👇👇👇Change Language
A recent study by ICMR, published in November last year, found that COVID-19 vaccines given to young adults in India didn’t raise the risk of sudden death. Instead, factors like being hospitalized after COVID-19, having a family history of sudden death, and certain lifestyle habits were suggested as potential causes.
Health Minister: COVID-19 Vaccines Not Linked to Heart Attacks, Lifestyle Choices Play a Role
Health Minister Mandaviya stated that according to a thorough study by ICMR, the COVID-19 vaccine doesn’t cause heart attacks. Instead, lifestyle choices like binge drinking could be factors contributing to them.
At the ‘Diaglogues – Navigating India’s health sector’ event on Saturday, the Health Minister said the Modi government is focused on providing affordable healthcare for everyone. He also mentioned India’s efforts to supply COVID-19 vaccines to about 150 countries, which has earned goodwill from those nations.
Mandaviya stated that there have been efforts to spread false ideas about COVID-19 vaccines. Some believe that if someone has a stroke after getting the vaccine, it’s because of the vaccine. However, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) conducted a thorough study showing that the vaccine doesn’t cause heart attacks. There are various reasons for heart attacks, such as lifestyle choices like smoking and excessive drinking. Sometimes, misinformation spreads, creating temporary beliefs. Mandaviya emphasized that decisions should be based on data and scientific research.
An ICMR study from November last year, published in a peer-reviewed journal, found that COVID-19 vaccines didn’t increase the risk of sudden death among young adults in India. Instead, factors like post-COVID hospitalization, family history of sudden death, and certain lifestyle behaviors were identified as likely causes.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) conducted a study involving 47 big hospitals across India. They looked at cases of apparently healthy people aged 18 to 45 who suddenly died without any known health problems between October 2021 and March 2023.
They interviewed people to gather information on whether they had received the COVID-19 vaccine, if they had been infected with COVID-19, and any health issues after having COVID-19. They also asked about family history of sudden death, smoking, drug use, how often they drank alcohol, and if they had engaged in intense physical activity two days before they died.
The study found that lifestyle factors like smoking, drinking alcohol, recent binge drinking, using drugs, and intense physical activity were linked to sudden unexplained deaths. It showed that the more often someone drank alcohol, the higher their chances of sudden unexplained death compared to those who never drank alcohol.
The study was conducted because there were some stories about sudden, unexplained deaths among healthy young adults in India during the rare pandemic.
Mandaviya, speaking at the ANI Dialogues, said that the government made vaccination decisions based on expert advice and scientific evidence.
He mentioned that when the vaccine was initially given, there was an attempt to create doubt about its effectiveness. Some political questions were raised, like why PM Modi hadn’t taken it. He clarified that PM Modi falls into the category of people over 60 without other health issues, and he got vaccinated when his turn came.
Mandaviya emphasized that he’s a minister, not a scientist, so his decisions are based on science. During COVID, expert groups were formed, and technical teams made decisions which he approved, but the decisions were theirs, not his.
The Health Minister praised how quickly India rolled out the COVID-19 vaccine, thanks to the government’s determination led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He mentioned that PM Modi assured scientists that they would have all the resources they needed to develop the vaccine.
PM Modi also emphasized the importance of sharing vaccines with other countries once India’s needs were met.
The Health Minister emphasized that during the pandemic, he relayed PM Modi’s message to companies, urging them to cooperate globally and avoid raising prices. Indian companies have supplied medicines to 150 countries without increasing prices. This approach has been well-received, with countries appreciating India’s provision of quality and affordable medicine. India provided vaccines either for free or at a minimal cost of $2 to $3 under the Vaccine Maitri initiative, even when the market price was $20 to $30. This has enhanced India’s reputation as a country prioritizing humanitarian efforts and offering support to friends in need.
The minister mentioned meeting Bill Gates, who praised India’s handling of COVID-19 and vaccination efforts. Gates’ words hold weight globally. During a meeting at the World Economic Forum, Gates congratulated India for its effective COVID management and vaccination campaign.
As per the Economic Survey 2022-23 presented in Parliament, India had given over 2.2 billion COVID vaccine doses by January 6, 2023.
The minister highlighted India’s abundant intellectual and human resources, emphasizing that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, the country has bridged the gap with strong determination.
The minister spoke about looking to ancient Indian medicine for inspiration. He mentioned Sushruta, a famous figure in medicine, whose statue isn’t widely recognized. The minister suggested correcting this oversight and highlighted the importance of respecting Indian heritage. He emphasized the need for the new generation to draw inspiration from past scientists. The minister also stressed the importance of commitment and dedication to the nation. He expressed confidence in India’s potential, especially in the health sector, in its journey towards development.
