Latest news with #ASHAs
Time of India
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
KPCC chief rejects praises, says bypoll result a pointer to 2026
Thiruvananthapuram: KPCC president Sunny Joseph on Friday dismissed the 'Captain-Major' praises that surfaced following the resounding victory of Congress in the Nilambur byelection. "I am just an ordinary soldier," the KPCC president said. Addressing a news conference after the KPCC political affairs committee meeting, Joseph described the Nilambur result as a clear pointer to the 2026 assembly elections. "It is a verdict filled with hope, and one that demands correction from the state govt. The grievances of ASHAs, issues faced by high-range residents and other pressing concerns must be addressed urgently," he said. The KPCC president also launched a scathing attack on the RSS, accusing it of attempting to erase the soul of the Indian republic. Referring to RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale's remarks suggesting the removal of the words 'socialism' and 'secularism' from the Preamble of the Constitution, Joseph said: "This is an effort to dismantle the very foundation of our democracy. The RSS had no role in shaping the Constitution. It was formed through the vision and commitment of leaders like Nehru and Ambedkar, based on thorough debates and global constitutional principles." Joseph emphasised that socialism and secularism were introduced during Indira Gandhi's tenure and remain central to the Constitution's character. "Congress will strongly resist any move to undermine democracy, secularism, socialism, and sovereignty. We call upon all secular citizens to join us in protecting these ideals," the KPCC chief said. Joseph accused governor Rajendra Arlekar of attempting to convert Raj Bhavan into a political platform. "It is highly condemnable that a constitutional institution is being misused for political propaganda. All such attempts must come to an end," he said. On the Nilambur byelection, Joseph reiterated that the Congress had no alliance or discussions with any other party. "This was a result of hard work, unity and grassroots strength. It was team effort that earned public approval. P V Anvar is now a closed chapter," he said. The KPCC political affairs committee formally congratulated voters and party workers for the emphatic win. Joseph noted that the result was a serious setback for the LDF, which has plunged into confusion and internal strife. "The CPM's contradictory statements on its RSS connections exposed deep fissures. Even the CPI assessed the verdict as an expression of public discontent. The govt must read this message and correct its course," he added. The KPCC president said the state govt reduced the PSC into a 'rubber stamp' for backdoor appointments. The KPCC political affairs committee also passed a resolution seeking a full investigation into alleged corruption in national highway construction. Joseph questioned why the state was reluctant to act. "Thousands of crores have been siphoned off with political patronage. Even MPs of ruling front have acknowledged the scam," he said.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Living with Sickle Cell: What It Takes to Thrive, Not Just Survive
The Daily Toll Beyond the Crisis: A Life Shaped by Sickle Cell Disease Sickle cell disease is a chronic genetic disorder that affects the shape and behavior of red blood cells. These cells become sickle-shaped, stiff, and sticky, causing them to block blood flow and prevents oxygen from reaching tissues. This leads to what are known as 'pain crises'—sudden, severe episodes that can last hours or even days. But these crises are only part of the burden. Even on stable days, people with SCD live with a range of complications: chronic anaemia, joint pain, slowed growth, shortness of breath, and fatigue that never quite lifts. Over time, nearly every organ in the body can be affected—stroke, kidney and liver dysfunction, vision problems, and frequent infections are not uncommon. 'Sickle cell disease is a condition that begins early and lasts for life,' explains Dr. Lakhan Poswal, a pediatric doctor, now at Ajmer Medical College. 'Most children with SCD suffer from severe anaemia, which stunts growth and weight gain. Until recently, public awareness was virtually nonexistent here. But since 2021–22, when we set up the Centre, we've gone from treating five patients to over 500.' Dr. Poswal describes the spleen the body's immune stronghold as one of the first organs impacted. Repeated blood flow blockages damage the spleen early on, rendering it non-functional. That leaves patients much more vulnerable to serious infections like pneumonia, meningitis, and gall bladder disease.' Toward Equitable and Inclusive Care Even basic interventions—like proper hydration, timely medication, and routine check-ups—can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with sickle cell disease. Recognising this, the Government of India has taken several steps to strengthen access to care, especially in rural and tribal regions. Initiatives such as free hydroxyurea and folic acid distribution through public health centres, increased funding for primary healthcare infrastructure, and community awareness campaigns are helping bridge long-standing gaps. The inclusion of sickle cell screening under national health missions and the involvement of ASHAs and ANMs in patient follow-ups reflect a growing commitment to early detection and continuous care. While challenges such as medicine availability and local capacity persist, collaborative efforts between central and state governments, along with public health institutions, are steadily transforming the care landscape toward a more inclusive and consistent system. Children miss school. Adults miss work. Families learn to live around hospital visits and flare-ups. 