In our practice we are seeing many patients of IT back ground with various health problems ranging from physical illness to emotional and psychological problems.According to an article in Computer World magazine there will be over 5.2 million software professionals in India and it is increasing. Increases in number of software professionals means increase in health problems. Clinical studies done in India have found that software engineers who work long hours suffer mostly from musculoskeletal problems, eye problems and psychosocial issues.

Common Health Problems

1. Lower Back Pain: This is probably the most common problem suffered by IT professionals.  Almost 80% of people who spend more than 8 hours in front of a computer which can lead to great stress on bony joints and cartilages of back leading to back pain. The problem lies in wrong posture and not taking frequent breaks in between the work. On a long run persistent stress & strain on the bone and ligaments leads to structural changes in the back bone thus leading to a chronic back pain.To prevent back pain refer the picture in this article that demonstrates the right posture while working in front of computer.

2.Carpal Tunnel Syndrome(CTS): I had a patient who was an IT professional who was diagnosed to be suffering with CTS. she was in such as bad condition that she was unable to lift or hold even tea cup with her hand, and her hand muscles had become so thin and weak. She became alright after few months of treatment. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition where a nerve known as median nerve that passes through the wrist gets compressed due to constant but restricted movement of the wrist joint. The tendon inflammation resulting from repetitive work, such as uninterrupted typing, can cause carpal tunnel symptoms. Carpal tunnel syndrome from repetitive maneuvers like uninterrupted typing has been referred to as one of the repetitive stress injuries.

Symptoms of CTS:

• Numbness and tingling of the hand, thumb, index, middle, and thumb side of the ring fingers.
• Pain is worse at night & person may have sleepless nights.
• As disease advances—Burning sensation, weakness of hand.
• Decreased grip strength leading to frequent dropping of objects from the hand.
• Occasionally, sharp shooting pains can be felt in the forearm.
• Chronic carpal tunnel syndrome can also lead to wasting (atrophy) of the hand muscles, particularly those near the base of the thumb in the palm of the hand.

How to Prevent CTS:

• Frequent stretches and bending of wrists can loosen up the tight tissues, improve blood flow and reduce pain and stiffness.
• Keep your keyboard at a height where the elbow is at 90 degrees to the table. Keep your elbows close to your side. Keep your arms rested on the arm rest with your forearms parallel to the ground.
• Using gel pads to support the base of your palm is okay for a short while, but not for long. The altered angle due to the gel pads can worsen CTS.
• Adjust the position of your keyboard as well so that it is comfortable to type.
• Don’t sit and type for hours, take short breaks in between and exercise the joints of your hand.

3.Anxiety and Stress: Targets and deadlines! Hearing these two words is enough to induce stress and anxiety in most of IT professionals. I have seen some of my IT patients and friends who work for 18-20 hrs a day, even in weekends to meet the set goals. As per a recent survey published in a psychological journal, IT professionals and people who are addicted to internet were more likely to develop depression.  Depression can greatly affect quality of life. It also can have a negative impact on personal relationships as well.

Tips to avoid/minimize anxiety & stress:

• Don’t carry your work to home, limit your work to work place only.
• Limit your use of the internet when at home. Instead, use the time to spend with family or take up a hobby.
• Exercise is of course a great way to ward off stress, I advise my patients group events like cricket, badminton, foot ball etc rather than monotonous activities like running, swimming, cycling etc. I have observed that group events are more beneficial as it helps people to interact with each other, and helps to forget their stress and worries; it relaxes both your body and mind.
• Yoga and relaxation therapies are also an effective way to keep stress and anxiety levels low. The Pranayama is believed to be very helpful.

4. Heart Diseases: Research has linked sitting for long periods of time with a number of health concerns, including obesity and metabolic syndrome — a cluster of conditions that includes increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist and abnormal cholesterol levels. Too much sitting also seems to increase the risk of death from cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Guidelines to prevent Heart diseases:

1.Avoid sitting for long hours, make sure you get up once every 15 to 20 minutes.

2.Go for a short walk around the office taking some break from work.

3.Once you finish work, indulge in a good exercise program.

4.You could go for a walk or a jog or even hit the gym if you are a member.

