Doctors and Health Professionals Appeals for Introducing Regulations on Sale of Smokeless and Other Untaxed Tobacco Products

* Regulations on manufacturing, distribution and sale of non-virginia tobacco can enhance Government revenues in the range of Rs 35,000 Cr – Rs 40,000 Cr protecting health of youth 

Shram, a self-help group working in collaboration with doctors and professionals working in the field of health and education to build awareness against tobacco and alcohol abuse, appeals to Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of Finance to regulate the unorganized manufacturing, distribution and sale of smokeless and other non-virginia tobacco in India to curtail its widespread consumption, protecting health of citizens  and bring it under a taxation structure.

Smokeless tobacco in India is currently used majorly for unorganized manufacturing of chewing tobacco, gutka, pan masala variants, zarda and others. These products are widely available and consumed by the poorer section in India due to their affordability and accessibility in the absence of any regulations and taxation. According to a study published in BMC Medicine, India accounts for 70% of deaths globally caused due to chewing of smokeless tobacco. The need for regulations to curtail their use is even greater during COVID-19 as this variant of tobacco is mostly chewed and spat thereby aiding the spread of the virus. The requirement for regulations is driven further by the fact that India, as per the research, is a hotspot for smokeless tobacco consumption. 

While India has an expansive set of rules and laws to restrict and regulate tobacco used in cigarettes and cigars at par with international norms, smokeless tobacco products and variants do not fall under this umbrella despite being 85% of the tobacco grown in India across 15 states. This largely unorganized and unregulated sector sees consumers of all age groups with the average age of tobacco consumers being as early as 17.4 years, according to Global Adult Tobacco Survey. The survey also found that close to 30% of tobacco users across India used smokeless tobacco yet this remains a sector away from the purvey of any rules and regulations. 

The debilitating state of the smokeless tobacco sector demands a regulatory structure akin to that in place for other tobacco products. If smokeless tobacco is traded or processed through auction platforms governed by the Tobacco Board of India or via APMCs then it will ensure fair pricing and ample taxation. Regulations will also ensure that manufacturers do not evade taxes in this highly unorganized sector. 

Placing an appeal for introducing a regulatory framework for trading of smokeless tobacco, Dr. Pranasmita Kalita of Shram said, “Smokeless tobacco industry in India is majorly an unorganized sector that sees producers, manufacturers and distributors take advantage of it being outside the ambit of any regulatory or taxation structure. This has led to wide exploitation of labour and massive tax evasion. The need of the hour lies in putting in place the government taking into account this crisis and introduce policies and laws to regulate and ensure legally taxed trading of smokeless tobacco and its products. Suitable taxation on non-virginia tobacco can bring in revenue to the Government in the range of Rs 35,000 crores to Rs 40,000 crores approximately.”

Steps to tackle the sale, manufacturing and production of smokeless tobacco is of utmost importance now, during COVID-19 as products derived from this category of tobacco are chewed and spat instead of being swallowed or breathed in. A definitive regulatory policy and subsequent taxing can play a hand in curtailing its widespread consumption.  

AAF Launches Industrial-Grade Air Purifiers in the Indian Market

 AAF (American Air Filter), a Daikin group of company, the world’s largest clean air solutions provider launches industrial-grade air purifiers for the healthcare segment. These portable air purifiers enable healthcare facilities to transform the basic patient room into a negative pressure isolation room.

The AstroPure 500 is the most versatile AAF model. It can be used as an infection control system in healthcare and commercial facilities. The 3-stage air filtration with UV light can be utilized in any of the three operating modes to recirculate and clean the air in a controlled environment.

100% exhaust*

Need-based variable exhaust based on the application

100% recirculation

The design of the equipment is suitable for Accident & Emergency Room (ER), ICUs, Operating Room (OR) or any controlled environment to convert to an infection-free isolation room. This equipment can also be used in small clinics, laboratories, patients waiting rooms or any other common areas to avoid the spread of infection while recirculating the air.

Features:

A stand-alone complete air purification system to recirculate and clean the air in a controlled environment.

It combines particulate, gas-phase and HEPA filters to remove airborne particles, gaseous contaminants, viruses, bacteria, fungus and molds to provide total clean air solution.

The pre-filter prolongs the life span of a higher efficiency filter

The gas-phase filter effectively removes odor problems.

HEPA filter to remove fine particles, viruses, bacteria, fungus, molds with an efficiency of 99.99% at 0.3μm.

This powerful system delivers up to 500 CFM operating airflow. As a result, the AstroPure 500 can typically provide above 12 air changes per hour in rooms up to 2,500 cubic feet. Variable speed controls enable the AstroPure 500 to be run at lower speeds where less airflow is required.

AstroPure 500 is the best solution for prevention of spread of viruses and can be used as a stand-alone unit in any space where people gather like offices, malls, hotels (conference rooms, restaurants and suites), airports (lounges, immigration area), schools (classrooms, canteen, indoor sports areas), hospitals (common areas, consultation rooms, isolation rooms, ICUs), dental clinics, movie theaters, convention halls and tech parks.

Godrej Appliances Forays into Health and Hygiene Space with Godrej VIROSHIELD 4.0

The COVID 19 pandemic has made a significant change in Indian consumer behavior when it comes to the priority accorded to safety and hygiene. Consumers are doing their best to protect themselves from the COVID 19 virus, investing time and effort in washing or sanitizing or quarantining things for daily use and consumption that come into the house – without any certainty of the effectiveness of the methods deployed. A consumer dipstick conducted by the company revealed that more than 60% consumers are isolating all parcels and packets for more than a day, washing vegetables and leaving them aside for more than a day and in some cases even washing them in soap water!

Godrej Appliances, a leading Indian consumer durables manufacturer for 62 years, has always endeavored to offer relevant technology suited to Indian consumer needs. During this pandemic, the brand again rises to the occasion to offer another relevant India made product for the Indian consumer to help them tide over these testing times – Godrej VIROSHIELD 4.0, a UV-C technology-based device which disinfects against more than 99% COVID 19 Virus in 2-6 minutes. It operates at ~254nm UV wavelength which is optimal for neutralising COVID – 19, other viruses and bacteria. The brand which is known for its trusted offerings has ensured that VIROSHIELD is tested and certified by ICMR empanelled lab for its UVC Irradiance. 

Godrej VIROSHIELD 4.0 is designed to ensure that both safety and hygiene are addressed. With UV surround technology, Godrej VIROSHIELD 4.0 uses 4 UV-C tubes & 6 Side Reflective Interiors, which is the highest in the market in its capacity segment, ensuring 360° UVC coverage. Moreover, the cubic design of VIROSHIELD helps in uniform dissemination of the UV-C rays. It is well placed to disinfect anything - from grocery packs to vegetables, mobile phones and masks to gold ornaments, headphones to car keys, toys to currency notes, wallets to spectacles, etc.

Its larger volume of 30 L helps you disinfect more Items together at one go or larger item and saves time & energy. No more spending time washing, soaking, isolating things without knowing if it is helping enough. 

The brand is very particular about consumer safety. Prolonged direct exposure to UVC is harmful to human health. And hence, VIROSHIELD is designed with no see-through surfaces, thick side & door walls, and a gasket-based magnetic sealing system and Auto Cut-off facility as soon as the door is opened, Godrej VIROSHIELD 4.0 is thus 100% UV leak-proof for human safety. Its leak-proof effectiveness has also been tested and certified. 

The Godrej VIROSHIELD comes with a 1-year comprehensive warranty including on the UVC Lamps and is backed by the highest-ranked Godrej after-sales service assurance. 

Available in pure white, the feature-rich, 30 L, Godrej VIROSHIELD 4.0 is attractively priced at Rs. 9490, inclusive of taxes. 

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Kamal Nandi, Business Head and EVP – Godrej Appliances said, “The pandemic has clearly impacted consumer behaviour. Health and hygiene are paramount concerns of our consumers currently. We have always endeavoured to put forth offerings based on consumer insights and current needs, staying true to the brand philosophy of ’Things made thoughtfully’. We are working on various technologies and innovations, around the themes of health, hygiene, and effort minimisation. In line with the same, we bring to our consumers – Godrej VIROSHIELD 4.0, a UV-C technology-based disinfecting device that can protect our consumers and their loved ones from COVID-19, other viruses and bacteria. We want our consumers to not take any chances and be worry-free as they embrace the new normal.” 

