Category: COVID19

6,000 best tech minds come together to innovate against Coronavirus crisis in India
Bengaluru youth unites against Covid-19!
More than 530 youngsters from the city participating

● As many as 90% of the participants in the hackathon are below 25 years of age
● The event is organized by Motwani Jadeja Family Foundation (MJF) founded by well-known entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist, Ms Asha Jadeja Motwani
● The largest contingent of participants is from Bengaluru (533), followed by Hyderabad (374), Chennai (293), Delhi (283), Kolkata (208) and Mumbai (226)
● More than 100 mentors are helping participants sharpen their product ideas and convert them to successful real-world products
● Prize money worth US$ 34,000 is on offer

April 11, 2020 – The much-anticipated CODE19 online hackathon has begun with 6,000 of the best and brightest innovators and developers from India and abroad competing individually or in teams from the comfort of their homes to create open-source solutions against the Coronavirus crisis facing the nation.

The 72-hour event, hosted by the Silicon-Valley-based Motwani Jadeja Family Foundation, will conclude on April 13, 2020 at 9 pm. Total prize money of $34,000 is up for grabs for winners who will be announced on April 21, 2020.

The youth of Bengaluru has united against Covid-19, with 533 youngsters from the city contesting in the national hackathon to invent solutions to combat the pandemic in India. Bengaluru in fact accounts for the largest number of participants from a single city, followed by Hyderabad (374), Chennai (293), Delhi (283), Kolkata (208) and Mumbai (226).

Said well-known entrepreneur, investor, philanthropist and change agent Ms Asha Jadeja Motwani, who is the Founder of Motwani Jadeja Family Foundation: “CODE19 is an attempt to create a concerned community of hackers, mentors, domain experts, and socially-conscious citizens to enable India’s fight against Covid19. We have been completely overwhelmed by the response from thousands of people, especially the youth, from all corners of the country towards this hackathon. Their enthusiasm is palpable.”

She added: “The participants have a strong desire to collaborate on a war-footing to develop tech solutions to effectively mitigate the threat of Covid 19 for India. These open source ideas and innovations would be available for scaling and implementation across the country to help the society cope with the pandemic and its aftermath, especially the poor and vulnerable sections of society.”

Out of the total number of participants, one-fourth are females. The hackathon has an overwhelming presence of youth too. About 90% of the participants are below 25 years of age. Almost 70% percent of the participants fall in the 20-25 age group, while 20% are in the 15-19 age group.

As many as 82 participants from overseas are also presenting their solutions. These include 30 from the US; 16 from Bangladesh; 4 from Germany; 3 from UAE and Egypt each; 2 each from Ghana, Indonesia, Italy, New Zealand, and Poland. Participants from Canada, China, Colombia, France, Guatemala, Iran, Israel, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Turkey, UK, Vietnam and Zambia are also contesting.

An impressive 1,142 innovative ideas have been submitted by the participants across six themes related to meeting the Coronavirus crisis:  Open innovation for Coronavirus (481); Social Life, Welfare and Awareness (246); Healthcare & Medication (172); Education and Awareness (92); Research & Development (104); and Travel / Tourism and Industry (47).

More than 100 mentors are helping participants sharpen their product ideas and convert them to successful real-world products that will aid the fight against Coronavirus. Registrations for mentors will remain open till April 12, 2020.

The outcome of CODE19 would be qualitative, open-source prototypes to help tackle various challenges facing India during or after the COVID19 crisis. A total prize money of $34,000 is on offer for the winning solutions, including $10,000 for the First Prize and $5,000 for the Second. The Third Prize is divided into three categories, each of which will be awarded $3,000. In addition, 10 best innovative solutions will be awarded $1,000 each.

The panel of judges to decide the winners includes names such as Gaurav Aggarwal, Co-Founder, 1mg.com; Manish Amin, Co-Founder, Yatra.com; Praveen Nahar, Director, National Institute of Design (Ahmedabad); Vishal Gondal, Founder, GOQii; Vaibhav Aggarwal, Founder, Fabhotels.com; Amit Ranjan, Co-Founder, SlideShare; and Jitender Minhas, CEO, IAMAI Startup Foundation,

CODE19 is being organized in collaboration with partners such as HackerEarth, TIE Mumbai, IAMAI Startup Foundation, Mumbai Angels Network, Association of Designers of India, Stumagz and GirlScript. The event has three leading academic institutions as partners – National Institute of Design (Ahmedabad), IIT Kharagpur and Centre for Entrepreneurship – Ashoka University.

