Gurugram sex ratio improves after March slump
Health department officials attributed the turnaround to intensified inspections, legal action, and awareness campaigns aimed at curbing gender-based sex selection. 'The declining sex ratio was a matter of serious concern. We intensified our inspections, especially after the March data. After taking action, the figures rose in April and May,' said Dr Alka Singh, chief medical officer, Gurugram.
Official records show the monthly sex ratio for 2025 as follows: January – 877, February – 850, March – 751, April – 907, and May – 917.
District authorities cracked down on illegal practices under the PCPNDT (Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques) Act. In one case, an ultrasound technician was arrested in a sting operation for disclosing the sex of a foetus. The centre was sealed, and action was taken against the accused, according to district health officials.
Dr Pradeep Kumar, deputy civil surgeon and PCPNDT nodal officer, said, 'We are taking help from decoy patients and using sting operations to catch repeat offenders. Our team conducts surprise inspections and follows up on every complaint.'
According to Kumar, licences of 66 ultrasound centres have been suspended or cancelled this year for non-compliance. Eleven raids have been conducted under the MTP (Medical Termination of Pregnancy) Act and two under the PCPNDT Act.
To further tighten surveillance, a district-level task force has been constituted under the Deputy Commissioner. It works in coordination with the police, health, and legal departments to monitor ultrasound centres and prevent sex determination. 'We organised awareness camps in areas where the sex ratio had fallen below 750. So far, we have conducted 18 such camps. We also informed the public about a ₹ 1 lakh reward for credible information on illegal sex determination,' said Kumar.
Gurugram's annual sex ratio was 899 in 2024, 928 in 2023, 922 in 2022, and a low of 914 in 2021. The figures stood at 917 and 923 in 2020 and 2019, respectively. 'We are hopeful that this trend will continue, but awareness among families and community participation are equally important to bring about the changes,' Kumar added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
32 minutes ago
- News18
'Paramedical' Term Dropped: Govt Mandates Use Of 'Allied And Healthcare' Across India
The order by NCAHP states that the move has been taken to ensure uniformity in terminology and alignment with the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act. The central government has formally directed all states, union territories, and relevant educational institutions to discontinue the use of the term 'Paramedical" and instead adopt 'Allied and Healthcare" in all official communications, policies, advertisements, and academic references, News18 has learnt. The move comes in line with the provisions of the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) Act, 2021, which was enacted to standardise and regulate this wide-ranging group of health professionals under a unified framework. In fact, the order, dated July 1, has been issued by the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Profession (NCAHP) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. 'The term 'Paramedical' has long been used to describe various healthcare-related professions that provide support services in healthcare delivery. However, with the enactment of the NCAHP Act, 2021, the term 'Allied and Healthcare' has been formally adopted," said the circular seen by News18. 'In this regard, the use of the term 'Paramedical' is advised to be avoided and replaced with 'Allied and Healthcare' in all training programmes, recruitment notifications, advertisements, educational materials, and all forms of communication – both verbal and written," the circular said. Sent to chief secretaries, principal secretaries and health secretaries of all states and union territories, the order states that the move has been taken to ensure uniformity in terminology and alignment with the Act. The commission has recommended immediate compliance by all state governments, UT administrations, and institutions. This includes changing terminology in training programmes, recruitment notifications, educational materials, advertisements, and all forms of communication — both verbal and written. 'Therefore, all state governments/UT administrations and institutions are requested to ensure compliance with this nomenclature change and disseminate the information to all concerned authorities, institutions, and stakeholders under their jurisdiction," the order said. New term not ambiguous, aligns with global nomenclature 'If you go by the exact meaning of paramedical, traditionally it is used to describe roles that support doctors such as lab technicians but it's not a legally defined category and can be ambiguous," a senior government official, who was part of the meetings and discussions to change the nomenclature explained while requesting anonymity. 'When we say allied it means a group of professionals who are 'associated alongside" medicine covering disciplines like physiotherapy, radiography, occupational therapy, etc" he said while adding that 'Putting 'Allied and Healthcare' together creates a clearly defined, legally backed umbrella for all non-medical-doctor roles in the health sector. Meanwhile, health departments of all states and UTs have been directed to disseminate this instruction to all concerned authorities, institutions, and stakeholders under their jurisdiction without delay. The change marks, according to the government official quoted above, a 'significant administrative and educational shift, particularly for thousands of students enrolled in what have traditionally been referred to as paramedical courses, as well as for faculty, health institutions, and public communication channels" who will now be known by a better-recognised, standardised nomenclature under the 'Allied and Healthcare" category. 'This shift aligns them with global terminology, potentially improving career mobility and academic parity."