Mr. Anup Bhargava, Product Group Head – Refrigerators, Godrej Appliances, further added, “Happy to share that we are launching the brand-new Godrej VIROSHIELD 4.0 to safeguard our consumers from COVID – 19, other viruses and bacteria, as they deal with the fear of pandemic every day. Certified by ICMR empaneled lab for UVC irradiance, it delivers 99%+ disinfection against COVID-19 in just 2 to 6 minutes. With 360° UV Surround Technology, the 100% UV leak proof Godrej VIROSHIELD 4.0 is feature-rich and very competitively priced for a 30 L offering. With this unique offering, we are targeting a revenue of INR 40 Crore in the year of launch. It has been made available on Amazon already, during its annual event. We are working closely with our e-com partners for online promotions as well. We will be making it available pan India across our network this month itself. Its superior value proposition and positive trade feedback give us the confidence to target a 20% share in this financial year. 

7.4% Reduction in Severely Acute Malnourished Children after Successful Year of BSI’s Nutrition India Programme

 * BSI NIP saved 6,500 children between 0-5 years across districts of Amravati and Nandurbar in Maharashtra from malnutrition

* An independent evaluation by sustainable Square found every INR 1 invested in the BSI Nutrition India Programme delivers INR 36.90 of social value 

* The ongoing programme additionally aims to engage with 1,77,000 mothers and children with the goal to eradicate malnourishment in Amravati & Nandurbar in the next four years

After the first successful year of Dettol BSI - Nutrition India Programme, the community witnessed a 7.4% reduction in the proportion of severely acute malnourished children across the districts of Amravati & Nandurbar in Maharashtra. Within the first 10 months, the programme was able to save the lives of 6,500 children between the years of 1-5 with the help of 41 community nutrition workers. An independent evaluation by sustainable Square also found that every INR 1 invested in the BSI Nutrition India Programme delivers a social value of INR 36.90.

The programme was developed to support in the first 1000 days of a child’s life, utilizing digital and artificial intelligence-based innovative modules, to strengthen the health, hygiene and nutrition status of pregnant women and children in Maharashtra’s Amravati and Nandurbar.

Commenting on the partnership initiative, Gaurav Jain, Senior Vice President, South Asia, Reckitt Benckiser Health, “Proper nutrition & sanitation are the catalyst to social change and one of the most critical aspect to empower young children and mothers. Given the alarming number of malnourishment cases witnessed in states like Maharashtra, districts of Amravati and Nandurbar became the starting ground for the Nutrition India Programme in partnership with Plan India. The five-year programme is aimed at strengthening the health, hygiene, and nutrition status of pregnant women and children across impacted communities.”

Acknowledging this support Mohammed Asif, Executive Director, Plan India, said, “Nutrition India program has shown the light on the imperative of collaborative actions by governments, corporates and civil society to successfully tackle the challenge of malnutrition and undernourishment in rural communities. The learnings and outcomes from this program should be widely disseminated so that other development actors are able to replicate. Also this initiative by Reckitt Benckiser and its partners is contributing to the larger national efforts to mitigate the public health challenge posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“We are thankful to RB for the partnership and for ensuring timely access to life-saving and preventive measures to ramp up nutrition and public health outcomes in underserved communities.” He added.

In the past one year, Nutrition India Programme has worked with local communities and developed a workforce of travelling nutrition champions who are known as ‘Community Nutrition Workers (CNWs)’. These workers are given rigorous training by public health experts, pediatricians, gynecologists, and community development specialists, and are educated about the golden rules of good nutrition. 

The ongoing programme is focusing on maternal and child health. Everything related to it is being taught to these community nutrition workers, such as–what precautions are to be taken by expecting mothers, what should be their diet, lessons on breastfeeding, the importance of breastfeeding within the initial hour of birth, exclusive breastfeeding for the newborn, and the diet which should be given to a child so that he/she is saved from the ill effects of malnutrition.

Over the next four years, the programme aims to reach 1,77,000 mothers of undernourished children across 1,000 villages with a target of 40% reduction in the number of children under five who are stunted, and to reduce and maintain childhood wasting to less than 5%.

Plan India’s on-ground expertise is helping reach communities properly through a systematized process. The partner organization is also supporting by providing nutrition workers with simple interactive tools that deliver clear and effective messaging around nutrition and hygiene to create behavioral changes in the society. For more information on Plan India, login to www.planindia.org

Social Return on Investment measures the value of the benefits relative to the costs of achieving those benefits. It is a ratio of the net present value of benefits to the net present value of the investment. The total public health impact could be measured for a population of 5 lakhs

About RB:

RB* is driven by its purpose to protect, heal and nurture in a relentless pursuit of a cleaner, healthier world. We fight to make access to the highest-quality hygiene, wellness and nourishment a right, not a privilege, for everyone.

RB is proud to have a stable of trusted household brands found in households in more than 190 countries. These include Enfamil, Nutramigen, Nurofen, Strepsils, Gaviscon, Mucinex, Durex, Scholl, Clearasil, Lysol, Dettol, Veet, Harpic, Cillit Bang, Mortein, Finish, Vanish, Calgon, Woolite, Air Wick and more. 20 million RB products a day are bought by consumers globally.

RB's passion to put consumers and people first, to seek out new opportunities, to strive for excellence in all that we do, and to build shared success with all our partners, while doing the right thing, always is what guides the work of our 40,000+ diverse and talented colleagues worldwide. For more information visit https://www.rb.com/

*RB is the trading name of Reckitt Benckiser group of companies.

PUBLIC HEALTH IMPACT CREATED BY NUTRITION INDIA PROGRAMME IN ONE YEAR

* 71% increase in proportion of child with timely initiation of complementary feeding

* 7.4% reduction in proportion of severely acute malnourished children

* 7% increase in proportion of pregnant women with Complete Ante Natal Care Coverage

* 23% reduction in pregnant women with anemia

* 59% increase in institutional birth at a public facility

* 56% reduction in proportion of low birth weight babies

* 37% increase in proportion of children with breastfeeding initiated within 1 hour of birth

* 11.6% increase in proportion of lactating women whose diet diversity is ensured

Religare Health Insurance Advocates Comprehensive Health Coverage as COVID-19 Drives Greater Consumer Awareness

Covid 19 Coverage 

* Standalone Health Insurance sector in India registers 40% YoY hike

* Comprehensive health cover is imperative in India since retail health insurance penetration is only 3% and out-of-pocket healthcare spending stands at ~65%

With COVID-19 acting as a catalyst of change and increasingly nudging people to explore diverse health coverage options, Religare Health Insurance (RHI) is endorsing the need for comprehensive health insurance policies. Emphasizing the soaring significance of health insurance amid an unprecedented global health crisis, the Standalone Health Insurance sector registered a 40% YoY rise. This growth will ensure further impetus for health insurance penetration, where India records one of the world’s highest out-of-pocket spending rates in healthcare.      

Highlighting the rising numbers of other potentially-fatal lifestyle ailments such as hypertension, diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular diseases, among others, RHI endorses comprehensive health insurance coverage. Furthermore, the increasing cost of quality healthcare services even for infectious diseases underscores the need for comprehensive health insurance.

Accordingly, Religare Health Insurance offers a comprehensive bouquet of services ranging from basic hospitalization (Care); high sum insured options (Care Advantage); insurance for PED, including insulin-dependent diabetics (Care Freedom); post-cardiac event/intervention insurance (Care Heart) and many others, backed by all-encompassing wellness and insurance benefits.

Elaborating on the latest institutional developments, an RHI spokesperson said, “The coronavirus pandemic has come as a thought-provoking black swan event for people disdainful of health insurance. As morbidity and mortality rates rise directly due to COVID-19 and indirectly from the neglect of other equally life-threatening conditions, there is a pronounced and inescapable realization about the need for health insurance. Besides managing COVID-19-related treatments, health cover is indispensable in safeguarding individuals and their families from other chronic conditions that lead to unexpected and unaffordable medical expenses, driving millions of uninsured people into debt, devastating lives permanently. Fortunately, a broad bouquet of health insurance solutions happens to be available today, customized for almost every consumer segment. Therefore, we urge consumers to opt for a suitable coverage plan as per their specific healthcare requirements. This is vital in our country, where retail health insurance penetration is only 3% and out-of-pocket healthcare spending stands at around 65%.”

RHI’s endorsement of comprehensive insurance coverage comes in the wake of increased awareness about health insurance products after the COVID-19 outbreak. Given the importance of health insurance in promoting better healthcare outcomes across India, the Company believes it is important to leverage this trend by apprising people about the far-reaching benefits of comprehensive health policies. Moreover, against the backdrop of pandemic-induced income losses for a significant employed segment, the role of health insurance can be paramount in saving lives in the event of any healthcare crisis.

