chickungunya - present status in kerala.

Chickungunya- Present status in kerala. 

Kerala status of having one of the best healthcare systems in India has received a severe a blow in the recent years due to the outbreak of chickungunya viral fever in the state. Many people died and suffered during the outbreak of the mosquito borne viral fever in the coastal districts of Alappuza, kollam and Ernakulam. The present outbreak of chickungunya in many parts of kerala has raised questions about how good kerala healthcare system really is. According to sources, more than 10,000 people are down with fever in the south and central districts of the state and the disease is now spreading to the northern districts as well. The number of Chikungunya cases in kerala, India, has followed an increasing trend since 2005. From our survey, which was done in a systemic manner with respect to age, it was found that people in the age group of 20-40 years were more affected than the older age. This shows that older generation are more cautious in taking the precautions in terms of hygiene as well as preventing the entry of mosquitoes in to the place of living like closing the windows at right time, installing the wire meshes at the doorway windows which helps in aeration but prevents the entry of mosquitoes. In respect to gender wise distribution, females were found to be more prone to Chickungunya due to staying more in waterborne area, (like cleaning washing etc).and

it may be due to biological difference.

Rural area accounts for more number of cases. Most of the places, good hygienic conditions were not been maintained. Contaminated water from the household had not been disposed off properly due to which it has become a breeding center for mosquitoes. Socio economic factors also have an impact on chikungunya. Most cases, increase in temperature, muscular pain and sleep disturbances, were found to be major symptoms. Patients with the above said symptoms were not able to carryout the daily routine procedure or job which affected them economically too. In this regard, the treatment regimens followed by the physicians were found to be administration of analgesics and antipyretics followed by rest for a minimum period of 1-2 weeks. In very few cases, arthritis and myocarditis were reported. Very few patients were advised to take steroids. With respect to recovery time, few patients recovered with in one week and most of the patients took almost one month time to recover and such patients were from the rural area. This shows the severity of the conditions. The study revealed that most patients went to primary health centre and govt hospitals for the treatment of chickengunya and majority were found to be outdoor patients. The reason in avoiding private hospitals may be due to lack of interest in taking the costly medication provided by corporate sector hospital.

Chikungunya Treatment in Ayurveda

Ayurveda is the traditional Indian medicine and is a popular alternative medicine in India. Ayurveda medicines are usually natural drugs and hence side effects usually are minimal.  Our findings reveals that, since there is no new medicine for Chikungunya in allopathy, there is an increasing trend among people in kerala turning to traditional Indian medicines especially ayurveda.In comparative evaluation of different system of medicines and present scenario of chickungunya in Malabar kerala, in case of ayurvedic medicine, questionnaire were distributed to 5 doctors and collected the feed back, regarding medicines, treatment available, diagnosis etc.  The study reveals that many numbers of medicines were prescribed including… Vilvadi Gulika, Sudarsanam Gulika, Amritarishta. Vettumaran gulika, Amruthotharam kashayam, Amruthadiguggulu (1gm tds), Rasnaeranda kwatha churna(15ml tds), Vanathulasi patra, Dhanvantaram Gutika etc. The recovery of the patients normally takes place within three days if it is in early stage. most of the doctors assured that ayurvedic system of medication and treatment could cure the patient at earlier period without much side effects, since the preparation are from natural source without any added artificial preservations or artificial excepients. All the doctors participated in the survey (100%) assured that ayurvedic medicines were   more effective than other systems of medicines and they were aware about the efficacy and adverse effects of drugs used. The study revealed that the condition of chickungunya worsen in patients who have arthritis. One observation noted during the study is that there is a wide belief among people in kerala that, the application of local herb Chromolaena odorata, (Communist pacha in local language) can be used for the treatment of chickungunya especially in pain relief. Communist pacha is a local leaf available in kerala, which is effective in treating joint pain. Most of the doctors were aware of this which is an additional therapy in chickungunya. Ayurveda is a system wherein the patients were asked to follow a strict diet regimen avoiding coffee, tea, cool drinks and other similar food material which may interfere in the treatment status. Some practitioners of Ayurveda claim that a medicine called Panchathikta Kashayam can cure Chikungunya. It is a very bitter drug. Ayurveda massage is also administered for joint pain relief.      Herbs such as Sacred Basil (Tulsi), Carrot and Grapes are usually recommended as a relief for the pain and fever. Since these are natural herbs and vegetable there is no risk in trying them out. Ayurvedic treatment of chickungunya uses herbal drugs, but patients have to be very careful since there are a large number of unlicensed ayurvedic practitioners and some of them are known to add steroids in medicines for quick benefit. Ayurvedic method of living offers a solution to the problems of viral fever and almost all types of diseases. Ayurveda attributes the reasons of spread of diseases to the pollution of air, water and land and its imbalances in the body.

