FIRST OPINION

BJP will never win from Navi Mumbai unless

noreply@blogger.com (I care for you) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:50:00 +0000

Navi Mumbai is the developing satellite city of Mumbai. Large number of educated Mumbaikars has shifted to Navi Mumbai and they have settled in newly developed sectors of different nodes. Every one agrees that the vote bank of BJP is from the educated and employed class of people.

It is everyone’s guess that in the last two elections in India, the Congress and NCP, somehow have ensured that the newly migrated population groups in are not there in the list of residents eligible to vote. Many have filled up the forms but their names have not appeared in the list.

The BJP volunteers should go from flat to flat in the buildings and make sure that the residents are registered in the voters’ list for the next elections. The party should also try to solve some of the sector-specific issues which are bothering the residents. Only then, the residents will come out and vote for the party. The most awaited change will only come afterwards.

Obama wins peace Nobel for nuclear disarmament

noreply@blogger.com (I care for you) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:09:00 +0000

It is going to affect India much more than to any other country. It is well known that Obama is for disarmament of the countries of nuclear weapons. That means he will pressurize all the countries, mainly the new entrants to the Nuclear Club to stop producing nuclear materials and the nuclear weapons. Prime Minister of India also has been a supporter of the disarmament, but without any discrimination.

By awarding Noble Peace Prize to US President Obama, he will be encouraged to take the position of Global Leader to ensure peace. But, it is too early to award of such a prestigious award anticipating peace initiative in this terror and hunger stricken world. Everybody including himself was shocked. There are other more important issues like global warming, providing clean drinking water and food to the poor billions need to be addressed. Nuclear is not the only issue that needs consideration.

Climate Change – watery grave in the near future?

noreply@blogger.com (I care for you) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:24:00 +0000

A study by British Met Office indicated that the actual climate change situation is serious than that predicted by IPCC. More extreme changes can happen, says the research scholar at the Climate Change Conference held at Oxford University. The global temperature is likely to rise by 4 degree C by mid 2050s! There are other predictions such as rapid melting of Arctic ice, gradual loss of land to rising sea, decreased rainfalls in many regions of the world, the prospect of water scarcity, etc, etc.

The Indian newspaper, the Times of India reports that the climate changes could result in security implications for India due to influx of refuges from India’s neighboring countries, melting of Himalayan ice resulting in geopolitical changes in the region, and most importantly the security and safety of India’s military in mountainous regions and nuclear and naval installations in the costal areas by the rising sea levels.

Every Indian hopes that the respective organizations responsible for national security are taking into account these newly developing scenarios and their implications in national strategic planning. The decisions should be taken at the highest level with realistic technical inputs from the concerned ministries. Let there be enough transparency so that Indian citizens are aware of the governmental moves and get ready for facing or fighting the potential watery grave in the near future. It is a global challenge.

One-third of all new cancer cases in India are related to tobacco habits!

noreply@blogger.com (I care for you) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:08:00 +0000

Tobacco is the single most important cause of avoidable morbidity and early mortality in many countries including India. Majority of cancer cases are induced by tobacco. There are studies carried out in India to investigate the cancer patters with respect to tobacco use. Chewing tobacco has a major risk for oral cancer; bidi smoking, for cancers of the pharynx and larynx and cigarette smoking, for lung cancer.

The highest incidence rate of lung cancer in males in India is reported from Calcutta. The 1993 Cancer registry of the Tata Memorial Hospital (TMC) in Mumbai provided evidence of clear correlation between smoking and cancer. Tobacco-related cancer (TRC) cases constitute 48.2% in men and 20.1% in women of the total cancers seen in India per year.

The authors opined that in-depth studies are necessary with larger data sets to evaluate the role of confounding and competing risk factors such as environmental pollution, smoking habits, domestic use of fossil fuels, consumption of alcohol, etc. Since cancer is a known old age disease, increase in life expectancy over the years, the number of cancer incidences also will increase.

The government should bring in stringent measures through legislation or otherwise, to control Tobacco use, particularly by children (gutka), the female population, and provide measures to control passive smoking by the non-smoking population.

