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PGIMER Doctors Make Major Breakthrough in Treatment of Deadly Celphos Poisoning

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Doctors at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, have achieved a significant medical breakthrough in treating aluminium phosphide poisoning—commonly known as Celphos—one of the most lethal forms of pesticide poisoning in India. In a first-of-its-kind clinical study, researchers from PGIMER’s Department of Internal Medicine have demonstrated that intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) can act as a life-saving therapy when used alongside standard treatment. The findings mark a major advancement in managing a condition that has historically carried a very high mortality rate. The study has been published in the internationally respected European Review of Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, earning global recognition. The research was conducted under the guidance of Dr Sanjay Jain, Dean (Academics) and Professor & Head of Internal Medicine at PGIMER, whose leadership in emergency and critical care was instrumental in treating severely ill patients. The study was funded by the Medical Education and Research Cell, PGIMER, reflecting strong institutional backing for impactful clinical research. The randomised clinical trial was led by Dr Mandip Singh Bhatia, Associate Professor of Internal Medicine, PGIMER, as the principal investigator, with Dr Saurabh Chandrabhan Sharda serving as co-investigator, along with other faculty members from the department. According to the study, patients who received intravenous lipid emulsion in addition to conventional medical therapy showed a significant reduction in mortality. They also experienced quicker correction of severe metabolic acidosis, improved blood pressure stability, and better overall outcomes, even in cases involving shock and cardiac complications. Researchers noted that early administration of the therapy can substantially change the clinical course of aluminium phosphide poisoning. A key strength of this treatment is its feasibility. Intravenous lipid emulsion is affordable, widely available, and already stocked in most hospitals across India, including district and peripheral healthcare centres. This makes it especially valuable for rural and remote areas, where Celphos poisoning is most prevalent and access to advanced critical care is limited. Aluminium phosphide poisoning remains a major public-health concern, particularly in agricultural states such as Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, where the chemical is commonly used as a grain preservative. The availability of an effective, low-cost, and evidence-based treatment could have a transformative impact in these high-burden regions. The study further reinforces PGIMER’s commitment to research that addresses region-specific health challenges and delivers tangible benefits to local populations. Source: PTI  

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AI boosts breast cancer detection in routine scans, landmark trial shows

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Artificial intelligence can significantly improve the detection of breast cancer during routine screening, according to findings from a world-first clinical trial released on Friday. The results point to AI as a potential solution to both diagnostic gaps and rising workload pressures faced by radiologists globally. Published in The Lancet, the study is the first completed randomised controlled trial to rigorously evaluate AI-assisted breast cancer screening. Conducted in Sweden, the trial followed more than 100,000 women who underwent routine mammography in 2021 and 2022. Participants were randomly divided into two groups. One group had their scans reviewed by a single radiologist supported by an AI system, while the other followed the standard European protocol of double reading by two radiologists. The outcomes showed that the AI-assisted approach identified 9% more cancer cases than the conventional method. Importantly, over a two-year follow-up period, women in the AI-supported group had a 12% lower incidence of “interval cancers” — cancers detected between regular screening rounds, which are often more aggressive. The benefits were consistent across age groups and breast density levels, and the rate of false positives remained comparable between both groups. Kristina Lang, senior author of the study and a researcher at Lund University, said the findings indicate that large-scale adoption of AI-supported mammography could ease staffing pressures in radiology departments while improving early cancer detection. However, she emphasised that any rollout must be done carefully, with ongoing evaluation and oversight. Experts cautioned that AI should complement, not replace, human expertise. Jean-Philippe Masson, head of the French National Federation of Radiologists, noted that radiologists must validate AI-generated findings, as the technology can sometimes flag benign tissue changes as cancer. He also pointed out that high costs and concerns around overdiagnosis have slowed AI adoption in countries like France. Stephen Duffy, emeritus professor of cancer screening at Queen Mary University of London, who was not involved in the research, said the trial adds to growing evidence that AI-assisted screening is safe. However, he flagged that the reduction in interval cancers was not statistically significant and called for longer follow-up to assess whether outcomes between the two groups eventually converge. Earlier interim results from the trial, published in 2023, showed that AI nearly halved the time radiologists spent reviewing mammograms. The AI system used in the study, Transpara, was trained on over 200,000 mammography exams from 10 countries. Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, more than 2.3 million women were diagnosed with the disease and around 670,000 died from it in 2022. Source: PTI

