If poor don’t get free treatment at Apollo, will hand it over to AIIMS, warns Supreme Court

If poor don’t get free treatment at Apollo, will hand it over to AIIMS, warns Supreme Court

The Supreme Court asked the Central and Delhi governments to set up a joint inspection team to “find out if poor people are being treated there or this land has been grabbed for private interest”.

By: Express News Service

New Delhi | Updated: March 27, 2025 05:58 IST

The bench also asked them to inform it of the existing total bed strength of the hospital and sought records of OPD patients for the past five years.

The Supreme Court has warned the Indraprastha Apollo Hospital in Delhi that it will ask the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) to take over its management if it does not fulfill its commitment in the lease agreement to provide free treatment to poor patients. “If we find out that poor people are not provided free treatment, we will hand over the hospital to AIIMS,” a bench of Justices Surya Kant and N K Singh cautioned on Tuesday.

The Supreme Court asked the Central and Delhi governments to set up a joint inspection team to “find out if poor people are being treated there or this land has been grabbed for private interest”.

“Discuss the matter at the highest level, and if need be, we will ask AIIMS to run the hospital,” the court said. The hospital has been given four weeks to submit a report.

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The bench was hearing an appeal filed by Indraprastha Medical Corporation Limited (IMCL), which runs the hospital, challenging an order dated September 22, 2009, by the Delhi High Court, which said that “there has been hardly any implementation of the conditions of the agreement providing for free treatment to indoor and outdoor patients” as it cited “reports which clearly show that the IMCL has flouted the conditions with impunity”.

As per the agreement establishing the hospital, it was stipulated that it shall provide free facilities of medical diagnostic and other necessary care to not less than 1/3rd of the total capacity of 600 beds and to provide free of cost full medical diagnostic and other necessary facilities to 40% of the patients attending OPD of the hospital.

The All India Lawyers Union had approached the High Court alleging that this was being flouted.

The High Court asked the hospital “to provide one-third of the free beds i.e. 200 beds with adequate space and necessary facilities to the indoor patients and also to make necessary arrangements for free facilities to 40% of the outdoor patients.”

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Hearing the appeal against the High Court order on Tuesday, the Supreme Court orally remarked that the hospital — built on 15 acres of land given on a symbolic lease of just Re 1 — was to be run on a ‘no profit and no loss’ formula but has instead turned into a purely commercial venture where the poor can hardly afford treatment.

The IMCL counsel told the bench that it was being run as a joint venture and the government of NCT of Delhi has 26% shareholding and had also benefited from the earnings.

“If the Delhi government is earning profit from the hospital instead of taking care of the poor patients, it is the most unfortunate thing,” Justice Kant said. The Supreme Court noted that the land on which the hospital was built was given on a 30-year lease, which was to expire in 2023, and asked the Centre and Union Health Ministry to find out if the same had been renewed and to explain “if the lease deed has not been renewed, what lawful recourse has been initiated for restoration of government land”.

The bench also asked them to inform it of the existing total bed strength of the hospital and sought records of OPD patients for the past five years.

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“The affidavit will explain how many poor patients on the recommendation of the state authorities were provided indoor and outdoor treatment in the last five years,” the court said, allowing the hospital to explain its stand in an affidavit.

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எஸ். ஸ்ரீதுரை Updated on: 24 மார்ச் 2025, 2:37 am

மழை வெள்ளம், அடா் பனி ஆகியவற்றைத் தொடா்ந்து வெயிலின் கொடுமையை எதிா்கொள்ள மக்கள் அனைவரும் தயாராகிவரும் நேரத்தில் திடீரென்று ரேபிஸ் எனப்படும் வெறிநாய்க்கடிப் பிரச்னை தலைதூக்கியுள்ளது.

ஆடு, மாடு, பூனை, நாய், குதிரை, குரங்கு, கீரி, வௌவால், ஓநாய், நரி ஆகிய உயிரினங்களில் ஏதேனும் ஒன்று மனிதரைக் கடித்தாலும் கூட, ரேபிஸ் பாதிப்பு ஏற்பட வாய்ப்பு உண்டு. ஆயினும், மனிதா்களுடன் மிகவும் நட்பாகப் பழகிவரும் நாய்களிடம் கடிபடுவதன் மூலமே அதிகமான ரேபிஸ் பாதிப்புகள் ஏற்படுகின்றன. ரேபிஸ் நோயின் காரணமாக இவ்வுலகம் முழுவதிலும் ஒவ்வோா் ஆண்டும் 65 ஆயிரம் உயிரிழப்புகள் ஏற்படுவதாகத் தரவுகள் கூறுகின்றன. நமது தமிழ்நாட்டைப் பொருத்தவரையில் கடந்த ஆண்டு 4 லட்சத்து 80 ஆயிரம் போ் நாய்க்கடிக்கு ஆளாகியதில், உரிய நேரத்தில் தடுப்பூசி செலுத்திக் கொள்ளாதது போன்ற காரணங்களால் 43 போ் மரணமடைந்திருக்கின்றனா்.

இவ்வாண்டின் முதல் இரண்டரை மாத காலத்தில் சுமாா் 1 லட்சத்து 18 ஆயிரம் போ் நாய்க்கடிக்கு ஆளாகியதில், நான்கு போ் மரணமடைந்திருக்கின்றனா் என்பதும் கூட கவலையளிக்கக் கூடியதாக இருக்கிறது. குறிப்பாக, ரேபிஸ் பாதிப்பின் உச்சத்தில், மரணத்தை எதிா்நோக்கி இருப்பவா்களின் கடைசி நாள்களை நம்மால் கற்பனை செய்துகூடப் பாா்க்க முடியாது. சில வாரங்களுக்கு முன்பு கோவையில் ரேபிஸ் சிகிச்சை பெற்றுவந்த வடமாநிலத்தவருடைய கடைசி நிமிடங்களின் காணொலியைச் செய்தி ஊடகங்களில் பாா்த்தவா்களின் மனம் நிச்சயம் கனத்துப்போயிருக்கும்.

வீடுகளில் வளா்க்கப்படும் நாய்களுக்கு உரிய காலத்தில் தடுப்பூசிகள் செலுத்துவதில் அவற்றை வளா்க்கும் எஜமானா்கள் அலட்சியம் காட்டுவதும், தெருநாய்களின் அபரிமிதமான இனப்பெருக்கமுமே நாய்க்கடிக்கும், ரேபிஸ் நோய்த்தொற்றின் மூலம் ஏற்படும் உயிரிழப்புகளுக்கும் காரணமாக உள்ளன. பொதுவாகவே, போதிய உணவு, நீா் ஆகியவை கிடைக்காமல் போவது, நீண்ட நேரம் கட்டிப்போடப்படுவது, உரிய காலத்தில் இணைசேர வாய்ப்பில்லாமல் போவது ஆகிய காரணங்களால் நாய்களுக்கு வெறிபிடிப்பதாகக் கூறப்படுகிறது.

