Mumbai co may become 1st in India to offer anti-retroviral drug for Covid

Rupali.Mukherjee@timesgroup.com

Mumbai  23.04.2020

 In an indication of innovation in pharmaceuticals for Covid, Mumbai-based Glenmark may become the first company in India to offer an anti-retroviral, a class of drugs which has shown promise, and is being used as a potential treatment for the virus. Glenmark has developed antiretroviral (ARV) drug, Favipiravir, which has shown positive results globally, and has applied for regulatory approval for trials in India, sources told TOI.

Faviparir has demonstrated good results against influenza viruses, including those that are oseltamivir-resistant, and has been approved in Japan and China. Globally, it is either anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine, or anti-retrovirals/anti-virals like Favipiravir, Remdesivir and Lopinavir, that are increasingly being used for Covid treatment.

Japanese company Fujifilm sells the drug, Favipiravir, under the brand, Avigan, which has been approved in Japan since 2014 to treat influenza, and other viral strains that don’t respond to other therapies. The drug which was earlier used to treat Ebola, became off-patent last year, which implies generic versions can possibly be launched anywhere in the world. When contacted, Glenmark confirmed it has submitted its application to Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) for marketing approval of Favipiravir.

Full report on www.toi.in

UNUSUAL SIGHT: Crows and a rat share food left by people on the roadside in New Delhi on Wednesday

Govt cautious on rapid test kits from China

Sachin.Parashar@timesgroup.com

New Delhi  23.04.2020

: Amid concerns raised in India about the quality of rapid test kits recently purchased from China, the Chinese embassy said it will keep “close communication” with Indian agencies and provide them necessary assistance, seeking to reassure opinion here that any issues will be resolved.

Government sources here said they will wait to hear from ICMR on whether or not the kits were faulty before they take any decision to pursue the matter with Beijing. The government is treading cautiously on the issue as it remains in the process of acquiring vital medical equipment from China in its fight against Covid-19. As of Wednesday it appeared that the issue may have been more about protocols and designated use.

The ICMR “clarified’’ to top government officials on Tuesday that these kits can show positive reports only after 7 days (time taken by a body to produce detectable antibodies). ICMR officials have also said the rapid tests are new to India and their use and efficacy will be gauged over time.

Top government sources also said ICMR was directly involved in the purchase of the kits.

“Noticed reports concerning rapid testing kits. #China attaches great importance to the quality of exported medical products. Will keep close communication with #Indian concerned agency and provide necessary assistance,’’ tweeted the Chinese embassy spokesperson.

Full report on www.toi.in

DECISION PENDING: ICMR officials have also said the rapid tests are new to India and their use and efficacy will be gauged over time

Pinarayi in the dock for deal with US firm to share Covid-19 patients’ data

Oppn Plea In HC Seeks Quashing Of Agreement Between Kerala Govt & Firm

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Kochi:23.04.2020

Kerala’s leader of the opposition Ramesh Chennithala on Wednesday filed a petition in the Kerala high court demanding that the agreement between the state government and US-based company Sprinklr for sharing data of Covid-19 patients be quashed, even as chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan who is in the eye of the Sprinklr storm remained in denial.

The LDF government has been pushed to the wall ever since charges surfaced that the government had not done due diligence while collecting sensitive Covid-19 data or to ensure that this data didn’t fall into the wrong hands. On Tuesday, the high court said it cannot, prima facie, agree to the state government’s stance that data of Covid-19 patients and suspects being shared with Sprinklr is not sensitive or privileged. Sprinklr reportedly has links to pharma giant Pfizer.

On Tuesday, in an attempt at damage control, the state government constituted a committee - comprising former additional chief secretary (health) Rajeev Sadanandan and IT expert and former Union civil aviation secretary M Madhavan Nambiar - to inquire into the allegations of breach of rules and privacy in the agreement with Sprinklr. However, Chennithala said the two-member committee had no power to conduct an inquiry into an international deal and cannot summon the necessary documents or interrogate the chief minister who is also the minister for IT.

The high court on Tuesday had questioned the need for engaging a third party software as a service provider when the number of patients in Kerala was very low. “There is only one thing that we are concerned about... how can you guarantee us that the data is remaining confidential? Just guarantee us that,” the HC observed.

The additional advocate general responded that around 80 lakh persons may have to be screened and that their data is being stored in central government-approved Amazon cloud service.

The CPM continued to support Vijayan, arguing that the government had the right to take extraordinary steps in extraordinary situations. “The government has the responsibility to take unusual steps to save the lives of people. Existing laws provide the government the right to do that. Life of people and wellbeing of the society is more important at this juncture than individual freedom,” a statement issued by the state secretariat here said.

After opposition parties started baying for Vijayan’s blood in the alleged data security breach, state IT secretary M Sivasankar had claimed sole responsibility. He said Vijayan had given him permission to go ahead with the plans to use the service of Sprinklr, run by a Malayali entrepreneur based in the US.

