New SOP for oncologists in TN to treat ovarian, cervical, uterine cancer

New SOP for oncologists in TN to treat ovarian, cervical, uterine cancer 

The new SOP requires official government mandates, structured training programmes, resource allocation and continuous monitoring, according to the doctors.

They are now responsible for training other surgical oncologists in Tamil Nadu and also plan to raise awareness about the need for the SOP among other physicians involved in cancer treatment.(Representative image) 

R Kirubakaran Updated on: 10 Dec 2025, 8:34 am

COIMBATORE: Under the National Health Mission (NHM), a group of surgical oncologists from eight medical college hospitals across the state underwent a year-long training programme and developed a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that aligns with global standards for treating ovarian, cervical and uterine cancer.

They are now responsible for training other surgical oncologists in Tamil Nadu and also plan to raise awareness about the need for the SOP among other physicians involved in cancer treatment.

The new SOP requires official government mandates, structured training programmes, resource allocation and continuous monitoring, according to the doctors.

The initial group of surgical oncologists from the eight medical colleges will become master trainers and conduct phased Training of Trainers (ToT) programmes for senior oncologists and gynaecologists from other districts and institutions across the state. This approach ensures consistency in training and fosters local expertise within each facility. The training will cover surgical aspects, and related areas such as radiation oncology, pathology and diagnostic services.

Eight cancer surgeons, including three from Chennai and one each from Kancheepuram, Thanjavur, Thirunelveli, Coimbatore and Madurai, had attended a two-week training session at the Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute in Hyderabad at the end of 2024 and at the Government Arignar Anna Memorial Cancer Hospital in Kancheepuram in February 2025, where they were trained by Japanese healthcare professionals, as the project is supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), according to sources.

“Following the training in skill enhancement for gynaecological cancer surgery, the participants developed an SOP that was released last month. This SOP provides detailed protocols for surgeons, anesthetists, OT nurses, and ICU nurses on treating patients with these three cancer types – from admission to discharge. The SOP aims to reduce cancer-related mortalities and morbidities,” said Dr N Selvaraj, associate professor of surgical oncology at Coimbatore Medical College Hospital.

Dr N Selvaraj, one of the coordinators of the team, stated that this is the first effort to standardise cancer treatment.

Your desk is a danger zone: Why sitting too long is deadlier than you think

 Your desk is a danger zone: Why sitting too long is deadlier than you think

 etimes.in | Dec 6, 2025, 01.00 AM IST

Whether at work, in front of a screen, or lounging at home, the majority of individuals today spend a significant portion of their days sitting down. Long periods of sitting, however, pose significantly more serious health hazards than they first appear. A sedentary lifestyle is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal issues, metabolic disorders, and even some types of cancer, according to research. What science tells us Several researches have established that prolonged sitting has detrimental effects despite frequent exercise. People who sit for over eight hours per day without activity are at a comparable mortality risk to obesity and smoking. Studies also indicate that breaking up prolonged sitting with brief intervals of standing or light walking may enhance blood-glucose and insulin response.

For long hours of sitting, studies have estimated as much as a 5% increased risk of obesity and a 7% increased risk of diabetes. People who sit for most of their work life have very much increased chances of poor general health and musculoskeletal symptoms along with more back and neck pain in comparison to people who sit less. Why sitting is such a risk When you sit for long periods of time:

Blood flow is restricted, with decreased circulation of blood returning from the legs, which can cause clot dangers and varicose veins. Muscles in the lower body and core are less active, burning fewer calories and impacting your metabolism in a negative way. Prolonged sitting tends to cause bad posture, back strain, and neck stiffness. Even with people who workout regularly, too much sitting puts them at higher risk of death and disease.

Practical strategies to break the sitting habit Encourage moderate activity as a regular habit by holding walking meetings or taking standing calls. Reorganize your workspace by adding an adjustable workstation or a standing desk. Take regular breaks to move: Every 30 to 60 minutes, spend a few minutes standing, stretching, or taking a stroll. Track leisure-time sitting: Reduce sitting time in front of the television or on devices. Integrate movement with healthy habits: Healthy eating, regular physical activity, and weight management all counteract sitting effects. Dr. Aravind Badiger, Technical Director, BDR Pharmaceuticals

Docs design stent that costs less and may work better Engages, Retracts Clots From Blocked Brain Arteries Enabling Better Recovery

Docs design stent that costs less and may work better Engages, Retracts Clots From Blocked Brain Arteries Enabling Better Recovery 

Nandini.Sengupta@timesofindia.com 05.11.2025

Stroke stents are a critical medical solution, but they are also a pricey alternative. Now, JIPMER Puducherry has completed clinicals trials of mechanical thrombectomy or clot removal using a locally made device stent retriever. “We call it Supernova. It is expected to cost one-third of well-known international products,” says Dr Sunil Narayan, professor & head, department of neurology at JIPMER.

 The stent, he adds, first engages and then retracts clots from within blocked brain arteries enabling better recovery of patients. “The first generation of catheters were aspiration catheters, the second generation were stents and now the third generation are a combination of the two.” Designed and patented by Indian-origin engineers and interventional radiologists in the US (centrally directed by an Indian-origin professor from the University of Miami) and manufactured by Gravity in the USA and Irills Gurutva in Hyderabad, the Supernova is a “revascularization device”. “It is a self-expanding, laser cut stent retriever composed of nitinol, a nickel and titanium alloy that is super elastic which makes it ideal for medical devices. 

The Supernova stent has small implantable components that increase visibility under scans,” says Dr Narayan. Apart from clinical trials at JIPMER Puducherry, the Supernova device has been used to treat stroke patients in Pakistan and Thailand as part of clinical trials. It will be manufactured in India from next month. The trial results were submitted to the drug controller general of India (DCGI) in Aug 2024 and have received approval for sales. The trial results were also presented at the World Stroke Congress in Barcelona last week. “The

aim is to manufacture in India and make it available at low cost to lower income countries where the stroke burden is even higher,” says Dr Narayan. “The country’s contribution to more affordable treatment of stroke patients is well-established because of the Tenecteplase thrombolysis drug, a biosimilar made in India which is as efficient and a bit safer (than international options). It became the standard of stroke therapy first in Indian govt institutes and now in private hospitals,” says Dr Nararan. The drug is also being exported to several foreign countries

2-min scan at govt hosp for ₹500 helps detect heart disease

2-min scan at govt hosp for ₹500 helps detect heart disease

 Ramyasre.N@timesofindia.com 05.11.2025

Chennai : If you're under 40, have pre-existing health conditions and feel a slight discomfort around your heart, doctors now recommend a quick two-minute CT scan. The non-invasive diagnostic test that uses CT imaging to detect and measure calcium deposits in the heart vessels. This can help evaluate the risk of coronary artery disease and heart attacks. 