மேலும், ஏற்கெனவே வெறி பிடித்துள்ள நாய் ஒன்றின் உமிழ்நீா்ப் பரவலின் மூலம் மற்ற நாய்களுக்கும் வெறி ஏற்படுவதற்கான வாய்ப்புகள் அதிகம். இந்நிலையில், சாதுவாக இருக்கின்ற வளா்ப்பு நாய்களும்கூட எதிா்பாராத தருணங்களில் தங்களின் எஜமானா்களையே கடிப்பதற்கான வாய்ப்புகளும் அதிகமாகவே இருக்கின்றன. “‘கொம்பு உளதற்கு ஐந்து, குதிரைக்குப் பத்து முழம்’” என்று தொடங்கும் பழங்காலப் பாடல் ஒன்று எந்தெந்த மிருகத்திலிருந்து எவ்வளவு தூரம் தள்ளியிருப்பது பாதுகாப்பானது என்பதை விவரிக்கின்றது.

ஆனால், மனித இனத்தின் நண்பனாகவும், செல்லக்குழந்தையாகவும், சமயங்களில் உயிா்காப்பாளனாகவும், வழிகாட்டியாகவும் இருக்கக் கூடிய நாயிடமிருந்து எவ்வளவு தூரம் விலகியிருக்க வேண்டும் என்பது யாராலும் சொல்லப்படவில்லை. ஏனெனில், காலையில் நமது மடியில் விழுந்து புரண்டு கொண்டிருக்கும் வளா்ப்பு நாய்க்கு மாலையில் வெறிபிடித்திருக்கக்கூடும். இந்நிலையில், அவரவா் வீட்டில் வளா்க்கப்படுகின்ற வீட்டு நாய்களுடன் வெகு சகஜமாகப் பாழக அனுமதிக்கப்படுகின்ற குழந்தைகளுக்கும் ரேபிஸ் பாதிப்புக்கான வாய்ப்புகள் அதிகம் இருக்கின்றன.

பொதுவாக வெறிநாய்களால் ஆழமாகக் கடிபடுபவா்கள் உடனடியாக மருத்துவ நிவாரணம் தேடிச்செல்கின்றனா். ஆனால், விளையாட்டாகத் தங்களின் வளா்ப்பு நாய்களுடன் பழகுபவா்கள் அவற்றிடம் செல்லக்கடி பெறுவதை அவ்வளவு தீவிரமாகக் கருதாததால் அவா்கள் ரேபிஸ் நோயால் பாதிக்கப்படுவது மிகவும் தாமதமாகவே தெரியவருகிறது. பிரச்னையை உணா்ந்து அவா்கள் மருத்துவச் சிகிச்சையை மேற்கொள்ளும்போது நோயின் தீவிரம் முற்றிவிடுகிறது. வெறிநாய்கள் மட்டும்தான் மனிதா்களைக் கடிக்கும் என்பது கிடையாது. ராட்வீலா் போன்ற வெளிநாட்டு நாய் வகைகள் மிகவும் ஆக்ரோஷமானவையாக இருப்பதுடன், சமயத்தில் தங்களை வளா்ப்பவா்களையே கடித்துவிடுவதைப் பாா்க்கிறோம்.

இந்நிலையில், வளா்ப்பு நாய்களை வெளியில் அழைத்துச் செல்பவா்கள், அவற்றின் வாய்களுக்கு மூடியிட்டு அழைத்துச் செல்ல வேண்டும் எனவும், அவ்வாறு செய்யத் தவறுபவா்களுக்கு அபராதம் விதிக்கப்படும் என்றும் சென்னை மாநகராட்சி அறிவித்துள்ளது. தமிழகம் முழுவதிலும் உள்ள உள்ளாட்சி அமைப்புகளும் இதே நடவடிக்கையை மேற்கொள்ள வேண்டும். தெருக்களில் சுதந்திரமாக உலாவரும் நாய்களின் வாய்களைக் கட்டுவது சாத்தியமில்லை என்பதால், அவற்றுக்கு ரேபிஸ் தடுப்பூசி போடுவதிலும், அதிக அளவிலான அவற்றின் இனப்பெருக்கத்தைத் தடுக்கும் வகையில் கருத்தடை ஊசிகள் போடுவதிலும் உள்ளாட்சி அமைப்புகள் முன்னிலும் அதிக கவனம் செலுத்த வேண்டும்.

இந்நிலையில் கருத்தடை சிகிச்சை செய்யப்படும் தெருநாய்கள் இறக்க நேரிட்டால், அதற்குப் பொறுப்பானவா்கள் தண்டிக்கப்படுவா் என்று உச்ச நீதிமன்றம் கூறியிருப்பதால், தெருநாய்களுக்குத் தீவிர கருத்தடை சிகிச்சை செய்ய முடிவதில்லை என்று தமிழக அமைச்சா் ஒருவா் கூறியுள்ளாா். அவ்வாறெனில், அதற்குத் தீா்வு காண்பதற்கான முன்முயற்சிகள் உடனடியாக எடுக்கப்படவேண்டும். நமது அண்டை மாநிலமாகிய கேரளத்தில் சேகரிக்கப்படும் மருத்துவக் கழிவுகள் தமிழக எல்லைக்குள் கொட்டப்படுவது சற்றே குறைந்துவரும் இவ்வேளையில், அம்மாநிலத்தில் பிடிக்கப்படும் தெருநாய்கள் தமிழகத்தின் தென்மாவட்டங்களில் விடப்படுவதாக வெளிவரும் செய்திகள் உண்மையிலேயே அச்சமூட்டுகின்றன. இதற்கும் ஒரு தீா்வு கண்டாக வேண்டும்.

வெறிநாய்க்கடிக்கு ஆளாகாமல் இருக்கவும், கடிபட்டால் உடனடியாக உரிய சிகிச்சையை மேற்கொள்ளவும் பொதுமக்கள் முயலவேண்டும். அதே சமயம், நமது மக்களை நாய்க்கடித் தொல்லைகளிலிருந்து காப்பாற்ற உள்ளாட்சி அமைப்புகளும், மருத்துவத்துறையினரும் ஒருங்கிணைந்து செயல்பட வேண்டும்.