Full report on www.toi.in

IN A SOUP: Pinarayi Vijayan

Kerala to cut salaries of staff for some days in a mth

Thiruvananthapuram: Brushing aside the protest raised by the opposition and service organisations against a mandatory salary cut for government employees, Kerala cabinet on Wednesday decided to go ahead with the plan of collecting a month’s salary from government employees, teachers, university staff and state public sector unit employees. The amount would be collected in equal instalments for a period of five months.

Announcing the cabinet decision at his news conference, chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the government was not in a position to heed to the protests against salary cut. “Proportionate salary for six days of a month will be deducted when salary payment is made. In this fashion, 30 days’ salary would be cut in five months. This would be applicable to government employees, teachers, university staff, employees of state public sector units and government undertakings. However, employees drawing less than ₹20,000 a month would be exempted from the compulsory deduction,” the CM said. TNN

26 hide in truck to go home, caught

Stranded Workers Were On Way To Raj

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

23.04.2020

Namakkal: The Namakkal police on Wednesday seized a container truck carrying 26 people from Rajasthan here on Tuesday evening. They have been kept at a government college near Paramathi-Velur.

Namakkal SP R Arularasu said they were guest workers working or looking for jobs in Kerala. They got stranded in the state after lockdown was announced and were trying to get back home. The truck was intercepted at a check-post on the Karur-Bengaluru national highway, said Arularasu.

The truck driver, Subjeer Singh of Uttar Pradesh, initially refused to open the container for inspection. “However, our police officials overpowered him and opened the container,” the SP said.

The police officials then found 26 people crammed in the container. During inquiry, it was revealed that they had gone to Thiruvananthapuram to find jobs through an agent in March. “However, they got stranded in Kerala after the lockdown was announced,” the SP said. Most of them lost their jobs after the lockdown.

They began struggling for food and shelter, and finally decided to go back to Rajasthan. They travelled on foot from Kerala to Karur via Theni and Dindigul. “While walking on the national highway, they spotted a container truck in Karur bearing a Rajasthan registration number,” the SP said, adding that the truck was meant for transporting vehicles and was parked on the roadside near Paramathi-Velur in Namakkal district.

Police officials sheltered them in a government-aided arts and science college. Health officials lifted blood and throat swabs from them.

IN DESPERATION: The guest workers lost their jobs in Kerala after the lockdown was announced

24 booked for illegal travel

Madurai: A case has been registered by the Tirunelveli police against 24 people for travelling illegally from Chennai to Tirunelveli in a mini goods vehicle on Tuesday night. All the 24 have been placed under quarantine at a government hostel. Samples were collected from them and the results are awaited. TNN

₹1.25cr toll collected from 48 plazas since April 20

Shanmughasundaram.J@timesgroup.com

Chennai:23.04.2020

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has collected toll to the tune of ₹1.25 crore in 48 plazas -- 22 in Madurai region and 26 in Chennai region -- after resuming toll collection on April 20 The NHAI authorities predicted a gradual increase in toll collection in the coming days as the government would relax the restrictions. “The collection made on the first day was one third of the toll collection on regular days. On regular days, the toll collection will range from ₹4.25 crore to ₹5 crore,” said a NHAI official.

Meanwhile, toll fee has been increased by 3% to 5% in 26 plazas in the state as per the annual hike of user fee based on the wholesale price index as per provisions of the National Highways Fee (determination of rates and collection) Rules, 2008. It would augment the toll fee collection from Rs5 to ₹15 for various categories of vehicles.

“Though the toll fee increased in 26 toll plazas, the traffic is less. It has brought down the toll collection to ₹1.25 crore,” said the official and added that around Rs115 crore of toll collections was lost in the last 27 days due to the nationwide lockdown.

The authorities have expressed concern over truck, lorry operators, merchants’ associations’ plea to forgo the toll collections and hike of toll fee until normalcy returns. “It is a difficult time for every sector following the unprecedented situation. But, it is essential to collect toll to maintain the roads and related infrastructure and implement the pending projects,” said a senior NHAI official.

Bar council funds cross ₹1cr, lawyers to get aid soon

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:23.04.2020

The Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, which has mobilised more than ₹67 lakh as lockdown relief fund for lawyers, got another ₹45 lakh from Bar Council of India (BCI) on Wednesday.

A cheque for the sum was handed over by BCI vice-chairman and senior advocate S Prabakaran to state bar council chairman P S Amalraj. With this the state council now has more than ₹1.12 crore, to be distributed to deserving indigent lawyers affected by lockdown and loss of business.

It was Justice S M Subramaniam who mooted the idea of bar council extending financial assistance to lawyers. “We have received more than 11,000 applications from lawyers seeking financial assistance. We will shortly scrutinise the claims and start handing over cheques,” said Prabakaran. The quantum of relief will be decided once the relief fund is consolidated and final count of beneficiaries is drawn, he said.

3 zones account for 57% +ve cases

‘Effective Action Stops Spread In Other Areas’

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:23.04.2020

The Royapuram, Thiru Vi Ka Nagar, Tondiarpet zones, all neighbours, have accounted for 57% of the total Covid-19 positive cases in the city so far, 204 of the 358 cases. On Tuesday, official data showed, the three zones accounted for 36 of the 55 positive cases in the city, with Royapuram, a Covid-19 hotspot, reporting 24 new cases and taking its total to 116 by Wednesday.