Mumbai slums

noreply@blogger.com (I care for you) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 09:45:00 +0000

It is reported by a study that 54% of city’s population live in slums! It is shocking but likely to be true. Slum Redevelopment programs never bothered to ensure that the slums are demolished before the dwellers are given possession of the flats. In fact, slums only increase by the day and new slums are cropping up everywhere. The local politicians, municipal corporators / and MLAs are responsible for this miserable sate of affairs. The slum clusters form their vote bank and it is mafia-like money making machinery.

The government should not regularise these slums and existing system of periodic regularization of the slums only support proliferation of the slums. Allotment of flats in Slum Redevelopment Schemes should make sure that the slums in the areas are completely demolished and the area is cleared for development.

Right to Education – India

noreply@blogger.com (I care for you) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 09:43:00 +0000

The much needed reforms in the education system in India are finally coming. The UPA government is legislating the Right to Education Law, whereby it is the governments’ responsibility to provide education to the children. Also, welcome are: the grading system for Xth to reduce examination stress, core curriculum in science and maths across all education boards, de-politicising the appointment of vice-chancellors, law to prevent, prohibit and punish rampant malpractices in higher education. But, just laws are not enough, implementation of the laws is more important.

Media should support these issues to sensitise the public about the existence of the laws and their rights.

Tamiflu

noreply@blogger.com (I care for you) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 07:34:00 +0000

Now that the drug for swineflu “available”, over the counter, it will be used by the gullible public (due to hyper media coverage) as a preventive measure is not desirable. Cases of resistance of the virus to the drug have come to light in some countries. The irrational use can be detrimental to health due to many of its side effects. Black marketing will soon flourish in a country like India and the needy poor will not be able to get the drug.

Over the counter sale of Tamiflu should be discouraged and the government should make it available only to the hospitals recognized for treating the disease.

Swine flu update – India

noreply@blogger.com (I care for you) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 08:49:00 +0000

Laboratory-confirmed cases of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 as officially reported to WHO by countries as of 6 August 2009 are: 177457, and 1462 fatalities. News from Europe indicate that the fatality is just 0.1% of the positive cases reported. It is 0.6% in US. In India, the nationwide toll rose to 22 and 14 out of the 22 H1N1 deaths have occurred in Pune.

In Mumbai, testing of throat swabs for the swine flu is becoming more and more difficult. The premier Haffkine Institute could test only 264 out of 1800 samples received from the 13 testing centers in Mumbai. Infrastructure for managing the situation found to be grossly inadequate. Ground reality at the hospitals is not satisfactory. Patients were seen waiting for hours at the municipal hospitals.

Politicians started blaming each other for the lapses. Prime Minister discussed the swine flu issue in the cabinet and he is asking people not to panic. Mumbai’s list of private hospitals that can treat the flu patients is being announced. Five hospitals in Pune are likely to be recognized. Precautionary measures include avoiding crowded places and maintaining good personal hygiene. In Navi Mumbai, most of the schools, the malls and the theatres are closed for 4 days.

Swine flu update – India

noreply@blogger.com (I care for you) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 09:04:00 +0000

In its briefing on August 6, WHO assured that regulatory procedures are in place for the licensing of the pandemic (H1N1) vaccines. Vaccines are among the most important medical interventions for reducing illness and deaths during a pandemic. Right now, there is a great need to have the vaccine quickly produced and in large quantities. As such, there is no effective vaccine available for mass vaccination programs. A lot of research is going on in India also to develop a safe vaccine.

Indian Health Minister is not giving any assurance of the Government’s preparedness to tackle this problem. In fact, he admitted that no measure could prevent the spread of H1N1 influenza in India and that nearly one-third of the population could be infected with the virus over the next two years! As per one of the press report, the Indian tally is: 959 infected, Mumbai-95, Pune-220 and Rest of India-644. Death toll rises to 8.

This only leaves the common man to fend for himself on this issue and take all the precautions so that he is not getting infected. Disposable masks may be too expensive and may not be necessary also. People can use a clean handkerchief over their nose and mouth. Avoid crowded places and in case of cold and cough contact the family physician for treatment. DO NOT PANIC.

