MCVR has done remarkable progress in one year, says Katoch at its annual day

[email protected] (CD Network)
December 23, 2011

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Manipal, December 23: “Manipal Centre for Virus Research (MCVR) has done remarkable progress in one year. What MCVR has achieved in one year others will take four years, said Dr Vishwa Mohan Katoch, secretary to Government of India Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Director General Indian Council of Medical Research at the first annual day of the Centre here on Tuesday.

He suggested the centre should now identify areas of interest and work through the end. New pathogen discovery is an exiting area as only seven per cent of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome is associated with a virus. Developing new diagnostic tests is another important area to be explored.

Talking of research in general, he said, “While individual interest are encouraged, ICMR would like investigators and researchers to work together using uniform protocols to help the nation benefit from every research being done”.

Dr. G Arunkumar, associate professor and head of MCVR gave an overview of the Centre which was specially created by upgrading the small virology laboratory in the department of Microbiology, KMC, Manipal in 2010.

The Chancellor of Manipal University, Dr Ramdas M Pai in his address said, “This was established to complement an initiative by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India to establish a Grade-I Virology Laboratory at Manipal particularly to provide virus diagnostic support to public health and to enhance research activities at the University”.

Dr Pai added: “The centre was established with a generous research grant of Rs. 5 crore from ICMR and a matching support from the University. It is a perfect example of Public Private Partnership (PPP) in Public health the Centre was formally commissioned by Dr. Katoch in October 2010”.

“Manipal,” he said “is proud that MCVR is the first laboratory to become functional in the network of virology laboratories, DHR and ICMR, Govt. of India is establishing in the country. MCVR also hosts the notified regional reference laboratory for Influenza viruses which plays an important role in providing timely diagnosis during the recent pandemic”.

“It is heartening to know that in a short span of time the centre has become an important nodal point for viral diagnosis in this region with good coverage in Karnataka, Kerala and Goa States. Further it has also been entrusted with national level research programmes such as development of a sample bank of Encephalitis cases in the country,” the Chancellor said.

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News Network
September 17,2024

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Mangaluru: In an act of extraordinary selflessness, a young lecturer and mother, Archana Kamath, tragically passed away just days after donating a portion of her liver to a relative. She was 33.

Archana, who had devoted her career to shaping young minds as a lecturer at Canara College and most recently at Manel Srinivasa Nayak MBA College, was a loving mother to a four-year-old boy. Her sudden passing has left her family, students, and colleagues reeling in shock and grief.

The story of her untimely demise began when a relative of her husband, CA Chethan Kumar, required a life-saving liver transplant. 

With no other matching donors in sight, Archana stepped forward, her heart full of compassion. Her blood type matched, and without hesitation, she made the brave decision to donate a part of her liver—an act that would ultimately cost her life.

The surgery, performed 12 days ago in Bengaluru, seemed successful. Archana appeared to recover well and was discharged, bringing hope and relief to her loved ones. 

But just days after returning home, she suddenly fell ill and passed away on September 15 in a Mangaluru hospital. The cause of her sudden decline remains a mystery, compounding the sorrow of those who knew and loved her.

Her final act of love saved a life—the relative who received her liver is said to be recovering well. But Archana’s loss is felt deeply by her husband and their young son, who are now left to navigate a world without her warmth and strength.

As family and friends grapple with this tragic turn of events, Archana’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew her as a caring educator, devoted mother, and a woman whose ultimate sacrifice was made out of love.

The full story of her passing is still unfolding, and her untimely death has left an irreplaceable void in the lives of all who knew her.
 

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News Network
September 16,2024

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In a heart-breaking incident, 19-year-old Shaun D'Souza, a native of Vittalwadi in Udupi's Kundapur taluk, tragically lost his life in the UAE due to heat stroke.

Shaun, the beloved son of Elias Cyril D'Souza and Pramila D'Souza, originally from Hosabettu, Moodbidri, had been pursuing his college education in the UAE.

He was admitted to a hospital in Ras Al Khaimah, approximately 115 km from Dubai, after collapsing from heatstroke. Despite receiving immediate medical attention, Shaun breathed his last on Sunday, September 15. 

He is deeply mourned by his parents and two siblings. The family, who had been residing near St. Mary's Church in the UAE, are grappling with the profound loss. Shaun’s father, Elias, works as a manager for a private company, while his mother, Pramila, is an accountant.

The local community has come together to offer their support and condolences in this time of sorrow.

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News Network
September 24,2024

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Mangaluru, Sept 24: A blanket of gloom descended over Dakshina Kannada and Udupi as heavy rains battered the coastal Karnataka districts on Tuesday. Substantial rainfall has been drenching the region since Monday, intensifying as the day progressed.

In Dakshina Kannada, torrential downpours began early Tuesday, followed by overcast skies and humid conditions. 

The showers persisted intermittently through the afternoon, with areas like Beltangady experiencing moderate rainfall, while Puttur and Bellare bore the brunt of heavier storms. 

Overnight showers were reported in Bantwal, and Mangaluru city, along with its surrounding rural areas, witnessed a steady increase in rainfall, peaking by the evening.

After a brief respite, the return of intense rainfall has brought a welcome drop in temperatures. In Udupi, Karkala, Udupi city, Kundapur, and Hebri taluks all faced substantial rains throughout the day, continuing from late Sunday night.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for the coastal districts, predicting more heavy rainfall in the coming hours. 

A yellow alert has been placed for Wednesday, signaling the likelihood of additional downpours. Fishermen have been cautioned to remain vigilant, as the possibility of strong winds looms over the coastal waters.

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