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India Gazette
a day ago
- Health
- India Gazette
Raj Bhavan Annadhan scheme launched in Goa by Kerala Governor Arlekar
Panaji (Goa) [India], June 29 (ANI): The 'Raj Bhavan Annadhan' scheme was officially launched on Sunday at Old Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan, by Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar in the presence of Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. Goa Governor PS Sreedharan Pillai presided over the launch ceremony. A Cheque amounting to Rs 1,20,000 was handed to the Office bearers of the Goa Street Providence organisation. Kerala Governor Arlekar said that the books penned by Pillai are the window for the readers. His literature provides a gateway to new ideas, perspectives, and knowledge. Reading develops empathy among the readers, Arlekar added. Praising the work of Pillai, the Kerala Governor stated that Goa is fortunate to have a Governor like Pillai, who has consistently worked in the best interest of the people of Goa. 'He is the finest Governor I have seen,' Arlekar added. ' Governor Pillai has cited a unique example for other Raj Bhavans in the country, through his unique work for extending a helping hand to the needy people in the State. The Governor, through his noble work, has shown the path to others; we all have to follow him,' Arlekar said.. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said, 'Raj Bhavan Annadhan' scheme is a unique scheme, which can be seen only in the State of Goa. The Chief Minister stated that the Governor has gained insight into the life of the common man by personally visiting the remote parts of the State of Goa through his various yatras. Mentioning the rising cases of kidney disease in the State, Sawant appealed to kidney patients to maintain a careful diet. This will help individuals with kidney disease manage their condition and prevent further damage. Speaking about the initiatives of the Union Government, the Chief Minister mentioned the eSanjeevani and informed the public that the National Telemedicine Service of India is a step towards achieving digital health equity and Universal Health Coverage. The Chief Minister further stated that eSanjeevani provides quick and easy access to doctors and medical specialists. Governor Pillai spoke about the secret behind successfully implementing various schemes through the Raj Bhavan and complimented the Chief Minister for consistently supporting his initiatives. Speaking about the iconic slogan 'Jai Hind' popularised by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, the Governor said a Muslim soldier came up with this iconic slogan, and Netaji Bose gladly accepted it. The Annadhan scheme is an initiative of the Governor, whereby the Governor will donate the amount received as royalty from his books towards a noble cause. Financial assistance from the Discretionary Funds of the Governor, was distributed at the hands of Chief Minister to around 40 patients suffering from Cancer and dialysis. Sanjeev C Gauns Dessai, Secretary to the Governor, welcomed the guests. Mihir Vardhan, Special Officer, introduced the scheme. Bosco George proposed a vote of thanks. (ANI)
India Today
5 days ago
- Health
- India Today
Explained: Zero-dose children and why India ranks second globally
A recent Lancet report has highlighted a concerning issue: a large number of children in India are missing essential vaccines, including those who have not received even a single shot. These children are referred to as 'zero-dose' report revealed that India has over 1.44 million zero-dose children, the second-highest in the world after Nigeria. These children are part of a larger group across eight countries where most unvaccinated children particular, the study highlights the rise in 'zero-dose children", those who did not receive even the first dose of the basic DTP vaccine (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis). This raises urgent questions: Who are these children? Why are they being left out? And what can be done to change this?What does 'zero-dose' mean?A zero-dose child is one who has not received even the first dose of the DTP vaccine. This vaccine is a key indicator of access to immunisation children are completely unprotected against common yet life-threatening diseases that vaccines can easily children often belong to marginalised or hard-to-reach communities. They may live in remote rural areas, urban slums, or regions affected by conflict, poor healthcare infrastructure, and deep social many cases, their families may be unaware of vaccination schedules or lack access to nearby health behind India's rising numbers?India has made significant progress in reducing vaccine-preventable diseases over the past two decades. However, the Covid-19 pandemic severely disrupted routine immunisation programmes. A zero-dose child is one who has not received even the first dose of the DTP vaccine. (Photo: Reuters) Lockdowns, fear of visiting health centres, overburdened hospitals, and the diversion of health resources toward managing the pandemic all contributed to a sharp drop in vaccine coverage, according to the Lancet the number of zero-dose children dropped slightly from 14.3 million in 2022 to 13.9 million in 2023. In India, the number improved from 2.7 million in 2021 to 1.6 million in 2022, but it remains high — especially for a country with a strong public health record, including programmes like Mission does this matter?Children who miss out on vaccines are more likely to fall seriously ill or die from preventable diseases like measles, polio, and diphtheria, illnesses that have been nearly eliminated in many parts of the also risk spreading these infections to others, particularly babies too young to be vaccinated or those with weakened immune is one of the most cost-effective health interventions available. As India moves toward Universal Health Coverage, closing the gap on zero-dose children must become a top missed vaccine is a missed chance at a healthy future and every child left behind is a reminder of the work still to be done.- Ends
