SER prepares PPPs

As a part of precautionary measure, South Eastern Railway (SER) is manufacturing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Kits for protection

of railway doctors, paramedical staff, nurses, health care personnel and other frontline warriors to contain the spread of Coronavirus.

These PPE Kits are manufactured mainly at Kharagpur Workshop and Kharagpur Division  of South Eastern Railway. The PPE Kits include

Face Cover, Eye Shield, NS-95 Mask, Coverall Gown with Hood, Shoe Cover, Gloves etc.

            Kharagpur Workshop has manufactured 601 PPE Kits, while Kharagpur Division has produced 590 PPE Kits till  April 29, 2020.

SER, in total, has manufactured 1191 PPE Kits so far and supplied to the user departments. The entire manufacturing process is carried out

as per the approved Quality Assurance Plan with the Design & materials certified by DRDE, Gwalior. 

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মাস্ক বিলি করলেন গৃহবধূ শর্মিষ্ঠা

পুলিশ সহ সাধারণ মানূষের মধ্যে মাস্ক বিলি করলেন গৃহবধূ শর্মিষ্ঠা মুখোপাধ্যায়। তিনি নিজেই তা বানিয়ছেন। কৃষ্ণনগর শহরে দুশো মানুষের মধ্যে মাস্ক বিলি করা হয়। তিনি জনসচেতনতার ওপর জোর দেন। আরো কদিন তিনি  মাস্ক বিলি করবেন বলে জানান।   

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Hello Kolkata Health Corner

Homoeopathic Arsenicum Album for  Prevention of Corona Infection

Dr. Suresh Kumar Agarwal, Director of International Institute of Holistic homoeopathy in a press note has informed that the Ministry of Ayush, Govt. of India has advised to use Homoeopathic Arsenic Alb 30 as a prophylaxis against Corona Infection. The recommended dosage is 4 globules for adults and 2 globules for children once in the morning for three days and the same may be repeated after one month in case the Corona infection still persists in your community.

Dr. Suresh Kumar Agarwal also said that there are many other medicines such as Rhus Tux, Belladona, Eupotorium, Justica etc. for the Cough, Cold, Sneezing, Watery Nose, Headache, Fever, etc. which can be taken with the advice of a Homoeopathic physician. Besides this, sufficient sleep, use of fresh fruits and vegetables, practice of yoga, pranayam, meditation and positive mindset are highly essential to boost the immunity.

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Dr. Sujata Chatterjee - Courage and Dedication Personified

'Hello Kolkata Ladies Club' salutes the exemplary Dr. Sujata Chatterjee, one of its most valued members of Elite Circle, for her invaluable support as a frontline Doctor. She has been tirelessly working since March in treating countless patients each day to control Covid-19. 

    Dr. Sujata Chatterjee has recently received the PPE from KMC and she is consistently working in the clinic for the betterment of all who are coming to the OPD for treatment.

     Although by passion she is an eminent poet and writer, but now she is solely focused to serve our society as a Doctor (Life-Saver), a true 'Corona Warrior'. 

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“Will India be able to combat Corona Wave?”

An Analytical Report prepared by, Pankaj Singhania, Founder – Lakewater Advisors a widely respected and top performing Sebi Registered Portfolio Management Services (PMS) entity on  “Will India be able to combat Corona Wave?” analyses the impact of the outbreak in the Indian economy, Opportunity Ahead, EIU Projection, Industries to be Benefitted, Resistance of Indian Economy. The summary note states that the near-term damage shall be significant. There is a downward shift in Digital Payments in March since Feb 2020. This is expected to fall further by ~20% in April. Due to the EMI moratorium, credit cost is expected to be elevated in FY21 Discretionary expenses shall be deferred, which shall impact other fintech offerings.

     Lakewater is positive on long term bet in Indian economy. Since, we are comparatively less dependent on exports; our exposure shock in context to world trade shall be less. Low price of crude oil shall also cover us from external shock. Overall, we are expecting that PE investments shall remain strong and shall have V shaped recovery soon post this Corona pandemic. 

