Delhi Plans State Transplant Body To Up Organ Donations
The proposal comes ahead of National Organ Donation Day on Aug 3, observed annually to raise awareness and encourage people to pledge their organs. Singh said the occasion underscores the urgency of building robust systems that make it easier for families to donate organs.
In a letter to Union health minister JP Nadda, Singh highlighted that Delhi — home to premier tertiary hospitals and a referral hub for the northern region — urgently needed SOTTO.
At present, the city lacks a state-level transplant coordination body, which experts say hinders effective organ retrieval and allocation, especially from deceased donors.
You Can Also Check:
Delhi AQI
|
Weather in Delhi
|
Bank Holidays in Delhi
|
Public Holidays in Delhi
While Delhi accounted for over 4,400 transplants in 2023, only a small fraction was from deceased donors. A dedicated SOTTO is expected to improve organ registry updates, strengthen hospital coordination, and facilitate faster matching of organs with recipients.
Singh said the health department, in coordination with Indian govt's Directorate General of Health Services, has already taken proactive steps to build infrastructure and deploy trained personnel. "The proposal was submitted in accordance with the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA), and we are ready to operationalise SOTTO at a suitable location," he wrote to Nadda.
Speaking to TOI, the minister said streamlining transplants through the local SOTTO would reduce preventable deaths caused by delays.
"A state-level body can improve awareness, counselling, retrieval and allocation, particularly for deceased donations."
The letter added that the initiative would mark a significant milestone for the
organ donation
movement in Delhi and build public and stakeholder trust in ethical, transparent transplantation services.
Dr Satyajit Kumar, state nodal officer for the THOTA cell, said the priority was to boost deceased organ transplants. "One deceased donor can save up to eight people," he said. "Living donations are limited, so we must strengthen brain death identification, train hospital staff, simplify legal procedures and honour donor families. Public awareness campaigns and better hospital systems are key to making deceased donation a sustainable, life-saving solution.
"
Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with
Friendship Day wishes
,
messages
and
quotes
!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
8 minutes ago
- Business Standard
Eris Lifesciences to tap Rs 5,000-cr insulin and semaglutide market in FY26
Ahmedabad-based Eris Lifesciences is looking to tap opportunities in the nearly Rs 5,000-crore Indian insulin market after Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk announced the withdrawal of its insulin products from the market in April this year. 'We expect that Novo's cartridge inventory in the market will run out by October 2025. So this market opportunity is something that one can start monetising from the November–December time frame,' the company's executive director and chief executive officer (CEO), Krishnakumar Vaidyanathan, told Business Standard. He added that the timing fits Eris' plans, as the cartridge filling capability of its Bhopal unit will start becoming operational from January. Vial manufacturing has already been commissioned at the unit, with the company creating a strategic stock of insulins. This comes at a time when Eris is already the largest domestic player in insulins. The company had acquired the India formulations business of Biocon Biologics last year — including established insulin brands Basalog and Insugen. 'Before the Biocon deal, we had a couple of homegrown insulin brands in the market, which did a combined Rs 60 crore in revenue last year. Basalog and Insugen had combined revenues of Rs 200 crore at the time of acquisition,' he said. He added that, with this, the company's insulin franchise has become significantly larger, with a 10 per cent market share. Eris is also among the prominent drugmakers looking to roll out generic versions of the blockbuster molecule semaglutide once its patent expires around March next year. Semaglutide is a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist used as an active pharmaceutical ingredient in medications for obesity management and Type-II diabetes. According to Eris' investor presentation for the June quarter of 2025–26 (Q1FY26), the company is on track to be among the first launches in India in March 2026. The company has initiated validation of synthetic semaglutide cartridges at its European Union (EU)-approved AMD injectables site. 'We are also planning the validation of the recombinant semaglutide in our Bhopal plant later this year,' he added. As far as the go-to-market strategy is concerned, the company said it is already in a strong position because of its dominant presence in insulins and prior presence in the GLP market with the launch of liraglutide in September last year. For Q1FY26, Eris Lifesciences recorded a 40 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) rise in consolidated profit after tax (PAT) to Rs 125 crore. Revenue rose to Rs 773 crore during the June quarter against Rs 720 crore in the year-ago period.
