Govt firm launches cheaper pill for low platelet count

The Karnataka State Antibiotics and Pharmaceuticals Limited has launched a papaya leaf extract pill to treat patients with low platelet count.

The POP-e, a pill manufactured by the government-run establishment, has carica papaya leaf extract. In the past, private companies have extracted the molecules and the derivatives have been used to make the pills.

Speaking before the launch of the Arogya expo in the city, Shalini Rajaneesh, principal secretary to the Department of Health and Family Welfare, said that the pill would be priced lesser than those available in the market.

According to a study conducted by the company, the pill could be used by anyone aged above five years and suspected to have dengue. Patients with a platelet count of less than 1.3 lakh can use the pill.

She said that starting from this year, two seats would be reserved in ayurvedic colleges for children of those practising traditional medicine. “This form of medicine is practised in individual families and passed on to the next generation. When they have the knowledge, it would be good to have valid degrees for the same,” she added.

Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers and Pharmaceuticals Ananth Kumar said that he would talk to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah regarding establishment of the All India Institute of Ayurveda and Traditional Medicine in Karnataka.

Arogya expo
A three-day exhibition and sale of Ayush-related materials was inaugurated at the Palace Grounds on Saturday. For those looking at collecting medicinal plants for a terrace garden, this would be an ideal destination. Students of Government Ayurveda College distributed free plants, explaining the properties of each.

Other attractions at the stalls are flavoured honey, acupuncture footwear, amla squash and more.