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Mission 2 Masks 4 Every 1

Project Karuna, after taking up the critical task of feeding 15,000 people daily, have initiated mission #2Masks4Every1 in the West Bengal to ensure that everyone in the city will have access to two cotton masks each when move out of their homes to protect themselves. 

As a response to COVID-19 - Project Karuna was taken up between  SwitchON Foundation, ACTS and JITO. Project Karuna in collaboration with the District Rural Development Cells, Govt of West Bengal have started Women Cotton Mask Ventures where over 200 women entrepreneurs from various self help group’s are making masks across the districts of West Bengal. The project has a target of training 1000 women across West Bengal to make 10,00,000 masks. Through this program, SHG Women Entrepreneurs are provided with a cloth mask making venture Startup Kit which includes trainings - for making the masks over whatsapp, Fabric - precut as per dimensions for making the cloth mask, delivered at their door-step and creating a market - for women to sell their masks, along with offering a buy back facility. As on date 45,000 masks have been made and provided to NGO's, Companies etc for distribution and gifting. Each woman entrepreneur can make upto Rs 15,000 from making masks in a month and Masks are being sold at Rs 20 in retail and Rs 15 in bulk. Making high quality German Consulate General Kolkata also supported this project by funding for 2,000 PPE kits  and 3 lakh reusable masks.

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Railway Coaches made into Isolation Centres

The Coaching Depot of Malda Division has converted 30 non-AC type coaches into Isolation Coaches. These converted isolation coaches will be used as Isolation Wards for quarantine patients infected with COVID-19 virus. The coaches may be stabled at nominated stations with or without coach watering facility. Coaching Depot of Malda Division has developed suitable watering system for isolation coaches which can be used for topping of coaches placed at any location from water tankers available at nearest Municipalities or Civil Authorities. 

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STAY @ HOME & Be SAFE

In this pandemic situation of COVID-19 please don’t step out of your house unnecessarily, unless and until very urgent like buying any daily necessity or medicine. And, if you step out then please don’t forget to wear the face mask and hand gloves. Always sanitise your hands after touching any object outside your house and immediately dispose your clothes for wash and take a hot water shower with an anti-bacterial soap.

     Last but not the least, please don’t forget to drink lukewarm hot water every morning as the virus stays in our throat for 3-4 hrs after getting contaminated.      

     Stay at home, stay safe and keep the nation safe. And we will surely overcome Corona Virus.        

               -Joyii Sen, EC member (Elite Circle of 'Hello Kolkata Ladies Club')

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Hello Kolkata Health Corner

Combating against the Virus

- Dr Swati Chakraborty, Environmental Scientist 

<drswatinandichakraborty@gmail.com>

Over the years Climate change was the most popular topic of discussion. Climate change can alter some social and environmental determinant very easily which an individual required for sustainable development. According to WHO between 2030 and 2050, climate change is expected to cause approximately 250 000 additional deaths per year, from malnutrition, malaria, diarrhoea and heat stress.

    Now-a-days more than one third of the global population is battling against Covid-19.The eradication of this type of virus urgently looking for effective development of genetically engineered vaccine depends upon its virulent sero types. Pre-existing diabetes and heart disease are the most victimized by the effect of this virus.

      The relationship between a virus and its host is a complicated affair till now. A numerous of factors from the virus and the host are involved in viral infection and consequential pathogenesis. During viral infections, the host must respond to the virus by putting multiple lines of defence mechanisms in place that are still not clearly identified. Our body has good disease fighting measures. We may loss economy we may loss societal status but our immune mechanism will keep us win in the battle.

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Healthy Eating

Healthy Eating

-Sweta Srivastava

Our body is like a machine. It needs good and healthy food to function properly. How this machine works depends on the quality of food we eat and the lifestyle we follow. Our body is continuously being attacked by various foreign bodies that create infections which impact our body in an adverse way. Our strong immune system helps fight these foreign bodies. It kills these antigens and repair our body cells to keep us healthy. 

The million-dollar question is how do we boost our immune system. Intake of good and healthy food along with proper exercise helps strengthen our immune system and equip with all the arsenal required to fight the unwelcome foreign bodies. Spices are very rich sources of vitamins that help boost our immunity and fight various diseases.

