Latest news with #ICMR-NIE
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Mumbai man booked for unleashing dog on minor boy
A disturbing incident occurred in Mumbai on Thursday (July 17, 2025) at around 10 p.m., when Mohammad Sohail Khan deliberately unleashed his pet dog on a minor boy, who was playing in a parked auto-rickshaw, according to Mumbai Police. The dog attacked the minor boy, biting him on the chin and hands, causing serious injuries. A video of the incident went viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage and condemnation. Lancet study estimates 3 in every 4 animal bites in India due to dogs Khan allegedly set his pet dog loose on minor boy without any provocation and the dog bit the child repeatedly. Instead of intervening, Khan was seen laughing and enjoying the incident. The boy sustained injuries to his chin and hands and was left mentally traumatised by the ordeal. "On July 17, at around 10:00 p.m. the complainant's minor son was playing in a parked rickshaw in the residential area when the accused, Mohammad Sohail Khan — an acquaintance from the same locality — deliberately released his brown-coloured pet dog. Owing to a lack of control and supervision, the dog bit the child on the chin, causing injury," said Mumbai Police. Based on the detailed statement of the complainant, an offence has been registered against Khan under Sections 291, 125, 125(a) of IPC (BNS) at Mankhurd Police Station. 3.17 lakh people sought treatment for dog bite cases in the State in 2024 A notice has been served to the accused under Section 35(3) of BNS. Earlier, on July 10, the Central Government aimed to eliminate Rabies by 2023. According to the study done by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE), on Human rabies death and animal bite burden estimates in India, 2022-2023, more than 5,000 people die every year owing to dog bites. 'Nearly 9.1 million animal bites and 5,726 human rabies deaths due to dog bites are estimated to occur every year in India,' states a study done by ICMR-NIE. 'Eighty per cent of the dog bite victims reported taking at least one dose of the vaccination. In order to eliminate dog-mediated rabies by 2023, India must continue to fast-track its action through a focussed health approach,' states a study done by ICMR-NIE. The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairy, based on a release issued by the Ministry, mentioned that States/UTs have reported, as per the data reported on the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (Integrated Health Information Platform) portal under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, that 21,95,122 dog bite cases in India during Jan-Dec 2024.
India.com
16-07-2025
- Health
- India.com
Indians Are Eating 2.2X More Salt Than WHO Recommends - Here's Why It's A Silent Killer
New Delhi: Indians consume salt 2.2 times more than the amount recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), posing severe health risks such as hypertension, strokes, and kidney disease, among others, according to ICMR's National Institute of Epidemiology. WHO recommends less than 5 grams per day of salt (roughly under a teaspoon) or below 2g of sodium per day. However, 'the mean salt consumption per day by an Indian is 11 grams per day, which is 2.2 times more than the WHO recommendation', the ICMR-NIE said. According to the apex research body, regular iodised salt contains 40 per cent of sodium, much higher than the WHO limit. The WHO also suggests the use of low-sodium salt to ward off the risk. 'Major salt source is hidden in Indian diet and the hidden salt is fuelling a real risk,' said the scientists at the ICMR-NIE. They pointed out common eatables such as pickles, pappad, namkeen, biscuits and cookies, bread, vada pav, chips, instant noodles, and canned and packaged foods as potential sources for excess salt. "Excess levels of sodium are dangerous, as an estimated 1.89 million deaths each year worldwide are associated with consuming too much sodium,' the research body said. 'Too much salt in diet raises blood sodium, triggers water retention, increases blood volume, raises blood pressure (hypertension), leading to stroke, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, osteoporosis, and obesity,' it explained. To address the issue, the ICMR-NIE has initiated Project Namak (salt) -- a community-led salt reduction study. The three-year intervention project, launched in Punjab and Telangana, will evaluate the effectiveness of structured salt reduction counselling, delivered by health workers at Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs), in reducing blood pressure and sodium intake among individuals with hypertension. The project suggests the use of low-sodium salt (LSS) -- dietary salts where Sodium (Na) is replaced with Potassium (K) or Magnesium (Mg). 'Switching to LSS can lower blood pressure by an average of 7/4 mmHg (millimeters of mercury),' the scientists noted. 'However, LSS is not recommended for people with kidney disease or those on potassium-restricted diets,' they added. Sodium intake can also be reduced by eating mostly fresh, minimally processed foods, cooking with little or no added sodium/salt, limiting the use of commercial sauces, dressings, and instant products, and limiting the consumption of processed foods.
