As India braces for the onset of monsoon, it faces another significant health challenge — lymphatic filariasis. In the fluctuating temperatures and the subtropical regions of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and other neighbouring states, this debilitating disease quietly emerges as a critical public health concern. 
 
Lymphatic filariasis (LF) or Elephantiasis is a disease caused by parasitic worms transmitted through mosquito bites. It affects millions in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. 
 
Dr N K Ganguly, Former Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), told WION, "Vector-borne diseases like lymphatic filariasis are intricately linked with the monsoon season and fluctuating temperatures. Individuals in subtropical and tropical regions may contract the disease and end up suffering from chronic conditions such as lymphatic vessel obstruction, leading to fluid accumulation in the limbs (lymphoedema), hydrocele (swelling of the scrotum), chyluria (presence of lymphatic fluid in urine).” 
 
The disease not only causes physical suffering but also significantly impacts livelihoods. Dr. Ganguly further noted, "Patients with lymphoedema often experience recurrent infections that can confine them to bed for days, impairing their ability to work and earn a living. This cycle of disability perpetuates poverty and hampers economic development." 
 
India aims to eliminate lymphatic filariasis as a public health concern by 2027 through integrated approaches involving mass drug administration and effective vector control measures. As the country confronts the challenges posed by a shifting climate, urgent actions are necessary to safeguard the health and well-being of people residing in LF-endemic regions.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-myopia-in-children-tackling-vision-issues-with-suggestions-by-experts-734942">Myopia in children: Tackling vision issues with suggestions by experts</a> 
 
Climate change exacerbates the spread of lymphatic filariasis by creating favourable conditions for disease vectors, such as mosquitoes. Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns expand mosquito habitats and accelerate transmission cycles. 
 
Dr. Bhupendra Tripathi, Deputy Director, Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Delivery, at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, told WION, "Prevention and vector control form the cornerstones of the Government of India’s enhanced strategy for LF elimination. The government's disease prevention strategy includes the annual Mass Drug Administration (MDA) of anti-filarial medicines to eligible populations, excluding pregnant women, children less than 2 years of age, and severely ill individuals, free of cost." 
 
Dr. Bhupendra added, "This is supported by consistent vector control activities throughout the year. Enhancing MDA coverage, ensuring treatment compliance and taking protective measures are pivotal to interrupting disease transmission and alleviating the health and socio-economic burden in impacted regions. Few endemic states will be undertaking the Mass Drug Administration round starting August 10, 2024. It is imperative that people participate wholeheartedly in these rounds and safeguard themselves and their communities."

As India braces for the onset of monsoon, it faces another significant health challenge — lymphatic filariasis. In the fluctuating temperatures and the subtropical regions of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and other neighbouring states, this debilitating disease quietly emerges as a critical public health concern.

As India braces for the onset of monsoon, it faces another significant health challenge — lymphatic filariasis. In the fluctuating temperatures and the subtropical regions of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and other neighbouring states, this debilitating disease quietly emerges as a critical public health concern. Lymphatic filariasis (LF) or Elephantiasis is a disease caused by parasitic worms transmitted through mosquito bites. It affects millions in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Dr N K Ganguly, Former Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), told WION, "Vector-borne diseases like lymphatic filariasis are intricately linked with the monsoon season and fluctuating temperatures. Individuals in subtropical and tropical regions may contract the disease and end up suffering from chronic conditions such as lymphatic vessel obstruction, leading to fluid accumulation in the limbs (lymphoedema), hydrocele (swelling of the scrotum), chyluria (presence of lymphatic fluid in urine).” The disease not only causes physical suffering but also significantly impacts livelihoods. Dr. Ganguly further noted, "Patients with lymphoedema often experience recurrent infections that can confine them to bed for days, impairing their ability to work and earn a living. This cycle of disability perpetuates poverty and hampers economic development." India aims to eliminate lymphatic filariasis as a public health concern by 2027 through integrated approaches involving mass drug administration and effective vector control measures. As the country confronts the challenges posed by a shifting climate, urgent actions are necessary to safeguard the health and well-being of people residing in LF-endemic regions. Also read: Myopia in children: Tackling vision issues with suggestions by experts Climate change exacerbates the spread of lymphatic filariasis by creating favourable conditions for disease vectors, such as mosquitoes. Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns expand mosquito habitats and accelerate transmission cycles. Dr. Bhupendra Tripathi, Deputy Director, Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Delivery, at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, told WION, "Prevention and vector control form the cornerstones of the Government of India’s enhanced strategy for LF elimination. The government's disease prevention strategy includes the annual Mass Drug Administration (MDA) of anti-filarial medicines to eligible populations, excluding pregnant women, children less than 2 years of age, and severely ill individuals, free of cost." Dr. Bhupendra added, "This is supported by consistent vector control activities throughout the year. Enhancing MDA coverage, ensuring treatment compliance and taking protective measures are pivotal to interrupting disease transmission and alleviating the health and socio-economic burden in impacted regions. Few endemic states will be undertaking the Mass Drug Administration round starting August 10, 2024. It is imperative that people participate wholeheartedly in these rounds and safeguard themselves and their communities."

