A calendar date that defines an anomaly at birth
We all have 23 pairs of chromosomes in all the cells of our body. However, some special children are born with an extra one. Those who have one additional 21st…
The first multinational HIV philately campaign by UPAEP 2000
Unión Postal de las Américas, España y Portugal or UPAEP is a postal organization of 28 member countries. It was set up in the year 1911 to improve postal linkages…
Bassini led the way for a perfect hernia repair
Bassini and his injury Edoardo Bassini was an Italian surgeon, and as the fate would have it he devoted his life for a perfect hernia repair. Born in 1844, he…
Sickle cell elimination is on a mission mode
On 19th August 2025, Sickle Cell elimination mission announced that it had completed screening of 6 crore individuals. As of now the program envisages screening entire population (upto 18 years…
Lunatic asylums: Borne out of shame and contempt
Advent of Lunatic Asylums in India British traders came to India in the 17th century, and over next 150 years became colonialists. The year 1757 is considered as a turning…
Autism Jigsaw Symbol: Time for a change ?
The word Autism comes from Greek, for "self-directed". In-fact this new word was coined only in the year 1908 by a Psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler, to describe some patients who were…
Zoonoses: Why diseases from animals now pass on to us
We share a common environment with all other plants and animals. This is not merely a co-existence, but at times a competition for resources such as food and habitat. Our…
Celiac disease: When wheat withers you down
Celiac Disease is an uncommon occurrence, and it affects less than 1% of people world-wide. Those who have it, suffer from diarrhea, bloating, and pain in abdomen. Their intestines do-not…
Bitten by a snake and to reverse its venom
Rains are here, and soon snakes shall follow. This is a routine in vast swathes of rural tropics, including India. Snakes are an integral part of folklore, as well as…
Alcoholism: From an age-old drink to a medical taboo
As per World Health Organization "Alcohol is a toxic and psychoactive substance with dependence producing properties". As per WHO estimates, 2.6 million deaths every year are attributable to Alcohol consumption.…