Healthcare
Now you can easily access your child’s health records at the click of a button with Integrated Child Health Record (ICHR), India’s first ever digital platform. ICHR is supported by cloud computing and mobile technology and it enables the parents to track child’s health and vaccination. Additionally, it offers benefits like early detection of obesity in urban areas and malnutrition in rural areas. Since it is on Amazon cloud, doctors can access real-time information of patients from any part of the world using the internet. The mobile interface will be available in android as well as iOS.
Just recently, with the support of the government, the AYUSH Ministry signed a pact with the World Health Organisation (WHO) with respect to traditional medicine. This step is aimed at gaining more recognition of traditional medicine and the brand AYUSH internationally. PM Narendra Modi approved the pact, which will lead to long-term collaboration with WHO. This will help in better international acceptability of Indian systems. The expenditure to support the collaborative activities will be met by the AYUSH ministry from the allocated budget under the existing plan schemes. This will also help better acceptability of Indian systems worldwide.
Barley increases gut hormones which regulate metabolism and control appetite of a person. A new study found that consuming a special mixture of dietary fibres which are present in barley reduce the appetite and blood sugar levels. It was also observed that barley shows a significant improvement in reducing the risk for cardiovascular diseases. The effects of barley are seen when the special mixture of dietary fibres present in barley kernel reaches the gut, increases good bacteria and releases important hormones. They have suggested to consume barley in meals, for example in salads, soups, stews, or as an alternative to potatoes and rice.
Based on the data collected by Central Drug Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), the official regulatory authority, it was found that about 4.5% of the drugs available in the Indian market are substandard. Substandard drugs are those which take more time to take effect and cure the disease. They also add to antibacterial resistance which is considered a serious threat. According to WHO, of the total expenditure on Health about 70% constitutes expenditure on Medicines. Costly medicines from top sellers also failed to measure up. Gladly, the ministry is taking measures to put testing in the hands-on consumer of medicine.
The Health ministry is planning to launch a new scheme called "Health Protection Scheme" which will be sponsored by the Central Government and will replace many existing health schemes even those catering to BPL families. In this scheme proposed by the government, around 8 crore families will be provided a cover of Rs 50,000 and also offer packages of special top-up benefit solely for senior citizens of India. As per the suggestions of the Health ministry, a National Health Agency may also be set-up for effective implementation the scheme.
IAP launched ACE 10/10, a health care initiative which aims at improving the health, nutrition and life of adolescents. Adolescents are the bright future of this country. Their health defines the health of future generations. Pediatricians play an important role as trusted advisers to parents, In this Program, Pediatricians shall be trained to educate parents to make them aware about the importance of comprehensive adolescent care. It also includes ensuring the completion of vaccination which can be used as a means to protect adolescents from some critical diseases. The ACE 10/10 program will be rolled out starting March by the IAP.
Scientists are developing an inexpensive portable device to validate medicines and supplements to inhibit faulty labelled or false pills. Researchers are creating a petite box-like detector which has been tested in field trials. It is simple and low-priced compared to other diagnostic techniques. It will have a vital impact on public health by allowing consumers to directly verify the contents of bottles and packets.
Dr. Anubha Singh, IVF specialist shares tips for men to help improve fertility. Firstly, quit drinking and smoking as it lowers the sperm count and quality. Be stress-free by yoga. Stop cycling for a while and limit how much weight you lift. Avoid hot water baths. Include fresh fruits, vegetables and nuts and avoid red meat. Sleep well and drink lots of water. Lastly, seek professional help if needed.
Merck & Co. offers a discount of more than 30% off the list prices for its new hepatitis C treatment – Zepatier, being approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Merck said it decided that price after taking into account that most of hepatitis C patients haven’t been cured, in some situations due to cost restraints. They stated their plans to widely expose the drug across public and commercial insurers.
Water is rich in electrolytes and minerals that replenishes lost minerals and flushes toxins. Drinking warm water with lemon and honey helps to lose weight. Steam removes whiteheads and blackheads. Inhaling steam can clear congestion. Gargling with warm salt water relieves sore throats. A warm footbath can help relieve tension headaches. Water is a good remedy for a hangover. Pouring water on burns, eases pain.