Dr Rubeena Bhat

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https://www.buzzbytes.in/dak-issues-advisory-on-human-metapneumovirus-hmpv-a-common-respiratory-threat/

DAK Issues Advisory on Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV): A Common Respiratory Threat - Buzz Bytes Srinagar, January 8: The Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK), under the leadership of its President, Dr. Yousuf Tak, has issued an advisory on Human

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV): Understanding the Common Respiratory Pathogen

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a well-known respiratory pathogen first identified in the Netherlands in 2001. It is not a new or mysterious virus and has been circulating globally for years. HMPV belongs to the Pneumoviridae family, alongside the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It primarily causes symptoms similar to the common cold and usually affects children under five, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms of HMPV

1. Runny or stuffy nose
2. Cough
3. Fever
4. Sore throat
5. Shortness of breath
6. Wheezing
7. Rash

Transmission
HMPV spreads through:

Direct contact with an infected person (e.g., shaking hands, hugging, or kissing).

Coughing or sneezing.
Touching contaminated surfaces or objects (e.g., phones, door handles) and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth.

Incubation Period: 3 to 6 days
Duration of Illness: 2 to 7 days

Infective Period:
Until symptoms subside

Diagnosis
Healthcare providers diagnose HMPV based on clinical symptoms and health history. For confirmation, tests such as:

Molecular tests like RT-PCR (most sensitive).
Direct detection of viral antigens through immunofluorescence in respiratory secretions.

Treatment
Medical care is primarily supportive.
No Role of Antibiotics: As HMPV is viral, antibiotics are ineffective unless secondary bacterial infection occurs.

Prevention
Follow these precautions to avoid HMPV infection:
1) Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
2) Avoid touching your face (eyes, nose, mouth) with unwashed hands.
Refrain from close contact with sick individuals.
3) Avoid sharing utensils, cups, or personal items.
4) Ensure proper ventilation in public spaces.

Stay home if you are unwell and cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

Avoid:
1) Handshakes and reusing tissues or handkerchiefs.
2) Crowded public places during outbreaks.
3) Self-medication—consult a doctor for appropriate treatment.

When to Seek Emergency Care:
Immediate medical attention is necessary if you or your child experience:
1) High fever (above 103°F or 40°C).

2) Difficulty breathing.
Worsening of pre-existing health conditions.

Key Facts about HMPV:
It primarily causes upper respiratory tract infections but can lead to lower respiratory infections like pneumonia in severe cases.
Adults over 65, individuals with chronic illnesses, or those with weakened immune systems are more prone to severe symptoms.
Currently, there is no vaccine available to prevent HMPV.

Message:
"It is crucial to stay vigilant about HMPV, especially during respiratory illness outbreaks. Adopting simple preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of infection. Let us all work together to maintain good hygiene and safeguard our community."

For further information, consult a healthcare professional.

Dr. Rubeena Bhat
Spokesperson DAK

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DAK Appeals for Immediate Attention to Unemployment of Dental Surgeons in Jammu and Kashmir

Seeks Comprehensive Package for Unemployed Dental Professionals

Srinagar, December 2nd 2024:
The Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) has raised serious concerns about the alarming unemployment of dental surgeons in Jammu and Kashmir and the lack of adequate oral and dental care facilities in the region's healthcare infrastructure. The association has called for immediate intervention to address the crisis, including the creation of new posts and utilizing over-aged unemployed dental surgeons in government programs.

DAK President, Dr. Mohd Yusuf Tak, lamented the government's failure to upgrade oral healthcare services despite the rising need for professional care. "The poor and marginalized sections of society are often left with no choice but to seek treatment from unqualified practitioners, resulting in complications and the spread of diseases like Hepatitis C," he stated.

Dr. Masood Rashid, President Society of Consultant Doctors and Sr Executive Member DAak highlighted the lack of recruitment by the Public Service Commission (PSC), which has not advertised posts for dental surgeons in over 14 years. This has led to the unemployment of over 4,000 dental surgeons, many of whom are now over-aged and struggling for survival.

Dr. Owais H. Dar, General Secretary of DAK, commended the Government for various health initiatives but expressed concern over the government's neglect of oral healthcare, which has resulted in a surge in Hepatitis B and C cases. He urged authorities to announce a comprehensive employment package for dental surgeons. "The government must also explore mechanisms to utilize the expertise of these qualified professionals in other medical fields," he added, noting the urgent need for constructive action to fulfill promises made by previous administrations.