About Religare Health Insurance (RHI)

Religare Health Insurance (RHI) is a specialized health insurer offering health insurance services to employees of corporates, individual customers and for financial inclusion as well. With its operating philosophy being based on the principal tenet of ‘consumer-centricity’, the company has consistently invested in the effective application of technology to deliver excellence in customer servicing, product innovation and value-for-money services.

RHI currently offers products in the retail segment for Health Insurance, Critical Illness, Personal Accident, Top-up Coverage, International Travel Insurance and Maternity along with Group Health Insurance and Group Personal Accident Insurance for corporates.

Religare Health Insurance has been adjudged the ‘Best Health Insurance Company’ once at the ABP News-BFSI Awards 2015 and again at the Emerging Asia Insurance Awards, 2019 & ‘Best Claims Service Provider of the Year’ – Insurance India Summit & Awards 2018. RHI has also received the ‘Editor’s Choice Award for Best Product Innovation’ at Finnoviti in 2013 and was conferred the ‘Best Medical/Health Insurance Product Award’ at the FICCI Healthcare Excellence Awards in 2015, 2018 and 2019.

Vestige Launches Innovative Consumer Products to Promote Hygiene and Combat the Pandemic

As the world is undergoing an unprecedented health crisis, the need of the hour is to enhance personal hygiene with a special emphasis on hand hygiene as well as to disinfect various surfaces. To address both these needs, Vestige Marketing, a leading Indian-origin direct selling company has launched two innovative products in its homecare and personal care range, Hyvest and Assure, respectively. The two new products are Hyvest Ultra Protek Disinfectant Spray and Assure Hand Cleansing Gel. These two products are in addition to the company’s Assure Germ Protection Soap, which was recently launched. 

The current situation warrants a proactive and empathetic attitude towards people’s health and hygiene practices where people must practice social distancing, wear masks, wash their hands frequently and disinfect various surfaces to protect against this contagious virus. Vestige has an ever-growing global presence across continents and these new product launches are an integral part of its long-term approach towards establishing leadership in the health and hygiene category in India as well as globally.  

Commenting on the launch, Mr Gautam Bali, MD, Vestige Marketing Pvt Ltd said, “Good hygiene is now more important than ever and extends beyond personal care. Disinfecting surfaces that are commonly touched is absolutely critical to protect our overall health and wellness. Zero-contact surface disinfectant spray, Hyvest Ultra Protek is a hassle-free and convenient way to disinfect, sanitise and clean the surrounding surfaces. Apart from the surfaces, it is also important that our hands remain germ-free and sanitised. Assure Hand Cleansing Gel, an alcohol-based gel, is for the complete care of our hands.”

Hyvest Ultra Protek Disinfectant Spray

The Hyvest Ultra Protek is a 73.6% w/w alcohol based disinfectant spray that protects you and your family from illness-causing bacteria and viruses. This is effective on a wide variety of hard and soft surfaces.

The zero-contact spray can easily and effectively disinfect high-contact surfaces such as tables, doorknobs, chairs, keys and packages, etc. It can also be used on other surfaces such as:

Kitchen sinks

Dustbins

Table tops and desks

Chairs and sofas

Doorknobs

Shower taps

Mattresses

Car seats

Curtains

Carpets

Toilet areas (including toilet bowl)

Assure Hand Cleansing Gel

The ASSURE Hand Cleansing Gel is a solution that helps to disinfect the hands without soap and water, anywhere and anytime. It supresses odour and leaves your hands soft and clean even without washing. It dries fast and does not leave a sticky layer on the skin.

The 70% v/v alcohol-based gel is enriched with a unique blend of seven plants. It acts fast and helps to prevent infections. It is an on-the-go, rinse-free and non-sticky instant hand protection solution.

The seven herbs include:

Lime juice: It has curative properties and acts as a natural antibiotic

Rosemary leaf oil: It is used as a disinfectant

Neem leaf extract: It is one of the best healing and disinfectant agents

Sage oil: It has antiseptic and antibacterial properties

Aloe leaf juice powder: It helps to relieve pain, reduce swelling and quell itching

Thyme oil: It is used for its antiseptic properties

Vetiver root oil: It mostly has protective activity as well as soothing benefits

Vestige recently launched the ASSURE Germ Protection Soap, a perfect solution for a family’s everyday hygiene needs. It ensures two-fold care for you and your loved ones. Assure Germ Protection Soap not only removes germs to protect you from common communicable diseases, it also ensures that the repeated use of the soap does not have any adverse impact on your skin.

* HYVEST Ultra Protek comes in a 170 gram pack and is priced at MRP ₹325.00, inclusive of all taxes.

* ASSURE Hand Cleansing Gel comes in a 500 gram pack and is priced at MRP ₹340.00, inclusive of all taxes.

* ASSURE Germ Protection Soap comes in a 75 gram pack and is priced at MRP ₹55.00, inclusive of all taxes.

The Challenges of Developing a Safe and Effective COVID-19 Vaccine

By Mr. Neeraj Mehta, CEO, Immunifyme

COVID-19 which is caused by the virus named SARS-COV-2, originated from China and quickly spread across the globe. WHO recognized it as a Pandemic which has till today infected 15.2 million people worldwide and more than 620 thousand deaths. In India it is spreading wider and till now about 1.24 million people are infected and nearly 30 thousand people have lost their lives.

It is a dreaded disease and the whole world is looking for a vaccine to treat the COVID-19 effectively and control the spread of the disease. While many companies are in the race to produce a vaccine, few have already gone into various Phases of human trials. Moderna's mRNA-1273 and Oxford-AstraZeneca's Covid vaccine are ahead and have proven the safety and efficacy of the vaccine.

So now that we know, the vaccines are definitely on the way, the world will face a different kind of challenges. 

Few of the challenges which I see are:

1. Avoiding counterfeited vaccines 

Fake Vaccines! Yes, COVID-19 is a dreaded pandemic and everyone is looking forward for a vaccine. Thanks to Serum Institute of India and Adar Poonawalla that we have already started the production of COVID-19 vaccine in the name of Covishield for India and the world.

2. Vaccine Distribution

Covishield is not a Routine Vaccine: The world will need billions of doses to be manufactured in order for the vaccine to be available in all parts of the World, thankfully Serum Institute of India is one of the only few companies in the world to have the capability to manufacture this volume of doses. GAVI too has tie-up with UPS. UPS has committed a US$ 3 million in new funding and in-kind logistics support spanning two years, provided by UPS and The UPS Foundation to Gavi. This initiative will help COVID-19 vaccine's equitable and timely distribution. However, India will still need its own logistics in order for the vaccine to reach to everyone. We must ensure it is accessible to each person in India.

3. Surveillance during Vaccination and monitoring and follow-up for upcoming doses

Monitoring of people who would have received the vaccine: This is extremely crucial for us to monitor people who would have received the vaccine, in order to ensure they also receive the follow up dose and how are they doing in the long run after receiving the vaccine.

While it is a great thing that vaccine will be available soon, but we should be prepared for a long wait as well. The initial supplies will be extremely limited and the frontline health-care professionals will get the first access followed by those people who are vulnerable to serious illness. To make this vaccine reach each and everyone, India will have to work hand in hand with other nations.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Empowers 1 Lakh People to Fight Against the Spread of COVID-19

 In its mission to help citizens fight the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has been undertaking several initiatives. One such initiative is the distribution of health and hygiene kits through an employee led CSR program, Sanjeevini.

Under the Sanjeevini initiative, TKM distributed health and hygiene kits to 5,000 employees, each of whom took it upon themselves to distribute the kits to five families in their neighbourhoods in Bangalore urban and rural areas benefitting totally 25,000 families. The kits comprised sanitizer bottle, three-ply facemasks and hand-wash soap. The volunteering employees also created awareness on the safety precautions vital to contain the viral outbreak with special emphasis on maintaining health and hygiene in these times. The intention behind involving the employees was to propagate important hygiene practices and the use of masks to as many people as possible in their neighbourhoods.

Commenting on the successful completion of the initiative, Mr. Vikram Gulati, Country Head & Senior Vice President, External Affairs, Public Relations, Corporate Social Responsibility & Corporate Governance, TKM, said, “Since the onset of the pandemic, TKM has been proactively responding to the crisis according to the needs of the community as well as by supporting the Government efforts. The distribution of the health and hygiene kits carried out over the last one month is another such program aimed at empowering the community we live in. The idea for distribution of the kits stemmed from the view of safeguarding not just our employees but also the other families residing in their neighbourhoods. In all, 25,000 families or about 1,00,000 people were benefited by the health and hygiene kits. As a responsible corporate citizen, we will continue with such endeavours in the battle against the coronavirus spread.”

