Latest ICMR News | Top ICMR News Headlines Today | Today India news | Breaking ICMR News Today | English ICMR News Headlines - TheDailyGuardian

‘Terrible Experience’: Ex-ICMR Chief Soumya Swaminathan Criticises Air India Over Seat Upgrade Issue

April 9, 2025, 4:33 pm

Former director-general of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Soumya Swaminathan criticized Air India for not upgrading her seat on a booked flight to Delhi from Nairobi. She termed it a “terrible experience,” citing her loyalty status and available mileage as reasons she should have received an upgrade.

Writing on the platform X (previously Twitter), Soumya Swaminathan posted, “Terrible experience with @airindia – trying to upgrade with miles/payment for my Nairobi to Delhi flight tomorrow. Despite being a loyal member, enough mileage & hours online & on phone – dead end. Reasons given are illogical – why should the customer suffer your irrationality?”

Terrible experience with @airindia – trying to upgrade with miles/payment for my Nairobi to Delhi flight tomorrow. Despite being a loyal member, enough mileage & hours online & on phone – dead end. Reasons given are illogical – why should the customer suffer your irrationality?

— Soumya Swaminathan (@doctorsoumya) April 8, 2025

Air India Responds But Faces Online Backlash

Air India replied by requesting her booking and Maharaja Club ID via direct message, saying, “Dear Ma’am, we acknowledge your concern. Please share your booking details along with your Maharaja Club ID via DM. We will check and assist you.”

Dear Ma’am, we acknowledge your concern. Please share your booking details along with your Maharaja Club ID via DM. We will check and assist you.

— Air India (@airindia) April 8, 2025

But Swaminathan’s experience struck a chord with many regular flyers, who used her thread as a venting ground to express their complaints regarding Air India’s deteriorating service standards and lack of responsiveness.

Regular Flyers Join In With Similar Complaints

One commenter wrote, “It is becoming more of a hassle with Air India. No one replies, and the people who do speak have no clue about what the passengers are going through. Pathetic condition, madam.” Another commented, “I don’t understand why Air India is acting this way. Even cleanliness on the flight is also bad…They should be customer-oriented.”

A third posted, “Air India is intimidating me as I plan to fly on the 10th.” Another user satirized the airline’s online responses, “Agree, and the actual joke with Air India is despite all the inefficiencies, they’ll turn up here on X requesting booking information and membership number in DMs, as if they don’t already know that and as if that will solve anything.”

A few others seconded complaints regarding Maharaja Club Card issues, indicating that the benefits of the loyalty program are no longer useful for frequent travelers.

India Faces High Surgical Site Infection Rate, ICMR Study Reveals

January 14, 2025, 4:12 pm

A recent report by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) highlights surgical site infections (SSIs), a significant public health issue in India. According to the report, approximately 1.5 million patients in India develop infections after surgery, with the infection rate standing at 5.2%, a figure much higher than in many high-income countries.

High SSI Rates in Orthopedic Surgery

The ICMR’s report was conducted across three major hospitals. Including All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Kasturba Hospital, and Tata Memorial Hospital. This report revealed that orthopedic surgeries face the highest risk of SSIs. The infection rate of 54.2% in Orthopedic procedures makes it a global concern. Additionally, an elevated risk of infection was found in surgeries that lasted over 120 minutes.

Among the types of surgeries most prone to SSIs are wound debridement surgeries, including amputation and internal fixation surgeries like open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) and closed reduction internal fixation (CRIF). The study also found that surgeries involving multiple procedures simultaneously were more likely to result in infections.

ICMR Launches SSI Surveillance Network to Combat the Issue

To tackle this issue, ICMR has launched a Surgical Site Infection (SSI) Surveillance Network. The initiative aims to support doctors and medical institutions nationwide in reducing and preventing SSIs. The network will track SSIs during a patient’s hospital stay as well as post-discharge, as 66% of cases were identified after patients left the hospital.

ICMR has also created a comprehensive database of surgical infections, marking India’s first attempt to establish such a system. This initiative could serve as a critical tool in preventing future infections and improving post-surgery care.