The department of radiology at the TN Government Multi Super Speciality Hospital launched the facility recently. The scan is priced at ₹500, while its equivalent in private hospitals costs at least three times more. A calcium score below 100 is normal, 100-400 indicates mild risk, and above 400 signals severe disease needing immediate care. “The calcium scan is a preliminary test and can be followed by ECG, ECHO, or coronary angiogram for detailed diagnosis,” said Dr J Chezhian, head of radiology. 

The test, previously done on a need basis, was made a standalone service for two reasons, says head of cardiology Dr Mary Majella: “It helps patients who can’t undergo treadmill tests due to disability or hypertension. Also, we’ve seen a sharp rise in heart disease after COVID.” A five-year study from 2018 to 2023 by the hospital’s cardiology department found 10,842 cases of serious coronary disease, including 2,457 patients aged between 18 and 45. “Before COVID, around 300 young patients were reported each year. In 2021, it rose to 480, and in 2022, to 564,” said Dr Majella. Patients are already visiting from outside TN. “In Tirupati, I was quoted ₹7,000 for the same test. Here, including travel, I spent less than ₹2,000,” said one patient

பரிசோதனையும், விழிப்புணா்வும்...

DINAMANI

பரிசோதனையும், விழிப்புணா்வும்...

33 ஆண்டுகளில் புற்றுநோய் பாதிப்பு விகிதம் 26% அதிகரித்துள்ளதாக தற்போதைய ஆய்வுகள் கூறுகின்றன.

 ஐவி.நாகராஜன் Updated on: 18 அக்டோபர் 2025, 6:15 am

நம் நாட்டில் ஏற்படும் மரணங்களுக்கான முதல் 5 காரணங்களில் புற்றுநோயும் ஒன்றாக இருக்கிறது. நம் நாட்டில் 1990-ஆம் ஆண்டுகளுக்குப் பிறகு புற்றுநோய் பாதிப்புகள் அதிகரித்துள்ளதாக ஆய்வுகள் கூறுகின்றன. 1990-க்குப் பிறகு 33 ஆண்டுகளில் புற்றுநோய் பாதிப்பு விகிதம் 26% அதிகரித்துள்ளதாக தற்போதைய ஆய்வுகள் கூறுகின்றன. 1990-இல் ஒரு லட்சம் பேரில் 85 பேருக்கு புற்றுநோய் பாதிப்பு இருந்தது. அது 2023-இல் 107-ஆக அதிகரித்துள்ளது. புற்றுநோய் பாதிப்பில் ஆசியாவில் நாம் 2-ஆவது இடத்தில் இருக்கிறோம் என்று ஆய்வுகள் தெரிவிக்கின்றன.

நம் நாட்டில் புற்றுநோயால் பாதிப்போா் எண்ணிக்கையும், அதேபோல், புற்றுநோயால் இறப்பவரின் எண்ணிக்கையும் நாளுக்கு நாள் அதிகரித்துக் கொண்டே செல்கிறது. புற்றுநோயால் பாதிக்கப்படுவோரில் ஐந்தில் மூன்று போ் உயிா்வாழ்வதில்லை. புற்றுநோயால் இறக்கும் ஆண்களுக்கு வாய்ப் புற்றுநோயும், பெண்களுக்கு மாா்பக புற்றுநோய், கா்ப்பப்பை வாய் புற்றுநோயும் பிரதான காரணிகளாக இருக்கின்றன என்று புள்ளிவிவரங்கள் கூறுகின்றன.

சீனாவிலும், அமெரிக்காவிலும் கடந்த 33 ஆண்டுகளில் புற்றுநோய் பாதிப்பானது கணிசமாகக் குறைந்திருக்கிறது என்றும் ஆய்வுகள் தெரிவிக்கின்றன. இதற்கு, இவ்விரு நாடுகளிலும் வலுவான புகையிலை கட்டுப்பாடு, எல்லோருக்கும் தடுப்பூசி மற்றும் ஒழுங்கமைக்கப்பட்ட பரிசோதனை ஆகியவைதான் காரணமாக கூறப்படுகின்றன.

நம் நாட்டில் புற்றுநோய் பரவலுக்கு, அதிக புகையிலை பயன்பாடு, உடல் பருமன், வாழ்க்கைமுறை மாற்றம், நோய்த்தொற்று ஆகியவை காரணங்களாக இருக்கின்றன. உலகில் பிற நாடுகளைக் காட்டிலும் நம் நாட்டில் புகையிலை பயன்பாடு என்பது அளவுக்கு அதிகமாக இருக்கிறது. வாயில் மென்று திண்ணும் அல்லது உதடு இடுக்குகளில் அடக்கிவைக்கும் புகையிலையால் ஏற்படும் வாய் புற்றுநோயில் உலகின் தலைமையிடம் என்று சொல்லும் அளவுக்கு நம் நாட்டில் புகையிலை பயன்பாடு இருக்கிறது.

நம் நாட்டில் புற்றுநோயால் இறப்பவா் எண்ணிக்கை அதிகரிக்க, புற்றுநோய் குறித்த விழிப்புணா்வு குறைவாக இருப்பதும், நோயை ஆரம்ப நிலையிலேயே கண்டறிவது மிக மிகக் குறைவாக உள்ளது.

புற்றுநோய் பரிசோதனையையும், தடுப்பூசி செலுத்துவதையும் செயல்படுத்துவது என்பது பெரிய சவால் அல்ல. அதற்குத் தேவை, சரியான திட்டமிடலும், செயல்திட்டமும்தான். புற்றுநோய் பரிசோதனை என்பது சுயவிருப்பம் சாா்ந்ததாக மட்டுமே உள்ளதை மாற்றி, 30 வயதுக்கும் மேற்பட்ட எல்லோருக்கும் மூன்று ஆண்டுகளுக்கு ஒரு முறை புற்றுநோய் பரிசோதனை கட்டாயம் என்பதை நடைமுறைப்படுத்த வேண்டும்.

புற்றுநோய் பரிசோதனை என்பது, புற்றுநோய் அறிகுறிகள் தோன்றுவதற்கு முன்பே ஆரம்ப கட்டத்தில் அதைக் கண்டறிய உதவும் ஒரு முறையாகும். இதில் இமேஜிங் சோதனைகள் (மாா்பக எக்ஸ்ரே, சிடி மற்றும் எம்.ஆா்.ஐ. ஸ்கேன்), ரத்தப் பரிசோதனைகள், உடல் பரிசோதனைகள் (மாா்பகப் பரிசோதனை, எண்ம மலக்குடல் பரிசோதனை), பயாப்ஸி மற்றும் மரபணு பரிசோதனைகள் போன்ற பல முறைகள் உள்ளன என்று மருத்துவா்கள் தெரிவிக்கின்றனா். இவை மாா்பகம், கா்ப்பப்பை வாய், பெருங்குடல் மற்றும் புரோஸ்டேட் போன்ற குறிப்பிட்ட புற்றுநோய்களைக் கண்டறிய உதவுகின்றன என்பது குறிப்பிடத்தக்கது.