NDTV
35 minutes ago
- NDTV
9 Immunity-Boosting Drinks To Sip During Monsoon Season
In a rush? Can't cook? The monsoon season brings a much-needed respite from the scorching summer heat. The earthy smell of rain, the comfort of pakoras, and the joy of curling up with a book make it a season to savour. However, along with the romance of rain comes a surge in seasonal infections, including colds, coughs, sore throats, and digestive issues. Our immunity tends to dip during this time, making it all the more important to nourish the body with the right foods and drinks. And while we often focus on what to eat, what we drink can be just as powerful in building resilience. The right beverages can hydrate, heal, and strengthen the immune system from within. From age-old Ayurvedic brews to modern superfood blends, there is a wide variety of immunity-boosting drinks that are easy to make, comforting to sip, and packed with health benefits. 1. A Classic Ayurvedic Drink For Cold And Cough A timeless remedy passed down through generations, haldi doodh is rich in curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Add a pinch of black pepper to boost absorption and sweeten with jaggery or honey. It soothes sore throats, helps improve sleep, and supports overall immunity. Bonus tip: Many cafes now offer turmeric lattes with almond or oat milk that are equally fancy, tasty, and healthy. You can order one through your food delivery app and enjoy it warm while watching the rain. 2. Tulsi Ginger Tea To Boost Respiratory Health Tulsi and ginger are staples in Indian kitchens and for good reason. Tulsi helps fight respiratory infections, while ginger aids digestion and reduces inflammation. Brew them together with lemon and honey for a refreshing herbal tea. Smart tip: Pre-mixed Tulsi-ginger tea bags are readily available at most local stores, making them a convenient option for busy mornings or when you want something soothing on the go. Also Reason: Turmeric Vs Ginger Water: Which One Helps In Monsoon Photo Credit: iStock 3. Coconut Water With Mint And Lemon For Better Digestion Coconut water is nature's electrolyte drink, ideal for humid monsoon days. Add mint leaves and lemon juice to make it more flavourful and digestive-friendly. It also makes for a perfect refreshing drink for days when you feel bloated or sluggish. Quick hack: No coconut water? Try lemon water with a pinch of kala namak for similar benefits. 4. Amla Juice For Vitamin C And Skin Health Amla juice, or gooseberry juice, is one of the richest sources of vitamin C, which helps strengthen immunity and improve skin health. Dilute fresh amla juice with water and add honey or rock salt to balance the tartness. Pro tip: If fresh amla is not available, you can always go for bottled amla juice from trusted brands, available online or any drug store. Just make sure it has no added sugar or preservatives. 5. Garlic Kadha To Fight Infections Naturally Garlic is a natural antibiotic and works wonders for immunity. Boil crushed garlic with Tulsi, cinnamon, black pepper, and cloves to make a strong kadha. It may not win taste awards, but it is highly effective. Expert insight: It works best when consumed warm, especially if you get drenched or feel cold. 6. Seasonal Fruit Smoothies With Antioxidants And Good Fats Monsoon fruits, such as jamun, plums, peaches, and mangoes, are rich in antioxidants. Blend them with yoghurt or almond milk, add flaxseeds or chia seeds, and you have a delicious, immunity-boosting smoothie. You can also customise it by adding cinnamon or nutmeg for flavour and warmth. These smoothies are great for breakfast or as a midday snack. Shortcut: You will now find various health cafes and kitchens offering cold-pressed fruit smoothies with all the necessary ingredients. You can order your favourite through any food app and savour it, especially when you are short on time. 7. Cinnamon And Honey Tea For Warmth And Sugar Control Cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar and has antibacterial properties. Boil a stick of cinnamon in water, strain, and stir in a spoonful of honey. It is simple, comforting, and ideal for rainy evenings. Expert insight: It also helps curb sugar cravings and keeps you warm from the inside. 