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Doctors May Soon Recommend Eating More Chocolate—Here’s Why

March 18, 2025, 2:47 pm

Chocolate, often regarded as a guilty pleasure, might soon become part of your health regimen. Recent studies have unveiled numerous health benefits associated with chocolate consumption, particularly dark chocolate, which is rich in antioxidants and essential nutrients. As research continues to unfold, doctors may soon endorse moderate chocolate consumption for its potential to enhance cardiovascular health, improve brain function, and even support weight management. Here’s why chocolate could become a doctor-approved snack.

1. Rich in Antioxidants

One of the primary reasons doctors may recommend chocolate is its high antioxidant content. Antioxidants are compounds that help neutralize free radicals, unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to aging and diseases. Dark chocolate, in particular, contains powerful antioxidants such as flavonoids, polyphenols, and catechins.

Flavonoids, found in cocoa, are known for their heart-protective properties. They enhance blood flow, reduce blood pressure, and improve overall vascular function. Studies have shown that individuals with higher flavonoid intake experience a lower risk of heart disease. By including dark chocolate in a balanced diet, you may help your body combat oxidative stress and maintain good health.

2. Cardiovascular Benefits

A growing body of research suggests that chocolate consumption may have significant cardiovascular benefits. Dark chocolate can improve several risk factors for heart disease by lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, raising HDL (good) cholesterol, and improving blood circulation.

A study published in the British Medical Journal found that regular dark chocolate consumption was linked to a reduced risk of heart attack and stroke. Flavonoids in cocoa help maintain the flexibility of blood vessels, allowing for better blood flow and reduced hypertension. For people with mild hypertension, consuming dark chocolate may help manage blood pressure levels more effectively.

Moreover, the anti-inflammatory effects of chocolate may also contribute to heart health. Chronic inflammation is a known risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, and the antioxidants in chocolate help mitigate this risk by reducing inflammation markers.

3. Boosts Brain Function

Chocolate’s benefits extend beyond the heart; it also supports brain health. Cocoa flavonoids improve blood flow to the brain, enhancing cognitive function, memory, and attention. Regular chocolate consumption may protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

A study conducted by researchers at the University of L’Aquila in Italy demonstrated that elderly individuals who consumed cocoa regularly performed better on cognitive tests compared to those who did not. The researchers attributed this improvement to increased cerebral blood flow, enhanced neural connectivity, and reduced neuroinflammation.

Additionally, chocolate contains stimulants like caffeine and theobromine, which can improve mood and alertness. A small amount of chocolate may provide a quick cognitive boost, making it an excellent snack for enhancing mental clarity and focus.

4. Mood Enhancement

Chocolate has long been associated with mood improvement, and science backs up this claim. Chocolate stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” hormones. It also contains phenylethylamine (PEA), a compound that promotes the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that enhances mood and reduces symptoms of depression.

Dark chocolate’s impact on mood may be particularly beneficial during periods of stress or mild depression. A study published in Nutrients indicated that participants who consumed dark chocolate reported lower stress levels and improved emotional well-being compared to those who did not.

For individuals struggling with mood disorders or seasonal affective disorder (SAD), incorporating a small amount of dark chocolate into the diet may help improve mood and overall mental health.

5. Supports Weight Management

Contrary to popular belief, chocolate, when consumed in moderation, can aid in weight management. Dark chocolate’s rich flavor and satisfying nature may help reduce overall calorie intake by curbing sweet cravings and preventing overeating.

A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that participants who ate dark chocolate regularly reported feeling fuller and had lower overall calorie intake. The key is to choose dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content and consume it in controlled portions (about 20-30 grams per day).

Dark chocolate’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity also contributes to weight management, reducing the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

6. Improves Skin Health

Cocoa’s high flavonoid content not only benefits internal health but also enhances skin health. Flavonoids protect the skin from ultraviolet (UV) damage, improve skin hydration, and enhance blood flow, resulting in healthier and more youthful-looking skin.

A study published in Skin Pharmacology and Physiology found that participants who consumed cocoa-rich chocolate had increased skin density and hydration compared to those who did not. This protective effect against UV radiation may reduce the risk of sunburn and premature aging.

Including chocolate as part of your skincare routine—whether through diet or topical products—can help maintain healthy skin and combat signs of aging.

