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Showing posts with the label National Rural Health Mission

Early diagnosis is critical to containing the growing number of Sickle cell disease cases in India

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Did you know the prevalence of Sickle Cell Anemia in India is the second largest worldwide? On the occasion of World Sickle Cell Awareness Day, we give you an insight into this hereditary disorder that is a growing concern for the country. Rahul, a six year old, from a remote area in Chattisgarh, often misses school.+ Vikram a young, 22 year old boy from Gujarat recently grabbed a lucrative offer at one of the MNCs. However, he had to soon quit. + Rahul and Vikram are both related, not by blood, but by a blood disorder - Sickle Cell Disease. A group of inherited disorders affecting the hemoglobin, sickle cell disease, can cause severe and life-threatening consequences, such as anemia, infections, stroke, tissue damage, organ failure, intense painful episodes and premature death. A chronic disorder of global health importance, ironically, sickle cell disease, is often neglected. India is estimated to have the second highest burden of the disease in the world, a fa

Essential Diagnostic List - another step towards a Healthy India (PART I)

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WHO’s latest announcement on introducing an Essential Diagnostic List further emphasizes the need to widen the reach of important diagnostic tests for timely disease management. The good news is India has taken the lead to develop its own National EDL. What needs to be seen is how the government and the industry come together to integrate the EDL to further boost the efforts towards a Healthier India. The impact of global warming is not just on our melting glaciers. The rampant spread in infectious diseases, both new and old; has become a big concern for the healthcare specialists. Gone are the days when malaria was associated only with monsoons. Weather variations bring with it the unpredictable onset of host of diseases, further pushing the health machinery into action to contain the spread. The recent outbreak of Nipah virus in Kerala, once again highlights the crucial role played by diagnostic tests for the precise and early detection of emerging diseases. Clinici