Latest news with #KMCRI
Time of India
23-07-2025
- Time of India
Three injured in cylinder blast in Hubballi
Hubballi: Three people were injured in a cylinder blast incident that took place in Channapet, Old Hubballi, on Wednesday. The incident took place under Kasabapet police station limits. According to police, the gas cylinder was not properly turned off the previous night. "The incident took place when the woman of the house was about to prepare tea. As the woman realised the gas was leaking, she escaped to safety. However, by the time others could move, a fire broke out, injuring three people in the house. The kitchen was damaged, along with other items. Raju B Talawar, district fire officer, said a gas leak caused the fire. In the incident, three people were injured, including a father and son. Gurunath B (39), Viraj (9), and Anil (38) are being treated at Karnataka Medical College and Research Institute (KMCRI). Around Rs 3 lakhs worth of property was damaged in the house. After a fire call, four staff members and one official with a water tender vehicle successfully stopped the fire, he informed. Dr Ravindra Yelagar, HoD, Plastic Surgery, KMCRI, said that Gurunath has suffered 60-70% burns. "Treatment is ongoing. The other two are out of danger," he said.
The Hindu
21-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
World Brain Health Day: Stroke management and head injury care to be provided on a ‘hub-and- spoke' model in Karnataka
Soon timely stroke management and head injury care will be available for people in government medical colleges closer to their residing districts. NIMHANS in coordination with the State government has developed 'hub-and-spoke' model for stroke and head injury care across Karnataka. Under this model, an advanced stroke and head injury centre (hub) at NIMHANS will coordinate for establishment of spoke centres in six medical colleges and provide guidance and support across the State. July 22 is observed as World Brain Day and the theme for 2025 is 'Brain Health for All Ages.' A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is disrupted, either by a blockage or a bleed, causing brain cells to die due to lack of oxygen and nutrients. This can lead to a range of disabilities, from mild weakness to severe paralysis, and in some cases, permanent disability and even death. Golden hour Recognising the symptoms and seeking immediate medical attention within the 'golden hour' - four to six hours after symptoms begin - is crucial for minimising damage and maximising recovery. Immediate treatment can significantly improve outcomes by restoring blood flow to the brain and preventing further cell death, doctors said. The stroke management and head injury care project will be on the lines of Karnataka's heart attack (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction - STEMI) management project currently running in 86 taluks. The hub-and-spoke model will avoid delay in providing stroke diagnosis and treatment apart from head injury care to needy patients. Accessibility to timely care closer to their place of stay will avoid patients rushing to NIMHANS, thereby ensuring there is no congestion at the premier mental health institution. At NIMHANS six to 12 stroke patients and 15 to 16 head injury cases are seen daily. NIMHANS apex centre Girish B. Kulkarni, Professor of Neurology and head of the stroke unit at NIMHANS, told The Hindu on Monday that the hub-and-spoke model for stroke management, involves a network of healthcare facilities where NIMHANS - the apex stroke centre (hub) will provide advanced care and support to surrounding smaller facilities (spokes). 'This model aims to improve stroke outcomes by streamlining access to timely and appropriate care, especially in the crucial 'golden hour' after a stroke,' Dr. Girish said. While the apex centre at NIMHANS started three months ago, a spoke centre at the Karnataka Medical College and Research Institute (KMCRI) in Hubballi has started tracing stroke patients and has been providing routine stroke management recently. With funding from the State government, KMCRI is all set to get a Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) machine shortly. This equipment is used in stroke management to visualise blood vessels in the brain and identify blockages or abnormalities that may be causing a stroke, the doctor said. Apart from KMCRI, spoke centres will be established in government medical colleges in Bengaluru (Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute), Mysuru Medical, Raichur and Ballari. 