Latest news with #AIIMSBhopal
Hans India
7 hours ago
- Health
- Hans India
AIIMS Bhopal starts special therapy unit for children diagnosed with cancer
Bhopal: In yet another step towards improving the health services, All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS)-Bhopal has launched a specialised pediatric after completion of therapy (ACT) clinic, officials said. The initiative has been taken considering the health condition of children diagnosed with cancer, and to provide a healthy environment with therapy for survivors until they are fully recovered. The special unit (clinic) was inaugurated at the pediatric ward. AIIMS Bhopal Executive Director, Ajay Singh, said, "Today, nearly 80 per cent of children diagnosed with cancer survive and lead normal lives when provided with timely and comprehensive treatment." He noted that AIIMS Bhopal has already started offering holistic cancer care for children, including accurate diagnosis, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. Many children who have successfully completed treatment are now living healthy lives, he said. However, the journey does not end with recovery, he said, adding that Sometimes, survivors may face long-term health concerns related to growth, development, hormonal balance, heart, neurological health, emotional well-being, etc. "To address these challenges effectively, the newly launched ACT clinic brings together a multidisciplinary team comprising a pediatric oncologist, endocrinologist, cardiologist, neurodevelopment specialist, psycho-oncologist, nutritionist, physiotherapist, social worker, and teacher," Singh said. While addressing the gathering of doctors and medical students, Singh lauded them for holistic support provided by doctors' team during both the treatment and follow-up phase. Now, both teams will be coordinated by the Department of Anatomy. This integrated approach aims to ensure that children not only survive but thrive after cancer. On this occasion, Singh also inaugurated a modern, well-equipped playroom in the pediatric ward, supported by Cankids-Kidscan, an organisation dedicated to enhancing childhood cancer care. This facility will serve as a therapeutic space for children undergoing treatment for cancer and chronic illnesses, offering them moments of joy amid medical challenges. Highlighting the importance of playroom, Singh said, "Healing is not just about medicine. It's about restoring hope, strength, and joy. Our ACT Clinic is a step toward nurturing the long-term well-being of childhood cancer survivors. The playroom is our effort to bring smiles during some of their toughest times. AIIMS Bhopal remains committed to comprehensive, compassionate, and child-friendly healthcare."
News18
5 days ago
- Health
- News18
New Covid Variant XFG Explained: Symptoms, Spread & Safety Tips You Need To Know
Last Updated: Symptoms mirror Omicron's, that is, fever, cough, fatigue, sore throat, and muscle aches. Though India's Covid response offers a foundation, but XFG demands targeted strategies As India navigates a post-Covid world, a new Omicron subvariant, XFG ('Stratus"), is raising concerns with its rapid spread and immune-evasive traits. First detected in Canada, XFG has reached 38 countries, including India, where it accounts for a growing share of cases. With India's active Covid-19 cases at 7,000 as of June 2025, per the Union Health Ministry, let's examine XFG's characteristics, India-specific data, and how the nation can prepare for this and future pandemics, drawing lessons from long Covid. What Is The XFG Variant? XFG, a recombinant subvariant of Omicron, emerges from the fusion of LF.7 and LP.8.1.2 strains, formed when two variants infect a person simultaneously, mixing genetic material. A Lancet study highlights four key spike protein mutations—His445Arg, Asn487Asp, Gln493Glu, and Thr572Ile—enabling 'strong immune evasion," allowing XFG to bypass antibodies from prior infections or vaccines. Globally, XFG accounts for 22.7% of sequenced cases as of June 2025, up from 7.4% a month earlier, per GISAID (Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data), and may soon dominate over NB.1.8.1 ('Nimbus"), per The Conversation. In India, it's the dominant strain in Madhya Pradesh, with 63.6% of sequenced samples, per AIIMS Bhopal. Symptoms mirror Omicron's, that is, fever, cough, fatigue, sore throat, and muscle aches. However, XFG uniquely causes hoarseness—a scratchy or raspy voice—reported by doctors as a key marker, per Everyday Health. Unlike JN.1, which caused low-grade fever and digestive issues, XFG's symptoms are mild to moderate, with no evidence of increased severity or hospitalisation rates, per WHO. Current vaccines, targeting JN.1, remain effective against severe disease, and antivirals like Paxlovid and remdesivir work, per Time. How Many XFG Cases Have India Reported? India has reported 206 XFG cases as of June 11, per INSACOG, with Maharashtra leading at 89 cases, followed by West Bengal (49), Tamil Nadu (16), Kerala (15), Gujarat (11), and Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh (6 each), Odisha (4), Puducherry (3), Delhi, Rajasthan, and Punjab (2 each), and Telangana and Haryana (1 each), per The Hindu. Of these, 159 cases were detected in May, with two each in April and June, indicating a rapid rise. India's active Covid-19 cases reached 7,000 by June 11, with Kerala reporting the highest active cases (2,200), followed by Gujarat (1,223) and Delhi (757). A 2024 ICMR survey notes 66% of respiratory viral infections in India are Covid-related, but hospitalisations remain low, News18 reported. AIIMS Bhopal's genomic analysis of 44 samples from May-June found XFG dominant in 28 (63.6%), with no NB.1.8.1 detected in Madhya Pradesh, highlighting regional variation. Dr Rajiv Behl, ICMR Director General, stresses XFG's low severity but urges vigilance for vulnerable groups—those over 70 or with comorbidities. Why XFG Matters To India India's 1.4 billion population and $3 trillion economy face significant risks from new variants. Long Covid, affecting 7% of India's 44 million Covid cases (3 million people), costs 1% of GDP annually, per a 2024 NITI Aayog estimate, with 40% reporting fatigue and 25% brain fog. XFG's immune evasion could exacerbate this. Rural areas, with only 10% of health centres offering post-Covid care, face worse outcomes, per The Indian Express. A 2024 Times of India poll shows only 25% of Indians know about long Covid, limiting XFG awareness. Vaccine hesitancy, at 30% in rural India, and low Omicron-specific booster uptake (18%) weaken defences, per ICMR 2024. With 74 Covid deaths in 2025, mostly among the elderly and immunocompromised, XFG's spread threatens vulnerable groups. How India Should Prepare India's Covid response—2.2 billion vaccine doses by 2025—offers a foundation, but XFG demands targeted strategies: Enhanced Genomic Surveillance: INSACOG's 54 labs must expand sequencing, as only 0.1% of cases are sequenced, per The Hindu. AIIMS Bhopal's model, detecting XFG in 63.6% of samples, shows the value of regional labs. Scaling Truenat and RT-PCR testing to 80% of health centers, especially rural ones, could detect variants early, per Dr Balram Bhargava, a renowned cardiologist and public health leader. Vaccination & Boosters: Only 18% of Indians have Omicron-specific boosters. A 2025 campaign targeting 50% booster coverage, especially for those over 70, could cut severe cases by 30%, per WHO. Mobile vaccination units, successful in 2021, should reach rural areas. Hospital Preparedness: Only 50% of health centres have ventilators, and 30% lack oxygen, per a 2024 MoHFW report. The Centre's 2025 mock drills must ensure 75% of 1.5 lakh centers have isolation beds and antivirals, costing Rs 5,000 crore. Telemedicine, used by 15% of urban Indians, can expand to rural areas. Masking and Ventilation: XFG's spread in crowded spaces, like Mumbai's trains, requires masks and improved ventilation. A 2023 Singapore study cut transmission by 20% with air purifiers. India's public buildings need similar upgrades. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : covid symptoms Long COVID omicron view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
In relief for cancer patients, AIIMS gets palliative care unit
Bhopal: AIIMS Bhopal has launched a specialised 10-bed Palliative Care Unit , representing an important advancement in specialised healthcare. The unit is designed to provide comprehensive support to patients with severe illnesses, particularly cancer, focusing on pain management , physical symptom relief, and emotional support. In India, there exists a substantial gap in palliative care provision, with merely 1-2% of patients receiving necessary care, according to experts. Although the National Medical Commission (NMC) promotes its integration into medical curriculum, there are no mandatory requirements for tertiary hospitals or medical colleges to establish dedicated facilities. Healthcare facilities often show reluctance in providing extended care to long-term patients. A senior consultant at Hamidia Hospital stated, "We receive referrals. The whole hospital is palliative care. District hospitals and others are mandated for creating palliative care support," highlighting the absence of a dedicated facility. AIIMS Bhopal's palliative care service operates with existing medical personnel, increasing pressure on available resources. The facility prioritises prompt pain management and symptom control, particularly for patients with complex conditions requiring intensive care support. AIIMS Bhopal director, Dr Ajai Singh, highlighted infrastructure and awareness challenges: "Regular patients struggle for beds, and manpower is stretched. There's a gap in facilities, training, and regional access. Some patients are in a debilitating state with limited access. It is an effort to bridge the gap and provide dignity to patients by focusing on comfort, respect, and emotional support during critical moments." The institution offers nursing programmes in palliative care and maintains a 10-bed facility. They plan to upgrade four beds to HDU status, The National Programme for Palliative Care (NPPC) guidelines suggest establishing units in tertiary hospitals and medical colleges .
