Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Launches, Inaugurates and Lays Foundation Stone of Multiple Health Sector Projects Worth Over Rs. 12,850 Crore on Dhanvantari Jayanti and 9th Ayurveda Day PM Inaugurates and Lays foundation Stone of 7 ESIC Projects worth Rs. 1,641 Crore Benefitting 55 Lakh Beneficiaries
Prime Minister has Linked Health with Development, Crafting a ‘Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya’ Health Model: Dr. Mandaviya
ESIC Beneficiaries to Receive Treatment at AB-PMJAY Empanelled Hospitals: Union Minister
Number of ESIC beneficiaries has Doubled in last 10 Years: Union Minister
ESIC Network has Expanded from 393 Districts in 2014 to 674 Districts in 2024: Union Minister
Posted On: 29 OCT 2024 5:04PM by PIB Delhi
In a momentous event coinciding with Dhanvantari Jayanti and the 9th Ayurveda Day, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched, inaugurated, and laid the foundation stone of multiple healthcare projects worth over Rs. 12,850 crore at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi today. These initiatives signify a substantial boost to healthcare infrastructure across India, aligned with the Prime Minister’s mission of ensuring quality healthcare services nationwide. Notably, seven of these projects pertain to the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, benefiting a vast segment of workers and their families.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the ESIC Hospital in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, and laid the foundation for six additional ESI hospitals across the country. Collectively, these projects are worth Rs. 1,641 crore and will enhance healthcare access for approximately 55 lakh ESI beneficiaries and their families.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister highlighted the unprecedented progress made in India’s healthcare sector over the past decade, contrasting it with the limited achievements in the previous six to seven decades and said, “In the last 10 years, we have seen a record number of new AIIMS and medical colleges being established”. Referring to today’s occasion, the Prime Minister said that hospitals were inaugurated in Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh.
Prime Minister also mentioned the foundation stone laying for new medical colleges in Narsapur and Bommasandra in Karnataka, Pithampur in Madhya Pradesh, Achitapuram in Andhra Pradesh, and Faridabad in Haryana. “Additionally, work has begun on the new ESIC Hospital in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, and a new hospital was inaugurated in Indore”, he added.
Speaking during the event, Union Minister of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted the transformative impact of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision, which has integrated healthcare as a cornerstone of India’s development strategy.
He said, “Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has linked health with development, crafting a ‘Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya’ health model that ensures healthcare is accessible, affordable, and available to every citizen.”
Highlighting the substantial growth in ESIC’s services during the past decade, Dr. Mandaviya stated, “ESIC network has expanded from 393 districts in 2014 to 674 districts across the country. Where under 2 crore families benefitted from health security before 2014, that number has now nearly doubled to almost 4 crore families today.”
He added, “Similarly, the number of ESIC beneficiaries has almost doubled in the last 10 years, rising from less than 8 crore in 2014 to about 15 crore in 2024. This underscores the success of the government’s efforts in improving quality healthcare for India’s workforce.”
Dr. Mandaviya stated that, in the coming days, Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) will be integrated with Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). He mentioned that this integration will expand healthcare access for ESIC beneficiaries by enabling them to seek treatment at AB-PMJAY empanelled hospitals nationwide.
देशवासियों को दीपावली की भेंट!
प्रधानमंत्री श्री @NarendraModi जी ने आज देशवासियों को ₹12,850 करोड़ की विभिन्न स्वास्थ्य सेवाओं की सौग़ात दी है। उन्होंने चुनाव के समय दी अपनी गारंटी, 70 वर्ष से अधिक की आयु के बुजुर्गों को आयुष्मान भारत योजना में शामिल करने को आज पूरा किया है।… pic.twitter.com/xdW3x8PVYC
The six new ESI hospitals, for which the foundation stones were laid today, will offer modern facilities and essential medical services:
Bommasandra, Karnataka – 200 bedded ESI hospital
Narsapur, Karnataka – 100 bedded ESI hospital
Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh – 100 bedded ESI hospital
Meerut, Uttar Pradesh – 100 bedded ESI hospital
Atchutapuram, Andhra Pradesh – 30 bedded ESIS hospital
Faridabad, Haryana – Upgraded ESIC Medical College and Hospital, with additional 500 beds, expanding its capacity from 650 to 1150 beds
Additionally, the 300 bedded ESIC Hospital at Indore, Madhya Pradesh, inaugurated by the Prime Minister, is designed to be expandable to 500 beds. It will benefit around 14 lakh Insured Persons and beneficiaries.
These ESIC health facilities will provide modern healthcare facilities such as Modular Operation Theatre Complexes, Intensive Care Units, Labour Room Complexes, NICU, PICU, and advanced imaging services. Each facility will be equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology, including liquid medical oxygen plants, CSSD/TSSU units, and Nurse Call systems, catering to both outpatient (OPD) and inpatient (IPD) services.
Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare & Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri J P Nadda, Union Minister of State (I/C) for Ministry of Ayush & Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Smt. Anupriya Patel and Union Minister of State for Labour & Employment and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Sushri Shobha Karandlaje were present on the occasion among others.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Organizes Nationwide “Run for Unity” to Celebrate National Unity and Integrity Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal and MoS Shri Shantanu Thakur Lead Runs across Key Port Cities
Eminent Marathoner Sunita Godara Inspires over 1,000 Participants in New Delhi’s run for Unity
Posted On: 29 OCT 2024 4:43PM by PIB Delhi
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) organized a nationwide “Run for Unity” event to honor the spirit of unity and national integrity on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary. Held in New Delhi and across major ports and subsidiaries, the event drew participants from all walks of life.
Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal took part in the run in Guwahati, while Minister of State Shri Shantanu Thakur led the Kolkata event, organized by Kolkata Port. In New Delhi, the event saw the enthusiastic participation of Shri TK, Ramachandran, Secretary, MoPSW joined by more than 1,000 participants, including Khelo India athletes, yoga enthusiasts, senior citizens, and runners from Skechers. Renowned international marathoner and 1992 Asian Marathon Championship winner, Sunita Godara, led the Unity Run, inspiring participants with her legacy of endurance and determination.
In his message, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said, “The ‘Run for Unity’ is not just a run, but a reflection of our collective commitment to uphold Sardar Patel’s vision of a unified India. Through this event, we are reminded of the strength that lies in our unity and the importance of coming together for our nation’s progress.”
Minister of State Shantanu Thakur added, “Today’s event highlights the diverse fabric of India as citizens of all ages and backgrounds come together to honor our legacy. We are proud to celebrate the indomitable spirit of India’s unity, which remains our guiding strength in all pursuits, including maritime excellence.”
The “Run for Unity” serves as a tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to fostering unity and community spirit nationwide.
The Run for Unity brings together people from all walks of life in celebration of national cohesion. It highlights our commitment to promoting physical fitness, community engagement, and above all, the enduring unity that underpins our nation’s progress’, mentioned, Shri TK Ramachandran, IAS-Secretary, MoPSW
The event concluded with a strong message of national solidarity, resonating across all ports and communities involved. This celebration of unity serves as a reminder of the Ministry’s dedication to building a resilient, cohesive maritime community, contributing to a prosperous and united nation.
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A Waterloo woman admitted guilt to a federal charge Monday for embezzling more than $135,000 as a former employee of Dupo Community Unit School District #196.
Linda J. Johnson, 58, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of theft from a federally funded program.
According to court documents, Johnson committed the embezzlement while employed in an administrative support role in the superintendent’s office between 2020 and 2022. In this role, Johnson was responsible for depositing cash and checks into the district’s activities account intended to support student athletics, clubs, and extracurriculars.
To conceal her crime, she would prepare bank deposit slips reflecting the correct amount of cash and checks received, but later she prepared a second set of fraudulent deposit slips that only accounted for the checks, while she kept the cash.
“Stealing funds from student activities directly deprives children of opportunities within their extracurriculars,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “Although the defendant tried to conceal her crime from school officials by preparing two sets of records, her deceit was discovered, and she will be held accountable.”
The loss to the school district is $135,566.80.
“The FBI works to protect the well-being of our children on many levels, and investigating the embezzlement of school funds is no different,” said FBI Springfield Field Office Special Agent in Charge Christopher Johnson. “FBI Springfield would like to thank the Dupo Police Department for their vital role in this investigation.”
Theft from a federally funded program convictions are punishable by up to 10 years’ imprisonment and fines up to $250,000. Johnson’s sentencing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Feb. 27, 2025, at the federal courthouse in East St. Louis.
Officials with the Dupo School District said the plea agreement reached Monday represents accountability for a serious breach of public trust that impacted their students, staff, and the entire Dupo School District community. They said they are grateful to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their diligent work in securing justice for our students and taxpayers.
The Dupo Police Department and the FBI Springfield Field Office are directing the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Steve Weinhoeft is prosecuting the case.
Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
10.29.24
CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned witnesses during the Senate Judiciary Committee field hearing in Chicago, Illinois, entitled “Reducing Prescription Drug Prices: How Competition Can Make Medications Affordable for Patients.” The hearing included two witness panels, including Members of Congress from Illinois and advocates for prescription drug pricing reform, to examine recent legislative successes to address anti-competitive tactics that make medications unaffordable for patients.
Durbin first questioned Dr. Anthony D. Douglas II, General Surgery Resident at the University of Chicago, about the Medicare negotiation of Jardiance, a medication to treat people with diabetes, including his father. Jardiance’s manufacturer steadily raised the drug’s price over the last five years, from around $450 to nearly $600 for a 30-day supply. Under the Inflation Reduction Act, Medicare is finally able to negotiate the price it pays for certain prescription drugs, including Jardiance. And the Biden-Harris Administration was able to negotiate the price for Jardiance down to $197 per month—a 66 percent discount.
“Tell me what that price reduction means to your patients?” Durbin asked.
Dr. Douglas responded that having this necessary medicine reduced in price will mean “saving lives” thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration.
Durbin then asked Dr. Douglas about direct-to-consumer (DTC) drug advertising. The pharmaceutical industry spends $6 billion per year to flood the airwaves with direct-to-consumer drug ads. Durbin and Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) introduced the Drug-price Transparency for Consumers (DTC) Act, a bill that would require price disclosures on advertisements for prescription drugs, in order to empower patients and reduce excess spending on medications.
“It strikes me that there are a handful of drugs which we are bombarded with when it comes to advertising—you cannot watch a football game or anything on your television without getting an ad for a drug… The fact that we can pronounce and even spell Xarelto is proof positive that we have been trained by these ads. I am assuming and tell me if I’m wrong, that the pharmaceutical companies basically decided if we can convince the ultimate consumer to go into the doctor’s office and say, ‘I need this’ or whatever it happens to be, that the doctor is going to prescribe it as opposed to questioning whether or not it is necessary or if there is an affordable generic. Is that true?” Durbin asked.
Dr. Douglas responded that he believes that is the drug companies’ strategy when targeting consumers through DTC ads. He continued to say, “Not only do they advertise directly to physicians to prescribe the medications but also patients to go into the clinics and hospitals to ask,” for example, Ozempic.
Durbin also asked Dr. Michael Sandsmark, Director of Pharmacy, Iroquois Memorial Hospital (IMH), about the long wait lines at pharmacies, including at Walgreens, and even closures.
Dr. Sandsmark responded that there, “is a lot of burnout” among pharmacists right now and corporations are having trouble finding staff. Dr. Sandsmark also commented on the rigorous and expensive price of pharmacy school and training.
Durbin then asked Rachel Sachs, Professor of Law, Washington University in St. Louis, and Kwame Raoul, Attorney General, State of Illinois, about pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs)—middlemen that manage drug benefits for insurance plans.
Dr. Sachs responded, “we should think broadly about opportunities at the federal level and state level for PBM reform.” In February 2024, Attorney General Raoul along with 38 other attorneys general, sent a letter to Congress expressing support for reforming how PBMs operate. In June, he joined an amicus brief asking the U.S. Supreme Court to take up a case addressing the states’ authority to regulate PBMs.
Durbin then asked Dr. Sachs about claims from the pharmaceutical industry and its allies that the Inflation Reduction Act’s common-sense reform to enable Medicare to negotiate for lower prices will “freeze innovation,” and potentially prevent new drugs from coming to the market. The cancer drug Keytruda had $25 billion in sales last year. The revenue for this single medication is on par with what Mastercard or the McDonald’s Corporation earn per year.
“How can it possibly be that a penny less in profit to Big Pharma will stifle innovation?” Durbin asked.
Dr. Sachs responded, “in my view, what we really care about is the value of innovation to patients. It is about delivering real [and] new clinical value and reforms that preserve and protect that value rather than the amount of innovation are what matters.”
Durbin then asked Dr. Douglas about pharmaceutical companies often spending more in sales and marketing than on research and development. Dr. Douglas responded he is aware of the uneven spending. He continued to say we need to put profits over people. In 2020, Johnson & Johnson spent nearly twice as much on sales and marketing—$22 billion—as it spent on R&D.
Video of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.
Audio of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.
Footage of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here for TV Stations.
The United States has the highest prescription drug prices in the developed world, on average nearly four times higher than what other countries pay for some of the most common brand-name medications. Despite claims that these prices are necessary to fund research and development into the next generation of drugs, research suggests that the majority of innovation is driven by smaller companies, as well as taxpayer funding through the National Institutes of Health. The Committee has jurisdiction over competition issues and the intellectual property system, which play critical roles in incentivizing true innovation and protecting a healthy market that keeps prices for prescription drugs within reach of the patients that need them.
Durbin, Senate Democrats, and the Biden-Harris Administration have taken numerous steps to lower the costs of prescription drugs. Democrats’ Inflation Reduction Actprovided the Administration the authority to negotiate drug prices with Big Pharma, which has already resulted in price reduction of up to 79 percent for 10 of the most expensive and frequently-dispensed prescription drugs for seniors.
Earlier this Congress, a package of bills advanced unanimously out of the Committee to lower prescription drug prices and are awaiting a vote in the full Senate, including the Interagency Patent Coordination and Improvement Act introduced by U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Thom Tillis (R-NC).
Additionally, Durbin held a full committee hearing in May that scrutinized pharmaceutical companies’ abuse of the Orange Book and examined prescription drug prices, competition, and how to ensure medications are accessible and affordable for patients.
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Good morning, everybody. Thank you, Dr. [Dev] Shenoy, first, for the introduction, and thanks to all of you in the defense research and engineering enterprise, for what you do every day to lead us.
It’s a privilege to be with all of you for this second annual meeting of the Microelectronics Commons. And it’s remarkable to see how much this community has flourished in just the past year.
Now, I won’t bother preaching to this choir about why semiconductors matter. Whether you found religion lately or long ago, you’re all here because you get it.
Yet even people who can fully grasp how chips enable our phones, fridges, cars, and so much of what’s essential to modern life — even scientists and technologists who are steeped in the intricacies of how they’re made — even they may not always consider why chips might be so important to the U.S. Department of Defense.