Scoop
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Interview: Visitors To Expo 2025 Appreciate ‘Positive Vision' Of UN
Visitors can explore the UN's 80-year history of advancing peace, human rights, sustainable development and climate action and see how the work of the UN system impacts the lives of all people across the world. What are the different sections of the pavilion and what they're trying to achieve? We have four exhibit zones. The first zone portrays 80 years of UN history, highlighting key milestones from 1945 until today. It also shows the changing relationship between Japan and the UN. In the 1940s following the devastation of the Second World War Japan was a recipient of UN assistance. But after Japan joined the UN (in 1956) it gradually started to take leadership in different areas, for example in climate change issues, disaster risk reduction and in the provision of Universal Health Coverage. Zone two shows the work of diverse UN entities. Visitors will notice that there are many everyday objects on the wall; a toilet, helmet, car seat, post box but they may not realize that these items are actually closely related to the work of the UN. By tapping on the monitor, the items light up and an explanation is given about its relationship to the work of the UN. One of the aims of this zone is to demonstrate that the UN is not just about conflict resolution. In Japan, when the UN is mentioned, many people think about the Security Council and ask why Japan isn't a permanent member. We wanted to show in an interesting interactive way that the UN's work is so much more than that. In zone three, which represents the future, we show through an immersive movie, a vision of the sustainable future that we can achieve if we work together. In the movie, the UN Secretary-General says that this future is not automatic, but it is one that we can achieve together. The final part of the pavilion is the special exhibition zone that features the work of different UN entities each week. Why is it important that the UN is here at Expo? I would say that 90 per cent of Japanese people know about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), but many do not know what they can do in their lives to contribute to the SDGs, or understand the positive role played by the UN in making the SDGs a reality in a global context. So, we felt that it was important to explain that work. There are some 160 different countries participating in Expo and they are here to showcase their own cultures. But it's the UN which can encourage countries to work together to achieve peace and a sustainable world. So, collaboration and multilateralism are key themes of the pavilion. Why is that message important? The world is divided right now and you can sense the anxiety about that, even in Japan. That anxiety is not just focused on political issues but also on the environmental and other global challenges which go beyond the country level. At the UN Pavilion they can learn about these challenges but also the solutions. I am so proud to be part of a team which explains how the UN is contributing to solving these global problems. It is rewarding to interact with visitors and to support their understanding of the UN. Many are surprised by the range of work in which the organization is engaged, and everyone leaves inspired by our messages. What is the most surprising reaction you've had from a visitor? There has been great interest and engagement in the immersive video which envisions a hopeful future that all humanity can enjoy if we work together. It has a very simple message about collaboration which can be easily understood by people of all ages and backgrounds. Many people have been deeply affected by its message and I have seen some moved to tears. I believe visitors feel closer to the UN after experiencing the video and the rest of the pavilion. I am from Japan and I think many people are surprised to meet a Japanese national working for the UN. That also helps to bring them closer to the work of the UN. How important and relevant is an Expo in today's world? There really isn't any other place like this, where you can meet people from Uzbekistan, and then next door people from Malta. I think this is such a rare opportunity, especially in this era of the Internet, to be able to discover the culture and values of so many different nations. Initially, the Japanese people were somewhat sceptical and critical of the cost of putting on Expo, because they said they could find all the information on the Internet. However, when they visit, they realize that they can actually see, feel and learn about different cultures in person. It's very different from reading something on the Internet or watching YouTube. This venue is so special and people come here with an open and enquiring mind. I think the timing of this Expo is important as there is so much uncertainty and conflict in the world. At the UN, we are here to promote a better world for all people built on equality, dignity and peace, living in harmony with nature and sustaining our Planet. We hope to share this positive vision with as many visitors as possible until the closing of the Expo in mid-October.
