World Health Day: Experts call for equitable access to healthcare for blood cancer and blood disorder patients

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BENGALURU, 5 April 2024: 25-year-old Puneeth suffered from thalassemia major, which is a genetic blood disorder characterised by abnormal hemoglobin production and low production of red blood cells, since he was only nine. Battling with thalassemia as a child came with multifaceted challenges in Puneeth’s day-to-day activities.

Since Puneeth was diagnosed with this disease in 2008, he has undergone blood transfusions at a charitable hospital on a regular basis. A stem cell transplant was the only curative treatment option for Puneeth’s condition. It was only in 2020 when a Hospital in Bangalore conducted a free HLA typing camp in association with DKMS-BMST at their centre, where Puneeth and his elder brother Prajwal gave their cheek swab sample for HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) typing. The result showed that Puneet found a perfect match with his brother.

However, owing to financial constraints, his family was hesitant towards the transplantation. This is where the DKMS BMST Patient Funding program stepped in to help Puneeth successfully undergo his transplant in September 2022 and receive a second chance at life. The transplant yielded success, and the family now looks forward to a positive future ahead.

Puneeth was fortunate enough to find a matching donor in his family, whereas over 70% of the patients diagnosed with blood cancer or blood disorder are unable to find a match and urgently need a matching unrelated donor. DKMS-BMST has a mission to give such patients a second chance at life by registering potential stem cell donors from across India.

Dr. Govind Eriat, Consultant Hematology, Hemato-Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplant at BGS Gleneagles Global Hospital, Bengaluru, said, “Karnataka bears a considerable burden of blood cancer and blood disorder cases contributing substantially to the state’s healthcare burden and the national statistics of over 100,000 cases annually. Stem cell transplants offer a ray of hope for patients battling this disease, providing them with a second chance at life. However, accessibility to combat this disease often remains a challenge, especially for economically underprivileged people. Initiatives like DKMS-BMST Thalassemia and patient funding programs provide critical support to those unable to get access to transplantation and help them get a second chance at life.”

Patrick Paul, CEO of DKMS BMST Foundation India, said, “Aligned with the theme of World Health Day “My Health, My Right,” we believe that everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, deserves access to quality health services, information, and the resources needed to live a healthy life. Through the Patient funding and and Thalassemia programs, DKMS-BMST has been instrumental in democratising access to stem cell transplantations nationwide. To achieve this, we have created an effective and streamlined program structure so we can help as many patients in need as possible. By alleviating financial constraints and fostering collaborations within the healthcare sector, we strive to empower individuals like Puneeth with the opportunity for enhanced quality of life and renewed hope.”

While advancements in medical science have improved outcomes for blood cancer and blood disorder patients, a significant hurdle remains – the availability of Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)-matched stem cell donors. An HLA match is crucial for a successful stem cell transplant, and the likelihood of finding a match is highest among individuals of similar ethnicity.
The current pool of potential stem cell donors is insufficient to meet the needs of all blood cancer and blood disorder patients. This disparity disproportionately affects Indian patients, who have a lower chance of finding a match due to limited donor diversity. Unfortunately, only 0.03% of the Indian population have registered as potential donors. This increases the need for more people of Indian ethnicity to register themselves.

To register as a potential stem cell donor, you must be a healthy Indian adult between 18 and 55. When you are ready to register, all you need to do is complete a consent form and swab the inside of your cheeks to collect your tissue cells. Your tissue sample is then sent to the lab to be analyzed for your HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) and listed anonymously on the international search platform for matching stem cell donors. If you’re eligible, register as a blood stem cell donor by ordering your home swab kit at http://www.dkms-bmst.org/register

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Celebrate World Health Day with the Goodness of Almonds!

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India, April 3 2024: The saying “Health is wealth” highlights the importance of prioritizing our well-being, as it directly impacts our overall health and quality of life. This year’s World Health Day, observed annually on April 7 with the theme “My Health, My Right,” emphasizes the idea that taking care of our health is our own responsibility and a fundamental right. Maintaining good health requires prioritizing a balanced diet, as nutrition plays a crucial role. This highlights the significance of including foods such as green leafy vegetables, almonds, and seasonal fruits, which are rich in essential nutrients. Incorporating nutritious almonds into our diet can offer numerous health benefits, including improved blood sugar regulation, heart health, skin health, and weight management.