Homeopathic treatment of Chikungunya

In the case of homeopathy, feedback was obtained from 5 doctors. The treatment was symptomatic, provisional diagnosis was done and the patients were asked not to follow any other system of medicine during homeopathy treatment. Only 60% of the homeopathy doctors were aware about the efficacy and adverseffects of drugs used. Most of the doctors (100%) believe that homeopathic medicine can cure chickungunya completely. (Assessment is based on the feedback obtained from certain doctors in our locality, in other locality, doctors may be aware of adverse effects). Cardiac, respiratory and arthritis can worsen chickengunya according to homeopathic system. According to homeopathic experts effective drugs are available to prevent as well as to speed up recovery from Chikungunya. Eupatorium Perfoliatum Q (tincture, 3 to 5 drop dose) can prevent Chikungunya infection. Other medicines prescribed for the disease include Pyroginum, Rhus-tox, Cedron, Influenzinum, China, Arnica. Ledumpal, bryonia, Belladonna, Nuxvomica. Etc. The study reveals that these homeopathic medicines were very effective for relieving complaints during chickungunya. . The duration of illness was reduced. The study reveals that, homeopathic medicines was very effective and gives about 90-95 percent protection, and they were able to go to work in 2-3 days

CONCLUSION

Though the growing concern about chikungunya is increasing at logarithmic rate, day after day, month after month, more committtment and proper massive awareness campaign from the donors and states is needed for the successful mitigation of chikungunya. Different system of medicine has much to offer in preventing chikungunya, but the wide spreading of disease is going high in alarming rate in developing countries is because of the population and polluted environment. Keeping an unpolluted surrounding and clean environment is vital in the disease management which lacks in our locality.

Compared to other systems of medicine, people in our locality prefer Ayurveda, since it is devoid of side effects and the cure rate is also very high with this system of medicine. The local herb communist pacha which is a new finding can cure the chikungunya and (Especially pain and swelling) has good potential in the future. Ayurvedic experts should tap/ exploit the potential of this herb, since people claim that it has got curing effect and efficacy. Multispeciality hospitals tackle the chickungunya menace but the extend of participation in mitigating the chickungunya is less. From our study we found that in some places there is no proper documentation, even though there are proper guidelines framed by the relevant authorities. It can be concluded from the study that all the systems of medicine are equally important for the management of chikungunya. Additional effort in promoting the guidelines at local level and proper documentation helps to achieve the goal of curbing the chikungunya. It is high time to increase our effort and promote these messages at grass root level which benefits the society/ community as a whole.

DILIP.C

ASST PROFESSOR 

ALSHIFA COLLEGE OF PHARMACY

KERALA.

HOOCH TRAGEDY

September12th 2000 I took duty in Toxicology lab .I went home to pick some night dresses and came back by evening 5.30pm.While I returned I found two -three persons standing in front of PG hostel holding some samples.I rushed to lab along with them.when I went through the case sheet I found suspected OP poisoning.On enquiry I suspect chances of methanol poisoning too.when tested methanol positive . Same time two more cases from the same place(kalluvathilkal,near kollam dist).Again I did the test God !it is all methanol positive .Then again ten more samples.I poured all ten in to test tubes and added reagents and waited for the result. {valla vithane athum cheythu.case positive thane.}Two of my friends rushed to me and informed about the HOOCH tragedy in kalluvathilkal. In that night till next morning we have done around 600 samples ,out of that 3/4 th were methanol positive and some OP positive.Next day it was a big galatta .lot of media coverage including leading news papers ,TV channels ,arguements,fight with chemical examiners lab,running for ethanol oh god we became real heroes.still when i write this my hair rising...30 people died and fifty became blind.still it is a haunting nightmare for me........