A senior Greater Chennai Corporation official said Tuesday’s spurt was only a day’s aberration and the city’s average was consistent with the overall state average and on a downward trend. “Of the 55 cases recorded on Tuesday, only two were new. The rest were from clusters identified by contact tracing.”

Like the rest of TN, the initial cases in Chennai too were from the same cluster and those tested positive initially are from these three zones, said a health department official.

“The zones, especially Royapuram, comprise localities with narrow streets and buildings with common staircases. In fact, when we began contact tracing, we did not restrict it to the immediate family members alone. Residents of whole buildings were taken for testing and it is still in process,” an official said.

Fisheries minister D Jayakumar, Royapuram MLA, told TOI the corporation and government agencies were working to ensure there is no community spread in Royapuram and across North Chennai. “Though it is a challenging situation, we are dealing it efficiently. People need not fear,” Jayakumar said. A zonal official said around 5,000 litres of disinfectants were sprayed across Royapuram zone The corporation said effective containment had ensured there was no spread to South Chennai. “Of the 420sqkm area of the city, positive cases are restricted to about 2sq km.”

Apart from these three in North Chennai, Anna Nagar, Teynampet and Kodambakkam account for 104 cases and the six zones share 85 % of the positive cases in the city.

The official said the case of journalists testing positive had thrown a new challenge. The office of the television channel where 26 people tested positive is located in the Royapuram zone. “It is going to be tough to trace everyone who came in contact with the reporters as reporters are always on the move and have the highest possibility of infecting others,” another official said.

As on date, the corporation has 118 set up containment zones in the city.

On Tuesday, official data showed, Royapuram, Thiru Vi Ka Nagar, Tondiarpet zones accounted for 36 of the 55 positive cases in the city, with Royapuram, a Covid-19 hotspot, reporting 24 new cases and taking its total to 116 by Wednesday

Medical university identifies vaccine candidate

23.04.2020

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Tamil Nadu Dr MGR Medical University announced a potential vaccine candidate against SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus causing COVID-19.

For almost three weeks, the department of immunology along with senior professors have identified a synthetic polypetide that prevents the virus from entering the human cell or reproduce within cells, university vice-chancellor Dr Sudha Seshayyan said. Synthetic polypetides are important polymers in protein science that consist of a repeating sequence of certain amino acids or substance that make a protein.

“These compounds were able to bind the epitope of the viral gene. This means the compound is able to stop the specific piece of the antigen to which an antibody binds, offering protection against the virus,” she said. Nevertheless, all these were conclusions drawn by the institution as a part of the simulated docking experiments.

Immunology department scholar Dr Tammanna Bajantri along with senior professors Dr C Pushkala and Dr Srinivasan have been working on the reverse vaccinology -- the process of antigen discovery starting from genome information – and are now looking for collaborations to start laboratory experiments.

It will take at least a few more weeks for the scientists to do larger experiments in the laboratory before it is taken for animal studies and clinical trials. “The vaccine is at least a year away. What we are seeing now is the first step in that long journey,” she said.

In March, the state health department had urged the university to conduct a series of pharmacological and epidemiological research with help the government frame treatment protocol and policies. The university will identify partners it can collaborate for research on the vaccine candidate.

6-day salary cut for Kerala govt staff for 5 mths

Brushing aside protests by the opposition and staff, the Kerala cabinet on Wednesday decided to go ahead with a proposal to cut a month’s salary for all government employees drawing more than ₹20,000, including doctors and nurses, in five instalments of six days a month from May to September. CM Vijayan said employees’ willingness in the issue is immaterial in the context of the crisis brought upon the state by the pandemic. P 7

மன அழுத்தம் போக்க டாக்டர்களுக்கு யோகா

Added : ஏப் 22, 2020 02:10

தஞ்சாவூர்:தஞ்சாவூர் மருத்துவக் கல்லுாரி மருத்துவமனையில், கொரோனா தடுப்பு பணியில் உள்ள டாக்டர்களுக்கு, மன அழுத்தத்தை போக்கும் வகையில், யோகா பயிற்சி அளிக்கப்பட்டது.

தஞ்சாவூர், அரசு மருத்துவக் கல்லுாரி மருத்துவமனையில், கொரோனா நோயாளிளுக்கும், நோய் அறிகுறியுடன் உள்ளவர்களுக்கும், டாக்டர்கள், மருத்துவ பணியாளர்கள், இரவு பகலாக சிகிச்சை அளிக்கின்றனர்.இதனால், அவர்களின் மன அழுத்ததை போக்கும் வகையில், நேற்று, யோகா மற்றும் மூச்சு பயிற்சி அளிக்கப்பட்டது.

இந்த யோகா பயிற்சி வகுப்பை, தஞ்சாவூர் மண்டல கொரோனா தடுப்பு குழு அலுவலர், சண்முகம், கலெக்டர், கோவிந்தராவ் ஆகியோர் துவக்கி வைத்தனர். முன்னதாக, கொரோனா நோய்த் தொற்றால் உயிரிழந்த டாக்டர்களுக்கு ஒரு நிமிட மவுன அஞ்சலி செலுத்தப்பட்டது.

