17-Oct-2018: CSIR develops affordable Water Disinfection System “OneerTM”
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research ,Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR), Lucknow has developed an innovative technology for “Drinking Water Disinfection System” with Trade name “OneerTM” which was transferred to M/s Bluebird Water Purifiers, New Delhi in the presence of Union Minister of Science & Technology and Vice-President, CSIR, Dr. Harsh Vardhan today. It is useful for continuous treatment of water and eliminates all disease causing pathogens such as virus, bacteria, fungi, protozoa and cyst to provide safe drinking water to domestic and communities settings as per National and International standards prescribed for potable water (BIS, WHO etc.).
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Harsh Vardhan said that it is well known that infection through drinking water results in an increase in morbidity and mortality particularly amongst children and Oneer developed by CSIR-IITR ,will provide access to safe and clean drinking water at a cost of just 2 Paise / Litre. Dr. Harsh Vardhan further added that the Community level model is of 450 LPH capacity which can be scaled up to 5000 to 1 lakh L/day; and is also maintenance and membrane free. The technology will be helpful especially for rural people since it can be solar powered and this development is in line with the ‘Make in India’ Mission”.
Dr. Shkekar C Mande, Director General, CSIR and Secretary, DSIR lauded the efforts of CSIR-IITR Scientists in developing Oneer-a safe drinking water device especially for rural areas. He said that currently, a large proportion of India's rural community is consuming water that does not meet the WHO drinking water quality standards. According to the World Health Organization, "access to safe drinking-water is essential to health, a basic human right and a component of effective policy for health protection”.
CSIR is continuously focusing on translational research through Mission Projects and Fast Track Translational Research Projects to develop technologies and products focussed at unmet needs. One of the components of the programme is to enhance the quality of life of common people and remove drudgery.
The smaller unit of Oneer is particularly suitable for homes, street food vendors, and small establishments.
19-Sep-2018: Health Ministry launches sputum sample transportation Through Dept of Post
A pilot for utilising services of Department of Post for transport of sputum specimen for TB Diagnosis in Karawal Nagar Delhi was launched by the Health Ministry. A significant proportion of patients are not tested because the specimen does not reach the laboratory due to non-availability of specimen transport mechanisms. Transport of collected specimen also spares the patient’s from travelling to the reference laboratory. Prompt transport of specimen followed by efficacious testing will enable appropriate management of the TB patients and reduced disease transmission.
The learning from Delhi Pilot experience will be useful for adaptation of specimen transport mechanism through the Postal Department across the country.
The web-based application of RNTCP, Nikshay Version 2.0 with better user interface and data structures, was also launched during the event. Mobile app for all major functions on Nikshay, is available on Google Play for download. The web-application is also designed to be mobile friendly, enabling data entry also from the mobile browser.
28-Jul-2018: Health ministry launches National Viral Hepatitis Control programme
A National Viral Hepatitis control programme aimed at eliminating the deadly condition by 2030 was launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in collaboration with the World Health Organisation. The programme was launched on World Hepatitis Day with an aim to combat viral hepatitis and reduce mortality and morbidity associated with it.
The programme has been developed in association with all stakeholders who have worked at the grass-root level and has been launched in accordance with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), 2030.
According to the SDG, diseases like AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, neglected tropical diseases, hepatitis, water-borne diseases and other communicable diseases should be eliminated by 2030. Viral hepatitis was included as a focus area in the health related 'goal 3.3' with world leaders pledging to fight and eliminate it by 2030.
Union Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel said under the programme, a national level framework has been developed which would show results at the ground level.
A postal stamp was also launched on the occasion to sensitise people and spread awareness about the disease. Operational guidelines for hepatitis, including diagnosis and management guidelines for clinicians and national laboratory guidelines were also launched.
Among other provisions under the programme, pregnant women would be screened and free screening would be provided at diagnostic centres.
Approximately 4 crore Indians suffer from chronic Hepatitis that accounts for 11 per cent of the total cases in the world.