 

PRASANT S.S

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

ALSHIFA COLLEGE OF PHARMACY

 

 

NEEDS AND IMPORTANCE OF ONLINE EDUCATION IN PHARMACY AND ITS FUTURE PROSPECTS

 

Needs and importance of online education in pharmacy and its future prospects.
Online pharmacy education is indeed a gift to the public and Pharma aspirants since it widens the horizons of knowledge in Pharma sector. There are various institutions in India and abroad giving pharmacy education from diploma to post graduate level. Many institutes offers correspondence courses in drug store management, Pharma marketing, Material management etc. Online education helps to bring all sectors of pharmacy under one roof to educate the public as a whole. Systems adopted by various countries with respect to medication, like methods of dispensing, clinical pharmacy services, drug information with respect to various products, side effects and adverse drug reactions of various medications, methods to take medicinal products (Internally) method of usage of medicinal products, patient counseling, OTC drugs, dosage of drugs and various other parameters related to medication can be correlated online. By this the public gets educated. Also it shows a way to live and enables them to face the challenges in Pharma sector. People in the pharmacy profession can interact with various portals online to get an effective solution of various medications that have been prescribed for patients. Various discussion and chat forums increases the spirit of enquiry and curiosity. Above all there is a feeling of freedom that normally lacks in class room teaching. New pharmacy courses for 30 to 40 hours can be started online and the certificate for the same can be issued. Population is doubling at logarithmic rate and the requirement/ demand of pharmacy professional are very high, but not able to provide the requirements. If we could make it in a capsule mode and deliver the same to the public, it will be more effective. Continuous pharmacy education is important since most of the people are not able to go to the institution for their further studies once they complete diploma or degrees, introducing new courses online will be a better option for many Pharma aspirants. The scope of online pharmacy education has come out as a brilliant option by which public will be more aware of the medication/ alternative systems of therapy available. Also it is a boon for certain category of students who are not satisfied with traditional institutions of knowledge. Online pharmacy education is the need of the hour and the future of online Pharma education is bright since people can surf at various
informations at their off times, the general awareness about various medications among the public gets markedly better, thus it helps to shape up the person in a better way. Indeed it s a great system to have since it widens the horizons of knowledge in Pharma sector.

Online pharmacy education will be a boon in general, since it gives awareness among the public about the different systems in Pharma sector. Tutorials in formulation methodology and other aspects related Pharma industry will be beneficial. Infact different perspective of pharmacy can be brought under one roof through online pharmacy education.

DILIP.C
ASST PROFESSOR
ALSHIFA COLLEGE OF PHARMACY

AL SHIFA COLLEGE OF PHARMACY

Al Shifa College of Pharmacy, which is a green campus, run by Shifa Medicare trust, having various organizations and institutions, is the realization of the dream of civil engineer, Mr. P. Unneen. Managing trustee SIMS, a great visionary which strived hard to establish, college of international repute in his own native village. The college is located on 40 acres at Kizhattoor village in Perinthalmanna taluk, of Malappuram dist, Kerala, with landscaped gardens and wilderness, where students can interact with nature. Aesthetically designed buildings with cheerful colors, spacious laboratories, classrooms, conference hall, computer lab and a very good digital library with International journals, constitute the infrastructure. The college also has a meditation room with modern facilities.

SIMS promoters comprises, Mr. P. Unneen,-Managing Trustee, K.T Abdul Rasaque- Secretory, Mr. P.K Mohammed Haji –Treasurer, Dr M.K Ibrahim- Trustee, Mr. Pilakkal Hamza –Trustee and Dr Ahmed Ameen- Trustee governs the entire organization under SIMS.

