multiple districts and is slated for further expansion in the coming months.–IANSaal/vd

New Delhi, June 16 (IANS) The ICAR-National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal, has been designated as a Category A Rinderpest or cattle plague Holding Facility (RHF) by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying said on Monday.Rinderpest, once known as “cattle plague,” was one of the most destructive livestock diseases in history before its global eradication in 2011.“India has achieved a significant milestone in the realm of global animal health and biosecurity with the recognition,” said the Ministry.Rinderpest Virus-Containing Material (RVCM) still remains in a few laboratories, posing potential risks if released.To preserve global freedom from the disease, FAO and WOAH have implemented strict measures to limit the storage of RVCM to a small number of high-security laboratories worldwide.In alignment with this global initiative, India had designated ICAR-NIHSAD, a high-containment BSL-3 facility and WOAH reference laboratory for avian influenza, as its national repository for RVCM back in 2012.India formally submitted its application for RHF status in 2019. A joint inspection of ICAR-NIHSAD was conducted in March 2025 by international experts appointed by FAO and WOAH.Following a comprehensive evaluation, the institute has now been officially approved as a Category A RHF for a one-year term, in recognition of its robust biosafety protocols, effective inventory management, and state of readiness for emergencies.The announcement was made during the 92nd General Session of the WOAH held in Paris on May 29. India’s WOAH delegation, led by Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) was also formally presented with the certificate of designation by the Director General and President of WOAH.“This recognition places India among a distinguished group of only six facilities worldwide entrusted with the critical responsibility of securely holding rinderpest virus material,” the Ministry said.It reinforces India’s pivotal role in global animal health, biosecurity, and the One Health framework.“India’s role in the eradication of rinderpest was historic. Today, its role in preserving that legacy is equally vital. This recognition is not just about containment; it is about responsibility and readiness” Upadhyaya said.The committee has also encouraged India to engage further on matters related to vaccine seed material, which will bolster its application for Category B designation in the future.The designation of ICAR-NIHSAD as a Category A RHF is a testament to India’s continued leadership in safeguarding global animal health and reflects the country’s unwavering commitment to international standards of disease control and prevention, the Ministry said.–IANSrvt/

New Delhi, June 16 (IANS) India continues to lead as global vaccine supplier, and generic drug manufacturer, said Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel on Monday.Speaking at the inaugural session of the Second Policymakers’ Forum organised by the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC), in the national capital, Patel noted that India is one of the largest suppliers to the World Health Organization (WHO) while it also exports generic medicines to the US.This reaffirms India’s position as a valued and trusted partner in the realm of global health, said Patel.“India continues to be a leading supplier of vaccines. As much as 70 per cent of WHO’s total vaccines are sourced from India,” said Patel.“India continues to be a leader in drug manufacturing, especially when it comes to generic medicines. And 14 per cent of generics imported by the US come from India while India also has the maximum number of US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) recognised drug manufacturing plants,” she added.Patel noted that “70 per cent of our generics are exported to the highly regulated markets and our pharmacopeial regulations are regularly visited to meet the global benchmarks.”She also highlighted how India supplied numerous vaccines to over 100 countries under the Vaccine Maitri initiative during the Covid-19 pandemic.Patel also reiterated India’s commitment to ensure equitable access to quality-assured medicines for its citizens. A perfect example of affordable healthcare solutions is the Jan Aushadi Kendras, the MoS said.“Our Jan Aushadhi Kendras are the shining examples of India’s commitment to providing quality and affordable medicines to all our citizens. Jan Aushadhi has been one of the most powerful instruments of bringing down the out-of-pocket expenditure of our citizens,” she added.Aimed at promoting the recognition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia and collaboration in India’s flagship affordable medicines initiative — the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) — the Forum is being organised by the IPC under the aegis of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in association with the Ministry of External Affairs.This engagement builds on the momentum generated by the First Policymakers’ Forum held in August 2024, which resulted in several participating countries formally recognising the Indian Pharmacopoeia as a book of standards for drugs.The growing international interest in aligning with India’s regulatory frameworks reflects the credibility and scientific rigour of the Indian Pharmacopoeia, as well as India’s proactive role in advancing global public health objectives.Further, Patel stated that “India has retained the WHO’s Global Benchmarking Tool (GBT) framework, Maturity Level 3 (ML3) status which reflects the robustness of India’s regulatory framework. Presently, 15 countries in the world recognise Indian Pharmacopeia as a book of standards for drugs, Cuba recently becoming the 15th country to recognise the Indian Pharmacopeia.”“It is not just a regulatory step, but a move towards bringing more alignment in the quality standards, expanding access to safe and effective drugs, and making trade in pharmaceuticals smoother than ever before,” the MoS said.Patel reaffirmed that “we are committed to helping our partner countries by way of communicating and planning” and “hope to continue to work together to advance the regulatory collaboration and promote the recognition of the pharmacopeial standards so that we can strive fast towards the shared goal of ‘Health for All’.”The four-day event is expected to see participation of policymakers and senior drug regulatory officials from 22 countries who will contend on pharmacopeial standards, India’s regulatory landscape, and successful public health schemes.–IANSrvt/