ஆரம்பத்திலேயே புற்றுநோயைக் கண்டறிவது சிகிச்சையை எளிதாக்கும். அறிகுறிகள் தோன்றுவதற்கு முன்பே நோயைக் கண்டறிந்து, சிகிச்சையைத் தொடங்குவதற்கு உதவுகிறது. புற்றுநோயின் குடும்ப வரலாறு உள்ளவா்கள், சில வகையான புற்றுநோய்க்கு, மருத்துவா்கள் குறிப்பிட்ட வயதில் பரிசோதனை செய்யுமாறு அறிவுறுத்தலாம்.

மனித பாப்பிலோமா வைரஸ் சோதனைகள் மற்றும் பேப் சோதனைகள் கா்ப்பப்பை வாய்ப் புற்றுநோயைக் கண்டறிய பரிந்துரைக்கப்படுகின்றன. இவை தனியாகவோ அல்லது சோ்ந்தோ பயன்படுத்தப்படலாம். இந்த சோதனைகள் நோயைத் தடுக்கின்றன. ஏனெனில், அவை புற்றுநோயாக மாறுவதற்கு முன்பு அசாதாரண செல்களைக் கண்டறிந்து சிகிச்சையளிக்க அனுமதிக்கின்றன.

குறிப்பாக, குறிப்பிட்ட புற்றுநோய்களின் ஆபத்து உள்ளவா்களுக்கு, பயனுள்ளதாக நிரூபிக்கப்படாத ஸ்கிரீனிங் சோதனைகள் இன்னும் வழங்கப்படலாம். எடுத்துக்காட்டுகள் பின்வருமாறு: ஆல்பா-ஃபெட்டோ புரோட்டீன் ரத்த பரிசோதனை கல்லீரல் புற்றுநோயின் அதிக ஆபத்தில் உள்ளவா்களுக்கு, கல்லீரல் புற்றுநோயை ஆரம்பத்திலேயே கண்டறிய, கல்லீரலின் அல்ட்ரா சவுண்டுடன் சோ்ந்து ஆல்பா-ஃபெட்டோ புரோட்டீன் ரத்தப் பரிசோதனை சில நேரங்களில் பயன்படுத்தப்படுகிறது.

மருத்துவ மாா்பக பரிசோதனைகள் மற்றும் வழக்கமான மாா்பக சுய பரிசோதனைகள் மாா்பகங்களை சுகாதாரப் பராமரிப்பு வழங்குநா்கள் (மருத்துவ மாா்பகப் பரிசோதனை) அல்லது பெண்கள் தாங்களாகவே (மாா்பக சுய பரிசோதனை) வழக்கமாகப் பரிசோதிப்பது மாா்பகப் புற்றுநோயால் ஏற்படும் இறப்புகளைக் குறைப்பதாகக் காட்டப்படவில்லை. இருப்பினும், ஒரு பெண் அல்லது அவரது சுகாதாரப் பராமரிப்பு வழங்குநா் மாா்பகத்தில் கட்டி அல்லது பிற அசாதாரண மாற்றத்தைக் கவனித்தால், அதைப் பரிசோதித்துக் கொள்வது முக்கியம்.

புற்றுநோயை ஆரம்ப நிலையிலேயே கண்டறிந்து சிகிச்சையைத் தொடங்கிவிட்டால் இறப்புகளைத் தவிா்க்கலாம் என்கிறாா்கள் புற்றுநோய்க்கான சிறப்பு மருத்துவா்கள். எனவே, நாடு முழுவதும் குறைந்தபட்சம் 30 வயதுக்கும் மேற்பட்ட எல்லோருக்கும் புற்றுநோய் பரிசோதனையை செய்து முடிப்பதும், புற்றுநோய் தடுப்பூசியை எல்லா தரப்பினருக்கும் கொண்டுபோய் சோ்ப்பதிலும் அரசு தீவிர கவனம் செலுத்த வேண்டும்.

Doctor who prescribed cough syrup held in M.P.

Doctor who prescribed cough syrup held in M.P.

06.10.2025

Superintendent of Police, Chhindwara, Ajay Pandey told The Hindu that Dr. Soni was taken into custody late on Saturday night after a first information report was lodged against him and Sresan Pharmaceuticals, based in Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu, under Sections 105 and 276 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and Section 27A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

“The SIT led by an Additional Superintendent of Police will soon visit Tamil Nadu and other locations linked to the case. We have also written to the Tamil Nadu police for assistance in the investigation,” Mr. Pandey said. He said that a team had searched Dr. Soni’s clinic and other locations to gather evidence.

“We are also questioning him on how many patients he has prescribed the syrup to or how long he has been prescribing it,” he said.

Mr. Pandey said the death toll in the district had surged to 13, including 10 from Parasia, two from Chhindwara city, and one from Chaurai sub-division area, while an official at the Chief Minister’s Office said one child died in neighbouring Pandhurna district, allegedly from problems caused by the syrup.

The children had died over a period of one month with the first death having been reported in early September.

Aid distributed

Additional District Magistrate, Chhindwara, Dhirendra Singh said eight more children from the district were currently admitted in Nagpur.

“We have disbursed the financial aid [announced by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav] of ₹4 lakh each to the families of 14 deceased children,” Mr. Singh said.

Meanwhile, a report from the Drug Testing Laboratory of Madhya Pradesh’s Food and Drugs Administration also found the sample of Coldrif syrup “adulterated with diethylene glycol 46.28% w/v which is injurious to health”.

Health Ministry issues advisory on cough syrups among kids: Do not prescribe such medication for children under two

Health Ministry issues advisory on cough syrups among kids: Do not prescribe such medication for children under two

Most acute cough illnesses in children are self-limiting and resolve without pharmacological intervention, says DGHS

By: Express News Service

Updated: October 3, 2025 07:27 PM IST

As regards the reports related to two deaths of children in Rajasthan because of contaminated cough syrup consumption, it has been clarified that the product in question did not contain propylene glycol, which can be a potential source of contaminants. (Source: File)

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has issued an advisory to all states and Union Territories on the rational use of cough syrups in children, following consumption-related deaths in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

In its communique, the DGHS advocates “judicious prescribing and dispensing of cough syrups for children,” arguing that most “acute cough illnesses in children are self-limiting and resolve without pharmacological intervention.” It further says that cough and cold medications should not be prescribed for children under two years. “These are generally not recommended for ages below five years and above that, any use should follow careful, clinical evaluation with close supervision and strict adherence to appropriate dosing, the shortest effective duration and avoiding multiple drug combinations,” the DGHS said. It highlighted the need for making everybody aware about adhering only to prescription by doctors.

