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Mumbai rains: Health experts share tips to stay healthy during season change

After experiencing intense heat for weeks with temperatures regularly rising above 30 degrees Celsius, Mumbaikars got respite from the summer weather as gusty winds and unseasonal rains hit the city late on Tuesday, May 6, and continued on May 7 and May 8. The monsoon season in Mumbai usually begins in late June. While the surprising rainfall in May brought with it a slight dip in mercury levels, this sudden change in weather can cause many different health issues, if suitable precautions are not taken, Mumbai-based experts warn. Health risks due to unseasonal rain The unseasonal rains that graced Mumbai skies, followed by a sudden drop in temperature and increase in humidity levels, can create ideal conditions for spread of viral infections and other health issues. Dr Manjusha Agarwal, senior consultant internal medicine, Gleneagles Hospital in Parel says, “Sudden weather changes may trigger viral infections, cold, flu, and respiratory issues such as cold, cough, sore throat, runny nose, congestion, stuffy nose, migraine, sinusitis, and allergic rhinitis. The rise in humidity can also worsen asthma, bronchitis, and allergies.” Heavy rains may also cause waterlogging in several parts of the city, which can lead to a rise in mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and malaria. Apart from viral infections and respiratory issues, this weather change may also cause skin infections. “Conditions like eczema, ringworm and candidiasis become more common during unseasonal rains due to prolonged dampness, wet clothes and poor hygiene,” Dr Agarwal informs. Who is more at risk? While anyone can be susceptible to health issues arising out of sudden weather changes, people with weak immunity, children, and the elderly are at a higher risk. Key precautions to take Maintaining hygiene and boosting immunity is key during such weather changes. “Wearing weather-appropriate clothing and staying dry during unexpected rains is essential to avoid viral and skin infections,” advises Dr Agarwal, adding, “It is also necessary to use mosquito repellents and avoid stagnant water near the house, and in pots, pans, or cans to prevent dengue and malaria.” Another important step to protect your health from infections due to seasonal changes is boosting immunity through a balanced diet. Dietary changes to make to your diet Vedika Premani, clinical dietician, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital in Girgaon suggests following some nutritional guidelines to protect oneself from infections: 1. Focus on consuming fresh, seasonal fruits high in vitamin C, such as guava, oranges, amla and berries to naturally boost immunity. 2. Always wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating. 3. Sip on immunity-boosting teas like ginger, herbal, and chamomile, which have anti-inflammatory properties to help fight off infections. 4. Consume superfoods like turmeric, garlic and ginger, which can help strengthen immunity. 5. Stay hydrated. Boil water before drinking to prevent chances of infections.6. Avoid street food during this time as it might increase risk of waterborne diseases due to poor sanitation. Apart from nutrition, healthy lifestyle practices like adequate sleep and regular exercise can help keep infections at bay. “Those with asthma or allergies should keep medications handy and avoid exposure to allergens. Staying hygienic and cautious can help improve well-being,” concludes Dr Agarwal.

14 May,2025 07:58 PM IST | Mumbai | Raaina Jain
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Type 1 diabetes in adulthood may increase risk of heart diseases, death: Study

People who develop type 1 diabetes in adulthood have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and death, according to a new research. However, those diagnosed later in life do not have a better prognosis than those diagnosed earlier, according to the study conducted by researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, which pointed to smoking, poor glucose control and obesity as the main risk factors. Research on adult-onset type 1 diabetes is limited, so the team wanted to investigate the risk of cardiovascular disease and death in this group, particularly for those diagnosed after the age of 40. The study, published in European Heart Journal, identified 10,184 people diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in adulthood between 2001 and 2020 and compared them to 509,172 matched people in the control group. The study shows that these people with adult-onset type 1 diabetes had a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and death from all causes, including cancer and infections, compared to the control group. Yuxia Wei, postdoctoral fellow at the Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, said the main reasons for the poor prognosis are smoking, overweight/obesity and poor glucose control. “We found that they were less likely to use assistive devices, such as insulin pumps,” Wei added. Researchers plan to continue investigating adult-onset type 1 diabetes, including risk factors for developing the disease and the prognosis of other outcomes, such as microvascular complications. Optimal treatment in adult-onset type 1 diabetes, including the effect of pump use and other advanced technologies, also needs to be explored. The study was funded by the Swedish Research Council and the Swedish Diabetes Foundation, among others. The researchers report that there are no conflicts of interest. The results emphasise the seriousness of type 1 diabetes, even when it starts later in life, said the researchers. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