Swine flu update – India

noreply@blogger.com (I care for you) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 07:28:00 +0000

As per the update of WHO, as of 31 of July 2009, 168 countries and overseas territories/communities have reported a cumulative total of 162380 laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic (H1N1) 09. All continents are affected by the pandemic (The alert level is phase 6). There were 1154 deaths.

In India as per the reports appeared, the highly infectious disease claimed two lives, one in Mumbai and another in Pune. Schools in Pune and Mumbai are being closed as a precautionary measure. The assurances of readiness given earlier by the Health Ministry seem to be premature and as it looks, the preparedness is grossly inadequate. Time is the critical factor. The Centre has sent one lakh Tamilfu pills to the state of Maharashtra. The tally is: 784 positive cases in India, 45 cases in Mumbai.

Advice given in the media is: If you have symptoms of flu, do not panic. Avoid contact with people and call your doctor for a rapid flu test. If situation worsens, contact swine flu screening centers. Wear a mask of N-95 type, available in chemist shops.

Urgent need of more sample collection centers, screening centers and isolation wards in hospitals is felt in cities. India has a law which is 112-year old Epidemic Diseases Act (1897). The law does not provide for the new diseases like HIV and Swine flu and it needs to be replaced. To face the present crisis, may be, the government should rope-in private hospitals and clinics for support in terms of sample collection and testing.

Indo-US nuclear deal – Who gained?

noreply@blogger.com (I care for you) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 13:34:00 +0000

The beneficiary of the much publicised Indo-US nuclear deal is definitely USA in terms of orders for nuclear business worth billions of dollars India is handing over to US. What India gained is its freedom for sometime to buy nuclear-related equipments and nuclear fuel from other countries as well. At the same time, India got into a loop from which it will be difficult to come out without accepting the terms and conditions (some open & some hidden) of the nuclear deal. Some of them are: Signing CTBT, NPT, End user monitoring agreement and accepting to curtail emission of Green House Gases, etc etc. Yes Boss! Yes Obama.

Is the Nuclear deal is really worth India loosing its stand on all these issues which the country fought for decades? It looks India only provided business to global nuclear industry which was without much business for the last two to three decades.

Swine flu update

noreply@blogger.com (I care for you) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:07:00 +0000

As per the update of 6 July, a total of 94,512 laboratory-confirmed cases of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 and 429 deaths have been reported to the WHO from 135 countries.

As of 14 July 2009, A total of 4,473 laboratory-confirmed cases of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 have been reported from seven (South-East Asia Region (SEAR) countries. Twenty four deaths from the virus have been reported from Thailand. No other deaths have been reported in the Region. The countries in the South-East Asia Region with confirmed cases are as follows: 22 in Bangladesh; 229 in India; 112 in Indonesia; 2 in Myanmar; 14 in Nepal; 37 in Sri Lanka, 4,057 in Thailand

Some instances of the antiviral drug Oseltamivir (known as Tamiflu) drug resistance are reported. It appears to represent sporadic cases of resistance. As of now, there is no evidence to indicate the development of widespread antiviral resistance among pandemic H1N1 viruses. Based on this risk assessment, there are no changes in WHO's clinical treatment guidance.

The Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization held an extraordinary meeting on July 7 in Geneva to discuss issues and make recommendations related to vaccine for the pandemic (H1N1) 2009. Although the severity of the pandemic is currently considered to be moderate with most patients experiencing uncomplicated, self-limited illness, some groups such as pregnant women and persons with asthma and other chronic conditions such as morbid obesity appear to be at increased risk for severe disease and death from infection.

Since the spread of the pandemic virus is considered unstoppable, vaccine will be needed in all countries. As vaccines available initially will not be sufficient, a step-wise approach to vaccinate particular groups may be considered. The following recommendations were provided to the WHO Director-General:

All countries should immunize their health-care workers as a first priority to protect the essential health infrastructure. SAGE suggested the following groups for consideration, noting that countries need to determine their order of priority based on country-specific conditions: pregnant women; those aged above 6 months with one of several chronic medical conditions; healthy young adults of 15 to 49 years of age; healthy children; healthy adults of 50 to 64 years of age; and healthy adults of 65 years of age and above.