5. Insomnia: Insomnia or difficulty sleeping is one of the common health problems seen in software professionals. This is encountered more in people work in night shifts, as their normal sleep rhythm is disturbed and their day time sleep is poor & inadequate. A study in Finland found that 16% of IT professionals who work late develop insomnia. Another study looking at 91 software engineers in India found that 35% of them had mild insomnia while 21% had severe insomnia. Staring at a bright screen (be it your laptop or mobile) late into the night can alter the release of the sleep chemical melatonin. As time passes, the release of this hormone alters permanently, leading to chronic insomnia.

Guidelines to prevent Insomnia:

• Try to get at least 6 hours of sleep (recommended is 8 hrs),
• Switch off tv and mobile phone once you hit the bed.
• Use dim lights in bed room and read a book if needed.

6. Neck Pain: Sitting for hours in same posture and staring at a computer screen can cause neck pain, which can later develop into neck stiffness. It is not just the staring at the screen for long hours that causes the problem; placing the phone in between your ears and your shoulder is also a trigger for neck problems (Call center workers, Stock brokers). In a research study it was found that 59% of WRMSDs (Work related musculoskeletal disorders) reported annually by IT professional in India, out of which 30% cases are of neck pain.

Guidelines to prevent getting Neck pain:

• Right posture while sitting is most important.
• If using a laptop, use adequate support to keep the computer elevated at eye level.
• Avoid using mobile phones for long hours. If you do, use a hands free kit instead of holding onto the phone all the time.
• As mentioned previously it is important to keep moving and avoid static postures.

7. Computer vision syndrome: Those who spend most of their time staring at a computer screen are prone to suffer with a condition called as computer vision syndrome. Computer vision syndrome is characterized by dry eyes, red eyes, sensitivity to glare, pain around the eyes, headache and overall fatigue. Nearly 7 out of 10 people who spend 8 to 12 hours a day staring at a computer screen will develop eye problems. Around 80% of individuals with eye problems hail from the IT profession, according to a report  in Times of India.

To prevent Eye strain

• Follow the  20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look away from the computer screen at an object around 20 feet away for duration of 20 seconds.
• Using anti-glare screen covers can reduce eye strain significantly and reduce your chances of developing computer vision syndrome
• Avoid using your computer in a dark room.

8. Deep vein thrombosis : Deep vein thrombosis refers to a condition where blood clots form in the deeper veins in the legs. It is one of the usual health problems in software professionals. Usually the impure blood (deoxygenated) in our legs is pumped back to heart and then lungs for purification (oxygenation) this is a regular ongoing process; sitting for long hours without any activity can make blood to stagnate in the blood vessels of our legs which lead to clot formation. This can lead to development of a condition known as Deep vein thrombosis.

According to a report in New Scientist, clot formation in the calf muscles in computer users is now called ‘e-thrombosis’. This term was coined after a computer enthusiast developed a clot that broke off and migrated to his lungs.Blood clots may lead to death when they dislodge from their sit of origin (leg veins) and travel up and settle in the major vessels of lung (pulmonary embolism) resulting in blockage of blood circulation to vital organs.

 To prevent Deep vein thrombosis:

• Keep moving about. Don’t remain seated in one position all the time.
• Take a short walks often, this will help the blood circulate from your leg back to your heart.

How Homoeopathy can be helpful?

Majority of the health issues faced by IT professionals can be effectively treated by using Homeopathy medicines. It has holistic approach towards patient which means treating patient as a whole and not his specific disease or parts of body. These medicines not only help in relieving the suffering of the patient but also stimulate and strengthen the immune system of the body. Homeopathy medicines not only relieve the physical sufferings but also act on the level of mind and help the patient to adopt himself to the challenging situations in work place or anywhere else without getting much stressed, thus a harmony (balance) is established.

In our clinics we have effectively treated many patients from IT back ground suffering with  low backache, dryness of eyes, carpel tunnel syndrome, anxiety, depression, Insomnia, neck pain etc….IT professionals and other professionals who spend many hours in front of computers are very prone to developing various health problems, which can be prevented if right, corrective steps are taken early. Homeopathy as a holistic system of medicine can play a major role in relieving the suffering of these people as it is cost effective, non-invasive, non addictive and there are no side-effects from Homoeo medicines.

Dr. Tejaswi K.P.
Reader- Dept. of Surgery, Bhagwan Buddha Homeo Medical college, Bangalore
Consultanat- Surabhi Homoeo clinic, Vidyaranyapura, Bangalore-97
Mob-97311 33819    Email-drtejas2000@rediffmail.com

The post Health issues for computer users : How to prevent it? appeared first on Health Vision.

