The Union Health Ministry implemented a ban on 156 "irrational" FDC medicines, effective immediately. These medicines, including widely used antibiotics, painkillers, and multivitamins, were commonly used to treat fever, cough, and infections. The ban was imposed due to the associated health risks and lack of therapeutic justification for the ingredients in these FDCs.

What are FDC medicines?

FDCs or fixed-dosed combinations, also known as "cocktail drugs," are medications that combine multiple drugs in a single pill. They are designed to treat multiple symptoms or conditions simultaneously. While they offer convenience, they can pose significant risks. These risks include the possibility of overdose, adverse interactions between the drugs, and the development of antibiotic resistance. Additionally, many FDC medicines lack sufficient scientific evidence to support their safety and efficacy.

Expert opinions on FDC medicines

Experts have raised concerns about the use of FDC medicines. They believe that many of these combinations lack sufficient scientific evidence to support their safety and effectiveness. Additionally, the combination of multiple drugs in a single pill can increase the risk of adverse side effects and interactions with other medications.

Experts have also found that FDC medicines may not be as effective as individual drugs in treating certain conditions. It is important to note that safer and more effective alternatives are available for most of the medical conditions that FDC medicines were used to treat. One particular concern is the inclusion of antibiotics in some FDCs. Overuse of antibiotics can contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance, a major public health threat.

The risks of FDC medicines

The use of FDC medicines can lead to adverse effects, including serious ones. Additionally, safer alternatives, tested in clinical trials, are available to treat the same medical conditions. Experts recommend prescribing drugs individually based on a patient's clinical symptoms rather than combining them in FDCs.

The ban on irrational FDC medicines by the Union Health Ministry can be seen as a positive step towards promoting rational drug use and protecting public health. The goal is to eliminate unnecessary and potentially harmful drug combinations. This is a step forward in reducing the risks associated with medication and ensure safer and more effective treatment options for patients.

Amid the discrepancy in Delhi AQI, where the official data on the Air Quality Index shows condition to be 'poor', while the ground reality shows a stark difference, with the AQI reported at 'severe' and even 'hazardous' levels, doctors have now pointed out that there is a 60% rise in patients with eye problems. All thanks to the toxic smog.

As per the IQ Air, at 7:22am, Delhi recorded 501 AQI, categorizing it under 'Hazardous', while, AQI.in recorded the AQI at 739. While there is contestation among the accurate AQI, several media outlets have reported on the discrepancies of AQI between the official data, and data from local or private outlets that measures the air quality.

However, what remains undeniable is the fact that doctors have noted a rise in patients with eye problems. As per the PTI report, ophthalmologists have said to see a 60% surge in cases with eye problems. They are blaming this to the "toxic cocktail of smoke, particulate matter, and chemical residues from firecracker burning".

The doctors confirmed that most cases now appear with patients who have allergies, dryness, burning sensation, and excessive watering in the eyes. The pollution is not only affecting children, but adults are equally impacted.

Dr Ikeda Lal, Senior Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery Specialist at Delhi Eye Centre and Sir Ganga Ram Hospital told PTI, "Every year after Diwali, we brace for a rise in eye complaints. The number of patients complaining of itching, redness, and irritation has gone up by almost 50-60 per cent."

How Does Pollution Impact Your Eyes?

A study from 2022 published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health notes for the adverse effects of air pollution on the eyes. Before understanding how air pollution impacts one's eye, it is important to understand what it consists of.

The Composition Of Air Pollution

Air pollution is a mix of complex gas-phase pollutants and particles that are disbursed into atmosphere, and are harmful.

The air pollution comprises of:

• Sulfur dioxide
• Nitrogen dioxide
• Carbon dioxide
• Nitrogen monoxide
• Carbon monoxide
• Nitrogen oxides
• Particulate matter 2.5 or PM2.5
• Particulate matter 10 or PM10

In addition to that, household pollution could also produce volatile organic compounds, for instance, formaldehyde could cause DNA damage in animal cells, and its carcinogenicity has been assessed by many studies too.

The Impact Of Pollutants On Eyes

Air pollution is known to cause cardiovascular disorders, respiratory tract problems, ocular disease, neurologic disease, cancer, and even death, notes the study.

In terms of its impact on the eyes, the pollutants usually work as irritants, which can cause inflammation and irritation on the eyes. The cornea is the most sensitive structure in the human body, reason being, its innervations in the ocular surface, which makes it extremely sensitive to environmental agents. The pollutants could thus cause conjunctivitis, which could become a frequent problem.

A 2003 study titled Impact of Environmental Pollution on the Eye, conducted by R Saxena, et.al., noted that people who travelled to highly polluted areas where the PM level was five times higher than the WHO recommended, suffered from extensive subclinical ocular surgace change.

Dr Aarti Nangia, who is the Prinipal Director of Ophthalmology at Max Hospitals, Dwarka, writes on the hospital website that air pollution could cause these following problems in the eyes:

• Conjunctivitis or Pink Eye: Eye becomes inflamed due to exposure to pollutants and leads to redness, itching, tearing, and even swelling of eyes
• Dry Eye Syndrome: Pollutants disrupt the tear film that keeps the eye lubricated and thus could cause dryness, irritation, and even blurred vision, and redness
• Pterygium (Surfer’s Eye): This happens due to a fleshy, wedge-shaped growth of tissue on the conjunctiva, which gets worse due to exposure to dust and pollution
• Eye Irritation and Redness: Airborne pollutants could lead to general eye irritation and cause discomfort in day-to-day life.