But over at the Pentagon, we think about that all the time. Because microelectronics are fundamental to the operation of virtually every military system: ships, planes, tanks, long-range munitions, communication gear, satellites, sensors, and more.
Every day, from the Indo-Pacific to the North Atlantic to the Middle East and beyond — from the ocean floor to outer space to cyberspace — as American warfighters stand the watch, they depend on chips to help them defend our country, our allies and partners, and our interests.
Microelectronics are at the heart of practically everything you can imagine U.S. troops using. Radios. Radar. Night-vision goggles. GPS. Battle networks. Avionics that enable dagger-shaped stealth bombers to fly. WiFi.
America’s vibrant innovation ecosystem made it all possible, through collaboration going back decades across government, academia, and industry, encompassing businesses large and small.
You are the heirs to that legacy. And as our nation has embarked on a quest to reignite U.S. leadership in not only chip research and design, but also prototyping, manufacturing, and production at scale, you are cementing your own legacy.
And you’ve already done a lot.
One year ago, shortly after we announced the first Microelectronics Commons awards, we had more than 360 distinct member organizations located across 35 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. And we thought that was pretty impressive.
But as of today, the Commons boasts over 1,200 member organizations. Meaning this community has more than tripled in size, in just 12 months. Now that’s really impressive. And with that growth, our reach has expanded to even more states, like Arkansas, Maine, Nevada, and Wisconsin.
One year ago, we’d already awarded nearly $240 million to stand up eight regional innovation hubs, reflecting the talent and ingenuity resident all over the country. And that was just the beginning.
Because, as of today, we’ve awarded nearly $700 million toward this endeavor’s goal of bridging the microelectronics gap from lab-to-fab — that infamous valley of death between research and development and production.
Not only does that number include the latest round of nearly three dozen project awards announced just a few weeks ago- it also represents a tripling of our total investment. And there will be more to come.
The CHIPS and Science Act is a “once-in-a-generation investment in America itself,” as President Biden said when he signed it into law.
CHIPS was a bipartisan victory for U.S. national security and economic security — a win that will echo through history for years to come.
It proved that we can still do big things, that our best days are still ahead — sparking programs and initiatives across the Biden-Harris Administration, and across the Department of Defense, where we work closely with the Department of Commerce and many other interagency colleagues on CHIPS implementation.
The CHIPS Act made clear to America — and the world — that the U.S. government is united in its commitment to ensuring that our industrial and scientific powerhouses can deliver what we need to secure the future.
And we’re united beyond the U.S. government.
Take industry: right now we’re living through an era in which a new generation of defense-tech startups and scale-ups is disrupting America’s defense industrial base. That’s welcomed, because competition is good for the taxpayer and good for the warfighter.
So you might expect to see the newcomers and the mainstays always eying each other warily, contesting whose products are better, and rarely collaborating or finding common cause.
Yet that’s not the case with our regional innovation hubs in the Northeast, Midwest, and Southwest. They’ve given a home to both traditional primes, such as Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and RTX, and newer venture-backed companies, like Anduril, Epirus, and Tignis.
Why? Because chips bring America together.
Or take academia. Right now, in the midst of college football season, fans might expect the likes of Purdue, Notre Dame, Michigan, and Illinois Urbana-Champaign to be at each other’s throats well into January.
But at the Silicon Crossroads hub, all four of those universities are benefitting from a trusted environment that’s fostering collaborative innovation — creating a unified research and prototyping capability where they’re accelerating their unique nanofabrication and test facilities for industry to access.
And you could even say that the Midwest Microelectronics Consortium hub is like the Big Ten Conference, but for semiconductors. (Laughter.) It’s now the largest hub with over 360 members nationwide, hailing from every time zone in the continental United States: Pacific, Mountain, Central, and Eastern. There’s even one hub member in Hawaii.
Why? Because chips bring America together.
Look no further than the Defense-Ready Electronics and Microdevices Superhub, which recently began processing its first outside customer orders. With the nickname “California DREAMS,” it has members from Pasadena, L.A., San Diego, and Santa Barbara — but it also has members from Baltimore, Maryland; Greensboro, North Carolina; and Fort Worth, Texas.
Like I said, chips bring America together. And this work is expanding opportunity as it does so — broadening the number of people and places that support our growing national semiconductor ecosystems, building the workforce pools and talent pipelines that America needs to stay ahead, and bringing new hotbeds of local innovation into the fold.
That’s you. You’re doing this.
At hubs in Massachusetts and New York, you’re helping prepare military veterans for careers in microelectronics.
And you’re also reaching talent at historically-black colleges and universities, like Morgan State University and North Carolina A&T, advancing areas like electromagnetic warfare, 5G and 6G wireless, and commercial leap-ahead technologies.
Across the country, this network of hubs now represents a committed community — of innovators, transition owners, academic leaders, defense industry stakeholders, government program managers, and prototyping and manufacturing facilities, that are together accelerating microelectronics development and production — all to meet DoD’s needs, and many with dual-use applications.
It’s been exciting to see our vision for the Microelectronics Commons become a reality over the last year. And we’re looking forward to the progress that we’ll see in the years to come: as the hubs continue to evolve their operational models, as new projects get awarded and funded, and as our investments deliver for the warfighter at greater speed and scale.
Together, you exemplify what America can do when we’re faced with a pressing challenge.
You’re showing the world — and especially our strategic competitors — what we’re capable of.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, University of Canberra
Lower petrol prices and an electricity rebate have contributed to a further fall in the quarterly measure of inflation, the Consumer Price Index.
The rate in the September quarter dropped to 2.8%, putting it for the first time within the Reserve Bank’s target range of two-point-something since the March quarter of 2020.
The fall was broadly in keeping with market expectations, and keeps low the likelihood of an interest rate cut this year. The next Reserve Bank meeting is scheduled for Tuesday.
The bank pays more attention to the long-running quarterly measure of the CPI than the more volatile monthly version which already dropped into its target range in August.
The quarterly CPI is also more important because it is included in all sorts of workplace and other contracts and indexation formulas.
The main reason for the fall in inflation was the electricity rebates announced in the federal budget and by some states.
Also helping were the falls in petrol prices, mainly reflecting declines in global oil prices. Cheaper or free public transport in Brisbane, Canberra, Hobart and Darwin also contributed.
Preventing a larger fall were the continuing strong growth in insurance costs and rent. The rise in insurance costs reflects a series of extreme weather events such as bushfires and floods. It is a way in which climate change is exacerbating inflation.
Contrary to what many people think, the increase in rents is not due to landlords passing on higher interest rates. Landlords may want to do this but they are only able if vacancy rates are low, otherwise tenants just move elsewhere.
History shows it is low vacancy rates that drive up rent regardless of the level of interest rates. The inability of landlords to pass on interest rate increases has been confirmed by a study just published by the Reserve Bank using tax return data.
It showed that only three cents of every dollar in extra interest costs is passed on.
The dramatically lower inflation rate puts Australia in a comparable position to the United States, whose inflation rate is 2.4%, the United Kingdom, whose inflation rate is 1.7% and New Zealand where it is 2.2%.
The US, UK and New Zealand all have inflation targets (or midpoints) of 2%, so inflation is now only slightly above the target in the US and New Zealand. It is actually below it in the UK. In response all three have cut their key policy interest rates.
Yet it is unlikely that the Reserve Bank will follow their lead until next year, despite growing pressure.
One reason is that, even after their cuts, interest rates in our three peers are still higher than in Australia, at around 4.75% to 5%.
But more importantly, the Bank has stressed recently that it pays more attention to the “underlying” rate of inflation, which looks through temporary measures such as the electricity subsidies. The Bank will only cut interest rates when they are “confident that inflation was moving sustainably towards the target range”.
The bank’s preferred measure of underlying inflation, the so-called trimmed mean, has also fallen.
But at 3.5%, it is still above the target. A positive aspect is that it has reached 3.5% ahead of the Bank’s most recent forecast which had 3.5% only being reached by the end of 2024.
As the then future governor Glenn Stevens remarked back in 1999,
“the long lags associated with the full impact of monetary policy changes mean that policy changes today must be made with a view not just to what is happening now, but what is likely to be happening in a year’s time and even beyond then”.
In other words we want to drive by looking ahead rather than just at the rear view mirror. The Bank is like a footballer who needs to head to where the ball will be rather than where it is now.
There is therefore a risk that if the Reserve Bank keeps interest rates high until inflation reaches the middle of the target, it will be too late to prevent the economy slowing too much and inflation will undershoot the target. This would likely be associated with unnecessarily high unemployment.
That is why the Reserve Bank board faces a difficult balancing act in taking its decisions.
John Hawkins was formerly a senior economist and forecaster in the Reserve Bank and the Australian Treasury.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Martin Liao and a written reply by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, in the Legislative Council today (October 30):
Question:
Regarding the second round of the Strive and Rise Programme (the Programme), will the Government inform this Council:
(1) given that the Strive and Rise Alumni Club (Alumni Club) under the Programme has organised a number of exchange tours to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and also offers local job tasting or internship programmes for Alumni Club members aged between 16 and 21, and it is reported that some Mainland multinational enterprises intend to hire mentee graduates of the Programme, whether the authorities will consider extending the job tasting or internship programmes of the Alumni Club to GBA, so that mentees may gain a deeper understanding of the development of GBA at an early stage and widen their horizons; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
(2) as it is reported that some mentors in the first round of the Programme were unable to spare time and participate in the activities with their mentees due to their busy schedules, and remained unaware of the emotional issues among the mentees by the end of the first round of the Programme, whether the authorities will make appropriate adjustments to the mentorship mechanism in the second round of the Programme to accommodate mentees with special needs and arrange for the mentors to receive training first, so as to help the mentors identify and address the emotional needs of the mentees; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
(3) as it is learnt that a number of interest classes offered to mentees under the basic training sessions of the Programme are very popular among the mentees, but the costs of the interest classes in sport, musical instruments, art, etc, are too high that it is difficult to meet mentees’ long-term learning needs despite a subsidy totalling $10,000 is provided to them in two phases under the Programme, whether the authorities will introduce measures and collaborate with schools and various sectors where practicable, so as to support mentees in continuing to develop their interests; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
(4) as there are views that the Child Development Fund is similar to the Programme in nature and content, for example, both with the elements such as “personal development plan” and “mentorship”, whether the Government will consider reviewing their contents and make appropriate integration or project collaboration, so as to optimise resources; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
The second cohort of the Strive and Rise Programme (the Programme) was launched in October 2023, with a number of enhancement measures introduced with reference to the results from the impact assessment conducted by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University research team on the programme’s first cohort. The enhancement measures include increasing the number of mentees from 2 800 to 4 000 with the coverage expanded to Secondary 4 students, enriching the variety of group activities (such as organising more Mainland study and exchange tours), introducing mentorship groups, and establishing the Strive and Rise Alumni Club (the Alumni Club) for graduates.
The reply to the question raised by the Hon Martin Liao is as follows:
(1) Graduates of the first and second cohorts of the Programme will automatically become members of the Alumni Club established in November 2023. It organises different types of activities for the alumni, including exchange activities to the Mainland, with a view to broadening their social network and horizons, and sustaining the effectiveness of the programme. Also, the Alumni Club provides short-term five-day job tasting/internship opportunities for alumni aged 16 or above to assist them in identifying their talents and career aspirations. It will continue, in collaboration with supporting organisations, to line up Mainland study and exchange tours as well as various experiential activities, including visits to workplaces of different enterprises, to help alumni understand the development and prospects of different industries on the Mainland, widen their horizons and set goals for their future.
(2) One of the enhancement measures implemented in the second cohort of the Programme is the introduction of mentorship groups on top of the one-to-one mentor-mentee pairing, under which two to three pairs of mentors and mentees would form a mentorship group to participate in group activities and exchanges for better interaction, sharing and support. When matching mentors and mentees, consideration will be given to the latter’s career aspirations and hobbies/interests, as well as their gender, language and special needs (e.g. special educational needs (SENs)). The programme also provided different kinds of training for mentors, including basic and advanced training, and skills for interacting with mentees with SENs or from ethnic minority groups and their parents. If mentors encounter difficulties in offering guidance to mentees, they may contact the respective District Organisers which will arrange social workers to render support as appropriate.
(2) The enhanced Programme consists of a one-year intensive foundation programme and two years of activities in the Alumni Club. In the first year of the Programme, a start-up sum of $5,000 is awarded to student participants for implementing their personal development plans under the guidance of their mentors, whereas a scholarship of $5,000 is further awarded to student participants upon completion of the Programme for their own deployment by applying the financial planning skills acquired. Graduates will automatically become members of the Alumni Club and can continue to participate in its whole-person development activities covering six major aspects, namely Financial Education, Career and Life Planning, Leadership Development, Sports and Healthy Lifestyle, Arts and Cultural Expressions, and Social Networking and Civic Engagement, as well as job tasting/internship opportunities, with a view to broadening their social network and horizons while continuing to facilitate their development of talents and interests.