The idea of work-life balance has emerged as a prized ideal for many in today’s fast-paced world. We strive to balance our personal and professional endeavors to achieve harmony in this delicate balancing act. What if I told you that it’s not only about finding a balance but also about ‘integrating’ work and personal life while emphasizing on ‘quality of life’?

In our culture, hustling is frequently praised, and working long hours and nonstop for our careers is considered a virtue. But in our persistent quest for professional achievement, we often overlook what really matters in life: living a fulfilling life.

The phrase ‘work-life integration’ is more than simply a popular catchphrase; it refers to a way of thinking that prioritizes putting our personal lives first. It’s about realizing that our lives are a multifaceted diamond with many facets, and our occupations are just one of them. When we prioritize our personal health, self-care, and self-love, we experience true contentment and happiness.

Misperceptions Regarding Work-Life Balance

The ideal of a fulfilling life is often achieved through work-life balance. However, this idea frequently implies that our personal and professional lives must be kept strictly separate and balanced. In actuality, this strategy might cause unneeded stress since it creates the false assumption that everything must be divided exactly.

Conversely, ‘work-life integration’ allows us to combine our personal and professional lives conveniently. It recognizes that our ability to meet life’s demands must adapt as they change. It serves as a reminder that, when necessary, it is okay to bring our personal life into the office occasionally. We need this as we have single parents, nuclear families, and limited support from extended families nowadays.

Putting Life First

Recognizing life as the foundation of our existence is at the core of work-life integration. Your career is essential, but it’s only one among many. Prioritizing life over work is necessary to experience true happiness and fulfillment.

Love and Care for Oneself

Self-care and self-love are prioritized in work-life integration. We can perform in our careers and care for our relationships when we put ourselves first. Self-care is not selfish; it is essential to living a happy life.

Make Time for the Important Things

Make time for the things that are truly important to you if you want to achieve work-life integration. This means we need to prioritize with an intention. These intentional moments form the foundation of a rich and fulfilling life, whether they involve spending quality time with close friends and family, pursuing a passion, or unwinding and recharging.

Life as a Whole, Not Just Your Career

Your profession is essential, no doubt, but it shouldn’t be the focal point of your life. Instead, it should be a part of it. This perspective change gives us a fresh sense of freedom and equilibrium. We no longer need to overcommit or overwork ourselves to establish our value.

In Conclusion

A holistic way of living called “work-life integration” encourages us to put the importance of life itself above our careers. Realizing that the secret to lasting pleasure is taking care of oneself, loving oneself, and pursuing your unique goals is vital. We discover that adopting this concept makes our personal lives, professions, and overall well-being much more fulfilling. Remember that work is one of the many beautiful strokes that go into creating your painting and that life is the canvas.

In the symphony of life, work is just one instrument; let it harmonize with the melody of your existence, and together, they shall create a masterpiece called work-life integration.

Sandiip Panndit
Author, Life Alchemist & Founder
Soul In Harmony™|www.soulinharmony.in
hello@soulinharmony.in

The post The Art of Work-Life Integration: Prioritizing Life for True Fulfillment appeared first on Health Vision.

In today’s fast-paced and competitive work environment, ensuring the well-being of employees is more important than ever. Mental health plays a crucial role in employee performance, job satisfaction, and overall productivity. However, many workplaces still struggle to address this sensitive issue adequately. By implementing strategies that prioritize employee well-being, organizations can create a healthier and more productive work culture. This article explores essential strategies for navigating mental health in the workplace.

1- Foster a Culture of Openness and Support:

A stigma around mental health can discourage employees from seeking help or discussing their struggles. To combat this, organizations should foster a culture of openness and support. This can be achieved by encouraging open communication, destigmatizing mental health issues, and providing access to resources and support networks. Managers and leaders should lead by example and show empathy towards employees’ challenges.

2- Promote Work-Life Balance:

Long working hours, excessive stress, and burnout can take a toll on employees’ mental health. Encourage work-life balance by implementing flexible work arrangements, promoting time off, and setting realistic workload expectations. Providing employees with the opportunity to recharge and engage in activities outside of work helps prevent burnout and boosts overall well-being.

3- Offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs):

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are confidential resources that provide counseling and support for employees facing personal or work-related challenges. These programs can offer services such as counseling, financial advice, and legal assistance. EAPs can significantly contribute to reducing stress and enhancing employees’ mental health.

4- Provide Mental Health Training:

Equip managers and supervisors with mental health training to recognize signs of distress in employees and provide appropriate support. Training can also include tips on fostering a positive work environment and promoting mental well-being among their teams. This ensures that employees feel understood and supported by their immediate supervisors.

5- Develop Wellness Initiatives:

Implementing wellness initiatives can have a positive impact on employees’ mental health. Consider organizing workshops on stress management, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques. Encourage physical activity through fitness challenges or offering gym memberships. When employees feel their employer cares about their well-being, they are more likely to feel satisfied and motivated at work.

6- Reduce Workplace Stressors:

Identify and address potential workplace stressors. This might involve streamlining processes, clarifying job roles, and ensuring that employees have the necessary resources to perform their tasks effectively. Regularly review workloads and provide assistance to those who might be struggling with their responsibilities.

7-Encourage Social Interaction:

Loneliness and isolation can contribute to poor mental health. Encourage social interaction and camaraderie among employees through team-building activities, lunchtime gatherings, or virtual events for remote teams. A supportive work community can provide a sense of belonging and enhance overall well-being.

8- Communicate Resources and Benefits:

Ensure that employees are aware of the mental health resources available to them, such as counseling services, helplines, or support groups. Communicate information about benefits packages that cover mental health treatment, including therapy and counseling sessions.

Navigating mental health in the workplace is essential for fostering a healthy, productive, and supportive work environment. By promoting a culture of openness, offering support programs, and prioritizing work-life balance, organizations can create an atmosphere where employees feel valued and cared for. Remember that investing in employees’ mental health not only benefits the individual but also leads to a more engaged, motivated, and successful workforce. Together, organizations and their employees can work towards building a mentally healthier workplace for the long term.

Dr. Jyoti Kapoor
Founder-Director and Senior Psychiatrist
Manasthali

The post Navigating Mental Health in the Workplace appeared first on Health Vision.

In a world dominated by fast-paced business ventures and corporate endeavours, there are individuals who manage to carve a unique path, blending their passion for spirituality with their professional pursuits. One such exemplary figure is Meghana Prasad, an accomplished entrepreneur and Master of Business Administration who effortlessly balances her thriving family business with her unwavering devotion to yoga and spirituality. Meghana serves as the Vice President – Operations of her family’s successful venture, ‘Megha Agrotech Pvt Ltd,’ while also empowering people with the transformative effects of yoga and meditation.

Meghana Prasad, daughter of Mr. R Prasad, Director and founder, ‘Megha Agrotech Pvt Ltd is not only a dynamic entrepreneur and Master of Business Administration but also an inspiring yoga practitioner and trainer. Her unwavering commitment to her family’s business and her passion for yoga and spirituality have earned her many prestigious awards and accolades, making her a shining example of excellence and achievement.

Early Encounters with Yoga and Spirituality:

Meghana Prasad’s journey into the world of yoga and spirituality began at an early age when she was just ten years old. Introduced to the renowned Art of Living organization, she experienced her first yoga and meditation program, which left an indelible impression on her young mind. The transformative effects of the practice ignited a deep interest in her heart, shaping her life’s trajectory towards a harmonious blend of entrepreneurship and spirituality.

Becoming a Certified Yoga Trainer:

Fuelled by her passion for yoga, Meghana Prasad pursued formal training and became a certified yoga trainer through The Sri Sri School of Yoga. This esteemed institution, registered under the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, holds a distinguished reputation for its holistic approach to yoga teachings. Additionally, Meghana is registered with the Yoga Alliance International, reflecting her commitment to adhering to global standards in yoga training.

Empowering Others through Yoga:

With over nine years of experience in training both children and adults in the profound techniques of yoga and meditation, Meghana Prasad has honed her skills as an inspiring and compassionate instructor. Her unique perspective and holistic approach to yoga sessions make her classes not only physically rejuvenating but also emotionally and spiritually enriching experiences.

Balancing Family Business and Spirituality:

Meghana’s ability to strike a perfect balance between her thriving family business and her spiritual endeavors is nothing short of remarkable. As the Vice President – Operations of ‘Megha Agrotech Pvt Ltd,’ she takes on the responsibility of overseeing day-to-day operations and strategizing the company’s growth. Her business acumen and innovative ideas have contributed significantly to the company’s success, making it a prominent player in the agricultural sector.

