Latest news with #DineshGunduRao
The Hindu
18 hours ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Karnataka to launch 393 Asha Kirana vision centres to tackle preventable blindness
To tackle preventable blindness, Karnataka's Health Department has expanded and restructured the Asha Kirana programme under the National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment. As part of the restructured initiative, 393 Asha Kirana vision centres will be launched in public health facilities across the State simultaneously on July 3. Announcing this on Tuesday (July 1, 2025), Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao told presspersons that the initiative is aimed at increasing awareness and access to eye health services, particularly targeting cataracts and uncorrected refractive errors— the two major causes of vision impairment in the country. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar will inaugurate a vision centre in Bengaluru on July 3 and all the 393 centres will be launched simultaneously on the same day, he said. The programme was earlier carried out through doorstep screenings by Asha workers and field staff from the Health Department on a campaign mode. However, henceforth people can visit the vision centres in the public health facilities at their convenience and get screened for eye problems, the Minister added.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Expert panel to look into ‘surge in cases of cardiac arrest' in Karnataka's Hassan
The Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Department has formed a committee to investigate reports of an alleged surge in cases of cardiac arrest in Hassan district. The committee headed by Dr K S Ravindranath, director of Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research (JICSR) was on Monday directed to submit a report on the matter within 10 days. In a post on X, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said the Department is seriously taking into account the 18 cases of cardiac arrest reported in Hassan district over the past month. 'There is a need for a comprehensive study regarding the recent rise in heart attacks among young people. Although changing lifestyles, diet, and non-communicable diseases appear to be primary causes at first glance, the case in Hassan has raised several questions. In order to find a solution, a team of experts has been instructed to conduct a study and submit a report within 10 days,' he said. On Monday, Rao said the department would launch district-wide ECG and blood pressure screening camps with a focus on rural areas. Busting claims that COVID-19 vaccines were causing such cases, he said that factors such as smoking, chewing tobacco, alcohol consumption, stress and genetic causes were key factors, rather than the vaccine. Recent reports on cases of cardiac arrest have triggered concern in parts of South Karnataka, with various branches of JICSR seeing a surge in the number of outpatients opting for check-ups.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Karnataka orders probe as heart attacks rise in Hassan, 18 within a month
Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has directed a probe into the alarming surge in heart attack cases reported in Hassan district, where 18 cases were recorded within a month. The minister took to X (formerly Twitter) on Monday to express concern over the rising numbers and confirmed that a detailed study has been commissioned. Dinesh Gundu Rao has asked the experts panel to submit a report within 10 days.(HT File) "The Health Department has taken seriously the occurrence of 18 heart attacks in Hassan district within a one-month period. Instructions have already been given to department officials to conduct a study under the chairmanship of the director of the Jayadeva Institute and obtain a report regarding the increasing number of heart attacks," Rao stated. "To prevent sudden heart attacks, the state government has implemented the Puneeth Rajkumar Heart Jyoti Scheme. However, there is a need for comprehensive research regarding the recent trend of young people suffering from heart attacks," he added. The sudden rise in cases, particularly among younger individuals, has prompted health authorities to re-evaluate ongoing preventive measures. While lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, chewing tobacco (gutka), stress, obesity, and genetic predisposition have been widely acknowledged as contributors to cardiovascular disease, the pattern emerging from Hassan has raised pressing questions that require urgent answers. To address the issue comprehensively, an expert committee led by Dr CN Ravindra of the Jayadeva Institute has been constituted. The team has been tasked with submitting a detailed report within 10 days, focusing on identifying causative factors and recommending immediate interventions. The Minister also reiterated the state government's efforts through the Puneeth Rajkumar Hrudaya Jyothi Yojane, aimed at reducing the incidence of sudden heart attacks. However, he acknowledged that the situation in Hassan necessitates more targeted research and action, particularly for the youth demographic. Speaking earlier in Mangaluru, Rao emphasized the importance of early detection and prevention in combating cardiac diseases. He announced plans to develop a robust health programme focusing on awareness, regular screenings, and timely medical intervention.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Surjewala will take stock of internal issues: DGR