கொரோனா தடுப்புக்குழு அலுவலர் சண்முகம், நிருபர்களிடம் கூறியதாவது:நோய் எதிர்ப்பு சக்தி பலமாக இருந்தால் மட்டுமே, நோய்த்தொற்றை எதிர்த்து போராட முடியும். எனவே, நோய் எதிர்ப்பு சக்தியை அதிகரிக்கும் வகையில், கொரோனா தடுப்பு பணியில் ஈடுபட்டுள்ள டாக்டர்கள், மருத்துவ பணியாளர்கள் மற்றும் போலீசாருக்கு யோகா பயிற்சி அளிக்கப்பட உள்ளது.

இதற்காக, எலுமிச்சைச் சாறு, இஞ்சி, துளசி, மிளகு, தேன், பெரிய நெல்லிக்காய் போன்ற பொருட்களை கொண்டு, வைட்டமின் சி நிறைந்த, குடிநீர் பானம் வழங்கப்பட உள்ளது.இந்த பானத்தில், எந்த ஒரு பக்கவிளைவும் இல்லை. கொரோனா சிகிச்சை பெற்று தற்போது குணமடைந்து, தொடர் கண்காணிப்பில் வைக்கப்பட்டுள்ளவர்களுக்கும், இந்த பானம் வழங்கப்படுகிறது.இவ்வாறு அவர் கூறினார்.

எம்.பி.பி.எஸ்., உள் ஒதுக்கீடு நிபுணர் குழு ஆலோசனை

Added : ஏப் 22, 2020 00:48

சென்னை:அரசு பள்ளி மாணவர்களுக்கு, மருத்துவ படிப்பில் உள் ஒதுக்கீடு வழங்குவது குறித்து, அரசு அமைத்துள்ள நிபுணர் குழு ஆய்வு நடத்தியது.

தமிழக பள்ளிகளில் படிக்கும், பிளஸ் 2 மாணவர்கள், மருத்துவ படிப்பில் சேர, 'நீட்' நுழைவு தேர்வு எழுத வேண்டும். அதில், அரசு பள்ளி மாணவர்களுக்கு மட்டும், உள் ஒதுக்கீடு வழங்க, தமிழக அரசு முடிவு செய்துள்ளது.இது குறித்து, ஆய்வு செய்வதற்கு, உயர் நீதிமன்ற நீதிபதி, கலையரசன் தலைமையில், நிபுணர் குழு அமைக்கப்பட்டது.

இந்த குழு, ஏற்கனவே இரண்டு முறை கூடி ஆலோசனை நடத்தியது. நேற்று, மூன்றாம் முறையாக கூடியது.அப்போது, மாணவர்களின் பட்டியலை, பள்ளி கல்வித் துறை அதிகாரிகள் சமர்ப்பித்துள்ளனர். ஊரடங்கு முழுவதுமாக தளர்த்தப்பட்ட பின், மருத்துவ கல்வித் துறை அதிகாரிகளுடன் ஆலோசனை நடத்தவுள்ளதாக, நிபுணர் குழு வட்டாரங்கள் தெரிவித்தன.

மூன்று லட்சம் பேர் ரூ.1,000 வாங்கவில்லை

Added : ஏப் 22, 2020 00:08

சென்னை:ரேஷன் கடைகளில், கார்டுதாரர்களுக்கு, தலா, 1,000 ரூபாய் என, நேற்று வரை, 1,980 கோடி ரூபாய் வழங்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.

கொரோனா ஊரடங்கு கால நிவாரணமாக, தமிழகத்தில், 2.01 கோடி அரிசி கார்டுதாரர்களுக்கு, தலா, 1,000 ரூபாயுடன், இம்மாதத்திற்கு உரிய ரேஷன் பொருட்கள் இலவசமாக வழங்கப் படுகின்றன.இவற்றை வாங்க விரும்பாதவர்கள், பொது வினியோக திட்ட இணையதளம் வாயிலாக, அரசுக்கு விட்டு கொடுக்கலாம் என, தெரிவிக்கப்பட்டது.

நேற்று வரை, 1.98 கோடி கார்டுதாரர்களுக்கு, 1,980 கோடி ரூபாய் வழங்கப்பட்டுள்ளது. 3,000 பேர் நிவாரணம் வேண்டாம் என, அரசுக்கு விட்டு கொடுத்துள்ளனர். நிவாரண தொகை வாங்காதவர் கள், வரும், 30ம் தேதி வரை வாங்கலாம் என, உணவு துறை தெரிவித்துள்ளது.ஏற்கனவே, பொங்கல் பரிசு தொகுப்பை, 2 லட்சம் கார்டுதாரர்கள் வாங்காத நிலையில், தற்போது, 3 லட்சம் கார்டுதாரர்கள், தற்போதைய நிவாரணத்தையும் வாங்காமல் உள்ளனர்.