Quota system for college admission-discriminatory

noreply@blogger.com (I care for you) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 09:16:00 +0000

Maharashtra government has been doing enough harm to students and parents by frequently changing the college admission rule and requirements. Ninety percent of the seats are now reserved for SSC Board students and only ten percent seats are available for non-SSC Board students, i.e., from CBSC/ICSE/IB students. Non-SSC Mumbai students have to compete for seats with other out-side Mumbai (Maharashtra) students, including increasing number of aspirants from abroad. The situation is very serious and may result in widespread panic, student unrest and violence.

To begin with, the non-SSC students are coming from Central Schools and children of parents with transferable jobs (banks, military, government servants, etc). In reality, the syllabus is much more demanding than SSC Board. In fact, these students should be given preference in admissions (it used to be the case earlier).

Every Indian citizen wishes that politicians should not politicalize the education system and eliminate the quota system for ever. The governments should seriously draw up long-term solution, such as common evaluation system for admissions, to reduce the disparity between the Boards so that every student feels that he or she is not discriminated against other students from different boards in the same State.

Swine flu update

noreply@blogger.com (I care for you) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:24:00 +0000

According to the report from World Health Organization (WHO), Laboratory-confirmed cases of new influenza A(H1N1) as officially reported to WHO by States which are Parties to the International Health Regulations (2005), as on 22 June 2009, world-wide countries have officially reported 52,160 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, including 231 deaths.

India has reported 44 cases and no fatalities. Maharashtra reported 3rd swine flu case. The screening process across Indian airports has come in for a lot criticism reflecting poor implementation process.

Swine flu update

noreply@blogger.com (I care for you) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 07:54:00 +0000

According to the report from World Health Organization (WHO), as on 15 June 2009, 76 countries have officially reported 35, 928 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, including 163 deaths.

In India, 7 boys from Jalandhar who returned from NASA have tested positive. Indian Health Ministry has asked Indians to suspend their visits abroad to the flu affected countries until the pandemic is brought under control. The total number hit by swine flu across the country is 30. Monsoon in India may result in increase in the number of H1N1 cases. Help-lines are busy with enquiries about the symptoms of the disease.

Swine flu update

noreply@blogger.com (I care for you) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 09:21:00 +0000

According to the report from World Health Organization (WHO), as on 12 June 2009, 74 countries have officially reported 29,669 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, including 145 deaths. The Director-General of WHO has therefore decided to raise the level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 5 to phase 6 (widespread human infection).

Swine flu cases shoot up in India also. The government invokes Epidemic Diseases Act to medically “arrest patients” by the police. First two cases, mother and her child were reported in Bangalore, Karnataka. Three suspected cases were reported in Maharashtra. According to the Executive Health Officer, Bombay Municipal Corporation, there are 100 quarantine beds, 50 medical staff and adequate stock of protective gears and Tamiflu tablets in place as preparedness if the pandemic intensifies.

Swine flu update – Alert from phase 5 to 6

noreply@blogger.com (I care for you) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 08:19:00 +0000

According to the report from World Health Organization (WHO), on 11 June 2009, 74 countries have officially reported 28,774 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, including 144 deaths. On the basis of available evidence and expert assessments of the evidence, the scientific criteria for an influenza pandemic have been met. The Director-General of WHO has therefore decided to raise the level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 5 to phase 6 (widespread human infection).

India is at the alert level of 4. As per officials of Ministry of Health, India has no reason to be alarmed. Only 15 confirmed positive cases have been reported so far.

Swine flu update – Current situation

noreply@blogger.com (I care for you) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 10:07:00 +0000

According to the report from World Health Organization (WHO), as on 10 June 2009, 74 countries have officially reported 27,737 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, including 141 deaths.

The WHO Director-General convened a third meeting of the International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committee on 5 June 2009. The purpose of the meeting was to update the committee on the global situation and seek advice on proposals to introduce severity assessments in any future announcements of pandemic phase changes by WHO. The world remains in pandemic influenza Phase 5. There was a broad consensus on the importance of including information on severity in future announcements. In India, it is reported that affluent NRIs are helping the spread of H1N1 virus by refusing proper treatment.

The Government has banned the sale of Tamiflu, the only affective drug against the flu for fear of improper use which may cause the virus developing resistance for the drug. Three vaccine manufacturers have approached the government for infrastructural assistance to prepare the vaccine. All private medical practitioners have been advised to redirect the suspected cases to government hospitals.