Wound Classification and Post-Discharge Monitoring

The report further emphasizes the importance of proper wound classification and post-surgery monitoring to identify infections. Clean and contaminated wounds, as well as surgeries lasting longer than two hours, were closely linked to higher infection rates. The study stresses that monitoring continues even after a patient is discharged to ensure early detection and treatment.

ICMR Flags HMPV Spread In India: What You Should Know To Stay Safe

January 6, 2025, 2:57 pm

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has issued an alert regarding the global circulation of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), including its presence in India. While Bengaluru recently reported two HMPV cases—an 8-month-old infant recovering and a 3-month-old discharged after treatment—health authorities reassured citizens that the country is well-prepared to manage any potential spike in respiratory illnesses.

The health department confirmed that neither of the infected infants nor their families have a history of recent travel, ruling out international exposure. These cases were detected through routine surveillance for respiratory pathogens.

Monitoring and Surveillance in Progress

The ICMR emphasized that HMPV-related respiratory illnesses have been reported in various countries, but current data from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) shows no unusual surge in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases in India. The Union Health Ministry and ICMR are actively monitoring the situation through extensive surveillance networks.

In response to rising concerns globally, including a surge in cases in China, the Centre convened a Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) with representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO), National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and other health bodies to assess the situation.

State Governments Issue Guidelines

States such as Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Kerala have issued precautionary measures. Kerala’s Health Minister Veena George advised elderly citizens and pregnant women to wear masks but urged the public not to panic.

What Is HMPV?

Discovered in 2001, HMPV belongs to the Pneumoviridae family alongside Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). It spreads through respiratory droplets and direct contact, causing symptoms such as fever, cough, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. Severe cases can lead to pneumonia or chronic respiratory conditions, especially in young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.

While HMPV poses a potential health concern, India’s health systems remain vigilant, emphasiSing prevention and timely intervention.

Handheld X-Ray an Indigenous device to Boost TB Screening and Early Detection

October 17, 2024, 2:04 pm

In a breakthrough for public health, India has developed an indigenous handheld X-ray device aimed at enhancing tuberculosis (TB) screening efforts. This innovation, led by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in collaboration with IIT Kanpur, is expected to significantly improve early detection and treatment of TB, a disease that remains a public health challenge in the country.

ICMR’s Landmark Development

Speaking at the 19th International Conference of Drug Regulatory Authorities (ICDRA) INDIA-2024 on Wednesday, ICMR Director General Dr. Rajiv Bahl announced the development of the new device. He highlighted that handheld X-ray machines, previously available at high costs, are now being produced domestically at a fraction of the cost.

Dr. Bahl said, “The handheld X-ray machines, which were previously expensive, will now cost less than half of the imported devices, thanks to this collaboration. This innovation will enable easier TB screening, even in remote areas, bringing diagnosis closer to patients and vulnerable populations.”

In addition to the TB screening device, Dr. Bahl mentioned progress in other areas of public health, specifically the development of testing kits for Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox). “India has developed three testing kits for Mpox, and three companies are now manufacturing these kits,” Bahl added, reinforcing the nation’s focus on addressing emerging health challenges.

Progress in Sickle Cell Disease Diagnosis

India is home to over a million people affected by sickle cell disease, the second-largest burden in the world. Last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, aiming to eliminate the disease as a public health issue by 2047.

In support of this mission, ICMR has made significant strides in diagnostic testing for sickle cell anemia. “We have now approved 18 low-cost tests for sickle cell anemia, each costing just ₹30, compared to the previous cost of ₹400 per test,” Dr. Bahl said. This marks a major breakthrough in reducing the cost of diagnostics and expanding access to care for affected populations.

Upcoming Dengue Vaccine

India has also made notable progress in developing a vaccine for dengue, a disease that claims many lives annually. Dr. Bahl shared that the country is in the final stages of clinical trials. “We are currently conducting phase three trials for the dengue vaccine, and we expect results on safety and efficacy within a year. If successful, India will have its own dengue vaccine soon,” he stated, offering hope for future dengue prevention.

These initiatives reflect India’s growing self-reliance in healthcare innovations, addressing critical public health challenges through indigenous development and collaboration.