(4) In 2023, the Social Welfare Department completed a review of the Child Development Fund Programme (CDF Programme) to enhance its uniqueness and ensure effective use of resources in supporting underprivileged children. Relevant enhancement measures have been introduced to the projects launched in March 2024. For example, target participants have been changed from students of Primary 4 to Secondary 4 to students of Primary 3 to Primary 6, so that underprivileged children can benefit at an early developmental stage from the CDF Programme, including development of savings habits, good characters and positive values through the three components of Personal Development Plan, Mentorship, and Targeted Savings. The enhanced CDF Programme complements the Strive and Rise Programme which focuses on supporting Secondary 1 to 4 students from underprivileged families. The two programmes complement each other in catering to the needs of Primary and Secondary students from underprivileged families at their different developmental stages.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ8: Members of public engaging in outdoor activities under inclement weather LCQ8: Members of public engaging in outdoor activities under inclement weather ******************************************************************************
Following is a question by the Hon Steven Ho and a written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, in the Legislative Council today (October 30): Question: It has been reported that whenever a typhoon hits Hong Kong, some members of the public will recklessly disregard warnings and purposely go to the seaside to “chase wind”, and some people will even engage in outdoor activities such as hiking and surfing under extreme weather. There are views pointing out that such behaviour not only endangers their own lives and safety, but also wastes the Government’s rescue resources and leads to casualties among rescuers. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: (1) of the following information on cases received by the Government in each of the past five years where members of the public encountered danger and sought assistance while engaging in outdoor activities when weather warnings were in force: the number of such cases, the types of outdoor activities involved, the number of search and rescue (S&R) personnel, the casualties among the S&R personnel, and the public expenditure involved; (2) given that the existing legislation empowers the authorities to close beaches or country parks when necessary, and it is an offence to enter such closed beaches or country parks without permission, of the number of prosecutions instituted by the authorities in the past three years in respect of the aforesaid offence; (3) of the work undertaken by the Government in the past three years to prohibit members of the public from entering dangerous areas such as waterfronts, riversides and hills when weather warnings were in force (including putting up notices and disseminating warning messages through the media), as well as the expenditure involved (with a breakdown by work initiative); and (4) whether it has considered imposing charges on those members of the public who encounter danger and seek assistance as a result of riskily engaging in outdoor activities under inclement weather (e.g. requiring them to bear a certain proportion of the S&R expenditure), so as to achieve a deterrent effect; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that? Reply: President, The Government strongly discourages the public from taking risks to engage in outdoor activities under inclement weather. It will continue to remind members of the public through various channels of the risks of engaging in outdoor activities under inclement weather, and step up enforcement actions. Under extreme weather conditions, such as when the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or above, or the Black Rainstorm Warning are in force, mountain-climbing or other water sports activities will become even more dangerous. In case of an accident, it will also put rescuers in a dangerous situation. In consultation with the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and the Environment and Ecology Bureau, our consolidated reply to the question raised by the Hon Steven Ho is as follows: (1) Between January 1, 2020 and September 30, 2024, the Fire Services Department (FSD), the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF), and the Government Flying Service have been deployed for mountain rescue arising from camping or hiking and immersion incidents arising from swimming or surfing when an Amber, Red or Black Rainstorm Warning, or Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 3 or above was in force. Details are as follows:
Year Number of mountain rescue incidents Staff deployed Number of immersion incidents Staff deployed
2020 1 22 2 32
2021 5 58 2 38
2022 10 71 1 33
2023 23 352 16 334
2024(as at September 30) 21 146 3 72
The above deployments did not result in any casualties among the rescuers. The rescue teams have not maintained a statistical breakdown of the operating cost. (2) As far as temporary closure of beaches is concerned, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) has, in addition to giving advice on multiple occasions, issued a total of four verbal warnings in the past three years to persons entering/intending to enter temporarily closed beaches for water sports activities. During the period, no prosecution was instituted against non-compliance with the temporary closure of beaches. As regards the hoisting of red flags at unclosed beaches, the LCSD has, in addition to giving advice on multiple occasions, successfully instituted one prosecution against water sports activities illegally conducted within the area of gazetted beaches in the past three years. Furthermore, during the law enforcement operation at Big Wave Bay Beach on October 25, 2024, two members of the public were found to have committed the acts of illegal surfing during hoisting of red flags at the unclosed beach, suspected of contravening the Bathing Beaches Regulation. An investigation by the LCSD is underway into such a case and prosecution is under consideration. On the other hand, in the past three years, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) had not closed country parks due to inclement weather. The AFCD will consider the closure of country parks having regard to the actual situation and when necessary. (3) During temporary closure of beaches and hoisting of red flags at unclosed beaches, beach staff will advise or verbally warn members of the public who are oblivious to the dangers at sea for their action jeopardising their own safety and that of rescuers. The LCSD will also consider instituting prosecutions against wrongdoers to serve as deterrence. Generally, members of the public heed the advice from the staff in virtually all cases. The above work does not involve additional expenditure. When adverse weather warnings (such as Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 3 or Rain Storming Warnings) are about to be issued or while these are in force, the AFCD will appeal to members of the public to refrain from going to the country parks through news broadcasts and social media platforms. Moreover, the AFCD will regularly utilise the social media and other communication channels to promote hiking safety, and remind members of the public to avoid visiting country parks during adverse weather. The above work forms part of the AFCD management of country parks, and therefore does not involve additional expenditure. Whenever a Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal is in force, the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) will remind the public to stay away from the shoreline and refrain from conducting any water sports activities. When a Rainstorm Warning Signal is in force, the HKO will remind the public to stay away from watercourses, and to stay alert to the possible dangers of flooding of the watercourses even after the Rainstorm Warning is cancelled. Other weather warnings or alerts are also accompanied by corresponding points to note. The HKO currently disseminates the above information to the public through various channels, including the HKO’s website, the mobile application MyObservatory, and social media platforms. The relevant operation and maintenance expenses have been subsumed into the recurrent cost of the HKO which cannot be further broken down. (4) The Government has always accorded top priority to public safety and the protection of people’s life and property. When calls for various emergencies are received, the HKPF and the FSD will immediately assess the nature of each incident and deploy appropriate resources to the scene. The Government strongly discourages the public from taking risks to perform outdoor activities under inclement weather, as these activities will bring significant risks not only to the members of the public themselves, but also to the rescue personnel deployed in case of emergency. Notwithstanding the above, people’s lives are a top priority, and the Government will provide effective, reliable and efficient emergency services to people in distress or in need under all circumstances. The last thing we want to see is those in need being deterred from seeking emergency call services due to any reasons, including the charging of a levy.
Ends/Wednesday, October 30, 2024Issued at HKT 12:20
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Joephy Chan and a written reply by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, in the Legislative Council today (October 30):
Question:
In his 2022 Policy Address, the Chief Executive set a target of reducing the pollution load at identified outfalls emanating stench in specific districts (including Tsuen Wan) by half before the end of this year. It has been reported that the Government department concerned has indicated recently that the aforesaid target has been achieved ahead of the schedule, and the pollution load of the Tsuen Wan waterfront has been reduced by about 80 per cent. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) as it has been reported that the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) indicated last month that 70 cases of misconnection of drains had been found in Tsuen Wan and, among them, 36 cases had been rehabilitated or were under acceptance inspection, of the specific locations of such cases of drain misconnections and the specific rehabilitation measures taken; as for the remaining cases of drain misconnections pending rehabilitation, of the Government’s rehabilitation works plan and timetable;
(2) as the EPD has indicated that following the rehabilitation of misconnected drains, the next task is to continue to identify other sources of pollutants, of the progress and targets of such task and the plans in place to monitor the water quality situation of the Tsuen Wan waterfront, for example, whether prosecution will be instituted against property owners involved in the misconnections of drains to prevent recurrence of similar problems; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
(3) upon the completion of the drain rehabilitation works mentioned in (1), of the specific measures put in place by the Government to ensure that the drains can be effectively maintained and managed on a long-term basis, and whether such measures cover preventive maintenance and contingency rehabilitation plans; whether the Government will introduce new technologies to enhance the durability and operation efficiency of drains;
(4) whether the Government has plans to extend across the territory the successful experience and fruitful outcomes of rehabilitating drains at the Tsuen Wan waterfront as well as the techniques applied, so as to improve the overall pollution load and odour intensity of the waterfront of Hong Kong; whether the Government will collaborate with environmental groups and experts to jointly take forward the work of ameliorating pollution at the waterfront;
(5) as it has been reported that the Government has installed monitoring systems at the Tsuen Wan Sports Centre to monitor on an ongoing basis the odour changes of the Tsuen Wan waterfront, of the details of the data collected by such monitoring systems (including ways to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data); of the water and air quality data of the Tsuen Wan waterfront collected by the Government over the past two years, and whether such data shows a trend of progressive improvement; and
(6) whether the Government has short-term and long-term plans to continuously improve the water quality and odour of the Tsuen Wan waterfront; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
The Government has all along been attached great importance to improving the water quality of Victoria Harbour. Since the launch of the Harbour Area Treatment Scheme by the Government, all sewage generated from both sides of Victoria Harbour, including Tsuen Wan District, has been intercepted and diverted to the Stonecutters Island Sewage Treatment Works for centralised treatment. As a result, the overall water quality of Victoria Harbour has improved significantly. The Cross Harbour Race, which was suspended for years due to poor water quality, has resumed since 2011 and has returned to its traditional route in the central area of Victoria Harbour since 2017. To further ameliorate the remaining near-shore water quality and odour problems of Victoria Harbour, the Chief Executive set out the target in the 2022 Policy Address to reduce the pollution load by half before end-2024 at stormwater outfalls with serious pollution problems along both sides of Victoria Harbour, in particular in Tsuen Wan, Sham Shui Po and Kowloon City districts. Since then, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has conducted large-scale pollution source investigations mainly in the three priority areas mentioned above. More than 8 000 stormwater and sewage manholes have been inspected, with nearly 2 000 water samples collected for chemical and Escherichia coli (E. coli) level analyses. We have also identified pollution sources by way of dye-tracing tests, detection robot, ground penetrating radar (GPR), sonar inspection boat and other advanced equipment, while working closely with the Drainage Services Department (DSD) and the Buildings Department (BD) to rehabilitate defective sewers. With the progressive completion of rehabilitation works, the overall pollution load at the relevant outfalls in the above three priority areas has been reduced by about 80 per cent and the odour problem has also been ameliorated significantly, which is widely welcomed by residents in the vicinity.
My reply to the question raised by the Hon Joephy Chan is as follows:
(1) Most of the cases found in Tsuen Wan District are concentrated in areas of earlier development, such as Chung On Street (Tai Pei Square, Yi Pei Square, Sam Pei Square and Sze Pei Square), Lo Tak Court and the area around Heung Wo Street, etc. To trace the pollution sources in Tsuen Wan District, the EPD made the best endeavour and inspected over 1 000 stormwater and sewage manholes, collected over 400 water samples for chemical and E. coli level analyses, and successfully identified a total of 70 locations of sewer misconnection in the district. With instant follow-ups and rectifications made in collaboration with the DSD and the BD, we have so far completed rehabilitation for 36 cases involving a higher pollution load, thereby reducing the overall pollution load by about 90 per cent. The distribution of sewer misconnection cases in the district is listed in Table 1. The remaining 34 sewer misconnection cases pending rectification are mainly confronted with a more complex construction environment or technical issues. For example, works are required to be carried out beneath busy vehicular accesses and in narrow back lanes with congested underground utilities, which significantly limit the available space for the works. Our target is to complete these remaining misconnection cases within this year to further improve the water quality and odour problem of the harbourfront in the district.
(2) In terms of progress and target for continuous identification of pollution sources, the EPD has implemented a continuous monitoring programme in Tsuen Wan District and adopted innovative tracking methods, including installing surveillance camera systems inside stormwater manholes at certain strategic locations to perform around-the-clock flow monitoring inside the manholes. When abnormal discharge is detected, the intelligence function will immediately issue an alert message for taking prompt follow-up actions. Compared with the traditional method of deploying staff to open manholes for inspection every time, this new method can monitor the flow of sewage from upstream into the stormwater systems continuously and identify the pollution sources, thus saving manpower. Besides, the EPD has applied other innovative technologies to monitor the conditions of drains, including deploying a sonar inspection boat and using a GPR to scan underground drains and sewers, which enable the generation of instant images to show the connections of underground stormwater drains and nearby sewers without digging up the roads. In order to continuously monitor the water quality of the Tsuen Wan harbourfront, the EPD has also set up three regular near-shore water quality monitoring stations at the near-shore locations of Tsuen Wan Bay near the outfalls of Tai Chung Road, Ma Tau Pa Road and Tai Ho Road box culverts. Monthly sampling is conducted to monitor the water quality, with indicators including dissolved oxygen and organic pollutant levels (5-day biochemical oxygen demand), etc.
To rectify misconnection cases, the DSD carries out regular inspections of the conditions and structures of public sewerage and stormwater drainage systems. When defective sewers or manholes are found, rehabilitation works will be promptly arranged. As for misconnection cases in buildings, the BD will issue statutory repair/removal orders pursuant to the Buildings Ordinance (Cap. 123) to urge or order the property owners concerned to discharge their responsibilities to rectify the problems of sewer misconnection. For cases which remain non-compliant after receipt of such orders, the BD will take appropriate enforcement actions according to the circumstances. Among the 30 ongoing misconnection cases in buildings in Tsuen Wan District, 22 cases are undergoing rectification, while the BD will continue to follow up the remaining eight cases, for which statutory orders have been issued.
(3) Upon completion of the pipe rehabilitation works, the DSD will conduct regular inspections and clearances of sediment from the drainage pipe system to ensure its proper functioning. Furthermore, the DSD will inspect and assess the operational and structural conditions of the existing underground channels according to their plans. Following a risk-based principle, appropriate replacement and rehabilitation plans are formulated in an orderly manner, including deploying different methods to install fibreglass or polyester fibre linings in the existing pipes through trenchless excavation, thereby enhancing the maintenance of the drainage system. These advanced technologies for pipe replacement and rehabilitation can maintain the reliability of the drainage system and at the same time reduce the impact on the public during the construction period. The contractors of the DSD have also reserved materials for rehabilitating drainage pipes and manpower for emergency deployment to carry out urgent pipe rehabilitation works. Meanwhile, the DSD is committed to the development and application of various innovative technologies and machinery to assist in drainage service operations, including remote-controlled desilting robots and pipeline inspection robots, the use of drones for pipeline closed-circuit television surveys, and smart water level sensors. These devices can not only enhance the efficiency of drainage service operations, but can also reduce the risks of works and protect the safety of workers.
(4) Based on the success case in rehabilitating sewer misconnections in Tsuen Wan District, the EPD has extended the techniques applied therein to other priority areas and has been in close communication with various organisations and university research teams to pool our wisdom and work together for improving the harbourfront environment. In particular, the EPD has since 2022 engaged a team from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) to install monitoring instruments at the Tsuen Wan Sports Centre, specifically monitoring the concentration of hydrogen sulphide (H2S), which is an air pollutant associated with odours at the Tsuen Wan harbourfront. The DSD also worked with another HKUST team to jointly develop new technologies. By deploying large curtains and Malodour Control Hydrogel at the outlets of box drains along the coast, the emission of malodour is inhibited. Looking ahead, the Government will continue to collaborate with experts from various fields to adopt innovation and practicable solutions to further consolidate the achievements in ameliorating the water quality and odour problems of Victoria Harbour.
(5) To objectively assess the actual effectiveness of rectification of misconnections in improving the odour levels in harbourfront areas, the Government has installed odour monitoring instruments at the Tsuen Wan Sports Centre and other locations along Victoria Harbour shorelines to continuously monitor odour changes in harbourfront areas. A team from the HKUST will conduct regular maintenance and calibration for the monitoring instruments, and verify the collected data to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the monitoring data. The monitoring data collected from the Tsuen Wan harbourfront revealed that the concentration of H2S, which is the key cause of odour, showed a significant downward trend. The H2S concentration recorded in August 2024 was 80 per cent lower when compared to that in early 2022. The records of monthly average concentration data are shown in Figure 1 and Table 2.
As for water quality, the monitoring data recorded in the waters near three stormwater drain outlets at the Tsuen Wan West harbourfront showed that the near-shore water quality in the area has undergone significant improvement. The overall average dissolved oxygen level in seawater has increased by about 30 per cent, while the content of organic pollutants has decreased by about 40 per cent. The annual average water quality data recorded at the near-shore water quality monitoring stations are shown in Table 3.