Out of sight, out of mind? Not in the case of Governor Sreedharan Pillai

Pillai, who was the president of BJP's Kerala state unit before his appointment to the gubernatorial post, closely keeps track of the developments and needs of his home state.

Published: 21st April 2020 10:44 PM 

Mizoram Governor Sreedharan Pillai. (Photo| EPS)

By Sovi Vidyadharan

Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: 'Out of sight, out of mind' - the adage may hold true for a few people who assume the post of Governor in a state, far away from one's native. But not in the case of Mizoram Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai.

Pillai, who was the president of BJP's Kerala state unit before his appointment to the gubernatorial post, closely keeps track of the developments and needs of his home state, in addition to his official responsibilities. Pillai mobilised Rs 10 lakh from business groups and donated to the Kerala Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF).

In his personal capacity, Pillai donated Rs 5 lakh to the PM Cares Fund for Covid-19 relief and also Rs 2 lakh to the Kerala CMDRF. But the special effort he took in bringing back to Kerala the body of a Keralite, who died in Nagaland, earned him platitudes. Pillai had to cut through red tape during the lockdown period to get the task done.

"The man was a mason working with the Army's engineering wing. After his family made repeated requests to the Pillai, he immediately contacted his counterpart R N Ravi in Nagaland," said a close aide of the Mizoram Governor. 

Owing to suspension of civilian flights, the body from Nagaland seemed impossible. After discussions with top military representatives, both the Governors of Nagaland and Mizoram ensured that the body was flown to Kerala in a special military aircraft, which usually entails an expense of around Rs 50 lakh. Besides, the provision of special military aircraft is reserved only for VIPs but the Governors convinced the military establishment to make an exception. Pillai spoke to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan over the phone and ensured that all arrangements were made to take the body to Chettikulangara for the funeral once it landed at Kochi naval airport, said the aide.

Life-saving intervention

Pillai also intervened in saving the life of a man from Kollam who underwent a kidney surgery a few weeks ago in Kochi and is presently working in Mizoram.

After the supply of a rare post-operative life-saving drug was about to end, the man contacted a Yuva Morcha leader in Kollam who brought the matter to the notice of the Governor.

"The Governor's office made inquiries and found that the nearest place where the drug was available was Guwahati. He got in touch with the state DGP and ensured it was brought via road through an arduous journey that takes 12-hours one side," said the aide.

Pillai regularly reads the internet edition of all newspapers from Kerala and watches television news to keep abreast of developments in the state. An author of over 110 books, Pillai is also penning a number of poems since his appointment to the Governor's post. The anthology of poems is slated for release soon.

Deceased doctor Simon Hercules' wife appeals to CM for fresh burial

Government doctors have said that they will attend duty wearing a black badge as a mark of protest.

Published: 22nd April 2020 05:54 AM 

By Express News Service

CHENNAI: Wife of deceased doctor Simon Hercules has made an emotional appeal to Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami to bury her husband’s body as per their customs at the Kilpauk cemetery. In a video, Anandi says it was her husband’s last wish to be buried as per their customs. The sealed coffin can be taken out and buried at Kilpauk, she said. 

She appealed to the Chief Minister to ensure a proper burial for her husband. On Saturday, Simon, who was the MD of a private hospital, died of corona at a private hospital in the city. He was buried amid protests and violence at a ground on New Avadi Road. An angry mob that gathered there vandalised the ambulance and left the hospital and civic workers bleeding. 

IT employees should work from home till May 3: Minister

Udhayakumar said the slide in the growth of the Information Technology sector could be redeemed in the later period but not the lives of people.

Published: 22nd April 2020 06:04 AM 

By Express News Service

CHENNAI: Revenue and Information Technology Minister RB Udhayakumar on Tuesday urged the employees of Information Technology companies in the State to continue to work from home until May 3 since the Tamil Nadu government has decided not to relax the restrictions for extended period of lockdown to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.

Reviewing the Corona related works of Revenue Department here, the Minister said 80 percent of the persons who contract this virus remain asymptomatic for a long time and the government values the human lives as more important than anything.

Udhayakumar said the slide in the growth of the Information Technology sector could be redeemed in the later period but not the lives of people. As such, the employees of IT sector should continue adhere to the norms for lockdown till May 3.

‘80% asymptomatic’

Reviewing the Corona related works of Revenue Department here, the Minister said 80 percent of the persons who contract this virus remain asymptomatic for a long time and the government values the human lives as more important than anything

Traditional medicine’s ‘therapeutic trial’ begins in Tamil Nadu

The idea is to understand and validate the positive effect of traditional medicine on the immune system, which is critical in human repose to infectious disease.

Published: 22nd April 2020 06:04 AM |

By SV Krishna Chaitanya

Express News Service

CHENNAI: In a significant move, a team of yoga and naturopathy experts have started India’s first therapeutic trial on a small ‘experimental group’ of people who are either under quarantine or are undergoing treatment at five medical colleges in Tamil Nadu. The idea is to understand and validate the positive effect of traditional medicine on the immune system, which is critical in human repose to infectious disease.

