Jaipur, May 19 (IANS) Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla lauded ASHA workers as the strongest pillar of the nation’s health system, asserting that during times of crisis, when many step back, ASHA sisters step forward with unwavering commitment and selfless service.

Speaking at the event organised by Promising Indian Society in collaboration with GAIL (Gas Authority of India Limited) at the UIT Auditorium, Birla said that if essential health services are reaching India’s most remote villages today, much of the credit goes to these frontline health workers. “They work tirelessly, day and night, for every pregnant woman, newborn, and person in need,” he said. Recalling the COVID-19 pandemic, Birla highlighted the dedication of ASHA sisters who, despite the risks, went door-to-door identifying the sick, delivering medicines, and connecting people to medical care, even as many were reluctant to step out. Their contribution, he said, is vital in nurturing a healthier, more self-reliant, and dignified future generation.Birla described the ASHA workers as embodiments of compassion, self-confidence, and dedication. He noted that the dialogue was more than just a formal gathering; it was a collective resolve that every citizen in the Kota-Bundi parliamentary constituency should enjoy good health, every expecting mother and child should be safe, and even the most marginalised individuals should live with dignity. Acknowledging their significant role in the Suposhit Maa Abhiyan, Birla applauded the efforts of ASHA sisters in reaching the most underserved sections of society. He urged them to identify pregnant women lacking adequate nutrition or medical care, so they can be supported effectively. Referring to the newly inaugurated Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra in Kota, Birla mentioned that essential assistive devices will now be delivered to the homes of Divyangjans (persons with disabilities). He appealed to ASHA workers to help identify such individuals in their areas and inform the MBS Hospital or Lok Sabha office to ensure timely assistance. –IANSarc/dan

Shimla, May 19 (IANS) The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu, on…

Mumbai, May 19 (IANS) Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar on Monday directed the administration to immediately submit a proposal regarding the state’s health policy in order to make the public health department more dynamic, people-oriented and transparent.

Minister Abitkar, who chaired a high-level meeting, also gave instructions on the inclusion of contractual employees working under the National Health Mission in government service and the early submission of a proposal for an increase in their honorarium.He also asked the administration to follow up on the government decision of the Women and Child Welfare Department regarding the inclusion of employees under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana.“There should be transparency in the transfer process of medical officers. Administrative transfers of medical officers, who have served for more than eight years, should be done through counselling, and after that, the transfer on request should be made. Also, transfers of officers in the S-23 pay scale should be done by looking at their report cards, and inter-district transfers of community health officers should be done first before May 31. They should be given a convenient district and then carry out intra-district transfers,” said the minister.He added that to ensure that the government has the maximum number of Class I medical officers, these posts should be filled up immediately by following up with the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC).He said that a legal firm should be appointed to amend the Bombay Nursing Home Act and other laws, adding that the bill should be presented during the upcoming monsoon session of the state legislature.Abitkar further instructed to present a proposal to the Cabinet to provide an incentive allowance to medical help desk employees and to pay Rs 20 instead of Rs 5 to ASHA workers for issuing Ayushman Bharat cards.He also asked the administration to set up medical help desks in Kolhapur, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar and Mumbai.The minister directed that the Public Health Department should prepare a 150-day action plan and submit it by May 20, 2025. He further instructed to submit a detailed proposal for launching the Rural Cleanliness and Health Campaign in the state, as well as to start Cancer Day Care Centres at 17 places as announced by the Central government in its budget and to start TB-free Panchayats and Tobacco-free Schools campaigns.“A proposal should be submitted for providing special facilities to doctors working in tribal and remote areas. A supplementary demand of Rs 44 crore for setting up a new laboratory on the lines of the Central government’s NIV should be submitted to the Finance Department by May 31. Instructions were given to look into the availability of land in Kolhapur or Pune for the PM Medicity Program, considering the availability of 50 acres of land and the airports,” he said.He added that the department should immediately submit a proposal to the finance department by May 31.–IANSsj/dan