The EPD interviewed members of the public at the Tsuen Wan harbourfront in August this year. Seventy-five per cent of the respondents agreed that the odour problem at the harbourfront had improved, with half of them considering the improvement to be significant.
(6) In order to continuously improve the water quality and odour problems at the Tsuen Wan harbourfront, apart from the short-term measures including investigating and rectifying misconnections as mentioned in (2) to (4), the Government will continue to implement the following medium-to-long-term improvement measures:
(i) Desilting Works: Regular desilting works will be carried out for the three main box culverts (stormwater drains in Tai Chung Road, Tai Ho Road and Ma Tau Pa Road) in Tsuen Wan District to reduce the discharge of pollutants or sediments from the stormwater drains into the near-shore waters;
(ii) Sewer Replacement and Rehabilitation Works: To prevent leakeage of sewers from affecting the water quality along the Tsuen Wan harbourfront, the Government will undertake public works projects to rehabilitate some of the aged underground sewers in Tsuen Wan District. As at December 2023, approximately 11 kilometres of sewers in Tsuen Wan District were undergoing replacement and rehabilitation, and the works are expected to be completed in phases by end-2026; and
(iii) Village Sewerage Sytems: Village sewerage works for Chuen Lung and Lo Wai are expected to be completed by end-2025. Moreover, village sewerage works are also underway in rural areas in Tsuen Wan District, namely San Tsuen, Wo Yi Hop and Sheung Kwai Chung. The works projects will commence upon completion of land acquisition procedures and funding approval by the Legislative Council, and the works are expected to be completed in three to five years.
All in all, the Government will continue to take forward various improvement and monitoring measures to strive for turning the Tsuen Wan harbourfront into a new landmark of water-friendly culture.
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
Sergei Sobyanin congratulated Muscovites on Coach’s Day and wished everyone who works in this field success in their work.
“Today, Russia celebrates Coach’s Day. This is an opportunity to pay tribute to the most important people in the lives of athletes, those who pass on their invaluable experience and support them throughout their careers,” the Moscow Mayor noted on his Telegram channel.
Source: Sergei Sobyanin’s Telegram channel @mos_sobyanin
More than 3.4 thousand specialists are involved in training athletes in Moscow, 350 of whom hold the title of “Honored Trainer of Russia”.
“In addition, the number of amateurs who regularly engage in physical culture is growing, so specialized specialists are in great demand. There are many sports dynasties in Moscow. Children, inspired by their parents, follow in their footsteps. First they do it themselves, then they start teaching,” added Sergei Sobyanin.
An example of the capital’s sports dynasty is the spouses Raisa and Sergey Galperin, who have trained more than one generation of successful athletes. Both are honored coaches of Russia. Their sons Gleb and Egor also linked your life with sports.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
The Sportland family festival will be held in Gostiny Dvor on November 1 and 2 from 11:00 to 19:00. It will be held with the support of the capital’s Department of Sports. The festival will feature more than 50 sports, master classes, competitions and other events.
Thus, the organizers will offer participants to take the route “Sport as a Game”, where they will get acquainted with different sports in a game format. Among them are rugby, boxing, roller sports, rock climbing, tug-of-war, wushu, shooting, golf, fishing, sword fighting, parachute and kettlebell lifting, sports dancing and others.
The interactive exhibition of the Sportland Expo festival will tell guests about strategic and developmental games, fitness programs, new and traditional forms of joint leisure and recreation, and will also present the products and services of partners in the healthy lifestyle industry.
The festival will feature a program called “Family Competitive Testing” and for the first time will host open Moscow family games called “My Family – My Team”. Everyone is welcome to participate – both a full family team and a child accompanied by one of the parents. The conditions can be found on the website. Following the competition, everyone will receive a medal for participation, and the winners will be awarded sets of useful paraphernalia with the symbols of “Moscow Sport”.
In addition, the main stage will host a non-stop multi-genre competition for young athletes and artists, “Sport as Art”.
For the most active participants, the event organizers and partners have prepared prizes. Every day at certain hours, the “Time of Gifts” campaign will be held.
Entry to the festival is free, with prior registration. You can register and also find out the detailed schedule of all events on the website festival. Guests of the festival will need to bring comfortable clothes and shoes. First of all, the festival is waiting for parents with children who want to choose a sport and participate in competitions with their family.
“Sportland” is an interactive platform that unites organizations that work in the field of mass sports, healthy lifestyle, family leisure and children’s creativity. The main goal of the festival is to form a healthy lifestyle and joint family leisure. The event is dedicated to the Year of the Family. It contributes to the implementation of the national project “Demography”, as well as the regional project “Sport is the Norm of Life”. More information about this and other national projects implemented in Moscow can be found on a special page.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
As part of the formation of a sports cluster in the Mnevnikovskaya floodplain, the construction of the Alexander Ovechkin International Hockey Academy continues. This was reported by the Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the capital’s Department of Urban Development Policy Vladislav Ovchinsky.
“The main building of the Alexander Ovechkin International Hockey Academy will have training grounds and two ice arenas. One of them will have an auditorium for 1,500 seats. A multifunctional conference hall will also be equipped here. A hotel for athletes and a recovery and rehabilitation center are being built on the territory of the academy. In addition, as part of the formation of a sports cluster, they plan to build a beach sports center and a year-round water recreation and entertainment complex here,” explained Vladislav Ovchinsky.
In addition, Mnevnikovskaya floodplain will have well-equipped tennis courts, volleyball, streetball, and workout courts. They will also build an ice and multi-purpose sports palace, an ice palace, a multi-functional building with a curling arena, a billiards palace, a rowing base, and a building for the CSKA basketball club.
“A large sports cluster is being formed on the territory of the Mnevnikovskaya floodplain, for the construction of facilities for which the city is providing land as part of the implementation of large-scale investment projects. Thus, over three hectares have been allocated for the construction of the Alexander Ovechkin International Hockey Academy, almost 2.5 hectares for a multifunctional ice palace for the Russian curling team, over 3.6 hectares for a complex with two ice arenas, martial arts and gymnastics halls, and a tennis center will appear on an area of 2.2 hectares,” said the Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Department of City Property of the capital
To implement large-scale investment projects, investors are provided with land without bidding. In addition to sports facilities, production complexes, innovation centers, social institutions, transport, commercial and other facilities can receive the status of such a project. For their construction, the city provides plots for rent for five years.
On the instructions of Sergei Sobyanin, the city is paying special attention to the quality of sports infrastructure facilities. As noted by the Chairman of the Committee for State Construction Supervision of Moscow (Mosgosstroynadzor) Anton Slobodchikov, since the start of construction of the academy last summer, Mosgosstroynadzor has conducted five on-site inspections. Inspectors assessed the volume of work performed, the organization of the construction site, and compliance with safety requirements. Specialists from the subordinate Expertise Center were involved in the inspections. They conducted instrumental studies of the quality of structures and materials used, as well as their compliance with design documentation.
Earlier Sergei Sobyanin reportedthat after the completion of the integrated development of the Mnevnikovskaya floodplain territory, a sports cluster with a total area of about 500 thousand square meters will appear here.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Kansas City Navy Week brings Sailors from across the fleet to the area to emphasize the importance of the Navy to Kansas City, the states of Missouri and Kansas, and the nation.
More than 50 Sailors will participate in education and community outreach events throughout the city.
Participating Navy organizations include Navy Band Great Lakes, USS Constitution, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, Navy Talent Acquisition Group Mid-America, Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron Two, Navy History and Heritage Command, The Strike Group, Fleet Outreach Ambassador Team (FLOAT), Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Office of Small Business Programs, Office of Civilian Human Resources, Naval Reserve Center Kansas City, and Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Kansas City (LCS 22).
The Navy’s senior executive is Rear Adm. Larry Watkins, Vice Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe/Vice Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa. He commissioned through the University of Missouri-Columbia Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps program in December 1990, graduating with an economics degree. He is also a 2012 graduate of Webster University with a Master of Business Administration and completed Joint Professional Military Education curriculum at Army Command & General Staff College. During Kansas City Navy Week, he is participating in community engagements, and meeting with local organizations, higher education, local business, civic, and government leaders.
Navy Weeks are a series of outreach events coordinated by the Navy Office of Community Outreach designed to give Americans an opportunity to learn about the Navy, its people, and its importance to national security and prosperity. Since 2005, the Navy Week program has served as the Navy’s flagship outreach effort into areas of the country without a significant Navy presence, providing the public a firsthand look at why the Navy matters to cities like Kansas City.
“Sailors are the reason America’s Navy is the most powerful in the world,” said NAVCO’s director, Cmdr. Julie Holland. “We are thrilled to bring your Navy Warfighters to Kansas City. At Navy Weeks, Americans will connect with Sailors who have strong character, competence, and dedication to the mission, and who continue a nearly 250-year tradition of decisive power from seabed to cyberspace.”
Throughout the week, Sailors are participating in various community events across the area, including ceremonial celebrations at Harry S. Truman Museum, WWI Museum, and Negro League Baseball Museum; volunteering with the Kansas City Urban Youth Academy, Habitat for Humanity Kansas City, Bishop Sullivan’s Center, Happy Bottoms, and Thelma’s Kitchen; and engaging with students across multiple high schools. Residents will also enjoy free live music by Navy Band Great Lakes at venues throughout the week.
Kansas City Navy Week is the last of 15 Navy Weeks in 2024, which brings a variety of assets, equipment, and personnel to a single city for a weeklong series of engagements designed to bring America’s Navy closer to the people it protects. Each year, the program reaches more than 130 million people — about half the U.S. population.
Media organizations wishing to cover Kansas City Navy Week events should contact Ensign Lamar Badger at (901) 229-5709 or erick.l.badger.mil@us.navy.mil.
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Darnell Bishop, 32, of Benton Harbor, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for kidnapping and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
“Mr. Bishop’s criminal scheme, had it succeeded, would have flooded the streets of southwest Michigan with illegal guns,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “The proliferation of illegal guns is one cause behind the gun violence epidemic we are experiencing in Benton Harbor, across the state, and across the nation. I am grateful to our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners for their swift and smart response that prevented the worst from happening. Moving forward, we will continue to focus our efforts on those few individuals who are driving gun violence in their communities.”
Bishop was charged along with his brother and codefendant, Dontrell Nance, for the theft of 123 handguns from Benton Harbor Dunham’s Sports Store. Bishop and Nance kidnapped the Dunham’s manager from outside the manager’s home using a pistol, blindfolded and handcuffed him, took him to a second location, and threatened the manager into providing the alarm code for Dunham’s. Bishop then went to the store and stole 123 pistols, which he carried away in two large coolers. Law enforcement has since recovered all the firearms.
Nance previously pled guilty to kidnapping and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. He was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison.
“Today’s sentence is an example of our commitment to our industry partners and their employees, that their safety and security is one of ATF’s top priorities,” said Detroit Field Division Special Agent in Charge James Deir. “Mr. Bishop and his cohorts need to be held accountable for their actions and represent the most deserving of Federal prosecution. They are criminals who put personal greed before the safety of Dunham’s employees and their families. Now, they will have plenty of time in prison to reflect on their wrongdoing.”
“Mr. Bishop’s sentencing brings closure to a community left rattled by a violent attack against Dunham’s Sports and its manager in a plot to traffic over 100 illegal guns into our streets,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “I am thankful for the cooperation of our law enforcement partners, especially the Benton Harbor Safe Streets Task Force, whose prompt response thwarted this plot and averted potentially devastating consequences.”
This case was investigated by the Benton Charter Township Police Department, Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety, Berrien County Sheriff’s Department, Michigan State Police, ATF, and FBI.
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The previous press releases, complaint, and press conference can be viewed at the following links here, here, here, here, and here.
WOODS CROSS, Utah, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sky Quarry Inc. (NASDAQ: SKYQ) (“Sky Quarry ” or the “Company”), an integrated energy solutions company committed to revolutionizing the waste asphalt shingle recycling industry, today announced two key appointments. Darryl Delwo, CPA, a seasoned finance and accounting executive, was previously named Chief Financial Officer effective August 20, 2024, and Cyla Apache has recently been promoted to Vice President of Finance. These appointments reflect Sky Quarry’s focus on strengthening its finance leadership as it advances its growth strategy as a publicly listed company on Nasdaq.
Darryl Delwo brings over 28 years of experience to the role and was promoted after serving as Vice President of Finance at Sky Quarry since 2020. Previously, Mr. Delwo served as Chief Financial Officer of Noralta Technologies Inc., an integrated SaaS provider primarily servicing the oil & gas market. Prior to that, Mr. Delwo was Controller and Acting CFO for the start-up company Sulvaris Inc., supporting the venture funding to recommence project construction. He has also served in Controller roles at Black Diamond Energy Services, Wholesale Sports, and Regus Canada. Mr. Delwo holds CPA and CMA designations in Canada, along with a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting from Athabasca University.
Cyla Apache brings over six years of controllership experience. She is a motivated leader with a strong background in implementing software and developing efficient workflows. Additionally, Ms. Apache has extensive knowledge of tax law and demonstrates how an accounting department can drive revenue and profitability. She holds an MBA, an MS in Accounting, a CPA designation from the California State Board of Accountancy, and an Enrolled Agent designation from the IRS.
“After more than four years as VP of Finance, Mr. Delwo’s promotion to CFO is a natural step,” said David Sealock, CEO of Sky Quarry. “His 28 years of experience and proven leadership will be invaluable as we grow as a Nasdaq-listed company and advance our capital markets strategy. Alongside Ms. Apache’s promotion to Vice President of Finance, these leadership additions enhance our ability to drive operational excellence and execute our strategic and financial priorities, all with a focus on value-added growth and commitment to our shareholders.”
About Sky Quarry Inc.
Sky Quarry Inc. (NASDAQ: SKYQ) and its subsidiaries are, collectively, an oil production, refining, and a development-stage environmental remediation company formed to deploy technologies to facilitate the recycling of waste asphalt shingles and remediation of oil-saturated sands and soils. Our waste-to-energy mission is to repurpose and upcycle millions of tons of asphalt shingle waste, diverting them from landfills. By doing so, we can contribute to improved waste management, promote resource efficiency, conserve natural resources, and reduce environmental impact. For more information, please visit skyquarry.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may include ”forward-looking statements.” All statements pertaining to our future financial and/or operating results, future events, or future developments may constitute forward-looking statements. The statements may be identified by words such as “expect,” “look forward to,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “seek,” “estimate,” “will,” “project,” or words of similar meaning. Such statements are based on the current expectations and certain assumptions of our management, of which many are beyond our control. These are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and factors, including but not limited to those described in our disclosures. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or should underlying expectations not occur or assumptions prove incorrect, actual results, performance, or our achievements may (negatively or positively) vary materially from those described explicitly or implicitly in the relevant forward-looking statement. We neither intend, nor assume any obligation, to update or revise these forward-looking statements in light of developments which differ from those anticipated. You are urged to carefully review and consider any cautionary statements and the Company’s other disclosures, including the statements made under the heading “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in the offering statement filed with the SEC. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of the document in which they are contained.