As a first-line approach for children suffering from cough and cold, it has made a case for non-pharmacological measures, including “adequate hydration and rest.”

Since there have been reports that the deaths were caused by fake drugs, the DGHS has urged all healthcare facilities and clinical establishments to ensure “procurement and dispensing of products manufactured under good manufacturing practices and formulated with pharmaceutical-grade excipients.”

The advisory applies to health departments in all States/Union Territories, district health authorities, government dispensaries, primary healthcare centres (PHCs), community health centres (CHCs), district hospitals and medical institutions.

A multi-disciplinary team comprising experts from NCDC, NIV, ICMR, AIIMS Nagpur and state health authorities is investigating all possible causes behind the deaths. Although there have been reports of contamination and fake syrups, none of the samples tested so far contained diethylene glycol (DEG) or ethylene glycol (EG), contaminants that are known to cause serious kidney injury. The Madhya Pradesh State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) also tested three samples and confirmed the absence of DEG/EG.

Further blood/CSF samples have been tested by NIV Pune for common pathogens. One case has been found positive for leptospirosis.

As regards the reports related to two deaths of children in Rajasthan because of contaminated cough syrup consumption, it has been clarified that the product in question did not contain propylene glycol, which can be a potential source of contaminants. Additionally, the product under reference is a dextromethorphan-based formulation, which is not recommended for paediatric use.

Walking 10 minutes vs 60 minutes:

Walking 10 minutes vs 60 minutes: 

Top neurologist explains the benefits 

TOI Lifestyle Desk / ETimes.in / Updated: Oct 2, 2025, 19:31 IST 

1 /7 Walking 10 minutes vs 60 minutes: Top neurologist explains the benefits

 ​Walking is one of the best ways to stay active. This simple exercise can strengthen the heart, improve brain health, boost energy, lower blood sugar, and may help prevent diseases and prolong life. But how long should you walk to gain these benefits?

2 /7 What are experts saying? Dr Sudhir Kumar, a top neurologist, has shared the miraculous benefits of walking. He has shared an evidence-based explanation of the benefits of walking. Interestingly, the benefits start from the first minute.

“Walking is among the simplest exercises, and can be done by most people. Walking is associated with multiple health-related benefits,” he said, in a post shared on X.

3 /7 What happens if you walk for 15 minutes? 

The best thing about walking? The benefits start from the very beginning. Within the first one to two minutes, heart rate and blood flow start to increase. The muscle warms up. By five to 10 minutes, you will notice your mood improving. The neurologist added that the benefits go beyond that, and you will notice your stress levels going down and energy levels rising. In 10 to 15 minutes, your blood sugar control will improve. This is more evident if you walk after having a meal.

4 /7 20-30 minutes

 Even short bouts of walking improve your health. So it is no surprise that long walks would add more benefits. If you walk for 20 to 30 minutes, you will start to burn more calories. This walk will increase fat metabolism and help you with weight management. Another striking benefit of walking for half an hour is improvement in digestion. Your gut will thank you if you form a habit of walking for 30 minutes after lunch and dinner.

5 /7 Walking for 30-60 minutes 

If you walk for 30 to 45 minutes, your mental health will improve. Yes, that’s right. Walking is not just for your physical health; it can also improve your mental wellness. According to the neurologist, when you walk for 30 to 45 minutes, your body will release endorphins, and serotonin will increase, which will help you feel better. The anxiety and rumination will decrease, and you will feel better mental clarit

6 /7 What would happen if you walked for 45 minutes to 1 hour? 

Well, a lot. You will feel a lot happier. How? Because dopamine and other ‘feel-good’ brain chemicals will start to increase. If you walk regularly, it will improve your cardiovascular and brain health. “So, start walking. Any amount of walking is better than being sedentary (not moving),” the doctor suggests.

7 /7 Start today So start your fitness journey today. It doesn't matter whether you walk 5 or 10 minutes. Because every step counts. Start small, and then slowly increase your steps and walk towards better physical and mental health.

Docs remove 29 spoons, 19 toothbrushes, 2 pens from UP man’s stomach

Docs remove 29 spoons, 19 toothbrushes, 2 pens from UP man’s stomach

Rahul.Singh1@timesofindia.com 26.09.2025

Meerut : Surgeons at a private hospital in Hapur were stunned during an emergency operation when they extracted 29 steel spoons, 19 toothbrushes and two sharp pens from a 40-year-old patient’s stomach. The man, a resident of Bulandshahr, had been admitted to a de-addiction centre in Ghaziabad by his family a month earlier. Doctors said he had begun complaining of severe abdominal pain and was brought to the hospital after his condition worsened. 

An ultrasound showed multiple metallic objects lodged in his stomach, prompting immediate surgery. Dr Shyam Kumar, who led the operation on Sept 17, said the team was shocked by the number of items removed. “The patient was discharged on Thursday. He was now stable and recovering well,” he said. Doctors explained that this behaviour was associated with a psychological condition in which patients impulsively swallowed harmful objects. After the operation, the patient, who was married and had two children, told doctors he had swallowed the items in agitation. “My family took me to see a doctor at the facility but left me there,” he said. “They mistreated me there and often did not give me food. I felt helpless and angry, so I started swallowing things to hurt myself,” he added.

Doctors posts remain vacant in TN medical colleges; services and promotions affected

Doctors posts remain vacant in TN medical colleges; services and promotions affected

 Pushpa.Narayanan@timesofindia.com 25.09.2025

Chennai : At least 35% of doctors’ posts in the Directorate of Medical Education have been vacant, affecting the quality of services and delaying surgeries and treatment for patients at staterun medical college hospitals across the state. On Monday, members from the Tamil Nadu govt doctors’ association met health officials at the secretariat, urging the govt to conduct counselling for promotions to fill up vacancies. Positions such as assistant, associate, and professors in medical colleges and hospitals are not direct recruitments to the govt.

 “Doctors who join as medical officers in primary health centres get placed in teaching and non-teaching positions at medical colleges after they clear their postgraduation,” said TN govt doctors’ association president K Senthil. They join as assistant professors and become eligible for promotion to associate professor in five years. Three years from then, they are eligible to become professors. “On average, it takes seventeen years for govt doctors to become associate professors and at least eight years after that to become professors. To fill up vacancies, the govt must conduct promotion counselling for associate professors and professors every year. 

