The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the importance of Emergency Preparedness & Response (EP&R) education, training, capacity building and infrastructure development in India. During the pandemic, pharmacy professionals (PPs) in India have continued to provide medications, supplies and services. India's public-private healthcare system is complex and of variable quality. Lacunae in pharmacy education, training, and lack of resolution around pharmacist roles present challenges in providing health services to patients. Such lack of differentiation creates challenges around role specifications and appropriate placement of PPs in patient care and on EP&R task forces or representation at the policy level. This study aimed to gain rapid insights from PPs in India regarding their roles and preparedness for the COVID-19 pandemic. An online survey comprising 20 questions regarding EP&R and Operations management was developed using the Qualtrics® survey software and administered to a sample of PPs. Survey results indicate that PPs were actively involved in essential pharmacy services despite minimal EP&R training. Based on lessons learned during COVID-19, lacunae in knowledge, training and regulations were identified and recommendations are provided to broaden PP roles and enable them to be better prepared and actively engaged in EP&R for future emergencies.
Cells generate energy by reducing molecular oxygen to water. During the process, small amounts of partially reduced reactive oxygen forms are produced as unavoidable byproducts which are referred to as Reactive Oxygen Species. An imbalance between free radical-generating and radical scavenging systems results in Oxidative Stress. Reactive nitrogen species and other non reactive derivatives are also involved. These processes lead to tissue damage and contribute to the pathogenesis of many disorders like hypertension, cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders and others. The human body has several mechanisms to counter the effects of these reactive species by the production of antioxidant enzymes like glutathione and catalase. Antioxidants can also be taken exogenously through the diet. This article provides an overview of the different free radicals known, the mechanism by which they cause tissue damage and the protective role played by different antioxidants.
Aseptic meningitis was found to be the predominant type among all different varieties of meningitis. An increased incidence of meningitis was seen in patients with diabetes mellitus. The incidence of seizures was high in viral/aseptic meningitis. The empirical treatment given in most of the cases was ceftriaxone. Isolation of the culpable organisms was possible in a very few cases due to the usage of empirical antibiotics prior to the performance of the lumbar puncture for the diagnostic analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid.
BackgroundIn spite of ambitious plans of all the stakeholders involved there is still a long way to go before Tuberculosis (TB) is eliminated In India due to barriers to care and cure. About half of the population affected with TB gets treated in the private sectors. This study was aimed to assess the patient knowledge on Tuberculosis and identify the barriers perceived by them.MethodsA prospective study was conducted in a tertiary care center for a period of 3 months after obtaining approval from the Institutional ethics committee. All adults >18years diagnosed with tuberculosis (pulmonary, extrapulmonary) and receiving treatment in the Infectious Diseases Department were included. Subjects enrolled in the study were fully informed and gave their consent. A questionnaire was used to gather data regarding patient demographics, location, household size, co-morbid conditions, treatment, adverse drug reactions and barriers faced for their treatment.ResultsA total of 50 patients enrolled in the study. The majority of subjects belonged to age groups of 31–50 years (38%) with postgraduates accounting for 30%. About half (48%) of them were not working and 36 (72%) were married. About 31 (62%) were residing locally. The household size was 3–5 members (72%). Diabetes (13, 26%) and hypertension (11, 22%) were the common comorbid conditions seen. Newly diagnosed cases comprised of 35 (70%). Extrapulmonary TB was seen in 30 cases (60%) with lymph node and spine TB being more common. Adherence to the treatment was seen in 34(68%). Awareness regarding treatment duration and importance of treatment completion was seen in 64% and 82% of the study population, respectively. About 62% had visited more than one doctor for diagnosis with 42% responded that there was a delay in diagnosis. Common Barriers faced were stigma, adverse drug reactions, and transportation in 40 %, 12%, and 6% cases. The other factors faced by the respondents were the cost of diagnosis and treatment, adherence issues and loss of income.ConclusionIndia has the world’s highest incidence of Tuberculosis. Multifaceted barriers worsen the burden of Tuberculosis. Private sectors treat the majority of the extrapulmonary disease. Intensified efforts by means of public awareness and education are required to prevent the delay in diagnosis and reducing stigma. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.
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