7. Regulates Blood Sugar Levels

While chocolate is often criticized for its sugar content, dark chocolate with high cocoa content can actually help regulate blood sugar levels when consumed in moderation. Flavonoids in cocoa improve insulin sensitivity, which helps the body manage blood sugar more effectively.

Research published in the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition indicates that dark chocolate can lower insulin resistance and improve glucose metabolism, reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. However, it’s crucial to choose dark chocolate with minimal added sugar to reap these benefits.

8. Supports Gut Health

Emerging studies highlight chocolate’s positive impact on gut health. Dark chocolate acts as a prebiotic, stimulating the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. A balanced gut microbiome is essential for digestion, immune function, and overall health.

A study in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition revealed that participants who consumed dark chocolate showed an increase in beneficial gut bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which are crucial for maintaining gut health and reducing inflammation.

Improving gut health with chocolate may also enhance nutrient absorption and support the immune system, making it an excellent addition to a balanced diet.

9. Potential Cancer-Fighting Properties

Cocoa contains compounds with potential anti-cancer properties. The antioxidants in chocolate help neutralize free radicals, which can damage DNA and contribute to cancer development. Flavonoids also exhibit anti-inflammatory effects, reducing cancer risk.

Research from the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry suggests that cocoa polyphenols may inhibit the growth of cancer cells and promote apoptosis (cell death) in certain types of cancer. Although more research is needed, chocolate’s antioxidant-rich profile makes it a promising candidate in cancer prevention strategies.

10. Enhances Exercise Performance

Chocolate’s stimulants, such as caffeine and theobromine, can enhance exercise performance by increasing energy levels, improving endurance, and reducing perceived effort during physical activity.

A study published in the International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism found that athletes who consumed dark chocolate before exercise experienced improved oxygen availability and endurance. The antioxidants in chocolate also help reduce exercise-induced oxidative stress, promoting quicker recovery after intense workouts.

For fitness enthusiasts, incorporating a small amount of dark chocolate into the diet may boost performance and aid recovery.

11. Improves Vision Health

Cocoa flavonoids may improve vision health by enhancing blood flow to the retina and protecting against age-related vision loss. A study in the Journal of Vision demonstrated that participants who consumed high-flavanol cocoa experienced improved visual acuity and contrast sensitivity.

These effects could be particularly beneficial for aging populations at risk of vision impairment, suggesting that chocolate may support long-term eye health.

12. Boosts Immune Function

Dark chocolate’s antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties may strengthen the immune system. Flavonoids enhance the activity of immune cells, such as T-cells and macrophages, which help fight infections and reduce inflammation.

A study in Frontiers in Immunology indicated that flavonoid-rich diets improved immune response in participants, suggesting that regular dark chocolate consumption may contribute to stronger immunity.

The growing body of evidence supporting chocolate’s health benefits suggests that doctors may soon recommend moderate chocolate consumption as part of a balanced diet. Dark chocolate, in particular, offers a range of health advantages—from cardiovascular protection and cognitive enhancement to improved skin health and immune function.

However, moderation is key. Opt for dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content and limit intake to 20-30 grams per day to avoid excess sugar and calorie intake. Incorporating chocolate into a healthy lifestyle can make indulgence a part of your wellness routine, combining pleasure with significant health benefits.

Dead Man’s Eye Missing in Patna Hospital, Doctors Claim Rats Ate It

November 18, 2024, 1:59 pm

After Fantus Kumar, a man from Patna, died from a bullet injury, his left eye went missing while his body lay in the hospital. The grieving family suspected that someone at the hospital had taken the eye, but doctors attributed the disappearance to rats.

Kumar was rushed to Nalanda Medical College and Hospital (NMCH) on Thursday after suffering a gunshot wound to his abdomen. He was admitted to the ICU, where he passed away the following night. His family, who stayed by his side, left the hospital around 1 am, and upon returning hours later, they discovered that his left eye was gone.

Kumar’s brother-in-law expressed outrage, saying, “How can they be so negligent? Either someone from the hospital conspired with the people who shot him or the hospital is involved in some business of taking people’s eyes out.”