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Nipah outbreak under control in India, government says as neighbouring countries step up vigilance

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Indian authorities have moved to reassure the region after confirming that a recent outbreak of the Nipah virus has been successfully contained. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said late Tuesday that swift action helped prevent further spread after two cases were detected in West Bengal. According to the ministry, a total of 196 contacts linked to the confirmed cases were traced, monitored and tested, with all results returning negative. Officials said the clarification was issued to counter what they described as “speculative and inaccurate reporting” in sections of the media. “The situation is under constant monitoring and all necessary public health measures are in place,” the ministry said, noting that enhanced surveillance, laboratory testing and field investigations have been rolled out to ensure early detection of any new cases. Despite India’s assurance, several Asian countries have introduced additional health screening for travellers arriving from India. China said it was tightening disease prevention measures in border regions, with state media reporting risk assessments and specialised training for medical personnel. Countries including Indonesia and Thailand have stepped up airport checks through health declarations, temperature screening and visual assessments. Myanmar advised against non-essential travel to West Bengal and intensified fever surveillance at airports, a system originally introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic. Vietnam and Malaysia also directed authorities to strengthen monitoring at borders, ports of entry and healthcare facilities. The Nipah virus, a zoonotic disease first identified in Malaysia in the late 1990s, spreads through fruit bats, pigs and close human contact. There is no vaccine or specific treatment, with care limited to managing symptoms and complications. With a fatality rate estimated by the World Health Organization at 40–75%, Nipah is considered significantly more lethal than coronavirus infections. The first known human outbreak in 1998 led to more than 100 deaths among pig farmers and butchers in Malaysia and Singapore. Since then, sporadic outbreaks have been reported in Bangladesh, the Philippines and India, with Kerala witnessing Nipah cases almost annually since 2018. Source: Aljazeera

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Sun Pharma, Cipla, Zydus and Graviti recall multiple medicines in US over quality lapses

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Several Indian drugmakers, including Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Cipla, Zydus Pharmaceuticals and Graviti Pharmaceuticals, have initiated recalls of various products in the US market, largely due to manufacturing and quality-related issues, according to the latest enforcement reports issued by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Sun Pharma has recalled 24,624 bottles of Fluocinolone Acetonide topical solution (60 ml), distributed by its subsidiary Taro Pharmaceuticals Inc., after the product failed to meet specifications for a known impurity. The company has also pulled back batches of Clindamycin Phosphate topical solution (60 ml), an acne treatment manufactured by Taro Pharmaceutical Industries, following out-of-specification results related to total impurities and assay values. Cipla, meanwhile, is recalling over 15,000 pre-filled syringes of Lanreotide Injection (120 mg/0.5 ml), a drug used to treat a rare hormonal disorder, which is marketed by Cipla USA Inc. Earlier this month, the company clarified that the drug is manufactured exclusively by Greek pharmaceutical firm Pharmathen, which supplies it to Cipla’s US arm. Lanreotide is among Cipla’s top three products in the US by sales. Manufacturing of Lanreotide has been temporarily halted as Pharmathen undertakes remediation following a US FDA inspection that resulted in nine observations at its facility in Greece. Cipla said supplies of the drug will remain constrained until production restarts and quality clearance is obtained. In a separate action, Cipla is also recalling 92,376 tubes of Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel (100 g), manufactured by DPT Laboratories, after the product failed to meet pH specifications. Hyderabad-based Graviti Pharmaceuticals has recalled 4,212 bottles of Furosemide Tablets USP (40 mg, 1,000 tablets per bottle), produced for Rising Pharmaceuticals Inc., due to the presence of a foreign substance. Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) is recalling 22,896 bottles of Icosapent Ethyl capsules (1 gram, 120-count bottles) manufactured by Softgel Healthcare. The recall was initiated after oxidation caused by leakage from the capsules was detected. According to the FDA, use of the affected batches could result in inconsistent therapeutic outcomes and a higher risk of gastrointestinal side effects in some patients. Source: The Hindu