Al Shifa College of Pharmacy known for aggressive teaching in pharmacy, is well established and running into 7^th year since inception under the dynamic leadership ofProf. Dr.R. Saraswathi, M.Pharm, PhD, a renowned personality in the field of academics and research with fifteen years of experience having numerous patents. The college has all the potential required for conduct of pharmacy subjects as per AICTE and PCI norms. B.Pharm was started in the year 2002 and diploma in pharmacy in the year 2004. The seats in this institute are filled up way in advance. The college is affiliated to University of Calicut. Within a short span of seven years the college has performed extremely well in academics and other developmental activities. Faculty comprises various experienced and committed teachers from industry and college.

P.G course (M.Pharm – Pharmaceutics & Pharmacy Practice.)

The college has commenced PG program in Pharmaceutics & pharmacy practice. With an intake of 10 students on 24^th, March 2008 and is recognized by AICTE and approved by education department Govt of Kerala. Approval for M.Pharm Pharmaceutics from AICTE and Calicut University was obtained in the academic year 2007-08.

Calicut University has identified this institute as potential centre to start P.G programme with the available facilities and resources. The entire focus of the institute concentrate on welfare of its students updating the teachings learning procedures, upgrading itself to modern facility. The institute is making arrangement to have placement tie up with leading pharma corporates for providing immediate job opportunities for students completing B.Pharm & M.pharm. Fee structure of the course is moderate. The college has gained well reputation in South Kerala and has many laurels to the credit in academics, sports and cultural activities.

Facilities..... at a glance

1. We have a full fledged pharmacy practice department attached to the Alshifa hospital, Perinthalmanna for conducting preclinical toxicological studies and field based population disease oriented studies with respect to Malaria, Tuberculosis and other relevant diseases in collaboration with Alshifa College of pharmacy.

2. We have full fledged analytical laboratory to conduct analytical studies and therapeutic drug monitoring.

3. We have provision for conducting stability studies as per ICH guidelines for various drug formulations.

4. We are one of the few colleges in India which has been selected for the open source drug discovery (OSDD) by CSIR. and has been approved for conducting research in tuberculosis will be receiving grant shortly from them.
5. Applied for Ayush and the preliminary presentation at New Delhi were done by our Director during this year and we are waiting for the approval and grant.

6. We have the first Drug information centre ( DIC) in malappuram district siuated in Alshifa hospital with trained staff and students who are manning the drug information centre round the clock to cater the patients of who come from different walks of life.

7. We have digitalised about 400 plants in and around malappuram dist having excellent herbal value, some of which are extinct and unknown species.

.8. We have done the work on adverse drug reaction monitoring in Perinthalmanna, Irrational drug use in calicut with respect to 120 patients, prevalence and cure of tuberculosis in Malappuram Dist, Pilot study on Chickengunya in Malappuram dt, Pilot study on neuro tuberculosis in malappuram Dist

. We have experience in tackling Tuberculosis, Chickengunya, Diabetes, Hypertension, and many in pipeline..We have experience in drugs and formulations including the testing and evaluation of formulations. We are also helping our Alshifa hospital who sent various types of formulations including ayurvedic for testing/potency/toxicological studies/ strength of the formulations that is given to the patient and its outcome is being assessed accordingly by our team of experts in our institute.

We have various departments like dept of Pharmaceutics, Chemistry, Pharmacognosy, Pharmacology, Phytochemistry, pharmaceutical analysis and pharmacy practice. We have expert and experienced staff who are highly academic inclined and we do consultation for industries and hospitals.

We provide services to Alshifa hospital. We have signed an MOU with central leather research institute, Chennai for the masters in pharmacy (Pharmaceutics) project and three students are doing the work in CLRI Chennai.

We have conducted staff development programme (SDP) sponsored by all India council of technical education New Delhi and received a grant of rupees two lakhs. The programme was conducted between august 3^rd 2009 to Aug 14^th 2009. the invited speakers were about 23 who spoke on various topics and the delegates were from south India -

our institute has been approved as a research centre by CSIR, OSDD (OPEN SOURCE DRUG DISCOVERY)
DILIP.C
 Asst professor, pharmacy practice
Alshifa college of pharmacy
perinthalmanna