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Hans India
7 days ago
- Health
- Hans India
Take measures to prevent maternal, infant deaths
Anantapur: A review meeting was held at the District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO) office in Anantapur under the leadership of DMHO Dr E B Devi to analyze the causes of maternal and infant deaths reported in the district during the month of June. The meeting was attended by doctors and medical staff from various areas. Speaking on the occasion, Dr E B Devi emphasised the need to prevent both maternal and infant deaths. She expressed concern over the continued reliance on traditional and superstitious practices in rural areas, especially during childbirth and neonatal care. She urged medical staff to create awareness among families that such practices could be harmful, and that every family must be educated about safe medical procedures. Even in today's era of advanced healthcare, she noted, superstitions should not be entertained. It is the responsibility of the medical community to sensitise the public. She instructed doctors and staff to carefully investigate the cause of death whenever a maternal or infant death occurs, understand the complications faced prior to death, and ensure such incidents are not repeated. Dr Devi also stressed the importance of postnatal care and advised that special care must be taken for six weeks to six months after delivery. Supervisors within the Health Department must be proactive in preventing maternal deaths, she said, and assured that she would personally visit and review any location where such a death occurs in the future. She highlighted the role of ICDS (Integrated Child Development Services) in ensuring pregnant women receive complete nutritional support to prevent anemia. She instructed that every pregnant woman must be registered within the first 12 weeks and receive all essential medical checkups and treatments. High-risk pregnancies such as those involving anemia, heart issues, short stature, low amniotic fluid, poor fetal growth, or other complications must be identified early and provided with specialized care. On Asha Day, she directed primary health centre staff to conduct awareness programmes for pregnant women, mothers and their children on maternal and child health. Dr. Paul Ravikumar, District Hospital Coordination Officer, also addressed the gathering, emphasising that infant deaths should be prevented with timely care. He advised that preterm or low-birth-weight babies, or those experiencing breathing difficulties, must be immediately admitted to the Newborn Care Unit (NRC) for specialised treatment. No child should die due to malnutrition, he added. Every newborn must be breastfed within the first hour after birth, and colostrum (first milk) must be provided, while avoiding pre-lacteal feeds. The meeting was attended by District Immunization Officer Dr Yugandhar, Dr Madhusudan, Drug Abuse Specialist Dr Praneet, paediatrician Dr Indira Priyadarshini, gynecologists, community health officers Rani Esther and Prameela Devi, and other medical staff.
Hans India
14-07-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Jogulamba Central Lab Under Fire for Endangering Pregnant Woman's Life with False Report
Gadwal: A serious appeal submitted to the DMHO at Jogulamba Gadwal District Headquarters CPIML New Democracy party leaders have demanded the cancellation of the license and seizure of Jogulamba Central Lab in Ieeja town, alleging that the lab played with the life of a pregnant woman by issuing a false ultrasound report. Incident Overview: On the 11th of this month, a pregnant woman experienced labor pains and was taken by an ASHA worker to the Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Ieeja town, Jogulamba Gadwal district. To assess the condition, doctors at the PHC advised an ultrasound scan to determine the level of amniotic fluid (referred to as 'Ummaneeru' in Telugu). The woman's family members then took her to the Jogulamba Central Lab for the scan. The report issued by the lab showed that the amniotic fluid level was 3.4 cm, a very low and risky level during pregnancy. Upon reviewing this report, the PHC medical officer expressed concern that the fluid level was too low and that proceeding with delivery at the PHC would not be safe. The woman was referred to the District Government Hospital for further treatment. Contradictory Reports Raise Alarms: At the district hospital, a government doctor also found the amniotic fluid level to be low after conducting an observation scan and advised that a cesarean delivery (C-section) might be necessary. However, the doctor grew suspicious of the earlier report and asked the family to get a third opinion from Kranthi Diagnostic Center. To their shock, the scan at Kranthi Diagnostic Center reported a normal amniotic fluid level of 11.12 cm, contradicting the earlier reading of 3.4 cm by Jogulamba Central Lab. This discrepancy raised serious concerns over the credibility of the Jogulamba Central Lab's reports. Public Outrage and Call for Action: Leaders from the CPIML New Democracy party, including Jammichedu Karthik, Halimpasha, Harish, Danayya, and Raju, took up the issue and held a demonstration. They accused Jogulamba Central Lab of recklessly issuing false medical reports, putting the life of an innocent pregnant woman at grave risk. They submitted a petition to the District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO) demanding: Immediate cancellation of the lab's license Seizure of Jogulamba Central Lab A comprehensive investigation into the lab's practices Strict legal action against those responsible Conclusion: This incident has sparked outrage in the local community, highlighting the risks posed by unregulated and negligent diagnostic centers. The leaders called for stronger oversight and accountability in the healthcare system to prevent such life-threatening errors in the future.