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Tamil Nadu Drugs Control Warns Against Ethylene Glycol–Adulterated Cough Syrup

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The Tamil Nadu Directorate of Drugs Control has issued a public alert cautioning citizens against the purchase, sale, or use of a specific batch of Almont-Kid Syrup after laboratory tests confirmed contamination with ethylene glycol, a highly toxic chemical. In the interest of public safety, the directorate has banned Almont-Kid Syrup (Levocetrizine Dihydrochloride and Montelukast Sodium Syrup), Batch No. AL-24002, manufactured in January 2025 and expiring in December 2026. The product is manufactured by Tridus Remedies, Vaishali, Bihar. Authorities have warned that consumption of this adulterated syrup poses serious health risks. Ethylene glycol is a poisonous substance that can lead to severe complications such as acute kidney failure and even death if ingested. Following the alert, all retailers, distributors, hospitals, and pharmacies across Tamil Nadu have been instructed to immediately withdraw the affected batch from circulation and report any instances of supply or sale. Consumers have been advised to verify batch details before use and strictly avoid consuming the identified product. Anyone in possession of the syrup is urged to hand it over to authorities for safe disposal. Healthcare professionals have also been asked to remain vigilant and watch for symptoms of ethylene glycol poisoning in patients who may have consumed the syrup. Any adverse reactions or suspected cases should be reported promptly to the Directorate of Drugs Control. To curb further distribution, intensified inspections and surveillance are being carried out at medical stores and healthcare facilities across the State. For assistance or to report concerns, consumers can contact the directorate via WhatsApp at 94458 65400. Source: The Hindu

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WHO Urges Governments to Raise Taxes on Sugary Drinks and Alcohol to Curb Rising Health Risks

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The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged governments worldwide to sharply increase taxes on sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages, warning that persistently low tax rates are making these harmful products more affordable and driving a surge in preventable diseases. Releasing two new global reports on Tuesday (January 13, 2026), the WHO said falling prices of sugary drinks and alcohol are contributing to rising cases of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancers and injury-related deaths, particularly among children and young adults. Weak taxation policies, the agency noted, are allowing these products to stay cheap while public health systems struggle under the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases. “Health taxes are among the most effective tools to protect people’s health,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. He emphasized that higher taxes on tobacco, alcohol and sugary drinks can curb harmful consumption while generating much-needed revenue for healthcare services. According to the WHO, the global market for sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages earns billions in profits, yet governments collect only a small fraction through health-focused taxes. This imbalance leaves societies to shoulder the long-term health and economic consequences. The reports highlight that while at least 116 countries tax sugary drinks, many high-sugar products — including 100% fruit juices, sweetened milk beverages, and ready-to-drink coffees and teas — remain untaxed. Although 97% of countries impose taxes on energy drinks, this figure has not improved since 2023. On alcohol, the WHO found that 167 countries levy some form of tax, while 12 have complete bans. However, alcohol has become more affordable in many regions since 2022 because tax rates have not kept pace with inflation and rising incomes. Notably, wine remains untaxed in at least 25 countries, largely in Europe, despite its known health risks. The WHO stressed that while industries continue to profit, the public bears the health fallout and societies absorb the economic costs. To address this, the organization has launched its “3 by 35” initiative, calling on countries to increase and restructure taxes so that the real prices of tobacco, alcohol and sugary drinks rise by 2035, making them less accessible and reducing harm over time. Source: The Hindu

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India Bears Second-Highest Global Economic Burden from Diabetes: Study