Moreover, Meghana believes that her spiritual practices have not only contributed to her personal growth but have also enhanced her leadership capabilities. Through yoga and meditation, she has cultivated qualities such as mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and resilience, which have proven invaluable in navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.

The post Meghana Prasad: Entrepreneur Balancing Business and Spirituality appeared first on Health Vision.

1. 46% of employees experienced pain in one focused area and over 50% of employees experienced pain in multiple areas

2. 15% of employees took a leave of 3-4 days in the last six months on account of physical pain

3. Seeks to acquire 16% market share by 2025 in the workspace furniture segment.

Bangalore:  Godrej & Boyce, the flagship company of the Godrej Group, announced that its business Godrej Interio, India’s leading furniture solutions brand, in home and institutional segments, has published the findings of an exclusive study titled‘Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Employees’ (WMSDs).

To understand the employee expectations and concerns in the hybrid work model, the Workspace & Ergonomics Research Cell at Godrej Interio conducted a nation-wide study that uncovers different aspects such as employees’ concerns related to body pain while working, incorrect work tool integration, and views on long work hours and static muscle load in office. A total of 500 office-going employees participated in the research in the age group 21–40years, most of them, working for MNCs and Indian corporates.

According to the study, work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are becoming a growing concern due to their impact on employee productivity and well-being. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are injuries or disorders of the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, and spinal discs.” However, WMSDs are conditions in which the work environment and the tasks performed at work significantly worsen the condition, especially if it persists for an extendedperiod of time.

91% of workers are not fully aware of the workplace factors that can endanger their health and cause the onset of WMSDs (Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders), while 82% of employees reported concerns related to body pain while working from home. The study revealed that sedentary postures, a lack of ergonomic remote work spaces, lack of postural breaks, improper work-tool interaction, inappropriate furniture, and long workdays all contribute to the aggravation of WMSDs.

An overarching worry uncovered in the study was that 64%of employees spend more than 9 hours a day seated and 50% of employees use laptops for a minimum of 6-7 hours causing physical health risks such as eye strain, finger pain, backache, neck pain, and sleep disturbances. Despite all these concerns, 95% of the employees are unaware of the ill effects of maintaining a static posture.

Sameer Joshi, Associate Vice President, Marketing (B2B), Godrej Interio said: “The hybrid work model has brought about fundamental shifts – mental health has been prioritized, physical work spaces have been optimised and technology has become even more pervasive. However, the incorrect use of work tools – technology or otherwise – has resulted in prolonged working hours for employees, giving rise to Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs), a predominant deterrent to employee health and productivity.

Through this study, Godrej Interio has suggested a systematic and structured approach to ergonomics training that could reduce the risk of WMSDs among office goers. In order to counter and reduce their prevalence, organisations must critically assess parameters like employee behaviour, and work tool interaction prior to opting for a training program. In addition, they should consider environmental parameters like illumination, and thermal and acoustic comfort, which equally affect employee health. At Godrej Interio, we are seeing demand for ergonomic furniture in the office furniture sector and are looking to grow the segment by 25% in this financial year.”

The post Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) impacts employee appeared first on Health Vision.

 A career or occupation is the most important aspect of a person’s life as the occupation determines the destiny of a person.  A career not only takes a significant portion of a person’s lifetime, it is also his or her roadway of progress.  There are several professions and umpteen choices can be made.  A person can get into stock market advisory and trade, or in other finance management roles, career seekers can become self – employed, there are golden career opportunities in marketing, and so on.  In recent times, a career that has gained the spotlight due to pandemic is pharmacy, which is a truly satisfying and progressive profession.

What is pharmacy?

The profession of pharmacy is defined as the art and science of discovery, inventing, formulating, manufacturing, marketing, reuglating and professionally recommending the right use of medicines.  Today, under the umbrella of pharmacy, additionally, medical devices and nutritional supplements are included.  A pharmacist is the medicines expert – medicines for human and veterinary use. The person who formally pursues pharmacy as a career is called a pharmacist.  Formal qualifications available in pharmacy include: Diploma in Pharmacy (D Pharm), Bachelor of Pharmacy (B Pharm), Pharm D (Doctor of Pharmacy), M Pharm (Master of Pharmacy) and PhD in Pharmacy or Pharmaceutical Sciences.  In short, the pharmacist who formally practices pharmacy, is a healthcare expert on all aspects of medicines, and additionally – medical devices and nutritional supplements.

