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Rhythma Kaul

Rhythma Kaul works as an assistant editor at Hindustan Times. She covers health and related topics, including ministry of health and family welfare, government of India.

Articles by Rhythma Kaul

Stopped manufacturing Covishield since December 2021, says Serum Institute

The Serum Institute of India said with India achieving high vaccination rates in 2021 and 2022, coupled with the emergence of new mutant variant strains, the demand for previous vaccines diminished significantly

The Serum Institute of India building at Hadapsar, Pune. (Rahul Raut/HT PHOTO)
Updated on May 08, 2024 06:47 PM IST

Initiative to promote rational use of medicines is a step forward in curbing AMR

By promoting judicious use of medications, the initiative not only supports India's universal health coverage goals but also aligns with efforts to combat AMR

Appropriate use of medicines is a key factor to achieve universal health coverage(Hemant Mishra/ Mint File Photo)
Published on May 05, 2024 12:38 AM IST

Experts brush off concerns over Covid jab’s side effects

The AstraZeneca vaccine Vaxzevria was administered in India under the brand name Covishield and manufactured by the Serum Institute of India (SII)

AstraZeneca is fighting a class action lawsuit seeking damages worth nearly 100 million British pounds, according to local media reports (REUTERS)
Updated on May 01, 2024 05:56 AM IST
By, New Delhi

Health ministry monitoring Avian flu cases

Union health ministry in India reviews avian influenza situation daily after cases reported in the US; WHO says public health risk is low for now.

However, WHO has said public health risk due to the latest outbreak was low as of now. (Reuters)
Updated on Apr 30, 2024 07:24 AM IST

FSSAI to check quality of spices, herbs this year

The announcement comes after Hong Kong and Singapore recently banned import of four India-made packaged spice mixes

New Delhi, India - Nov. 21, 2016: A view of whole sale Khari Baoli Market after Demonisation 1000rs and 500rs Indian currency, according to the shopkeeper 20% selling their products spices, nuts, herbs and food products like rice and tea. in market. ,in New Delhi, India, on Monday, November 21, 2016. (Photo by Raj K Raj/ Hindustan Times) (Raj K Raj/HT PHOTO)
Updated on Apr 30, 2024 06:40 AM IST
By, New Delhi

Health Talk | Managing longevity challenges

With people living longer, the global share of older people aged 60 years and above increased from 9.2% in 1990 to 11.7% in 2013 and will reach 21.1% by 2050

India may currently be a young country but there is a need for the government to think of, and take steps, for the future.(Shutterstock)
Published on Apr 29, 2024 08:34 PM IST

Health Talk | Why it's time for global action against anti-microbial resistance

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing concern in India. Without action, AMR could lead to devastating consequences

AMR occurs when germs like bacteria and fungi develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Published on Apr 22, 2024 08:38 PM IST

WHO updates terminology for pathogens that transmit through air

The UN health agency said the change aims to help identify, communicate about and respond to existing and new airborne pathogens

The World Health Organization (WHO) logo is seen near its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. (REUTERS)
Updated on Apr 19, 2024 01:31 AM IST
By, New Delhi

Health Talk | Why HPV vaccines are an effective shield against cervical cancer

HPV, transmitted through intimate contact, often remains undetected, yet it can lead to various cancers. Understanding its risks and prevention is crucial

Certain types of HPV lead to cervical cancer and India, in particular, has a population of 511.4 million women who are at risk of developing this cancer
Published on Apr 17, 2024 08:26 PM IST

HPV screening may be added in national programme

Globally, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women, claiming a life every two minutes, according to Indian government estimates

In India, the numbers are far higher, with cervical cancer being the second most form of cancer among women after breast cancer (Shutterstock)
Updated on Apr 14, 2024 06:20 AM IST
By, New Delhi

Health Talk | Protect yourself this summer season

The India Meteorological Department has warned of at least double the usual number of heatwave days between April and June

Exposure to high outdoor and indoor temperatures can induce heat stress, directly and indirectly, leading to heat-related illnesses.(Rahul Raut/HT file photo)
Published on Apr 13, 2024 05:20 PM IST

Drug recall still voluntary, experts express concern

HP Health minister reveals 1683 drugs failed quality tests in 3 years, prompting experts to call for a more effective drug recall mechanism nationwide.

Any batch of a product not meeting the defined quality standards has to be recalled from the market. (Representational Image)
Updated on Apr 08, 2024 01:04 AM IST

Health Talk | An explainer on guidelines to recall drugs

In Himachal Pradesh, 1,683 drug samples failed quality tests over the past three years, leading to concerns over drug recall guidelines.

In 2017, India’s drugs regulator came up with guidelines on recall and a rapid alert system for drugs.(File photo)
Published on Apr 05, 2024 07:15 PM IST

Global life expectancy up 6.2 years since 1990: Study

The Lancet study says the gains would have been far more significant had it not been for the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

This progress, the report said, is attributed to reductions in death from leading killers such as diarrhoea, lower respiratory infections, stroke, and ischemic heart disease (heart attacks caused by narrowed arteries) . (AP file)
Published on Apr 04, 2024 07:13 AM IST

2.55 million cases of TB notified in India last year, most in decades

On an annual basis, Uttar Pradesh saw the highest jump in notifications (by 21% compared to the previous year) followed by Bihar (15%).