When that does not happen, it delays promotions further,” he said. For instance, the 2024 round of counselling for assistant to associate professor is still due because the state just completed the promotions for 2023. The 2025 round of counselling for posts of associate professors and professors is delayed. “We have posts of at least 400 professors, 800 associate professors, and 1,800 assistant professors vacant. All this is because officials failed to conduct promotions on time,” he said. This year, all 36 govt medical colleges in the state received show cause notices from the National Medical Commission, the apex body regulating medical education in India, for deficiencies. “One of the main deficiencies quoted was vacancies in faculty positions. Some depts had up to 80% vacancies,” said service doctors and postgraduates association state secretary A Ramalingam.

Man consults ChatGPT for diet advice, three months later diagnosed with bromide intoxication: Know what it is and how serious it can get

Man consults ChatGPT for diet advice, three months later diagnosed with bromide intoxication: Know what it is and how serious it can get

etimes.in | Aug 12, 2025, 07.51 AM IST

A man decides to overhaul his diet, he’s concerned about table salt (sodium chloride) and wants to eliminate chloride altogether. In comes ChatGPT, the AI advisor, suggesting a replacement… which ends up being sodium bromide. He takes the advice, skips normal salt, and starts adding sodium bromide to his meals. Fast forward three months, and things go off the rails. He’s in the emergency department (ED), experiencing full-blown psychiatric symptoms, paranoia, hallucinations, and all that.

The case has been published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine Clinical Cases.

Diagnostics? His lab results are weird, his blood shows what looks like high chloride levels, but it’s actually a false flag thanks to bromide messing with the measurements. Doctors look into it, hit up Poison Control, and land on bromism as the likely cause.

In the hospital, he’s thirsty and paranoid about drinking water, then starts hallucinating and tries to bolt out of the ward. That lands him in an involuntary psych hold, and he gets an antipsychotic along with fluids and electrolyte corrections. Slowly, things stabilize—his mental state clears, and he eventually admits he’d been following ChatGPT’s recommendation. He also mentions other symptoms: acne, weird red skin bumps (maybe a hypersensitivity reaction), muscle coordination issues, fatigue, insomnia, and an unrelenting thirst—all pointing toward bromide toxicity.

"This case also highlights how the use of artificial intelligence (AI) can potentially contribute to the development of preventable adverse health outcomes. Based on the timeline of this case, it appears that the patient either consulted ChatGPT 3.5 or 4.0 when considering how he might remove chloride from this diet. Unfortunately, we do not have access to his ChatGPT conversation log and we will never be able to know with certainty what exactly the output he received was, since individual responses are unique and build from previous inputs," the researchers have said.

"Thus, it is important to consider that ChatGPT and other AI systems can generate scientific inaccuracies, lack the ability to critically discuss results, and ultimately fuel the spread of misinformation. While it is a tool with much potential to provide a bridge between scientists and the nonacademic population, AI also carries the risk for promulgating decontextualized information, as it is highly unlikely that a medical expert would have mentioned sodium bromide when faced with a patient looking for a viable substitute for sodium chloride," they have warned.

What is bromide intoxication?

Bromide intoxication happens when too much bromide — a chemical element related to chlorine — builds up in your body. Bromide itself isn’t something you’ll normally find in your everyday food in high amounts. Bromide can still sneak into your system from certain medications, supplements, or imported products. The problem is, your body doesn’t get rid of bromide super quickly. It competes with chloride (yes, like in table salt) for space in your cells. When bromide sticks around, it starts messing with your nervous system.

Common symptoms? They can be sneaky and wide-ranging — headaches, confusion, memory problems, dizziness, slurred speech, tremors, and in severe cases, hallucinations or psychosis. Because the symptoms are vague, people sometimes go months without realizing bromide is the culprit.

How do people get it today?

Old or imported sedatives that still contain bromide compounds

Certain dietary supplements or “detox” products that use bromide salts without clear labeling

Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) in some soft drinks (less common now in the US, phased out in the UK and Canada)

Very rarely, exposure from industrial chemicals or contaminated water

If you keep taking in bromide faster than your body can flush it out, it accumulates — that’s when intoxication kicks in.

Diagnosis usually involves blood or urine tests to measure bromide levels. But here’s the catch: because bromide interferes with certain lab readings, it can look like you have a severe electrolyte imbalance when you don’t. That can lead to misdiagnosis unless the doctor specifically thinks to check for bromide.

Govt says NMC rules allow complaints against doctors

Govt says NMC rules allow complaints against doctors 

But Committee Cites Act To Reject All Patient Appeal Cases

Rema.Nagarajan@timesofindia.com  04.08.2025

Responding to a Parliament question on whether the National Medical Commission (NMC) was biased towards doctors, the health ministry has stated that the ethics regulation of 2002 provided for complaints against doctors. However, NMC’s ethics section has been rejecting all patient appeals, claiming the NMC Act prevails over the 2002 ethics regulation. 

The NMC Act states that doctors can file appeals against state medical council decisions. Referring to this, the ethics section has been dismissing all appeals filed by patients, claiming only doctors can file appeal, even though it is against the law. The NMC Act itself clearly states that “the rules and regulations made under the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956, shall continue to be in force and operate till new standards or requirements are specified under this Act or the rules and regulations made thereunder.” Since the Indian Medical Council Regulations, 2002, has not been replaced, it still stands. Clause 8.8 of the 2002 ethics regulation states, “Any person aggrieved by the decision of the State Medical Council on any complaint against a delinquent physician, shall have the right to file an appeal to the MCI within a period of 60 days from the date of receipt of the order passed by the said Medical Council.” 

Yet, over 162 appeals of patients have been rejected by the NMC. Union minister of state for health Anupriya Patel stated that “to ensure that the NMC functions in a transparent and fair manner”, the central govt appoints the chairperson and presidents of four autonomous boards as per the NMC Act, 2019. However, there is no transparency as even the minutes of meetings of the NMC and its autonomous boards are not available in the public domain, as used to be the case with the erstwhile Medical Council of India. Moreover, all autonomous boards, including the presidents posts are currently almost entirely vacant. 

The few minutes of the commission’s meetings accessed using RTI show that most nondoctor ex-officio members hardly ever attend meetings and, hence, most decisions are taken by commission members, almost most of whom are doctors. “I have complained to the health ministry and the law ministry by registered post about NMC rejecting patient appeals and hence I have proof. So, the health ministry cannot claim to have not received any complaints,” said Gokul Aneja, husband of a victim of alleged medical negligence, who appealed against the decision of the Punjab state medical council, only to have his appeal rejected twice.

Dead scorpion found in halwa in Tirunelveli

Dead scorpion found in halwa in Tirunelveli 

THE HINDU BUREAU TIRUNELVELI 17.07.2025

The Food Safety Department officials inspected a leading sweet stall and its kitchen here on Wednesday after dead scorpion was allegedly found in the halwa sold to a customer.

