India’s health ministry has issued an alert regarding the potential for serious skin reactions caused by the antibiotic Tetracycline, commonly used to treat various infections. The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) advises doctors and patients to be vigilant and report any adverse reactions. The warning comes amidst concerns about antibiotic overuse in India.
The Ministry of Health has categorically denied reports of a potential leak of the NEET-PG 2024 examination paper, calling them false and misleading. The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has filed a police complaint against those spreading these rumors, warning aspiring candidates to be cautious of scams.
The Indian government has dismissed a study published in Science Advances claiming 11.9 lakh excess deaths in India during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, calling it methodologically flawed and its findings untenable. The study, which used data from the National Family Health Survey, was criticized for its limited scope and application to the entire nation. The government highlighted India’s robust Civil Registration System, which recorded a significant increase in death registrations in 2020.
The Union Health Minister, JP Nadda, has issued an advisory for state health departments across India in response to the ongoing heatwave. The advisory emphasizes the importance of preparedness and timely response to reduce the health impacts of extreme heat. It instructs health officials to ensure all hospitals are equipped to treat heatstroke patients, collect data on heatstroke cases and deaths, and disseminate information about the National Action Plan on heat-related illnesses. The advisory also recommends measures to minimize the risk of heatstroke, including avoiding outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day and ensuring adequate ventilation and medical aid at public events.
Following the tragic fire at a Delhi day care center that claimed the lives of seven newborns, the Union Health Ministry has issued directives to states and union territories to ensure strict adherence to regulatory protocols and fire safety norms in all hospitals. The directive emphasizes the need for regular mock drills and coordination with local authorities to obtain fire safety NOCs promptly.