Attractions of pharmacy as a profession

Pharmacists not only have a satisfying career through their professional services – there is good opportunity to earn and lead an international life.  The Indian pharmaceutical industry is globally integrated – India as a country is the largest producer of generic drugs in the world (generic drugs are off-patent medicines).  Indian pharmaceutical industry is popular as the “pharmacy of the world” as India produces affordable medicines.  India meets 50% of the global demand for vaccines and one in three children who are vaccinated by WHO is with an India made vaccine.

Indian pharmaceutical industry is a net exporter of generic (off-patent) medicines, meeting 40% of generic medicine demand in USA and 25% of generic medicine demand in UK.  As per Iqvia market agency report, the total Indian pharmaceutical retail, hospital and ‘dispensing doctor’ market is Rs. 1,81,634 crores per annum (Dec 2021 figures) with about 14.00% annual growth (AIOCD AWACS market agency report).  Additionally, India exports about Rs. 1,71,000 crores worth of pharmaceuticals.  India ranks third in terms of volume of pharmaceutical production and 14^th in terms of value of pharmaceutical production, India produces affordable medicines.

India produces over 80% of the world’s anti-HIV medicines.  Indian pharmaceutical sector contributes about 2% of India’s GDP and about 8% of total merchandise exports from India.  The world’s largest producer of vaccines is Pune based Serum Institute of India.  The pharmaceutical ecosystem of India is now climbing up the value chain by making drug discoveries and novel drug delivery formulations.  For example saraglitazar is a novel drug invented in India by Zydus Cadila.

The Govt. is encouraging growth of medical devices sector and AYUSH systems of medicine.  Thereby, an additional growth avenue for pharmacists is opening up in these areas. The retail pharmacy sector is a major source of livelihood for pharmacists, particularly D Pharm pharmacists.  They work in stand-alone proprietary pharmacies, omnichannel and chain pharmacies.  There are 8 lakh plus pharmacies in India and about 60000 wholesale pharmacy firms. The other pharmacy jobs are in R and D, production, quality, regulatory, drug control department, marketing, and teaching – besides the omnipresent retailing.

Professional and dignified

The pharmacy profession provides an aspirant a dignified knowledge profession where the person can work directly or indirectly work for patient welfare as a healthcare practitioner.  After getting qualified as a pharmacist, he or she becomes an eternal learner as the pharmacist has to keep updated with technical developments.  New drugs and therapies are constantly being brought to the market, and the pharmacist has to keep himself or herself abreast with these developments.  The pharmacist in marketing, manufacturing, regulatory and researching is a part of the process that creates new therapies and medicine innovations.

 Endnote:

Pharmacists’ help people heal.  Pharmacist advice keeps patients on the right track; pharmacists serve patients at community and in hospitals.  There is a wide variety of jobs available in pharmaceutical sector.  Demand for quality pharmacists is growing in India and abroad.  The increasing aging population across the world is driving the growth of pharmacy profession.  Pharmacy is a knowledge profession and is seeing a rapid growth – thereby providing a dignified status to pharmacists globally.

Sunil S Chiplunkar

M Pharm (Pharmacology) MBA (Marketing) PGDHRM (PhD)

• VP – Business Development
• Group Pharmaceuticals, Bangalore
• E mail: 1969sunilchiplunkar@gmail.com
• Mob: 63645 78669

Further reading:

• https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/BS_ViewBulletin.aspx?
• https://www.ibef.org/industry/pharmaceutical-india.aspx
• https://www.aacp.org/resource/top-ten-reasons-become-pharmacist

The post Pharmacy – A truly satisfying and progressive profession appeared first on Health Vision.

As a nation, we remain unprepared not just to face the pandemic like Covid-19 but even the every day health needs of our citizens leave much to be desired. The doctor to patient ratio in the country is woefully low, which is merely 0.7 doctors per 1,000 people. This compared to the World Health Organisation (WHO) average of 2.5 doctors per 1,000 people. Similarly, the nurses to patient ratio are equally poor. The inadequacy of healthcare access is further compounded by the fact that healthcare workers and Indian healthcare infrastructure are predominantly located in large cities and big towns. Both, the Central and state governments have recognised the burning needs to address these challenges and have launched several initiatives in this regard.