Hans India
09-07-2025
- Health
- Hans India
DMHO reviews performance of ASHA workers
Kurnool: A comprehensive ASHA review meeting was held at the Urban Primary Health Centre (UPHC) in Stantonpuram, Kurnool, on Tuesday. The meeting was graced by the District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO) Dr P Shantikala, who reviewed the performance of ASHA workers and emphasised key agenda items aligned with the ASHA Day initiatives. Dr Shantikala stressed the importance of timely data uploads on the ASHA app, including eligible couple services, distribution of iron and Vitamin A supplements, and neonatal care services. She also directed health workers to raise awareness about temporary family planning methods and ensure that the public is well-informed about free urban health services. Citizens visiting the OP section should be encouraged to bring their Aadhaar and phone numbers for proper documentation. Additionally, she instructed staff to expedite the NCD 3.0 survey on non-communicable diseases. Highlighting the Dengue Prevention Month (July 1–31), the DMHO called for awareness sessions at urban health centres and ward levels. She also emphasised the need for timely haemoglobin testing among pregnant women to detect anemia, followed by iron tablet distribution, iron sucrose injections, and, if necessary, referral to government hospitals for blood transfusions. The meeting was attended by DPMO Dr Uma, DPO Vijayaraju, biologist Venkateswarlu, Medical Officer Dr. Mounika, along with several health workers and ASHA facilitators.
The Hindu
06-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Make elaborate arrangements for mega parents-teachers meeting on July 10, Eluru District Collector tells officials
Eluru District Collector K. Vetriselvi has directed officials to make elaborate arrangements for the mega parents-teachers meeting scheduled to be held on July 10 across all schools and junior colleges in the district. In a video conference held on Sunday with officials from various departments, the Collector reviewed the preparedness for the event. She informed that the programme would be conducted in 2,368 schools—including 1,810 government and 558 private institutions—and 140 junior colleges. She instructed that invitations be printed and distributed to parents and prominent community members to ensure their active participation. The event should be conducted in a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere, with a strong turnout from students, parents, and dignitaries, she emphasised. Ms. Vetriselvi directed that all students attend in proper school uniforms and that a cheerful and celebratory environment be maintained throughout. Given the anticipated large turnout, she stressed the need for safe and hygienic meal arrangements. Fire safety protocols must be strictly implemented in school kitchens, and fire services should remain on standby to prevent any untoward incidents. Mass tree plantation drive As part of the programme, a mass tree plantation drive will be undertaken. The Forest Department has prepared 1,64,170 saplings, which will be distributed to schools through nearby nurseries. Students will plant these saplings on their respective school premises. The Collector also instructed private school managements to conduct the event with equal enthusiasm and to organise preparatory meetings. A special control room will be set up to monitor the arrangements. All event-related activities—including preparations and real-time execution—must be documented and updated on the LEAP App. Health check-ups Meanwhile, the District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO) informed that health check-ups have already been completed for 1,54,113 students in government schools, while screenings for junior college students will conclude within two days. Health cards are being prepared for distribution.
The Hindu
28-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Health officials told to step up measures to counter seasonal diseases
State Commissioner of Family Welfare G. Veerapandian directed the Medical and Health officials across Chittoor district to step up preparedness measures against seasonal diseases given the ongoing monsoon, on Saturday. The virtual session included District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO) D.T. Sudharani and district-level programme officers. The Commissioner informed the officials to adopt and enforce focused strategies to fight malaria, dengue, chikungunya, and diarrhoeal infections. He directed them to launch a series of public awareness campaigns across the district, particularly in the rural areas. Mr. Veerapandian directed the compulsory entry of Electronic Health Records (EHR) for all out-patient cases to streamline treatment at the PHCs and district hospital. He asked the doctors to follow up regularly under the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) survey and enhance data entry in low-performing areas. The Commissioner insisted that all deliveries, both at the government and private hospitals, must be recorded in the Health Management Information System (HMIS). Institutional deliveries should be taken up extensively to curb maternal and infant mortality. He said that high-risk pregnancies should be referred to district hospitals. The official suggested that the Medical and Paramedical fraternity should do their best to reduce C-section births. He further focussed on the launching of campaigns to prevent teenage pregnancies.