Monsoon maladies: Confronting Lymphatic Filariasis amid climate fluctuations

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recently issued guidelines which suggested that even home-cooked food can be unhealthy if not prepared properly.&nbsp;

It is a preconceived notion that home-cooked meals are healthier options as compared to junk food. But in its latest dietary guidelines, ICMR said, "Even home-made foods may become unhealthy if prepared with high fat, high sugar or salt."&nbsp;

ICMR has warned that foods high in fats, sugar or salt (HFSS) are harmful to health because they contain less micronutrients and fibre. They are also calorie-dense. The medical research also mentioned that saturated fat raises the risk of obesity. Ghee or butter, coconut oil, palm oil, and vanaspati all include saturated fats.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/consumption-of-coffee-might-lower-risks-of-parkinsons-study-finds-725355">Consumption of coffee might lower risks of Parkinson's, study finds</a>&nbsp;

"...t also deprives one of the healthy foods that provide essential macronutrients (amino acids and fats), fibre, and micronutrients such as vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and bio-active substances," the guidelines read.&nbsp;

"High-fat or high-sugar foods cause inflammation and affect the gut microbiota, which changes quickly with diet. This increases the risk of NCDs. Foods with high salt increase the risk of hypertension and tax the kidneys. Hence, high salt intake is unhealthy," the guidelines further added.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/raw-milk-contaminated-with-bird-flu-virus-damaging-multiple-organs-of-mice-study-725263">Raw milk contaminated with bird-flu virus damaging multiple organs of mice: study</a>

ICMR said that a lack of essential amino acids, fatty acids, and micronutrients in the diet can cause anaemia. It can impair cognition and harm learning ability. It can also increase the risk of noncommunicable diseases, such as type 2 diabetes.&nbsp;

"High fat or high sugar foods cause inflammation and affect the gut microbiota, which changes quickly with diet. This increases the risk of NCDs. Foods with high salt increase the risk of hypertension and tax the kidneys. Hence, high salt intake is unhealthy," it stated.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recently issued guidelines which suggested that even home-cooked food can be unhealthy if not prepared properly. It is a preconceived notion that home-cooked meals are healthier options as compared to junk food.

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recently issued guidelines which suggested that even home-cooked food can be unhealthy if not prepared properly. It is a preconceived notion that home-cooked meals are healthier options as compared to junk food. But in its latest dietary guidelines, ICMR said, "Even home-made foods may become unhealthy if prepared with high fat, high sugar or salt." ICMR has warned that foods high in fats, sugar or salt (HFSS) are harmful to health because they contain less micronutrients and fibre. They are also calorie-dense. The medical research also mentioned that saturated fat raises the risk of obesity. Ghee or butter, coconut oil, palm oil, and vanaspati all include saturated fats. Also read: Consumption of coffee might lower risks of Parkinson's, study finds "...t also deprives one of the healthy foods that provide essential macronutrients (amino acids and fats), fibre, and micronutrients such as vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and bio-active substances," the guidelines read. "High-fat or high-sugar foods cause inflammation and affect the gut microbiota, which changes quickly with diet. This increases the risk of NCDs. Foods with high salt increase the risk of hypertension and tax the kidneys. Hence, high salt intake is unhealthy," the guidelines further added. Also read: Raw milk contaminated with bird-flu virus damaging multiple organs of mice: study ICMR said that a lack of essential amino acids, fatty acids, and micronutrients in the diet can cause anaemia. It can impair cognition and harm learning ability. It can also increase the risk of noncommunicable diseases, such as type 2 diabetes. "High fat or high sugar foods cause inflammation and affect the gut microbiota, which changes quickly with diet. This increases the risk of NCDs. Foods with high salt increase the risk of hypertension and tax the kidneys. Hence, high salt intake is unhealthy," it stated. (With inputs from agencies)

Are home-cooked meals ‘unhealthy’? ICMR guidelines answer this crucial question

Blood bag delivery by drones has now become&nbsp;possible in India for the first time. According to a report by the news agency ANI, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) conducted a trial run of blood bag delivery by drones under its iDrone initiative. The inaugural flight carried 10 units of whole blood samples from The Government Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS) and Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC).