Rising up to the challenge

The answer to creating a highly skilled workforce and the numbers needed may be with the new flag bearers, which include technology companies, specialists and content creators, who will converge to create the infrastructure of the future for upskilling of the health workers. This no longer will be limited to just classrooms or conventional academia.

India is producing unicorns and successful online educational companies in large numbers. The traditional views of schools and colleges being the only primary source of learning and enhancing skills has radically changed. Education technology or EdTech has very much arrived now. In fact, it an apt time to extend it into the healthcare domain as well. With online, on-demand and high-speed access, upskilling of healthcare workers can be done successfully. Continuing medical education, learning new skills, all done in real-time, will not just enhance people’s skill but may well change the health outcome in certain cases.

The acceleration of technology adoption of Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain and Internet of Things (IoTs) proves that the upskilling of healthcare workers will be possible through innovative and new-age companies.

Ms Ashvini Danigond
Executive Director & CEO
Manorama Infosolutions

The post Towards creating a highly skilled healthcare workforce appeared first on Health Vision.

The coronavirus pandemic has introduced us to a world of new words and phrases, the latest addition being ‘WORKATION’ or work + vacation. Take a moment to imagine your workspace overlooking the hills in a quaint countryside, you wearing a super-comfy pair of pyjamas, grabbing a cup of hot chocolate or a pitcher of cold beer, simultaneously achieving your professional goals – who wouldn’t want that!

The concept of workation is gaining popularity as working professionals today are exasperated, slogging away in the same corner of their apartments for six months in a row! A change of atmosphere with a relaxed road trip to a picturesque resort, which is easily accessible by a cab – can surely do wonders for their mental health and work productivity! With travel restrictions easing throughout the country and the state governments promoting tourism, people now feel safe to step out of their houses.

Workation ready stays

As the workation trend is slowly gaining momentum, more and more remote workers and freelancers are venturing out to the nearby, drivable scenic destinations. To facilitate a smooth workation experience, travel and tourism companies are offering bi-weekly and monthly workation packages in charming homestays and luxury resorts near metro cities at super affordable tariffs. These stays are not only sanitized regularly, but are also equipped with high-speed internet, unlimited caffeine, a comfortable workspace and fresh cooked local cuisines.

Besides the workation basics, the hotels are also making arrangements for a healthy dose of recreational activities to give you a well-deserved break from work, which include socially-distanced yoga classes, all-night stargazing sesh, bonfire and barbecue nights, pet tours and weekend tours to the isolated locales.

Safe, sanitized commute

With car rentals emerging as the preferred choice of commute to the nearby destinations, some companies have  introduced One-way packages which not only provides you safe transportation to your workation destination, but also ensures a charming road trip enroute for the much-needed excursion!

Lockdowns have made corporations and employees realise uninterrupted power supply and high speed internet is all they need to work from anywhere. Consequently, a blissful respite from the mundane 9-to-9 work from home schedule by setting up your workstation at an idyllic homestay amidst the hills seems like a smart, rather sane choice today!

If the mountain won’t come to the workstation, then the workstation must go to the mountain.

The post The concept of workation is gaining popularity appeared first on Health Vision.

The second wave of Corona infection in India has spread to unprecedented levels with the daily positive cases breaching 2 lakh. Businesses that have already taken a severe beating when the pandemic broke out in 2020 face worse situation this year. The spike in the everyday fresh load of corona virus cases is expected to affect business, our day to day lives which is evident in the recent curbs imposed in different parts of the country in the form of complete lockdown, weekend lockdown and night curfew.

As the pandemic caught the world off guard, it posed a severe threat to all countries and each country adapted strategies to fight it, of which some fared better than others. Now we have learnt many lessons the hard way in the first wave and we can draw from the past experiences in fighting second wave.

Although, the government now has imposed a partial lockdown kind of situation where only essential services will be opened for the public, there is high chances of infection spread even during this time if the businesses or organisations are not following the Covid guidelines. Places like hotels, vegetable stores or the smaller businesses can increase the spread of virus if Covid appropriate behaviour is not followed.

Safety measures to be taken by employers:

Let us look at what the businesses or employers can do to take care of the safety of the employees during this time:

Assess staffing requirement: One of the first things employers should consider is to assess staff requirements and check if they can cut down the physical presence of employees at workplace. With the advent of technology, there are many options available for employers to make their staff work remotely.

