WhatsApp tracks data

Syria attacks

WhatsApp tracks data

Messaging service WhatsApp is helping to collect information on attacks on health-care workers and facilities, providing robust data in support of advocacy and accountability efforts. The system, which enables teams to share data about attacks within 24 hours, identified 402 attacks against healthcare services between November 2015 and December 2016, according to a new study in The Lancet . The study shows that nearly half of hospitals in non-government controlled areas were attacked and a third of services were hit more than once.

International event

Yoga day at Lucknow

Lucknow will host the main event to mark the International Day of Yoga on June 21 and it will be led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. About 51,000 people are expected to demonstrate common yoga protocols. Activities are also being planned outside the country, an official note said. Interestingly, the Centre is also planning Yoga Parks across the country, for activities through the year. About 100 such yoga parks are expected in a year.

off the shelf

USFDA removes opioid pain drug

The US Food and Drug Administration has requested that Endo Pharmaceuticals removes its opioid pain medication, reformulated Opana ER ( Oxymorphone hydrochloride ), from the market. This is the first time the agency has taken steps to remove a currently marketed opioid pain medication from sale due to the public health consequences of abuse. “We are facing an opioid epidemic — a public health crisis, and we must take all steps to reduce the scope of opioid misuse and abuse,” said FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb.

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