Swine flu update – Current situation

noreply@blogger.com (I care for you) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 10:47:00 +0000

According to the report from WHO (3 June 2009), 66 countries have officially reported 19,273 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, including 117 deaths. The most affected countries are: USA-10,053 cases; Mexico-5029 cases; Canada-1530 cases followed by Australia-501 cases and Japan-385 cases.

A 20-year medical student from Hyderabad, who returned on May 30 from Toronto, Canada, has become India’s 4th confirmed case of H1N1 Influenza infection.

Swine flu update – Current situation

noreply@blogger.com (I care for you) — Sun, 31 May 2009 10:27:00 +0000

According to the report from WHO (29 May 2009), 53 countries have officially reported 15,510 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection. There are 99 deaths reported worldwide. In view of the threat posed by the current outbreak of new influenza A (H1N1), the Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO) convened a High-Level Consultation for all Member States at the start of the Sixty-second World Health Assembly.

An Indian sailor (30-year old) in Egypt has been quarantined and put under observation over suspicion of swine flu infection. Egypt was free of swine flu cases till now, says the Health Ministry spokesperson.

Swine flu update – Current situation

noreply@blogger.com (I care for you) — Tue, 19 May 2009 10:41:00 +0000

According to the report from WHO (19 May 2009), 40 countries have officially reported 9830 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, including 79 deaths.

In India, a 23 year old IT student from the University of Minnesota (US) is the first patient infected by the virus and he is recovering fast. He will be kept in isolation for the next 5 days. It is surprising that how the patient with the flu was allowed to travel to India from New York on May 13, 2009.

Swine flu update – Current situation

noreply@blogger.com (I care for you) — Fri, 15 May 2009 13:12:00 +0000

According to the report from WHO (15 May 2009), 34 countries have officially reported 7520 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection. There are 65 deaths reported worldwide. If the infection spreads in a sustained manner in countries outside North America, the organization would raise the Alert Level to 6 for a full-blown pandemic.

It is reported that India will exercise a “go hard, go early” policy on the use of anti-virals in case it detects a person infected with the deadly H1N1 influenza virus.

Swine flu update – Current situation

noreply@blogger.com (I care for you) — Wed, 13 May 2009 06:01:00 +0000

According to the report from WHO (12 May 2009), 30 countries have officially reported 5251 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection. There are 61 deaths worldwide. Thailand confirmed its first cases of swine flu, now recovered from the illness.

Assessing the severity of an influenza pandemic: The major determinant of the severity of an influenza pandemic is the inherent virulence of the virus. But many other factors also influence the overall severity of a pandemic’s impact.

India has decided to start mass production of a vaccine against the flu as soon as it receives a strain of the virus on which the vaccine will be based. The country continues to be vigilant at the airports.

Swine flu update – Current situation

noreply@blogger.com (I care for you) — Mon, 11 May 2009 10:07:00 +0000

According to the report from WHO (10 May 2009), 29 countries have officially reported 4379 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection; US – 2,254 cases and Mexico 1,626 cases. The swine flu claimed 3rd victim in USA. Easy spreading of the flu from humans to humans may prompt WHO to declare a full blown phase 6 pandemic.

The numbers are fast increasing. Members of the public should be alert and take all the precautions to prevent further spread of the disease.

Swine flu update – Increased risk to HIV- infested

noreply@blogger.com (I care for you) — Thu, 07 May 2009 09:47:00 +0000

According to the report from WHO, there are 1893 officially reported cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection in 23 countries. The swine flu claimed second life in USA.

Indian health ministry advisory banned sale of Tamiflu by Drug Stores fearing that indiscriminate use of the drug could result in the virus developing resistance to the only known treatment for H1N1 influenza. The government is maintaining adequate stock of the drug and would distribute the drug free-of-cost through public health network in case of any confirmed case of the disease. Meanwhile, according to the WHO advisory, HIV infected patients are at an increased risk from the deadly H1N1 flu virus.

This, in effect, is a serious warning to India, which is home for an estimated 2.5 million HIV-infested people.