Investor Relations Chris Tyson Executive Vice President MZ Group – MZ North America 949-491-8235 SKYQ@mzgroup.us www.mzgroup.us
Like most children in Germany, Alex Honig played soccer, but he fell in love with football. Following in the footsteps of his father, who played football in Germany, he moved onto flag football, then tackle around age 13. He was rated the No. 1 quarterback and overall player in Germany, and excelled for the Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns, one of the top American football youth teams in Germany.
His college career started at Texas Christian University (TCU) and in 2023 he transferred to UConn. He played tight end in the first two games of the 2023 season before he suffered an injury during a routine block at Georgia State, costing him the rest of the season.
Dr. Robert Arciero, Sports Medicine Division chief in UConn Health’s Department of Orthopedic Surgery and head orthopedic team physician at UConn, saw Honig when the team returned.
Dr. Robert Arciero, Sports Medicine Division chief in UConn Health’s Department of Orthopedic Surgery and head orthopedic team physician at UConn
“It was obvious on the physical exam that Honig tore the ligament holding the kneecap,” Arciero says. “He’s a big man and plays in a rough sport, where you hit people on purpose, so it became obvious, to get him back and have him not have a recurrent dislocating patella, that we needed to fix it by repairing the ligament. And in his case, augmenting it with a graph to make it stronger.”
The team physicians from UConn Health help maximize performance, prevent injuries and get UConn athletes back on the field or court after illness or injury.
Arciero explains that every individual athlete gets the same level of care, which includes a topflight training staff at UConn, where trainers are with the athletes every time they are on the court or field. When they get injured, the team physicians are on speed dial. In Storrs, the team physicians see the athletes once a week and are able to see an athlete within hours of an injury. At UConn Health, advanced imaging capabilities enable prompt MRIs and CT scans.
“Frankly our surgery center has some of the most experienced anesthesiologists, surgical techs, nurses, and staff, which is why I bring my athletes here,” says Arciero ” because I know I am going to give them the best shot I can. It all comes from a mindset and dedication, but then having all these pieces in place that can respond make it top notch.
“We get many people back to being active, but getting athletes back to the elite level at the same professional level is the thing that drives us.”
If you play sports, you are potentially going to get hurt. The team physicians rapidly evaluate, diagnose and put treatment into place whether it is nonsurgical, rehabilitative, or in-depth surgery.
“The goal: They are happy and can return to their sport at the same level,” Arciero says. “That’s the key.”
Alex Honig, UConn Football (Photo Credit: UConn Athletics)
When Honig was taken out of the game, he realized he had a long road to recovery.
“Dr. Arciero walked me through the injury and laid out what I needed to recover,” says Honig. “I never had surgery before, and he was really good at explaining everything to me, including the surgery and the recovery process.”
“You have a discussion. Some people would argue that you can fix this without an operation, and that would be applicable to someone who is sedentary, where you let the ligament try to heal on his own, but this does not define Alex, who works out every day and plays a collision sport. So, it became a discussion with him. I told him we could choose not to operate on it, but if we chose that route, it would become a recurrent problem,” explains Arciero.
Trust is crucial for team physicians and athletes, and in addition to reputation, Arciero says the other part of trust is face time.
“Being with the team, showing up early on a travel flight, talking to the kids and coaches, and balancing that with being like paint on the wall, because no one likes the team doctor,” Arciero says. “We are like the grim reaper: We usually have bad news, and the only time we have good news is when we tell them they can go back to play.
“It’s important to talk to them about their problems, they are pretty smart, they have a lot of resources, and they will challenge you, but you need to sit with them, look them in the eye and answer their questions, and really make an effort that they understand – that’s how you build trust. You also have to be able to bring the goods and have good outcomes.”
According to Honig, the first few days were tough. Using crutches, sleeping and moving around were hard. He had to relearn how to walk, and the rehab was different from what he was used to when working out with heavy weights.
Honig says he had lots of support, listened to his body and talked with the doctors regularly, including weekly check-ins with Arciero to make sure rehab was going well. Honig found it easy to set goals and work toward them.
“It’s scary, but following the guiding hands of the doctors and the trainers who have been here before and are supportive, their confidence is contagious, and you trust them,” says Honig.
He adds: “Football is unique: you practice and prepare all year and have 12 chances to play the game after preparing all year. It was important for me to find a way to support the team while focusing on rehab.”
By January he felt confident running again. By spring practice in March, he was cleared to practice and play in the spring game while wearing a brace.
“It felt good and got the excitement going again. Personally, I feel like I have developed and changed my perspective,” says Honig.
Honig is back on the field, playing well in what has become an exciting season for the football team. He feels faster and stronger this season.
“Nothing makes me happier to see the player back on the field, when you see them on the sideline coming back after an injury and they say, ‘It’s all you, doc.’ That’s all I need,” says Arciero. “That’s what keeps a sports physician taking care of athletes.”
UConn Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine has a long tradition of providing medical care for the UConn Huskies, professional sports teams, and other organizations, and is proud to help keep some of the world’s top athletes on the field, on the court, and in the game.
And the best news? You don’t have to be a Husky to be seen by a Husky. UConn Health believes that everyone deserves world-class orthopedic care whether you’re an elite athlete, weekend warrior, or you hurt your shoulder while mowing the lawn.
Learn more about UConn Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine or request an appointment with a doctor.
Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki said a large-scale stress test for the Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) tonight was conducted smoothly and that the anticipated effects and test objectives were achieved with satisfactory results.
The aim was to test the operation and capability of the three venues and the supporting facilities in the vicinity during events with maximum attendance, with a view to ensuring the smooth operation of the KTSP upon its official commissioning in the first quarter of this year.
Over 60,000 participants simulated crowd flow during the test.
Mr Chan inspected the stress test and told reporters at a media session aftewards that the dispersal was very smooth.
“I really do not see any bottleneck actually, because the situation, I would say, is far better than my expectation.”
He added that the arrangements for participants entering and leaving the venue as well as public transport became more refined and orderly during the stress test, with all units able to respond promptly to deal with simulated emergencies.
Mr Chan expressed gratitude to various government departments, KTSP Limited and public transport operators for their preparation and co-ordination work.
He also thanked the personnel involved in the test, including civil servants from 77 bureaus and departments, community members, and residents of the Kai Tak area, for their full support and co-operation.
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko and Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev congratulated students on the holiday and summed up the development of student sports in the country. In 2024, the number of students regularly involved in physical education and sports exceeded 3.8 million people. At the all-Russian level, 140 official sports events were held among students in 65 sports.
“Student sports are the most important element of our country’s youth policy. As Russian President Vladimir Putin noted, Students’ Day is a holiday not only for students, but for the entire country. In 2024, we managed to significantly strengthen the infrastructure of student sports: the number of sports clubs doubled and reached 2.5 thousand, and student sports leagues cover all key areas of physical training. Thanks to this, the number of students regularly involved in physical education and sports exceeded 3.8 million people – 67% of the number of full-time students,” Dmitry Chernyshenko emphasized.
During the week of Student Day, events are held across the country as part of the All-Russian Student Festival “Sports Student Night”. Thousands of young people participate in the competitions: competitions are held on skating rinks, stadiums, swimming pools and sports halls. In addition to the competitions, competitions are held among sports communities and fan groups.
“In 2025, students will be able to attend such large-scale sporting events as the All-Russian Winter Festival of Mass Sports in Krasnoyarsk, the XXVII All-Russian Festival of Physical Education University Students with International Participation in Volgograd, the XV All-Russian Festival of Student Sports in Ulyanovsk, the All-Russian Forum of Student Sports Clubs and others,” the Deputy Prime Minister noted.
The development of student sports is one of the instructions of the President of Russia, recalled in turn the Minister of Sports Mikhail Degtyarev.
“The head of state set the task of maintaining a high level of sports events and involving young people in physical activity. In 2024, 140 official sports events among students in 65 sports were held at the all-Russian level. We continue to strengthen the traditions of student sports and create new opportunities for self-realization of young athletes,” he emphasized.
The head of the department noted that student sports play an important role in the education system.
“Universities and colleges not only provide academic knowledge, but by involving millions of students in regular training, they form sports habits in young people, which then help many in life,” he said. “In addition, we actively support scientific and educational initiatives in the field of sports: in 2024, nine scientific conferences were held on this topic, and the XI All-Russian Forum “Current Issues in the Development of Student Sports” generally defined the development strategy for this area until 2030.”
In addition, Russian students are actively involved in the volunteer movement. In particular, more than 60 students from the Kuban University of Physical Education, Sports and Tourism, subordinate to the Ministry of Sports, are currently working on the beaches of Anapa: cleaning sand contaminated with fuel oil, taking part in cleaning birds from fuel oil and building a shelter for injured animals, the Minister of Sports said.
The Russian Student Sports Union plays a key role in the development of student sports. In 2024, it was headed by Sergey Kryukov, who was supported by the Russian Ministry of Sports. Among other things, its special task will be the development of the voluntary sports society “Burevestnik”, which should find new life in modern student sports.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Pupils at Holbrooks Primary have taken up the vaccine superhero challenge from Coventry City Council and have achieved silver status and on their way to achieving gold.
A group of students were presented with an award and prizes by Councillor Kamran Caan, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Cllr George Duggins, Leader of the Council, for recognising the steps they have taken to learn about immunisation and designing a bug character as part of the programme.
The Vaccine Superhero programme, run by Coventry City Council’s Public Health and School-Aged Immunisation Service (SAIS), is currently working with twenty-six primary and SEND schools with two schools attaining Silver awards and Holbrooks working towards Gold.
Cllr Kamran Caan, Cabinet Member for Public Health, Sport and Communities at the Council said:
“I’d like to congratulate Holbrooks Primary for their hard work and commitment in achieving silver status in this important Vaccine Superhero programme.
“I am delighted to see that here in Coventry, our schools, communities, public health and NHS teams have been working hard together to address the concerning rise in of vaccine preventable illnesses, such as measles.
“It’s not too late for other schools to sign up for the scheme. For more information, search vaccine superhero on the Council website.”
Nicki Kelsall, Deputy Headteacher at Holbrooks Primary School, added:
“At Holbrook Primary School, we recognise the importance of childhood immunisations to ensure that children have the best possible protection against dangerous diseases. By educating the children in a fun and exciting way we hope to increase the uptake of immunisations in our community and ensure that the children are fully protected to have a healthy start in life.”
Attendees were provided with an overview of the programme’s progress to date, celebrated the achievements of participating schools, and welcomed new schools to the programme.
Since the launch of the programme, pupils have delved into the world of microbes, learning about their roles, appearance, functions, and how to prevent illness.
Schools have been highly engaged, participating in various creative activities with Hill Farm Primary School recently earning a Silver award through an experiment by investigating mold growth on bread and its relation to the role of microbes in vaccines. Holbrooks Primary School is on track for the first Gold award, having started their journey before the summer break.
The Government of Canada is making investments in tourism across British Columbia to attract visitors and drive local economic growth
October 29, 2024 – Kelowna, British Columbia – PacifiCan
British Columbia is home to breathtaking natural attractions and outdoor recreation experiences that bring the world to our doorstep. Tourism is important to Canada’s economy and creates good jobs in communities, from major city centres to rural and remote areas, to Indigenous communities. In the Thompson Okanagan, tourism business owners, operators and entrepreneurs have ambitious plans and PacifiCan is here to support those ambitions.
Today the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced $727,500 in funding through PacifiCan’s Tourism Growth Program for four organizations based in the Thompson Okanagan. This funding will help enhance outdoor recreation, increase visitors to smaller communities and promote sustainable tourism in B.C.’s southern interior.
As part of today’s announcement, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Foundation is receiving $250,000 in funding to restore the historic Adra Tunnel on the Kettle Valley Rail Trail in Naramata. Revitalizing the tunnel will preserve a vital piece of B.C.’s rail heritage, connect communities across the Okanagan, and attract more visitors to the region. Originally built for trains, the tunnel will soon be a pathway for hikers and cyclists, allowing outdoor enthusiasts to access and explore this early 20th-century landmark.
Silver Star Freestyle Club is receiving $250,000 to create a state-of-the-art freestyle ski and snowboard training park at SilverStar Mountain Resort in Vernon. This new facility will feature specialized equipment, including a landing airbag and a variety of terrain features to accommodate athletes of all skill levels. The project is expected to elevate the resort’s global reputation as a top destination for year-round activities, provide provincial, national and international snow sport training opportunities, and draw more visitors to the region.
Other investments included in today’s announcements are:
$65,000 for Hunters Range Snowmobile Association to upgrade its grooming equipment and trail infrastructure in Enderby for an improved rider experience
$162,500 for Wine Growers British Columbia Society to create a user-friendly trip planning resource on its website
More details about the organizations receiving funding can be found in the backgrounder here.
Projects like the ones announced today deliver memorable experiences for Canadian and international visitors alike. They create jobs, grow the local economy, enrich communities, and put B.C. on the map as a destination of choice.
British Columbia is home to breathtaking natural attractions and outdoor recreation experiences that bring the world to our doorstep. Tourism is important to Canada’s economy and creates good jobs in communities, from major city centres to rural and remote areas, to Indigenous communities.
Today the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced $727,500 in funding through PacifiCan’s Tourism Growth Program for four organizations based in the Thompson Okanagan. This funding will help enhance outdoor recreation, increase visitors to smaller communities and promote sustainable tourism in B.C.’s southern interior.
The projects announced today are:
Hunters Range Snowmobile Association $65,000
Funding will allow Hunters Range Snowmobile Association, a non-profit that manages and operates the snowmobile trails on Hunters Range in Enderby, to upgrade its grooming equipment and trail infrastructure. This project will improve the organization’s snowmobile experiences, attract more visitors, and promote outdoor recreation in rural communities.
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Foundation $250,000
Funding will be used to restore the historic Adra Tunnel on the Kettle Valley Rail Trail in Naramata. Revitalizing the tunnel will preserve a vital piece of B.C.’s rail heritage, connect communities across the Okanagan, and attract more visitors to the region. Originally built for trains, the tunnel will soon be a pathway for hikers and cyclists, allowing outdoor enthusiasts to access and explore this early 20th-century landmark.
Silver Star Freestyle Club $250,000
Funding will help create a state-of-the-art freestyle ski and snowboard training park at SilverStar Mountain Resort in Vernon. This new facility will feature specialized equipment, including a landing airbag and a variety of terrain features to accommodate athletes of all skill levels. The project is expected to elevate the resort’s global reputation as a top destination for year-round activities, provide provincial, national and international snow sport training opportunities, and draw more visitors to the region.