Dr. Basharat H. Shah, Senior Dental Surgeon and Joint Secretary of DAK, outlined a detailed plan to address the dual crises of unemployment and inadequate oral healthcare facilities:

Creation of new posts for dental surgeons at the PHC and New Type PHC levels.

Posting of at least three dental surgeons in each Sub-District Hospital.

Allocation of a minimum of seven dental surgeons to every District Hospital.

Engagement of over-aged unemployed dental surgeons in initiatives such as the National Health Mission, National Oral Health Programme, RBSK, Ayushman Bharat, and the School Health Programme.

A delegation of unemployed dental surgeons met Dr Bilal Beig, Joint secretary DAK and also offered to work in remote areas, including NTPHCs that currently lack sanctioned posts. They proposed contributing dental chairs at their own expense and working without auxiliary staff to minimize costs for the government.

Dr. Adil Wani, Senior Dental Surgeon and Joint Secretary of DAK, emphasized that these measures are crucial for strengthening oral healthcare, alleviating the unemployment crisis, and curbing the brain drain of skilled professionals.

DAK spokesperson, Dr. Rubeena Bhat, appealed to the Hon’ble Chief Minister Jinab Omar Abdullah, Hon’ble Health Minister Ms. Sakina Itoo, and Worthy Administrative Secretary HME Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed (IAS) to adopt a holistic and humanitarian approach to resolve these issues. "This is not just about employment but about ensuring better oral healthcare for the people of Jammu and Kashmir," she stated, urging the government to prioritize these pressing concerns for the greater public good.

Dr. Rubeena Bhat
Spokesperson, Doctors Association Kashmir

DAK

Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) demands creation of Consultant and Senior Consultant posts in the Health Department

Seeks incentives for remote and peripheral postings in analogy to other hill states

Anantnag, 27th November 2024

In a meeting today, the Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) discussed the comprehensive preventive and promotive health package offered by the rural health sector in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

President of DAK, Dr. Mohd Yusuf Tak, commended the recent appointment of over 250 doctors to the Health Department but emphasized that there is still a significant shortage of specialist doctors in rural healthcare settings. He pointed out that outside the Summer and Winter capitals, the fragility of the healthcare system is evident, making it the administration’s prime responsibility to upgrade the health delivery system by creating more specialist posts and promoting them to Consultants with predefined categorization.

General Secretary of DAK, Dr. Owais H Dar, highlighted the uneven distribution and discrepancies in the number and distribution of consultant posts across J&K. Citing examples, he noted the absence of Senior Consultant posts for specialties like Anaesthesia, Dermatology, and Psychiatry, while there is only one Senior Consultant post for Radiology, Pediatrics, and Dentistry across the entire Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. To enhance healthcare services in peripheral areas, Dr. Dar stressed the urgent need to upgrade sub-district and district-level hospitals by creating more consultant and senior consultant posts across all specialties.

Dr. Masood Rashid, President of the Society of Consultant Doctors (SCD) and Senior Executive Member of DAK, expressed concern over the non-uniform distribution of consultant and senior consultant posts across the Union Territory. He pointed out that while the Radiology Department has only 9 consultant posts in Kashmir, Jammu has 19, and there is no Senior Consultant post in the valley. Similarly, the Gynecology Department has four Senior Consultant posts in Jammu Division but none in Kashmir or Ladakh.

Dr. Arshed H Trag, Vice President of DAK, added that Medical Officers and Dental Surgeons with Post Graduate qualifications should be recategorized as specialist doctors with special incentives.

Dr. Rubeena Bhat, Spokesperson for DAK, added that rural healthcare services should be categorized in a manner similar to other hill states such as Himachal Pradesh, with incentives for peripheral and remote postings based on distance from city and district headquarters. This would encourage more doctors to serve in such areas and ensure the delivery of essential health services to underserved populations.

In conclusion, DAK urges the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Jinab Omar Abdullah, and the Hon'ble Minister of Health and Medical Education, Ms. Sakina Itoo, to urgently address this critical issue. The matter pertains not only to the welfare of healthcare professionals but also to the larger public health delivery system, which will directly impact the health and well-being of citizens across the Union Territory. The timely intervention of the administration in creating these posts and promoting specialists will help strengthen the healthcare system and reduce the disparities in health services across different regions of J&K.

Dr Rubeena Bhat
Spokesperson DAK

https://youtu.be/a9dA6A1JSug?feature=shared

12 September 2024