Health matters: Community Medicine

Dr Babasaheb Tandale from National Institute of Virology has bagged Dr M K Seshadri Award which comprises a gold medal and prize money of Rs 20,000

Dr Babasaheb Tandale from National Institute of Virology has bagged Dr M K Seshadri Award which comprises a gold medal and prize money of Rs 20,000. The award is given every alternate year by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to an individual who has significantly contributed to community medicine. This award has been given in the stream Epidemiological Research Contributions During Virus Disease Outbreaks In India for the work carried out by Tandale from 2005 to 2010. Tandale worked on the Chandipura,Chikungunya and pandemic H1N1 influenza viruses. His research work on pandemic H1N1 Influenza was also presented during an international conference on influenza,which was held in Hong Kong in September 2010,and also at International Pandemic H1N1 Seroprevalence Expert Group Meeting in Ottawa,Canada,held in February 2011. The data was also utilised to estimate global infection rates,which is published by World Health Organisation. The investigations in the field undertaken by Tandale led to Chikungunya confirmation in 2006 during the large-scale outbreaks in south India,indicating its return after 32 years. The studies undertaken during the outbreaks identified many complications and deaths in a few elderly people in Gujarat and Maharashtra.

Tracking Trends in Healthcare

Symbiosis Institute of Health Sciences (SIHS) organised the 15th national seminar on Hospital/Healthcare Management,Medico-Legal Systems and Clinical Research on May 3 and 4. The yearly seminar is organised periodically with an aim to disseminate knowledge on current trends and practices in healthcare management and to reach out to different healthcare sectors and professionals across India. Dr Rajani Gupte,pro-vice chancellor of Symbiosis International University,defined the challenges faced by the healthcare sector. She mentioned in her welcome address that outsourcing,mergers and acquisitions are the new trends in this industry. In his inaugural address,Dr Rajiv Yeravdekar gave a comprehensive speech on successful healthcare models. He gave an insight on how distance education programmes are convenient for students of all ages and professions.

An Appeal

Manasi Shivaji More,an eight-year-old girl,has been diagnosed with Ventricular Septal Defect,Double Outlet Right Ventricle and Pulmonary Stenosis and requires an Intracardiac Rapier surgery. The estimated cost for her treatment along with medication is pegged at Rs 3 lakh. The surgery is set to take place on May 30 at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital. Anyone who wishes to donate money for the cause may get in touch with the hospital at 020-66023000.

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