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
In relief for cancer patients, AIIMS gets palliative care unit
Bhopal: AIIMS Bhopal has launched a specialised 10-bed Palliative Care Unit, representing an important advancement in specialised healthcare. The unit is designed to provide comprehensive support to patients with severe illnesses, particularly cancer, focusing on pain management, physical symptom relief, and emotional support. In India, there exists a substantial gap in palliative care provision, with merely 1-2% of patients receiving necessary care, according to experts. Although the National Medical Commission (NMC) promotes its integration into medical curriculum, there are no mandatory requirements for tertiary hospitals or medical colleges to establish dedicated facilities. Healthcare facilities often show reluctance in providing extended care to long-term patients. A senior consultant at Hamidia Hospital stated, "We receive referrals. The whole hospital is palliative care. District hospitals and others are mandated for creating palliative care support," highlighting the absence of a dedicated facility. AIIMS Bhopal's palliative care service operates with existing medical personnel, increasing pressure on available resources. The facility prioritises prompt pain management and symptom control, particularly for patients with complex conditions requiring intensive care support. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dermatologists: What Actually Helps With Nail Fungus Mullend Learn More AIIMS Bhopal director, Dr Ajai Singh, highlighted infrastructure and awareness challenges: "Regular patients struggle for beds, and manpower is stretched. There's a gap in facilities, training, and regional access. Some patients are in a debilitating state with limited access. It is an effort to bridge the gap and provide dignity to patients by focusing on comfort, respect, and emotional support during critical moments. " The institution offers nursing programmes in palliative care and maintains a 10-bed facility. They plan to upgrade four beds to HDU status, The National Programme for Palliative Care (NPPC) guidelines suggest establishing units in tertiary hospitals and medical colleges.
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
AIIMS Bhopal detects dominance of new XFG Covid variant, finds no trace of Nimbus strain
Bhopal: AIIMS Bhopal is reporting 'no detection' of NB.1 ( Nimbus variant ) in their sequenced samples from Madhya Pradesh, despite its classification as a 'Variant Under Monitoring' by the WHO. AIIMS Bhopal's data shows the early dominance of XFG in MP, while NB.1.8.1 is more prominent in other regions like Delhi, Maharashtra, and Kerala. Regional Virology Laboratory at AIIMS Bhopal completed sequencing of 44 Covid-19 positive samples collected between May and June 2025. The samples originated from Bhopal (14), Gwalior (22), Tikamgarh (2), and Indore, Khargon, Chhindwara, Lalitpur, Sidhi, and Gaya (one each). Analysis showed XFG variant as the dominant strain, present in 28 of 44 samples (63.6%). This variant, which developed from the LF.7 variant, was initially identified in May 2025, increased through early June, and became exclusive by late June. XFG.3, a new sub-variant evolved from XFG lineage, appeared in 5 of the 28 XFG-positive samples. The LF.7 variant, which represented 50% of samples in May, gradually decreased until its complete absence by late June. Both XFG and LF.7 variants can affect vaccinated individuals but have only caused mild or asymptomatic infections. The WHO has not categorised them as 'Variants of Concern' or 'Variants Under Monitoring.' AIIMS Bhopal director Dr Ajai Singh said, "AIIMS Bhopal Regional Virology Laboratory is working with scientific rigor to ensure that no emerging viral variant goes undetected. The early detection of variants like XFG and its sub-lineages helps us understand the virus's behavior and take timely precautionary public health measures." Regular genomic sequencing serves as an essential component of epidemic preparedness and response. AIIMS Bhopal advocates for consistent genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 as a crucial public health activity in Madhya Pradesh and adjacent regions. This surveillance strategy enables early detection, prompt intervention, and improved readiness against potential future Covid-19 outbreaks or emerging variants.