Economic Times
14-07-2025
- Health
- Economic Times
New study finds how 'chutki bhar namak' is raising the risk of hypertension, stroke, heart and kidney diseases in India
Synopsis A recent study by ICMR-NIE reveals that Indians consume excessive salt, increasing the risk of hypertension and related diseases. To combat this, researchers have initiated a three-year project in Punjab and Telangana, promoting low-sodium salt substitutes and structured counseling to reduce salt intake and lower blood pressure levels, particularly among those with hypertension. Agencies Salt intake India People in India are consuming more salt than recommended, increasing their chances of hypertension, stroke, heart disease, and kidney problems. This was revealed by scientists from the Indian Council of Medical Research's (ICMR) National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE). They have started a study to reduce salt intake in communities and are promoting the use of low-sodium salt substitutes, a TOI report World Health Organisation advises eating less than 5 grams of salt per person per day. But according to research cited by the NIE scientists, people in urban India eat around 9.2 grams a day, and even in rural areas, the average is about 5.6 grams, both above the recommended limit. Dr Sharan Murali, senior scientist at NIE and the study's lead researcher, said replacing regular salt with low-sodium salt substitutes could help bring down blood pressure and improve heart health.'Lesser sodium consumption helps reduce blood pressure and improves overall heart health, making low-sodium alternatives a meaningful switch, especially for those with hypertension,' Dr Murali said.'Just switching to low-sodium salt can lower blood pressure by 7/4 mmHg on average, a small change with a big impact,' he added. To address the issue, NIE has started a three-year project in Punjab and Telangana. The aim is to measure how structured salt reduction counselling can help people with high blood pressure reduce both their salt intake and blood pressure Ganesh Kumar, another senior scientist at NIE who is involved in the study, confirmed the purpose of the project.
India Gazette
13-07-2025
- Health
- India Gazette
India is in grip of silent epidemic of excess salt consumption, says ICMR-NIE
By Shalini Bhardwaj New Delhi [India], July 13 (ANI): The Indian Council of Medical Research, National Institute of Epidemiology (ICMR-NIE), has launched a Community-led Salt Reduction initiative after studies revealed that average daily salt intake in both urban and rural India exceeds the World Health Organisation's recommended limit of 5 grams. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends consuming less than 5 grams of salt per person per day. Studies show that the average intake in India remains high, around 9.2 grams per day in urban areas and 5.6 grams in rural areas, both exceeding the recommended limit. 'This excess sodium intake significantly increases the risk of hypertension, stroke, heart disease, and kidney disorders, making salt reduction a national priority. One promising tool in this effort is low-sodium salt substitutes--blends where part of the sodium chloride is replaced with potassium or magnesium salts. 'Lesser sodium consumption helps reduce blood pressure and improves overall heart health, making low-sodium alternatives a meaningful switch, especially for those with hypertension,' said Dr Sharan Murali, Principal Investigator of the study, ICMR-NIE. 'Just switching to low-sodium salt can lower blood pressure by 7/4 mmHg on average--a small change with a big impact,' he added. An initiative has been launched by the ICMR-NIE in Punjab and Telangana to evaluate the effectiveness of structured salt reduction counselling delivered by health workers at Health and Wellness Centres in reducing BP and salt intake in patients with hypertension. 'To tackle this issue, we launched a three-year intervention project in Punjab and Telangana, supported by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Our goal is to evaluate the effectiveness of structured salt reduction counselling, delivered by health workers at Health & Wellness Centres (HWCs), in reducing blood pressure and sodium intake among individuals with hypertension,' Dr Murali stated. Currently, the initiative is in the first year of the project, focused on baseline assessments and field preparations. 