Almonds offer a comprehensive array of nutrients essential for maintaining optimal health. Packed with 15 essential nutrients, including vitamin E, magnesium, protein, riboflavin, and zinc, almonds serve as a vital support system for overall well-being. The magnesium, protein, and vitamins B2 and E contained in almonds contribute to sustained energy levels, while copper, zinc, folate, and iron aid in bolstering immunity. Moreover, these powerhouses of energy and nutrition play a pivotal role in weight management due to their satiating properties and help minimize the impact of carbohydrate foods on blood sugar levels.

Incorporating these nuts into a balanced diet can also lead to reductions in total and LDL cholesterol levels, as well as mitigating heart-damaging inflammation. Additionally, the healthy fats and vitamin E present in almonds impart anti-aging properties, nurturing skin health and radiance. So, integrating almonds into your daily diet can provide a multitude of health benefits, supporting overall well-being, vitality, and longevity.

Commenting on World Health Day, Ritika Samaddar, Regional Head – Dietetics, Max Healthcare, Delhi said, “In today’s hectic lifestyle, prioritizing our health can be a challenge, especially when it comes to maintaining a nutritious diet. This World Health Day let’s pledge to prioritize our health as a fundamental right and commit to it wholeheartedly. I recommend embracing a clean and balanced diet while avoiding fried or junk food. Additionally, I strongly advocate for incorporating a handful of almonds into our daily diet, given their rich array of essential nutrients. Packed with vital nutrients such as protein, dietary fiber, healthy fats, vitamins E and B2, as well as minerals like phosphorus and magnesium, almonds serve as a convenient and wholesome snack.”

Bollywood actress Soha Ali Khan said, “In the fast-paced world of entertainment, managing job demands requires staying active and enthusiastic. Regular exercise and a balanced diet are vital, and incorporating almonds into my routine provides the necessary nutrition and long-lasting energy. Almonds serve as my go-to snack for myself and my family, offering versatility and essential nutrients. Consuming a handful of almonds regularly can enhance energy levels and focus, aiding in day-to-day tasks. Let’s prioritize our health this World Health Day by committing to clean eating, incorporating nutrient-rich foods like almonds, and engaging in regular physical exercise.”

Sheela Krishnaswamy, a renowned Nutrition and Wellness consultant said, “Almonds are a remarkable nutrient powerhouse, providing a wide array of health benefits that enhance our overall well-being. Packed with 15 essential nutrients, almonds help maintain healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels, among many other health advantages. By integrating almonds into our daily routines, we actively strive for better health, asserting our entitlement to a healthy lifestyle and resonating with the ‘My Health, My Right’ theme of World Health Day.”

On World Health Day, Yasmin Karachiwala, Celebrity Pilates Master Instructor emphasizes the importance of staying active and energetic. She said, “A balanced diet and consistent exercise are paramount for sustaining a healthy lifestyle. I strongly advocate engaging in physical activity at least five days a week to foster vitality and well-being. Additionally, prioritizing nutrient-dense foods, especially through home-cooked meals, is crucial. Incorporating foods like almonds, green leafy vegetables, and seasonal fruits enriches our diet with essential nutrients. Almonds serve as an ideal snack, aiding in hunger management and facilitating weight maintenance. These nuts boast a rich profile of 15 essential nutrients, including protein, zinc, magnesium, iron, and folate, among others.”

Popular South Indian actress Pranitha Subash said, “Incorporating almonds into my regular routine has noticeably enhanced my overall well-being and energy levels. These versatile nuts complement a variety of dishes and snacks, providing an extra nutritional boost to my diet. I encourage everyone to adopt healthier food habits, such as consuming handful of almonds, which can significantly improve their physical well-being and contribute to a more balanced lifestyle. Additionally, almonds have played a role in keeping me active throughout the day and maintaining radiant skin.”

