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Business Standard
a day ago
- Health
- Business Standard
K'taka CM takes to X, claims recent heart attacks linked to Covid vaccine
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday announced the formation of a committee to study concerns over potential adverse effects of Covid-19 vaccines, including a possible link to heart attacks. In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the CM noted that over 20 people had died of heart attacks in Hassan district in the past month alone. 'Owing to this, a committee has been formed under the leadership of Dr Ravindranath, director of Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, and they have been instructed to submit a study report within 10 days,' Siddaramaiah wrote. This follows the state government's earlier decision, in February, to constitute an expert panel to investigate the rising number of sudden deaths among young individuals amid concerns that these might be linked to the Covid vaccine. 'In this regard, the process of examining and analysing heart patients is also underway,' he added. Siddaramaiah alleged that the hurried approval and distribution of Covid-19 vaccines could be a contributing factor to these deaths, citing several international studies that have suggested a possible link between vaccines and increased instances of heart attacks. 'We value the lives of children, youth, and innocent people who have their entire lives ahead of them, and we share the concerns of their families,' he said. The CM's remarks come even as several studies and health experts have flagged isolated cases of adverse events post-vaccination. In May last year, a team of researchers from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) claimed that nearly one-third of individuals who received Covaxin (manufactured by Bharat Biotech) reported adverse events of special interest (AESIs), including viral upper respiratory tract infections, menstrual irregularities, and Guillain-Barré Syndrome. In a separate development, British vaccine manufacturer AstraZeneca admitted in a UK court that its vaccine could, in very rare cases, cause thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS). The vaccine, manufactured in India by the Serum Institute, was sold domestically under the name Covishield. Siddaramaiah said the government would investigate the causes behind the recent spate of sudden deaths in Hassan and elsewhere in the state, and take necessary preventive measures. 'With this goal, we have already implemented schemes like Hridaya Jyothi and Gruha Arogya to monitor public health. Based on the expert committee's report, necessary actions will also be taken,' he said.
Hindustan Times
19-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Health dept directs PMC to test water samples as precautionary measure to prevent communicable diseases
The public health department has asked Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to start testing drinking water samples from its high-risk areas to prevent communicable disease outbreaks during the monsoon. The orders were given by health minister Prakash Abitkar during the meeting held on June 12. Following this, the civic health department on June 16 wrote to its civic water supply department requesting to send drinking water samples from high-risk areas for testing. During the meeting, Abitdar emphasised the importance of early testing of water quality, especially in vulnerable zones, to ensure that citizens receive safe drinking water. Besides, reports indicating whether the water is potable or non-potable should be immediately shared with the health department. As per civic officials, the directions have been issued in the wake of the recent outbreak of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in the city. PMC had reported 141 confirmed cases and nine suspected deaths linked to the outbreak, which was officially declared over on April 2 this year. However, sporadic GBS cases still have been reported in the city, similar to past trends, said the officials. Furthermore, the health minister has also directed that officials and staff responsible for water purification should undergo refresher training to ensure that all systems and safety procedures are in place and followed effectively. Dr Nina Borade, health chief of PMC, said that, post the GBS outbreak was declared over, the city has still reported sporadic cases. Such cases are known to be reported throughout the year. 'We have also started to collect the details regarding the GBS cases reported in the city after the outbreak was declared over,' she said. A senior official from the PMC water department, on anonymity, said, 'The letter has been received and the work to collect water samples from the high-risk area has been started. The report regarding the same will be sent to the health department. However, PMC regularly conducts testing of drinking water sources.'