Wine Growers British Columbia Society $162,500
PacifiCan funding will be used to create a user-friendly trip planning resource on the WineBC website. This online platform will help visitors to discover wineries and other small businesses across all nine wine regions. The project will boost local tourism, draw visitors to the region during the off-season, and enhance B.C.’s reputation as a top wine destination.
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Haley Hodgson Senior Communications Advisor Office of the Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada haley.hodgson@kpc-cpr.gc.ca
Follow PacifiCan on X and LinkedIn Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-9378 TTY (telecommunications device for the hearing impaired): 1-877-303-3388
Approximately 100 high school and college students had the opportunity to engage with UConn Health faculty, staff, medical, dental and graduate students in a series of activities to raise awareness about health and biomedical science careers and the admissions process for medical, dental, and graduate schools.
(Photo by John Atashian)
At UConn Health on October 19 the 2024 Bridge to the Future Health Career Pathways Mentoring Conference happily returned in-person. Since 2019 the annual event was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The event was hosted by Dr. Marja Hurley, UConn Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor, professor of medicine and orthopedic surgery, and associate dean of the Health Career Opportunity Programs.
This year’s conference was organized by the Department of Health Career Opportunity Programs (HCOP), the UConn Chapters of the Student National Medical Association (SNMA), the Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA), and the Student National Dental Association/ Hispanic Student Dental Association (SNDA/HSDA).
Keynote speaker Dr. Nurudeen Osumah with Dr. Marja Hurley (Photo by John Atashian).
The keynote speaker was Dr. Nurudeen Osumah, a UConn Health HCOP Pipeline participant and UConn School of Medicine Class of 2022 graduate who is an Emergency Medicine resident training at UConn Health. He spoke to the students about the impact of participating in a multitude of UConn Health HCOP preparatory programs and his personal journey through college and medical school.
(Photo by John Atashian)
Enrichment activities at the event for high school students included a “Road to Success” panel with Doctors Academy alumni, presentations and interactive activities on medical Spanish, taking a patient history, and clinical skills focused on blood pressure, suturing, surgical knots, and lumbar puncture conducted by members of LMSA and SNMA.
The college students attended a research poster symposium with currently enrolled UConn medical, dental, and graduate student presenters to learn about biomedical research opportunities and an enrichment seminar to learn about the admissions process for graduate and medical school programs offered at UConn Health.
(Photo by John Atashian)
For college students specifically interested in dental medicine, a Dental Impressions Workshop led by Jaelon Blandburg, third-year dental student and Dr. Gerald Birmingham, clinical assistant professor in General Dentistry, and assistant director of the Department of Health Career Opportunity Programs focused on a series of information sessions which included careers in dental medicine and a hands-on activity for taking dental impressions.
(Photo by John Atashian)
Additionally, college students interested in medicine engaged in a breakout session on medical patient history and case study led by Dr. Lenworth Ellis, assistant professor of medicine, interim chief of the Division of Occupational & Environmental Medicine, along with Professor Hurley and medical students.
The college program concluded with a “Road to Success” scholar athlete panel moderated by Khaoula Ben Haj Frej, a fourth-year medical student and Jaelon Blandburg, a third-year dental student. Currently enrolled students at the Schools of Medicine and Dental Medicine shared personal anecdotes, their experience as college student athletes, progression through their respective schools, and answered questions about their successes and challenges faced on their journey.
The China Disabled Persons’ Federation (CDPF) hosted its 2025 New Year Celebration in Beijing on Jan. 22, bringing together people with and without disabilities for cultural and sports activities at the China Administration of Sports for Persons with Disabilities. Over 200 guests attended the event, including representatives from the embassies of more than 50 countries, such as the United States, France, Italy, Switzerland and Japan, along with U.N. agencies, international organizations, and foreign-invested enterprises. Zhou Changkui, vice chair and president of the Executive Board of CDPF, attended the celebration and delivered a speech. You Liang, vice president of the Executive Board, served as the host. In his speech, Zhou thanked both domestic and international partners for supporting people with disabilities in China. He emphasized the Chinese government’s commitment to a people-centered development philosophy, ensuring the comprehensive advancement of disability-related initiatives. Over the past year, CDPF has implemented practical measures to safeguard the rights and interests of individuals with disabilities, enhanced social security systems and support services, leveraged technology to empower them, and led the Chinese delegation to notable success at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games. Consequently, the cause of disability rights has gained momentum in China, becoming integrated into the nation’s broader social and economic development, while enhancing the sense of fulfillment, happiness and security among individuals with disabilities. CDPF will continue actively engaging in international disability affairs, strengthening exchanges and cooperation with U.N. agencies, foreign embassies, and other organizations to enhance the well-being of persons with disabilities worldwide. France hosted the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, and Italy will host both the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin and the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games in Milan Cortina. Representatives from both nations’ embassies attended the celebration. Cristina Carenza, deputy head of mission and minister plenipotentiary at the Embassy of Italy in China, celebrated the incredible resilience, strength and determination of persons with disabilities. She said that Italy looks forward to using these upcoming sports events to deepen cooperation with China in areas such as disability sports. Mr. Romain Jacquet, counselor for health, social affairs, and labor at the French Embassy in China, noted that sports embody the values of equality, respect and inclusion. He emphasized France’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with international partners, including China, to build a more inclusive and united world. The event highlighted the artistic and athletic achievements of people with disabilities while showcasing their creative potential and equal participation in society. Kanasugi Kenji, the Japanese ambassador to China, and Jürg Burri, the Swiss ambassador to China, joined guests in experiencing traditional Chinese handicrafts and folk activities alongside artisans with disabilities. This allowed them to savor the festive atmosphere of the Chinese New Year and appreciate the charm of traditional Chinese culture. The guests joined athletes in friendly matches of wheelchair basketball, wheelchair curling and boccia, creating an atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie. During the event, Mao Jingdian, a Chinese Paralympic champion in para table tennis, and Wang Zhidong, a member of the Chinese Para Ice Hockey Team, along with outstanding athletes with disabilities from France and Italy, shared stories of perseverance and determination in pursuit of their dreams. The guests also enjoyed a performance by the China Disabled Peoples’ Performing Art Troupe.
(To watch the full press briefing with sign language interpretation, click here.)
Chief Executive John Lee said today that test events will take place at the Kai Tak Sports Park in a progressive manner, allowing improvement measures to be put in place prior to its opening.
Mr Lee spoke to reporters about the sports park this morning, after the first test event – a football match – was held at the venue on Sunday.
He said the drills staged at the park will be used to train up staff working there and facilitate visitor flows.
“It is very important (that) we do all the drills necessary. It has to be progressive so that it will train up, first of all, departmental staff, those who work (for) Kai Tak Sports Park Limited, and those who are involved, especially those in the transport industry.
“The challenge, of course, is the dispersal of crowds after an event, which will comprise 50,000 spectators. That is a challenge we must take up boldly.”
The Chief Executive added that the forthcoming test events will be useful.
“I do want the drills to progress fast, but is it also important for reviews and improvement measures to be designed so that we can put them in.
“I envisage there will be at least 20-plus drills, and depending on the experiences we will gain through the drills, then we will decide whether more will be necessary.”
The University of Aberdeen welcomed the Minister for National Security in Ghana, the Honourable Albert Kan-Dapaah, in a visit where he shared the important role Ghana plays in upholding democracy and resolving the security challenges in the region.
The delegation, which also included Emmanuel Dadzie, Technical Director at the Ministry of National Security and Mrs Ann-Marie Ekpale, Head of Human Resource at Ministry of National Security, was given a tour of the University’s 500-year-old campus and met with the Lord Provost of Aberdeen, Councillor David Cameron on Monday (October 28).
Relations between the UK and Ghana are rooted in long-standing economic, political and cultural connections, since Ghana became independent from the UK in 1957. More recent commercial oil exploration and energy transition has led to the exchange of experiences and ideas with the industry in Aberdeen. Mr Kan-Dapaah was presented with a football shirt by Aberdeen Football Club in recognition of the connections between the regions.
The Honourable Minister spoke during his visit on the political and security situation in the West African region and underscored the urgency for West Africa’s longstanding friends to empower the region to meet ongoing multidimensional challenges.
He shared his perspectives on the decline in democracy in the region and highlighted the impact of the ongoing great power rivalry as a factor shrinking the space for meaningful regional and international security cooperation.
The speech also stressed the role of Ghana in upholding democracy and resolving the security challenges in the region and the upcoming General Elections and the country’s preparedness to ensure free, fair and peaceful elections.
The University of Aberdeen has a large number of Ghanian students and more than 500 alumni including Hon. Prince Hamidu Armah, MP for Kwesimintsim Constituency, Western Region, who studied for a PhD in Mathematics Education at the University of Aberdeen.
Many retain strong links with their Alma mater and in 2022 an Alumni Chapter for the University of Aberdeen was established in Accra.
The Chapter aims to foster connections among graduates living and working in Ghana and serves as a bridge between alumni in Ghana and the broader University of Aberdeen community, helping to maintain and strengthen professional and personal ties beyond graduation.
The University also has an active Ghana Students Society helping to create a sense of community among students, helping them connect, support each other, and build strong friendships while studying abroad. It promotes cultural exchange and understanding by organising events, workshops, and activities that showcase the traditions, customs, and history of Ghana.
Dr Manu Lekunze, Lecturer in Politics and International Relations, introduced the Minister’s talk by highlighting why European security planners cannot ignore security developments in West Africa.
He said: “These reasons include West Africa’s proximity to Europe, significant demographic change, strategic resources, and great power meddling that has implications for Europe
“We were pleased to welcome the Honourable Minister to the University of Aberdeen and to hear first hand his insights into the role Ghana plays in the security challenges of the region.”
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launches, inaugurates and lays the foundation stone of multiple projects related to health sector worth over Rs 12,850 crore Augmenting the healthcare infrastructure is our priority, Initiatives relating to the sector launched today will make top-quality and affordable facilities available to the citizens:PM
It is a matter of happiness for all of us that today Ayurveda Day is being celebrated in more than 150 countries: PM
Government has set five pillars of health policy:PM
Now every senior citizen of the country above the age of 70 years will get free treatment in the hospital,Such elderly people will be given Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card:PM
Government is running Mission Indradhanush campaign to prevent deadly diseases: PM
Our government is saving the money of the countrymen by making maximum use of technology in the health sector: PM
Posted On: 29 OCT 2024 3:09PM by PIB Delhi
On the occasion of Dhanvantari Jayanti and 9th Ayurveda Day, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today launched, inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple projects related to the health sector worth around Rs 12,850 crore at All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister noted the occasion of Dhanvantari Jayanti and Dhanteras and conveyed his best wishes on the occasion. He conveyed his wishes to all business owners of the country as most people tend to buy something new for their homes, and also extended advanced greetings for Diwali.
The Prime Minister underlined that this Diwali is a historic one as Lord Shri Ram’s temple in Ayodhya will be lit up with thousands of diyas, making the celebrations unprecedented. “Lord Ram has once again returned to his abode in this year’s Diwali”, the Prime Minister remarked, adding that this wait is finally over not after 14 but 500 years.
Shri Modi said that it is no coincidence that this year’s festival of Dhanteras is an amalgamation of prosperity and health but a symbol of India’s culture and philosophy of life. Quoting sages and saints, the Prime Minister explained that health is considered supreme wealth and this ancient notion is finding acceptance across the world in the form of Yoga. Shri Modi expressed happiness that Ayurveda Diwas is being celebrated in more than 150 countries today and said that it is proof of the growing attraction towards Ayurveda, and India’s contribution to the world from its ancient past.
The Prime Minister underscored that in the past decade, the country had witnessed the beginning of a new chapter in the health sector with the amalgamation of knowledge of Ayurveda with Modern medicine. He added that All India Institute of Ayurveda had been a focal point of this chapter. Shri Modi remarked that seven years ago on Ayurveda day, he was fortunate to dedicate the first phase of the institute to the country and today with the blessings of Lord Dhanvantri, he was inaugurating the second phase of the institute. He noted that it would be possible to see the ancient techniques like Panchakarma infused with modern technology in this institute along with advanced research studies in the fields of Ayurveda and medical science. Shri Modi congratulated the citizens of India for this advancement.
Noting that the progress of a nation is directly proportional to the health of its citizens, the Prime Minister highlighted the government’s priority to the health of its citizens and outlined the five pillars of health policy. He listed the five pillars as preventive healthcare, early detection of ailments, free and low-cost treatment and medicines, availability of doctors in small towns and lastly expansion of technology in health services. “India is looking at the health sector as holistic health”, Shri Modi said, adding that the projects of today provide a glimpse of these five pillars. Touching upon the inauguration and foundation stone laying of projects worth more than Rs 13,000 crore, the Prime Minister mentioned creation of 4 centers of excellence under Ayush Health scheme, expansion of health services with the use of drones, helicopter service in AIIMS, Rishikesh, new infrastructure in AIIMS, New Delhi and AIIMS, Bilaspur, expansion of services in five other AIIMS in the country, establishment of medical colleges, bhoomi pujan of nursing colleges and other projects related to the health sector.The Prime Minister expressed happiness with several hospitals being established for the treatment of shramiks and said that it would become a center of treatment for shramiks. He also touched upon the inauguration of pharma units that would play a key role in manufacturing of advanced medicine and high quality stents and implants and further India’s growth.
The Prime Minister noted that most of us come from a background where illness meant a lightning strike on the entire family and especially in a poor household if a person is down with serious ailment, every member of the family was deeply affected. He added that there was a time when people would sell their houses, lands, jewelry, everything for treatment and be unable to bear the huge out-of-pocket expenditure while poor people had to make a choice between healthcare and other priorities of family. Shri Modi underlined that to overcome the despair of the poor, our Government introduced the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, where the government would bear the cost of hospitalization of the poor up to Rs. 5 lakh. The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction that about 4 crore poor people in the country have benefited from the Ayushman Yojana by getting treated without having to pay a single rupee. Shri Modi remarked that when he meets the beneficiaries of Ayushman Yojana in different states of the country, he feels satisfied that the scheme was a blessing for every person associated with it, be it a doctor or a paramedical staff.
Expressing satisfaction on the expansion of Ayushman Yojana, Shri Modi said that every elderly person was looking forward to it and the poll guarantee, if elected for the third term, of bringing all the elderly above 70 years of age under the ambit of Ayushman Yojana was being fulfilled. He added that every elderly person above 70 years of age in the country will get free treatment in the hospital by a Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card. Shri Modi highlighted that the card was universal and there was no restriction on income, be it poor or middle class or upper class. Informing that the scheme would prove to be a milestone for its universal applicability, Shri Modi remarked that with a Ayushman Vaya Vandana card for an elderly in the house, the Out-of-Pocket expenditure will be reduced to a great extent. He congratulated all the countrymen for this scheme and also informed that the scheme was not implemented in Delhi and West Bengal.