'We have identified the colleges and the centres will be established soon at a total cost of ₹56 crore,' Dr. Girish said. Brain health Karnataka's Brain Health Initiative (KaBHI) being run in collaboration with NIMHANS has helped improve early detection and management of neurological disorders at the grassroots level. The initiative has trained primary healthcare providers — including doctors and nurses — to identify and treat common neurological conditions such as stroke, epilepsy, and headache in district and taluk hospitals. This has already brought neurological care closer to the people, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, and reduced delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Hans India
10-07-2025
- Health
- Hans India
KMCRI pioneers new scientific method to treat snakebite victims
Hubballi: In what could become a pathbreaking protocol for treating snakebite victims in India, Karnataka Medical College and Research Institute (KMCRI) has successfully developed a new evidence-based treatment approach that determines the severity of venom in a patient's body before administering anti-snake venom injections (ASV). Traditionally, snakebite patients admitted to hospitals were given ASV injections immediately. However, the new method introduced at KMCRI's Multidisciplinary Research Unit (MRU) involves first collecting a blood sample from the victim and analysing it for specific enzymes present in snake venom. Based on these findings, doctors decide the exact dosage of ASV — or whether it is needed at all. Speaking to The Hans India , Dr. Ram Kaulugudda, the nodal officer of the MRU, explained that until now, hospitals would administer ASV indiscriminately. 'ASV is expensive and unnecessary doses create both financial and health burdens. Our study has proven that identifying the venom levels through blood tests allows us to treat only those who genuinely need ASV,' he said. Under the new protocol, patients who come to KMCRI after a snakebite undergo a quick blood test. Doctors check for symptoms such as swelling, breathing difficulties, blood pressure fluctuations, nervous system impact and blood clotting disorders. The venom enzymes are measured using advanced ELISA machines. If venom levels are high, the patient receives the required ASV dosage. If the venom level is minimal, supportive treatment without ASV is administered. 'This is the first research of its kind in India,' Dr. Kaulugudda said proudly. 'It offers a clear guideline on who needs ASV and who does not. This will help rural hospitals too, where the misuse of ASV is common due to lack of testing facilities.' KMCRI researchers revealed that 82 snakebite victims were tested as part of this study. Blood was collected immediately, then again at 24 and 72 hours to monitor changes in venom enzyme levels. Doctors then adjusted treatment accordingly. 'The severity of venom decides survival chances. Knowing the enzyme level early gives us a head start on treatment and prevents premature discharge when venom might still be present,' Dr. Kaulugudda added. The study found significant differences in venom levels between species. For example, bites by cobras, vipers, kraits and Russell's vipers showed varied venom enzyme patterns in the blood. Depending on the species and severity, patients either received ASV or continued on supportive therapy. 'In the past, many patients insisted they were fine and asked to be discharged, unaware of hidden venom levels. This study gives us a scientific basis to decide whether a patient is genuinely ready to go home or needs further observation,' Dr. Kaulugudda said. The research began with a pilot project in 2020, studying 20 snakebite patients in Dharwad district — 16 men and four women aged between 18 and 65, mostly farmers. Of these, 12 had bites below the knee. Depending on venom levels, some were given ASV within three hours, while others received it between three to eight hours after admission. KMCRI now plans to share its findings with the state government. The team believes that deploying similar testing units in rural hospitals will help identify venom severity and decide whether to treat locally or refer the patient to a higher centre for advanced care. 'This research is not just about saving lives — it's about rationalising the use of life-saving drugs, saving money and ensuring patients get the right treatment at the right time,' Dr. Kaulugudda concluded. If scaled up, KMCRI's innovative protocol could become a national model, offering India's rural snakebite victims a better chance at survival while using resources wisely.