For First Time In India, Kerala Releases Guidelines For Treatment Of Amoebic Meningoencephalitis

July 21, 2024, 10:26 pm

The health department of southern state Kerala releases a special guideline for the treatment of rare disease amoebic meningoencephalitis. Thus, becoming a first state of India to do so.

These guidelines were issued by state’s health minister Veena George. These technical guidelines are focused on containing, diagnosing and curing the disease.

Despite the presence of limited scientific studies and reports accessible on this disease, the government has still decided to develop guideline on the basis of its research and observations.

In order to conduct more research into amoebic meningoencephalitis, a panel will be jointly constituted with Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

This panel will be dedicated on further studies and research in association with the disease.

As for the guidelines, minister veena George has asked both government and private hospitals to follow them strictly.

What Is Amoebic Meningoencephalitis?

Amoebic Meningoencephalitis refers to a rare brain disease infection, which occurs due to free-living amoeba, which usually lives in contaminated water.

As per medical experts, this disease happens, when non-parasitic amoebae comes to the body via nose from contaminated water. After coming to the body, it enters the brain, which results in fatal infection of the brain and its connected tissues, which is called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).

This disease has taken several lives in Kerala. This case was found in coastal district of Alappuzha in the year 2023 and 2017.

ICMR Warns of Misleading Labels on Packaged Foods: ‘Minimal Actual Fruit Pulp, Supplemented with Added Sugar’

June 4, 2024, 2:50 am

Encouraging people to scrutinize food labels thoroughly and make informed choices, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recently cautioned that the information presented on them could be deceptive.

“Health claims on packaged foods are designed to attract consumers’ attention and persuade them that the product is healthy. Despite strict regulations by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the details on labels may be misleading,” stated ICMR.

In its guidelines, ICMR highlighted how food products labeled as sugar-free, often perceived as suitable for diabetics and weight-watchers, could actually contain fats, refined cereals, and hidden sugars, resulting in high glycemic index and calorie content.

Similarly, tags like “no-cholesterol” or “heart-friendly” might mislead consumers, as all plant-based oils are cholesterol-free but still 100% fat, hence should be consumed moderately.

ICMR also debunked the misconception about products claiming to contain real fruit, revealing that they may have only a minimal percentage of actual fruit pulp, supplemented with added sugar and other additives.

According to ICMR’s guidelines, it’s crucial to carefully examine food labels, including ingredients, manufacturing date, expiry dates, allergen information, etc., to make informed dietary choices.

ICMR Advices To Avoid Tea-Coffee Before And After Meals | Here’s Why

May 14, 2024, 2:04 pm

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has recently issued 17 dietary guidelines aimed at promoting a balanced and diverse diet, along with a healthy lifestyle.

One guideline, developed by the ICMR in collaboration with the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), recommends moderate consumption of tea and coffee. Given the popularity of these beverages in India, the ICMR cautions against drinking them immediately before or after meals.

“Tea and coffee contain caffeine, which stimulates the central nervous system and induces physiological dependence,” the ICMR researchers wrote.

ICMR Warns About The Caffeine Content

The guidelines do not advise completely avoiding tea or coffee but warn about the caffeine content in these drinks. A 150ml cup of brewed coffee contains 80–120mg of caffeine, instant coffee has 50–65mg, and tea contains 30–65mg of caffeine.

“Moderation in tea and coffee consumption is advised so that caffeine intake does not exceed the tolerable limits (300mg/day),” they wrote, specifying the recommended daily caffeine limit.

Additionally, they recommend avoiding tea and coffee at least one hour before and after meals. This is due to the presence of tannins in these beverages, which can interfere with iron absorption in the body.

Tannins can bind with iron in the digestive tract, forming a complex that is harder for the body to absorb, reducing the amount of iron entering the bloodstream from food. This can decrease iron availability in the body, which is essential for producing hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen. Iron is also crucial for energy production and overall cell function. Reduced iron levels can lead to iron deficiency and conditions such as anemia.

Symptoms of iron deficiency include frequent fatigue, lack of energy, breathlessness, frequent headaches, unexplained weakness, rapid heartbeat, pale skin, craving for ice, brittle nails, and hair loss.