Sean Williams, Zimbabwe Cricketer, admits to his drug addiction, and will not be considered for national selection. The Zimbabwe batter is voluntarily in rehab, and his central contract will not be renewed after he disclosed his drug addiction. In a statement, Zimbabwe Cricket referred to "a history of disciplinary issues and repeated unavailability, which has impacted team preparations and performance".

Williams, 39, has played 273 matches for Zimbabwe across all formats in more than 20 years of his career, however, Zimbabwe Cricket has confirmed that his contract will not be renewed beyond the end of 2025.

In a statement, Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) said, "ZC expects all contracted players to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and compliance with team protocols and anti-doping regulations. While ZC commends him for seeking rehabilitation, withdrawal from team commitments under circumstances involving potential testing raises serious concerns regarding professional and ethical standards. ZC sincerely acknowledges and appreciates his immense contribution to Zimbabwean cricket over the past two decades. Williams has played a pivotal role in some of the most significant moments in our recent history, leaving a lasting legacy both on and off the field. ZC wishes him strength in his recovery, and every success in his future endeavours. "

Anti Doping Code In Cricket

Like all sports, even cricket ha its mandatory program for drug testing, governed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) Anti-Doping Code, fully compliant with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

The ICC follows the WADA's Prohibited List, which is updated every year on January 1. For any drug to be added to the prohibited list, the drug must meet two of the three following criteria:

There is evidence that the substance or method has the potential to enhance, or does enhance performance,

There is evidence that the substance or method represents an actual or potential health risk to the athlete, and WADA has determined that use of the substance or method violates the spirit of sport.

The ICC also notes that cricketers consuming supplements must be at the lookout for any drug that it contains from the prohibited list. The ICC notes that unlike the pharmaceutical industry, supplement industry is not controlled by strict regulation therefore, the drugs could be consume through the supplement. Thus, the cricketers are "encouraged to strongly consider the risks of using supplements before doing so and exercise extreme caution if choosing using supplements".

What All Are Prohibited?

The ICC on its website has a Prohibited List, which contains the list of substances and methods that are prohibited in cricket.

Under the prohibited list, are the Stimulants, including Specified Substances like 4-Fluoromethylphenidate,3-Methylhexan-2-amine or Cathine. The list also contains certain exceptions in the stimulants. The list further prohibits use of narcotics, especially diamorphine or heroin, it prohibits cannabinoids, like hashish, marijuana, or any cannabis products, and glucocorticoids, which could be administered by any injectable, oral, or rectal route.

President Donald Trump, 79, appeared noticeably sweaty during an interview on CBS’s 60 Minutes, sparking concern and speculation about his health. The interview, filmed at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort on Friday, drew attention online, including from pro-Democratic influencer Harry Sisson, 23, whom Trump had previously targeted on his Truth Social account with an AI video depicting him being drenched during a “No Kings” protest.

Sisson reacted strongly to the president’s Sunday interview appearance: “He looks absolutely awful. He’s incoherent, rambling, and looks like he’s dripping in sweat. This man is not well!” His comments prompted many others on social media to weigh in.

Online Users Raise Health Concerns After Donald Trump’s 60 Minutes Interview

Harry Sisson, one of Trump’s most vocal critics, noted on X that the president “looks absolutely awful.” Sisson added, “He’s incoherent, rambling, and looks like he’s dripping in sweat. This man is not well!”

Other online users quickly speculated that something may be off with the president, who has faced persistent rumors about dementia in recent months. One wrote: “DJT actually looks like he has been sedated. The eyes are blank. He’s on so much medication to keep him going in addition to having dementia.”

Another user suggested that Trump may have suffered a stroke and is “easily losing it,” urging the public to “pray for him.”

Donald Trump Health Issues

When Trump returned to public appearances after his break in August, he was photographed with a bruised hand coated in makeup. The White House explained the mark as the result of “constantly working and shaking hands all day every day.”

During an event on September 11 commemorating the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, some observers raised concerns about Trump’s drooping facial expression, leading to online speculation about a potential stroke. Last month, Trump addressed his health publicly, mentioning he had received an MRI scan, which he described as “perfect.”

“I had an MRI, and it came back perfect,” he stated, as per CNN, giving no additional details. This comment came amid repeated questions to the White House about images showing the 79-year-old president’s swollen ankles and a bruised hand covered in makeup. It was also disclosed that he has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency.

Donald Trump Stroke Issues

Former White House physician Jeffrey Kuhlman questioned the timing and results of Trump’s medical visit to Walter Reed Military Medical Center. The president was also pictured gripping the handrail tightly while descending Air Force One during a trip to Japan, fueling further concerns about his health during the five-day Asia trip.

Previously, Trump joked about needing caution on stairs during a speech at the U.S. Navy’s 250th anniversary, admitting he might “fall walking up or down a flight of stairs one day” but claiming he remains a better “physical specimen” than his predecessor, Joe Biden.

The United States has a long history of presidents concealing health issues. President Woodrow Wilson experienced multiple strokes during his time in office, while Franklin D. Roosevelt fell ill during his third term, with his personal physician continuing to describe his condition as “satisfactory.”