Zawya
10-06-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Kenya: Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Duale, United Kingdom (UK) High Commissioner Wigan Discuss Strengthening Health Collaboration
Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale today held discussions with British High Commissioner H.E. Neil Wigan at Afya House, Nairobi, reaffirming the strong partnership between Kenya and the United Kingdom in responding to Kenya's evolving health needs. The meeting focused on areas of mutual interest, including emerging infectious diseases, the growing burden of non-communicable diseases, and regional disparities in maternal and child health; challenges that require joint innovation and global solidarity. The two leaders explored opportunities for deeper collaboration aligned with the government's Universal Health Coverage (UHC) priorities under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). Areas of engagement include health workforce development, health systems strengthening, research and innovation, public health and disease surveillance, and engagement with the diaspora and public sector. CS Duale expressed Kenya's appreciation for the UK's longstanding support to the health sector, noting that the strengthened partnership will enhance health commodity security, support the expansion of financial risk protection, and promote the use of digital innovations in healthcare delivery. Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Ms. Mary Muthoni, was also present at the meeting. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
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Business Standard
10-06-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Aiims Delhi could expand footprint across NCR under new NITI Aayog plan
In a bid to ease pressure on the overstretched medical infrastructure at the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (Aiims), Delhi, the NITI Aayog is likely to propose a comprehensive revamp of the institute, according to a news report by The Economic Times. This includes a significant expansion aimed at enabling the institute to deliver clinical services across multiple locations within the National Capital Region (NCR). A report outlining short-term, medium-term, and long-term policy measures is anticipated to be submitted to the Ministry of Health in the latter half of this year. The objective is to ease the burden on existing infrastructure and allow doctors to dedicate more time to medical research, The Economic Times quoted a government official as saying. Utilisation of existing infrastructure The committee is considering the use of underutilised or unutilised facilities in other government hospitals and potentially even private hospitals for running Aiims ' outpatient department (OPD). The move aims to allow the premier healthcare institution to focus on critical and trauma-related cases, while also reducing waiting times for other essential medical procedures, the report noted. A committee led by NITI Aayog member VK Paul is examining the existing systems and processes at the AIIMS. It is expected to produce a detailed blueprint of the proposed reforms soon, complete with defined timelines for implementation, to elevate the healthcare services at Aiims to meet international standards. The Terms of Reference for the reform include identifying ways to streamline patient inflow, developing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure optimal research outcomes, and recommending strategies for financial prudence in managing Aiims. In collaboration with the Centre for Social and Economic Progress Research Foundation, NITI Aayog has analysed the experiences of various countries that have implemented Universal Health Coverage (UHC) models. These findings are intended to inform India's policy development in this domain. Support for rare disease treatment Earlier, the public policy think tank had recommended fast-tracking indigenously manufactured dosage forms (small molecules) for selected rare diseases. As a part of this initiative, four drugs have been introduced at prices significantly lower – ranging from 1/60th to 1/100th – than their imported counterparts. Separate law to tackle public health crises Last year, NITI Aayog had recommended a separate legislation, the Public Health Emergency Management Act (PHEMA), to effectively manage disease outbreaks and pandemics. This proposal is part of the broader Pandemic Preparedness and Emergency Response (PPER) framework, which aims to establish a comprehensive roadmap and action plan to tackle any future public health emergencies.