The overall notification of TB cases has improved by 64% over the last nine years. (Representational Image)
Updated on Mar 27, 2024 03:41 AM IST
By, New Delhi

A new way to treat brain tumours is a sign of how the field of surgery has trans

Doctors said that patients these days ask for robotic surgery options as they are aware of advances in technology. But not every patient is an ideal candidate

New Delhi: A demonstration of ZAP - X gyroscopic radiosurgery platform, after its unveiling at the Indraprastha Apollo hospital, in New Delhi, Friday, March 8, 2024. (PTI Photo/Manvender Vashist Lav) (PTI03_08_2024_000341B)(PTI)
Published on Mar 25, 2024 08:00 AM IST

Bharat Biotech starts TB vaccine’s trials in adults

The only related vaccine in use today, BCG (Bacillus, Calmette and Guérin), is an attenuated variant of the bovine TB pathogen

Tuberculosis, which is transmitted through the respiratory tract, kills at least 1.6 million people and infects at least 10 million worldwide each year (AP)
Updated on Mar 25, 2024 06:40 AM IST
By, New Delhi

Defending vaccines is demoralising, but as crucial as making them: Top biologist

Leading biologist Peter J Hotez emphasizes the importance of fighting vaccine skepticism and defends the crucial role of vaccines in public health

Dr Peter Hotez at his Baylor office in Houston. (Getty Images)
Updated on Mar 21, 2024 07:38 AM IST

Health ministry sends notice to Punjab govt over IVF treatment of Moosewala’s mother

The Assisted Reproductive Technology Act of 2021 allows IVF and other fertility treatments only for women under age 50 and men under 55. Kaur is 58 and her husband, Balkaur Singh, is 60.

Balkaur Singh with his newborn in Bathinda. (PTI)
Updated on Mar 21, 2024 07:16 AM IST
By, Vishal Joshi, New Delhi/bathinda

FSSAI looks to train tea planters to help reduce pesticide levels

Tea planters in India trained to reduce pesticide levels in tea by FSSAI, Tea Board, and CII. Focus on safe production and pest management.

A workshop was conducted by the FSSAI in Tamil Nadu’s Coonoor district. (AJP/Shutterstock)
Updated on Mar 18, 2024 07:08 AM IST
By, New Delhi

Obesity is the most dangerous form of malnutrition now. Here's what you can do

Abdominal obesity, particularly among women in their 30s and 40s, is a growing concern. Nutritious food is the most important gift you can give yourself

Obesity rates in the country have also seen a rise in the past three decades with obesity in girls and boys aged 5-19 years increasing from 0.1% in 1990 to 3.1% in 2022 and from 0.2% in 1990 to 3.9% in 2022 respectively (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Published on Mar 16, 2024 03:48 PM IST

Neurological conditions leading cause of ill health, disability globally: Lancet

The analysis suggests that worldwide, the overall amount of disability, illness, and premature death—caused by neurological conditions increased by 18% over the past 31 years

According to the study, the most prevalent neurological disorders in 2021 were tension-type headaches. (Representative file photo)
Updated on Mar 15, 2024 04:56 PM IST

Summing up Covid-time health minister Harsh Vardhan’s work

The Union health minister’s political career will be remembered for steering the country during Covid-19, allaying fears but also generating criticism

Many speculated that Vardhan’s retirement had to do with the fact that the BJP, which released the first list of Lok Sabha candidates for the upcoming parliamentary elections the previous day, did not include him. (HT Archive)
Published on Mar 06, 2024 09:42 PM IST

Understanding the feasibility, impact of standardising rates across private hospitals

A senior executive from a chain of eye hospitals warned that “ while cheap treatment may sound tempting, cutting costs so drastically will dilute the quality of care in the long run.”

To be sure, if India sets a range for the tariffs, it will not be the first country in the world to do so. (HT file)
Updated on Mar 02, 2024 07:48 AM IST
By, Abraham Thomas, New Delhi

Health Talk | Consumers want nutraceuticals, but are they actually beneficial?

The country’s apex food safety regulator FSSAI is working on setting standards for nutraceuticals as its market is set to have explosive growth in the country

Nutraceuticals, also known as functional foods, are largely nutritional supplements containing mostly vitamin C and D, and Zinc.
Published on Mar 01, 2024 10:12 PM IST

Intake of processed food linked to higher risk of 32 illnesses: Study

These products also tend to be high in added sugar, fat, and/or salt, but are low in vitamins and fibre.

The findings show that diets high in such ultra-processed food may be harmful to many body systems.(Unsplash)
Published on Feb 29, 2024 07:11 AM IST

Health Talk | Unpacking Alabama SC's decision that counts embryo as unborn child

A tale of two countries, and their approach to IVF treatment: In India, the rules are being amended too, but in favour of couples

Last week, the Alabama Supreme Court in the United States of America ruled that frozen embryos can be considered children under state law(Wiki Commons)
Published on Feb 24, 2024 05:51 PM IST

Health Talk | It’s confirmed, exercise will help you if you have depression

Walking and strength training are more effective than other exercises, a review of 200 studies shows. But experts warn that it cannot replace other treatments

“Exercise is an effective treatment for depression, with walking or jogging, yoga, and strength training more effective than other exercises, particularly when intense,” (Pixabay)
Published on Feb 16, 2024 11:39 PM IST

Health talk | The new malaria vaccine can reduce morbidity and death

Malaria is a life-threatening disease. It is preventable and curable. And yet, the disease ends up taking lives. This too can be stopped

A nurse holds malaria vaccine vials before administering it to an infant at the Lumumba Sub-County hospital in Kisumu, Kenya.(Reuters)
Published on Feb 09, 2024 08:27 PM IST

Why vaccinating girls between 9 to 14 years against cervical cancer

The recent budget announcement by the Union finance minister to encourage an anti-HPV jab is a step in the right direction

India accounts for about a fifth of the global burden for cervical cancer. The country witnesses about 1.23 lakh cases and around 67,000 deaths every year. (Representative Image/Shutterstock)
Published on Feb 03, 2024 08:08 PM IST
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