Students demand safety after medical intern is left injured in clash

Students demand safety after medical intern is left injured in clash 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 23.03.2025

Chennai : Two days after a medical intern at the ESIC Medical College and Hospital in KK Nagar was injured in a clash with the housekeeping and security staff, students —undergraduates and postgraduates — went on a protest on Saturday, demanding safety on campus. The protest, which began at 8am, lasted more than four hours. Students ended it after the management issued a four-page circular promising further inquiry into the incident and enhanced security for students. On Friday, the MGR Nagar police registered a case and arrested housekeeping staff member A P Balajeevagan, who was produced before a magistrate court and remanded in judicial custody. Hospital sources said the security and housekeeping staff stopped a food delivery agent from entering the campus at 11:30pm on Thursday as it was beyond “permitted hours”.

Following this, the intern who had ordered the food, Alfred, argued with Balajeevagan and five other security staff as one of the students recorded them. In the video sent to media, Alfred is seen asking who ordered them to prevent students from ordering food late at night. The arguments turned into a fistfight, and Balajeevagan was seen beating Alfred. Alfred was not available for comment. “Alfred has blunt injuries on his shoulder. He is being treated at the hospital,” hospital dean Dr Kalidas Chavan said. “Preliminary enquiries revealed the intern was beaten. We terminated the housekeeping and security staff. The agencies that employed them gave us a copy of the termination letters. We also filed a police complaint and initiated an internal enquiry into the incident. 

A three-member committee headed by the medical superintendent will inquire into the incident,” he said. The college had asked the security to not permit outsiders, including food delivery agents, on campus after 10:30pm for security reasons, he said. Senior professors said they counselled students and promised legal action against those who hurt Alfred. Meanwhile, students said the management gave them a copy of the letters from two agencies — Urekha Security Agency Private Limited, which terminated H Anwer Basha, R Durai Raj, S Uthirapathy, N Ramamoorthy, and S Durai from services, and from Alert Security Services, which relieved Balajeevagan due to “administrative reasons.”

Stay off roads to beat heat & disease Grabbing A Drink On Roadside In Summers Can Increase Risk Of Infections

Stay off roads to beat heat & disease Grabbing A Drink On Roadside In Summers Can Increase Risk Of Infections 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 17.03.2025

Chennai : The stifling heat may tempt people to grab a glass of lemonade or seasonal fruits sold on the roadside, but in summer these carry an increased risk of viral and bacterial infections that can lead to stomach infections, including acute gastroenteritis disorders, health officials warn. 

Doctors across the city say they see cases, mostly family clusters, of hepatitis A and E, typhoid, and gastrointestinal diseases, all caused by contaminated water and food. The public health department says epidemiological data shows contaminated food and water-borne diseases increase in summer. Cut fruits, with their exposed surfaces and high sugar content, are vulnerable to growth of bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Staphylococcus aureus, and warm weather can expedite this. 

“Fruits naturally spoil faster in hot weather. Cutting them accelerates this process, as the exposed flesh oxidises and decays,” said Dr P Sampath, joint director of public health (epidemics). “During summer, flies and other insects are more prevalent, increasing the risk of contamination. Poor hygiene practices, such as unwashed hands or unclean cutting surfaces, can also contribute to contamination,” he added. 

Summer fruits such as watermelon, pineapples, and citrus fruits are high in water content, crucial for staying hydrated. They are also packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health and immunity, particularly important in summer. 

“It’s important for children to eat a bowl of fruits every day. We recommend people buy whole, uncut fruits,” said paediatrician Dr S Balasubramanian. “We must teach children to wash them thoroughly. It is preferable to eat fruit that is washed and cut at home. This way, you know they are clean and hygienic.” 

Food safety officials, meanwhile, are holding discussions with vendors, asking them not to use chemicals to ripen fruit. “They pack chemicals such as calcium carbide in fruit boxes to expedite ripening. We have told vendors we will destroy boxes of fruits if we find them using unsafe artificial methods,” said designated food safety officer (Chennai) Dr P Satheesh Kumar. 

Officials are also asking street food vendors to ensure they buy fresh raw material in small quantities from authorised dealers and source clean water for cooking and cleaning. “Meat and dairy should be preserved at the right temperature, cooked food must be stored in closed containers, and food handlers must follow hand hygiene practices,” said designated food safety officer (Tiruvallur) Dr Subhash Chandra Bose.

 “We also tell people to ask vendors about the source of water and hygienic practices. They can also check for FSSAI licences on food carts and inside hotels. If there are issues, people must file complaints to prevent disease outbreaks,” he said.

‘Prolonged use of steroids linked to risk of glaucoma’

‘Prolonged use of steroids linked to risk of glaucoma’ 

Anuja.Jaiswal@timesofindia.com 16.03.2025

New Delhi : Prolonged use of steroid-based inhalers for respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis, continuous application of nasal sprays for allergies, and steroid-containing skin creams for allergic reactions and cosmetic purposes may lead to glaucoma, doctors at AIIMS have observed. They have highlighted the issue and advised regular eye check-ups, indicating that early identification significantly improves the chances of vision preservation. Glaucoma is a persistent eye condition that can damage the optic nerve, potentially causing vision loss or blindness. Dr Tanuj Dada, professorin-charge of the glaucoma unit, emphasised the significance of timely detection. “Glaucoma is known as the thief of vision because it has no symptoms until significant damage occurs. 

After 40, regular check-ups every 1-2 years are essential, even if your vision seems fine.” Dr Dada also cautioned against steroid misuse for children who are often prescribed steroid eye drops by unqualified persons, resulting in glaucoma. He explained that they frequently encountered young children with eye allergies, particularly those from Rajasthan affected by sand-related allergic reactions. These children, when experiencing eye irritation and redness, often get medicines from chemists or seek assistance from unqualified practitioners. Although the immediate allergy symptoms and redness may subside, some children later develop glaucoma. Students sustaining eye injuries from sports equipment such as balls or shuttlecocks during playground activities should also undergo regular eye examinations as these injuries could progress to glaucoma after 10-20 years. The doctor also warned against the use of skin whitening creams that mostly contain steroids. According to doctors, the research also linked stress to glaucoma, with meditation and breathing exercises showing potential benefits.

