Health

"Whenever anyone mentions the word 'cancer,' it makes me feel uneasy. My children don't even say the word in front of me," said 73-year-old Chhabubai Kshirsagar from Govandi, Mumbai, wiping away her tears. Draped in a cotton nine-yard saree with a pallu over her head, Chhabubai once had long, waist-length hair. However, after undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer, her hair started falling out and eventually, all of it was gone. This loss has left a deep emotional impact on her. "I’ve carefully preserved my lost hair," Chhabubai said softly, gently running her hand over the short new hair that has…

The past five years have seen public health crises, not only locally but globally. Considering this, it is only fair to expect that budgetary allocations for public health would be made more robust. But an analysis shows that the allocation of funds for public health has dropped, though the number of people seeking medical care from the public healthcare system has increased. Experts have pointed out that the public health budget for 2024-2025 is less than that for 2023-2024. Jan Arogya Abhiyan, a group of NGOs and healthcare professionals has released a health report card assessing the performance of the…

In part 1 of this series, our Bangalore Cat Squad (BCS) volunteer wrote about her experience caring for her first rescued kitten, Juno. In the second part, we will guide readers on how to foster cats, and the process of adoption and caring for cats with feline distemper/simian parvovirus (SPV).   Therapists often recommend animal companionship, and many people have asked for our help in this regard. Using expert insights, we have developed methods to assess, assist, and enable adoptions for those grappling with mental health issues. Witnessing lives revitalised and spirits uplifted by the profound affection of a small…

As co-founders of Bangalore Cat Squad(BCS), started in 2014 — one of India’s only dedicated feline rescue networks and cloud shelters, we annually rescue, rehome and rehabilitate more than 2,000 felines and canines in need. We thrive on the dedication of our volunteer fosters, who provide over 50 safe havens across Bengaluru for distressed animals. We manage urban stray animal populations, offer medical care, and find homes for disabled, sick, elderly, or incapacitated animals that can no longer survive on their own. BCS's essence lies in the altruism of its volunteers — a diverse group ranging from CEOs to students,…

“I used to enjoy my late evening walks in our locality — just me and my music, in a neighbourhood I’ve lived in for years. After seeing the video of a man assaulting a woman during her morning walk, I now think twice before stepping out alone. I hate feeling this fear,” says Gowri*, a theatre person.   “My daughter is a medical student. After the Kolkata incident, we started worrying and asking her questions like: Do you have a separate room to rest? Are there separate washrooms? We constantly remind her to be careful and not to be alone while…

Pavitharan*, a 30-year-old resident of Velachery, had a fever recently. Assuming it was a seasonal flu, he took over-the-counter medication and rested at home. On day three, he recovered from the fever. However, his fatigue remained and so he consulted with a doctor. The doctor ordered further tests and determined what Pavitharan had was dengue. The doctor also told him that his platelet counts were going down. Had he delayed the doctor's consultation, the infection could have worsened. Pavithran says he is unaware of the source as his house does not have dengue-breeding points. "Corporation workers come for regular checks…

A national newborn screening programme, as part of the health policy, is not yet a reality in India, even though such an initiative can help in the early detection of metabolic and genetic disorders. A universal screening programme initiated by the government can go a long way in the prevention of life-threatening illnesses in children, especially in this country, where the incidence of prematurity and low birth weight is quite high. However, newborn screening is available in many private hospitals and it is important for parents to be aware and ask for these tests for their newborn. To mark International…

As heat wave conditions prevail in Delhi and parts of north India, authorities have advised citizens to stay indoors or in the shade during the mid-day hours when the sun is the strongest and avoid strenuous activity from noon to 4 p.m., to protect themselves from heat stress-related illnesses. However, avoiding the summer heat is simply not an option for the auto drivers of Delhi as they need to continue working under these extreme conditions due to financial necessity. Their earnings are already facing a hit as fewer people are either stepping out or taking autos because of the heat.…

In Mumbai, the city of dreams, rains bring relief from the intense heat, but also lead to sharp increase in mosquito prevalence. According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, Mumbai accounted for 40% of the 11,404 cases of malaria reported in Maharashtra. In October of last year, the number of malaria and dengue cases in the city stood at 944 and 979 respectively.  While the numbers are quite high, there has been a marked reduction from the figures in September that same year, when the malaria and dengue cases stood at 1313 and 1360 respectively.  In response to this, several efforts…

On March 3rd, Primary Health Centres (PHC) in Chennai conducted the annual Pulse Polio Immunization campaign for children between the age group of 0-5 years. To ensure no child is missed, the Urban Health Nurses (UHN) made door-to-door visits on March 4 to administer polio drops.  While the initiative garnered praise from all quarters, the tireless efforts of health nurses who walked kilometres under the scorching sun, went unnoticed. On March 4, at 2.30 pm, Meenambakkam and Nungambakkam weather stations in Chennai recorded the maximum temperature of 32.2 degrees C and 31.4 degrees C. However, as the humidity levels were…