14 May,2025 02:20 PM IST | Mumbai | IANS
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Climate change increasing risk of complications during pregnancy: Study

Scorching heatwaves fuelled by global warming are increasing the risk of dangerous complications during pregnancies across the world, a report warned on Wednesday. Being exposed to extreme heat while pregnant has previously been linked to a range of problems, including a higher risk of premature birth, stillbirth, birth defects and gestational diabetes. The new report from the US-based research group Climate Central sought to measure how much more pregnant women have been exposed to excessive heat since 2020 -- and to what extent climate change is to blame. In 222 out of the 247 countries and territories studied, "climate change at least doubled the average annual number of pregnancy heat-risk days experienced during the past five years", the report said. The biggest increases were in developing countries where access to healthcare is limited, such as in the Caribbean, Central and South America, the Pacific islands, Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. The researchers only looked at the rise in potentially dangerous hot days and did not examine the extent to which pregnant women were actually affected by heat in the countries. Ana Bonell, a maternal health and extreme heat researcher at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine not involved in the report, said it "gives clear evidence of the growing exposure risk to extreme heat". The findings could also apply to the elderly, another group who are more at risk during blisteringly hot periods, she told AFP. While researchers are increasingly documenting the many ways that extreme heat can threaten human health, there remain "many unknowns" about the physiological mechanisms to explain why this happens, Bonell said. A large 2024 study in Nature Medicine estimated that heatwaves increase the odds of having a complication during pregnancy by 1.25 times. Beyond wider efforts to fight climate change -- which is largely caused by humans burning fossil fuels -- experts advised local policies to help communities beat the heat. These include "greening neighbourhoods, limiting pollution, creating cool areas and informing residents about the risks," French epidemiologist Lucie Adelaide said. In a statement linked to the new report, she also recommended that existing information about the health risks of heatwaves include warnings for pregnant women, who are currently rarely mentioned in such efforts. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

14 May,2025 01:44 PM IST | Mumbai | AFP
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Reduce sitting time, move more often to lower risk of Alzheimer's disease: Study

Increased sedentary behaviour, time spent sitting or lying down was associated with worse cognition and brain shrinkage in areas related to risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease, according to a study on Tuesday. The study by researchers from Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) and the University of Pittsburgh aims to discover how lifestyle habits can impact the likelihood of developing the disease.  According to a new research study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association. “Reducing your risk for Alzheimer’s disease is not just about working out once a day,” said Marissa Gogniat, Assistant Professor of Neurology at Pitt.  “Minimising the time spent sitting, even if you do exercise daily, reduces the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease,” she added.  The team of researchers examined the relationship between sedentary behaviour and neurodegeneration among 404 adults aged 50 and older.  Study participants wore a watch that measured their activity continuously over a week. Their sedentary time was then related to their cognitive performance and brain scans were captured over a seven-year follow-up period.  Participants who spent more time sedentary were more likely to experience cognitive decline and neurodegenerative changes regardless of how much they exercised.  The link between sedentary time and Alzheimer’s was also stronger in participants who carried the APOE-e4 allele -- a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. The finding suggests that reducing sedentary time may be especially important for older adults who are at increased genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease. The study showed that reducing sitting time could be a promising strategy for preventing neurodegeneration and subsequent cognitive decline.  “This research highlights the importance of reducing sitting time, particularly among ageing adults at increased genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease. It is critical to our brain health to take breaks from sitting throughout the day and move around to increase our active time,” said Angela Jefferson, professor of Neurology at VUMC. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

