Will undertake measures to prevent Black Fungus: Karnataka Health Minister
Hubli: Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Medical Education, Dr. K. Sudhakar said that measures to prevent the spread of Mucormycosis (Black Fungus) would be undertaken following the reports of the experts.
After visiting the KIMS Hospital at Hubli, the Minister addressed the media representatives.
“The Mucormycosis (Black Fungus) disease is increasingly spreading across the State. To understand the reason behind this a committee of Mycologists has been appointed by the government. The committee of experts has submitted the primary report. The humidifiers being used in the hospitals are supposed to use distilled water, instead of in various places tap water is being used. The fungus begins growing because of this. It has been observed that fungal growth has been found in the Cannula, medical equipment used in the I.C.U of hospitals. Before using this medical equipment from one patient to the next, they must be sanitized thoroughly. Otherwise, brand new fixtures must be used for patients, the committee of experts recommended.
Except for the element of colour, there is no other difference between the black fungus or the white fungus. Indiscriminate use of steroids increases the sugar levels in the body. As the patients in the I.C.U depend on the aided breathing for a long duration, their body’s immunity reduces considerably. Therefore the fungal disease infects them to a degree of severity. The country had begun to see reports of 40 to 50 cases of Black Fungus infections earlier. But recently, many states across the country are reporting an increase in the number of these fungal infections. According to current reports, there are 250 cases of black fungus infection in the state. All of the patients infected by this disease will be receiving free treatment. The country is producing 14,000 vials of the medicine required in the treatment of the black fungus disease. The Centre’s Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Sadananda Gowda has assured that the required quantity of these vials of medicine will be provided to the state. Answering the questions of the media representatives, the Minister said that all the Medical, Semi-medical, and group D workers would receive Emergency case allowances, he informed.
In this regard, he inquired whether the COVID treatment methodology, arrangements that have been undertaken in the facility are in line with the government’s directive in the KIMS hospital. He informed the KIMS Head to appropriately maintain the roster of doctors and medical staff serving in the facility. Afterward, he conducted a meeting with the KIMS Medical officers.
MLA Aravind Bellad, DC Nithesh Paatil, KIMS Director Ramalingappa Antarataani, Zilla Panchayat CEO Dr. B . Susheela, KIMS Administrative Officer Rajashri Jainapuru, Medical Superintendent Dr. Arunakumar were present among others.
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Use of loudspeakers not essential part of any religion, says Bombay HC
orders action against violation
Mumbai (PTI): Use of loudspeakers is not an essential part of any religion, the Bombay High Court said on Thursday, directing the law enforcement agencies to take prompt action against loudspeakers that violate the noise pollution norms and rules.
A division bench of Justices A S Gadkari and S C Chandak said noise was a major health hazard and no one can claim that their rights are affected in any manner if he or she is denied permission to use loudspeakers.
The HC asked the state government to direct religious institutions to adopt mechanisms for controlling noise levels, including calibrated sound systems with auto-decibel limits.
The court passed its judgment on a petition filed by two housing associations from suburban Kurla - Jaago Nehru Nagar Residents Welfare Association and Shivsrushti Co-operative Housing Societies Association Ltd - alleging police inaction against noise pollution caused by loudspeakers installed on masjids in the area.
The petitioners contended that the use of loudspeakers for religious purposes, including the recitation of 'azaan' (Islamic call to prayer) disturbed the peace and violated the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, as well as provisions under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
The bench in its order said Mumbai was a cosmopolitan city and obviously there are persons of different religions in every part of the city.
"It is in public interest that such permissions should not be granted. By denying such permissions, rights under Article 19 or 25 of the Constitution of India are not at all infringed. Use of loudspeakers is not an essential part of any religion," the HC said.
The court said it was the "bounden duty" of the state government and other authorities to enforce the law by adopting all the necessary measures, as may be prescribed by the provisions of law.
"In a democratic State, there cannot be a situation that, a person/group of persons/association of persons would say that, it will not follow or adhere to the law of the land and the law enforcers would be meek or silent spectators to it," the judgment said.
It added that common citizens are "hapless and helpless victims of these obnoxious use of loudspeakers and/or amplifiers".
The court said the police must act on complaints against loudspeakers violating the noise pollution rules without requiring identification of the complainant to avoid such complainants being targets or ill will and developing hatred.
"We direct the State to consider to direct all the concerned to have in-built mechanism to control decibel level in their loudspeakers/voice amplifiers/public address system or other sound emitting gadgets used by any religious place/structure/institution, irrespective of religion," the bench ordered.
The State may also seriously consider to issue directions for calibration and/or auto-fixation of decibel limit of loudspeakers/voice amplifiers/public address system or other sound emitting gadgets used by any or all the religions in their respective places of prayers or worship, the HC said.
The court also directed the Commissioner of Police, Mumbai, to issue instructions to all police stations to take prompt action in case of any complaint against loudspeakers at religious places.
"We take a judicial note of the fact that, generally people/citizens do not complain about the things until it becomes intolerable and a nuisance," the bench said.
Reminding the authorities that ambient noise levels must not exceed 55 decibels during the day and 45 decibels at night in residential areas, the court added that cumulative noise from all sources must adhere to these limits.
"The law does not permit that, every individual loudspeaker will emit 55 or 45 decibels of noise aggregating to more than what is prescribed under the said Rules. That would amount to frustrating the intention of the Legislature," the court said.
The court said the police may also withdraw permissions granted to the said trusts/institutions for the use of loudspeakers, if repeated violation of the provisions of the said Noise Pollution Rules are brought to their notice.