In the recent past, TKM has contributed INR 2 Crore to the Karnataka Chief Minister’s Relief Fund followed by the handing over of 3,000 Hazmat suits to the Government Health Volunteers in the state. About 3,500 essential kits, benefitting over 15,000 members were given to daily wage workers. TKM deployed 14 buses to support the health department in the state in addition to the distribution of sanitizers and masks to the state police. TKM also supported its supplier partner, Stump Schuele and Somappa Springs to ramp up its production of face shields from 275 to over 17,000 units per day.

Further, TKM handed over a Mobile Medical Unit to the Indian Institute of Science to help scale up COVID-19 testing in the state. TKM has also provided 45 thermal scanners, 45,000 hand sanitizers, 100 beddings, consumables for 100 patients, 20 sets of equipment such as intravenous stands, blood pressure monitors and safety gear including 12,000 examination gloves, 70,000 three-ply face masks and 7,500 N95 masks to the Health Department, Government of Karnataka and Bangalore police personnel. The company handed over 10 fumigation equipment to Victoria Hospital through Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute and another 10 to the Town Municipal Corporation of Bidadi, Ramanagara District as per their requirements.

UV-C Devices, Launched by NCR-based Company, to Destroy Corona Virus Within Seconds

 Corona Virus

* Multiple products like UVC Baggage Conveyer, UVC Sterilizer Cabinets and UVC Room Sterilizers were launched to prevent surface-to-human virus transmission.

* The product takes approximately 5seconds to 10minutes for disinfection depending upon size of object & type of the product.

* Certified and approved by Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, and a 3rd party NABL Accredited lab.

The current pandemic is causing a major socio-economic shake-up in the country. Currently, India stands third in the highest number of cases through COVID-19. It is of utmost importance to find solutions to contain or at least mitigate the chances of serious outbreaks of virus especially when the country is slowly opening up. To cater to this need, Bright Beginings Pvt Ltd, a NCR based home-grown manufacturing set-up, has come up with some innovative UV-C sterilization devices to effectively inactivate the viruses within minutes from any inanimate object. The products are created with state-of-art-technology, easy to use, low maintenance and without any chemical, which disinfects frequently touched objects and personal items thus preventing surface-to-human transmission. The product has the UV LED as light source and it takes approximately 5 seconds to 10 minutes for disinfection depending on the size of the object and type of the product. All the products are designed and manufactured in India with in-house capabilities. This new range is another step in the company’s support to the government’s call towards “Make in India” and “Be Vocal for Local” for self-reliance.

Bright Beginings’ UV-C products have been certified by India’s top most university in Science Research – Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, for treating Corona Virus.  Also tested and certified by the third party NABL accredited lab for confirming time for curing.

The disinfection system can quickly and effectively disinfect objects of daily use in homes, such as fruits and vegetables, packaged food, keys, mobile phones, stationery, laptops, and baby products. The UV-C exposure on fruits and vegetables also extends their shelf-life, keeping them fresh for longer periods. The range comes in three variants and would be available on leading e-commerce platforms.

Bright Beginings Pvt Ltd’s UV-C products are:

v UVC Baggage Conveyor for the commercial establishment like malls, hospitals, airports etc. The working mechanism of the product is as under:

·         Luggage is placed on the Loading Section of the Conveyor

·         Luggage enters into UVC Chamber.

·         Sterilisation process takes 5 seconds.

·         Sterilised luggage gets pushed to the Unloading Section of the Conveyor.

UVC STERCAB and UVC MINI-STERCAB are compact Ultraviolet Storage Cabinets that are capable of sterilizing office files, courier packets, laptops and other electronic gadgets.

* UVC ROOM STERILIZER sterilize bigger areas like rooms, hospitals, hotels, airports etc. with 360° coverage of the area.

Commenting on the launch, Mr.Arvind Raghav, CEO, Bright Beginings, said “Our products have been tested for their disinfection efficacy by the leading institutions. UV-C radiation technology is renowned globally for being the safest and most effective in terms of disinfecting surfaces to prevent transmission of multiple viruses including corona viruses. We believe hygiene will be the new frontier in the new normal as a sector and being a start-up, we are focusing on offering cost effective range of products to our customers. The products are largely indigenous, except the UV-C LEDs, which we are currently importing from a leading South Korean company, that has a lot of patents in UV Technology and is a pioneer in LED technology. Progressively, we will also become Aatmanirbhar to serve the nation.” Further UVC LEDs are 25% more effective in Germicidal Lighting than UVC tubes.

About Bright Beginings:

Bright Beginnings is an ISO 9001 certified organisation manufacturing high-tech electronic equipment. They are a team of tech enthusiasts who wanted to utilise the industry experience and knowledge in creating state-of-the-art technology products. Their USP is the perfect blend of technology with ultimate user satisfaction. The products are made according to the precise requirement of the clients and are highly appreciated for their reliability, durability, cost-effectiveness and efficiency. They manufacture Mobile Phones, Chargers, Power Banks, Bluetooth Speakers, Earphones, Infrared Thermometers, Oximeters and UV-C sterilisers.

Manipal Hospitals Launches Plasma Bank for COVID-19 Care Through Online Platform Amber Health

Emerging evidence on the optimal management of COVID-19 suggests that the plasma of a recovered patient contains antibodies that help fight the virus. This plasma extracted from recovered patients, when injected in a moderately ill patient can help boost immunity and prevent further COVID complications. Plasma therapy is being used widely in India, ever since its first successful human trial in May 2020.

The key objective of this drive is to make plasma therapy readily accessible to all COVID 19 patients seeking treatment in Manipal Hospitals and registered through AMBER HEALTH. To support the cause, Manipal Hospitals, Old Airport Road urges all COVID recovered patients to come forward and help those in need to win this battle against the pandemic.

Dr C Shivaram, Head-Transfusion Medicine, Manipal Hospitals, Old Airport Road said, “Plasma therapy has turned out to be the shield of defence that can fight COVID and is a good supplement to treatment modalities in use. To qualify as a plasma donor, a patient must be free from COVID 19 symptoms for at least 14 days.  Patients need not worry about their antibodies during donation as we collect only a small portion of the antibodies.  Additionally, in case of a re-infection by the COVID virus, the body can make antibodies very quickly within hours, because of the memory White cells (B cells) in the blood”.

Dr Ambuja, Associate Consultant Transfusion Medicine, Manipal Hospitals Old Airport Road Bangalore opined, “In the absence of a facility to test for neutralizing antibodies in the country, blood centres use indirect methods of IgG antibody estimation in a patient recovering from COVID about 14 days after infection”.

No other treatment suits all in the management of COVID 19. With no vaccines and specific treatment in sight, plasma therapy appears to be safe and promising treatment option for many patients suffering the global pandemic. However, research is still ongoing regarding its absolute benefit in severely ill patients.

To know more on Amber Health, log on to :  http://amberhealth.in

Organ Donation-Myths Vs Facts During the Covid 19 Pandemic in India

Observed every year on August 13th every year, Organ Donation Day aims to dispel prevalent myths as well as encourage people to pledge to donate their organs after death. Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India had formally launched the day in the year 2010 in New Delhi with a twin focus of raising awareness and inviting people to commit to the act by eliminating common myths and fears that surround the process of donation. Through various campaigns it is aimed to educate people about the life changing practice and its importance in giving a fresh lease of life to those in need of these vital body parts. The significance of organ donation is underpinned by the fact that a single donor can save up to eight lives. Kerala's Deceased Donor Organ Transplantation Program, a Kerala Government Initiative was established on 12th August 2012.  

Some statistics

* According to National Health Portal, each year 500,000 people die on account of non-availability of organs. Following statistics further illustrate the urgency in this area: 

* 200,000 people die due to liver disease, 10-15% of these could be saved by a timely transplant, however only 1500 receive one;

* 50,000 people succumb to heart disease, only 10-15 transplants done annually; 

* Only 6,000 people of the total 180,000 who await a kidney transplant receive one;

* 25000 corneal transplants conducted as opposed to a requirement of 100,000

* Source:DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF HEALTH SERVICES, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India

Common questions 

What is an organ?