The sortie was in the visual line of sight conducted at Jaypee Institute of Information Technology (JIIT), Noida.

Professor Pammi Gauba from the JIIT called the project a pathbreaking validation study involving the collaborative efforts of ICMR, Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC), New Delhi, Government Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS), Greater Noida and Jaypee Institute of Information Technology (JIIT), Noida

iDrone was first used during the Covid pandemic by the ICMR for distributing vaccines to unreachable areas. Speaking to the news agency ANI,&nbsp;ICMR's Director General Dr Rajeev Bahl said, "Today, we are transporting blood &amp; blood-related products, which are supposed to be kept at a low temperature."

Dr Bahl said that following the experiment, the ICMR found that not only it could maintain the temperature, but there was also no damage to the products transported. "We sent another sample through an ambulance &amp; if there are no differences in the samples sent using the two modes, then this drone will be used all over India,” he added.&nbsp;

Previously, the ICMR used drones for delivering medical supplies, and vaccines in remote areas of Manipur and Nagaland.&nbsp;

Dr Nivedita Gupta from the ICMR said “Challenges in timely delivery of blood and blood products especially in the remote areas and congested metropolitan cities of India were identified. The drone-based delivery of blood may reduce the time for last-mile deliveries within the district.”&nbsp;

Another scientist from the ICMR Dr Sumit Kumar, meanwhile, highlighted that assessing the quality and integrity of fragile bodily fluids such as blood and the impact of drone’s movement is a crucial aspect which requires proper monitoring and validation.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Blood bag delivery by drones has now become possible in India for the first time. According to a report by the news agency ANI, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) conducted a trial run of blood bag delivery by drones under its iDrone initiative.

Blood bag delivery by drones has now become possible in India for the first time. According to a report by the news agency ANI, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) conducted a trial run of blood bag delivery by drones under its iDrone initiative. The inaugural flight carried 10 units of whole blood samples from The Government Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS) and Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC). The sortie was in the visual line of sight conducted at Jaypee Institute of Information Technology (JIIT), Noida. Professor Pammi Gauba from the JIIT called the project a pathbreaking validation study involving the collaborative efforts of ICMR, Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC), New Delhi, Government Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS), Greater Noida and Jaypee Institute of Information Technology (JIIT), Noida iDrone was first used during the Covid pandemic by the ICMR for distributing vaccines to unreachable areas. Speaking to the news agency ANI, ICMR's Director General Dr Rajeev Bahl said, "Today, we are transporting blood & blood-related products, which are supposed to be kept at a low temperature." Dr Bahl said that following the experiment, the ICMR found that not only it could maintain the temperature, but there was also no damage to the products transported. "We sent another sample through an ambulance & if there are no differences in the samples sent using the two modes, then this drone will be used all over India,” he added. Previously, the ICMR used drones for delivering medical supplies, and vaccines in remote areas of Manipur and Nagaland. Dr Nivedita Gupta from the ICMR said “Challenges in timely delivery of blood and blood products especially in the remote areas and congested metropolitan cities of India were identified. The drone-based delivery of blood may reduce the time for last-mile deliveries within the district.” Another scientist from the ICMR Dr Sumit Kumar, meanwhile, highlighted that assessing the quality and integrity of fragile bodily fluids such as blood and the impact of drone’s movement is a crucial aspect which requires proper monitoring and validation. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

For the first time in India, blood bag delivery by drones becomes possible: Report

After 42,295 recoveries were reported in the last 24 hours, India`s COVID-19 active caseload dropped to 3,85,227 and now only constitute 1.2 per cent of the total infections, the lowest since March 2020, according to the Union Health Ministry on Friday.

As many as 40,120 new coronavirus cases were registered in the 24-hour period, taking the cumulative infections to 3,21,17,826. With 585 new deaths, the death toll due to COVID-19 mounted to 4,30,254.

As per the ministry, India has also achieved the highest ever recovery rate, presently at 97.46 per cent. The daily positivity rate is at 2.04 per cent also remains less than 3 per cent for the last 19 days.

