Health experts urge govt to mandate dengue reporting
As dengue is a seasonal, epidemic disease, complications often require tertiary centre monitoring. From prevention to updating protocol-based treatment, a new approach is urgently needed for this tropical disease. Dr Madap Karuna, a consultant at EMRI Green Health Services, said that since dengue is a tropical disease, the cases may not be the same in Western countries, and therefore they may not have case studies of severe cases. 'There is a WHO protocol where we get to know not much about severe dengue management. The protocols have not been updated for severe cases,' said Dr Karuna. 'The policymakers also should know that the medical field is evolving; there are new diseases. During COVID, everybody was doing research and they gave a lot of options. Now, dengue is also changing patterns, as there are severe complications. Multi-centric studies should be encouraged by policymakers. We should give our data to WHO so that every doctor should know how to tackle it.'
The issue doctors face with dengue cases is that patients are often brought to the hospital in a bad state. Doctors said that in this scenario, if there is already a publication or knowledge-sharing of experiences, the feedback can be helpful for patient treatment. The private sector has been making some effort through conferences at a nominal price, but there is no such mechanism from the rural centres, doctors noted. Doctors point out a rise in the number of dengue cases until September-October and therefore want the government to initiate awareness campaigns.
Dr Karuna said that dengue has existed for two decades and people should know when to refer a patient, what type of treatment can be provided, etc. Similarly, the cost of treatments is also pushing patients into poverty. 'Once a child is in hospital, it is very difficult to manage,' said Dr Karuna.
Senior cardiologist and faculty at the International Training Center at Gandhi Medical College, Dr Vijay Rao, said that while protocols and guidelines do exist in every field of medicine, sometimes it is practical common sense that helps in clinical medicine, especially in developing countries where resources are scarce.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mint
2 hours ago
- Mint
Ultra-processed foods linked to higher lung cancer risk, study finds—Here's what you need to know
A new study finds that high consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) is associated with a 41% increased risk of lung cancer, including both NSCLC and SCLC subtypes. The large-scale analysis of over 101,000 US adults over 12 years showed the link was independent of smoking and overall diet quality. Eating a lot of ultra-processed foods—like packaged snacks, sodas, and ready meals—may raise your risk of lung cancer by up to 41%, even if you don't smoke or eat healthy otherwise, the study shows. The new study published in Thorax reveals that high consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) is linked to a significantly increased risk of lung cancer — including both non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) subtypes. This association was found to be independent of other risk factors, such as smoking status and overall diet quality. The study, based on more than 100,000 US adults followed over 12 years, found a 41% increased risk of lung cancer among those who consumed the most UPFs. UPFs are industrial formulations made predominantly from substances extracted from foods or synthesized chemically, containing additives, preservatives, and flavor enhancers, with minimal or no intact whole foods. Their widespread consumption, particularly in Western diets—where over half of the daily caloric intake comprises UPFs—raises concerns about their long-term health impacts. In a large-scale study, researchers have found a significant link between higher consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and an increased risk of developing lung cancer. This association was found to be independent of other risk factors, such as smoking status and overall diet quality. The research, which analysed data from over 101,000 adults over a mean follow-up period of 12.2 years, revealed the following statistics: There were a total of 1,706 new cases of lung cancer identified during the study period. Individuals in the highest quarter for UPF consumption had a 41% higher risk of developing lung cancer compared to those in the lowest quarter. This finding was statistically significant and held true even after adjusting for a wide range of variables. For NSCLC, those with the highest UPF consumption had a 37% higher risk. For SCLC, this risk was even higher, at 44%.
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Time of India
New research backs black cumin as a natural arthritis remedy: This is the right way to consume it
CREDIT: CANVA If you are among those millions who suffer from unbearable arthritis pain, joint pain, or stiffness, this is for you. A new research study published suggests that black cumin seed oil (Nigella sativa) could significantly ease arthritis symptoms, naturally and without any side effects as per studies, as much as conventional painkillers have. Arthritis is marked by chronic joint pain, inflammation, and bone health deterioration, which affects millions of people worldwide. Osteoarthritis is taking the lead, marked by deadly joint pain. While conventional treatment methods like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroid injections can offer relief, they often come with side effects or long-term health risks. And this is the reason why millions are shifting towards natural remedies and among the most promising ones is black cumin seed oil, scientifically known as Nigella Sativa. Clinical evidence from a randomised, placebo-controlled trial According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than three-fourths of the communities in resource-limited countries rely upon medicinal plants for their primary health care needs because more than 60% of the societies are unable to have access to and/or afford allopathic medicines. Among several medicinal plants, Nigella sativa L. (Ranunculaceae) has been considered one of the most treasured nutrient-rich herbs in history around the world and numerous scientific studies are in progress to validate the traditionally claimed uses of small seeds of this species. This study was published in the National Library of Medicine, titled' Nigella sativa L. (Black Cumin): A Promising Natural Remedy for a Wide Range of Illnesses.' Black cumin seeds are nutritionally rich, containing 20-85% protein 7-94% fiber, 38.2% fat and 31.94% carbs, and are additionally are good source of amino acids like glutamate, arginine and cysteine. How was the study conducted? In a double-blind trial involving 116 participants aged 50-70 years of age were diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis, researchers tested the efficacy and safety of black cumin seed oil. The test subjects were divided into two groups: one received 2.5 mL of N. sativa oil every 8 hours; the control group received a placebo. Treatment continued for one month. 52 participants were in the treatment group and 54 in the placebo group had completed the trial. The findings were: Improved joint pain and function: 27.72% improvement in the treatment group vs 1.34% in the placebo Analgesic use declined: With fewer acetaminophen tablets taken by those on N. sativa oil Pain reduction: 33.96% average decrease in the treatment group vs 9.21% in the placebo A time-tested natural remedy with modern potential Traditionally, it has been used in households due to its low cost, accessibility and fewer effects compared to synthetic drugs. Black cumin is widely used across cultures and has a long history of treating ailments. These seeds have an active compound known as thymoquinone (TQ) that offers therapeutic benefits for numerous conditions such as: Chronic diseases : Diabetes, hypertension, neurological disorders, cancer Infectious disease: Including bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections Now, imagine when combined with conventional treatments, black cumin can enhance drug efficacy, reduce required dosages, and may help overcome drug resistance. Given its broad safety margin and therapeutic promise. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Hans India
8 hours ago
- Hans India
Delhi CM Gupta inaugurates multispeciality hospital in Kailash Colony
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday inaugurated the SSB Multispeciality Hospital in Kailash Colony, which promises to offer round-the-clock medical services at reasonable rates, officials said. The hospital features advanced services such as robotic knee replacement facility and has dedicated departments for gastroenterology, respiratory care, nephrology, and neuro and spine surgery, they said. Hospital chairperson Shyam Sundar Bansal said it will soon apply for empanelment under the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme of the Centre. Speaking at the event, Gupta said according to a World Health Organization (WHO) report, India has less than one hospital bed available per 1,000 people, stressing that such challenges can be addressed if the government and the private sector work in tandem in a focused manner. Delhi government aims to develop the national capital into a global medical hub, drawing patients from across the country and abroad, she said. The chief minister mentioned the recent installation of an advanced machine at the GB Pant Hospital that can generate a complete DNA profile from just a single drop of blood as a step in this direction. She also claimed that many hospitals constructed during the tenure of the previous (AAP) government were left incomplete or lacked sufficient resources. "We are now bringing all such hospitals under the public-private partnership (PPP) model to ensure their full-scale functioning," Gupta said. BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj and local MLA Shikha Rai were present at the inauguration ceremony.