For more information about CODE19, please visit: www.code19.in

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Dr Krishnakumar Rathnam is Senior Consultant & Head, Dept of Medical Oncology, Meenakshi Misson Hospital and Research Centre.

Burden of Covid -19 infection globally and in India

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, is a novel corona virus first detected in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and has infected lakhs of people causing deaths in thousands across 186 countries including India. In India as the clock is ticking, the number of people diagnosed with COVID-19 infection in India is certainly increasing. As last statistics recorded during writing of this article the total number of Covid-19 cases in India has reached 1637, including 1466 active cases, while 133 people have been cured/discharged.

Who are more susceptible to COVID-19?

Elderly people, people with comorbid conditions like diabetes, preexisting lung disease, renal and cardiac failure are more susceptible to this infection. Apart from the above-mentioned group, patients with poor immunity, namely those on various medications like steroids and immunosuppressive drugs and patients with cancer are more susceptible to the COVID-19 compared to normal population.

Effect of COVID-19 on cancer patients

As per the Report of the WHO-China Joint Mission on COVID-19, cancer patients (especially elderly, very young patients, patients with diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and chronic respiratory illnesses) had an estimated 2-fold increased risk of COVID-19 than the general population. Early published reports from China on outcomes of cancer patients infected with COVID-19 indicated a 3.5 times higher risk of needing mechanical ventilation or ICU admission or dying compared with patients without cancer. Over and above, they become a potential source of infection to all their contacts and care givers; emphasizing the need for thorough education of COVID prevention to all cancer caregivers.

Preparedness by the oncology team – “Prevention better than cure”

Suggestions and guidelines have been drafted by various oncology societies across the globe from USA, Europe, China and in India also. “PREVENTION OF INFECTION” is the first step in any health care. The starting point to infection and environmental control of COVID 19 is triage of patients with respiratory symptoms so as to reduce exposure to other patients. Use of screening questionnaire for the detection of suspected coronavirus cases, masking of individuals at all entry points of the system, symptom screening of all patients, visitors and staff before entering the hospital is very crucial. Any symptomatic patients will be referred to the government health department for next level evaluation and COVID-19 testing and isolation if indicated. As Oncologists we are more attentive to detect coronavirus infection early, as any type of advanced cancer is at much higher risk of unfavourable outcomes.

Use the telephone and use telemedicine technology if available

We generally ensure that every cancer patient spends more time at home and less time out in the community. A telephonic appointment system and reinforcement of a strict “stay at home when ill” policy is key in preventing community spread of COVID-19. As oncologists we also communicate to our patients the right information regarding practice modifications during COVID-19 outbreaks.

COTINUUM OF CANCER CARE FOR NEW AND EXISITING CANCER PATIENTS

The general thumb rules

Cancer patients can continue their treatment unless they are in close contact with someone with COVID-19 or presenting with symptoms of cough, shortness of breath, breathing difficulties or high temperature.

Cancer surgery and radiotherapy during the pandemic

Elective cancer surgeries can be rescheduled after weighing specific risks of the delay. Oncologists would decide to postpone or modify radiation therapy depending on the clinical situation. Emergency radiotherapy, however will be delivered by most oncologists with all precaution.

Cancer chemotherapy and COVID-19 pandemic

With lock down and paucity in transport facility, all measures to minimize risk of chemotherapy toxicity should be taken. This is done to make sure the cancer patient is not stranded at his home town sick, unattended and unable to reach us on time. Less toxic chemotherapy regimens with lesser hospital visits and oral chemotherapy regimens may minimize exposure of both patient and the caregiver to COVID-19 sources. Certain planned chemo schedules may be delayed, however patients requiring chemotherapy for day to day control of disease may continue their therapy under strict monitoring and adherence to COVID-19 prevention strategy. Planned allogeneic stem cell transplantation can be reasonably delayed particularly in a situation where the disease control can be achieved with alternate treatment methods. Patients can continue to take palliative care at their own place under guidance of telemedicine consultation. It is important that each patient understands that every decision to modify treatment is taken keeping in mind risk/benefit to the cancer patient who is a highly susceptible person to COVID-19.

