Omicron Two Thirds Cases Recurrent Infections

Amid the rising global demand for Ayush, the institutes and hospitals in the area of Indian Systems of Medicine continue to upgrade medical infrastructure and facilities at a rapid pace. Two of the premiere institutes under the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) of the Ministry of Ayush namely, Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI), New Delhi, and Central Ayurveda Research Institute, Jhansi, have been accredited with NABH and NABL accreditations, respectively. It is noteworthy that NABH is a constituent board of the Quality Council of India, set up to establish and operate accreditation programs for healthcare organizations. The accreditation focus on patient safety and quality of healthcare based upon national/international standards. On this achievement Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush congratulated the officers and staffs of both the institutes for their dedication and consistent efforts. Shri Pramod Kumar Pathak, Special Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, representative of both the institutes were present in the formal gathering at Ayush Bhawan, New Delhi.   Central Ayurveda Research Institute, New Delhi, was established in the year 1979 under the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Ministry of Ayush, and is dedicated to Clinical Research in Ayurveda and extends health care services through special OPDs in Ayurveda as General OPD, Preventive Cardiology & Lifestyle Changes, ENT OPD, Geriatric OPD, Balroga, Sandhiroga, Clinical Psychology, and Marma OPD. With such critical healthcare services on offer, the NABH accreditation will affect thousands of patients visiting the institute for a wide range of healthcare purposes. NABL accreditation to CCRAS-CARI, Jhansi (U.P.) Central Ayurveda Research Institute, Jhansi (U.P.) is one of the premium institutes of CCRAS, Ministry of Ayush, with state-of-the-art Quality Control Laboratories (Chemistry, Microbiology, Pharmacognosy), Ayurvedic Pharmacy, Central Herbarium and Museum, and National Raw Drugs Repository (NRDR). Apart from these two CCRAS institutes, the National Ayurveda Research Institute for Panchakarma (NARIP), Cheruthuruthy, Thrissur, Kerala has also got NABL M(EL)T accreditation for its clinical laboratory services. NARIP, Kerala is one of the premier research Institute under the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, Ministry of Ayush.

Fifatrol, an ayurvedic formulation composed of time-tested herbs, is effective in treatment of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI), a contagious viral and bacterial infection, according to a study published in the International Research Journal of Ayurveda and Yoga. A team of researchers had carried out the study on 203 patients with URTI in various health centres across the country. During the treatment, the health parameters of the patients, who were given Fifatrol twice a day, were checked on the first, fourth and seventh day. As per the study, the patient's condition was found to be improved by 69.5 per cent and 90.36 per cent within the fourth and seventh days respectively. "Effectiveness was evaluated by examining the reduction in symptoms scores at day four and seven respectively. This observational study has gathered evidence about the effectiveness and safety of Fifatrol on the amelioration of the symptoms of URTI," said the authors. The researchers also did not find any adverse impact of the formulations on the patients. Fifatrol has not only been found to be effective in treating URTI but also well accepted by the physicians of Ayurveda for the successful management of conditions like flu and associated symptoms like fever, nasal congestion, running nose, etc, it added. In fact, Fifatrol as an immunity-boosting ayurvedic drug has found a mention as Covid-19 combating formulation in the 'Compendium of Indian Technologies for Combating COVID-19 (Tracing, Testing &Treating)', compiled by the state-run National Research Development Corporation last year, AIMIL Pharma Executive Director Sanchit Sharma said. Normally, the ayurvedic medicines have been seen as supplements to increase immunity, he added. However, the government has been taking several steps to boost the Ayurveda sector. There has been compelling evidence that medicinal herbs can be a first line of defense against infectious diseases. No wonder, being a rich combination of five vital classical formulations like Tribhuvan Kirti Rasa, Mrtunjay Rasa and Sanjivani Vati with extracts from herbs like Guduchi, Daruharidra, Chirayata, Kutaki, Tulsi, Apamarga and Karanja, Fifatrol improves the immune system to fight against viruses and other infections, eases the associated symptoms and fastens the recovery, underlined the study. It also helps fast relief from nasal congestion, body ache, sore throat, and headache, it said. The study on effectiveness of the Ayurveda formulation holds importance given that usually, to treat the infection which is common during winters, people resort directly to antibiotics. It has a huge economic burden as well as high as USD 22 billion a year, leaving a hole in the pocket of the patients. URTI accounts for around 10 million outpatient consultations in a year especially because of the severity of its symptoms.