Indian Express
3 hours ago
- Indian Express
On weight loss drugs, my patient had cramps and fatigue: Here are 5 ways to deal with muscle loss
Mr Kumar, 42, had been taking the weight loss drug semaglutide for some time because his blood sugar level had been spiralling out of control while his body weight stood stubbornly at 98 kg, a weight cliff from which he couldn't get off. No amount of exercise and diet was helping him. But although his weight started dipping, he exhibited signs of muscle loss. He had cramps, lost balance, muscle twitches, all signs that his core muscle mass was beginning to get wasted. Muscle loss is common among those on GLP-1 receptor agonists — like semaglutide or liraglutide — which mimic gut hormones to regulate blood sugar and hunger pangs, thereby reducing calorie intake and body weight. But along with fat loss, some individuals also lose lean body mass, which includes muscle. That's something we need to watch carefully. Why is muscle loss a problem? Isn't any weight loss good? Not necessarily. Muscle is crucial for your metabolism, strength, balance and overall health. Losing too much muscle can reduce your energy levels, increase fatigue and even raise your risk of falls or injuries later in life. Also, muscle helps burn calories, so losing it could actually slow down your metabolism and make long-term weight maintenance harder. Is this more serious for Indians? Many Indians naturally have lower muscle mass due to genetic and lifestyle factors. This is sometimes called the 'thin-fat' body type. Even if we look slim, we may carry more fat and less muscle, especially around the abdominal area. So, preserving muscle becomes even more important during weight loss. How can you make sure you lose only fat, not muscle? There are three main steps to follow: Prioritise Protein: Ensure you're eating enough protein — around 1.2 to 1.6 grams per kg of ideal body weight. Include high-quality sources like eggs, dairy, dals, legumes, paneer, tofu, chicken or fish. Try to have a source of protein in every meal. Incorporate Strength Training: At least two to three times a week, do some form of resistance training—this could be lifting weights, using resistance bands or doing bodyweight exercises like squats and push-ups. This helps signal your body to retain and build muscle even while losing weight. Regular Monitoring: If possible, do a body composition analysis every few months to check if your muscle mass is being preserved. If muscle loss is seen, your exercise and diet plan can be adjusted accordingly. Balanced diet: While you need a calorie deficit to lose weight, avoid drastic calorie restriction, as this can lead to muscle loss. Focus on a balanced diet with adequate protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats to support overall health and muscle maintenance. Get adequate sleep: Sleep regulates your hunger hormones, metabolism and is the best way for muscle synthesis. Relying only on the medicine is not enough The medication helps reduce hunger and supports weight loss, especially when lifestyle changes are difficult. But to make the weight loss healthy and sustainable, you need to combine it with good nutrition and exercise. The goal is not just to lose kilos—but to gain health, strength, and confidence in the process. (Dr Mohan is Chairman, Dr Mohan's Diabetes Specialities Centre, Chennai)
Economic Times
12 hours ago
- Economic Times
Top doctor suggests 10 changes in lifestyle to heart disease and cancer
Dr Sudhir Kumar suggests some important changes that one should make for long and healthy life. (Pic credits- X: @hyderabaddoctor/ istock) Dr. Sudhir Kumar suggests ten daily lifestyle and diet changes. These changes can reduce chronic illness risk. A healthy diet with exercise is important. Quality sleep and avoiding tobacco are crucial. Manage stress and limit salt and sugar intake. Regular checkups and strong social connections are vital. Sunlight exposure and lifelong learning are beneficial for overall well-being. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads 1. Healthy diet Healthy diet (Pic credit- istock. Image used for representative purpose only) 2. Physical activity Phsyical activity (Pic credit- istock. Image used for representative purpose only) 3. Quality sleep Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads 4. No tobacco and alcohol 5. Watch your waist, not just your weight 6. Manage stress, protect your health 7. Slash salt and sugar 8. Don't skip screenings 9. Build deep human connections Make connections (Pic credit- istock. Image used for representative purpose only) 10. Soak in safe sun & boost Vitamin D Soak sun. (Pic credit- istock. Image used for representative purpose only) Bonus: Keep your mind sharp In an age where stress is constant, food is often processed, and screens dominate our lives, many are left wondering: Is a healthy, long life still within reach? According to Dr. Sudhir Kumar, a renowned Hyderabad-based neurosurgeon and CMC Vellore graduate, the answer is a resounding yes — but only if we rewire our everyday habits. Dr. Kumar recently shared a powerful guide of 10 daily lifestyle and diet choices that can slash your risk of chronic illness and help you live not just longer, but better. Here's a look at what he recommends:Fill your plate with vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and lean meats. Cut back on red/processed meats, sugary drinks, and ultra-processed snacks. This shift is proven to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and some at least 150–300 minutes of moderate aerobic activity weekly, like brisk walking or cycling. Add strength training twice a week. This not only improves physical health but also lowers your chances of dementia and for 7–9 hours of quality sleep. Poor sleep has been linked to serious issues like stroke, hypertension, and obesity. Stick to a routine, and turn off screens before remains the top preventable cause of early death. And alcohol? It's tied to liver damage, nerve issues, brain disorders, and several cancers. Cutting back is one of the most effective health moves you can your BMI between 20–25 and waist circumference below 90 cm (men) or 80 cm (women). Abdominal fat is particularly dangerous, increasing the risk of diabetes, strokes, and stress lowers immunity and promotes inflammation. Carve out time for mindfulness, meditation, journaling, yoga, or just a walk in nature. Your brain and heart will thank salt raises blood pressure. Limit it to under 5g a day. As for sugar, aim for it to be less than 10% of your daily calories to lower your risk of obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic checkups can catch silent killers like hypertension, diabetes, and cancer early — when they're still treatable. Monitor your BP, lipids, glucose, and undergo age-appropriate cancer is as dangerous as smoking or obesity. Invest in family, friendships, and your community. Real social ties have real health 10–30 minutes in the sun daily and eat vitamin D-rich foods. It's essential for immunity, bone strength, and possibly reducing cancer in lifelong learning — read books, solve puzzles, learn new skills. These cognitive habits help guard against dementia and support a healthier brain.