Under the nationwide vaccination drive, 52,95,82,956 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered so far, while 57,31,574 doses were administered in the last 24 hours.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 48,94,70,779 samples have been tested for COVID19, up to August 12, 2021, of which, 19,70,495 samples were tested yesterday.

After 42,295 recoveries were reported in the last 24 hours, India`s COVID-19 active caseload dropped to 3,85,227 and now only constitute 1.2 per cent of the total infections, the lowest since March 2020, according to the Union Health Ministry on Friday.

After 42,295 recoveries were reported in the last 24 hours, India`s COVID-19 active caseload dropped to 3,85,227 and now only constitute 1.2 per cent of the total infections, the lowest since March 2020, according to the Union Health Ministry on Friday. As many as 40,120 new coronavirus cases were registered in the 24-hour period, taking the cumulative infections to 3,21,17,826. With 585 new deaths, the death toll due to COVID-19 mounted to 4,30,254. As per the ministry, India has also achieved the highest ever recovery rate, presently at 97.46 per cent. The daily positivity rate is at 2.04 per cent also remains less than 3 per cent for the last 19 days. Under the nationwide vaccination drive, 52,95,82,956 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered so far, while 57,31,574 doses were administered in the last 24 hours. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 48,94,70,779 samples have been tested for COVID19, up to August 12, 2021, of which, 19,70,495 samples were tested yesterday.

India reports 40,120 new COVID-19 cases in last 24 hours

A fast and easy paper-based testing strip called 'FELUDA' which can act as a game changer for India is ready to hit the market.

The Drugs Controller General of India had approved&nbsp;FELUDA, an acroynym for FnCas9 Editor Linked Uniform Detection Assay,&nbsp;last month after it met the quality benchmark of the&nbsp;Indian Council for Medical Research.

It has been developed by a team of young scientists of the&nbsp;Council of Scientific Industrial Research (CSIR).

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-scales-up-testing-capacity-from-1-in-january-to-over-77-cr-in-october-health-ministry-332379">India scales up testing capacity from 1 in January to over 7.7 cr in October: Health ministry</a>

FELUDA&nbsp;delivers results in minutes as opposed to the existing RT-PCR kits, which takes anywhere between 4 to 5 hours.

According to CSIR's&nbsp;Director General&nbsp;Shekhar C Mande,&nbsp;"This test kit only takes 30 minutes to test for COVID when the RT PCR takes around 4 to 5 hours. Also, this testing kit is three to five times cheaper than the RT PCR based test kit".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-gets-its-own-covid-19-testing-kit-288276">India gets its own Covid-19 testing kit</a>

The paper-based diagnosis test is similar to the mechanism of a pregnancy test kit.

"The test is similar to the mechanism of a pregnancy test where we dip the paper (containing the sample) in a solution and the colour changes," the DG, CSIR said.

Speaking on the advantages of the testing kit, he said that the test's ability to give accurate results in a short span of time is its biggest advantage.

"Through these kits, we hope to test people residing in villages as well which could not be possible with the RT-PCR test as a large number of instruments are required for the test," he said and added that the sensitivity and specificity are "as good as the RT-PCR test".

Another advantage is that we can move anywhere even to villages and move them around and keep testing people. 
Mande said that in the next three-four weeks the testing kit should come into the market once it gets approval from the regulatory authority.

One of the senior scientists, Debojyoti Chakraborty, said: "This test we have developed is similar to two other tests which also use the CRISPR Cas system for detection. They have been developed at MIT and the University of California, Berkeley. However, the Cas9 and detection chemistries are different."

"We have extensively characterized a highly specific Cas9 that can recognise any DNA sequences. If we direct it to go and find out the sequence for COVID-19, then it can specifically identify that sequence and then form a complex with DNA," said Chakraborty.

Speaking on the procedure of the test, Chakraborty said: "On the strip, you get two lines: one line is a control line which is present in every strip that is being used and tells that the strip is working fine and then there is a test line which comes positive only if the COVID-19 sequence was present in the initial RNA."

He added further: "A negative sample will not have the test line appearing. So looking at the test line position you can visually see whether the patient test is positive or negative depending upon how the line forms on the strips."

Manoj Kumar, another scientist working on this project said: "The main idea was given by Dr Debojyoti Chakraborty and Souvik Maiti, the senior scientists who are heading our team said that we can use these particular strips--which is already developed two years back for Sickle cell anemia--and now we are repurposing it for COVID-19 testing."

He added: "I am really feeling great to be part of this team. Working on this project can be beneficial for society."