 Spices have anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, antihistamine and antibiotic qualities. Cloves, Oregano, Thyme, Cinnamon and Cumin are supposed to be effective anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Ginger, Thyme & Turmeric are excellent anti-histamines. Turmeric, Black Pepper, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Clove, Garlic , Ginger, Cumin, Saffron and Coriander are said to have compounds that have chemopreventive properties. Clove, Peppermint, Cinnamon, Oregano, Thyme are supposed to have the highest anti-oxidant content.

 Fruits are excellent source for all types of vitamin. Citrus fruits like Orange, Kiwi & Lemons are excellent source of Vitamin C. In fact vegetables like Red Bell Pepper & Broccoli has very high Vitamin C content. Broccoli is rich in Vitamin E & Fibre also. Curd is an excellent source of Vitamin D that helps regulate the immune system.

 The list is perhaps too long. By ensuring adequate consumption of these super rich food, we can build our immune system that can fight against most of the diseases. Its important to keep our body in good health. Only a strong body can have a mind that is strong and positive.

For recipes on healthy eating, do visit my YouTube page Sweta’s Food n Spice.

email-swesriva@gmail.com 

Email your Health tips at hellokolkata1@gmail.com

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Endometriosis – What does it mean ?

Endometriosis – What does it mean ?

-Dr. Pradip Kr Mitra, MD, MNAMS, FICOG, FICS, FACS (USA)
Dy. Secretary General & Founder, Endometriosis Society India
Past President- Bengal Obst. & Gynae Society, Medical College Ex –St Association

 Endometriosis is a chronic life time disease for women which has become globally epidemic at the moment. World Endometriosis Research Foundation &amp; World Endometriosis Society observe “Awareness Program” throughout the globe from 2nd to 8th March every year apart from conducting various programs and activities to fight against this dreadful disease thought the year. 

     Endometriosis Society India also conduct similar programs throughout India, more intensely from 2015, through zonal coordinators in five zones of India with regular monitoring from headquarter at Kolkata. This includes mainly conduction of awareness program in different schools &

colleges, educating the teachers and guardians as to how to suspect the disease & prevent the same with ‘Life style modification, referral to our representatives in that respective area for confirmation of the disease, arrangement for treatment and so on. 

  

  In eastern zone more than 50 such awareness programs have been conducted every year since 2017 from urban to remote rural areas. In fact at present more than 30 million women in India are suffering from this disease.

A brief outline in this context is as follows:-

*The disease starts anytime from mother’s womb to adolescent stage but remains undetected until the girl complains of ‘Progressive Pain during Menses’. Gradually this pain becomes intractable causing incapacitation of the regular normal activities of the girl.

* The disease may remain symptom free and only often detected while doing investigations for ‘Failure to Conceive’ . This could be the sole factor for this grave social problem.

* Although this demon is 300 years old ancient disease ( some says 4000 years old) the exact cause is not yet known and therefore ‘No Curative Treatment’ is there for the disease. So the disease recurs lifelong in spite of offering best possible medical, surgical or other forms of treatments.

* This disease is not Cancer, but far more distressing than cancer and would cause progressive deterioration of the quality of life (QOL) without causing death of the victim.

* Every one out of three girls who is having ‘Painful Menses’ would develop this disease.

*Although the disease mostly affects Reproductive Organs , but may spread to all adjacent organs of the tummy. 

  Further this specific disease may affect almost any organ of the body causing different symptoms and sometimes may turn into or be associated with various types of cancer. That’s why now a days it is called ‘Locally Malignant Disease’. 

* So our intention is to create widespread public awareness on the disease, detection of the disease at the earliest, provide appropriate treatment to suppress and keep the disease under control throughout the life by ‘Lifelong follow up’, distress free life during adolescence, uneventful conception/pregnancy after marriage, improved quality of life till the end. 