Indian Express
17-06-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Sassoon Hospital dean's year-long push to solve staff crunch, improve campus cleanliness
Dr Eknath Pawar, Dean of B J Government Medical College and Sassoon General Hospital, who completes a year in the post on June 19, said that despite the vacancies, a slew of measures are in place to ensure patient care and deliver quality services at Maharashtra's largest government-run hospital. According to a Right to Information (RTI) application by The Indian Express, the hospital in Pune has been reeling under a severe manpower shortage, with half of the 843 sanctioned Class IV posts lying vacant in addition to the shortage of non-technical staff and medical professionals. There are 118 vacant posts for doctors, while the B J Government Medical College, attached to the Sassoon General Hospital, has 18 posts of Associate Professors and 27 Assistant Professor posts lying vacant. 'The staff shortage is being addressed. During my tenure of a year, several efforts have been taken, and we have filled up a fair share of vacancies. As part of the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) recruitment process, interviews are being scheduled, and we have urged them to fast-track the process,' Dr Pawar told The Indian Express on Tuesday. The RTI data shows that 918 of the 1,108 permanent posts of nurses have been filled. However, 416 posts of Class IV employees remain vacant. 'At the local level, through the District Collector's office, some technical staff can be hired, and even cleanliness services are being outsourced,' Dr Pawar said, adding that an advertisement will be issued to fill Class IV posts soon. Dr Pawar agreed that some gaps are likely to occur owing to the huge size of the institution. However, he said, the team actively conducts surprise inspections and takes random photographs to ensure cleanliness. 'While it is a time-consuming process, since I joined, I have held several meetings and, together with the team, carried out routine inspections across all areas of the hospital. We have also trained our staff to respond promptly and effectively to complaints,' Dr Pawar said. During his period, several boards were displayed to direct the patients to the respective departments and OPDs for specialised and routine treatment. Benches have been provided so that patients can be comfortable at the OPD, he added. Security agencies have also been instructed to inform the staff to address patients politely, he mentioned. The hospital authorities have initiated efforts to ensure an adequate stock of medicines. 'The District Planning Development Committee (DPDC) has approved Rs 6 crore towards ensuring an adequate availability of medicines. No patient will be told to purchase medicines from outside,' Dr Pawar said. Patients of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) who required expensive medicines were treated free of cost, he added. Focus on transparency As part of a scheme, children of deceased employees (Class IV) can be recruited at the hospital. A committee that looks into such matters has noted that there are karyakartas who recommend appointments for the children who fall into the category. 'However, in some cases, these karyakartas mislead the candidates by falsely claiming that the process would take time, using this as an opportunity to demand money. We have put a stop to this practice and have already issued over 30 appointment orders for the sons of deceased employees,' Dr Pawar said. 'At times, I used to receive numerous calls from karyakartas wanting to discuss various issues. I began asking whether the matter was urgent or if it could be addressed at a more appropriate time. As a result, the late-night calls — sometimes continuing until 1 am — have now stopped. I have made it clear that non-essential calls will not be entertained after 9 pm,' he said. Beautification measures, heritage building restoration The campus beautification work has been taken up on a large scale with parts of the main building being painted in a striking white and gold colour scheme. As per a notification, a board also displays the official change in the name from B J Medical College to B J Government Medical College. According to Dr Pawar, 50 per cent of the renovation work at the OPD has been completed. The David Sassoon and Jacob Sassoon buildings on the campus are being restored to bring back their original glory, and according to Dr Pawar, the first phase of restoration has been completed. 'We are now planning a fully air-conditioned Central Library on the ground floor, Medical Research Unit, and Medical Education Unit, mainly for the training of faculty and resident doctors,' Dr Pawar said. Anuradha Mascarenhas is a journalist with The Indian Express and is based in Pune. A senior editor, Anuradha writes on health, research developments in the field of science and environment and takes keen interest in covering women's issues. With a career spanning over 25 years, Anuradha has also led teams and often coordinated the edition. ... Read More
Time of India
14-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
GBS patient recovers in Nanded
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: A 22-year-old youth recovered from Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) after an 96-day stay in Nanded's Dr Shankarrao Chavan Government Hospital, where he was admitted in a critical condition on March 9 and spent 42 days on ventilator support. Hospital dean Dr Vijaya Kapse said, "When the family members of the patient brought the youth to us, he was unable to walk, speak and swallow. He developed difficulties in breathing and was shifted to the ICU." A special team of doctors was formed to care for the patient, who was discharged after recovery on June 13. Dr Kapse said, "After an effective line of treatment, the patient was removed from ventilator support. Later, special sessions involving physiotherapists and psychologists were arranged for the patient to ensure total recovery." Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
GBS-stricken 11-year-old back home after 90 days in hospital
Nagpur: After 90-days of hospitalisation, including 70 days on ventilator support, 11-year-old Viraj returned home on January 22. His remarkable recovery from Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) has drawn admiration and hope across the city. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Treated at a private hospital in Nagpur, Viraj's case stands out not just for the severity of his condition but also for his resilience throughout the ordeal. "For over three months, this boy battled GBS with courage that belied his age," said Dr Rajesh Agrawal, a paediatrician, who led Viraj's treatment. "His journey is inspiring. I must also commend his parents, whose unwavering faith in the medical team made all the difference." GBS, a rare autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system attacks the nerves, often leads to rapid-onset muscle weakness and, in severe cases, respiratory failure requiring ventilator support. Though treatable, recovery can be prolonged and challenging. Awareness about GBS remains low despite the severity it poses. Early symptoms such as tingling, weakness, and difficulty in movement should not be ignored, especially after viral infections, as early intervention improves outcomes significantly. According to Nagpur Municipal Corporation data, the city recorded 16 GBS cases between January and May this year (January 4, February 6, March 5, and 1 in April). No new cases have been reported so far in May. While the number of cases is limited and trending downward, doctors warn that the severity of GBS often necessitates long ICU stays. "In several cases, patients remain on ventilator support for weeks, which puts enormous emotional and financial pressure on families," said a senior neurologist. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now A relative of a 45-year-old GBS patient currently under treatment shared the painful reality. "It's been over a month on the ventilator, and he was the sole earning member of our family. We have exhausted all our savings, and each day feels like a test of endurance."