The hospital’s medical superintendent, Dr. Vinod Kumar Singh, confirmed that an investigation is underway, though he suggested that rats could be responsible for the missing eye. “Fantus Kumar was admitted after a firearm injury, and the bullet was removed. He died at 8:55 pm on Friday. His family stayed with him until 1 am, and they informed us at 5 am that his left eye was missing. We are looking into the matter. An FIR has been filed.”

Dr. Singh acknowledged the shocking nature of the incident but said a post-mortem examination would determine the cause. He added, “The possibility of rats biting off the eye cannot be ignored. We will wait for the post-mortem report. This is not acceptable, and anyone found guilty of negligence will be punished.”

Regarding the family’s accusations that the hospital had taken the eye for a possible corneal transplant, Singh explained, “Taking the eye out for transplant wouldn’t make sense. The eye can only be used if it’s surgically removed within four to six hours of death.”

Cyclone Dana: Odisha Cancels Leaves of Doctors Amid emergency services

October 22, 2024, 8:26 pm

In preparation for the impending Cyclone Dana, Odisha’s Health Director, Bijay Mohapatra, announced on Tuesday that all doctors’ leaves in the state have been canceled from October 23 to 25 to ensure readiness for emergency services.

Emergency Protocol Activation

Speaking to the media, Mohapatra outlined the state’s established disaster management protocol, activated in response to potential cyclones. This protocol operates on two levels: the facility level and the community level.

At the facility level, medical personnel have been mobilized to address emergencies, with doctors and other healthcare staff on standby. Necessary medical supplies, including injury treatments, diarrhoea medications, and anti-snake venom, are being stocked in hospitals. Essential services such as 24×7 power backup and access to safe drinking water are also being ensured across all medical facilities.

Community-Level Preparedness

At the community level, vulnerable areas likely to be affected by the cyclone have been identified. Healthcare services will be provided not only at hospitals but also at cyclone shelters. District officials have been instructed to oversee health services in their respective areas.

Additionally, control rooms will be set up from the state level to the block level. Pregnant women with nearing delivery dates will be moved to facilities or ‘Maa Gruha’ shelters, where they will receive necessary care and support.

These measures are aimed at minimizing health risks and ensuring timely medical attention during the cyclone’s impact.

Doctors Bring Back Lifeless Newborn Baby, Wins Over Internet | Watch

September 30, 2024, 3:15 pm

Doctors are often seen as godlike figures due to their ability to save lives. They are the ones we turn to during health crises, and timely diagnoses can lead to the recovery of critically ill patients.

A video of one such doctor is currently making waves online. The clip shows him cradling a newborn baby, who appears lifeless. Undeterred, the doctor remains calm and focused, and what follows is nothing short of miraculous.

In the footage, the doctor exits the operating room holding the small, limp infant, who shows no signs of life. Without hesitation, he begins reviving the baby using various medical devices. After multiple attempts, the baby’s cries signal that he has successfully been resuscitated.

Take a look at the clip:

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A post shared by FACTS & KNOWLEDGE (@educativefeed)

The viral video was posted on Instagram by the account educativefeed and has garnered over 1.4 million views and more than 88,000 likes within a day. The comments section is filled with admiration for the doctor’s dedication. One user remarked, “If heaven exists, this doctor will surely be there,” while another stated, “All my prayers are with him.”

In a related story, a nine-year-old girl named Safia Pathan from Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, received a new chance at life when a doctor managed to remove a pin lodged in her stomach without surgery. Safia had accidentally swallowed a sharp pin days earlier, leading to severe stomach pain. Despite her family’s attempts with home remedies and consultations with various doctors, the issue persisted.

After trying several methods, including feeding her bananas and administering medications, Safia’s family ultimately decided to consult a doctor, resulting in her successful recovery.