A part of the body that performs a specific function is called an organ. Some examples of organs are heart, lungs, kidney, liver, eyes and ears. 

What is Organ Donation?

Organ donation is an act when a person chooses to donate an organ from their body to a person who has an end stage organ disease and needs a transplant.

Which organs and tissues can be transplanted?

Medical sciences have made great advancements and the organs that can be transplanted to far are liver, kidney, pancreas, heart, lung, intestine, cornea, middle ear, skin, bone, bone marrow, heart valves and connective tissue. 

Who can donate?

Anybody can donate organs. Strict medical criteria and not age, caste, religion, community decide who can be a donor. Typically, there are two categories of donors: 

Living donor is a healthy person who voluntarily authorizes the removal of an organ or /and tissue during his or her lifetime. They should not be below 18 years of age.

Deceased donor is someone who, regardless of his or her age, donates the organ after death. 

How can you be a donor?

There are two ways to become a donor:

a. A person can pledge to donate organs while he or she is still alive. In this case they will be issued a Donor Card which is acts as a will after the death. To become a voluntary donor, visit the official site of National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) (www.notto.gov.in). People who have pledged to donate organs are encouraged to publicize this act in order to inspire others to follow suit. 

b. In case of an absence of a formal registered pledge for people declared brain dead or dead, the organs can be donated after obtaining consent of the surviving family. Transplantation of Human Organs Act lays down the rules in such cases. Before commencing the process, it is mandatory to procure consent from family, coroner and legal authorities in addition to following the procedures laid down in the act.

Myths and reality regarding Organ donation

1. Myth: My doctor or the emergency room staff may not work with as much dedication to save my life if I agree to donating my organs. They will be in a rush to remove my organs to save someone else. 

Reality: Doctors are under oath to save your life and not someone else’s at your expense. Besides, the doctor in charge of your care has nothing to do with transplant. Please note that the organ transplant can only be undertaken once declared brain dead. 

2. Myth: What if I am not really dead when they sign my death certificate? It will be too late if they take my organs. Perhaps I could have recovered? 

Reality: People don’t start spluttering or wiggling their toes once declared dead; this is a popular topic in the tabloids only. Far more rigorous testing is done to ensure that those who have signed a pledge are really brain dead than those who have not undertaken any such promise.  

3. Myth: Organ donation is against my religion.

Reality: Organ donation is one of biggest acts of ‘giving’ and all religions exhort generosity. None of the religions object to organ donation and transplantation. In case you have doubts, check with your religious leader or community. 

4. Myth: I'm under age 18. I'm too young to make this decision.

Reality: That's true, in a legal sense. But your parents can authorize this decision. You can express to your parents your wish to donate, and your parents can give their consent knowing that it's what you wanted. Children, too, are in need of organ transplants, and they usually need organs smaller than those an adult can provide.

5. Myth: Organ and tissue donation will disfigure my body.

Reality: Organ and tissue donation doesn't disfigure the body. Donated organs are removed surgically, which doesn't disfigure the body. Also since the donor's body is clothed for burial, so there are no visible signs of organ or tissue donation. (For eye donation, an artificial eye is inserted, the lids are closed) For bone donation, a rod is inserted where bone is removed. With skin donation, a very thin layer of skin similar to a sunburn peel is taken from the donor's back. Because the donor is clothed and lying on his or her back, no one can see any difference.

6. Myth: I'm too old to donate. Nobody would want my organs.

Reality: Age does not account for factors of significance while deciding on organ donation. Strict medical criteria are adhered to in such situations. Besides, there is no prescribed cut-off age and successful transplantations have been conducted from donors in their 70s and 80s. It is for the doctors to decide at the time of death, whether the organs are suitable for transplantation or not. There is no point in stopping yourself from undertaking that pledge which could potentially save a life or more.  

7. Myth: I'm not in the greatest health, and my eyesight is poor. Nobody would want my organs or tissues.

Reality: Very few medical conditions automatically disqualify you from donating organs. The decision to use an organ is based on strict medical criteria. It may turn out that certain organs are not suitable for transplantation, but other organs and tissues may be fine. Let that decision be the doctor’s based on the medical assessment.

8. Myth: Rich, famous and powerful people always seem to move to the front of the line when they need a donor organ. There's no way to ensure that my organs will go to those who've waited the longest or are the neediest.

Reality: Organs donations are not decided on the basis or wealth, social status, caste, religion, gender but purely on the need for the organ, the time spent waiting, blood type and other important medical factors. There is a lot of publicity surrounding celebrity organ transplants which may give the impression that because of their money and clout they can jump the cue but they are not given priority in allocation of organs. 

9. Myth: My family will be charged if I donate my organs.

Reality: Hospitals pass on the costs of organ removal to the transplant recipient and never to the donor’s family. The family is charged only for the cost of all the final efforts to save the donor’s life, which might get misconstrued as charges related to organ donation. 

10. Myth: People can buy and sell organs

Reality: Any commercial dealing is prohibited and a punishable crime under the tenets of “The 'Transplant of Human Organs Act'.

Hindware Pledges to Promote Safe Public Hygiene Practices in Unlock Phase; Brings Contactless Handwashing System

Reiterating its commitment towards promoting good health and hygiene in the society, Brilloca, makers of India’s iconic bath ware solutions brand, Hindware,  has introduced the first-of-its-kind ‘Contactless Handwashing System’, to be installed at public locations, as the country navigates though the Unlock phase.

In keeping with the brand’s legacy of driving innovation as per the needs of the community, the sensor-based handwashing system addresses one of the key priorities of the nation, i.e., creating awareness and building access to safe and hygienic hand-washing facilities at public places.

The contactless systems are being initially installed at eight sites in the National Capital Region, including four in Delhi, two in Gurugram and two in Noida. 

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Sandip Somany, Chairman and Managing Director, Brilloca Limited, said, “Hindware has remained committed to promote health and hygiene in the society, and the Contactless Handwashing System is reflective of our efforts in this direction.  As the nation transitions through the Unlock phase, there is a need to stay cautious while we get into our routines. Safety is of prime importance, however, it is not always close at hand when we venture out. With our new initiative, we are aiming to not only bring safe hygiene practices to the masses, but also drive a behavior change which is imperative in the new normal.”

Crafted after a thorough field study at Hindware Design Studio, the contactless hand wash system come fitted with sensor operated faucet, basin and foot operated soap dispenser with a digital sensor, keeping a count of hand-washes at that particular station.

Mr. Sanjay Kalra, Chief Executive Officer, Bath Products & Tiles, Brilloca Limited, added, “These are unprecedented times, and it is imperative that the brands, with their expertise and knowledge, bring solutions that contribute towards the larger priority of the nation. While the focus remains on arresting the spread of coronavirus, it is also important to stay vigilant as we step out during the Unlock phase. The Contactless Handwashing Systems are being installed at specific locations where the footfall is expected to be higher. We are starting with the initiative in the National Capital Region and will adopt a phased approach to expand further.” 

Over the years, Hindware has emerged as India’s leading sanitary ware and faucets brand. Driven by innovation at the Hindware Design Studio, it brings together a perfect amalgamation of technology and aesthetics, to create bathroom products that are aligned with the changing requirements of the customers.

Hindware has been a pioneer and trend setter in the sanitary ware segment for more than six decades, thereby, creating a loyal base of millions of customers across the country.

Manipal Hospitals Salutes Mamtaz Begum’s Unflinching Approach in Fighting Covid19

As India celebrates its 74 years of Independence on August 15, as a patient centric organization, Manipal Hospitals will showcase its patriotism in a responsible way. Manipal Hospitals Old Airport Road will grace this occasion along with its COVID warriors who are fighting to get freedom from the invisible enemy.

Ms. Mamtaz Begum from Manipal Hospitals Nursing team is a real COVID Warrior and recognizing her valiant efforts, the hospital has given her the privilege to hoist the flag along with all other COVID warriors and the management team. 

Ms. Mamtaz Begum is a living proof of a responsible and sensible citizen. She is a frontline warrior with 26 years of experience. She has gone through tough times in her life as well as during this pandemic.

Ms. Begum was a student of Manipal and started her career at Manipal Hospitals Old Airport Road. Her personal journey started when she fell in love with a Muslim boy and was trying to convince her parents. Fortunately, her parents have agreed and she married her love of life in 1996 and changed her name as well. Her life took a complete twist in 2016 when she was diagnosed with high Creatinine. The news came as a shock to everyone in her family as both her renals were damaged.