Ghaziabad, June 16 (IANS) The family of a medical student from Ghaziabad, currently stranded in war-torn Iran, on Monday has appealed to the Indian government to ensure his safe return.

Rizwan Ansari, a resident of Behta Hajipur in Ghaziabad’s Loni, is pursuing an MBBS degree in Tehran and was living in a university hostel that was recently destroyed in a missile strike amid escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran.According to his family, Rizwan narrowly escaped the attack. He had gone to a nearby hotel with friends for a meal when the missile hit the hostel building. Upon returning, he found the building reduced to rubble. He then called his family using someone else’s phone to inform them he was safe.Speaking to IANS, Rizwan’s mother, Yaman Rani, made an emotional appeal to the Prime Minister.”My son wanted to become a good doctor, which is why he went to Tehran to study. I request Prime Minister Narendra Modi, through your platform, to bring my son back to India. He told us his hostel building had collapsed and everything he owned was destroyed. From childhood, he dreamed of becoming either a scientist or a highly qualified doctor.”His father, Mohammad Ali, added: “Rizwan went to Iran in November last year. He has been very disturbed since Sunday, as missiles have been landing near his area. He went out to eat at a hotel, and when he returned, the building was gone. He told me there were bodies lying around his building. He said, ‘I am alive only because I was outside.’ I urge the Indian government to bring my son and all Indian students in Iran back safely.”Ghulam Abbas, Rizwan’s maternal uncle, said: “This is his first year in Iran. He told us Israel is continuously launching missiles. When he didn’t step out for 24 hours, we told him to go and get something to eat. His mobile phone, tablet – everything is gone in the collapse. We are requesting the government to rescue him and others stuck there.”The situation in the region continues to deteriorate, with families like Ansari’s anxiously awaiting government intervention.–IANSjk/vd

Ghaziabad, June 16 (IANS) The family of a medical student from Ghaziabad, currently stranded in war-torn Iran, on Monday has appealed to the Indian government to ensure his safe return.

Rizwan Ansari, a resident of Behta Hajipur in Ghaziabad’s Loni, is pursuing an MBBS degree in Tehran and was living in a university hostel that was recently destroyed in a missile strike amid escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran.According to his family, Rizwan narrowly escaped the attack. He had gone to a nearby hotel with friends for a meal when the missile hit the hostel building. Upon returning, he found the building reduced to rubble. He then called his family using someone else’s phone to inform them he was safe.Speaking to IANS, Rizwan’s mother, Yaman Rani, made an emotional appeal to the Prime Minister.”My son wanted to become a good doctor, which is why he went to Tehran to study. I request Prime Minister Narendra Modi, through your platform, to bring my son back to India. He told us his hostel building had collapsed and everything he owned was destroyed. From childhood, he dreamed of becoming either a scientist or a highly qualified doctor.”His father, Mohammad Ali, added: “Rizwan went to Iran in November last year. He has been very disturbed since Sunday, as missiles have been landing near his area. He went out to eat at a hotel, and when he returned, the building was gone. He told me there were bodies lying around his building. He said, ‘I am alive only because I was outside.’ I urge the Indian government to bring my son and all Indian students in Iran back safely.”Ghulam Abbas, Rizwan’s maternal uncle, said: “This is his first year in Iran. He told us Israel is continuously launching missiles. When he didn’t step out for 24 hours, we told him to go and get something to eat. His mobile phone, tablet – everything is gone in the collapse. We are requesting the government to rescue him and others stuck there.”The situation in the region continues to deteriorate, with families like Ansari’s anxiously awaiting government intervention.–IANSjk/vd