Kolkata rape-murder case: Doctors protest at Lalbazar over police summons

August 19, 2024, 5:52 pm

On Monday, doctors staged a protest march from Kolkata Medical College to the Police Headquarters, reacting to the Kolkata Police’s summons of two senior physicians, Dr. Kunal Sarkar and Dr. Subarna Goswami. The summons were related to their public comments on the recent rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor.
Dr. Goswami criticized the summons as “baseless” and announced that he would be accompanied by his lawyers, colleagues, and fellow doctors to the police headquarters. “They have summoned me based on unfounded allegations. My legal team, colleagues, and doctors will be with me. We’ll see what they have to say,” he stated.
The case has ignited widespread outrage and protests nationwide, prompting the Supreme Court to take suo motu cognisance. A bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud is scheduled to hear the case on August 20.
Protests have erupted in multiple cities, including Delhi, Chandigarh, Mumbai, and Kolkata, demanding justice for the victim and accountability for those responsible. In Delhi, doctors from Maulana Azad Medical College and resident doctors from Northern Railway Central Hospital demonstrated outside Nirman Bhawan. In Chandigarh, PGIMER doctors joined in similar protests, while Mumbai saw demonstrations at Azad Maidan organized by doctors and locals.
The situation in Kolkata intensified on August 18 when football fans protested near Salt Lake Stadium, resulting in the cancellation of the Durand Cup match between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal. Junior doctors and students continued their protests at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, where the trainee doctor’s body was discovered on August 9.
On August 14, the protest site and hospital campus at RG Kar were vandalized by a mob, prompting police intervention. To maintain order, Kolkata police have imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (formerly Section 144 of the CrPC), around the Medical College and Hospital from August 18 to August 24.

Wayanad Landslides: Two Odisha Doctors Missing After Vacation Trip To Wayanad

July 31, 2024, 3:51 pm

Two doctors from Odisha, Dr. Bishnu Rasad Chinhara and Dr. Swadhin Panda, have been reported missing in Kerala following severe landslides in the Wayanad district. The doctors, who had traveled to Kerala for a vacation with their wives, are unaccounted for amid the devastation that has left at least 158 people dead in the region.

According to officials, the situation is dire as heavy rains triggered landslides in areas including Meppadi and Chooral Mala hill. The landslides on the night of July 29 severely impacted local infrastructure, leading to widespread flooding.

Odisha’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, Suresh Pujari, confirmed that the Special Relief Commissioner of Odisha is coordinating with Kerala’s counterpart. The search for the missing doctors is ongoing, with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and sniffer dogs deployed to aid in the rescue operations.

Dr. Chinhara and Dr. Panda had checked into the Linora Villa hotel in Wayanad on July 29. While their wives have been located and are receiving treatment, the two doctors remain missing. Dr. Chinhara’s father, Amar Prasad Chinhara, reported that he last spoke to his son on the night they arrived at the hotel. Dr. Panda’s wife, Swikruti, is currently in critical condition and is being treated in a hospital.

“We are hopeful that Dr. Chinhara and Dr. Panda will be found soon and reunited with their families. Efforts are in full swing to locate them,” Pujari said.

The ongoing natural disaster has significantly impacted travel and rescue operations in the affected areas. Authorities are working diligently to manage the situation and provide assistance to those affected.

India Records 110 Heatstroke Deaths So Far, Here’s What Doctors Are Saying

June 20, 2024, 1:33 pm

As an intense heatwave persists, claiming several lives across India, the Union Health Ministry has taken steps to establish special heatwave units in all central government hospitals.

Union Health Minister JP Nadda, after reviewing the heatwave situation, directed officials to ensure that hospitals are prepared to provide the best possible healthcare to those affected.

According to government data accessed by News18, 110 people have died from heatstroke in India, with Uttar Pradesh recording the highest number of deaths at 36, followed by Bihar, Rajasthan, and Odisha. However, the actual number of heat-related deaths is likely higher due to under-reporting in rural areas.

Heat-related illnesses become concerning when temperatures exceed 45 degrees Celsius, according to doctors. Dr. Reshu Agarwal from Manipal Hospital in Pune has observed a higher number of cases this year, with patients exhibiting severe symptoms such as high fever and gastrointestinal issues. Dr. Vimal Kumar Nakra from Max Super Speciality Hospital in Patparganj highlighted symptoms of heat-related illnesses, including dehydration, headache, and confusion.

Elderly individuals and those with pre-existing conditions like cancer and heart disease are more vulnerable to heat-strokes. Dr. Gaurav Jain from Dharamshila Narayana Hospital in Delhi noted that patients with pre-existing conditions, such as cancer and kidney problems, have required ICU care due to heat-related complications.