These interventions based on Indian traditional medicine and practices are not a ‘cure’, but go hand-in-hand with approved allopathic medical protocol. Even Centre is showing inclination towards this line of treatment with Department of Science and Technology calling for proposals to study appropriate intervention of yoga and meditation in fighting COVID-19.

The medical colleges where these services are provided are Omandurar Medical College, Stanley Medical College, Kilpauk Medical College, Vellore Medical College, and Thoothukudi Medical College. Rajendra Ratnoo, special officer appointed by Centre for Tamil Nadu to handle Covid-19-related works told Express that a detailed protocol was being readied for data collection, research and validation by a committee headed by Dr N Manavalan, Principal, Government Yoga and Naturopathic Medical College and Hospital, Chennai.

“The impact of these therapeutic interventions was being recorded for the patients in the experimental group - where these therapies are given and will be compared with the Covid-19 patients in control group where these yoga and naturopathic interventions are not there due to unwillingness of patients. Very excited about the outcome of this study. If successful, this will have potential to be replicated not only in India but also other countries,” Ratnoo said.

When contacted, Dr N Manavalan told Express that the study was in preliminary stage. “We have given a detailed coronavirus infection prevention and management guidelines through yoga and naturopathy for the doctors to imbibe among patients in the experimental group. This includes giving prescribed quantity of natural immune boosting fresh juices and hot drink. Also, hydrotherapy, aromatherapy, sun bath, acupuncture, yoga therapy and kriya (cleansing techniques in Yoga). We will later scientifically review the collected data.”

Long wait for pregnant nurses in Saudi Arabia

40 Malayali nurses in Gulf country approach Ministry of External Affairs & state govt seeking help to return home

Published: 22nd April 2020 06:44 AM 

By Manoj Viswanathan

Express News Service

KOCHI: They are all in advanced stages of pregnancy and are unable to get medical care as most of the hospitals have shut down the outpatient departments. Many of them are first-time moms and they are unable to cope with the anxiety as there is no relative around to attend them. As many as 40 Malayali nurses, serving at various hospitals in Saudi Arabia, have approached the Ministry of External Affairs and Kerala government seeking help to return home.

“I was working under the Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia as a nurse and had resigned last month preparing to return home for delivery. I am into the 35th week of pregnancy and I am staying alone at King Saud Hospital in Thaif. The hospital is a Covid care centre and a staff in the labour ward was recently tested positive. Though there are many Malayali nurses around, many of them are attending Covid patients which makes close contact risky,” Dona Sunny, a native of Bison Valley in Idukki district, told TNIE over the phone. Dona’s husband Sarath is stranded in Kuwait after the hotel where he worked was closed down due to the outbreak.

“Only women who have completed 37 weeks of pregnancy are provided medical care at hospitals. In case of an emergency, only the patient will be shifted to hospital in an ambulance and no bystander is allowed. As the chances of getting proper medical care during delivery are scarce, we have approached the MEA to evacuate us,” said Dona. Though the nurses contacted the Indian Embassy at Riyadh and Jiddah, they were told the request will be prioritised if the Indian government decides to evacuate people.

“We had contacted the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, but there is no positive reply on evacuation. There is no gynaecology department in the hospital where we work. We are depending on clinics for medical care and there is uncertainty on availing hospital admission for delivery,” said Amala Varghese, who works at a hospital in Riyadh. 

Idukki MP Dean Kuriakose, who contacted Union Minister for External Affairs S Jaishankar, said the minister did not give any assurance of evacuation. “The reply is disappointing. The ministry said no special flights are planned at this juncture and advised people to stay where they are. The government will keep reviewing the situation and is constantly working on all the options. As the case of the pregnant nurses is a unique one, the government should consider their appeal with compassion,” he said.

Dire straits

With most hospitals having shut down their outpatient departments, the nurses are unable to avail medical care

The current practice is such that only women who have completed at least 37 weeks of pregnancy receive proper treatment

Plasma therapy briefing for patients in Andhra Pradesh

The ICMR is set to start clinical trials for convalescent plasma therapy, though it is already being done in Kerala, Punjab and New Delhi.

Published: 22nd April 2020 08:39 AM 

By Jayanth P

Express News Service

VIJAYAWADA: People who recover from COVID-19 in Andhra Pradesh will be counselled about convalescent plasma therapy before being discharged, and their details will be taken so they can be contacted for plasma donation, if required, the state health department has said.

The ICMR is set to start clinical trials for convalescent plasma therapy, though it is already being done in Kerala, Punjab and New Delhi. About 99 hospitals across India have expressed willingness to participate in the ICMR study by conducting clinical trials, outside of which the council doesn’t recommend the method for treatment as of now. AP officials have sought the Centre’s permission to conduct plasma therapy.

Discharged Covid-19 patients to be counselled

The ICMR study is titled ‘A Phase II, Open Label, Randomised Controlled Study to Assess the Safety and Efficacy of Convalescent Plasma to Limit COVID-19 Associated Complications’. According to the discharge guidelines issued by Special Chief Secretary (Health) KS Jawahar Reddy, patients should be told about convalescent plasma therapy in detail and counselled about plasma donation.