A fast and easy paper-based testing strip called 'FELUDA' which can act as a game changer for India is ready to hit the market. The Drugs Controller General of India had approved FELUDA, an acroynym for FnCas9 Editor Linked Uniform Detection Assay, last month after it met the quality benchmark of the Indian Council for Medical Research.

A fast and easy paper-based testing strip called 'FELUDA' which can act as a game changer for India is ready to hit the market. The Drugs Controller General of India had approved FELUDA, an acroynym for FnCas9 Editor Linked Uniform Detection Assay, last month after it met the quality benchmark of the Indian Council for Medical Research. It has been developed by a team of young scientists of the Council of Scientific Industrial Research (CSIR). Also read: India scales up testing capacity from 1 in January to over 7.7 cr in October: Health ministry FELUDA delivers results in minutes as opposed to the existing RT-PCR kits, which takes anywhere between 4 to 5 hours. According to CSIR's Director General Shekhar C Mande, "This test kit only takes 30 minutes to test for COVID when the RT PCR takes around 4 to 5 hours. Also, this testing kit is three to five times cheaper than the RT PCR based test kit". Also read: India gets its own Covid-19 testing kit The paper-based diagnosis test is similar to the mechanism of a pregnancy test kit. "The test is similar to the mechanism of a pregnancy test where we dip the paper (containing the sample) in a solution and the colour changes," the DG, CSIR said. Speaking on the advantages of the testing kit, he said that the test's ability to give accurate results in a short span of time is its biggest advantage. "Through these kits, we hope to test people residing in villages as well which could not be possible with the RT-PCR test as a large number of instruments are required for the test," he said and added that the sensitivity and specificity are "as good as the RT-PCR test". Another advantage is that we can move anywhere even to villages and move them around and keep testing people. Mande said that in the next three-four weeks the testing kit should come into the market once it gets approval from the regulatory authority. One of the senior scientists, Debojyoti Chakraborty, said: "This test we have developed is similar to two other tests which also use the CRISPR Cas system for detection. They have been developed at MIT and the University of California, Berkeley. However, the Cas9 and detection chemistries are different." "We have extensively characterized a highly specific Cas9 that can recognise any DNA sequences. If we direct it to go and find out the sequence for COVID-19, then it can specifically identify that sequence and then form a complex with DNA," said Chakraborty. Speaking on the procedure of the test, Chakraborty said: "On the strip, you get two lines: one line is a control line which is present in every strip that is being used and tells that the strip is working fine and then there is a test line which comes positive only if the COVID-19 sequence was present in the initial RNA." He added further: "A negative sample will not have the test line appearing. So looking at the test line position you can visually see whether the patient test is positive or negative depending upon how the line forms on the strips." Manoj Kumar, another scientist working on this project said: "The main idea was given by Dr Debojyoti Chakraborty and Souvik Maiti, the senior scientists who are heading our team said that we can use these particular strips--which is already developed two years back for Sickle cell anemia--and now we are repurposing it for COVID-19 testing." He added: "I am really feeling great to be part of this team. Working on this project can be beneficial for society."

India's new 'game-changing' strip test for coronavirus ready to hit market

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has revealed shocking statistics of the country's COVID-19 cases. The research paper suggests that millions of Coronavirus cases may have gone undetected in India earlier this year. Watch the report to know more.

India missed 81-130 infections per case in May: ICMR's sero survey

The Indian Council of Medical Research has said that the rapid testing kits distributed to different states in India by the center will have to be validated before they could be put to use. Watch report.

ICMR: COVID-19 rapid testing kits needs validation first

According to a study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) researchers have found the presence of different kinds of coronavirus in bat species. Watch report.

ICMR: Detection of 'Bat coronavirus' in India

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has validated TrueNat, a tuberculosis testing machine for COVID-19 screening tests.

On Thursday, the ICMR had updated its testing strategy for COVID-19.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-in-india-total-covid-19-cases-at-6412-death-toll-at-199-291681" hreflang="en">Coronavirus in India: Total COVID-19 cases at 6,412, death toll at 199</a>

The revised strategy states that asymptomatic direct and high-risk contacts of a confirmed case should be tested once between "day 5 and day 14" of coming in his/her contact.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tablighi-jamaat-returnees-distributed-sweets-to-passengers-in-up-says-report-291726" hreflang="en">Tablighi Jamaat returnees distributed sweets to passengers in UP, says report</a>

Testing of all symptomatic individuals, who have undertaken international travel in the last 14 day, all symptomatic contacts of laboratory-confirmed cases, all symptomatic health care workers and all patients with severe acute respiratory illness (fever and cough and/or shortness of breath) will be done.