Dr. Viswanath S, HOD & Consultant - Nephrology, Transplant Physician, Manipal Hospitals Old Airport Road advised her that she had to undergo renal transplant. Mamtaz has had an immense support from Manipal Hospitals financially as well as professionally. Her husband and her two sons stood like a pillar during this journey. Her renal transplant done at Manipal Hospitals, Salem was successful and she was recuperating well. She was aware of the plight of her health conditions; yet continued to lead a cheerful life by staying positive.

Destiny had something else in store and life took a U-turn once again in her life during these unprecedented times. She was serving all the vulnerable amongst us and performing her duty professionally as a Nurse. She was diagnosed as a COVID Positive and her family was shattered as she also had underlying disease.

Mamtaz once again stood the test of times and fought this battle positively and came out as a COVID SURVIVOR.

Mr. Deepak Venugopalan, Regional COO, Bengaluru & TNN Cluster, MHEPL said, “Colleagues like Mamtaz are a huge inspiration for all of us. They put their duty and patients before themselves. Glad that she got her independence from Covid and who better than her to hoist the flag on 15th August.”

She would like to thank Manipal Hospital’s entire Management for being with her during all odd times and giving her moral support. Her mantra in life is to stay strong and to be positive for any tough battle. She has joined back her duty and has stepped up to help others, putting the country’s needs before everything else, even her family members.

Ms. Mamtaz Begum has stood tall against all odds and is indeed a great role model for others to follow.

 

A big Scam in the Making Unearthed: CSIR had Perfect Plan to Cordon Off Millions to BR Shetty

In what seems to be a massive attempt by the Indian government to cover up the misdeeds of the much maligned UAE business tycoon, founder of NMC health and many of its sister concerns, BR Shetty, and to bail him out of his financial woes, a big scam has been unearthed recently.

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), in collaboration with one of its constituent laboratories, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), Hyderabad had announced end April that they will now be setting up indigenous plants in India with an integrated pharmaceutical company LAXAI Life Sciences to jointly develop and manufacture APIs and its key intermediates. This announcement was made shortly after the government announced a Rs 14,000 crore package to incentivise production of APIs in the country and reduce import dependence of this key pharma input from China.

A person close to the matter revealed, “LAXAI Life Sciences was to be one of the first few to commercialise these products manufacturing APIs and intermediates at USFDA/GMP approved plants held by LAXAI through its subsidiary, Therapiva. Vamsidhar Maadi Patla, CMD, LAXAI Life Sciences and Nikhil Baheti, CFO, Therapiva were propped to provide just the ideal leadership with extensive experience and expertise in pharma to spearhead this breakthrough R&D, but it turned out that this was just a big show put up to mislead unsuspecting public into thinking what a grand deal this would prove to be. The real plan was to help BR Shetty regain a foothold in his crumbling empire.”

A closer inspection of their websites revealed only projections and capabilities with absolutely zero reference to any research and manufacturing that may have happened at their end. When these firms were contacted, however, no one came out in the open to comment.

An inside source, on conditions of anonymity said, “Since this was to be a collaboration with CSIR, these firms were projected to be much better than the others in pharma research and development. A lot of noise was made about the formidable credentials of these firms so that no one would question either their background or the basis of this deal. No one would ever suspect that the antecedents of these firms could be traced back to BR Shetty.”

Seemingly no due diligence was followed by CSIR in going ahead with this collaboration. When, Information and Credit Rating Agency of India Limited (ICRA India), an independent and professional investment information and credit rating agency, assessed Therapiva’s documents, it was ascertained that it was a firm immersed in debts with very poor net worth.

On further investigation, it emerged that both the companies were owned by a certain Omnicare Drugs India Private Limited, Hyderabad which had 61% stake in the companies. The parent company of all these establishments was traced to be Neopharma Holding Pvt. Ltd. based out of the UAE, one among the many business ventures of BR Shetty.

The source added, “Shetty has been closely associated with the RSS ever since the Jan Sangh days and has openly pledged his support to the PM Narendra Modi claiming that he will be investing billions of dollars in healthcare infrastructure in Varanasi as well as healthcare, education, agro products, tourism and film city projects in J&K proclaiming this to the PM in the many public events organised by BJP, that he participated in. With the PM having such an ardent follower in Shetty, it seems he is now lending as much covert support as he can to Shetty so he can go back to being the czar of his kingdom.”

Shetty flew to India in February to care for his ailing elder brother, who has since passed away. While Shetty claims that he has ‘launched his own legal and forensic investigations and will share the results with appropriate authorities’, he is grappling to pay off a debt of $6.6 billion, far higher than the $2.1 billion it had initially revealed. Creditors have moved against the top management, with Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) as well as the bank of Baroda, India filing criminal cases against him and NMC having been placed under administration given that the real debt is approximately 3.5x the reported amount.

Since, the announcement by CSIR came just 10 days after ABCD filed a criminal complaint against Shetty and just about 3 weeks after London banks froze all his bank accounts, there seems to be an unmistakable nexus between the government and Shetty to not just keep him afloat but also to help him tide over his financial woes with the taxpayers money. There seems to be definitely much more going on behind the curtains, than what is meeting the eye!

Nu-Shakti Releases its Report on ‘Diet Paradox’ for Indians

Nutritious Diet

* Survey reveals a gap between awareness and action in consuming a nutritious diet

* 97% are aware of the essential nutrients and micro-nutrients required for their body

* 60% of the respondents ‘rarely’ or ‘never’ make a conscious effort to add nutritive elements or additional supplements to their diet

Nu-Shakti – a brand of Royal DSM – today released its report on India’s ‘Diet Paradox’. Highlighting the importance of a healthy immune system in protecting people from infections and ailments, the report stresses the role of adequate nutrition in building immunity. Based on a survey conducted with more than a thousand people across all age groups in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata, the report highlights that unprecedented awareness levels in terms of health and nutrition are very often matched with a lax attitude in adopting healthy practices.

Virtually all respondents of the survey (98%) agree that a nutritious diet is essential for a healthy lifestyle, however, 60% of the respondents ‘rarely’ or ‘never’ make a conscious effort to add nutritive elements or additional supplements to their diet. According to the findings, even though nearly three-quarters (73%) of respondents know the connection between healthy eating and losing weight, more than half (55%) admitted that they had not consumed leafy vegetables in the required quantity the previous day.

In fact, the Global Burden of Diseases study ranked India 118 on its global index because poor dietary habits accounted for 310 deaths per 100,000 people. Despite awareness levels about proper nutrition and diet being high, these do not necessarily result in the right action. Nu-Shakti terms this behaviour the ‘Diet Paradox’.

Contextualising the research findings, Alok Kohli, Business Director – DSM India said: “Today people are aware that adhering to a healthy and nutritious diet promotes their overall well-being. But their challenge arises in taking practical action and adding nutritive elements in the daily diet.”

“As per our data, of the respondents who are well aware of the required quantity of leafy vegetables, (which are a rich source of micronutrients like iron) they need to consume daily, 55% did not actually partake the previous day. The same was true for more than a third (42%) of fruit consumption. This is a clear reflection of the need for adequate action in terms of nutrition,” adds Alok.

The ‘Diet Paradox’ survey revealed a gap between awareness and the need to make the necessary changes in their diets. Insights on the gap in action include 60% of the respondents admitting ‘rarely’ or ‘never’ making a conscious effort to add nutritive elements or extra supplements in their diet.

On being asked if they had consumed specific items on the previous day in the required quantity:

* 57% claim they did not consume dairy or milk products

* More than half (55%) did not consume leafy vegetables

* Even though they know the right amount of fruits to eat daily, more than one in three respondents (42%) did not consume these items

The survey revealed one of the reasons for this gap between awareness and action is because meals were being skipped regularly:

* 84% of respondents admitted they skipped meals

* 46% confessed they would forgo a meal because of an important work meeting

* 42% claimed they ‘rarely’ or ‘never’ consumed healthy or nutritious home-cooked meals during festivals

Additional survey highlights:

* Nearly one-third (31%) consider working timings the top barrier to a healthy lifestyle

* More than one-in-five (22%) believe their family is the constraint

* 62% claimed it was ‘extremely difficult’ or ‘difficult’ to influence family members to eat a healthy diet

In conclusion, Alok Kohli, Business Director – DSM India said: “Nutrition plays a key role in building a healthy immune system and in turn, protecting people from infections and ailments. Given this backdrop, dietary supplements can help in eliminating the ‘Diet Paradox’ by providing the proper quantity of nutrients. Significantly, dietary supplements can boost disease protection by 83%, improve immune function by 42% and raise energy levels by 31%. Considering the threat of infection posed by the coronavirus pandemic, dietary supplements, including home food fortifiers, can play a pivotal role in adding required micronutrients to the daily diet that can in turn support in safeguarding people’s health and well-being.”