Kerala girl dies after following YouTube diet: What went wrong? Her doctor explains

Kerala girl dies after following YouTube diet: What went wrong? Her doctor explains

Deepa Soman

PUBLISHED: MARCH 09 , 2025 03:42 PM 

IST UPDATED: MARCH 10, 2025 11:23 AM IST 

Sreenanda was in treatment at the Thalassery Co-operative Hospital. Photo: Special Arrangement

An 18-year-old girl from Kannur, Kerala, tragically passed away after following an extreme weight-loss diet from YouTube that consisted almost entirely of water. The youngster named Sreenanda, who hails from Koothuparamba, was on a ventilator at the Thalassery Co-operative Hospital for a few days before she lost her life. According to Dr Nagesh Prabhu, physician at the Thalassery Co-operative Hospital who treated her, Sreenanda was suffering from Anorexia Nervosa, an eating disorder in which a patient has a strong fear of gaining weight. "She was almost starving and was on a water diet. I guess the troublesome eating pattern started around six months ago, and one of my colleagues advised her people to seek further help to fix the issue. However, guess they weren't aware of its seriousness and downplayed it as a condition of a youngster not having enough food," explains the doctor. He adds that while Anorexia Nervosa is common in the West, it's quite rare in Kerala.

The condition kills hunger

Those suffering from Anorexia Nervosa often lose their sense of hunger over time, explains Dr Nagesh. The causes of Anorexia Nervosa aren't known, according to the Mayo Clinic, and a mix of factors, including mental health, genetic changes and even environmental factors, can cause the condition. It can apparently affect all gender identities, races, ages and body types as well. The doctor explains that in Sreenanda's case, sodium and sugar levels were also dropping and continued to decline even after correction.

The psychological aspect

Anorexia Nervosa is not purely an eating disorder. It's also a psychological condition, and therefore, the patient should have taken psychiatric treatment a long time ago, says Dr Nagesh. According to the Cleveland Clinic, depending on the type of eating disorder, the treatment for it will require psychotherapy, medications, nutrition counseling, once-a-week counseling and also hospitalisation. Recovery is possible if treated on time. However, such disorders do not get cured overnight. Depending on the severity and length of time one suffered, the recuperation can take time. Patients can notice they feel significantly better and worse before they start feeling better, which is normal. Regardless, the key to recovery is sticking to the treatment plan charted out by the healthcare provider.

Sitting for long hours has the same consequences as smoking, drinking?

Sitting for long hours has the same consequences as smoking, drinking?

etimes.in | Mar 7, 2025, 02.49 PM IST

Prolonged sitting is equivalent to physical inactivity and its health consequences has been a primary concern of health experts. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has advised to engage in 150 minutes of physical activity per week to give the body the minimum amount of movement and activity. Lack of physical activity or in other words long sedentary hours can lead to obesity, a major risk factor of several life threatening diseases.

Health risks associated with sitting for too long

A sedentary lifestyle is associated with an increased risk of heart diseases. Research indicates that individuals who sit for more than eight hours a day without physical activity have a risk of dying similar to the risks posed by obesity and smoking.

Prolonged sitting slows down metabolism, affecting the body's ability to regulate blood sugar and blood pressure, and to break down body fat. This can lead to obesity and metabolic syndrome—a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Physical inactivity is a significant risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. Extended sitting periods can lead to insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes.

Sedentary behavior has been linked to an increased risk of anxiety and depression. The lack of physical activity can affect mental well-being and cognitive function.

If sitting is the new smoking, how can we quit?

A 2016 study on the harmful effects of sitting is one of the studies that estimated the future of the impact of this biological shift and its effect on the global population. The study published in the British Journal of General Practice, highlights the negative of sitting for too long. "The fact that we can’t erase the effects of a lifetime spent sitting at the desk (or on the sofa) with a few weekly trips to the gym is an inconvenient truth at a time when the majority of the population, GPs included, remain wedded to our desks and computers.

So if sitting is the new smoking, how do we quit? One response has been the adoption of standing desks," the researchers say and later add that standing still for extended periods is uncomfortable and may come with its own health implications (varicose veins, foot pain).

Practical tips to follow:

Stand up and move around every 30 minutes. Even short, frequent walking breaks can significantly reduce health risks.

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of high-intensity exercise each week, as recommended by health guidelines.

Limit recreational screen time and incorporate more physical activities into your leisure routine.

When sitting, maintain proper posture to reduce strain on muscles and joints.

Warning: These 4 expired medications could turn toxic and lead to serious health risks

Warning: These 4 expired medications could turn toxic and lead to serious health risks

etimes.in | Mar 7, 2025, 12.24 AM IST

If you are someone who doesn't discard medications post the expiry date and your stash of medicines includes loads of leftover antibiotics, painkillers and allergy pills, there is something you need to know.

There are times, when people may take medications post their expiry date, as they don't understand the implications. However, doing so can be dangerous in many cases. In other cases, the potency of the medicine may be lost. While popping an old ibuprofen might not spell disaster, expired antibiotics, heart medications, insulin, and EpiPens are a whole different story. Let's understand which expired medications are the most dangerous to take and what can happen if you end up taking them.

Dr. Jamie Winn, a pharmacist and medical director at Universal Drugstore, tells The New York Post that taking certain medications post their expiration date can pose serious risks to health.

“While it can seem harmless, you can put your health at risk if you’re unaware of what can happen while taking medication beyond its expiration date,” he says.

5 medicines you should NOT mix with magnesium

Medications that may not cause much damage post expiration Winn says over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen, as well as antihistamines, are relatively safe to consume after their expiration dates. However, they may not be as effective and people may end up taking more pills than advised which can adversely affect health.

“The risk here isn’t toxicity, which can happen during the breakdown of some more serious medications, but loss of potency, so they won’t be as effective,” he said.

This “may encourage people to take more pills than advised. This can take a toll on your body.”

Expired drugs you should NEVER takeWinn says certain drugs should never be taken after their expiration date, even if you are planning to take them close to the expiration date. It's important to check the label and strictly follow the mentioned expiry dates.

Antibiotics The expert says antibiotics like tetracyclines if consumed past the expiration date may lead to kidney damage. Winn also says that these medications may lose their effectiveness and may not help eliminate bacteria from the body, which can make the disease worse.

“This is the case, especially with liquid antibiotics, which can become contaminated once the [expiration] date has passed.”

The expert says one shouldn't store extra antibiotics in the house and buy the medications as per the prescribed course. "Not taking the full course can cause your infection to come back, and it may also increase the risk of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that is harder to treat.”

Heart medicines  People with heart conditions should never have expired medications as they may lose their effectiveness and may not work as intended.

InsulinInsulin that helps regulate blood sugar levels in people with diabetes should not be taken past its expiration date, as it can lead to uncontrolled glucose levels in the body, which can cause diabetes complications.