It will also be done in hotspots/cluster (as per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare) and in large migration gatherings/ evacuees centres.&nbsp;

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has validated TrueNat, a tuberculosis testing machine for COVID-19 screening tests. On Thursday, the ICMR had updated its testing strategy for COVID-19.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has validated TrueNat, a tuberculosis testing machine for COVID-19 screening tests. On Thursday, the ICMR had updated its testing strategy for COVID-19. Also read: Coronavirus in India: Total COVID-19 cases at 6,412, death toll at 199 The revised strategy states that asymptomatic direct and high-risk contacts of a confirmed case should be tested once between "day 5 and day 14" of coming in his/her contact. Also read: Tablighi Jamaat returnees distributed sweets to passengers in UP, says report Testing of all symptomatic individuals, who have undertaken international travel in the last 14 day, all symptomatic contacts of laboratory-confirmed cases, all symptomatic health care workers and all patients with severe acute respiratory illness (fever and cough and/or shortness of breath) will be done. It will also be done in hotspots/cluster (as per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare) and in large migration gatherings/ evacuees centres.

ICMR validates TrueNat for COVID-19 screening tests

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has invited applications from all government and private medical colleges for establishing COVID-19 testing facilities.

This is being done to strengthen the apex health research body's testing capacity in view of the rising number of coronavirus cases in the country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/humanity-in-times-of-covid-19-trump-thanks-india-pm-modi-for-decision-on-hcq-291430" hreflang="en">Humanity in times of COVID-19: Trump thanks India, PM Modi for decision on HCQ</a>

ICMR said the private medical colleges are required to submit a copy of the NABL accreditation certificate and scope of accreditation for real-time PCR for RNA viruses.

"These medical colleges should have the availability of a BSL-2 level laboratory facility along with molecular biology setup for virological diagnosis and functioning and calibrated Biosafety cabinet type 2A/2B in the laboratory can apply," ICMR said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-calls-social-media-poster-to-honour-him-mischief-to-drag-me-in-controversies-291410" hreflang="en">Modi calls social media poster to honour him 'mischief to drag me in controversies'&nbsp;</a>

The requirement of cold centrifuge/microfuge for RNA extraction and functioning and calibrated real-time PCR machine is a must.

Besides, the medical microbiologists and technicians should have experience of work in virology and handling clinical specimens, especially respiratory samples.

They should also pose a good understanding of laboratory bio-safety and bio-security, trained for handling respiratory samples for viral diagnosis, RNA extraction and real-time PCR.

Till Wednesday there has been 5,274 COVID-19 cases in the country, an increase of 485 cases in the last 24 hours, and 149 deaths according to the Union Health Ministry.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has invited applications from all government and private medical colleges for establishing COVID-19 testing facilities.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has invited applications from all government and private medical colleges for establishing COVID-19 testing facilities. This is being done to strengthen the apex health research body's testing capacity in view of the rising number of coronavirus cases in the country. Also read: Humanity in times of COVID-19: Trump thanks India, PM Modi for decision on HCQ ICMR said the private medical colleges are required to submit a copy of the NABL accreditation certificate and scope of accreditation for real-time PCR for RNA viruses. "These medical colleges should have the availability of a BSL-2 level laboratory facility along with molecular biology setup for virological diagnosis and functioning and calibrated Biosafety cabinet type 2A/2B in the laboratory can apply," ICMR said. Also read: Modi calls social media poster to honour him 'mischief to drag me in controversies' The requirement of cold centrifuge/microfuge for RNA extraction and functioning and calibrated real-time PCR machine is a must. Besides, the medical microbiologists and technicians should have experience of work in virology and handling clinical specimens, especially respiratory samples. They should also pose a good understanding of laboratory bio-safety and bio-security, trained for handling respiratory samples for viral diagnosis, RNA extraction and real-time PCR. Till Wednesday there has been 5,274 COVID-19 cases in the country, an increase of 485 cases in the last 24 hours, and 149 deaths according to the Union Health Ministry.

ICMR asks medical colleges to create COVID-19 testing facilities

The Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) has approved&nbsp;first indigenously developed COVID-19 test kit by the country's premier research and development organization Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/complete-prohibition-on-interstate-migration-government-tells-supreme-court-amid-covid-19-lockdown-289669">Complete prohibition on interstate migration: Government tells Supreme Court amid COVID-19 lockdown</a>

The test will cost Rs 1,200 as against the present cost of Rs 4,500 per test.