Dr. Arvind Aggarwal from Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute in Delhi stated that their OPD is seeing around 10 patients daily with mild to moderate symptoms of heat-related illnesses. The hospital has managed 70-80 mild to moderate cases in the last 10 days. Amrita Hospital in Faridabad is witnessing approximately 15-20 cases of heat-related illnesses every week, with a rise among vulnerable populations and outdoor workers.

Karnataka Doctor fired after conducting pre-wedding shoot in Operation Theatre

February 10, 2024, 11:34 am

A doctor faced termination from his job following a pre-wedding photoshoot with his fiancée inside an operation theatre at a hospital in Karnataka’s Chitradurga district. The incident occurred on Wednesday, garnering attention after the video of the shoot went viral on social media platforms.

In the video, the doctor, employed on a contractual basis at the Chitradurga hospital, and his fiancée are seen simulating a surgery, equipped with medical tools and a professional lighting setup. The lighthearted atmosphere during the shoot is evident from the laughter of camerapersons and technicians present. Toward the end, a person posing as the patient joins in the laughter, sitting up after the mock procedure.

The district administration swiftly took action, terminating the doctor from his position after the video surfaced online. According to District Health Officer Renu Prasad, the doctor had been hired through the National Health Mission (NHM) as a medical officer on a contractual basis just a month prior. It was clarified that the operation theatre depicted in the video was not operational and had been undergoing repairs since September.

Reacting to the incident, Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao expressed his disapproval, emphasizing that such behavior from medical professionals is unacceptable. In a post on X, he announced the doctor’s dismissal, stressing that government hospitals are meant for public healthcare, not personal endeavors.

Minister Rao reiterated the importance of adhering to government service rules for all contract employees, including medical staff. He urged vigilance among hospital personnel to prevent similar incidents in the future, emphasizing the government’s commitment to providing quality healthcare services to the public.

Rajasthan private doctors call off strike after patch up with govt on RTH bill

April 4, 2023, 6:24 pm

Private doctors in Rajasthan ended their 17-day strike on Tuesday. When the state government agreed to exempt unaided private hospitals from the scope of the Right to Health Bill.

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot expressed his happiness with the negotiations’. He stated that nobody should suffer due to a lack of treatment, and with this idea in mind, the state government brought about the “Right to Health” (RTH).

It is a happy development that the state government has accepted the Right to Health Bill proposal put forth by the medical community. With this, Rajasthan would be the first state in the country to implement RTH, he said.

Rajasthan CM went on to say that the people of the state came forward in support of the bill and welcomed this people-friendly bill. It is a pleasing time that doctors have agreed on this crucial bill as well, he added.

It was a difficult phase for the doctors and patients. Doctors had to keep their hospitals shut for the last 17 days, and patients had to move from one place to another for the treatment, he said.

Dr Sanjeev Gupta, IMA media incharge, said a majority of private hospitals supported the agreement, and about 2,000 private hospitals would reopen in the state.

Doctor arrested for performing abortion of rape survivor

January 6, 2023, 5:42 pm

A doctor named Dr. Mayanak Shrivastava (BHMS) has been arrested for performing an abortion on a rape survivor and minor girl in Madhya Pradesh’s Bhopal. Dr. Shrivastava runs her clinic in the city. In this case, the rape accused Faisal Abbas has already been arrested and on 13 December 2022 an FIR was registered in the matter at Ajak police station. “An FIR was registered on December 13 in which during investigation it came to fore that the 16-year-old girl was aborted. On further investigation, it has been found that a clinic was running in the name of BSC MD,” Additional Commissioner of Police (ACP) Nidhi Saxena said.

187 coins removed from man’s stomach in Bagalkot

November 30, 2022, 12:42 pm

A patient suffering from vomiting and abdominal discomfort in Karnataka’s Bagalkot went through surgery after which doctors recovered 187 coins.

Following complaints of vomiting and abdominal discomfort Doctors at Hanagal Shree Kumareshwar Hospital and Research Centre in Bagalkot performed the surgery.

One of the doctors who performed the surgery Dr. Eshwar Kalaburgi said, “He was suffering from a psychiatric disorder and had been swallowing coins for the last 2-3 months. He came to the hospital complaining of vomiting and abdominal discomfort.”

Meanwhile, the relatives of the patient rushed them to Hangal Sri Kumareshwar Hospital after he complained of stomach ache.

