Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: X-ray applications;
Mains level: Biotechnology; Issues related to Health care Machines;
Why in the News?
On the evening of November 8, 1895, Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen was conducting experiments in his laboratory at the University of Würzburg in Germany when he made an unusual discovery.
Did you know the Röntgen’s discovery story of X-rays?
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How did Röntgen’s discovery transform Medical practices and Diagnostics?
- Revolution in Diagnostic Medicine: Physicians rapidly adopted X-rays, which allowed them to view the human body without surgery. This was transformative for diagnostics, especially in orthopedics and internal medicine.
- Surgical Advancements: By February 1896, British physician Major John Hall-Edwards had successfully used X-rays to guide the surgery. Within months, armies began using X-ray technology to locate bullet wounds and diagnose fractures, marking the beginning of its use in trauma care.
What are the long-term implications of Röntgen’s discovery on Public health and Safety?
- Development of Radiology: this discovery led to the birth of radiology, with subsequent advancements leading to CT, MRI, ultrasound, and other imaging technologies that are essential in modern medicine.
- Radiation Safety and Awareness: Initially, x-rays were used liberally, even for non-medical purposes (such as in shoe stores to fit footwear), with little awareness of potential harm. It wasn’t until early reports of radiation burns and later research in the early 20th century that the health risks of radiation exposure were acknowledged, prompting the development of safety protocols.
- Ongoing Safety Protocols: Today, radiation safety is central to radiology practices. Equipment advancements and regulatory standards have minimized exposure risks, making x-rays safe for patients and medical personnel while ensuring their continued benefits.
- Public Health and Preventive Care: The ability to detect diseases, fractures, and other internal injuries without invasive procedures has been crucial for preventive care, enabling early detection and treatment. This has significantly impacted patient survival rates and quality of care, solidifying diagnostic imaging as a pillar of modern public health.
Issues related to X-ray machines in Rural areas:
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Way forward:
- Strengthen Infrastructure and Access: Increase the availability and functionality of X-ray machines in rural areas by improving equipment maintenance, investing in portable and mobile X-ray units to bring diagnostic services directly to underserved populations.
- For example, Teleradiology enables remote interpretation of images, improving access to diagnostic services.
- Telemedicine and Remote Diagnostics: Expand telemedicine platforms like ‘XraySetu’, enabling healthcare workers in rural areas to share X-ray images for remote analysis by radiologists, improving diagnostic capabilities without requiring patients to travel long distances.
Mains PYQ:
Q Appropriate local community level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieve ‘Health for All’ in India. Explain. (UPSC IAS/2018)
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