Time of India
31-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Tobacco use increases despite awareness efforts
Hubballi/ Belagavi: As World No-Tobacco Day is observed on May 31, health officials in the district highlighted the growing challenge of tobacco and gutka consumption, which is fuelling a surge in oral cavity cancers, hypertension, and heart disease. Despite bans, illegal sales persist, especially targeting youth. Tobacco usage has skyrocketed in adults and the younger population alike. Day by day, new users are added, resulting in a rise in devastating tobacco-related diseases such as hypertension, cardiac diseases, stroke, pulmonary diseases, and cancers such as head and neck malignancy, lung malignancy, colorectal malignancy, etc. According to the survey, adolescents and children are the prime targets of the tobacco industry when recruiting new smokers. About 20 million children aged 10–14 are estimated to be tobacco-addicted, according to a survey done by the National Sample Survey Organisation of the Indian govt. To this astounding figure, approximately 5,500 new users are added every day, resulting in two million new users each year. Dr Shashidhar K, head of the department of surgical oncology, Karnataka Medical College-Research Institute (KMCRI), said that they are currently treating 50-60 patients with this cancer, often caused by tobacco use. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Alerta: Você tem zumbido no ouvido? Dica de ouro pode aliviar! Zumbido no ouvido Undo Major surgeries are performed on 500 people, and minor surgeries are performed on 700 people. "Nowadays, youth are addicted to tobacco. There are several ways to curb tobacco addiction, such as chewing on sugar-free gums or lozenges, using prescription nicotine nasal spray or patches, avoiding triggers, trying to incorporate physical activities such as sports, yoga, meditation, and seeking help from a professional de-addiction therapist," Dr Shashidhar said. Shashidhar said that the World No Tobacco Day campaign aims at curbing the deceptive marketing tactics of the tobacco industry. There are proven ways to prevent youth from using tobacco and avoid a lifetime of addiction, such as family expectations and communication, education about the risks and consequences of using tobacco, etc. Awareness rally World No Tobacco Day was observed at Karnataka Medical College and Research Institute, Hubballi, on Saturday. The department of surgical oncology organised an awareness programme today on the current year's theme: 'Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products'. An awareness rally was held on the hospital premises near the outpatient department. Doctors and nurses actively participated in the rally, displaying placards on the devastating consequences of continued tobacco use. A street play was performed by nursing students, displaying the ill effects of tobacco, which was well received by the audience. Dr SF Kammar, director of KMCRI, and others were present. Awareness programme at Belagavi college The NSS cell of BV Bellad Law College, Belagavi, organised an awareness programme to mark World No Tobacco Day on Saturday. The event aimed at spreading awareness about the ill-effects of tobacco and the need to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Being the chief guest, Dr Vivek Honalli, district malaria officer, emphasised the grave health consequences associated with tobacco consumption. Dr Shweta Patil, district consultant, tobacco control programme, spoke on the govt initiatives aimed at tobacco control and the importance of youth participation in building a tobacco-free society. College principal Jyoti G Hiremath appreciated the efforts of the NSS Cell.
The Hindu
29-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
No case of COVID-19 in Dharwad, no need to panic: Minister Lad
As there were no cases of COVID-19 infection in Dharwad district so far, there is no need for the residents of Dharwad district to panic, said Santosh Lad, Labour Minister and district in-charge for Dharwad . Chairing a meeting on COVID-19 preparations at Karnataka Medical College and Research Centre (KMCRI) in Hubballi on Wednesday, however he said that it was essential that everyone took precautionary measure in the wake of such cases being reported elsewhere in the State and the country. The Minister said that soon the government would be issuing the COVID-19 advisory and everyone should adhere to it. 'It is essential to maintain social distance at public places and use sanitisers and face masks . Especially senior citizens, pregnant women should be careful. Seniors should better put off their travel plans,' he said. Chief Medical Officer of KMCRI Rajashekhar Dyaberi said that already COVID-19 task force had been constituted and a 40-bedded ward had been kept ready, The ward had all the requisite facilities including ventilators, he said. He said that they were expecting arrival of COVID-19 test kits by next week and subsequently the testing would start. Deputy Commissioner of Dharwad Divya Prabhu G.R.J. said that it was necessary the people should immediately approach the doctors for treatment of fever and cough instead of neglecting it. Mr. Lad subsequently visited various wards of KMCRI and also checked the facilities at the COVID-19 ward.