After this, the doctors performed an X-ray and performed an endoscopy after which 187 coins were recovered. There were 56 coins of Rs 5, 51 of Rs 2, and 80 of Rs 1.

Moreover, the patient has been identified as Dyamappa Harijan who had swallowed coins weighing a total of 1.5 kilograms in two to three months.

Harijan is suffering from schizophrenia, a psychiatric illness in which one doesn’t know what they are doing. Harijan is a resident of Lingsugur town in the Raichur district.

“The stomach was dilated enormously and lots of coins were stuck in different places of the stomach. After two hours of surgery, we retrieved all the coins. Following the operation, he was treated for water deficiency and other minor issues. The patient is stable and is talking as of now,” Dr. Kalaburgi said.

However, Dr. Kalaburgi further stated, “As he was suffering from schizophrenia, in this condition, the patients are unaware of what they are doing. These are rare cases. It’s a first-of-a-kind case for me in my 40 years of service.”

MP: Medical teachers on strike against govt’s proposal

November 22, 2022, 4:05 pm

Medical faculty members from 13 medical schools, including Government Gandhi Medical College, went on strike in opposition to the state government’s plan to transfer management of medical colleges to administrative authorities in Bhopal.

State President of the Medical Teacher Doctors Association, Dr. Sunil Agarwal, said, “The administrative officials do not understand the profession of doctors. So why will the administrative officers take the decisions related to the medical college? If arrangements have to be made, then only a doctor should be appointed.”

The government will be accountable if the patients are in difficulty. Additionally, Dr. Agrawal warned, emergency services will be halted if the plan is approved by the cabinet.

The state government will forward a proposal at today’s cabinet meeting that would give administrative officers control over all aspects of the operations at medical institutions. The doctors opposed the proposal as a result.

The medical educators have also received the backing of the junior doctors. The protesters issued a warning that the emergency services would also be shut down if the proposal was approved by the cabinet.

TN: 17-year-old footballer dies as a result of botched surgery; two doctors are suspended

November 15, 2022, 3:21 pm

Following the death of a teenage footballer in a Chennai hospital, the Tamil Nadu government suspended two doctors for medical negligence.

R Priya, 17, was a first-year B.Sc Physical Education student.

Her leg had to be amputated after she had surgery in another hospital last week for a ligament tear in her knee. She passed away at 7:15 a.m. due to multiorgan failure.

Priya was admitted to the Periyar Nagar Government Peripheral Hospital on November 7 for an arthroscopy, a minimally invasive surgical procedure, to repair the ligament in her right knee.“Due to carelessness of the doctors who performed the surgery, the compression bandage was too tight which caused extensive damage to blood flow and led to the death of blood vessels and she was in great pain,” said a statement from the health department.

The next day, she was transferred to the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGGH), where doctors informed her that her leg would have to be amputated on November 9 to save her life.

While in the ICU, she was being treated by senior physicians. “She was suffering from damage to her kidney, liver and heart because of her blood flow being affected,” the health department said.

“An inquiry has found negligence on the doctors who performed the surgery.”

The state government transferred two surgeons from the Periyar Nagar Government Periphery Hospital on Monday: Dr. A Paul Ram Sankar, assistant professor of orthopaedics, and Dr. K Somasundar, casualty medical officer.

Following her death, the government orders the two surgeons to be suspended. The autopsy was completed on Tuesday.

“Based on the preliminary post mortem report, the police will initiate criminal proceedings,” said Dr Therani Raja, dean, Madras Medical College and RGGGH.

The hospital was heavily policed as Priya’s family protested, demanding immediate action.

Priya, according to family members, was preoccupied with studies and football practise.

“My child is only 17 years old. We trusted a government hospital and she is dead today,” said Priya’s mother.

“The doctors said it was a small operation on her right knee ligament. My daughter suffered in pain after the surgery. Every time she cried, they gave her an injection and she’d sleep. The doctors have to be arrested.”

Health minister M Subramanian told reporters that the treatment given to Priya was correct.

“But there has been medical negligence,” the minister said.

“When I came here the day before, she was fine. We had also informed the hospital (RGGGH) that we will arrange a robotic artificial limb from Bengaluru when she recovers. The child’s death has pained all of us.” Tamil Nadu government has offered ₹10 lakh as compensation and a government job for one of her three brothers.

