Health Bulletin 22/ April/ 2024

For the first time, the National Board of Examination in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has implemented the 'first come, first serve' system for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test-Post Graduate (NEET PG) 2024 exam centre selection this year.

The tragic consequences of conflict in Gaza are starkly illustrated by the recent Israeli attack in Rafah, which claimed the lives of Sabreen Al-Sakani, her husband, their daughter, and 16 others, including 13 children from a single family. Amidst this devastation, a ray of hope emerges with the miraculous survival of a baby girl delivered through emergency C-section from Sabreen's womb. Weighing 1.4 kg, she is under the care of Dr. Mohammed Salama and is gradually improving, though orphaned at birth.

The newborn, adorned with a tape across her chest bearing the words "The baby of the martyr Sabreen Al-Sakani," symbolizes the resilience of life amidst tragedy. Named Rouh, meaning "spirit" in Arabic, by her late sister Malak's wish, she is a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict.

The recent outbreak of bird flu in two wards of Alappuzha has prompted Health Minister Veena George to take swift action under the Kerala Public Health Act, 2023. She has instructed the director of the health department to initiate necessary measures to contain the spread of the virus.

Panchayat-level committees are being urgently convened in all panchayats of Alappuzha to address the situation effectively. Additionally, neighboring areas are under close surveillance, with district-level monitoring in place. Progress reports are mandated to be submitted at the state level to ensure coordinated efforts.