केंद्रीय आयुष मंत्री सर्बानंद सोनोवाल ने प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी के जन्मदिन पर नयी दिल्ली के अखिल भारतीय आयुर्वेद संस्थान (एआईआईए) में बिस्तरों की संख्या बढ़ाने और अन्य सुविधाओं के विस्तार की घोषणा की। सोनोवाल ने संस्थान में प्रधानमंत्री के जन्मदिन से लेकर गांधी जयंती तक मनाये जाने वाले सेवा पखवाड़े का शुभारंभ करते हुए कहा कि मोदी के निर्देश पर एआईआईए में मरीजों के लिए दो सौ बिस्तर और बढ़ाए जाएंगे। इसके साथ ही संस्थान में अन्य सुविधाओं में भी बढ़ोतरी की जाएगी। प्रधानमंत्री के जन्मदिवस पर संस्थान में आयोजित कार्यक्रम में सोनोवाल के साथ केंद्रीय आयुष राज्यमंत्री डॉ.महेंद्रभाई मुंजपारा और स्थानीय सांसद रमेश विधूडी भी मौजूद रहे। सेवा पखवाड़ा की शुरुआत में अखिल भारतीय आयुर्वेद संस्थान में रक्तदान शिविर और स्वास्थ्य जांच कार्यक्रम का आयोजन किया गया। केंद्रीय मंत्रियों ने अस्पताल विंग का दौरा करने के साथ ही मरीजों को दवाएं और फल वितरित कर उनका हालचाल जाना साथ ही वृक्षारोपण अभियान में भी हिस्सा लिया। सर्वानंद सोनोवाल ने कार्यक्रम को संबोधित करते हुए कहा कि प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी सबका साथ सबका विकास मंत्र के साथ देश को सबसे आगे लाने का प्रयास कर रहे हैं। डॉ. मुंजपारा ने कहा कि प्रधानमंत्री मोदी के जन्मदिन पर  देश भर में रक्तदान शिविर आयोजित किए जा रहे हैं। संस्थान की निदेशक प्रो. डॉ. तनुजा मनोज नेसारी ने कहा कि दुनिया को आयुर्वेद का सही मूल्य दिखाना हमारा सामूहिक सपना है और हम पहले दिन से ही इस यात्रा में निरंतर मार्गदर्शन और समर्थन के लिए प्रधानमंत्री और आयुष मंत्रालय के आभारी हैं। यह भी पढ़े► आयुर्वेदिक दवा बीजीआर-34 मोटापे और मधुमेह में प्रभावी - एम्स स्टडी

A sudden seasonal flu outbreak and an increase in Covid-19 cases have surprised many just as we were beginning to get used to the normalcy of a life without many constraints before the Covid virus. An unavoidable flu wave generally coincides with a change in season. However, this season has witnessed an unanticipated increase in such cases-nearly doubling from last year in some areas-as well as harsher, Covid-like symptoms. The spike of Covid-19 cases, the upcoming holiday season, and all of this together create a situation that specialists warn calls for ongoing precautions. "Masks are the first line of defence against Covid-19 as well as other respiratory infections. With a spike in the number of infections, we must adhere to wearing masks when we step out in public areas. With the festive season right here and large gatherings inevitable, wearing masks are highly effective at reducing your risk of getting Covid as well as seasonal flu. Wearing the right kind of mask, the right way, is also extremely important," says Dr SC Ajmani, General Physician. Your masks' kind and fit have a significant impact on how effective they are. According to research conducted by the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self Organization in Germany, FFP2 masks that fit snugly offer 75 times more protection than surgical masks. By selecting these masks over common surgical or fabric masks, you greatly boost your protection and can leave the house more confidently, especially in crowded areas. Protection from viruses, bacteria, dust, pollutants, allergens, and pollen (>= 0.3 micron) is offered by a BIS-approved FFP2 S mask like Savlon. These masks offer 95% protection from aerosols with particles larger than 0.3 micron. In comparison to standard masks, these masks include melt blown filters that are electro statically charged to provide enhanced filtering. The comfort and suitability of these masks for different skin types are also tested. Masks made with Savlon FFP2 S are BIS Certified. According to BIS guidelines, each batch is put through rigorous testing for quality performance and efficacy. The effects of viruses, bacteria, dust, pollution, pollen, and allergies can be significantly minimised and the wearer's general health can be improved by donning a high-quality, properly fitted mask. The correct masks are adjusted to perfectly fit on the bridge of your nose and to properly enclose your mouth and nose. We are aware that when an infected individual sneezes or coughs in a crowded environment, the Covid-19 virus as well as the seasonal influenza can spread quickly. First-level protection is unquestionably provided by donning a N95 or FFP2 S mask, especially for those with allergies, co-morbidities, impaired immune systems, or a higher propensity for experiencing severe symptoms. The use of masks should become a way of life. We must continue using tried-and-true health strategies, like using masks in public. Keep your hygiene and health in mind. Read More► Intermittent Fasting May Reduce Complications From Covid-19: Study