Latest news with #Aiims
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Business Standard
08-07-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
'The Indira Gandhi of AIIMS': Sneh Bhargava's memoir is a compelling read
From hospital politics and clashing egos to difficult politicians and controversial appointments - Sneh Bhargava's memoir lays bare the inner workings of Aiims Neha Bhatt Listen to This Article The Woman Who Ran AIIMS: The Memoirs of a Medical Pioneer by Sneh Bhargava Published by Juggernaut 245 pages ₹699 Few can claim a first-day-at-work as heart-stopping as Sneh Bhargava. The day she walked into All India Institute of Medical Sciences (Aiims) as the institution's first woman director in October, 1984, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the person who had approved her appointment, was rushed into emergency surgery with severe gunshot wounds. In those overwhelmingly tense moments, Dr Bhargava was pushed into the deep end, forced to manage a situation of monumental national significance. Days later, as the staff at Aiims tended to scores
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Business Standard
03-07-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
'Our vaccines are safe': Covishield makers support ICMR-Aiims findings
The Serum Institute of India, the manufacturer of Covishield, has come forward in support of recent studies conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (Aiims), which reaffirm the safety of Covid-19 vaccines and their lack of association with sudden cardiac deaths. In a post on X, the Serum Institute of India said, 'In light of recent concerns, we affirm: Two large-scale studies by ICMR and Aiims, as cited by the Ministry of Health [@MoHFW_INDIA] have found no link between Covid-19 vaccines and sudden deaths. The vaccines are safe and scientifically validated.' In light of recent concerns, we affirm: Two large-scale studies by ICMR and AIIMS, as cited by the Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) have found no link between COVID-19 vaccines and sudden deaths. The vaccines are safe and scientifically validated. Source: — SerumInstituteIndia (@SerumInstIndia) July 3, 2025 This statement follows the release of major studies led by ICMR and Aiims which concluded that Covid-19 vaccines do not cause sudden deaths in adults. 'No link between vaccines and cardiac deaths' The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) said multiple agencies investigated the phenomenon of sudden, unexplained deaths across India. The results confirmed no direct causal relationship between these deaths and Covid-19 vaccines. 'Sudden cardiac deaths can result from a wide range of factors, including genetics, lifestyle, pre-existing conditions, and post-Covid complications,' the ministry said in a statement. One of the key investigations, conducted by ICMR's National Institute of Epidemiology, surveyed 47 hospitals between May and August 2023. Titled 'Factors associated with unexplained sudden deaths among adults aged 18-45 years in India', the study concluded that Covid-19 vaccination does not raise the risk of sudden unexplained death among young adults. An Aiims-ICMR study 'Establishing the cause in sudden unexplained deaths in young', suggested that most such fatalities were attributable to heart attacks, genetic predispositions, and poor lifestyle habits. Vaccines critical to public health, says govt Reaffirming the safety profile of vaccines, MoHFW said that data from ICMR and the National Centre for Disease Control show only rare instances of adverse effects. The ministry warned against misinformation that could fuel vaccine hesitancy. 'Statements linking Covid vaccination to sudden deaths are false and misleading,' it said. 'Speculative claims without conclusive evidence undermine public confidence in life-saving immunisation.' MoHFW said that Covid-19 vaccines were instrumental in saving millions of lives and continue to be vital in protecting against severe illness.