14 May,2025 01:19 PM IST | Mumbai | IANS
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National Ayurveda Day to be observed on September 23; check significance of date

The Union government on Tuesday designated September 23 as Ayurveda Day, marking a significant shift from the earlier practice of observing Ayurveda Day on Dhanteras. The change was notified through a Gazette Notification dated March 23, the Ministry of Ayush said. Calling the decision to change the date as "landmark", the ministry said it will enhance "the global visibility and consistency" of Ayurveda which is India’s 5,000-year-old system of healing rooted in ancient wisdom and sustainable living. Notably, Dhanteras is a festival observed in the Hindu month of Kartik (usually October or November). Its date fluctuates each year, posing logistical challenges for organising national and international observances of Ayurveda day, the Ministry said. In addition, in the coming decade, the date of Dhanteras would continue to vary widely between October 15 and November 12. To addrress this, the Ministry constituted an expert panel, which opined to establish a stable reference point for national and global celebrations of Ayurveda. September 23 was among the four potential dates proposed. “This decision was guided by both practical and symbolic considerations,” the Ministry said. “The chosen date, 23rd September, coincides with the autumnal equinox, a day when day and night are nearly equal. This astronomical event symbolises balance in nature, perfectly aligning with the Ayurvedic philosophy that emphasises equilibrium between the mind, body, and spirit. The equinox, representing cosmic harmony, underscores the essence of Ayurveda -- living in balance with nature,” the ministry added. The Ministry of Ayush initially declared National Ayurveda Day in 2016 on the birth anniversary of Dhanvantari, the Hindu god of Medicine. The first Ayurveda Day was first celebrated on 28 October 2016. “Ayurveda Day has been commemorated annually to promote Ayurveda as a scientific, evidence-based, and holistic system of medicine that plays a pivotal role in preventive healthcare and wellness,” the Ministry said. The Ministry urged individuals, health professionals, academic bodies, and international partners to embrace the newly designated date and actively participate in Ayurveda Day celebrations. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

14 May,2025 12:58 PM IST | Mumbai | IANS
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Steroids, protein powders causing rise in hip damage among urban youth: Experts

Group of orthopaedic experts have raised a serious public health concern, stating the misuse of steroids and unregulated protein powders is severely damaging the hips of young gym-going individuals in their 20s. This warning came during the 'Delhi Hip 360' conference held in the national capital, where orthopaedic specialists highlighted the alarming rise in cases of Avascular Necrosis (AVN) and early hip degeneration in youth, conditions traditionally seen in older adults. Dr L Tomar, the organising chairman of the conference, said, "We are observing a significant surge in hip-related complaints among young patients in recent years. Every week in my OPD, I see two to three patients under the age of 30, many in their early 20s, complaining of persistent hip pain." "Investigations often reveal Avascular Necrosis (AVN), a condition where blood supply to the hip bone is compromised, leading to bone death. In over 70% of these cases, there is a history of anabolic steroid use or excessive consumption of unverified protein powders," said Dr Tomar, who is the unit head of orthopaedics and joint replacement at Max Hospital, Delhi. Recent studies have indicated a rise in hip issues among youth and how alcohol and steroid use were key contributors to AVN among young adults, he said. More recently, the Maharashtra FDA launched statewide checks on protein powders after several brands were found to be spiked with performance-enhancing steroids, many of which are freely available online or at gyms without proper labelling or approvals. Youth, especially those chasing rapid physical transformation, are unknowingly damaging their bone health, particularly the femoral head of the hip joint, which is uniquely sensitive to blood flow changes, Dr Tomar pointed out. There is a thriving underground online market for performance-enhancing drugs and muscle-building supplements in India. Dr Rajiv Jain, senior orthopaedic surgeon, said that steroids, especially when misused or consumed unsupervised, directly impact the blood supply to the bones. "It (AVN) begins with pain, stiffness, and limping and in many cases, leads to complete collapse of the hip joint. Hip replacements are required for patients whose condition can be treated using medications," Dr Jain stated. The condition, AVN, is not only painful but also often irreversible if not diagnosed early. In extreme cases, the only treatment is total hip replacement, a complex procedure typically meant for older patients. Orthopaedic experts say this is becoming disturbingly common in India's urban youth. Another observation presented by orthopaedic researchers at the conference revealed that over 30 per cent of AVN cases seen in Delhi's tertiary hospitals over the past three years involved patients under 35, and most had a history of either steroid injection, oral steroid abuse or supplement misuse. Dr Sharad Agarwal, scientific chairman of the conference and senior orthopaedic surgeon, said that fitness has become a booming industry in India, but without proper regulation and education. "What they don't realise is that behind that muscle, their bones might be silently deteriorating. We urgently need awareness drives, regulation of supplement markets, and basic orthopaedic screening at gyms," Dr Agarwal said. Doctors have urged fitness trainers, influencers and gym owners to educate their clients about the risks of shortcuts like steroid cycles and unverified protein supplements. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