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India is facing the world’s second-largest economic burden due to diabetes, estimated at USD 11.4 trillion, according to a new international study. The United States tops the list with costs of USD 16.5 trillion, followed by China at USD 11 trillion. The study, conducted by researchers from institutions including the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis and the Vienna University of Economics and Business in Austria, assessed the economic impact of diabetes across 204 countries between 2020 and 2050. The findings have been published in the journal Nature Medicine. Globally, diabetes-related costs are estimated at nearly USD 10 trillion when excluding unpaid care provided by family members, accounting for about 0.2 per cent of the world’s annual GDP. However, when informal caregiving is included, the total economic burden surges to USD 152 trillion, or roughly 1.7 per cent of global GDP. Researchers noted that informal care alone contributes close to 90 per cent of the total economic burden, as people with diabetes live significantly longer with the condition than they face mortality risks. This extended care often forces family caregivers to reduce work hours or exit the labour market, adding to economic losses. In purchasing power terms, the study estimated diabetes-related costs at INT$ 1.6 trillion for India, INT$ 2.5 trillion for the United States, and INT$ 1.0 trillion for China. When losses from informal care are included, the figures rise sharply, with India’s burden reaching INT$ 11.4 trillion. For India and China, the high costs are largely driven by the sheer size of the diabetic population, while in the United States, higher treatment expenses and diversion of physical capital are the main contributors. The study also highlighted stark disparities between high- and low-income countries, noting that treatment costs form a much larger share of the burden in wealthier nations due to better access to medical care. The researchers stressed that diabetes poses a greater economic challenge globally than conditions such as cancer or Alzheimer’s disease. They emphasized that prevention through healthier lifestyles, including regular exercise and balanced diets, remains the most effective strategy to curb both health and economic impacts. Widespread screening, early diagnosis, and timely treatment were also identified as critical measures. According to earlier research published in The Lancet in November 2024, more than a quarter of the world’s diabetic population currently lives in India. Source: PTI

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Weakened Body Clock Tied to Greater Dementia Risk, Study Finds

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A new study indicates that disruptions in the body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm, may significantly raise the risk of developing dementia. Researchers found that older adults with weaker and more irregular circadian patterns were more likely to be diagnosed with the condition over time. The study suggests that when daily activity rhythms peak later in the day—particularly after mid-afternoon rather than earlier hours—the risk of dementia increases sharply. Individuals whose activity levels peaked later were found to have about a 45 per cent higher likelihood of developing dementia compared to those with earlier peaks. According to Wendy Wang, the study’s lead author from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, disrupted circadian rhythms may affect key biological processes. “Such disruptions can influence inflammation and sleep, potentially leading to increased buildup of amyloid plaques in the brain or reducing the brain’s ability to clear them,” she explained. Amyloid plaques are clusters of protein fragments commonly associated with Alzheimer’s disease and are known to damage brain cells, contributing to cognitive decline and dementia. The researchers examined data from more than 2,100 adults with an average age of 79, none of whom had dementia at the beginning of the study. Participants wore chest-mounted devices that tracked their rest and activity patterns for nearly two weeks on average. They were then monitored over a three-year period. During the follow-up, 176 participants were diagnosed with dementia. The findings, published in the journal Neurology, revealed that those with weaker circadian rhythms—marked by irregular sleep and activity cycles—had nearly two-and-a-half times the dementia risk compared to individuals with strong, stable rhythms. A well-regulated circadian rhythm typically aligns closely with the 24-hour day, helping maintain consistent sleep and activity schedules regardless of seasonal or routine changes. In contrast, weaker rhythms are more susceptible to disruptions from light exposure or schedule shifts, often resulting in fluctuating sleep patterns. The study also highlighted timing differences in daily activity. Participants whose peak activity occurred after 2:15 pm faced a significantly higher dementia risk compared to those whose activity peaked earlier in the afternoon. Researchers noted that a delayed activity peak may reflect a mismatch between the body’s internal clock and external environmental cues such as daylight and darkness. Wang added that while changes in circadian rhythms are a natural part of ageing, growing evidence suggests these disruptions may play a role in neurodegenerative diseases. “Our findings show that fragmented rhythms and delayed activity patterns are associated with a higher risk of dementia,” she said. The research underscores the potential importance of maintaining regular sleep-wake cycles and daily routines as people age, though further studies are needed to determine whether improving circadian health can help reduce dementia risk. Source: PTI

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Wipro Tightens Hybrid Work Rules, Sets Minimum Office Hours