Based on the concept of home fortification, Nu-Shakti increases the micronutrient value of home-cooked staple foods. This can help consumers more easily achieve a healthier, more balanced diet without altering taste, and appearance of the food or changing dietary habits. Nu-Shakti product range includes Powermix for Rice (Fortified Rice Kernels), Powermix for Atta (Atta/flour fortifier), and MixMe (Fortified orange-flavored beverage mix). MixMe beverage powder that contains 12 vitamins & 5 minerals, includes the key micronutrients like Zinc, Vitamin C, Selenium and others required for immunity building. As per ICMR RDA, each serving of MixMe beverage powder provides up to 30% of the recommended daily allowance of micronutrients for a child between 7-9 years.

Consumers can know more by visiting: www.nu-shakti.com.

DSM – Bright Science. Brighter Living. 

Nu-Shakti is a brand of Royal DSM – a global purpose-led, science-based company in Nutrition, Health and Sustainable Living. DSM’s purpose is to create brighter lives for all. Through its products and solutions, DSM addresses some of the world’s biggest challenges while simultaneously creating economic, environmental and societal value for all stakeholders: customers, employees, shareholders and society at large. DSM delivers innovative solutions for human nutrition, animal nutrition, personal care and aroma, medical devices, green products and applications as well as new mobility and connectivity. With approximately 23,000 employees, DSM and its associated companies register annual net sales of about €10 billion. Founded in 1902, the Company is listed on Euronext Amsterdam.

Meitra Hospital Launches Apheresis Unit Across Kerala State

Blood Centre and Department of Transfusion Medicine at Meitra Hospital has started the Apheresis procedure at their Blood Centre. The hospital now joins the elite group of medical facilities which routinely offers this procedure. An invasive procedure, it entails removing whole blood of a donor or a patient and subsequently separating its individual components by centrifugation. The required individual component is isolated for use while the remaining components are re-introduced into the blood stream of the donor or the patient.

There are several uses of the procedure and at present it is commonly used for collection of platelets from a single donor and is known as Platelet Apheresis. The extracted component is equivalent to6 units of platelets prepared from whole blood donation, resulting in not just a higher quantity of product with good quality; but also preventing multiple donor exposure to patients as well. By this procedure, the donor can donate platelets 2 times a week. The traditional form of whole blood donation requires a gap of one month before a second donation from the same donor to collect platelets. 

Apheresis not only aids in the collection of cellular or plasma constituents from a donor, it can also harvest peripheral blood stem cells from the donors and patients, thereby circumventing extraction from the bone marrow. These stem cells are then used for bone marrow transplant for several blood disorders like in certain types of blood cancers. The procedure prevents wastage and increases the ability to facilitate production of optimal components as required by the patient. 

“Modern medicine has witnessed giant strides in transfusion medicine resulting in a growing demand for blood components. In addition, there is an increasing concern about safety issues. Apheresis is not only a viable, but also a preferred procedure in current medical practices. In fact, the technique has recently found a great application in isolating the plasma of a person who has been cured of COVID-19 to treat those who are in a life-threatening situation following COVID-19 infections. This procedure is known as convalescent plasma therapy.” informed Dr. P Mohanakrishnan, Chief Executive Officer, Meitra Hospital.

Some of the other conditions apart from COVID-19, where the procedure proves beneficial can be in Systemic Lupus, Severe Vasculitis, Chronic Autoimmune Polyneuropathy, Dengue, Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis, Myasthenia Gravis, Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia, Goodpasture’s Syndrome, Familial Hypercholesterolemia, Hyperviscosity Syndrome (such as mixed Cryoglobulinemia, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura), The HELLP Syndrome of Pregnancy, Clogging of blood vessels (Leukostasis) caused by severely elevated white blood count in Leukemia, andseverely elevated platelet counts in Leukemia or Myeloproliferative disorders as well as in cases of solid organ transplantation with a high risk of antibody-mediated rejection of the transplant.

Meitra Hospital aims to be at the fore front of the global best practices in healthcare as well as latest advancements. This is yet another step in the direction. Through this addition the facility aims to strengthen the medical care being currently offered not just in Kozhikode but also in the state of Kerala.

Aspirational Bharat Sees 120% Spike in Work Productivity on Smartphones During COVID-19: TECNO-CMR MICI Survey

Survey

* Consumers in Aspirational Bharat are seeing a >50% spike on smartphone usage during lockdown, including 120% on productivity.

* Beyond work, consumers spent increased time on their phone for consuming content, including video OTT (70%) and audio OTT (60%), and gaming (62%).

* Fast-depleting Battery life and limited screen size were the biggest challenges that consumers faced with their smartphones.

A new Mobile Industry Consumer Insights (MICI) Survey, conducted by CyberMedia Research (CMR) in association with TECNO Mobile, has for the first time provided a comprehensive understanding of changing consumer behaviour and smartphone usage patterns in Aspirational Bharat. The CMR MICI survey revealed that consumers of Aspirational Bharat saw a 120% spike in smartphone usage for productivity compared to pre-COVID levels.

According to Prabhu Ram, He ad- Industry Intelligence Group (IIG), CMR, “The smartphone is a key daily driver for consumers living in cities and towns beyond Tier I. We call this the Aspirational Bharat. What the survey highlights is how smartphone usage is changing, during lockdown and in the neo-normal, cutting across use cases, such as productivity, personal development, and leisure. In preparation for the neo normal, consumers in Aspirational Bharat are seeking smartphones that offer larger screen size and much better battery life.”

Echoing the sentiment from TECNO’s perspective, Mr. Arijeet Talapatra, CEO, TRANSSION India said, “As a leading smartphone company commanding substantial presence and market share in the Aspirational Bharat’, we have iterated the growing importance of telecommuting and productivity usage of smartphone in the wake of COVID-19. In Aspirational Bharat, where affordability and utility go hand in hand, smartphones have emerged as a primary medium of work, information and entertainment. The CMR MICI Survey reinforces the fact that TECNO has the sense of the pulse of its aspirational consumers. And with our SPARK series, which focuses on battery, display, and camera in sub-10K smartphone category is a testimony to TECNO’s deep commitment of introducing products with segment-first features at a disruptive price point where the consumer is more ready to experiment with the product. We are optimistic that our latest launches Spark 6 Air smartphone and TWS Minipod M1 will be well-received by the audience and enable our consumers to find a work-leisure balance in this Neo Normal.”

(A) COVID-19 and Impact on Smartphone Usage in Aspirational Bharat during lockdown

* During COVID-19 Lockdown (March 25 - May 31), smartphone usage spiked by 50%, with smartphone usage for work surging by >100%.

* Smartphone users in Aspirational Bharat depend on their smartphone to empower their professional and personal life.

* 84% of consumers depend on their smartphones, for instance, for accessing information on government schemes, weather patterns, and market linkage information for farm produce.

* 83% of consumers use their phones for content consumption including creating and consuming short-form videos, music and videos.

*  83% feel empowered, using their smartphones for online banking, shopping, and utility bill payment, among others.

* Beyond work, consumers spent increased time on their phone for consuming content, including video OTT (70%) and audio OTT (60%), and gaming (62%).

* Around three in every seven users in Aspirational Bharat have started some new activities and hobbies during the period of lockdown. For instance, 21% of the consumers have learnt new skills, 19% have listened to music, while 18% have taken up new hobbies on their phones.

* One in every three parents depend on their smartphone for facilitating their kid’s online education during lockdown.

(B) Smartphone Usage in the Neo Normal (June onwards)

* Two in every seven users (29%) have faced some challenge while working from home.  One in every seven users (15%) faced difficulty in managing work-life-balance as well as productivity issue.

* The top three smartphone features that consumers have started relying more in the neo normal are Camera (61%), battery life (57%) and sound quality (51%).

* Some consumers faced problems with their smartphones –  phone overheating (58%), limited screen size (47%) and swift battery drainage (46%) were the top three challenges.

* When it comes to their next smartphone purchase, consumers are looking for smartphones that offer long battery life (54%) and large screen size (53%) for viewing to cope with neo normal.

About CMR – TECNO Mobile MICI Survey

The Mobile Industry Consumer Insights (MICI) Survey by CyberMedia Research (CMR), in association with TECNO Mobile, is the first-ever, comprehensive study of changing consumer behavior on smartphones in Tier-I, Tier-II and Tier-III cities and towns of India, across three phases: pre-COVID-19, during pandemic, and neo-normal.