New Delhi, May 19 (IANS) The Central government has flagged a widely circulating social media post on blood as false and misleading, warning citizens not to fall for it.The message falsely claims that the government has launched a nationwide “Blood on Call” service accessible via the number 104.According to the viral post, calling 104 would allow people to request blood, which would then be delivered within four hours and a 40 km radius.The message further claims that the service costs Rs 450 per unit of blood and Rs 100 for transportation, urging recipients to share it widely.”Please forward this message to your friends, relatives and groups. Many lives can be saved from this facility,” the viral post said.However, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) — which is also tasked with dispelling misinformation related to government policies — has clarified that no such scheme exists under the Central government.In a fact-check alert, PIB stated: “The Government of India is not running any such scheme. This number is used for various helpline services in some states.”The helpline number 104 does exist in several states, but it is typically used for general health-related queries, telemedicine consultations, or Covid-19 assistance, and not for any blood delivery service.The claim has been on the internet since 2022.The PIB has urged the public to verify any government-related claims from official sources before sharing them.Spreading misinformation, even if unintentional, can lead to public confusion and misuse of healthcare resources, it warned.This is not the first time that social media has been used to circulate false medical or health-related claims. The government continues to advise caution, especially with messages that sound too good to be true or lack official verification.–IANSskp/vd

Washington, May 19 (IANS) Former US President Joe Biden on Monday released his first statement hours after his office announced that he has been diagnosed with a relatively aggressive form of prostate cancer.

“Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support,” wrote the 82-year-old in a social media post while sharing a picture with wife.Biden’s office stated on Sunday that the former President was last week seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms.”On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterised by a Gleason score of 9 (grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone. While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management,” the statement went on to say.”The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians,” it added.Biden was the oldest US President when he left office earlier this year, making way for President Donald Trump to return to the White House for a second term, defeating Vice-President Kamala Harris.Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday extended his heartfelt wishes to the former US President for a quick and complete recovery.”Deeply concerned to hear about Joe Biden’s health. Extend our best wishes to him for a quick and full recovery. Our thoughts are with Dr. Jill Biden and the family,” PM Modi posted on X.US President Donald Trump also commented on the diagnosis via his Truth Social platform: “Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis. We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”–IANSint/as

New Delhi, May 19 (IANS) India’s orthopaedic and cardiac implant sector, including exports, is expected to reach $4.5 to $5 billion by FY28, driven by strong domestic demand and gradually growing export presence, according to a report released on Monday.The sector (including exports) stood at $2.4 to $2.7 billion in FY24, according to CareEdge Ratings.The Indian implant manufacturers are making rapid strides in the domestic market and are gradually expanding their presence in the export market.The report cited that with only 7.5 per cent customs duty on the import of most coronary and orthopaedic implant products, any potential trade deal with the US resulting in tariff reduction is not likely to materially change the market dynamics for domestic manufacturers.However, material changes in non-tariff barriers, such as the relaxation of price caps, can significantly alter the competitive landscape for domestic manufacturers compared to MNCs, it added.Sales of homegrown implant manufacturers have grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28 per cent (including a CAGR of 37 per cent for exports) during the four years ended FY24, outpacing the sales CAGR of 12 per cent for foreign multinational corporations (MNCs) during the same period.The sales volume growth of domestic entities was even higher, driven by their competitive pricing and increased participation in government-sponsored insurance schemes.“India’s medical implant sector is on a robust growth trajectory, driven by strong domestic demand and growing exports,” said Krunal Modi, Director at CareEdge Ratings.India’s export growth rate for implants has significantly outpaced the implant imports during the last 5-6 years.Increasing per capita income and affordability, rising healthcare awareness, an ageing population, expansion in healthcare infrastructure, and increasing insurance penetration are expected to drive the domestic demand for implants in the long term, said the report.Price caps adversely affected the foreign MNCs’ high-margin products, forcing them to discontinue some of their premium products from the Indian market.However, it significantly improved affordability, especially for implants manufactured by domestic companies, thereby enabling them to expand their market share. Schemes like Ayushman Bharat further improved the affordability and expanded the market, according to the report.–IANSna/

Kota (Rajasthan), May 19 (IANS) Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday inaugurated the Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra (PMDK) in Rajasthan’s Kota, and distributed assistive equipment to differently abled individuals.