Cancer screening and Follow up visits

All asymptomatic people are advised to postpone their planned cancer screening procedures and asymptomatic patients who have completed cancer treatment to postpone follow up visits till COVID-19 epidemic settles. However, these patients must be educated to contact health care providers in case of contact history or if having symptoms of COVID-19.

General measures to prevent COVID-19 spread among cancer patients

Cancer patients requiring hospitalization need to be protected from potential sources of COVID-19 infection. Institutions handling large volume in-patient cancer patients, pediatric cancer patients, leukemia patients on treatment, bone marrow transplant patients and hematology patients on immunosuppressive therapy should preferably isolate these patients from potential and proven COVID 19 patients. In such centres, COVID-19 patients be admitted in separate blocks well away from these high-risk groups. Patients, the treating team and patient care givers should be educated about appropriate preventive measures about social distancing practices and maintaining hygiene and how to break COVID-19 transmission. Home quarantine and government policies of “staying home” is to be respected and strictly adhered to, understanding the fact that government is acting in support of community health at large and it is our social responsibility as citizens of India.

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The Union Ministry of Home Affairs vide its respective orders dated 24th March 2020 and 25th March 2020 issued guidelines allowing Industrial Establishments which require continuous process, Mineral Production and Movement of Goods and Cargo for inland amongst others to operate during lockdown after obtaining the required permission from the respective State Governments. Respective Union Ministries have also issued various directives to the State governments to the same affect, reiterated in the State Empowered committee meeting and the order issued by Member Secretary State Disaster Management Authority.

Subsequently, Ministry of Home Affairs clarified vide its order dated 29.03.2020 clarified that transportation of all goods, without distinction of essential and non-essential be allowed.

There are some hindrances in smooth running of operations despite securing State Government’s permission hence, we would like to inform you that Vedanta’s Iron Ore Karnataka Business, which is categorised as an industry requiring continuous process, resumed limited operations including unloading/ loading of iron fines and iron lumps at its Megalahalli location of Chitradurga district after obtaining necessary permissions from office of District Collector – Chitradurga. This is following the State Approval vide District Collector office order dated 30th March’ 20, allowing Vedanta’s Iron Ore Karnataka Business to restart limited operations subject to necessary precautions as mandated by various advisories being implemented for a safe working environment.

According to Mr. Krishna Reddy, Director, Vedanta- Iron Ore Karnataka Business, “Vedanta Iron Ore Business is ensuring strict conformism of health guidelines at workplace and are operating with minimum possible workforce. Our organisation is also following reinforced level of strict protocols for personal hygiene, sanitation and social distancing. All our workers are provided with protective gears and masks. We are fully in compliance with the required safety measures and shall continue to abide by all further advisories. Vedanta remains fully committed to ensure the safety of its people, environment and the communities around.”.

Virus-free. www.avast.com

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• Homeopathy may provide safe prophylaxis against modern infectious diseases such as the novel coronavirus, passed on from animals to humans
• Homeopathy has effectively treated severe and life-threatening viral infections in the past and may well play a crucial role in combating COVID-19
• A cure for COVID-19 is not available in homeopathy, but in the absence of any side-effects and adverse interactions with conventional medicines, homeopathy can play an important role in the fight against COVID-19.  

 

April 11, 2020: With COVID-19 spreading like wildfire through the globe and very little achieved in terms of a vaccination or a preventive medicine, there is evidence to suggest that homeopathy may be able to provide safe prophylaxis against modern infectious diseases such as the novel coronavirus, passed on from animals to humans. Conventional medicine is still struggling to find specific treatment for novel viruses and medical research laboratories are yet to discover an effective vaccination.

The current phase is crucial in generating evidence that will inform prescription practices for this illness for the immediate future. Homeopathy has effectively treated severe and life-threatening viral infections in the past and may well play a crucial role, particularly, in COVID-19 patients not responding to conventional medicines.