Reiterating the government’s priority to reduce the cost of treatment, be it the poor or middle class, the Prime Minister mentioned the launch of more than 14,000 PM Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country where medicines are available at 80 percent discount. He informed that the poor and middle class have managed to save Rs 30,000 crore due to availability of cheap medicines. He further added that prices of devices like stents and knee implants have been reduced, therefore, preventing a loss of more than Rs 80,000 crores rupees by the common citizens. He also mentioned the free dialysis scheme and Mission Indradhanush campaign to prevent fatal diseases and saving the lives of pregnant women and newborn babies. The Prime Minister assured that he will not rest until the poor and middle class of the country are free from the burden of expensive treatment.
The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of timely diagnosis in reducing the risks and inconveniences associated with illnesses. He highlighted that over two lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have been established across the country to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment. He said that these Arogya Mandirs enable crores of citizens to easily check for diseases like cancer, hypertension, and diabetes. He said that timely diagnosis leads to prompt treatment, ultimately saving costs for patients. The Prime Minister explained that the government is leveraging technology to enhance healthcare and save citizens’ money under the e-Sanjeevani scheme where over 30 crore people have consulted doctors online. “Free and accurate consultations from doctors have significantly reduced healthcare expenses”, he added. Shri Modi announced the launch of the U-win platform which will provide India with a technologically advanced interface in the health sector. “The world witnessed the success of our Co-win platform during the pandemic, and the success of the UPI payment system has become a global story,” he said, adding that India aims to replicate this success in the healthcare sector through Digital Public Infrastructure.
The Prime Minister highlighted the unprecedented progress made in India’s healthcare sector over the past decade, contrasting it with the limited achievements in the previous six to seven decades and said, “In the last 10 years, we have seen a record number of new AIIMS and medical colleges being established”. Referring to today’s occasion, the Prime Minister said that hospitals were inaugurated in Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh. He also mentioned the foundation stone laying for new medical colleges in Narsapur and Bommasandra in Karnataka, Pithampur in Madhya Pradesh, Achitapuram in Andhra Pradesh, and Faridabad in Haryana. “Additionally, work has begun on the new ESIC Hospital in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, and a new hospital was inaugurated in Indore”, he added. The Prime Minister emphasized that the increasing number of hospitals reflects a proportional rise in medical seats. He affirmed that no poor child’s dream of becoming a doctor would be shattered, and no middle-class student would be forced to study abroad due to lack of options in India. Shri Modi informed that nearly 1 lakh new MBBS and MD seats have been added over the past 10 years and reiterated the commitment to announcing another 75,000 seats in the next five years.
The Prime Minister informed that 7.5 lakh registered AYUSH practitioners are already contributing to the nation’s healthcare. He stressed on increasing this number further and highlighted the growing demand for medical and wellness tourism in India. He stressed the need for the youth and AYUSH practitioners to prepare for expanding fields such as preventive cardiology, Ayurvedic orthopedics, and Ayurvedic rehabilitation centers, both in India and abroad. “Immense opportunities are being created for AYUSH practitioners. Our youth will not only progress themselves through these opportunities but will also render a great service to humanity”, he added.
PM Modi noted the rapid progress in medicine during the 21st century, with breakthroughs in treatments for previously incurable diseases. He said, “As the world places importance on wellness along with treatment, India has thousands of years of knowledge in this area.” The Prime Minister announced the launch of the Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyan aimed at designing ideal lifestyles and risk analysis for individuals using Ayurveda principles. He emphasized that this initiative can redefine the healthcare sector globally and provide a new perspective for the entire world.
Prime Minister Modi underscored the importance of validating traditional herbs like Ashwagandha, turmeric, and black pepper through high-impact scientific studies. “Lab validation of our traditional healthcare systems will not only increase the value of these herbs but also create a significant market”, he remarked, pointing to the rising demand for Ashwagandha, which is projected to reach $2.5 billion by the end of this decade.
Underlining that the success of AYUSH is transforming not only the health sector but also the economy, the Prime Minister informed that the AYUSH manufacturing sector has grown from $3 billion in 2014 to nearly $24 billion today, an 8-fold increase in just 10 years. He added that over 900 AYUSH start-ups are now operational in India, creating new opportunities for the youth. The Prime Minister highlighted the global export of AYUSH products to 150 countries, benefiting Indian farmers by turning local herbs and superfoods into global commodities. He also pointed out initiatives like the Namami Gange project, which promotes natural farming and herb cultivation along the Ganga river.
Reflecting on India’s commitment to health and well-being, Shri Modi said that it is the soul of India’s national character and social fabric. He emphasized that the government in the last 10 years has aligned the nation’s policies with the philosophy of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.’ “In the next 25 years, these efforts will lay a strong foundation for a developed and healthy India”, Shri Modi concluded.
Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare & Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri J P Nadda, and Minister of Labour and Employment & Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya were present on the occasion among others.
Background
As a major addition to the flagship scheme Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), the Prime Minister launched expansion of health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above. This will help provide health coverage to all senior citizens regardless of their income.
It has been the constant endeavor of the Prime Minister to provide quality healthcare services all across the country. In a major boost to healthcare infrastructure, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple healthcare institutions.
The Prime Minister inaugurated Phase II of India’s First All India Institute of Ayurveda. It includes a Panchakarma hospital, an Ayurvedic pharmacy for drug manufacturing, a sports medicine unit, a central library, an IT and start-ups incubation center and a 500-seat auditorium among others. He also inaugurated three medical colleges at Mandsaur, Neemuch and Seoni in Madhya Pradesh. Further, he inaugurated facility and service extensions at various AIIMS in Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh, Kalyani in West Bengal, Patna in Bihar, Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh, Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh, Guwahati in Assam and in New Delhi, which will also include a Jan Aushadhi Kendra. The Prime Minister also inaugurated a Super Speciality Block in Government Medical College at Bilaspur in Chhattisgarh and a Critical Care Block in Bargarh, Odisha.
The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of five Nursing Colleges in Shivpuri, Ratlam, Khandwa, Rajgarh and Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh; 21 Critical Care Blocks at Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Manipur, Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan under Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) and several facilities and service extensions at AIIMS in New Delhi and in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh.
The Prime Minister also inaugurated an ESIC Hospital at Indore in Madhya Pradesh, and lay the foundation stone for ESIC hospitals at Faridabad in Haryana, Bommasandra and Narasapur in Karnataka, Indore in Madhya Pradesh, Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, and Atchutapuram in Andhra Pradesh. These projects will bring healthcare benefits to around 55 lakh ESI beneficiaries.
The Prime Minister has been a strong proponent of expanding the usage of technology to enhance service delivery across sectors. In an innovative usage of drone technology to enhance service delivery to make healthcare more accessible, the Prime Minister launched drone services at 11 Tertiary Healthcare Institutions. These are AIIMS Rishikesh in Uttarakhand, AIIMS Bibinagar in Telangana, AIIMS Guwahati in Assam, AIIMS Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh, AIIMS Jodhpur in Rajasthan, AIIMS Patna in Bihar, AIIMS Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh, AIIMS Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh, AIIMS Raipur in Chhattisgarh, AIIMS Mangalagiri in Andhra Pradesh and RIMS Imphal in Manipur. He will also launch Helicopter Emergency Medical Services from AIIMS Rishikesh, which will help deliver speedy medical care.
The Prime Minister launched the U-WIN portal. It will benefit pregnant women and infants by fully digitalizing the vaccination process. It will ensure timely administration of life-saving vaccines to pregnant women and children (from birth to 16 years) against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases. Further, the Prime Minister also launched a portal for allied and healthcare professionals and institutes. It will act as a centralized database of existing healthcare professionals and institutes.
The Prime Minister launched several initiatives to strengthen the R&D and testing infrastructure to improve the healthcare ecosystem in the country. The Prime Minister inaugurated a Central Drugs Testing Laboratory in Gothapatna in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
He laid the foundation stone of two Central Research Institutes in Yoga and Naturopathy at Khordha in Odisha, Raipur in Chhattisgarh. He also laid the foundation stone of four Centres of Excellence at NIPER Ahmedabad in Gujarat for medical devices, NIPER Hyderabad in Telangana for bulk drugs, NIPER Guwahati in Assam for phytopharmaceuticals, and NIPER Mohali in Punjab for anti-bacterial anti-viral drug discovery and development.
The Prime Minister launched four Ayush Centres of Excellence, namely Centre of Excellence for diabetes and metabolic disorders at Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru; Centre of Excellence in sustainable Ayush for advanced technological solutions, start-up support and net zero sustainable solutions for Rasaushadhies at IIT Delhi; Centre of Excellence for fundamental and translational research in Ayurveda at Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow; and Centre of Excellence on Ayurveda and Systems Medicine at JNU, New Delhi.
In a major boost to Make in India initiative in the healthcare sector, Prime Minister inaugurated five projects under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for medical devices and bulk drugs at Vapi in Gujarat, Hyderabad in Telangana, Bengaluru in Karnataka, Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh and Nalagarh in Himachal Pradesh. These units will manufacture high-end medical devices, such as body implants and critical care equipment, along with important bulk drugs.
The Prime Minister also launched a nationwide campaign, “Desh Ka Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyan,” that aims to raise health awareness among the citizens. He also launched the State specific Action Plan on Climate Change and Human Health for each state and UT which will lay out adaptation strategies towards developing climate resilient healthcare services.
Augmenting the healthcare infrastructure is our priority. Initiatives relating to the sector launched today will make top-quality and affordable facilities available to the citizens.https://t.co/eqbS0KJjE2
AS&H Clifford Chance’sassessmentcontains no substantive discussion of Saudi’s extensive and relevant abuses
11 human rights groups, football supporters and worker organisations join forces to voice deep concern
‘FIFA must insist on a proper assessment and meaningful human rights strategy or its flagship tournament will be tarnished by severe human rights violations’ – Steve Cockburn
A flawed human rights assessment of Saudi Arabia’s FIFA 2034 World Cup bid by AS&H Clifford Chance – part of the global partnership of London-based law firm Clifford Chance – leaves the global firm at risk of being linked to abuses which result from the tournament, 11 organisations said today.
AS&H Clifford Chance, which is based in Riyadh and sits within Clifford Chance’s integrated global partnership, produced an “independent human rights context assessment” that was published by FIFA and has helped pave the way for Saudi Arabia to be confirmed on 11 December as the 2034 hosts, as is widely expected to happen.
The assessment contains no substantive discussion of extensive and relevant abuses in Saudi Arabia documented by multiple human rights organisations and UN bodies. It formed the basis of Saudi Arabia’s human rights strategy for the tournament, which Amnesty International described as a “whitewash”.
The 11 organisations – which include a Saudi Arabian diaspora organisation, Gulf human rights groups, and labour organisations, as well as Football Supporters Europe, Amnesty and Human Rights Watch – wrote to Clifford Chance’s Global Managing Partner setting out in detail all of their concerns with the statement, and invited the authors to publish an updated report. The firm, which says that it works in partnership with “some of the world’s leading NGOs and civil society organisations”, said in response last week that it would be “inappropriate” to offer any further comment on the report and shared a link to publicly available company policies.
The organisations have warned Clifford Chance that, through the production of its human rights assessment by AS&H Clifford Chance, there is a risk that the firm could be linked to potential adverse human rights impacts resulting from a Saudi Arabia-hosted tournament.
In their memorandum to Clifford Chance the organisations set out and requested comment on three overarching concerns about the assessment. Taken together, these fatally undermine the report’s claim to provide an independent assessment of the human rights context in Saudi Arabia, relevant to the hosting and staging of the 2034 World Cup.
AS&H Clifford Chance agreed to a decision by FIFA and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation to effectively exclude analysis of Saudi Arabia’s record on multiple critical human rights such as freedom of expression, LGBTI+ discrimination, the prohibition of trade unions, or forced evictions – either because Saudi Arabia has not ratified the relevant treaties or because the Saudi Arabian Football Federation did not accept them as “applying”. Any assessment that does not recognise these as relevant human rights risks for a World Cup in Saudi Arabia cannot be considered credible.
The assessment made highly selective use of the findings of UN bodies on Saudi Arabia, leaving out damaging judgements. For example, it fails to reference one UN body’s concern at receiving reports that “torture and other ill-treatment are commonly practised in prisons”, or another which notes that “women and girls who are victims of sexual abuse risk facing criminal proceedings if they press charges”. It does not mention that Saudi Arabia is currently facing a labour complaint at the UN brought by Building and Woodworkers International, an international trade union. No reports by UN Special Rapporteurs are included meaning, for example, there is no reference to the imposition of the death penalty in relation to the Crown Prince’s flagship giga-project NEOM, or the murder of Saudi Arabian journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
There is no evidence that AS&H Clifford Chance consulted external experts, such as people who might be affected by human rights abuses linked to the tournament, Saudi Arabian human rights experts or organisations, international human rights organisations, or trade unions. No work by such groups is referenced. The report, for example, ignores Amnesty’s 2024 91-page report ‘Playing a Dangerous Game? Human Rights Risks Linked to the 2030 and 2034 FIFA World Cups’.
Amnesty has written to FIFA asking it to confirm on what basis the organisation agreed with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation to limit the scope of the rights assessment conducted by AS&H Clifford Chance. As of 25 October, FIFA had not responded.
James Lynch, FairSquare co-director, said:
“It has been clear for more than a year now that FIFA is determined to remove all potential obstacles to make sure it can hand Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman the 2034 World Cup. By producing a shockingly poor report, AS&H Clifford Chance, part of one of the world’s largest law firms that makes much of its human rights expertise, has helped to remove a key final stumbling block.”
Julia Legner, Executive Director of ALQST for Human Rights, a Saudi Arabian diaspora organisation, said:
“AS&H Clifford Chance had the chance to write a credible assessment of risks that are relevant to the 2034 World Cup. Instead, they have produced an artificially limited, misleading and overly positive perspective, that serves only to whitewash the reality of abuse and discrimination faced by Saudi Arabia’s citizens and residents.”
Steve Cockburn, Amnesty International’s Head of Labour Rights and Sport, said:
“The severe risks of hosting the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia are clear and well-known – without huge reforms, critics will be arrested, women and LGBTI+ people will face discrimination, and workers will be exploited on a massive scale. It is incredible that AS&H Clifford Chance omitted such glaring risks from its assessment and scandalous that FIFA paved the way for them to do so. FIFA must now insist on a proper assessment and meaningful human rights strategy or its flagship tournament will inevitably be tarnished by severe human rights violations.”