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Wipro has revised its hybrid work framework in India, introducing stricter attendance requirements for employees. Under the updated policy, staff are now required to spend a minimum of six hours in the office on at least three days each week, marking a shift from the earlier flexible-hour approach. While the three-day office attendance rule has existed for some time, the new requirement specifies that the six hours must be completed between official “in” and “out” punches. The policy came into effect on January 1 and applies across Wipro’s India operations. The Bengaluru-based IT major employs around 234,000 people globally. Employees who fail to meet the weekly office attendance or hourly requirement may see deductions from their leave balance, according to multiple employees cited by The Economic Times. Spending less than six hours in the office on a mandated day could result in a half-day leave deduction, while repeated shortfalls may lead to more days being adjusted from available leave. Wipro has also curtailed its temporary remote work option. The allowance has been reduced to 12 days a year from the earlier 15 days. These days can be used for health-related needs, self-care, or caregiving responsibilities. In an internal communication announcing the changes, Wipro reiterated that hybrid work remains central to its future workplace strategy. The company said the revised policy aims to balance flexibility with improved collaboration and urged employees to adhere to the guidelines “in both letter and spirit.” The company clarified that the six-hour requirement refers only to time spent in the office. Total daily working hours remain unchanged at 9.5 hours, with employees expected to complete the remaining hours remotely on the same day. Wipro did not respond to media queries on the matter at the time of reporting. The move comes as India’s $283 billion IT services industry faces subdued growth, partly due to artificial intelligence reducing reliance on traditional manpower-heavy delivery models. Industry observers note that faster development cycles and compressed project timelines are prompting companies to push for greater in-person collaboration. “Software releases that once took years are now being rolled out in weeks,” said Guruprasad Srinivasan, Executive Director at staffing firm Quess Corp. “That kind of speed demands close coordination, which is often more effective in a physical office environment.” Other major IT firms have also tightened return-to-office norms. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has implemented a five-day work-from-office policy, linking variable pay to attendance levels, while Infosys mandates a minimum number of in-office days each month for junior and mid-level employees, backed by system-driven enforcement. Together, these measures signal a broader industry shift towards stricter hybrid and in-office work models as tech companies adapt to changing business and delivery realities. Source: Economic Times

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Counterfeit Abhayrab Vaccine Batch No Longer in Circulation: Indian Immunologicals

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Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL), a major vaccine manufacturer in the country, has stated that a counterfeit batch of its human anti-rabies vaccine, Abhayrab, is no longer available in the market. The clarification follows a recent advisory issued by Australian health authorities cautioning about the circulation of a fake batch in India since November 1, 2023. Responding to the advisory, IIL described it as overly cautious and said the issue had already been identified and addressed. In an official statement released on Saturday (December 27, 2025), the company said the counterfeit involved Abhayrab batch number KA24014, manufactured in March 2024 with an expiry date of February 2027. The anomaly was detected by early January 2025, after which swift action was taken, it added. Earlier, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation had warned that travellers vaccinated with Abhayrab in India after November 1, 2023, should treat the vaccination as invalid and begin a fresh immunisation schedule. Rabies, a viral disease transmitted from animals to humans, affects the central nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. However, timely vaccination following exposure can effectively prevent the disease. IIL highlighted that it has been producing the anti-rabies vaccine since 2000 and has supplied over 210 million doses across India and more than 40 countries, maintaining around a 40 per cent share of the domestic market. According to the company, the counterfeit was limited to a single batch and involved a packaging irregularity. Upon detection, IIL immediately informed regulatory authorities and law enforcement agencies, filed a formal complaint and coordinated with officials to prevent further circulation. The company reiterated that this was an isolated incident and that the fake stock has since been removed from the supply chain. Reassuring doctors and the public, IIL stressed that all vaccines manufactured in India undergo mandatory testing and release by the Central Drugs Laboratory before being made available for use. “Vaccines supplied through government channels and authorised distributors continue to be safe and meet quality standards,” said Sunil Tiwari, vice-president and head of quality management at IIL. He added that Abhayrab is produced in compliance with World Health Organization Good Manufacturing Practices and relevant pharmacopeial norms. The company further noted that the vaccine is approved for both pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis against rabies and is supplied to public health systems as well as private healthcare providers. Each batch, it said, is cleared by the National Control Laboratory, which is WHO-Geneva pre-qualified under India’s National Regulatory Authority. Meanwhile, earlier this month, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued travel health alerts for India and Haiti after cases of rabies were reported among travellers returning from these countries. The advisory urged travellers to avoid contact with dogs, cats and wild animals. Source: The Hindu

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