'Counselling materials are not yet finalised; rather, we aim to co-create the intervention package with the community health workers, drawing on their experiences and incorporating their suggestions. It's not just about delivering health education--it's about listening, understanding, and building together,' said Dr Murali. 'To ensure our interventions are grounded in reality, we conducted a market survey across 300 retail outlets in Chennai to assess the availability and pricing of low-sodium salt (LSS): LSS was available in only 28% of retail outlets. It was seen in 52% of supermarkets but a dismal 4% in small grocery shops.' It said. 'The price of LSS averaged Rs 5.6 per 100g, more than twice the price of normal iodised salt (Rs 2.7 per 100g). These findings highlight a critical supply-demand disconnect.' 'The lower demand for low-sodium salt might be leading to its lower availability--it's a proxy indicator of awareness and access,' notes Dr Murali. 'Shaping Demand, One Pinch at a Time. To spark a public conversation around salt reduction, we recently launched the PinchForAChange campaign on Twitter and LinkedIn through ICMR-NIE. Using infographics, facts, and simple messages, the campaign aims to raise awareness about hidden salt sources, promote low-sodium alternatives, and empower individuals to make heart-healthy choices,' he added. 'If successful, this project could lead to the integration of sustainable dietary counselling models into the existing public health system. It can bridge the gap between knowledge and action, improve health literacy, and ultimately reduce the burden of hypertension-related diseases. This is not just about reducing salt. It's about restoring balance in our diets, our systems, and our hearts. Together, one pinch at a time, we can create lasting change,' said the Principal Investigator of the study, ICMR-NIE. (ANI)
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
‘One pinch at a time': ICMR flags high salt intake in India as major health risk; Urban consumption nearly double WHO limit
Representational image NEW DELHI: The Indian Council of Medical Research's National Institute of Epidemiology (ICMR-NIE) has launched a new initiative aimed at reducing India's salt consumption, after research revealed that average daily intake in both urban and rural areas exceeds the World Health Organisation's (WHO) recommended limit of 5 grams per day. The average salt intake in urban India stands at 9.2 grams per day, while rural India averages 5.6 grams, both well above the global health standard. 'Excess sodium intake significantly increases the risk of hypertension, stroke, heart disease, and kidney disorders, making salt reduction a national priority,' said Dr Sharan Murali, Principal Investigator of the study at ICMR-NIE. To tackle the issue, ICMR-NIE has rolled out a three-year intervention project in Punjab and Telangana. The initiative aims to assess whether structured salt reduction counselling, delivered by health workers at Health and Wellness Centres, can help reduce blood pressure and sodium consumption in individuals with hypertension. Currently in its first year, the project is focusing on baseline assessments. Dr Murali stressed the importance of co-creating the counselling material with community health workers: 'It's not just about delivering health education—it's about listening, understanding, and building together.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like So sánh mức trượt giá: Hợp đồng tương lai (CFD) Bitcoin vs Ethereum IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo The study also found that low-sodium salt substitutes—where sodium chloride is partially replaced with potassium or magnesium—can lower blood pressure by 7/4 mmHg on average. However, a market survey in Chennai showed that low-sodium salt was available in just 28% of retail outlets and was priced at more than double the cost of regular salt, indicating both awareness and access gaps. To build momentum, ICMR-NIE has launched the #PinchForAChange campaign on Twitter and LinkedIn, aiming to raise public awareness using infographics and simple messages. 'This is not just about reducing salt,' said Dr Murali. 'It's about restoring balance in our diets, our systems, and our hearts—one pinch at a time.'