The CMR Mobile Industry Consumer Insights (MICI) Survey covered 1052 respondents cutting across ten study locations, including, New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Ludhiana, Lucknow, Surat, Indore, Guwahati and Sonipat. The study covered consumers in the age groups of 20 to 35, and socio-economic levels of SEC B & SEC C, having a affordable smartphone in the price range of INR 6000 – 10000.

For results based on a randomly chosen sample of this size, there is 95% confidence that the results have a statistical precision of plus or minus 3% of what they would be if the entire population had been surveyed.

Dettol BSI and Wipro GE Healthcare Join Forces to Strengthen Covid-19 Response

 Highlights

* The partnership program is reaching out to the frontline health workers in communities across Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand

* A total of around 770 frontline health workers are envisioned to be trained under this partnership, the ongoing first phase has so far touched 143,164 lives by training 250+ frontline health workers on the Covid-19 pandemic across the impacted communities

With a focus at enhancing public health system, Dettol Banega Swasth India, a flagship program by RB, in partnership with Wipro GE Healthcare India introduced training program for front line health workers amidst the raging spread of COVID-19. The integrated partnership program is aimed at training 250+ health workers across the states of Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand with on-ground support from Plan India and Jagran Pehel.

COVID-19 leaves some of India’s most vulnerable communities facing “a crisis within a crisis”. As per a study conducted by the United Nations (UN) in India, there have been major concerns around the impact of the crisis on vulnerable populations, especially women and children. Some of the factors include disruption in the supply of essentials and divided attention towards other healthcare facilities/support. Additionally, the public health support system assisting to fight back COVID-19 at the grassroots levels is weakening given these unprecedented challenges.

Addressing the gravity of the issue and to alleviate the panic & appropriately curb community transmission, the two-leading healthcare organisations partnered to equip ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, women health educators and allied front line health workers in India.

Commenting on the partnership initiative, Mr. Gaurav Jain, Senior Vice President, AMESA, RB Health, said, “We at Dettol are deeply concerned given this unprecedented pandemic and its impact on our healthcare warriors exposed to vulnerable communities across the nation. We understand that our front-line workers need community support & correct upgraded skill set as they are assigned the crucial role of screening and awareness generation at the grassroots level. With a vision to support the frontline health workers, Dettol, #1 trusted partner of the Indian population and Wipro GE Healthcare joined forces to provide accurate knowledge & elevated skill sets. we hope that with this training, the community health and nutrition workers are better able to perform their field duties and carry out efficient screening and awareness activities to address the Covid-19 pandemic. We will continue to serve, educate, and partner with the aim of a healthier nation.”

“We are immensely proud to partner with RB and ‘Dettol Banega Swachh India’ initiative in enabling frontline healthcare workers strengthen their response to Covid-19. GE Healthcare’s long-standing experience in the healthcare industry has taught us that a bottoms-up approach to awareness, prevention and cure goes a long way in addressing a healthcare crisis of this scale. This partnership has allowed both organizations to come together and deploy their unique strengths in India’s fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. We look forward to take this partnership from strength to strength and play our part in creating a healthier India,” said Nalinikanth Gollagunta, Managing Director, Wipro GE Healthcare.

Dettol BSI will be providing technical support in infection prevention, best practices, as well as mobilization support through its partners in the field. Wipro GE Healthcare is the end-to-end training implementation partner, involved in content development, curriculum management and deploying experienced faculty for the program. The participants will be trained on best practices in hygiene and infection prevention, DIY tools (e.g. making a mask, preparing sanitizer at home, etc.), personal safety & precaution guidelines, recommendations for home isolation & quarantine, myth-busting and overall mental health.

Adhering to the nationwide lockdown and social distancing norms, the participants are being trained digitally through a Learning Management System that features quizzes, videos, interactive tools, and additional reading materials, available to all participants.

Five Platforms Enabling Seamless Functioning Between Teams During Remote-Working

Usually, in an office setting, it’s easy to coordinate the work. You likely have your manager and the team around to discuss and close the set tasks. But since the outset of the pandemic, things have changed. As the remote-working setup has become normal for small as well as big organizations, teams are several or thousands of miles away from each other. Unquestionably, it has made individuals more disciplined to stay on track and meet the deadlines.

However, not every day with work-from-home is the same. There are days we struggle to make it productive for the assigned tasks. Thus, we have curated a list of some of the best apps and platforms for you that can manage your tasks efficiently and effectively during remote-working.

1. Microsoft Teams: Microsoft Teams is your hub for teamwork, which brings together everything a team needs: chat and threaded conversations, meetings & video conferencing, calling, content collaboration with the power of Microsoft 365 applications, and the ability to create and integrate apps and workflows that your business relies on

2. Clink: The recently launched app helps organizations and teams to advance themselves on a higher growth trajectory. It does so by improving their feedback sharing in real-time and unlocking relevant actionable insights. This app is amazing because it has a ‘Cheer’ and ‘Boost’ framework, plug-ins easily with Gmail and Slack, and Integrates with Jira and Google Calendar thus Enabling feedback sharing to encourage continuous performance.

3. Dropbox: Dropbox lets anyone upload and transfer files to the cloud, and share them with anyone. Back up photos, videos, docs, and other files to cloud storage, and access files synced with any of your computers or mobile devices—from anywhere. And with advanced sharing features, it’s easy to send files—large or small—to friends, family, and co-workers.

4. Workplace by Facebook: Workplace by Facebook is a collaboration and communication tool that connects employees to one another via an internal social network.

5. Slack: Slack brings team communication and collaboration into one place so you can get more work done, whether you belong to a large enterprise or a small business. Tick off your to-do list and make progress on your projects by bringing the right people, conversations, tools, and information you need together. Slack is available on any device, so you can find and access your team and your work whether you’re at your desk or on the go.

Hygiene 2.0 – Smart Bath Ware is Key To Ensuring Personal Cleanliness in the New Normal

By Mr. Sanjay Kalra, CEO, Bath Products & Tiles, Brilloca Limited

Tech innovation - as the essential enabler of our time - is seeing accelerated integration across sectors in a call to mitigate the impact of Covid-19 business and safety. With hygiene gaining precedence as primary line of defense, the ongoing pandemic has significantly reinforced the importance of sanitation and bath ware industry in-turn. The permanent fixtures such as taps and cisterns in a standard bathroom are potential infection hotspot, if not sanitized regularly. This raises the dire need of technological innovations in bath ware products to minimize physical touch and ensure enhanced cleanliness and hygiene. As a result, contactless and touch-free bathroom fixtures have become critical and catalyzed IoT in the bath ware industry.

With digital driving hygiene today; few key innovative trends emerging to make bathrooms smarter are observed as below;

Automated Sanitation (E-Clenz)

Automation in water closet is key to avoiding physical contact and maintaining proper hygiene. Self-cleaning nozzles for instance will not only facilitate ease of clean-up for the users but will clean it requiring minimal manual intervention. Remote controlled water closet provides the facility of avoiding physical contact with the cistern. Automated seat covers too will aid in contactless use of sanitary ware propagating the touchless element for added personal hygiene.

Sensor Integration (Touchfree WC & Sensor Faucet)

Among the bathware, contactless faucet fixture or sensor enabled flushing water closets are not just favorable and convenient choices but the need of the hour. Not only at home but in public areas like restaurants, schools, colleges, airports, clubs and hotels; sensor faucets are extremely beneficial for washrooms/ restrooms. For instance, contact-free handwashing allows frontline healthcare professionals to maintain optimum levels of cleanliness while performing their duties. The no-touch element expands to sanitaryware as well – such as modern water closets and their inbuilt sensor for flushing.

Breaking silos between public and private hygiene

In curbing the expedited spread of Covid-19, accessories that don’t need physical contact are indispensable today. Hands-free fixtures that can be installed in both public and private bathrooms and washrooms are deemed to be the new normal providing higher levels of hygiene. This is not only valid for homes but also public space; thus paving way for decelerated spread of infection by touch. 

A new wave of innovation has indeed emerged in bath ware segment to ensure of safety by making our bathrooms cleaner, more hygienic, and also comfortable. While the smart bathroom accessories will enhance the aesthetic appeal and add to our convenience, higher level of personal hygiene will assuredly be the dominant intent. Design & Innovation is the need of the hour to encourage minimal contact with the surfaces and to have a healthy living.