13 May,2025 11:46 AM IST | New Delhi | IANS
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Less or poor quality of sleep in babies could be a risk factor of autism: Study

Babies who sleep less or have a poor quality of sleep could be at a higher risk of developing and being diagnosed with autism, according to researchers who looked at over 1000 mother-infant pairs in Australia. An increase in night-time sleep by an hour by six months of age was related with fewer autism characteristics at age two and four. Findings, published in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood, suggest that sleep issues in infants could be a potential indicator of autism -- a neurodevelopmental disorder, in which one displays repetitive behaviour and has impaired social skills. Researchers, including those at The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, surveyed parents about their baby's sleep patterns at age six and 12 months. The parents then reported if they noticed autism-like characteristics when the child turned two and four years old. Sleep disturbances, including insomnia, are known to be common among children with autism -- they have an overactive brain which can hamper development, potentially resulting in problems with social skills and emotion regulation. The researchers also found that every increase of five minutes in sleep latency -- or trouble with falling asleep -- was related with more autism characteristics and a 7.7 per cent higher chance of being diagnosed with the condition. "Poor infant sleep quality was linked to increased autism characteristics and diagnosis odds in a representative Australian sample," the authors wrote. "At 12 months (of age), each 25 per cent increase in sleep latency (of about five minutes) was associated with more autism characteristics (1.5 per cent increase) and 7.7 per cent higher autism diagnosis odds," they wrote. The participants were recruited during 2010-2013. Before the children turned age 12, 64 had been diagnosed with autism. Among the diagnosed, 42 per cent were found to have used melatonin in the past month. The supplement is often prescribed as people with autism have problems with producing melatonin, essential for regulating sleep-wake cycles. "Collectively, (the study) suggests that infant sleep characteristics have the potential to serve as one indicator for identifying infants who could benefit from autism monitoring, thereby facilitating early diagnosis. It may also inform future supportive evidence-based interventions for autistic children," the authors wrote. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

13 May,2025 11:31 AM IST | Mumbai | IANS
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Southeast Asia accounted for over 330,000 deaths from road crashes in 2021: WHO

Pedestrians and cyclists are among more than 330,000 deaths from road crashes in the Southeast Asia region in 2021, said the World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday, as part of the eighth UN Global Road Safety Week. The UN Global Road Safety Week is marked biennially, starting on the third Monday of May. The theme this year is “Make walking and cycling safe”, urging the world to make walking and cycling safe for everyone. Saima Wazed, Regional Director for WHO South-East Asia said that road traffic injuries are now the leading cause of death among young people aged 5 to 29 years, and they continue to be a pressing public health concern in our WHO South-East Asia Region. "In 2021 alone, our region accounted for more than 330,000 deaths from road crashes, representing 28 per cent of the global total," Wazed said. "Vulnerable road users -- including pedestrians, cyclists, and operators of two- and three-wheelers -- are up to 66 per cent of these fatalities," she added. Wazed noted pedestrians and cyclists already account for more than one in four road traffic deaths. Besides saving lives, making roads safe is also crucial to boost health. Safe roads can not only improve community well-being but also enhance environmental sustainability. "Prioritising walking and cycling supports physical activity, which is a key modifiable risk factor for noncommunicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. Walking and cycling also support mental well-being, helping to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety," Wazed highlighted. Globally, road traffic crashes claim the lives of nearly 1.2 million people and leave up to 50 million more with non-fatal injuries every year. Wazed urged civil society, the private sector, and communities to push for people-centred mobility policies, safer road design, safe vehicles, and lower speed limits. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