Their addresses and mobile numbers are to be taken so they can be contacted for plasma donation, the guidelines add, and point out that the procedure will be “very useful to treat moderate to severe Covid-19 cases”. Regarding the other discharge guidelines issued by the state health department, a patient may be considered for discharge after clinical clearance and a clear chest x-ray, besides two consecutive RT PCR tests conducted 24 hours apart (14th and 15th days) that return negative for coronavirus. 

“If the throat swab test is positive on the 14th day, patient to be retained in the hospital and next sample should be sent on 28th day. If the result is negative, a second sample should be sent for test 24 hours apart i.e., 29th day. If the throat swab test is negative on 14th day, but positive 24 hours i.e., 15th day, patient shall be retained in the hospital. Next sample should be sent on 29th day and second sample should be 24 hours apart i.e., 30th day,” the order said. After discharge too, patients have to be in home isolation for 14 days with a surgical mask.

How it works

Convalescent plasma therapy is an experimental procedure in which a recovered COVID-19 patient’s plasma is infused into an infectee so the antibodies can help the infectee battle the virus

13-year-old ends life

22/04/2020,HYDERABAD

A 13-year-old boy committed suicide by jumping off the 11th floor of a residential apartment building, Madhapur police said. The victim, police said, was a student of Class IX. The victim’s father is a doctor and mother a homemaker.

The incident took place late on Sunday night. The victim, police said, was using a smart phone to which his mother objected. She then took away the phone. The watchman of the apartment complex heard the sound of the victim falling and found the body,” Madhapur inspector S Venkat Reddy said, (Roshni, suicide prevention helpline: +914066202000)

Committees constituted at State, district levels to audit COVID-19 deaths

They will help in understanding the circumstances, and lapses, if any, in prevention and case management

22/04/2020, SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT,CHENNAI

The Health Department has constituted State- and district-level committees to audit all deaths caused by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The committees were formed following a proposal from the Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, who had stated that it was pertinent to audit all deaths attributed to COVID-19 and ascertain the medical and non-medical causes of the deaths. This would help in understanding the circumstances that had led to the deaths, and lapses, if any, in prevention and case management. The findings of the audit would help in developing strategies for improving prevention and control measures, and ensuring protocol-based management of COVID-19 cases, the top official had said.

In an order issued on Monday, the Department said that in some instances, the circumstances leading to the death and the medical cause of the death could not be accurately determined, for various reasons. Some deaths that were unrelated to COVID-19 were also reported as suspected COVID-19 deaths, it noted.

The State-level committee, which will be chaired by the Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, will frame guidelines for the audit of COVID-19-related deaths and the necessary formats for the audit, such as verbal autopsy. It will scrutinise all the reports from the deputy directors/joint directors of health services/deans, review the quality of the COVID-19 death audit and take necessary action. It will analyse the overall trend and the factors that had led to the deaths, and suggest measures for preventing deaths related to severe acute respiratory infection (SARI)/COVID-19.

The district-level committee will have the deputy director of health services as its member secretary/convenor. The committee would meet within two days of a SARI death and complete the audit. Details of the proceedings of the committee will be sent to the Director of Public Health on the same day as the audit. The committee should confirm the cause of death and the predisposing factors for the death, and recommend appropriate measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.

Govt. urged to create awareness

22/04/2020, STAFF REPORTER ,MADURAI

Condemning the act of the residents who indulged in violence during the burial of Dr. Simon Hercules, who died of COVID-19, People’s Watch, a non-governmental organisation, has urged the government to educate and sensitise people through a dedicated awareness programme.

“It is unfortunate and condemnable that a medical professional who had been at the frontline in the entire efforts being taken to contain this pandemic had been denied of his basic right for a decent and dignified burial”, said Henri Tiphagne, Executive Director of People’s Watch.

He welcomed the Madras High Court’s decision to take suo motu cognisance of the violence.

‘19 types of kitchen condiments at FP shops’

22/04/2020, STAFF REPORTER,MADURAI

Cooperation Minister Sellur K. Raju said that 23,486 State-owned stores, including the Amutham departmental stores, the Amma Amutham departmental stores and fair price shops, will sell 19 kitchen condiments for ₹500. He was speaking at a press meet, here on Tuesday.

“All the products are essential for a family. These include mustard seeds, dried chilli, fenugreek seeds, cumin and other materials like tamarind,” he said. He said people can choose to purchase the package as a whole or as individual condiments.

The package cost ₹105 more if it was purchased at a regular provision store, the Minister said and added that the State-government was attempting to ensure that the general public would find it easy to purchase them without having to spend too much money during the lockdown.

Counselling offered

22/04/2020, STAFF REPORTER,MADURAI

Anxiety of having symptoms of COVID-19 was a common psychological problem faced by people irrespective of their age, during the time of lockdown, said S. Selvagomathy of Justice Shivaraj V. Patil Foundation, who has been offering counselling for people in distress.

The Justice Shivaraj V. Patil Foundation for Social, Legal Studies and Development, Fatima College and Action Aid have come together to conduct counselling, through phone, for people in distress in the wake of COVID-19 spread.

