Weight loss is no more a simple calculation of calories consumed and burnt. Studies show exposure to certain toxins in the environment can make it difficult for one to shed extra pounds. What are these toxins? How do they affect body?
On August 1, 2011 the movement for banning chewing tobacco in India saw a turn in its favour. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), a statutory body under the health ministry to handle food-related issues, notified a new regulation called the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011. It states under rule 2.3.4 that "product not to contain any substance which may be injurious to health: tobacco and nicotine shall not be used as ingredients in any food products".
The strong and mighty bacteria are all around us. They have hardened themselves to fight back the antibiotics administered to patients. This is because we allowed them to, by overusing drugs. Government has woken up from slumber and formulated a policy that targets antibiotic resistance. It restricts sale. But will it be able to contain irrational use of drugs?
In 1964, the Madhya Pradesh government nationalised the tendu leaf used in bidi-making to stop exploitation of the tendu gathering tribals by private traders. Nearly five decades later, the tribals now get just Rs 65 for collecting, drying and packaging 1,000 leaves in a day, way less than the daily wage of even an unskilled labourer. It is the state that they need saving from!
The National Commission for Human Resources in Health Bill proposes some bold reforms in medical education but stops well short of a comprehensive cure.
Things are so bad at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), the country's premier government-run hospital and medical college that it is nearly impossible to think good or do good. Vishnu Surekha, a businessman with a good heart, wanted a little space for setting up a charitable pharmacy inside the premises to help the poor.