Priya’s father had already requested the minister for a government job for his daughter while she was in the hospital.

“They are already in poverty so her father had requested a government job which we will give to one of her brothers”, he added.

Air pollution is a ‘silent killer’, says doctors

November 6, 2022, 11:45 am

Delhi’s air quality on Saturday somewhat improved to the “very poor” category after two days of “severe” pollution levels. The city recorded an air quality index (AQI) of 381, according to the daily bulletin published by the Central Pollution Control Board.

However, even this is enough for a young, healthy adult to develop respiratory complications, health experts said.

Pollution is a “silent killer,” according to Dr. Randeep Guleria, former director of AIIMS and head of the department of pulmonary medicine and sleep disorders. The rising levels of pollution in Delhi can be seen in the rise in patients at AIIMS who have respiratory disorders.

Coughing, sneezing, irritation of the airways, skin infections, and respiratory distress are only a few of the immediate effects of the continuous pollution spell over the Capital and the surrounding regions, according to Dr. Sumit Ray, head of the critical care department at Holy Family Hospital. The muscles in the airways that connect the windpipe to the lungs tighten as a result of chronic exposure to high pollution levels, he added, and this causes the airways to gradually constrict.

“Even for a healthy person, the long-term impact of such high and prolonged pollution can be serious. We have seen that if a healthy person is not a smoker, they are usually unlikely to develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but now we are commonly seeing this among non-smokers, and that could be attributed to pollution,” said Ray.

Dr Bhagwan Mantri, consultant pulmonologist and critical care specialist at Moolchand Hospital, said Delhi residents experience unsafe levels of pollution all year round. In winter, the episodes become more severe, Mantri said, adding that such prolonged exposure to high pollution levels, with episodic peaks that go to dangerous levels, leads over time to the weakening of a healthy person’s respiratory system.

According to health experts, particulate matter, which may enter the bloodstream and lungs and cause serious health problems, is the main cause of pollution in the Capital.

People who have recovered from Covid-19 have been cautioned by Dr. Deepak Gupta, professor of neurosurgery at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), to take extra precautions during periods of high pollution levels.

“Not just relatively minor symptoms, such high pollution levels can trigger many more serious health complications, including lung cancer. Especially people who survived Covid-19 need to be careful,” Gupta said.

“Pollution harms people more than even cigarette smoke does. People must minimise their outdoor activities and exposure to high-pollution areas on days when pollution levels are at their highest. According to Guleria, the number of ailments brought on by pollution is rising,” Dr. Randeep Guleria said.

AIIMS mess food fails FSSAI quality test : Report

September 6, 2022, 12:08 pm

The food safety standards were not met by four out of the seven samples that the Food Safety Authority of India (FSSAI) collected from the mess at the All Indi Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS).

The samples of chicken curry and chutney failed the test, the official report by FSSAI said.

The AIIMS administration had directed to close the messes in hostel number seven and a cafeteria in hostel number five.

“In view of the observations during a surprise inspection of the various messes by members of the food safety and hygiene committee, the executive members of the user organisations and food safety inspectors, it has been decided to shut down the messes in hostel seven and the cafe in hostel five with effect from the morning of Tuesday, August 30, 2022,” the order read.

Doctors at AIIMS have brought up the issues of infestation in groceries, stale food items and unhygienic conditions in one of the hospital’s hostel messes.

The Resident Doctors’ Association further asserted that despite the FSSAI’s order to close the hotel mess on August 10 following an inspection, the mess reopened with no improvement in the quality of the food.

“This matter is not new. Many doctors have raised the issue of sub-standard food quality in the mess. They have also sent us pictures of cockroaches and pests in their food. We have also raised this matter with the administration but no action was taken. This is a major health hazard, we could not do much during the Covid-19 pandemic because where else would doctors eat,” a member of the AIIMS’ RDA said.

Doctors also said in a meeting of the RDA on July 1 this year, issues of poor food quality, small portions and lack of hygiene were raised.

Dr Jaswant Jangra, president of the AIIMS RDA said, “An order to make immediate arrangements for the interim period has been issued. Messes of hostels nine, five, seven and eight (on the first floor) will be allotted on the nomination basis within the next two to three days,”