Suganthan of Keezha Azhagunatchiyaarpuram near Sankarankovil bought 1.50 kg halwa in five packets from a leading halwa shop in Tirunelveli Junction on last Sunday (July 13).

He reportedly found a dead scorpion in the delicacy in one of the packets when he opened it after reaching home. He released the video showing the dead venomous stinger in halwa with the voice accusing the shop for allegedly not showing due attention in preparing and packing the sweet.

“Since the shop has sold halwa with venomous scorpion, I’m planning to approach the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum,” the voice says.

After this disturbing visual was shared on social media, officials attached to the Department of Food Safety inspected the shop and the kitchen where halwa is prepared.

“We’ve served notice to the halwa shop and shared the visuals with the owner of the shop seeking his clarification on this issue. Based on our findings, we’ve asked the shop owner to take a few measures to ensure better housekeeping like fixing mesh in the windows and other holes in the kitchen through which the insects can enter. We’ve also lifted samples from the kitchen and sent for analysis. Based on the analysis report and our findings in the shop, due action will follow,” Designated Food Safety Officer, Tirunelveli, Pushparaj, said.

The halwa shop workers categorically denied that there was no chance for a scorpion getting packed along with halwa.

“We maintain superior cleanliness in the kitchen at any given time. Since halwa would be very hot when it is packed, it would even burn your skin if a small portion accidentally falls on you. So, no insect will come even closer to the hot pan. As we suspect a foul play in this issue, we’re planning to file a complaint with the police since this incident should not tarnish our credibility,” said sources in the shop.

Med tourism triumph: Kenyan.woman undergoes low-cost surgery at KGMU

Med tourism triumph: Kenyan.woman undergoes low-cost surgery at KGMU

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 06.07.2025

Lucknow : A Kenyan woman received life-changing treatment at KGMU, where she underwent a minimally invasive endoscopic spine surgery for just Rs 30,000. The same procedure would have cost her Rs 810 lakh in Kenya.

Beldina Morra Nyakundi, was suffering from lower back pain due to an L5-S1 intervertebral discherniation, a condition that can impair mobility. After exploring options in Kenya, she opted for advanced yet affordable care in India.

The surgery was conducted on July 2 by Prof Chhitij Srivastava from neurosurgery department,along with Dr Vishnu Vardhan and Dr Sahil Garg. Anaesthesia was administered undersupervision of anaesthesia department HOD Prof Monika Kohli.

Nyakundi said, “I was living in pain for years. What I experienced here — both in terms of care and cost — was beyond what I imagined. I feel hopeful again.”

Root Canal and Heart Attack: Exploring the link

Root Canal and Heart Attack: Exploring the link 

ETimes.in /   Updated: Jul 3, 2025, 13:25 IST 

1/7 Root Canal and Heart Attack: 

Exploring the link Not many people know that our oral health is closely related to our heart health. Poor oral hygiene, resulting in gum disease (periodontitis), is linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Over time, bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart, potentially causing heart issues. However, when it comes to dental procedures like Root canal (a dental procedure to repair and save a badly damaged or infected tooth), is there a direct link? We take a look at the connection.

 2/7 Infection can enter the bloodstream 

One of the main concerns is that bacteria from infected teeth or root canals can enter the bloodstream. When the root canal or surrounding tissue is infected, bacteria may spread beyond the mouth and travel through the blood to other parts of the body, including the heart.

Like explained earlier, this bacteria can cause inflammation in blood vessels or heart tissues, which over time can indeed cause a heart attack. Studies have found that bacteria involved in root canal infections, such as Porphyromonas endodontalis, can contribute to cardiovascular disease, by entering the bloodstream.

3 /7 Chronic inflammation 

Inflammation is the body's natural response to infection and usually subsides on its own, when the infection is healed. However, chronic infections in the root canal area cause ongoing inflammation in the body, which is extremely dangerous. This, in turn, can damage blood vessels, leading to the buildup of plaques in arteries—a process called atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis narrows arteries in the long-term, and can block blood flow to the heart, either partially or fully, leading to heart attacks. However, this process usually takes months or even years, and does not occur overnight.

4 /7 Poor oral health can lead to heart disease 

Poor dental health in general, including multiple root canal treatments or untreated tooth infections, have a higher risk of heart attacks. However, it needs to be noted that root canals cause heart attacks directly, but untreated infections and poor oral hygiene can be risk factors. Root canal treatment itself may sometimes be a marker indicating previous or ongoing dental infections that contribute to heart risk.Read Less

5 /7 Increase in bacteria 

During a root canal procedure, there is a small chance that bacteria can enter the bloodstream temporarily. This is called bacteremia. Although usually harmless in healthy people, bacteremia can cause problems in people with existing heart conditions or weakened immune systems.

This bacterial spread can trigger inflammation, or infect heart valves increasing the risk of heart complications, although this remains rare. Experts agree that when root canals are done properly, the risk is quite low, and there is no strong evidence that root canal treatment directly causes heart attacks in healthy individuals.Read Less

6 /7 Overall health

 If a root canal infection is left untreated, it can lead to chronic endodontic lesions—which are areas of infection and inflammation around the tooth root. These chronic infections act as a breeding ground of bacteria and inflammation in the body, and can make one extremely sick.

Doctors say that such chronic dental infections may worsen atherosclerosis, and increase the chance of cardiovascular events. Treating these infections immediately can help reduce this risk.

Sources

Gateway Dental – How Tooth Infections Can Lead to Heart Attack and Stroke

PMC – Endodontic Therapy and Incident Cardiovascular Disease (ARIC study)

Surbiton Smile Dentist – Root Canal Infection Linked to Heart Disease

PMC – Chronic Endodontic Infections and Cardiovascular DiseasesRead Less

7 /7 Safe procedure 

To sum it up,

root canal remains a safe procedure, but extra care should be taken in heart patients

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/root-canal-and-heart-attack-exploring-the-link/photostory/122202284.cms

At 94, this ‘paper thatha’ continues to wake up at 3.30 a.m. and deliver

At 94, this ‘paper thatha’ continues to wake up at 3.30 a.m. and deliver

60 newspapers across eight streets

Undeterred by age: Work is worship, says Shanmugasundaram, quoting

a Tamil proverb. Akhila Easwaran

Sahana Mira S.

CHENNAI 28.06.2025

At the age of 94, K. Shanmugasundaram goes by the name ‘paper thatha’ in his locality. Waking up before the arrival of dawn, 3.30 a.m. to be precise, he hops onto his bicycle.

Within the hour, he collects around 50 milk packets from a point in Gopalapuram, which he delivers door-to-door without missing a day. But his early morning ritual doesn’t end there.