8. Orange And Carrot Juice For Immunity And Eye Health This vibrant combo is packed with vitamin C, beta-carotene, and fibre. It helps fight infections, improves skin health, and supports eye health too. You can also add a pinch of turmeric or ginger to boost immunity. Kitchen hack: If you don't have a juicer, simply grate the carrots and squeeze the oranges, then strain them properly for a quick fix. 9. Herbal Infused Water For Gut Health And Bloating Infuse your daily water intake with spices and herbs like fennel, cumin, ajwain, or lemongrass. These help with digestion, reduce bloating, and maintain gut health, thereby further boosting overall immunity. How to do it: Soak the herbs overnight and sip throughout the day. You can also boil them and drink warm, especially after meals. Still Wondering What To Drink? Read This Frequently Asked Questions Q. What is the best drink to prevent cold during the monsoon? Haldi doodh and tulsi ginger tea are widely used in Indian households to prevent colds, thanks to their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Q. Can I drink smoothies during the rainy season? Yes, smoothies made with seasonal fruits like jamun and peaches are packed with antioxidants. Use curd or plant-based milk and avoid ingredients with ice. Q. Is kadha safe to drink every day? Yes, kadha made from garlic, tulsi, and spices is generally safe when consumed once a day. However, consult a doctor if you have acidity or other health concerns. Q. What should I drink first thing in the morning during monsoon? Warm water with lemon or herbal-infused water with cumin or fennel is a great way to start your day and support your immune system. Q. Are bottled juices a good alternative for boosting immunity? Fresh, homemade drinks are always a preferred choice. When opting for store-bought juices, choose brands that are free from added sugar and preservatives. Photo Credit: Pixabay With a bit of planning and a few wise choices, your daily sips can become your first line of defence against seasonal ailments. So go ahead and brew or blend your daily sip - or simply order your way to better immunity in just a few clicks. Have a happy and healthy monsoon.
Hindustan Times
38 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Replacing milk with methi: Dietician's guide to improving bone and joint health
It is a common notion that only calcium and vitamin D can help in strengthening bones and joints. But according to Dr. Simrat Kathuria, dietician and wellness coach, it is more than that. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Simrat Kathuria said, 'As more people are lactose intolerant and others are opting for a plant-based lifestyle, we need to discuss replacing calcium-rich foods. Ragi (finger millet), instant block-inducing soy products (tofu), almonds, and fortified plant milks are formidable options and provide equal nutrition.' Also read | Ultimate Indian diet for strong bones: Doctor says eat these 4 foods, avoid these 4 for healthier bones Calcium and vitamin D can help in strengthening bones.(Freepik) The power of methi over milk: 'Methi (fenugreek), traditional kitchen staple during the winter months, is now receiving acclaim for its anti-inflammatory properties. Methi is high in iron, magnesium, vitamin K, anti-oxidants and other vitamins, which helps relieve stiffness and pain in the joints. Soaking methi seeds or making methi parathas as dietary additions could be appreciable options especially for women with higher risk of developing osteoporosis post 35 years of age,' the dietician added. Also read | Osteoporosis: Foods for women over 30 to prevent weakening of bones Methi is high in nutrients. Bone and joint health supportive foods: Dr Simrat Kathuria further shared a list of food items that can help in improving bone and joint health: Turmeric (with curcumin), ginger, and omega-3s such as flaxseed and walnuts help with inflammation and overall movement. Vitamin C is also important for collagen formation, which acts to cushion joints. The vitamin C comes from citrus fruits, bell peppers, and amla. Including protein is also important. Include dals, eggs, lean meats, or paneer (as appropriate to you) because protein is part of repairing tissue and preserving the integrity of our bones. Be conscious of packaged foods that are high in sodium and drinks that are high in sugar, which promotes leaching from our bones. 'The diet that supports our joints and bones should be varied, not just milk! There is also a variety of whole foods, including, methi, seeds, pulses and greens. Treat your bones like the investment they are, whether you are 20 or 50; your bone health starts with one meal at a time,' the dietician emphasised. Also read | Food for strong bones: Nutritionist shares tips Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