Mangaluru/Karwar/Belagavi: Congress general secretary in-charge of Karnataka Randeep Singh Surjewala arrived on a three-day visit to Karnataka, during which he will meet party MLAs and senior leaders to take stock of internal issues and gather feedback, said minister for health and family welfare Dinesh Gundu Rao. His visit comes amid growing murmurs within the party and a few controversial statements by some party members. Dinesh Gundu Rao told reporters here on Monday that Surjewala's visit aims to resolve internal matters through dialogue. "This is a big party with many leaders, and differences of opinion are natural. Through discussions, all issues will be addressed," he said. Rao confirmed that he, too, would meet Surjewala during the visit. "Internal matters will be sorted out," he said. Siddaramaiah 's govt stable, says Deshpande Chairman of the administrative reforms commission, RV Deshpande, on Monday said that the state govt under the leadership of CM Siddaramaiah is stable and will complete its term. Deshpande told reporters that the change of the CM in Karnataka was created by the media. The party has repeatedly said that the govt would complete its tenure under the leadership of the present CM, he said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo "Some ministers and MLAs might have grievances, but the AICC has Surjewala to listen to all grievances of the elected representatives. It will be resolved soon," he added. No rift over transfers with MLAs, clarifies Jarkiholi Public works minister Satish Jarkiholi on Monday clarified that there are no disagreements between him and local MLAs regarding the ongoing process of official transfers in the district. "There is no conflict between us and the MLAs. Transfers are a routine administrative process. It's our goal that officers serve full terms of four years wherever possible. We are not in the habit of transferring officers within a year," Jarkiholi told reporters here on Monday. He also dismissed speculation about discussions in Delhi regarding officer transfers during his recent visit, calling it baseless.
News18
2 days ago
- Health
- News18
'It Was Necessary': Karnataka Minister On Heart Attack Probe Amid Alarm Bells In Hassan
Last Updated: Karnataka health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said the high number of deaths in Hassan district alone, all reportedly due to heart attacks, was alarming Karnataka health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Monday said the state has taken serious note of the 18 heart attack-related deaths reported in Hassan district over the past month – many of them among young people aged between 18 and 40. In an exclusive conversation with News18, Gundu Rao said he has ordered an in-depth probe led by experts under the director of Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research. A report is expected in 10 days. 'We wanted to find out exactly what's going on. We took an initial look at the situation, and since there were about 18 cases in one month – some of them younger individuals – we felt it was necessary to get a proper scientific analysis done," Gundu Rao told News18. He said the high number of deaths in one district alone, all reportedly due to heart attacks, was alarming. 'What makes this case particularly concerning is that all of them are from the same district – Hassan. We've asked the team of experts to go there, examine the causes of all 18 deaths, and also check if similar cases are being reported in other districts. We have to see if the ratio is similar or if these cases from Hassan are unique," he said. Cautioning against panic, the minister said the health department is acting with urgency. 'Once we get the report, we will be able to speak with greater clarity. These are matters that must be properly investigated. Speculation at this stage could cause unnecessary alarm," he said. In a letter to the director of Jayadeva institute, he noted his concern over media reports suggesting that 18 people died of heart attacks in the district in one month. The expert committee, which has already been formed, will also work in collaboration with the Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences. 'There are many factors to assess – what caused these deaths, whether there were other unreported cases, and if this pattern is isolated to Hassan or more widespread. That's why we've called for a full inquiry," he said. Gundu Rao further acknowledged that the rise in heart ailments, especially among younger populations, may be linked to lifestyle changes, diet, and the growing burden of non-communicable diseases. But the Hassan cluster, he said, raised specific questions that need to be answered through scientific assessment. Karnataka has already launched the Puneeth Rajkumar Hridaya Jyoti scheme to address sudden cardiac arrests. He, however, said the current spate of deaths calls for a deeper investigation. With mounting public concern, the minister also stressed that while it is crucial to avoid panic, the state government is not taking this lightly. 'Let's wait for the findings. After that, we will make a decision on what next steps to take," he added. First Published: June 30, 2025, 22:00 IST