A sense of joy and hope was evident among the beneficiaries as they received the equipment tailored to their needs. Many expressed newfound confidence and a sense of independence.In his remarks at the event, Birla said: “The launch of Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra in Kota will greatly support people with disabilities. It will boost their confidence and help them become self-reliant. They no longer need to depend on others. These assistive devices will ease their mobility and improve their quality of life.”The PMDK initiative is led by ALIMCO (Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India), a public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. It aims to provide assistive devices to senior citizens and people with disabilities at affordable rates.Around 100 such centres are expected to be established across the country by June. Currently, 45 PMDKs are operational in various states and Union Territories.IANS spoke to some of the recipients. Surendra said: “I feel like I’ve been reborn. Earlier, we faced many challenges and felt helpless, but now I believe I can do anything.”Zakir Hussain said: “We are getting a lot of benefits from this. Earlier, we faced many hurdles, but now things have become easier.”Another recipient expressed gratitude, saying: “Thanks to PM Modi and Om Birla. Earlier, travel was difficult, but now with this electric scooter, we won’t face any more problems.”Beneficiary Rajesh added: “Now we can travel independently without being a burden. I thank the government for this support.”The PMDK is a dedicated initiative aimed at empowering persons with disabilities, particularly those with visual impairments. This centre serves as a crucial resource for enhancing the quality of life and opportunities for the Divyangjans. It focuses on providing comprehensive rehabilitation services to visually impaired individuals, enabling them to gain independence and self-sufficiency. The centre is equipped with advanced technologies, including prosthetics, orthotics, and Braille appliances, to assist individuals in their daily lives and enhance their mobility.The PMDK emphasises skill development through various training programmes, ensuring that beneficiaries acquire vocational skills that can lead to employment and self-employment.By fostering community involvement, the PMDK aims to raise awareness about the capabilities of persons with disabilities and promote inclusivity.–IANSjk/vd

New Delhi, May 19 (IANS) Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, said on Monday that Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) has so far invested Rs 88 crore to support more than 30 startups in the fields of energy, healthcare, agriculture and AI.In a post on X social media platform, the Union Minister said that BPCL is empowering youth to become job creators and leaders.“India’s startup ecosystem is booming, driving growth and innovation across multiple sectors,” said Puri.BPCL’s ‘Project Ankur’ is fuelling this momentum, guided by PM Narendra Modi’s vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat. Rs 88 crore invested to support 30+ startups in energy, healthcare, agriculture and AI,” the minister added.He further said that BPCL is ensuring breakthrough innovations like fuel-flexible turbines and carbon dioxide-to-methanol conversion.“Together, we are building an India that leads in innovation and opportunity,” he noted.Earlier, the Union Minister informed that Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) is fuelling the Indian startup ecosystem, and has invested Rs 27 crore to empower 28 startups to date.HPCL’s ‘Udgam’ initiative has raised Rs 35 crore so far to support startups in the field of clean and green energy.“India’s energy future is being shaped by innovation. HPCL’s ‘Udgam’ initiative is empowering startups working on green hydrogen and ethanol, smart LPG cylinders and emission control, IoT solutions and cashless technologies and waste-to-energy and carbon capture,” Puri posted on X social media platform.“Thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Startup India initiative, which continues to fuel innovation across the country,” he added.Oil India Limited is also supporting 15 startups related to various fields like design of hydrogen fuel cell-based e-bus and design of wireless robot for oil well inspection and multi-functional oil and gas operations with a startup fund of Rs 50 crore, the Union Minister informed.—IANSna/

San Francisco, May 18 (IANS) A wearable pulse oximeter and connected software platform show promise for monitoring obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and other sleep-related breathing diseases, according to new research released on Sunday.The device (pulse oximeter), which is cleared for medical use, was designed for comfort and ease of use; a clinical trial found high rates of utilisation by patients. It could be used to track patient response to OSA treatment over time.“Investigators in our clinical research trials report how useful longitudinal data are to observe night-to-night variability and the response to treatment of OSA,” said Ketan Mehta, head of product and engineering for Connected Wearables at Apnimed.“One sleep specialist even reported that it may be better to collect one or two channels of data over 25 nights than 25 channels over one night, which is considered the gold standard with in-lab polysomnography,” Mehta added.Wearable sensors like the Oura ring and Apple Watch that measure biometrics during sleep are widely used by consumers, but are not cleared for medical use.At the same time, other medical devices used in sleep studies gather clinically relevant data, but are too cumbersome and costly to use for frequent monitoring.This tool could potentially expand patient access to care through pulmonologists to manage routine sleep apnea in their patients, instead of having to refer them out to a sleep specialist, he added. The device provides a bridge between these two extremes, he said.Worn as a ring, the device offers several key differences from other consumer wearables. Notably, it uses transmittance-based photoplethysmography, which has been shown to be more suitable for the proximal phalanx region, provide better signal-to-noise ratio, and is more effective in low perfusion situations.It also engages in continuous data collection, rather than spot checks, he added.The device connects to an app that users can access from their smartphone, giving patients access to a subset of the same data as their health care providers.“These data empower both parties to be informed, and they’re able to have more meaningful conversations. This offers the opportunity for shared decision making between patient and provider using digital medicine,” Mehta said.—IANSna/

New Delhi, May 18 (IANS) With Delhi’s AQI recorded as ‘moderate’ on Sunday, a day…