The writer is an epidemiologist and public health specialist.

March 31, 2023 18:36 IST
Today, we know more about protecting ourselves and the virus circulating currently is less virulent. But we need to be vigilant and step up granular data collection
Fri, Mar 31, 2023
February 09, 2023 09:10 IST
The large exercise volumes and vigorous intensity physical training --- specially when performed by unfit individuals, or erstwhile physically inactive people --- have the potential of accelerated coronary artery calcification, myocardial fibrosis and atrial fibrillation, says Dr Chandrakant Lahariya
Thu, Feb 09, 2023
February 01, 2023 17:29 IST
The allocation for the health sector has effectively been reduced by around six per cent, in comparison to last year. Increased government spending is the only assured way to make health services affordable, says public health policy expert Dr Chandrakant Lahariya
Wed, Feb 01, 2023
December 29, 2022 16:28 IST
The recent statement that 'the next 40 days will be crucial' is inferred from the patterns of previous Covid waves. Three years into the pandemic, the context has changed and past patterns are not a helpful guide for decision making
Fri, Dec 30, 2022
October 17, 2022 19:50 IST
More health workers and doctors need to be regularly trained about animal bite management. The Govt should also take the responsibility for easy availability of rabies vaccines, anti-snake venom and other medication, says public health expert and epidemiologist Dr Chandrakant Lahariya
Tue, Oct 18, 2022
August 04, 2022 14:41 IST
The knee jerk response of school closure to routine illnesses is worrying. In the months ahead, when the emergence and reporting of infectious diseases is going to improve, such a situation may arise on a regular basis. Therefore, an institutional mechanism for coordination among parents, school management, health authorities and policy makers is needed, says Dr Chandrakant Lahariya
Fri, Aug 12, 2022
July 19, 2022 15:06 IST
The first Monkeypox case in India was detected because the person affected volunteered to share information about his contact being tested positive. This is an example of how the success of effective disease surveillance is dependent upon citizen participation and community engagement. The solution is in the government and citizens working together, says epidemiologist Dr Chandrakant Lahariya
Sun, Jul 24, 2022
June 29, 2022 20:00 IST
Though a mild disease for a majority of the population, available data shows that children, pregnant women and immunosuppressed individuals continue to be the most vulnerable group given the possibility of adverse outcomes in this population. Preparedness is thus vital, says a comprehensive review conducted by Dr Chandrakant Lahariya, Archana Thakur and Nonita Dudeja.
Wed, Jun 29, 2022
June 18, 2022 19:17 IST
Immunity and protection against diseases are dependent upon many factors and complex interactions. Therefore, any simplistic approach is not helpful. Once mucosal vaccines are available, we can expect a little better protection from infection but still our risk would continue, says Dr Chandrakant Lahariya.
Sat, Jun 18, 2022
October 10, 2021 06:15 IST
October 10 is dedicated to mental health and the only way to take away the stigma associated with mental-health care is to make it accessible and routine
Sun, Oct 10, 2021
August 08, 2021 06:10 IST
A takeaway from this pandemic has been that most patients need attentive listening and empathy from the health providers more than just medicines to heal
Sat, Aug 07, 2021
May 11, 2021 01:00 IST
A long-term and effective pandemic response needs broader additional expertise than medical care. The NTF will have the responsibility to ensure that India does not end up with a medicalised response to a public health challenge.
Tue, May 11, 2021
May 02, 2021 06:25 IST
The first pandemic in the age of social media has thrown up the challenge of a glut of unverified information about the virus and the disease
Sat, May 01, 2021
March 21, 2021 06:00 IST
That health is intrinsically linked to jobs, economy, social well-being, climate change and education
Sun, Mar 21, 2021
January 30, 2021 03:32 IST
In the year that is now behind us, the virus, the pandemic and related interventions changed many things around us. For most, daily routines were disrupted. The lockdown and other pandemic responses resulted in reduction of economic activities, the loss of job opportunities, economic slowdown and caused hardship to every citizen.
Sat, Jan 30, 2021
December 09, 2020 03:00 IST
Health has been and is at the front and centre now and will be so for a year or more. This is the time to highlight the need for increasing investment on health services, to strengthen them and make them fit for future challenges.
Wed, Dec 09, 2020
September 23, 2020 03:05 IST
Dealing with COVID-19 will require continuous evidence generation. That’s why sero-surveys are important.
Wed, Sep 23, 2020
September 09, 2020 20:16 IST
The lockdown was expected to slow the spread of virus and for getting health services ready to respond effectively. However, when lockdown was removed, it became clear that preparedness was not sufficient.
Wed, Sep 09, 2020
July 21, 2020 19:29 IST
Imposing curfews at any sign of the surge in COVID cases does not solve any purpose. Instead public health facilities need to be strengthened and safety protocols stringently adhered to
Tue, Jul 21, 2020