“Those with Type 1 diabetes rely on insulin to help regulate their blood sugar on a daily basis. Once expired, it may not work effectively and can cause hyperglycemia, which can lead to some very serious complications,” the expert said.

EpiPensT he drugs are life-saving and if their expiration date is not considered, they may not be effective, which can cost a life.

“If the medication begins to degrade, it may not be able to provide the life-saving effect needed if someone is experiencing an anaphylactic shock,” he said.

“Expiration dates are important for many reasons, but mainly it’s because over time, the ingredients inside the medication can begin to break down. Think of it in the same way food spoils when for a prolonged period,” Winn said

“This means the medication will not work as well, or worse, become harmful. Which in effect can cause unexpected side effects or dangerous reactions. The older the medication, the higher this risk becomes.”

Here are other side effects of expired medicineToxicity: Expired liquid antibiotics, eye drops, and creams can become contaminated with bacteria, leading to new infections instead of treating the original issue.

Infection: Chemical changes in expired drugs could trigger unexpected allergic responses or skin irritation, especially with creams, ointments, or eye drops.

It is important to store your medications in a cool and dry place and keeping them in humid areas can make them break down more quickly.

Chicken bone costs Mumbai mom ₹4 lakh, 21 days in hosp

Chicken bone costs Mumbai mom ₹4 lakh, 21 days in hosp 

3.2CM BONE DAMAGED RUBY’S OESOPHAGUS 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 07.03.2025

Mumbai : A dinner treat turned into a misadventure for Kurla’s Shaikh family. On Feb 3, Ruby Shaikh (name changed), a 34-year-old woman juggling a seven-year-old daughter, a six-monthold son and four in-laws, was enjoying a rare treat — chicken biryani from a local restaurant. Little did she know that a chicken bone would take her on a month-long medical journey that would baffle doctors. The modestly priced biryani left Ruby’s husband, a supervisor in a local factory, with an ₹8 lakh bill, though the hospital later halved it through donations. The 3.2cm chicken bone that damaged Ruby’s oesophagus was extracted on Feb 8. But when doctors at Criticare Asia Hospital began the throat procedure, it vanished from its initial position (C4-C5 vertebral discs). X-ray and ultrasound examinations couldn’t find it in the chest or abdomen. A CT scan, performed while the patient was intubated, revealed its unexpected upward movement to the nasopharynx, the topmost part of the throat. 

The operation lasted eight hours instead of two hours. Immediately after choking on Feb 3, Ruby arrived at the hospital where an X-ray scan showed a foreign object in her neck. Moved upwards, 

 Due to effect of anaesthesia, bone moved upwards: Doc 

Ruby refused CT scans and admission but returned two days later with fever, high blood pressure, and oral infection. This time, through endoscopy and CT scans, doctors found the foreign body in the cervical oesophagus, having caused bilateral perforations. ENT surgeon Dr Sanjay Helale said, “Scans carried out before the surgery revealed the bone was still in the earlier position.” He chose an open surgery as the bone was close to the carotid artery to the brain and the patient’s perforated food pipe needed repair. “Perhaps due to manipulations of the oesophagus during dissection or due to the effect of anaesthesia, the bone moved upwards,” said Dr Helale, who plans to send the case to a medical journal for publication. Dr Ajay Bhandarwar, head of the surgery department at J J Hospital, Byculla, said the movement from the food pipe back to the throat was unusual. 

Ruby, who was fed through a tube for weeks, has meanwhile told her husband that she will not eat biryani or cook it.

HC notices to govt over lack of quality for patho tests, labs

HC notices to govt over lack of quality for patho tests, labs 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 24.02.2025

Bhopal/Jabalpur : A division bench of the MP high court issued notices to the central and state govt in response to a petition seeking quality standards for chemicals used in pathological tests. The petitioner stated that there are no standards fixed regarding the chemicals used in pathological tests, and the test results could be erratic if the quality of chemicals used is not proper. 

The petitioner in the case, Advocate Amitabh Gupta, said that different chemicals are used in various pathological tests to obtain results, and if the quality of chemicals is not good, the test results would not be accurate. 

In 2009, a commission formed in this connection was asked to fix standards for chemicals to be used to obtain pathological test results, but after a lapse of so many years, the standards have not yet been deci- ded and practised. This makes the credibility of the tests results suspect.

 Besides, only a few pathological labs have affiliation with NABL. Gupta, arguing the case himself, said that he filed the petition in 2015 and requested the court to find out from NABL regarding steps it has taken to make pathological test reports more credible, fix standards for chemicals to be used, and ensure pathology labs obtain NABL affiliation. After preliminary arguments, the bench of Chief Justice S K Kait and Justice Vivek Jain issued notices to the state and central govt.

Doc leaves mop in woman’s stomach during C-section

Doc leaves mop in woman’s stomach during C-section 

MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE? 23.02.2025

BANGALORE 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK In an alleged case of medical negligence, a doctor at a Puttur hospital in Dakshin Kannada left a surgical mop inside a woman’s stomach during a C-section, putting her life in danger and requiring an emergency surgery at another hospital two months later, after a CT scan exposed the doctor’s carelessness. She is still not able to breastfeed her newborn. 

“We have posted the issue on National Consumer Grievance portal and department of consumer affairs. We have spent lakhs on her treatment,” the woman’s husband said. Dakshina Kannada district health and family welfare officer Dr Thimmaiah HR said a thorough probe will be conducted. The husband posted on X that his wife underwent a Csection on Nov 27 at a private hospital, but a week after she was discharged on Dec 2, she developed high fever and had to be readmitted. Concerned about an unusual sensation on one side of her stomach, the couple insisted on an ultrasound scan, which revealed a 10cm mass. However, the radiologist allegedly refused to disclose its details or communicate with the doctor in their presence. 

The doctor, in turn, dismissed their concerns, claiming it was hematoma rather than a foreign object. As the discomfort persisted, the couple requested a CT scan, but the doctor reportedly disregarded it, insisting the condition would resolve over time. Although the woman’s fever subsided, follow-up ultrasounds showed no reduction in the mass. Meanwhile, she began experiencing severe joint, wrist and leg pain, making it difficult for her to walk, stand or even lift her baby to feed. 

A CT scan later confirmed the presence of a surgical mop inside her stomach. By then, the infection had spread to her lungs, blood, putting her life at grave risk, her husband alleged. When they confronted the doctor who had performed the C-section, he allegedly refused to take responsibility.  Ultimately, an emergency surgery was performed at another private hospital on Jan 25 to remove the mop. She was discharged on Feb 15.