With barely a pause to catch his breath, he goes onto his next task, where he delivers 60 newspapers across eight streets in Gopalapuram, starting from Padmavathi road.

Come rain or shine, this tireless routine has been a part and parcel of Mr. Shanmugasundaram’s life since the 2000s.

“Even when I am running a fever, I don’t miss a day. It is only because I deliver newspapers in this neighbourhood that I got the chance to cross paths with Kalaignar [M. Karunanidhi] and many other notable figures in the past,” he says.

After finishing his paper route, delivering both Tamil dailies and national English newspapers, he heads off to look after a wedding hall, where he reads inquisitively, word after word through the newspapers himself, right up until the mid-day. He shares that during the COVID-19 pandemic, his readership saw a decline. A hundred households that once had their newspaper subscription became 60 now.

“But I have never once thought about retiring and staying at home, even though my ten grandchildren urge me to. They are all well educated and constantly worry that I don’t get enough rest. But the secret to my happiness is being around people. So, I am never at home, I am always out and about on my bicycle,” says the 94-year-old, who takes care of his wife and has educated his five daughters and a son through the many jobs.

(Read the full report on: http://bit.ly/3GjoNNK)

Onco-physiotherapy: embedding exercise into cancer care

Onco-physiotherapy: embedding exercise into cancer care

Srinivasan Vijay

M.S. Satish  06.06.2025

“Movement is Medicine” is the mantra of physiotherapy. Physiotherapy is the field where a trained professional is dedicated to evaluating, assisting, and strengthening physical function and movement. It is grounded in the science of structured physical activity to enhance health and quality of life. “Onco-physiotherapy” is a dedicated branch of physiotherapy, with focussed programmes to assist cancer patients during all the stages of cancer care.

Cancer (diagnosis and treatment) can have a global impact on the patient and the family. The treatment comprises a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. This multi-modality treatment approach is the key to potential cure and better outcomes. However, the disease and the treatment can be debilitating. The journey to recovery post-treatment is not always smooth; it may be pervaded with pain, weakness, stiffness, fatigue, muscle wasting and reduced mobility. “We need more than just treatment to combat cancer; a dedicated field such as “onco-physiotherapy” works as a vital counter balance and perfect partner to negate some treatment side-effects and strengthen the body and mind of our patients,” stated V. Sridevi, senior surgical oncologist. At Cancer Institute hospital, we administer one-on-one physiotherapy sessions to our in-patients.

A vital aspect

Physiotherapy plays a vital role across the entire spectrum of cancer care, supporting patients through each phase of their journey. Before treatment (Prehabilitation), it enhances physical resilience, preparing patients to better tolerate cancer treatment and assist recovery. During and after treatment (Rehabilitation & Survivorship), targeted exercises help manage symptoms, reduce side effects, increase stamina and energy levels, restoring physical function, and enable a return to everyday life. After care (Palliative support) where physiotherapy supports comfort, mobility, and dignity, even within palliative care settings.

Prehabilitation is an essential phase before surgery and cancer treatment, helps strengthen patients both physically and mentally. Physiotherapy is a key component, offering customised exercises to boost fitness, strength, and flexibility, thereby minimising complications.

“A physiotherapy-driven approach reduces the length of hospital stay and readmissions, and improves surgical outcomes; all of which emphasises a proactive, patient-centered approach,” mentioned C. Punitha, anaesthesiologist.

“Physiotherapy not only focusses on cardiac fitness and mobility exercises, but also on breathing exercises. This is crucial in reducing post-treatment respiratory related complications such as pneumonia,” added S. Keerthika, physiotherapist.

Post-treatment, when patients return for their follow-up care to meet their doctors, they also come back to see their physiotherapists to work on improving their fitness and attend to any physical challenge.

“Cancer survivors are almost three times more likely to report fair or poor overall health, twice as likely to experience psychosocial disabilities and functional limitations compared to those without cancer or chronic illness. We have adopted globally established framework, such as The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health. This helps our physiotherapists to assess and address the multifaceted impacts of cancer. Such objective tools for assessment ensure a holistic rehabilitation approach,” remarked Anitha D., senior physiotherapist.

Patient’s mental health

For a majority of cancer patients, healing is not merely a physical process, it is also a deep wound at the psychological level. “Research has proven that exercise has a profound impact on mental well-being of cancer patients; from alleviation of depressive and anxiety symptoms to enhanced self-esteem and improved sleep,” remarks Surendran Veeriah, head of psycho-oncology department. Physical activity triggers the release of endorphins, natural chemicals in the body that make you feel well and help reduce pain and boost mood/energy. Regular moderate exercise can increase motivation and provide a natural, non-pharmacological way to cope with stress during and after cancer treatment.

Cancer-related fatigue

Cancer-related fatigue is frequently reported as the most debilitating and persistent symptom of cancer treatment. Guidelines recommend regular fatigue screening during all phases of treatment and survivorship.

Fatigue is not just a side effect, it is often the most distressing symptom reported by cancer patients. It can persist for months or even years post-treatment, hence regular exercise is crucial in the long-term.

Advances in cancer care have resulted in improved survival rates and an increase in survivors. A significant percentage of these survivors are young and in the working age group. Thus, it is imperative to focus on optimising their new normal via physiotherapy so we preserve their quality of life and their ability to resume work.

The benefits of regular physical exercise are overarching on global health (such as: improved cardiovascular parameters, respiratory function and mental health, reduction in obesity, diabetes and cancer, improved sleep and psychosocial well-being). Logically, “movement” should be the health mantra, not just for cancer patients, but for the general public as well. Sadly, we live in an era where there is a reduction in overall physical activity especially with the advent of smart devices.

Embedding exercise and gyms into our daily routines, workspaces should perhaps be the universal prescription for lasting health and well-being!

(Dr. Srinivasan Vijay is chief physiotherapist, and head, department of physiotherapy, Cancer Institute (WIA), Adyar. Dr. M.S. Satish is chief physiotherapist and Scientist D at the institute)

Covid tally past 1,000; symptoms mild, say docs

Covid tally past 1,000; symptoms mild, say docs 

India's Covid-19 cases have surpassed 1,000, with Delhi, Maharashtra, Kerala, and Gujarat experiencing a surge. Six deaths are reported across Maharashtra, Kerala, and Karnataka. Experts suspect new sub-variants evading immunity are driving the increase, though symptoms are reportedly mild. The situation is being closely monitored as the nation navigates this latest uptick in infections.

