SHILLONG: Despite the guidelines related to the safety and security of miners stipulated in the Meghalaya Mines and Minerals Policy, 2012, no scrutiny is being undertaken by the concerned authorities to ensure the safety and welfare of the miners.

Considering that there are frequent deaths and injuries to the mine workers including the recent case of deaths of five miners in Jaintia Hills, there is a ‘grey area’ in the mining policy as nothing specifically is mentioned about the compensation to be paid to the mine workers in case of accidents.

Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have discovered a new molecule that, they say, could potentially lead to an anti-cancer drug, which may help reduce the dosage of current treatment methods like chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The molecule, aimed at killing cancer cells by blocking their DNA repair mechanism, was successful in removing tumours in mice during laboratory experiments, say the researchers.

The team is now evaluating offers to collaborate, including one from a US-based pharma company, for further research and clinical trials. Typically, the road to market for a new molecule can take at least a decade.

NDC meeting decides to give priority to health sector in Five-Year Plan The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), a programme begun by the Union Ministry of Health in 2005 for the improvement of he

Dept of horticulture plans to develop garden on 2,500 acres of land in Mysore district.

The Chhattisgarh Government has launched a widespread campaign to distribute homoeopathic medicines with the objective of preventing and treating malaria in rural areas.

Under the campaign, homoeopathic medicines will be administered door-to-door by Mitanin workers, a government official said. State Home Minister Nankiram Kanwar launched the campaign on Sunday from Mainpur development block of Gariyaband, the official said.

Improving and optimising human resources for health, infrastructure building, trauma care and prevention and management of lifestyle diseases are some of the thrust areas identified for the State’s health sector when the 12th Plan is implemented.

There would be no scarcity of resources for health sector in the 12th Plan as there was a 322 per cent increase in the allocation for health over the 11th Plan. It was up to the State to ensure that its healthcare moved up a higher level and that the funds were utilised effectively, Principal Secretary (Health), Rajeev Sadanandan, said.

Panel discussion on lifestyle diseases: India positioned on the wrong side of the health index, warn experts.

On the surface, it sounded like an outburst from a minister known to speak his mind.