Commenting on the effectiveness of homeopathy in treating viruses and infections, eminent homeopath, Padma Shri, Dr. Kalyan Banerjee and founder, Dr. Kalyan Banerjee’s Clinic said, “Homeopathy has a long history of prophylaxis against epidemics and a lot has been said about increasing the immunity with homeopathy. Historically, homeopathy was used to treat and protect against the Spanish flu epidemic after World War 1. A researcher called Marino has published peer reviewed research about homeopathic prophylaxis against swine flu and dengue.”

With the national capital region having witnessed epidemic conditions of both these diseases, Dr. Kalyan Banerjee’s Clinic prescribed for over 20,000 cases, year on year, of these diseases during their peak phases in the Delhi-NCR region as well as the rest of the country. These prescriptions were not only for protective effect, but also for treating very complicated cases of severe acute respiratory distress arising from both these infections. 

Dr. Kushal Banerjee, a second-generation homeopath at the Clinic said, “Dengue and swine flu can result in multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (M.O.D.S.) which can be life threatening. Homeopathic prescriptions have frequently helped patients in intensive care. We noted similar positive effects in Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (S.A.R.S.) cases as well. This is the kind of background that informs homeopathic advice on modern infectious diseases like the novel clinical entity, COVID-19.”

While a cure or vaccine for COVID-19 is not available in homeopathy, in the absence of any side-effects and adverse interactions with any conventional medicines along with a robust safety profile and repeated evidence-based successes in prophylaxis against viral infections, homeopathy may play an important role in the fight against COVID-19.

Dr. Kushal Banerjee added, “Over the last ten years, treatment of an average of 20,000 cases over several cycles of these diseases can be considered enough anecdotal evidence as their protective effect and outcomes have been quite encouraging. Conventional medicine, too, does not have any specific treatment for COVID-19 and suggested medicines like hydroxychloroquine as well as anti-viral medicines in different combinations are also still in the trial stage, achieving only variable degrees of success. Homeopathy, with its rich and consistent history of addressing viral infections, both as prophylaxis and treatment, should be considered a serious therapeutic option. Just as conventional medicine is engaged in the treatment and prevention of COVID-19 with little or no evidence base to work with, homeopathy should be, too.”

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Bengaluru: With Covid-19 spreading gradually, renowned ophthalmologist and healthcare Dr. K. Bhujang Shetty has advised those wearing contact lenses to switch to eye glasses as a preventive measure.
“Though facial mask is mandatory as a preventive measure against the dreaded coronavirus, not many know that the virus can also enter the body through eyes. Wearing glasses or spectacles reduces the spread of the virus,” said Dr. Bhujang Shetty, Chairman, Narayana Nethralaya.
Although it is more likely that people may catch coronavirus infections through mouth and nose, there are chances of the virus also entering through eyes. “In a day, humans tend to touch their face and eyes almost 20 times an hour knowingly or unknowingly. Users of contact lenses end up touching their eyes and face frequently, increasing the risk of infections. Therefore, it is advisable that they switch to eye glasses until the situation improves,” he explained.

Further, Dr. Shetty added, “Wearing spectacles, like masks, will protect you from coronavirus by preventing the virus droplets from coming in contact with your eyes. As a precautionary measure, we should also wear eyeglasses as an additional protection gear when we step out of or homes.”
In the US, which has been hit hard by the virus, the American Academy of Ophthalmology has recommended contact lens users to switch to glasses/spectacles.
For the sake of aesthetics, if people continue to wear contact lenses, they must wash hands frequently or use a hand sanitizer, and avoid touching face or rubbing their eyes.
Why eye glasses now?
Coronavirus can enter the human body when people touch their face after coming in contact with infected surfaces, such as, doorknobs, keys, tables and other outside objects.
Glasses provide extra protection by shielding eyes from any coronavirus virus particles that may be floating in the air.
For healthcare workers, face covering glasses are compulsory.
Contact lenses can cause irritation and itching leading to facial touch.

For more information, please contact:
Dr. K Bhujang Shetty
Chairman and Managing Director, Narayana Nethralaya
M: 9845010204, Website: narayananethralaya.org/

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