The ICMR researchers also highlighted that drinking tea without milk offers additional health benefits, such as improved blood circulation and reduced risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) and stomach cancer. However, high coffee consumption is associated with high blood pressure and heart rhythm abnormalities.

Other dietary guidelines from the panel include consuming less oil, eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and seafood. They also advise against using protein supplements and recommend limiting sugar and salt intake.

5 Covid deaths in India, 335 fresh cases reported and over 1,700 active cases

December 18, 2023, 10:59 am

According to the Union Health Ministry, 335 new Covid-19 infections were reported in India on Sunday, bringing the total number of active cases to 1,701. According to data from the Health Ministry, five deaths were reported: four in Kerala alone, where the Covid sub-variant JN.1 was found, and one in Uttar Pradesh. The nation’s total Covid caseload was 4.50 crore (4,50,04,816).

This brought the total number of individuals who recovered from the infection to 4.46 crore (4,44,69,799). The Health Ministry reported that the country’s recovery rate was estimated to be 98.81 percent. With 5,33,316 deaths from Covid-19 to date, the case fatality rate was 1.19 percent.

On the ministry’s website, it states that the nation has already received 220.67 crore doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.

COVID SUB-VARIANT JN.1 IN KERALA

A senior official from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) announced on Saturday, December 16, that a case of COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 has been identified in a 79-year-old woman from Kerala as part of an ongoing routine surveillance activity of the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG). Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Director General of the ICMR, stated that the case was found in an RT-PCR positive sample from Karakulam in the Thiruvananthapuram district of the southern state on December 8. On November 18, the sample had shown positive results from an RT-PCR, he said. The woman recovered from COVID-19 after experiencing mild Influenza Like Illness (ILI) symptoms.

On November 18, the sample had shown positive results from an RT-PCR, he said. The woman recovered from COVID-19 after experiencing mild Influenza Like Illness (ILI) symptoms. Kerala Health Minister Veena George stated on Sunday that there was no reason to be concerned about the Covid-19 sub-variant JN.1 that was found in the region.

Covid-19’s new subvariant, no need to worry: Kerala Health Minster

December 17, 2023, 5:08 pm

The Covid-19 sub-variant JN.1, which has been found in the state, is not a reason for alarm, according to Kerala Health Minister Veena George on Sunday. A senior official from the Indian Council of Medical Research stated on Saturday that the new case was found as a result of the regular surveillance activities that the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) is currently conducting. George informed the media that this new variation was discovered in Indian travelers who were subjected to screening at Singapore Airport several months prior.

This variation was found in a few Indian passengers at the Singapore Airport several months ago. Just that Kerala’s genome sequencing allowed them to identify this variant. You don’t need to be concerned. We are keeping a careful eye on the situation,” she stated. But the minister urged everyone to exercise caution, especially those who have co-occurring conditions.

She said there was no need to worry because Kerala has a strong health system and that the new variant is also present in other parts of the country. RT-PCR positive sample from Karakulam in Thiruvananthapuram district revealed the case on December 8, according to Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Director General of ICMR. November 18 was the date of the sample’s positive RT-PCR test, he continued. After experiencing mild Influenza Like Illness (ILI) symptoms, the 79-year-old woman recovered from COVID-19.

Covid vaccination didn’t raise the risk of unexplained sudden death among young adults: Govt

December 8, 2023, 5:54 pm

The government told Parliament on Friday that a study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) found that young adults in India who received the COVID-19 vaccination did not have an increased risk of sudden, unexplained death.
Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya responded in writing to a question posed in the Lok Sabha, stating that after being hospitalized for COVID-19, the likelihood of unexplained sudden deaths was increased by certain lifestyle behaviors and a family history of sudden death.
The minister was answering a question about whether there had been any documented cases in the nation of a connection between the Covid vaccine and heart attack incidents.

Some people have reported experiencing sudden deaths after contracting Covid; however, Mandaviya stated that there is not enough evidence to determine the cause of these deaths.
In order to gather information about the increasing number of cardiac arrest cases that were reported following the Covid pandemic, the National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE) of the ICMR carried out a study titled.

“Factors associated with unexplained sudden deaths among adults aged 18-45 years in India — A multicentric matched case-control study” at 47 tertiary-care hospitals located across 19 states and Union territories from May to August.