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Business Standard
02-07-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
No link between Covid-19 vaccines and sudden deaths, says health ministry
There is no direct link between sudden deaths in adults and Covid-19 vaccines, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) confirmed on Wednesday. The Union health ministry said this conclusion is based on extensive studies conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (Aiims). 'The matter of sudden, unexplained deaths has been investigated through several agencies in the country. These studies have conclusively established that there is no direct link between Covid-19 vaccination and the reports of sudden deaths in the country. Sudden cardiac deaths can result from a wide range of factors, including genetics, lifestyle, pre-existing conditions, and post-Covid complications,' MoHFW said in a statement. What did the studies find about sudden deaths in adults? The study conducted across 47 hospitals between May and August 2023 by ICMR's National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE), titled Factors associated with unexplained sudden deaths among adults aged 18–45 years in India – A multicentric matched case–control study, found that Covid-19 vaccination does not increase the risk of sudden unexplained deaths in young adults. Preliminary findings from an ongoing Aiims study, funded and conducted in collaboration with ICMR, titled Establishing the cause in sudden unexplained deaths in young, also indicate that heart attacks or myocardial infarction (MI), genetic factors, and unhealthy lifestyle choices continue to be the leading causes of such deaths. Covid-19 vaccines are safe, says health ministry The ministry further confirmed that studies by ICMR and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) have shown that Covid-19 vaccines in India are safe and effective, with extremely rare instances of serious side effects. The studies reconfirm that vaccines are not to blame for sudden deaths. What are the real causes of sudden deaths in young adults? According to MoHFW, the studies identified several key risk factors behind sudden deaths: Genetic mutations and family history of heart disease Lifestyle factors like smoking, binge drinking, drug use, and intense physical exertion Post-Covid health complications such as clotting issues and cardiac strain The ongoing Aiims study also shows that the patterns of causes have not changed significantly from previous years, indicating that sudden deaths in this group are not a new phenomenon triggered by vaccines. Government warns against vaccine misinformation The ministry urged people not to consider Covid vaccines as villains, stating that linking them to sudden deaths creates fear, confusion, and vaccine hesitancy, deterring people from life-saving immunisation. 'Scientific experts have reiterated that statements linking Covid vaccination to sudden deaths are false and misleading, and are not supported by scientific consensus. Speculative claims without conclusive evidence risk undermining public confidence in vaccines, which have played a crucial role in saving millions of lives during the pandemic. Such unfounded reports and claims could strongly contribute to vaccine hesitancy in the country, thereby adversely impacting public health,' said MoHFW.
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Business Standard
01-07-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
National Doctors' Day: What's in a doctor's bag besides a stethoscope?
Stethoscopes and masks are something you expect to find in a doctor's bag, but what else is tucked away in there? Maybe something quirky, something personal, or something completely unexpected? Doctors spend long, unpredictable days at work, and their bags tell stories of both duty and daily life. On National Doctors' Day, we speak with doctors to learn what medical professionals typically carry with them, every step of the way. Dr Tripti Raheja, Lead Consultant – Obstetrics & Gynaecology at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, said her bag is a mix of work and life basics. 'I always carry my stethoscope, N95 mask, pulse oximeter, hand sanitiser, ID, wallet, pen, and phone with its charger,' she said. Sounds a lot like your own office bag, doesn't it? But doctors have long shifts, so personal care items are a must in Dr Raheja's bag, like lip balm, hand cream, sunscreen, sunglasses, and even a hairbrush. Clutched, and AirPods also find their way in. Even some quirky items make the cut. For Dr Raheja, there is always a mini uterus model in her bag, which is a tool that helps her explain medical concepts to patients on the go. Also tucked away? A simple safety pin. 'It's come in handy more times than you'd expect,' she says. For Dr Mayank Singh, Associate Professor of Medical Oncology at Aiims, Delhi, apart from his laptop and mask, a pen sanitiser is a must. The Covid-19 pandemic shifted what 'essential' means, not just for doctors but for all of us. Do doctors carry tools unique to their specialisation? Specialisation does shape the bag. For Dr Raheja, being an obstetrician and gynaecologist means always carrying: A foetal Doppler A pregnancy wheel A mini uterus model Disposable gloves A small torch 'These tools let me do quick evaluations anytime, anywhere,' she explains. It's like an office-goer carrying a laptop, always ready for what the day throws at them. What personal comfort items do doctors keep on hand? They sure do. Dr Raheja always carries dark chocolate and an energy bar — a small but much-needed comfort during chaotic days. She also keeps a family photo in her bag. 'It reminds me why I do what I do. It keeps me grounded,' she says. Dr Mayank finds it comforting to have some snacks in his bag. Even superheroes need snacks. Do doctors carry first-aid kits in their bags? 'I always carry paracetamol, pantocid, and a couple of bandages. It's a small kit, but it has saved me more than once,' Dr Raheja shares. 'I don't keep any medicines in my bag. Thankfully, so far, I didn't need to carry any,' said Dr Mayank. When you're constantly moving between wards with no time to stop, being self-reliant becomes a survival skill. Are traditional leather doctors' bags still in use? The classic, leather-bound doctor's bag has been mostly replaced by practical options. Modern doctors, like modern office-goers, want bags that work for both life and work. Dr Raheja uses a tote bag as it's versatile and roomy enough for both professional tools and personal essentials. Dr Mayank has switched to a backpack. Have doctors used their bags in real emergencies? Dr Raheja recalls a trip to Australia where her first-aid kit saved the day. 'We were on a remote beach when a friend injured her foot. There was no medical help nearby, but I had sanitiser and bandages in my bag. It helped manage the wound until proper care was available,' she says.