13 May,2025 11:07 AM IST | Mumbai | IANS
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Just 5 mins of exposure to junk food ads may coax kids to consume more calories

Just five minutes of advertising of junk foods -- essentially high in saturated fats, sugar, and/or salt (HFSS) -- is enough to coax children and adolescents to consume significantly more calories during the day, according to a study. The study showed that 7-15-year-olds with just five minutes of ad exposure, regardless of the type of media advertising, can consume on average 130 kcals per day extra, which is equivalent to the calories in two slices of bread. "Our findings offer crucial novel information on the extent, nature, and impact of unhealthy food marketing via different types of media on young people's eating behaviour," said lead author Professor Emma Boyland from the University of Liverpool in the UK. "Even short exposure to the marketing of foods high in fat, salt, and sugar can drive excess calorie consumption and potentially weight gain, particularly in young people who are more susceptible to advertising and whose eating patterns influence their lifelong health," Boyland added. The study, based on a randomised crossover trial of 240 volunteers between the ages of 7 and 15 years, is being presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO) in Malaga, Spain. The analysis found that following exposure to HFSS food ads, children consumed more snacks (+58.4 kcals), more lunch (+72.5 kcals), and more food overall (snack and lunch combined (+130.90 kcals) than after exposure to non-food ads. "Our results show that unhealthy food marketing leads to sustained increases in caloric intake in young people at a level sufficient to drive weight gain over time,” Boyland said. Unhealthy weight gain in adolescents may lead to a host of health issues, including obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and cancer. The study will help in the design of urgent restrictive food marketing policies that can protect children's health, said the team. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

13 May,2025 10:30 AM IST | Mumbai | IANS
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Health experts highlight why arthritis affects mothers differently

Arthritis occurs in close to 40 to 60 per cent of women across the globe and is also one of the primary causes of disability.  While the effects of arthritis not only on men but also on women are known, it affects mothers differently. Arthritis is not only a physical disease, says Dr Vaibhav Bagaria, director, Orthopaedics at Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital in Girgaon but it's one that tests the core essence of motherhood—a caretaker. Globally and in the country, Dr Ashraf Khan, consultant orthopaedic and joint replacement surgeon, Ruby Hall Clinic Wanowrie says statistics show that approximately 1 in every 4 women gets diagnosed with arthritis at some point in their lives, with close to 40% of such people being women under the age of 65—most of whom are mothers and primary caregivers  Dr Vaibhav highlights, "Mothers, particularly in Indian families, bear a special emotional and physical burden. From bending down to pick up toddlers to hopping around on errands, their joints are in perpetual motion. When arthritis takes hold—particularly osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis—it starts to drain not only mobility, but confidence. A mother who once coordinated a whole household with ease now has trouble opening a jar or going up the stairs." Taking it in their stride, he says, many continue to grit their teeth through pain, often suppressing symptoms, neglecting diagnosis, and putting family ahead of themselves. Why does arthritis affect mothers differently? The Mumbai-based doctor adds, "The pregnancy and postpregnancy hormonal shifts, the loss of calcium stores, and repetitive joint trauma render mothers extremely susceptible. As opposed to those women who perhaps have the option to take time off or change their lifestyles, mothers do not often have this luxury." It is not only the physical but also the emotional cost, he reminds, that make life difficult for them. "A mother who is unable to hold her child or even do daily tasks may experience guilt, frustration, or even depression. Loss of functional independence can have a profound impact on her mental health," he adds. Even as mothers struggle with their daily life while dealing with arthritis, Dr Vaibhav says it is important to get an early diagnosis, proper calcium and vitamin D supplementation, weight control, regular physiotherapy, and, when needed, surgery as it can significantly enhance quality of life. "We must design a support network which not only identifies signs of arthritis early on but also familiarises people with seeking help. Get the mothers to heed their body. If they wake up with joint swelling, stiffness, or chronic pain, then it's time to seek a medical opinion—not mere home remedies," he suggests. Why are women more affected by arthritis?Dr Ashraf says there are primarily three major reasons: Hormonal factors: Changes in estrogen levels, particularly at menopause, have been associated with more inflammation and degeneration of the joints. Autoimmune link: Most autoimmune types of arthritis (such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus) occur more frequently in women because of immune system differences that are sex-related. Differences in joint structure: Women have relatively more mobile joints and less muscle surrounding the joints, making them more vulnerable to joint wear and tear.