How pure are your daily food items? This kit can tell you in 5 minutes

How pure are your daily food items? This kit can tell you in 5 minutes

 Parth.Shastri@timesofindia.com  16.02.2025

Ahmedabad : Concerned about the quality of your daily food intake? A new rapid testing kit (RTK) developed by researchers at the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) enables quick detection of harmful additives and contaminants through strip and reagent based analysis within two to five minutes. These kits, designed for household application, are available at prices ranging from Rs 200 to Rs 500, according to officials.

Jayrajsinh Sarvaiya, associate professor at the School of Engineering and Technology at NFSU, said that while there are several kits available in the market, the development of RTK, which started about two years ago, was aimed at making a reliable kit applicable for a market like India. "Our focus was on segments such as milk and spices. The team has got a patent for liposomebased technique for one of the kits,” said Sarvaiya. “For example, urea is added to milk to improve the solids content and hydrogen peroxide to improve raw milk quality. While it may also occur in normal milk, its quantity is within permissible limits. Similarly, poorly-handled spices have aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) whereas some spices — especially turmeric and chilli powder – have addition of prohibited food dyes,” said Sarvaiya. 

The kit can be used both by industry and citizens’ 

The kits are designed to catch these frequently observed impurities. Similarly, if the food is claimed to be organic, it can be tested for urea concentrate,” Jayrajsinh Sarvaiya, associate 

professor at the School of Engineering and Technology at NFSU. Prof S O Junare, the campus director of NFSU Gandhinagar, said that the testing kits are regularly exhibited at food festivals and science fairs organized in Gujarat by the university. “It is affordable and easy to use. In the past few months, we have produced hundreds of such kits for various calibrations that can be used both by the industry and common citizens,” he said. “The kits come with a manual that provides the user guidance on how to use it. For example, in the milk testing kit, the user has to put four drops at the given points on the strip. If the strip changes colour — grey for starch, yellow for urea, orange for hydrogen peroxide — one can ascertain its presence,” said Sarvaiya. City-based physicians said that prolonged consumption of adulterated food items leads to health complications such as gastrointestinal issues, immunotoxicity and neurotoxicity among others.

Oncologists discuss latest developments in cancer care at Wellness Series webinar

Oncologists discuss latest developments  in cancer care at Wellness Series webinar

The Hindu Bureau

CHENNAI

To mark World Cancer Day, The Hindu Wellness Series, in association with Kauvery Hospitals organised a webinar on ‘Advancements in Cancer Care’.

Three experts — A.N. Vaidhyswaran, senior consultant and director of radiation oncology at Kauvery Hospital, Chennai; Indhuja M.V., consultant medical oncologist at Kauvery Hospital, Tirunelveli, and B. Anis, consultant surgical oncologist at Kauvery Hospital, Tiruchi — spoke about the latest developments in radiation, medical, and surgical oncology. Dr. Vaidhyswaran, who spoke about the cancer trends in the country, said breast cancer is the most common cancer in India and that lung cancer is more widespread in the west.

He also elaborated on the radiation therapy and spoke about the advancements in it, a press release said.

Dr. Indhuja said: “Cancer is caused by genetic mutations, and this method helps analyse those changes.” She also spoke about immunotherapy, Adoptive T-Cell Therapy and Targeted Therapy, which greatly help in improving cancer treatment.

Dr. Anis said, traditionally, during the cancer surgeries, removal of the affected organs, surrounding tissues and lymph nodes, and this often resulted in complications.

“While surgery remains a cornerstone of cancer treatment, medical interventions such as chemotherapy play an equally crucial role,” he said.

Watch the full video here: bit.ly/40Htg35

Eight patients at govt. hospital develop allergic reactions, one dies

Eight patients at govt. hospital develop allergic reactions, one dies

The Hindu Bureau

Salem 01.02.2025

Eight patients admitted to the Salem Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College Hospital (GMKMCH) developed allergicreactions after they were administered salineto the patients on Thursday night.

While one patient died, hospital authorities denied that the death was caused by the saline.

Doctors injected saline into the patients at around 9 p.m. on Thursday night at the male surgery ward.

By around 11 p.m., eight patients developed allergic reactions and their relatives alerted the doctors.

The hospital’s dean, Dr. J. Devi Meenal, along with a medical team, transferred the affected patients to the Hybrid Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in the super-specialty building for treatment.

The affected patients are Venugopal (40), a resident of Mangalapuram in Namakkal district, Manoj (28), a resident of Nagalur in Dharmapuri district; Manoharan (64), a resident of Erode district, Ramesh (45), a resident of Deevattipatti in Salem district, Rajaram (27), a migrant worker, Anbalagan (40), a resident of Kamalapuram in Salem district, and Murugaesan (54), a resident of Vazhapadi in Salem district.

At midnight, Venugopal died at the hospital.

However, hospital authorities denied that his death was caused by the allergic reaction, stating that he had multiple underlying health conditions.

‘Others stable’

Dr. Devi Meenal assured that the same saline solution had been used on several patients across the hospital and that all other affected individuals remained stable.

Sources at GMKMCH reported that Health Minister Ma. Subramanian inquired about the incident, and doctors were instructed to cease using that specific batch of saline. A pharmacovigilance team will investigate the saline.

‘Hostile work culture, long hours in office affecting mental health’

‘Hostile work culture, long hours in office affecting mental health’

Pull the plug: The Survey said a phone-based childhood is rewiring the very experience of growing up.Getty Images

Given the direct costs to human welfare, putting mental well-being at the centre of economic agenda is prudent, states the Economic Survey, tabled in Parliament; it suggests highest tax rate on ultra-processed foods, regulation of advertisements

Bindu Shajan Perappadan

New Delhi  01.02.2025 

Overexposure to social media, lack of exercise, not spending enough time with one’s family and overwork (hours exceeding 55-60 per week) have all worsened mental well-being among Indians, said the Economic Survey 2024-25, tabled in Parliament on Friday by Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Hostile work cultures and excessive hours spent working at the desk can adversely affect mental well-being and ultimately put the brakes on the pace of economic growth, states the Survey while highlighting that lifestyle choices, workplace culture and family situations are critical for productivity.

If India’s economic ambitions are to be met, then immediate attention must be given to lifestyle choices that are often made during childhood/youth. “The increase in mental health issues in children and adolescents is often linked to the overuse of the Internet, specifically social media.The phone-based childhood is rewiring the very experience of growing up,” it stated.