Martha Waithira, Equidem investigator, said:
“As a former domestic worker in Saudi Arabia from Kenya, I know that women like me are often treated like slaves. Women especially face sexual and other gender abuse. I’m in regular contact with workers in horrific situations in Saudi Arabia. Now, the hundreds of thousands of people expected to arrive in Saudi Arabia to build stadiums and clean hotels ahead of the World Cup are at great risk of severe exploitation and even death. How can these realities have escaped AS&H Clifford Chance’s attention?”
Stated commitments to human rights
The ‘Independent Context Assessment Prepared for the Saudi Arabian Football Federation in relation to the FIFA World Cup 2034’ can be found on FIFA’s website. FIFA’s Human Rights Policy, adopted in 2017, outlines its responsibility to identify and address adverse human rights impacts of its operations, including taking adequate measures to prevent and mitigate human rights abuses.
Clifford Chance is one of the world’s largest law firms. It has made multiple commitments concerning its human rights responsibilities, including in its company code. The firm states on its global website that its client base in Saudi Arabia, delivered “through AS&H Clifford Chance” includes “key Saudi Ministries and government-owned entities as well as a wide range of government owned, privately and publicly held Saudi and international businesses, listed companies and financial institutions.” These Saudi clients include the Public Investment Fund. AS&H Clifford Chance is a joint venture between Clifford Chance and AS&H that has been registered in Saudi Arabia since 2023. It is integrated within Clifford Chance’s global firm, “follows [the global firm’s] processes and practices”, and employs a number of Clifford Chance partners, including a “Senior Clifford Chance partner”. The Independent Context Assessment refers readers to the global Clifford Chance website.
Nick Kuhlman is a doctoral student in nutritional sciences. (Sean Flynn/UConn Photo)
If you’ve looked at social media or a supplement aisle in the past year, chances are you’ve seen pastel-colored tubs of collagen peptides. This popular supplement is often marketed as supporting joint and bone health (among other things, like skin elasticity and digestion).
But do these claims actually hold up? That’s what Nick Kuhlman, a nutritional sciences Ph.D. candidate, is investigating in his dissertation.
Kuhlman recently received funding to support his work from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Foundation, one of the nation’s premiere providers of support to athletics- and kinesiology-related research.
Prior to pursuing research, Kuhlman worked as a strength and conditioning coach for several universities, including West Texas A&M University and the University of South Alabama (where he became the director of athletic performance).
“The NSCA is the gold standard organization and certification for strength and conditioning coaches, at both the professional and collegiate level,” Kuhlman says. “I was involved with that organization as a coach for many years. But they also have a foundation which is at the cutting edge in terms of research for strength and conditioning, and athletic development. As I transitioned to academia, I took advantage of the opportunity to apply for this award.”
Kuhlman’s double-blind, placebo-controlled study will examine the effects of collagen peptide supplements (using a popular commercial brand) on bone metabolism, tendon health, and biomarkers of inflammation and recovery for female distance runners. This population is doubly at risk for early-onset osteoporosis, and other bone stress injuries such as stress fractures, due to their high-impact sport and nutritional challenges.
Through analyzing bone density scans as well as biomarkers in the bloodstream, the study will investigate whether regular supplementation of collagen peptides helps prevent bone loss.
Investigating Collagen’s Health Claims
Collagen is one of the latest additions to the pantheon of popular over-the-counter supplements with compelling health claims. Since supplement marketing is largely unregulated in the United States, companies have broad leeway in their advertising.
In the case of collagen, though, there is compelling evidence that some of the health claims may actually hold up. Kuhlman mentions existing research on the supplement’s benefits for bone density among post-menopausal women. But, he says, “There’s not a whole lot of evidence in the athletic population.”
The findings of this study will help runners and other athletes assess whether they may benefit from adding collagen peptides to their supplement routines.
“Either way, whether we find some significant effects or not, I think it’s valuable,” Kuhlman says. “If we have a null finding, we can say, ‘OK, despite what you may see in these advertisements, it’s not really bearing out in the literature.’ On the flip side, if we find bone health does improve, we can help contextualize those health claims.”
Sifting through nutritional claims as a consumer can be challenging, especially since many supplements come with high price tags. How can you be sure you’re spending your money on something that will actually improve your health?
“It’s tough even for me, and for someone who’s not plugged in to the science world, I can see it being really, really challenging,” Kuhlman says, adding that individual variability can introduce even more confusion – some people may experience positive effects from a given supplement, while others may report a neutral or negative effect from the exact same product.
That’s why he’s eager to provide new data that can help consumers make informed decisions.
“I’m interested in actionable interventions that people can implement in their daily lives,” he says.
Supporting the Health of Athletic Populations
For Kuhlman, this research at the intersection of nutrition and exercise science is simply the latest step in a career devoted to nurturing athletic health. Earning his doctorate, he says, has been an exercise in understanding the scientific side of the applied work he did as a coach and trainer.
“Getting my Ph.D. was something I wanted to do for a while,” he says. “I love research. I love the process of asking a question and applying the scientific method to uncover a little bit more of the likely truth of whatever problem you’re trying to solve.”
Throughout his doctoral studies, Kuhlman has published numerous articles on sports nutrition and performance, particularly among college athletes, and has presented his research at five conferences.
After receiving his degree, he hopes to remain in the research world, exploring more questions that athletes and athletic people navigate every day. His research seeks to help people understand how nutrition and exercise can benefit everyone – not just those looking to maximize their athletic potential.
“I’m a big believer in the fact that nutrition and exercise can modulate health in so many ways,” he says. “It’s not just about ‘peak performance’ — it’s really about health. Health underpins all of this.”
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic heart condition affecting about 1 in 500 people and is one of the leading causes of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in people under 35, including among athletes.1
NSVT (nonsustained ventricular tachycardia), a known marker for increased risk of SCD in HCM, was detected in nearly 50% of HCM patients in the study undergoing long-term continuous ambulatory ECG monitoring of up to 14 days with a Zio®XT LTCM ECG patch device; 63% of NSVT episodes detected only after 48 hours, suggesting that Holter monitoring would miss the majority of episodes.
NSVT episodes clinically judged to be higher risk were identified in 24% of the study population and were detected more frequently during 14-day monitoring (3-fold greater diagnostic yield vs 48 hours).
SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — iRhythm Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:IRTC), a leading digital health company focused on creating trusted solutions that detect, predict, and prevent disease, today announced that the results of the Extended Ambulatory ECG Monitoring Enhances Identification of Higher-Risk Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias in Patients with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy(EXAMINE-HCM) study have been published in Heart Rhythm Journal. The findings were also presented at the Heart Rhythm Society’s annual meeting in 2023, and most recently, at the International HCM Summit 8 in Boston, MA (October 25-28, 2024).
The newly published research highlights the value of 14-day long-term, uninterrupted2 continuous monitoring (LTCM), using a Zio® XT patch ECG device, for detecting nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT), a known marker for sudden cardiac death (SCD) in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The findings support more informed decisions about care pathways and interventions, particularly by capturing arrhythmias that would go undetected by standard 48-hour monitoring, such as with a conventional Holter device monitoring period. Prior research has demonstrated that NSVT episodes occurring with higher heart rate, longer duration, and greater frequency are associated with increased risk of SCD3 and practice guidelines place greater emphasis on these episodes (8 consecutive beats, >200 bpm, 2 runs in consecutive 2-day period) in clinical decision-making regarding use of primary prevention implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD).4 These NSVT episodes clinically judged to be higher risk were detected in only 8% of the study population through 48 hours, but in 24% of patients through 14-days.
“The EXAMINE-HCM study provides important new insights into how we manage patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy identified with ventricular arrhythmias,” said Martin S. Maron, MD, study lead investigator, HCM expert, and Medical Director, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center. “By extending the monitoring period beyond the traditional 48 hours, we have been able to detect nonsustained ventricular tachycardia episodes that may have otherwise gone undetected with traditional shorter monitoring periods, which may offer the potential to inform more tailored clinical decision-making to help prevent sudden cardiac death in this high-risk population.”
Overall, the study authors concluded that traditional 48-hour short-term cardiac monitoring is significantly less effective compared to extended 14-day continuous monitoring for both NSVT and NVST detection with features judged to be high risk in patients with HCM. These data support the need for additional clinical studies to evaluate the significance of longer-term monitoring for NSVT detection and relationship to future risk for sudden death in HCM.
48% of study patients (n=114) with HCM experienced NSVT episodes, and high-risk NSVT was detected in 24% (n=56) of study patients during the 14-day monitoring period.
63% of NSVT episodes (n=72) were detected during a 3 to 14-day continuous monitoring period, compared to 37% (n=42) of NSVT episodes detected during the standard 48-hour Holter monitoring period. This resulted in a 2.7-fold higher diagnostic yield for detecting NSVT during the 14-day extended monitoring period compared to the initial 48 hours (48% vs. 18%; p<0.001).
64% of NSVT episodes clinically judged to be higher risk (n=36); 8 consecutive beats, >200 bpm, 2 runs in consecutive 2-day period)) were detected during a 3 to 14-day continuous monitoring period, compared to 36% (n=20) of high-risk NSVT episodes detected during the standard 48-hour Holter monitoring period. Therefore, the diagnostic yield of high-risk NSVT was 3.0-fold greater over the entire 2 weeks of monitoring vs. only the first 48 hours (24% vs. 8%; p<0.001).
17% of patient profiles were re-classified with respect to risk of sudden cardiac death (n=40) based on their extended 14-day continuous monitoring period. The number of patients at high-risk for SCD increased 2.3-fold (95% CI: 1.2, 4.3) vs. 48-hour monitoring, with 18 (8%) of study patients reclassified from low- or intermediate-risk to high-risk for SCD. In addition, 22 (9%) of patients were reclassified from low to intermediate risk.
Importance of Detecting NSVT in HCM Patients
HCM is a genetic condition that affects approximately 1 in 500 people and one of the leading causes of sudden cardiac death (SCD), especially in individuals under 35, including among athletes. HCM is caused by mutations in genes controlling the production of heart muscle proteins, resulting in thickening of the left ventricle wall. These changes can impair the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently and disrupt its electrical signaling. Nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) is a well-recognized marker for SCD risk in patients with HCM.
Standard Holter monitoring captures only up to 48 hours of data, potentially missing episodes of NSVT that can occur later. This study shows that extended monitoring can detect NSVT that would otherwise go unnoticed, providing clinicians with clinical actionable information needed to make timely interventions such as implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs).
The findings underscore the importance of long-term continuous monitoring (LTCM) for patients with HCM. By detecting NSVT that would otherwise go undetected, clinicians are better equipped to assess sudden cardiac death (SCD) risk and recommend interventions like ICD placement.
This study highlights the value of extended monitoring as an important tool for risk stratification in HCM patients, complementing current American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology guidelines, which recommend monitoring every 1 to 2 years but do not yet specify the optimal duration for detecting arrhythmias.
“There is an abundance of clinical evidence demonstrating that uninterrupted, continuous, patch-based monitoring with the Zio® long-term continuous monitoring service leads to increased diagnostic yield of Afib, atrial arrhythmias, ventricular arrhythmias, more accurate ectopic burden estimation, and lower rates of retesting,”5 said Mintu Turakhia, MD, iRhythm’s Chief Medical and Scientific Officer and EVP, Product Innovation. “This study adds to the evidence by showing how ascertainment of NSVT could be missed during risk stratification, in this case specifically for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, depending on the diagnostic test being used.”
About the Study
The EXAMINE-HCM study was a single-center, prospective study focused on patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a common genetic heart disease and a leading cause of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in young adults. The study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and clinical profile of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT), a key marker for SCD risk, using extended continuous ambulatory ECG monitoring. The primary goal was to assess the benefit of long-term monitoring compared to traditional 48-hour Holter monitoring, with a focus on NSVT episodes of longer duration, greater frequency, and occurring with a higher heart rate, which have been associated greater risk of SCD.
The study enrolled 236 consecutive adult patients diagnosed with HCM (mean age 49 ± 12 years; 72% male), none of whom had prior implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) or permanent pacemakers. These patients were being evaluated for SCD risk stratification. Participants wore the Zio® XT long-term continuous (LTCM) patch ECG device (iRhythm Technologies, Inc.), a long-term continuous monitoring ECG patch device, for 14 days. The Zio patch recorded ECG data continuously, offering an extended wear time compared to traditional 48-hour Holter monitors. After the 14-day monitoring period, patients returned the device for data analysis, which was performed using artificial intelligence (AI)-powered algorithms and validated by certified cardiographic technicians.
NSVT was defined as more than 3 consecutive ventricular beats at a rate of ≥120 beats per minute (bpm) lasting for less than 30 seconds and terminating spontaneously. High-risk NSVT episodes were defined as those with one or more of the following: ≥8 consecutive beats, a rate of >200 bpm, or ≥2 runs within a 48-hour period, all of which are associated with a higher risk of SCD.
The study’s primary objective was to compare the prevalence, burden, speed, and length of NSVT episodes detected during the initial 48-hour period (standard Holter monitoring) versus the full 14-day extended monitoring period.
Key outcomes included the detection of NSVT with features judged to be higher risk and its potential impact on SCD risk stratification. The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) SCD risk score was calculated based on both the 48-hour and full 14-day data, and patients were stratified into low, intermediate, and high-risk SCD categories over a 5-year period.
This project was supported by an investigator-initiated grant from iRhythm Technologies, Inc. Results presented are scientific data and not product or marketing claims.
Zio XT is indicated for use on patients who may be asymptomatic or who may suffer from transient symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, light-headedness, pre-syncope, syncope, fatigue or anxiety.
To learn more about the study, visit Heart Rhythm. To learn more about the value of the Zio LTCM service, which has been demonstrated in over 100 original scientific research manuscripts6, visit iRhythmTech.com..
About iRhythm Technologies, Inc. iRhythm is a leading digital health care company that creates trusted solutions that detect, predict, and prevent disease. Combining wearable biosensors and cloud-based data analytics with powerful proprietary algorithms, iRhythm distills data from millions of heartbeats into clinically actionable information. Through a relentless focus on patient care, iRhythm’s vision is to deliver better data, better insights, and better health for all. To learn more about iRhythm, including its portfolio of Zio products and services, please visit irhythmtech.com.
2“Uninterrupted” refers to uninterrupted ECG recording.
3Wang W, Lian Z, Rowin EJ, Maron BJ, Maron MS, Link MS. Prognostic implications of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia in high-risk patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol. 2017;10.
4Ommen et al. 2024 AHA/ACC/AMSSM/HRS/PACES/SCMR Guideline for the Management of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: A Report of the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Circulation. 2024 Jun 4;149(23):e1239-e1311.
5Reynolds et al. Comparative effectiveness and healthcare utilization for ambulatory cardiac monitoring strategies in Medicare beneficiaries. Am Heart J. 2024;269:25–34. Accessed January 2, 2024.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ahj.2023.12.002