12 May,2025 08:24 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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Well-being of nurses linked to strength of our health systems: JP Nadda

Well-being of nurses is necessary to strengthen health systems, and help in the growth of the nation, said Union Health Minister J P Nadda on International Nurses Day on Monday. International Nurses Day is observed every year on May 12 to offer gratitude for their service and to promote their health and well-being. Lauding nurse's efforts, Nadda stressed the need to increase investment in nurses and to protect and empower them. “Today, on International Nurses Day, we pay tribute to the compassion, strength, and commitment of our nurses. We recognise that the well-being of nurses is directly linked to the strength of our health systems and national growth,” Nadda said, in a post on social media platform X. “Investing in nurses means investing in healthier societies, productive communities, and a more resilient future. Today and every day, let us value, protect, and empower those who dedicate their lives to caring for others,” he added. Today, on International Nurses Day, we pay tribute to the compassion, strength, and commitment of our nurses.As we reflect on this year’s theme, “Caring for Nurses Strengthens Economies,” we recognize that the well-being of nurses is directly linked to the strength of our… pic.twitter.com/L2DsCapR5K — Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) May 12, 2025 This year’s theme, “Caring for Nurses Strengthens Economies” underscores the critical role nurses play not just in delivering quality healthcare, but also in strengthening health systems and driving economic progress. Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel called the nurses’ contribution to society as unique and unforgettable. She also saluted their “tireless efforts and dedication”. “Nurses not only play a vital role in health care but also instill hope and courage in the hearts of patients. We can never forget their unique contribution. As the backbone of our healthcare system, the contribution of nurses is incomparable,” Patel said in a post on social media platform X. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) has in a report called out the inequities faced by the nursing workforce, despite an improvement. The State of the World’s Nursing 2025 (SoWN) report, based on data reported by 194 countries through the National Health Workforce Accounts, showed that the wide disparities in the availability of nurses across regions and countries can threaten global health goals. “Inequities in the global nursing workforce leave many of the world’s population without access to essential health services, which could threaten progress towards universal health coverage (UHC), global health security, and the health-related development goals,” the report said. The evidence indicates global progress in reducing the nursing workforce shortage from 6.2 million in 2020 to 5.8 million in 2023, with a projection to decline to 4.1 million by 2030. But, the overall progress still masks deep regional disparities: approximately 78 per cent of the world’s nurses are concentrated in countries representing just 49 per cent of the global population. Low- and middle-income countries are facing challenges in graduating, employing, and retaining nurses in the health system and will need to raise domestic investments to create and sustain jobs. Similarly, high-income countries need to be prepared to manage high levels of retiring nurses and review their reliance on foreign-trained nurses, strengthening bilateral agreements with the countries they recruit from. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

12 May,2025 03:12 PM IST | Mumbai | IANS
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