On this World Health Day, let us reflect on the significance of taking charge of our health and making informed choices regarding our diet and eating habits. Embracing nutrient-dense foods, such as almonds, can particularly serve as a cornerstone in our pursuit of optimal health.

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Parimatch Sports and Bengaluru FC Collaborate for a Memorable Meet-and-Greet Experience for Football Fans

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Bengaluru, 05 April 2024 – Parimatch Sports, the apparel brand inspired by the world’s top athletes, hosted an exclusive Meet & Greet event in collaboration with Bengaluru FC, one of India’s leading football clubs competing in the Indian Super League. Being the Principal Sponsor of Bengaluru FC, Parimatch Sports brought fans closer to the action, creating an unforgettable experience that celebrated the spirit of football and athletic excellence.

The event, held at the South United FC Stadium in Bangalore, offered interactive sessions with Bengaluru FC players, including goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, defender Aleksandar Jovanović, midfielder Javi Hernández, and forwards Oliver Drost and Ryan Williams.

The Meet & Greet session provided fans with a unique chance to engage with their favorite Bengaluru FC players, who shared insights on and off the field. Fans were divided into two teams for exclusive training sessions with Bengaluru FC players, followed by an exciting 1-hour fan battle supported by the athletes. As an extra bonus, all participants received a brand-new sports kit. The winning team was rewarded with footballs signed by Bengaluru FC players, elevating their victory with a personalized touch.

During the event, Bengaluru FC shared their vision for the future of football in India, expressing their steadfast commitment to nurturing talent, creating opportunities, and raising the overall standard of the sport across the nation.
Through initiatives such as the Meet & Greet event, Parimatch Sports and Bengaluru FC are actively contributing to the cultivation of a vibrant football culture in India, ensuring that the sport flourishes at all levels and continues to captivate fans across the country.

Commenting on Bengaluru FC’s association with Parimatch Sports, Bengaluru FC spokesperson:
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Parimatch Sports, igniting a new era of sports excellence. This partnership is crucial in our efforts to engage with fans and expand our brand reach. It represents a fusion of innovation and tradition, promising enhanced opportunities and experiences for fans and athletes alike. Through this alliance, we aim to provide players with unparalleled support, offer fans remarkable experiences, and contribute to sports community growth.”

As the Principal Sponsor for Bengaluru FC, Parimatch Sports reaffirms its commitment to supporting football in India and providing fans with unforgettable experiences. Through strategic partnerships with leading football clubs like Bengaluru FC, Parimatch Sports continues to promote the growth of the sport and foster a vibrant football culture in the country.

City Today News 9341997936

“GO BACK SUDHAKER”  ಮಾಧ್ಯಮದ ಮುಖಾಂತರ ಡಾ| ಕೆ. ಸುಧಾಕರ್‌ಗೆ ತಿಳಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದೇವೆ ಎಂದು ಡಾ|| ಮು.ಕೃಷ್ಣಮೂರ್ತಿ, ಅಧ್ಯಕ್ಷರು ಸಂಘದ ಪರವಾಗಿ ತಿಳಿಸಿದರು.

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ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ರಾಜ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ ತಿಗಳ (ವಹಿಕುಲ) ಜನಾಂಗವು ಸುಮಾರು 30 ಲಕ್ಷಕ್ಕಿಂತ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಜನಸಂಖ್ಯೆ ವಾಸವಾಗಿರುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಈ ಜನಾಂಗವು ಪ್ರತೀವರ್ಷ ಸುಮಾರು 180 ಸ್ಥಳಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಕರಗ ಮಹೋತ್ಸವವನ್ನು ಆಚರಿಸುತ್ತಾ ಹಿಂದುತ್ವವನ್ನು ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ರಾಜ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಬೆಳೆಸಿ ಉಳಿಸಿಕೊಂಡಿರುತ್ತಾರೆ.