  We need everyone to ‘Fight against Endometriosis’

* For any query, pls contact -- 6A & 6F, Neelamber, 28B, Shakespeare Sarani, Kolkata – 17.  Phone: (91) (033) 22874463, 28650364, Fax: (91) (033) 22811639.    e-mail: endosocindia @ gmail.com Website: www.endosocindia.org

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Keva Industries launches Most nutritional juice from Himalayan berries

Keva Industries had launched Himalayan Berry Juice which promises to be a store full of oxygen, vitamins and minerals, being an effective formula for natural well-being.  It was presented to be a premium natural formulated juice with highest levels of anti-oxidants including 190+ bioactive nutrients that can nourish the body's cells to protect the skin from free radicals and the natural aging process. 

During the occasion, Dr. Karan Goel, CEO of Keva Industries spoke, “We are passionate to focus, research and bring forth the most nutritional health choices for the public as we are endeavoured to deliver supreme quality, alongside innovation. This newest launch of Keva is a cluster of health enhancing nutrients which are vital for a healthier well-being. This product launch show cases that we are committed to bring the best in revolutionary health segment.”   

 Consisting of the pure wonder berry and nature’s most balanced fruit from the Himalayas- Sea Buckthorn, this product is a pack of nutritional values. Himalayan berry is a powerful food containing 12 times the amount of vitamin-C as orange with fiber, antioxidants, vitamins A, B1, B12, C, E, K, Flavonoids, lycopene, carotenoids and phytosterols along with a high Omega Fatty acid content including 3, 6, 9 and the rare 7.

 Sea Buckthorn or Hippophae rhamnoides is one of the important natural resources of the mountainous region, at an altitude of 4000-14000 feet in cold climates. This miracle fruit is helpful in supporting many body functions like cardio vascular function, proper brain and nervous system function, skin and hair, digestive system function, urogenital lining and many more. 

Sea Buckthorn has been thoroughly researched in over 130 modern scientific studies that have found that this berry promotes health. The Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), India has endorsed and recognizes the immense benefits of Sea Buckthorn. It recommends Sea Buckthorn for soldiers of the Indian Army especially those serving in high altitudes.

 Dr. James Liu, General Manager, Health King Enterprise & Balanceuticals Group Inc., Chicago said “Sea buckthorn oil has been used to treat burn victims because it supports “the skin healing process” and softens the skin. Omega-7 is very rare to find naturally in a single plant and sea buckthorn happens to have the highest concentration,” 

Sea Buckthorn assists in normal process of healthy inflammatory response and relieves sore joints. Its Carotenoids and Beta carotenoids assist in slowing aging process and lycopene - maintains prostrate and colon cell health. Its Anti-oxidants fight cell damaging free radicals, provides anti-aging benefits and supports healthy cell reproduction.  Its flavonoids helps fight cell damaging free radicals, assist in the process of healthy cellular rejuvenation, promotes healthy immune system function.

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PMO reviews Corona Virus response and preparedness

Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Sh. P.K. Mishra chaired an inter-ministerial meeting to review preparedness and response on the corona virus issue.  This meeting was the latest in a series of stock-taking meetings at the PMO, with the first held on 25th January. This meeting was attended by Cabinet Secretary, Foreign Secretary, Secretaries of Ministries of Health, Civil Aviation, Information and Broadcasting, Shipping, Tourism, Chairman (Airport Authority of India), Secretary (Border Management), MHA and senior officials from Defence forces, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Niti Ayog and the Prime Minister’s Office.

The pro-active measures taken so far which have contained spread of the virus in India, despite a big population and geographical proximity to the epicentre of the disease, were appreciated by all. At the same time, it was decided to further enhance the effectiveness of the steps taken by adopting a pan-government approach, in partnership with the states.

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Milaap Fundraiser Gifts New Lease of Life to a Kolkata Teen

   More than 6300 people across the world have collectively donated over 86 Lakh towards the transplant of 18-year-old Sougata who was suffering from a rare disease - Interstitial Lung Disease. This was accomplished on the platform of Milaap which is South Asia’s largest crowd funding platform for personal needs, especially healthcare and related needs.