Durgesh Nandan JhaTNN

May 27, 2025, 5:01 IST

Covid tally past 1k; symptoms mild, say docs India's Covid-19 tally crossed the 1,000-mark on Monday with states like Delhi, Maharashtra, Kerala and Gujarat witnessing a sharp uptick in positive cases over the past week. There are 1,009 active cases currently. At least six deaths have also been reported so far: three from Maharashtra, two in Kerala and one from Karnataka. It's suspected that the current surge is being caused by the emergence of new sub-variants that can escape immunity developed through previous infection and vaccination. However, doctors and experts say these variants aren't causing severe symptoms.

Doctors failed, but ChatGPT, much before, informed her that all was not well with her health. And it came true

Doctors failed, but ChatGPT, much before, informed her that all was not well with her health. And it came true 

Doctors failed, but ChatGPT, much before, informed her that all was not well with her health. And it came true

ET Online  Last Updated: Apr 25, 2025, 12:44:00 PM IST

Synopsis Marly Garnreiter, a 27-year-old woman, experienced unusual symptoms and consulted ChatGPT for insight after her father's death from colon cancer. The AI tool suggested she might have blood cancer, which she initially dismissed. However, after her health deteriorated, she sought medical advice and was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, emphasizing the importance of listening to one's body. 

Marly Garnreiter, who lives in Paris, began experiencing unusual symptoms such as persistent night sweats and constant itching in early 2024. In today’s world, ChatGPT has become a go-to tool for many. From offering advice and helping with complex calculations to assisting with schoolwork, this AI-powered platform has revolutionized how people approach everyday tasks, making them quicker and easier. In a remarkable case, a 27-year-old woman shared that ChatGPT identified the possibility of her having cancer—before any medical expert could confirm it.

Marly Garnreiter, who lives in Paris, began experiencing unusual symptoms such as persistent night sweats and constant itching in early 2024. This started not long after she lost her father to colon cancer. Although her lab results showed nothing concerning, Marly assumed the symptoms were linked to grief and stress. Still uncertain, she decided to ask ChatGPT for insight.

To her astonishment, the AI tool suggested she might be suffering from a type of blood cancer.

"It told me I could have blood cancer. My friends didn’t believe it and insisted I should only trust medical professionals," she told the Daily Mail.

At first, Marly dismissed the idea, thinking the suggestion was far-fetched. However, her health gradually deteriorated. As she began experiencing sharp chest pains and overwhelming fatigue, she finally sought professional medical advice. After further examinations, she was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma—a form of cancer that begins in white blood cells and affects the lymphatic system.

“It felt incredibly unjust. I couldn’t bear the thought of putting my loved ones through another battle with cancer,” Marly shared emotionally. She also emphasized how crucial it is to pay attention to signs from our own bodies. “We need to be more in tune with our health and not ignore what it’s telling us,” she added.

Marly is now receiving treatment for her condition and remains hopeful.

What Is Hodgkin Lymphoma? Hodgkin lymphoma—also known as Hodgkin’s disease—is a cancer that impacts the lymphatic system, which plays a central role in the body's immune defenses. This illness begins in the lymph nodes but can spread to other parts of the body over time.

Fortunately, Hodgkin lymphoma is often very treatable, especially when identified early. Treatment approaches may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or even targeted drug therapy, depending on the case.

Patient follows doctor and seeks consultation while he was jogging: This is what the doc did

 Patient follows doctor and seeks consultation while he was jogging: This is what the doc did

etimes.in | Apr 9, 2025, 04.00 PM IST

Have you ever been taken aback by a life lesson that a doctor taught you? Here's one such lesson taught by Dr Sudhir Kumar who recently shared an incident that talks about self-care in volumes.

Dr Sudhir Kumar's post on social media talks about self-care and why it is important. In a country, where there are few doctors to attend to hundreds and thousands of patients, Dr Kumar's post is a lesson for all the doctors who find less time to take care of themselves. The life of doctors in India is a mix of dedication, pressure, and purpose. From long, demanding study years to intense hospital shifts, their journey is filled with sacrifice. Many work extended hours, often in overcrowded hospitals with limited resources, especially in public healthcare.

"A few days back while running, a person on his two-wheeler stopped beside me, and requested a follow-up consultation (he had consulted me about six weeks earlier). I requested him to consult me at hospital. When he visited me at the hospital a few days later, he was upset that I gave more importance to running that doing a follow-up consultation (on the road). I told him: I care about my health and there is a proper place (and time) for medical consultation. He was still not convinced with my explanation," Dr Kumar has posted on social media platform X.

"I remember my train journeys from CMC Vellore (Tamil Nadu) to Bokaro (Bihar, now Jharkhand) in 90s. Journey was about 40 hours+. The moment co-passengers got to know that I am a doctor, the entire journey would become a place for consultation, second opinion, and all sorts of medical advice. Later on, when asked about my job during journeys, I used to say, I work as an office assistant," he writes.

Netizens and fellow doctors were quick to respond.

"I stopped using Dr as a prefix when I was awoken from sleep to tend to a train passenger. No 'thank you' followed. Responding to requests of air hostesses to rush to a hypoglycaemic patient and keep sitting beside him thro the journey, I expected gratitude," one X user has commented.

"It happens in family weddings as well. We have a cousin who is a doctor. Whenever we all assemble for a wedding in that city, each one of us discuss our health issues to get some solutions or ideas on how to proceed, especially oldies," writes another.

Read the post here:

Why self-care is less talked about in medical profession?

In the medical profession, self-care often takes a backseat due to the deeply ingrained culture of self-sacrifice and constant service. From the earliest stages of training, doctors are taught to prioritize patients above all else. Long hours, minimal sleep, and emotional detachment are often seen as badges of honor—symbols of dedication. As a result, many healthcare professionals internalize the belief that taking care of their own well-being is a sign of weakness or lack of commitment.

The fear of judgment or stigma plays a role. Admitting to stress, anxiety, or burnout may be perceived as incompetence or an inability to cope with the pressures of the job. This discourages open conversations about mental health and self-care within the medical community.

Systemic issues also contribute. Overburdened hospitals, staff shortages, and the relentless demand for care leave little time or space for self-care practices. Even institutional policies often fail to address the wellness needs of healthcare workers.

The irony is stark: those trained to heal others often neglect themselves. However, this relentless commitment can lead to physical exhaustion, emotional fatigue, and mental burnout. Long working hours, sleep deprivation, emotionally charged situations, and the constant pressure to perform flawlessly take a toll on their overall well-being. This is why self-care is not a luxury for doctors—it’s a necessity.

Regular sleep, balanced nutrition, physical activity, and moments of rest and reflection are essential to sustain their energy and focus. Mental health support, mindfulness practices, and taking breaks from high-pressure environments allow them to process stress and prevent compassion fatigue.

When doctors take care of themselves, they’re more resilient, empathetic, and better equipped to handle the demands of their profession. A well-rested, emotionally balanced doctor is less prone to errors and more capable of forming meaningful connections with patients.