2023 ರ ಚುನಾವಣೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಬಿ.ಜೆ.ಪಿ ಪಕ್ಷದ ಹಿರಿಯ ಮುಖಂಡರುಗಳ ಆದೇಶ ಮತ್ತು ಆಶೀರ್ವಾದದ ಮೇರೆಗೆ ಶ್ರೀ ಹೂಡಿ ವಿಜಯ್‌ ಕುಮಾ‌ರ್ ರವರನ್ನು ಮಾಲೂರು ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರಕ್ಕೆ ಎಮ್.ಎಲ್.ಎ ಉಮೇದುದಾರರಾಗಿ ಸ್ಪರ್ದಿಸಲು ಅವಕಾಶ ಮಾಡಿಕೊಡುವುದಾಗಿ ಭರವಸೆ ನೀಡಿದ್ದು, ಈ ಹಿನ್ನೆಲೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಸುಮಾರು 4 ವರ್ಷಗಳ ಕಾಲ ಹೂಡಿ ವಿಜಯ್ ಕುಮಾರ್ ರವರು ಮಾಲೂರು ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರದಲ್ಲಿ ಬಿ.ಜೆ.ಪಿ ಅಭ್ಯರ್ಥಿಯಾಗಿ ಬಿಂಬಿಸಿ ಕೆಲಸ ಮಾಡಿರುತ್ತಾರೆ.

ಆದರೆ ಚಿಕ್ಕಬಳ್ಳಾಪುರದ ಹಾಲಿ ಬಿ.ಜೆ.ಪಿ, ಎಮ್.ಪಿ ಅಭ್ಯರ್ಥಿಯಾದ ಡಾ|| ಕೆ. ಸುಧಾಕರ್ ರವರು ಹೂಡಿ ವಿಜಯ್ ಕುಮಾರ್ ರವರಿಗೆ ನೀಡಬೇಕಾಗಿದ್ದ ಎಮ್.ಎಲ್.ಎ ಅಭ್ಯರ್ಥಿಯ ಸ್ಥಾನವನ್ನು ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್ ಗೌಡ ಎಂಬುವವರಿಗೆ ಕೊಡಿಸುವುದರ ಮೂಲಕ ತಿಗಳ (ವಕುಲ) ಜನಾಂಗಕ್ಕೆ ದ್ರೋಹ ಮಾಡಿರುತ್ತಾರೆ. ತಿಗಳ (ವಗ್ನಿಕುಲ) ಜನಾಂಗಕ್ಕೆ ದ್ರೋಹವೆಸಗಿದ ಡಾ|| ಕೆ. ಸುಧಾಕರ್ ರವರ ವರ್ತನೆಯನ್ನು ಈ ಜನಾಂಗ ಖಂಡಿಸುವುದರ ಜೊತೆಗೆ ಅವರನ್ನು ಜನಾಂಗವು ಬೆಂಬಲಿಸುವುದಿಲ್ಲವೆಂದು ಈ ಮೂಲಕ ಘೋಷಿಸಿರುತ್ತೇವೆ.

2013 ರಿಂದ 2018 ರ ವರೆಗೆ ಮಾನ್ಯ ಮುಖ್ಯಮಂತ್ರಿಗಳಾದ ಸಿದ್ಧರಾಮಯ್ಯ ರವರು ಜನಾಂಗವನ್ನು ಗುರುತಿಸಿ ಜನಾಂಗದ ಇಬ್ಬರಿಗೆ ನಿಗಮ ಮಂಡಳಿಯ ಅಧ್ಯಕ್ಷರಾಗಿ ಹಾಗೂ ಒಬ್ಬರಿಗೆ ಎಮ್.ಎಲ್.ಸಿ ಯಾಗಿ ನೇಮಿಸಿ, ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ರಾಜ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ ನಡೆಯುವ ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಕರಗ ಮಹೋತ್ಸವಗಳಿಗೆ 2 ಲಕ್ಷ ರೂ ಅನುದಾನವನ್ನು ನೀಡಿರುತ್ತಾರೆ ಆದರೆ ಬಿ.ಜೆ.ಪಿ ಅಧಿಕಾರದಲ್ಲಿದ್ದ ಅವಧಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಡಾ|| ಕೆ. ಸುಧಾಕರ್ ರವರಂತಹ ನಾಯಕರ ಕುಮ್ಮಕ್ಕಿನಿಂದ ಜನಾಂಗಕ್ಕೆ ಅನ್ಯಾಯ ಮಾಡಿರುತ್ತಾರೆ.