   Sougata lost his father in 2012 due to the deadly lung disease. One year later, at the age of 12, he was diagnosed with the same disease. His mother only support Sougata stayed both mature and positive, but the truth was that the only cure, a lung transplant was way beyond what his widowed mother could afford. The teenager had to drag an oxygen cylinder around with him, and could not breathe naturally at all. He continued his studies from home after Class 8, knowing that if he were to survive, he would be the only one taking care of his mother. Despite ongoing treatment and a quickly progressing disease, he did very well in his examinations. 

   Constantly endeavoring to make it easier for people to raise money online for the causes that matter to them, Milaap enables lay-people to raise funds for personal causes and emergencies, especially for tertiary healthcare like Cancer care, organ transplants and accidents. Similarly was the mentioned scenario in which not only did people ensure that the patient got treated, but they were beyond happy to also fund his post-surgery expenses.  

You can see his fundraiser at https://milaap.org/fundraisers/support-sougata

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Authorized Signatory in Diagnostic Laboratory

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare in its latest gazette notification regarding Clinical Establishment (Central Government) Amendment Rules 2020 on 14/02/2020 made it official that,professionals with MSc degree in Medical Microbiology or Medical Biochemistry with three years of laboratory experience can become authorized signatory in diagnostic laboratory for tests respective to their specialization without recording any opinion or interpretation of lab results. A PhD in Medical Microbiology or Medical Biochemistry shall be required for Medium & Advanced Laboratories. This notification came after the Board of Governors in super session of MCI gave its decision regarding the role of authorized signatory to the ministry.

    Dr. Sridhar Rao, President and Shri Arjun Maitra, Secretary, National M.Sc Medical Teachers' Association welcomed this move of the Ministry.

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LAPAROSCOPIC PEPTIC PERFORATION REPAIR at Ruby General Hospital

Dr. Sumanta Dey (Consultant Advanced Laparoscopic, Bariatric and GI Surgeon), along with his team, including, Dr. Dwaipayan Jha (Consultant Anaesthetist) performed Laparoscopic repair (through small holes in the abdominal wall) of the perforated area of a patient to give him a smooth recovery with minimal pain, minimal blood loss and negligible scar. The assistant Kabita Di had stayed back to assist in this surgery and left late in the night. 

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Thriving 30 -- Cardiac Care Destination

CK Birla Hospitals - BMB, India’s first NABH accredited distinctive super-speciality hospital, focuses on cardiac care based on three key principals —clinical excellence, quality cardiac care and patient centricity. Catering to a wide spectrum of cardiac ailments in children and adults, the hospital has been providing quality cardiac care, diagnosis, treatment, and research on cardiovascular diseases for over 30 years. Patients from different walks of life from Eastern India and neighbouring countries have always considered the hospital to be their preferred cardiac destination, informed Dr. Simmardeep Singh Gill, COO, CK Birla Hospitals.

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Birthday Celebrations of a Different Kind

Princess Kasvi celebrated her birthday at an orphanage home. Princess Kasvi is the beloved daughter of Rekha Sharma, eminent socio-cultural activist who always likes to reach out to the needy section of our society. 

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Social Responsibility

Kiran Tiwari Bhuwalka, President, Lions Club of Kolkata Sunshine, had lent a supportive hand to New Tiger Sangha for their Blood Donation Camp held on 16th Feb. morning.

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Awareness about Child Rights

On 10th Feb. morning, IHRCCO Kolkata Team, led by Tiyasa Biswas, National Legal Advisor, IHRCCO had organized an awareness program at Sakhawat Memorial Girls Govt. School, Lord Sinha Road, Kolkata. 

    Gracing the occasion was IHRCCO Chief Pandit Mohit Navani, along with other national level officials of IHRCCO. 

       The program centred around discussion on 'CHILD RIGHTS, POCSO ACT and CYBER AWARENESS FOR SCHOOLS OF WEST BENGAL'.  

    The guest speakers included Nandini Chowdhury, Arijit Mitra, Ditya Kaur, Rupal Thacker and Asish Basak. The open forum discussion witnessed spontaneous participation by more than 400 girls of the school, their parents and also teachers.

     Tiyasa Biswas informed that this sort of awareness campaign will be continued in different schools of Kolkata and also in districts.

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