Given the direct costs to human welfare, putting mental well-being at the centre of economic agenda is prudent, states the Survey, besides listing a series of mental health initiatives taken by the Centre. “It is about time to find viable, impactful preventive strategies and interventions. India’s demographic dividend is riding on skills, education, physical health and, above all, mental health of its youth,” it said.

Establishing a link between good mental health and clean eating habits, the Survey noted that individuals who rarely consume ultra-processed or packaged junk food have better mental well-being than those who regularly do so.

It also says that those who rarely exercise, spend their free time on social media or are not close to their families have worse mental well-being.

It emphasised the urgent need for school and family-level interventions to encourage healthy pastimes such as meeting with friends and playing outside,and also said that investing time in building close family bonds would go a long way in keeping children and adolescents away from Internet.

Ultra-processed foods

The Survey suggested that the government look at bringing in a higher tax rate for ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and may also consider a ‘health tax’ measure targeted specifically at brands/products that advertise these foods.

It further suggested that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare urgently define nutrient thresholds for sugars, salt, and saturated fats to regulate advertising, adopt warning front-of-pack labels (FOPL), and impose stricter marketing restrictions on unhealthy foods, especially targeting children under 18.

Noting that a multi-pronged approach is required to address the concerns emerging from increased inclusion of UPFs in diets, the Survey said that misleading nutrition claims on UPFs need to be tackled and should be brought under the scanner.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India could consider bringing UPFs under regulation with a clear definition and standards, including stricter labelling requirements.

Study finds link between smartphone use and mental health of adolescents

Study finds link between smartphone use and mental health of adolescents

Global concern: Expert says the pace of deterioration of mental well-being is slower in India, when compared to U.S. GETTY IMAGES

Ramya Kannan

Chennai  25.01.2025

A survey of over 10,000 adolescents (13-17 years) in the United States and India has revealed that mental well-being is closely linked with earlier age of initiation of mobile phones, and could decline significantly with each younger year of age.

The report, titled “The Youth Mind: Rising Aggression and Anger”, by Sapien Labs documented the responses of 10,475 Internet-enabled adolescents across India and the U.S. in 2024. Although numerous factors have traditionally been identified as drivers of poor mental health, one key change in the younger generations is the arrival of smartphones, which were introduced in 2008, coinciding with the onset of rising mental health problems.

The report highlighted key trends, with a particular focus on rising feelings of aggression, anger, irritability, and hallucinations in this age group. The decline in mind health is characterised not only by sadness and anxiety but also by new symptoms, including unwanted thoughts and a sense of being detached from reality. Highlighting the differences between the American and Indian cohorts, Tara Thiagarajan, neuroscientist with Sapien Labs, said the pace of deterioration of mental well-being is slower in India. “While the overall decline in mental well-being in younger ages is strongly present for males and females in the U.S., it is only present for females in India and not in males (where only select aspects deteriorated, while others improved). Even for females, it (the overall decline in mental well-being) is not as steep in India,” Dr. Thiagarajan said.

“On the other hand, both adolescent males and females in India have worse mental well-being on the whole, than their counterparts in the U.S. While aggression, anger and hallucinations are consistently related to the age of smartphone initiation for both U.S. and Indian females, for girls in India, getting their phones very young is more likely to result in increased sleep and health problems as adults,” she said.

Merits of ed-tech

In an attempt to address this, there is a growing debate on the merits of educational technology (ed-tech) in the elementary and middle school years. “One of the possible solutions is also to provide restricted access to phones for teenagers using apps, which lock in parental controls regarding apps teens can access, while allowing them to access a school portal or messaging,” Dr. Thiagarajan said.

Mystery illness kills 17 in J&K, Centre sends team

Mystery illness kills 17 in J&K, Centre sends team 

Members To Ascertain Causes Of Mass Deaths 

Sanjay Khajuria | TNN 20.01.2024

Jammu : The spectre of the “mystery illness” continued to haunt residents of Badhaal village in J&K’s Rajouri, with the sixth child of Mohammad Aslam succumbing to the disease at a hospital in Jammu on Sunday, taking the total toll to 17 since Dec 2024, even as an inter-ministerial team from Delhi reached Rajouri to take stock. 

Aslam, who had lost five of his children till Friday, witnessed the death of his sixth and last child, Yasmeena Akhtar Jan (16). She was admitted to a hospital in Rajouri last Sunday from where she was referred to Jammu on Monday. Principal of Govt Medical College and Associated Hospital (GMC&AH) in Jammu, Ashutosh Gupta, told mediapersons that her condition was critical from Day 1 . With this, Aslam has lost four daughters, two sons and his maternal uncle and aunt in a span of a week after they had taken meal at a ‘fatiha’ — a memorial ceremony — organised in memory of Fazal Hussain and Robia Kousar (both 14), Farhana Kousar (9) Raftar (5) and Rukhsar (11) who died on Dec 7 during treatment after being affected by this mysterious dis ease. Earlier, in the wake of deaths in two families in the month of Dec 2024, the directorate of health services under the Union health ministry had sent a team of experts from premier medical institutions, including a team from Indian Council of Medical Research. Equipped with a Mobile Laboratory Vehicle, the team had camped at Kote-ranka to investigate the cases and deaths in Badhaal. 

On Saturday, Union home minister Amit Shah ordered the constitution of an inter-ministerial high-level team to visit a village in Rajouri district to ascertain the causes of mass deaths in the past six weeks. On Friday, J&K CM Omar Abdullah had reviewed the situation in Badhaal village. He had directed the state health department to expedite investigations. During the probe, health teams conducted door-to-door surveys of over 3,000 residents in the affected area, collecting and testing samples of water, food, and other materials. However, all test results, including those for influenza, came negative. Police have constituted a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the mass deaths after neurotoxins were found in samples. Authorities have sealed three houses belonging to the affected families and shifted 21 of their close relatives to a govt accommodation and are being kept under strict monitoring. Official sources said police have questioned around 20 people from the village, some related to the victims’ families

WB suspends 12 docs over C-section death, orders CID probe

 WB suspends 12 docs over C-section death, orders CID probe 

Dwaipayan Ghosh & Debashis Konar | TNN 17.01.2025

Kolkata : Bengal govt suspended Thursday 12 doctors of Midnapore Medical College and Hospital and ordered a CID probe into allegations that their criminal negligence caused the death of a 32-year-old woman within a few hours of giving birth by caesarean section. The suspensions came eight days after Mamoni Ruidas’s death 12 hours after giving birth. She was among five new mothers whose health deteriorated after C-section procedures. Mamoni allegedly died of septic shock while three others were shifted to a Kolkata hospital. 