“It was not only the elderly who were anxious about COVID-19. We have received several calls from all sections of people saying that they feared of having the symptoms. We have been offering psychological support to them and are in constant touch with them”, she said.

“ As a solution we have advised people to identify an area of interest and hone their skills which will act as stress busters”, she said. Along with her, M. Meenakumari, Head of the Department of Sociology and Social Work, Fatima College, also offers counselling. “One of the positives of the programme was that we received a phone call from a woman who told the team that her husband had turned over a new leaf and given up alcohol”, said Ms. Selvagomathy.

People in need of help could contact 24-hour helplines 9843460061, 9894611838 or 9524318207.

Changes announced in parcel train route, timings

22/04/2020, SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT,MADURAI

Southern Railway has announced changes in the route and timings of Nagercoil-Chennai Egmore parcel services from Wednesday.

The parcel service with one high capacity parcel van and one luggage-cum-brake van will be run through Thanjavur and Cuddalore Port, according to a statement. It will have additional stoppages at Thanjavur, Kumbakonam, Mayiladuthurai and Cuddalore Port.

The revised timings and stoppages of Train No. 00658 Nagercoil–Chennai Egmore Daily Parcel Cargo Express Special Train are: Nagercoil (departure 6 a.m.), Tirunelveli (7.30 a.m), Virudhunagar (10 a.m.), Madurai (11 a.m.), Dindigul (12.10 p.m.), Tiruchi (2 p.m.), Thanjavur (2.55 p.m.), Kumbakonam (3.55 p.m.), Mayiladuthurai (4.40 p.m.), Cuddalore Port (6.20 p.m.) and Villupuram (7.30 p.m.). The train will reach Chennai Egmore at 10.30 p.m.

There is no change in stoppages and timings of Train No. 00657 Chennai Egmore–Nagercoil Daily Parcel Cargo Express Special which will continue to leave Chennai Egmore at 5 a.m. to reach Nagercoil at 7 p.m. with stoppings at Villuppuram (8 a.m.), Vridhachalam (9 a.m.), Ariyalur (9.55 a.m.), Tiruchi (11 a.m.), Dindigul (12.40 p.m.), Madurai (1.50 p.m.), Virudhunagar (2.50 p.m.) and Tirunelveli (5.40 p.m.).

Those wanting to book parcels can call Southern Railway’s 24x7 helpline SETU for assistance at +91-9025342449.

College holds webinars for mental well-being of people

22/04/2020, STAFF REPORTER,MADURAI

In an attempt to promote the mental well-being of the public during the lockdown imposed to contain the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Psychology of The American College is conducting free webinars (online seminars) by mental health professionals from across the globe.

Suresh Kumar Murugesan, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, said that experts speak about the psychological well being of women, adolescents and the elderly during these online seminars.

“There are also sessions focussing on the psychological well-being of men and on how to stay positive during the current scenario when there is an outbreak of a pandemic,” he said.

“Experts from across the globe, including mental health professionals from International Centre for Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, are participating,” he said.

Principal M. Davamani Christober said that these sessions started around a week back and currently 10 out of the total 62 sessions had been completed.

“For most of the public, this lockdown is a first-of-its kind experience. Many of them are stressed and their fears are aggravated by rumours on social media platforms. Hence, taking care of mental health is the need of the hour,” he said.

Mr. Murugesan said that a total of 100 persons can attend each of these sessions.

“The significance of these sessions is that the public can clarify their doubts along with the experts,” he said. People can contact 9750406463 to attend these sessions.

TNEB Foreman donates month’s salary to relief fund

It’s a small contribution to fight coronavirus, he says

22/04/2020, SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT,MADURAI

M. Balaramalingam.

A Grade One Foreman of Tamil Nadu Electricity Board here M. Balaramalingam, 48, on Tuesday donated his one month salary of ₹70,603 to Chief Minister’s Public Relief Fund towards the war against COVID-19.

Mr. Balaramalingam, a father of two girl children, said that it was his small contribution to fight the deadly virus.

He handed over his consent letter to Superintending Engineer (Madurai-Metro) S. Vennila on Tuesday.

“All of our employees are given one day or more than one-day salary towards the CMPRF. However, the foreman has come forward to donate his one month salary,” the SE said while appreciating his gesture.

Mr. Balaramalingam said that he had been doing little bit of social work now and then.

“I discussed with my wife, Chandra, who is a staff nurse at the Government Rajaji Hospital on our role in the fight against VODI-19 and we finalised this decision,” he said.

Stating that he has worked under trying conditions in cyclone-hit areas in the State to restore power supply, he said that he was aware of the human sufferings during such calamities.

“This time, the entire State has been affected. I could not do much amidst the fear of contracting the infection. Besides, the State government also encouraged to do all help through the State machinery,” he said.

Despite the educational expenses he needs to meet after the summer vacation and the home loan EMI of ₹13,000, he said he chose to give in the larger interest of the people.

“We can manage with my wife’s salary this month. All the daily wage labourers were hit badly by the lockdown. If with our contribution the Government is able to feed at least 10 families, it will bring us lot of satisfaction,” he said.