'It takes extraordinary discipline to manage this disease,' says Dr. Poswal. 'Even a skipped meal or a short walk on a hot day can trigger a crisis.' For patients, staying hydrated, well-nourished, warm during winter, and free of infection becomes a full-time job. The disease forces them into hyper-awareness, while most others live in blissful oblivion. Stories Beyond the Stats But numbers alone can't tell the whole story. Every patient is a face, a voice, a story of resilience. Many are children trying to navigate friendships with chronic fatigue. Teenagers who are delayed in puberty. Adults who've been turned away from jobs or face stigma from peers and partners. Caregivers, too—especially parents—speak of exhaustion, worry, and helplessness. It isn't just the medical care; it's the day-to-day emotional labor that wears them down. And yet, amid the silence, there's growing momentum. India's Turning Point With the launch of the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission in 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has made a public commitment to bring the disease out of the shadows. The mission targets the screening of over 7 crore individuals across 17 states in 3 years, making it one of the most ambitious efforts globally to eliminate SCD as a public health issue by Screening initiatives have begun reaching schools and communities. Health workers are being trained to identify symptoms and counsel families. Access to hydroxyurea is improving in parts of the country. And Centres of Excellence, like the one in Udaipur, are showing what's possible when care is consistent. 'There is a big difference now,' says Dr. Poswal. 'Earlier, people didn't know this disease even existed. Now, more are coming forward to get tested, to seek treatment, and to speak about it.' A Global Ray of Hope Many clinical trials are underway to further evaluate the effectiveness and safety of newer potential therapies for SCD. Reactivation of fetal hemoglobin, stem cell transplantation, and gene editing are newer therapies that are in the mix to potentially find a solution to SCD. For now, awareness remains the most powerful tool in India's arsenal. Non-profits are stepping in to support families, organise blood donation drives, and raise awareness. Online communities are growing, giving patients a voice and breaking stigma. More importantly, survivors themselves are beginning to speak up—no longer willing to be invisible. The Way Forward To live with sickle cell disease is to fight quietly but relentlessly. It is to manage pain others don't see and to build lives around the unpredictable. These are not stories of tragedy. These are stories of survival. But survival shouldn't be so hard. Better policies, affordable medication, and equitable access to healthcare are critical. But it all begins with awareness. And with listening. As Dr. Poswal puts it, 'We went from treating 5 patients to 500 in less than a year. That's not just numbers—it's lives changed. It's proof that when awareness meets action, progress follows.' Note: This article has been produced on behalf of the brand by HT Brand Studio and does not have the journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. The information provided does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a registered medical practitioner for health-related concerns.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Govt sanctions 3-mth honorarium advance, ASHAs say it is routine
T'puram: State govt sanctioned a three-month honorarium as an advance for ASHAs for the months of June, July and August. The money will be used to pay the honorarium of the health workers attached to National Health Mission (NHM). Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Govt allotted funds for three months, though the NHM asked for a six-month advance. The share will be used to pay for the essential work and the duties assigned to ASHAs. Mini S, leader of ASHAs, said the sanctioning of the funds is a routine administrative exercise and is not in any way connected to the agitation. There is no hint from state govt that the honorarium was increased. "State govt always sanctions funds and it is used to pay the honorarium of the workers. Though the money is sanctioned in advance, it will take more clearances and time for it to reach the hands of the women," she said. The workers are continuing their protest in front of the secretariat, demanding an increase in honorarium and pension benefits. They are piqued that they were given a lot of additional duties by the NHM without increasing the pay.
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Panel to hear trade unions representing ASHAs on June 30
A committee formed by the State government to study the problems faced by the Accredited Social Health Activist Workers (ASHAs) will hear the trade unions representing them on June 30. The hearing will be held at the South Conference Hall of the Secretariat. The Kerala ASHA Health Workers Association, the CITU-backed Kerala State ASHA Workers Federation, the INTUC-backed All Kerala Pradesh ASHA Workers Congress, the ASHA Workers Federation (STU) and the AITUC-backed All India Trade Union Congress have been given time at the hearing. Each union can be represented by up to three persons, of which two should be ASHAs, according to a direction issued by the State Health and Family Welfare department. ASHAs have been on agitation mode demanding better remuneration and retirement benefits.
Deccan Herald
6 days ago
- Health
- Deccan Herald
Odisha flood: One person missing, 50 villages marooned in Balasore
ASHAs under CHCs & PHCs are actively distributing ORS & Halogen tablets in 11 submerged villages of Bhograi and Dahamunda PHC areas and 17 villages of Ghantua and Jamkunda PHC areas. Health teams on-ground. Essential medicines stocked at PHC, Sub Centres & ASHA level.