The suspended doctors include vice principal of MMCH, head of obstetrics and gynaecology, and three colleagues. CM Mamata Banerjee termed Mamoni’s death due to suspected medical negligence “shocking, unacceptable and avoidable”. She said the kin of the deceased had every reason “to question us”. The CM announced a state govt job for one member of the bereaved family and compensation of Rs 5 lakh

Initial probe suggested that a senior doctor who was supposed to be at the OT during the allegedly botched caesarean was working in a private nursing home. “Those who were negligent, those who left C-sections to trainees, must be booked. I am sympathetic to doctors. But I must also consider people’s well-being when there is wrongdoing,” the CM said 

‘Why wasn’t banned IV fluid stocks withdrawn? Following the death of a woman during childbirth at a Bengal hospital, allegedly after administration of intravenous fluid Ringer’s lactate, Calcutta HC on Thursday questioned Bengal health dept, asking it why it had not taken steps to withdraw existing stocks of Ringer’s lactate made by Paschim Banga Pharmaceutical as soon as Directorate of Drugs Control ordered the pharma company to stop manufacturing it on Dec 10, 2024....the high court said.

‘High oxytocin doses one of the reasons for mom death’

‘High oxytocin doses one of the reasons for mom death’

 Three Still In Critical Condition

 Sarthak Ganguly & Sujoy Khanra 

TNN  15.01.2025

Kolkata/Midnapore : A five-and-a-half-page report submitted to the health department by the 13- member probe committee, formed to investigate the death of a woman at Midnapore Medical College and Hospital following a C-section delivery, indicated that high doses of oxytocin were administered to five patients without following any protocol. 

While 22-year-old Mamoni Ruidas died after a C-section on Jan 8, the condition of three others — Nasrin Khatun, Mampi Singh and Minara Bibi — who underwent C-section deliveries on the same day at the hospital, was stated to be serious. They were shifted to SSKM in critical condition. The fourth mother, Rekha Sau, was in stable condition at Midnapore hospital and was supposed to be discharged on Tuesday. However, her condition worsened in the afternoon, and her blood sample was collected for testing, according to her husband Santosh Sau. 

According to a health department official, the patients’ blood was not clotting properly due to infection, and their lungs and kidneys were not functioning well. Nasrin Khatun and Mampi Singh are on ventilation. The report allegedly states that instead of the prescribed 10 units, 15 to 25 units were administered, causing a rapid drop in the patients' blood pressure. 

Oxytocin is used to prevent excessive bleeding. "It appears that the women were given excessive doses of oxytocin, which worsened their conditions," sources said. Additionally, the report mentions that an RMO was on duty in the maternity department's OT at Medinipur Medical College that night. Being the senior doctor, he was expected to perform the surgeries. It is believed he was not present there. The matter will be further investigated. 

Meanwhile, it was observed that family members were being given small notes to buy medicines from outside, which they brought to the hospital. Hospital sources stated that the use of bupivacaine, ranitidine, ceftriaxone, ondansetron, metoclopramide, fentanyl citrate, oxytocin and regallacted injections has been halted. Hospital superintendent Jayanta Raut stated that some injections and RL had been temporarily suspended, and alternatives were being provided. 

On Jan 2, when placing an online order for medicines, 'Ringer's Lactate' was found to be blocked, so it was not purchased from outside but was brought from the Tamluk Hospital stock in East Medinipur. However, it is unclear how the saline that was supposed to be set aside came up at the medical college. A senior health department official said, “Everything is being thoroughly investigated.” 

Saline supplier blacklisted The state Directorate of Health Services Central Medical Stores (CMS) has issued a notice on Tuesday, informing the MSVPs of medical college and hospitals as well as chief medical officer health of districts that all the items, including Ringer’s Lactate (RL) solutions, procured through state management information system (SMIS) from Paschim Banga Pharmaceuticals, should not be used. The notice also stated that “all existing stock of the items supplied by Paschim Banga Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd should be withdrawn from wards/hospitals until further orders, if not done already.” However, the notice stated that 'paracetamol infusion and sodium chloride injection may be procured from Pharma Impex laboratories Pvt Ltd through SMIS and other items can be procured as NON CAT (drugs which are not available in the catalog of the supplier) as per the existing policies.” TNN

BMI isn’t an accurate tool to diagnose obesity: Study

BMI isn’t an accurate tool to diagnose obesity: Study

DurgeshNandan.Jha@timesofindia.com 15.01.2025

New Delhi : Do you think you are not obese according to your Body Mass Index? You may be mistaken, as a global commission convened by The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, a reputed medical journal, has now argued that BMI provides inaccurate results in assessing obesity. Doctors should confirm whether a person is obese using at least one other body measurement — such as waist circumference or by directly measuring body fat, it has suggested. 

BMI is a medical screening tool that measures ratio of a person’s height to her or his weight to estimate amount of body fat she or he has. Current definition says a person with a BMI of 30 kg/m2 and above can be considered obese. According to Lancet Commission’s report, released Tuesday, people with excess body fat do not always have a BMI above 30, meaning that their health risk can go unnoticed. Similarly, it says, individuals with high muscle mass (for example, athletes) tend to have high BMIs despite normal fat mass and diagnosing them as having obesity or adisease was inappropriate.

 “Relying on BMI alone to diagnose obesity is problematic as some people tend to store excess fat at the waist or in and around their organs, such as the liver, heart or muscles, and this is associated with a higher health risk compared to when excess fat is stored just beneath the skin in the arms, legs or in other body areas. But people with excess body fat do not always have a BMI that in dicates they are living with obesity, meaning their health problems can go unnoticed. Additionally, some people have a high BMI and high body fat but maintain normal organ and body functions, with no signs or symptoms of ongoing illness.” 

Robert Eckel, a professor at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, who was part of the expert group, said. Dr Anoop Misra, a doctor from India who was in the expert committee, added: “Abdominal obesity is common in India. Existing criteria based on BMI measurement often fails to classify them as obesity. The new classification will help remove this hurdle.” The Lancet Commission says not all persons having obesity need medical or surgical intervention. It has, for the first time, recommended subdividing obesity into two groups: clinical obesity and pre-clinical obesity, based on the presence or absence, respectively, of objective clinical manifestations (i.e., signs and symptoms) of altered organ function or impairment of an individual’s ability to conduct daily activities. Preclinical obesity often needs only monitoring and counseling, while clinical obesity may require treatment to prevent severe complications like heart attack, the Commission suggests.