After the ICMR approved the kit, DRDO said it has devised indigenous equipment including multiple use ventilators and isolation tubes to fight coronavirus outbreak.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health said that&nbsp;DRDO will begin manufacturing 20,000 N-95 masks per day from next week.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/confirmed-coronavirus-cases-rise-to-1251-in-india-kerala-maharashtra-worst-hit-289636">Confirmed coronavirus cases rise to 1,251 in India; Kerala, Maharashtra worst-hit</a>

The ministry has also asked the Bharat Electronics Limited, a public-sector undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, to manufacture 30,000 ventilators in next two months.

The number of confirmed cases due to&nbsp;coronavirus&nbsp;continued to surge in India with Kerala reporting 202 cases and Maharashtra recording 198 cases.

The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the country now stands at 1,251 with 102 people cured, according to the health ministry.

<blockquote cite="https://twitter.com/DDNewslive/status/1244823351131922432" data-scribe="section:subject" data-tweet-id="1244823351131922432">&nbsp;</blockquote>

The Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) has approved first indigenously developed COVID-19 test kit by the country's premier research and development organization Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) has approved first indigenously developed COVID-19 test kit by the country's premier research and development organization Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Also read: Complete prohibition on interstate migration: Government tells Supreme Court amid COVID-19 lockdown The test will cost Rs 1,200 as against the present cost of Rs 4,500 per test. After the ICMR approved the kit, DRDO said it has devised indigenous equipment including multiple use ventilators and isolation tubes to fight coronavirus outbreak. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health said that DRDO will begin manufacturing 20,000 N-95 masks per day from next week. Also read: Confirmed coronavirus cases rise to 1,251 in India; Kerala, Maharashtra worst-hit The ministry has also asked the Bharat Electronics Limited, a public-sector undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, to manufacture 30,000 ventilators in next two months. The number of confirmed cases due to coronavirus continued to surge in India with Kerala reporting 202 cases and Maharashtra recording 198 cases. The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the country now stands at 1,251 with 102 people cured, according to the health ministry.

ICMR approves first indigenously developed coronavirus test kit

As the number of coronavirus cases is on the rise, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has revised its testing strategy.

The revised guidelines include sample testing of all direct and high-risk contacts of COVID-19 positive cases. The contacts will now be tested once between day 5 and day 14 of coming in contact with patients.

The direct and high-risk contacts include those who live in the same household with a confirmed case. It includes healthcare workers who have examined COVID-19 positive patients without proper protective gear.

So far, those with symptoms were allowed to get tested. Now those with severe acute respiratory illnesses like pneumonia with fever, cough and breathlessness will be tested.

Private labs have also been authorised to carry out COVID-19 tests. The government has mandated that the maximum cost of testing must not exceed Rs 4,500. This includes Rs1,500 for a screening test and Rs 3,000 for a contamination test. While this is the upper limit set by the ICMR, the body has urged private labs to provide subsidized services as much as possible.

As the number of coronavirus cases is on the rise, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has revised its testing strategy. The revised guidelines include sample testing of all direct and high-risk contacts of COVID-19 positive cases.

As the number of coronavirus cases is on the rise, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has revised its testing strategy. The revised guidelines include sample testing of all direct and high-risk contacts of COVID-19 positive cases. The contacts will now be tested once between day 5 and day 14 of coming in contact with patients. The direct and high-risk contacts include those who live in the same household with a confirmed case. It includes healthcare workers who have examined COVID-19 positive patients without proper protective gear. So far, those with symptoms were allowed to get tested. Now those with severe acute respiratory illnesses like pneumonia with fever, cough and breathlessness will be tested. Private labs have also been authorised to carry out COVID-19 tests. The government has mandated that the maximum cost of testing must not exceed Rs 4,500. This includes Rs1,500 for a screening test and Rs 3,000 for a contamination test. While this is the upper limit set by the ICMR, the body has urged private labs to provide subsidized services as much as possible.

COVID-19: As number of cases rises, ICMR revises testing strategy  

In a notification issued on March 20th, ICMR said that asymptomatic individuals who have traveled internationally in the last 2 weeks should stay in home quarantine for 14 days, and that they will be tested only if they become symptomatic

ICMR changes strategy for coronavirus testing in India

About one in seven persons in India suffered from mental disorders of varying severity in 2017, with depression and anxiety disorders being the most common mental disorders affecting 45.7 million and 44.9 million people each in the country, noted the findings of a first comprehensive study done by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on disease burden due to mental disorders in India.