Reduce physical contact: Some businesses demand the physical presence of the staff at the workplace. The staff need to be present physically to ensure business continuity. In such cases, ensure that the staff are allowed to work by maintaining social distancing. Provide PPE kits to workers if the situation demands. Install barriers, erecting glass or window partitions, change the seating arrangement and if it’s a hotel, separate billing or booking counter, stall etc and switch to online payment options, self-serve options and automation. Also, ensure that your facility is properly ventilated.

Sanitize the work space at regular intervals: Frequently touched surfaces like taps, doorknobs, lift buttons, phones, light switches etc should be cleaned often. Do not allow any employee or visitor to enter the office, worksite or company without screening. Those who have symptoms when they arrive at work or fall sick at work should be immediately isolated from others. If they test positive for corona, disinfect the area used by the worker and the employer must inform the fellow employees of the possible coronavirus exposure.

Also, it is suggested to have split lunch timings in batches if the establishments have more employees to avoid crowding. Encourage staff to use stairs instead of lifts. Simple measures like contactless logins(biometrics), restricting people to stepping out of office unless absolutely necessary is very crucial to contain the spread of the infection.

Other supports: All the companies and offices must have a Covid 19 plan on how the risks are assessed, mitigated, how to implement the new guidelines issued by the government from time to time and other information. Workers should be educated on the plan and it is also crucial to receive their feedback on safety, reducing the risks and their worries. Staff might need other supports as is it common for them to experience fear, anxiety and poor mental health during the pandemic.

Always be open to the employees if they want to switch shift or take leave in the event of them or their family members turning positive of Covid 19. Being self-disciplined & following COVID appropriate behaviour all the time, all the places is the need of the hour. Keep a close track of the standard operating procedures and guidelines issued by your respective governments and modify your plans accordingly.

Do not ignore the symptoms suggestive of COVID – feverishness, chills, loss of taste and smell, pink eye, unusual cough, diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, heart palpitations, and body pain. Finally, ensure that all the eligible staff are vaccinated at the earliest.

Dr.Angelina Mendos
Consultant- Medical Microbiology and Infection Control
Columbia Asia Referral Hospital
Yeshwanthpur, Bengaluru

The post Safety measures for employees and customers during corona pandemic appeared first on Health Vision.

Healthcare, positioned at the forefront of the pandemic fight, witnessed a record spike in hiring across the sector. According to Professional recruitment services firm, Michael Page India’s ‘Talent Trends 2021 Report’, with a focus on the healthcare industry  signals a stable recovery in recruitment activities in 2021.

The government’s focus on “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” or “Self-Reliant India Mission”, and its objective to roll out more conducive guidelines for API manufacturers will set the stage for this industry’s growth in 2021 through to 2025. This will lead to rapid creation of new job opportunities, thus increasing recruitment activities within the sector.

As a result of the pandemic, there has also been renewed interest and increase in funding within pharmaceuticals, API and diagnostic companies all looking to build and strengthen leadership teams. With an optimistic view on business recovery within the sector, existing setups will also see ramping up of investment and hiring activities in key areas such as research and development.

Nupur Mehta, Associate Director of Michael Page India, says, “During the pandemic, we saw a significant spike in hiring within vaccine companies. We expect continued volume of hiring activities within the segment as well as further training and nurturing to retain high-potential talent. The healthcare sector is poised to witness significant growth across segments especially, pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. “

Remuneration increases are also anticipated to attract new hires across the healthcare and life sciences sector in India with employers offering salaries 15-20% higher than the last drawn. 45% of healthcare and life science firms anticipate giving out more than one month of bonus to retain existing talent. 

The sector will witness active recruitment activities with 69% of healthcare and life sciences professionals actively seeking other job opportunities and another 27% passively open to new roles. Lack of growth opportunities appears to be the key reason to seek other opportunities, with 49% professionals stating professional development as one of the key reasons for accepting a job offer in 2021.

In addition to recruitment insights and industry analysis on the healthcare market, the report also shares new insights across the Indian and Asia Pacific market for other sectors such as technology, BFSI and real estate supported by insights on digital readiness, organizational structure, flexible working, leadership, performance management, as well as diversity and inclusion.

The post Pandemic boosted job opportunities in the healthcare sector appeared first on Health Vision.