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Business Standard
01-07-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
How medical education in India is pricing out future doctors and talent
The cost of becoming a doctor in India has increased significantly over the years. For many, the financial burden begins with years of entrance exam preparation, continues through expensive medical degrees, and often requires loans or family sacrifices. The growing expenses are now shaping who is able to pursue a medical career and who is left behind. As India observes National Doctors' Day on Tuesday, we speak with doctors to know the cost of becoming a doctor in the country, a dream that many have as kids. How early does the financial burden of medical education begin? According to doctors, it is not just the MBBS fees as the journey starts much earlier and costs pile up fast. Dr Manisha Arora, Director of Internal Medicine at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, explained that most medical aspirants start spending big on NEET coaching as early as Class 9 or 11. That's four to five years of intensive private tuition before even entering medical school. Government MBBS colleges: ₹5 to ₹10 lakh Private medical colleges: ₹20 lakh to ₹1 crore Postgraduate specialisation: Adds several more lakh Add to this the coaching, entrance exam costs, living expenses, and a decade-long commitment, and you're looking at a career that can feel financially out of reach for many. Do some students abandon their dreams due to cost? Unfortunately, yes. Dr Arora shared heartbreaking stories of talented peers who walked away from their medical ambitions simply because their families couldn't afford it. Some even switched to lower-cost alternatives like Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS). 'The financial pressure was overwhelming. I've seen brilliant students abandon medicine just because their parents couldn't pay the fees,' she said. How do families fund a medical degree in India? According to Dr Arora, it is only about loans, sacrifices, and hustling. Many young doctors, like Dr Arora and her peers, took education loans, often at high interest rates. Some parents sold assets, borrowed heavily, or slashed family expenses to keep one child's dream alive. Others worked part-time in hospitals while studying to repay loan instalments. The pressure doesn't stop after graduation, it often shapes the rest of their careers. Are less affluent students being excluded from medical education? Dr Mayank Singh, Associate Professor of Medical Oncology at Aiims, Delhi, said that today's medical classrooms are increasingly filled with students from affluent families. 'Earlier, all sections of society were represented. Now, I see many students coming from financially privileged backgrounds,' he observed. He warned that students from low-income families often struggle with both fees and the cost of living in metro cities where most medical colleges are based. 'This financial barrier is quietly narrowing who gets to wear the white coat,' he said. Are specialisations now chosen for income over interest? Sadly, yes. Dr Arora pointed out that the financial burden pushes young doctors toward high-paying specialisations, not necessarily their passion. 'Community medicine, rural service, family health, and other such services often get sidelined because they don't pay enough to cover hefty education loans,' she said. Dr Singh agreed. He noted that many doctors now gravitate toward private hospitals in metro cities, especially after pursuing super-specialisations like DM (Doctorate of Medicine) and MCh (Master of Chirurgiae), because that's where the money is. Smaller cities and rural areas remain underserved. Is current financial aid enough to support medical aspirants? Both doctors said: Not really. While scholarships and education loans exist, they're often hard to access or come with punishing interest rates and rigid repayment timelines. Dr Singh emphasised that low-interest or interest-free education loans are crucial, especially for students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