The research has shown that there is a significant increase in the incidence of mental health disorders in India over the years.

The ICMR findings have clearly noted that approximate 197 million persons, roughly one in seven Indians, suffered from any kind of mental disorders of the year 2017.

These include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, idiopathic developmental intellectual disability, conduct disorders, and autism. "We found that depression is highest in older adults which has significant implications for the ageing population of India. Depression contributed 33.8 per cent of all mental disorder, followed by anxiety disorders (19.0 per cent), idiopathic developmental intellectual disability (10.8 per cent), and schizophrenia (9.8 per cent)," Prof Balram Bhargav, Director General, ICMR informed ANI.

As depression is associated with suicide deaths in India it is our big concern to tackle it and with this association, we found out that it is slightly stronger in females than in males, (Prof) Bhargava added.

The study is now published in the latest issue of The Lancet Psychiatry journal under the India State-Level Disease Burden Initiative of ICMR and Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI).

"The prevalence of mental disorders has doubled between 1990 and 2017. To understand the burden of mental health, we have studied all available data sources from India to bring in this state-specific scientific paper on mental health problems in India," Prof Lalit Dandona, Director of the India State-Level Disease Burden Initiative told ANI.

Among the mental disorders that during childhood and adolescence, the prevalence for idiopathic developmental intellectual disability was 4.5 per cent, conduct disorder 0.80 per cent, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder 0.42 per cent, and autism spectrum disorders 0.35 per cent, findings noted.

Dr Rajesh Sagar, lead author of the story and Professor of psychiatric at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) said,&nbsp;"Mental illnesses is rising in India at a tremendous rate. It is the need of the hour to upgrade mental health services, create awareness, remove social stigma and generate access to treatment."

"Parents and children should be educated. In the study, we have noted that the prevalence of childhood and adolescent mental disorders was higher in the less developed northern states, and that of the mental disorders during adulthood higher in the more developed southern states," he said.

About one in seven persons in India suffered from mental disorders of varying severity in 2017, with depression and anxiety disorders being the most common mental disorders affecting 45.

About one in seven persons in India suffered from mental disorders of varying severity in 2017, with depression and anxiety disorders being the most common mental disorders affecting 45.7 million and 44.9 million people each in the country, noted the findings of a first comprehensive study done by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on disease burden due to mental disorders in India. The research has shown that there is a significant increase in the incidence of mental health disorders in India over the years. The ICMR findings have clearly noted that approximate 197 million persons, roughly one in seven Indians, suffered from any kind of mental disorders of the year 2017. These include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, idiopathic developmental intellectual disability, conduct disorders, and autism. "We found that depression is highest in older adults which has significant implications for the ageing population of India. Depression contributed 33.8 per cent of all mental disorder, followed by anxiety disorders (19.0 per cent), idiopathic developmental intellectual disability (10.8 per cent), and schizophrenia (9.8 per cent)," Prof Balram Bhargav, Director General, ICMR informed ANI. As depression is associated with suicide deaths in India it is our big concern to tackle it and with this association, we found out that it is slightly stronger in females than in males, (Prof) Bhargava added. The study is now published in the latest issue of The Lancet Psychiatry journal under the India State-Level Disease Burden Initiative of ICMR and Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI). "The prevalence of mental disorders has doubled between 1990 and 2017. To understand the burden of mental health, we have studied all available data sources from India to bring in this state-specific scientific paper on mental health problems in India," Prof Lalit Dandona, Director of the India State-Level Disease Burden Initiative told ANI. Among the mental disorders that during childhood and adolescence, the prevalence for idiopathic developmental intellectual disability was 4.5 per cent, conduct disorder 0.80 per cent, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder 0.42 per cent, and autism spectrum disorders 0.35 per cent, findings noted. Dr Rajesh Sagar, lead author of the story and Professor of psychiatric at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) said, "Mental illnesses is rising in India at a tremendous rate. It is the need of the hour to upgrade mental health services, create awareness, remove social stigma and generate access to treatment." "Parents and children should be educated. In the study, we have noted that the prevalence of childhood and adolescent mental disorders was higher in the less developed northern states, and that of the mental disorders during adulthood higher in the more developed southern states," he said.

One in seven suffers from mental disorder in India: Indian Council of Medical Research study

According to a study published by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Most healthy Indians are resistant to common antibiotics. Watch this video to know more.

Growing resistance to antibiotics in Indians