ಇಂದು ನಾವು ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ರಾಜ್ಯದ ತಿಗಳ (ವಹಿಕುಲ) ಜನಾಂಗವು ಡಾ| ಕೆ. ಸುಧಾಕರ್ ರವರ ವರ್ತನೆಯನ್ನು ಖಂಡಿಸುವುದರ ಜೊತೆಗೆ ಅವರನ್ನು ಈ ಚುನಾವಣೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಬೆಂಬಲಿಸುವುದಿಲ್ಲವೆಂದು ಮಾಧ್ಯಮದ ಮಿತ್ರರ ಮೂಲಕ “GO BACK SUDHAKER”  ಮಾಧ್ಯಮದ ಮುಖಾಂತರ ಡಾ| ಕೆ. ಸುಧಾಕರ್‌ಗೆ ತಿಳಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದೇವೆ ಎಂದು ಡಾ|| ಮು.ಕೃಷ್ಣಮೂರ್ತಿ, ಅಧ್ಯಕ್ಷರು ಸಂಘದ ಪರವಾಗಿ ತಿಳಿಸಿದರು.

City Today News 9341997936

Ujjivan Small Finance Bank ties-up with Veefin Solutions Ltd to offer better supply chain finance offerings to MSMEs

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Ujjivan Small Finance Bank ties-up with Veefin Solutions Ltd to offer better supply chain finance offerings to MSMEs

Bengaluru, 2024: Ujjivan Small Finance Bank (Ujjivan SFB) enters into a strategic partnership with Veefin Solutions, a leading Supply Chain Finance (SCF) solutions provider, to offer robust supply chain finance offerings, to meet the working capital needs for MSMEs.

Through this partnership, Ujjivan SFB will leverage Veefin’s platform that offers end-to-end solutions on supply chain financing. This includes supplier and vendor onboarding, credit underwriting through Loan Origination Solution (LOS), transaction management via Loan Management Solution (LMS), and collections handled through a Delinquency Management solution. These components will be further complemented by comprehensive analysis facilitated by Veefin’s Reporting & Business Intelligence solution.

A 2019 report on the MSME Sector by an RBI Committee estimated the overall Credit gap in the sector at Rs 20-25 lakh crore##.  According to another industry report, out of over 64 million MSMEs in India, only 14 per cent have access to credit^^. The number of MSMEs in the country is expected to grow from 6.3 crore to approximately 7.5 crore in the coming years, growing at a projected CAGR of 2.5 %**.

Recognizing the pivotal role of technology to address this Credit gap, the partnership with Veefin aligns with Ujjivan SFB’s objective of extending financial solutions to the MSMEs across the nation. This initiative will facilitate Ujjivan SFB to provide working capital loans to MSMEs via supply chain financing, effectively addressing the gaps left by traditional model.

Mr. Ittira Davis, MD & CEO at Ujjivan Small Finance Bank, said, “We are happy to partner with Veefin Solutions, which will enable us to further enhance the credit accessibility needs of the MSMEs, thereby strengthening our digital MSME offerings. This association will help us build on the operational efficiency, thereby empowering more MSMEs to charter their growth path.”

Mr. Raja Debnath, Managing Director of Veefin Solutions Ltd, said, “We are delighted to welcome Ujjivan Small Finance Bank to our ever-growing clientele who have embarked on their SCF journey with Veefin. Financial institutions like Ujjivan SFB play a pivotal role in expanding the SCF ecosystem, reaching out to unserved and underserved customers nationwide. Together, we are poised not only to broaden the SCF landscape but also to drive inclusive growth, reaching even the most marginalized segments of our economy.”

City Today News 9341997936