Occupational Risks and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in the Indian Subcontinent: A Critical Review

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a significant public health concern in the Indian subcontinent, with high prevalence rates observed in countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and neighboring nations. This review article critically examines the occupational risks associated with COPD in the region and emphasizes the need for comprehensive preventive strategies. The review begins by providing background on COPD and highlighting its impact on individuals and the economy. It then explores the different occupational hazards that contribute to the development and progression of COPD, including exposure to airborne pollutants and chemicals, occupational dust, and smoking and secondhand smoke in the workplace. The existing occupational health and safety regulations in the Indian subcontinent are assessed, along with an evaluation of their effectiveness in addressing occupational risks for COPD. The review also highlights gaps and challenges in implementing and enforcing these regulations. The impact of COPD on occupational health and the economy is examined, emphasizing the burden it places on affected individuals and their ability to work. The economic implications of COPD-related productivity losses are evaluated, underscoring the importance of addressing occupational risks to improve workforce health and productivity. Prevention and mitigation strategies are explored, including an overview of preventive measures to reduce occupational risks for COPD, the significance of early detection and diagnosis of COPD in the workplace, and the implementation of engineering controls, personal protective equipment, and ventilation systems. The role of education and training programs for workers and employers is also discussed. The review identifies research gaps in the current understanding of occupational risks and COPD in the Indian subcontinent and suggests future research directions to address these gaps. It emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts between researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to generate evidence, inform policy decisions, and implement effective interventions.

Women in psychiatry: A view from the Indian subcontinent

BACKGROUND

Psychiatry has not been a preferred medical specialty for women in the Indian subcontinent unlike in the Western countries like USA, Canada or UK. Recent years have seen an increase in the number of women doctors in India choosing psychiatry as career.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Information on women in psychiatry in the Indian subcontinent was collected using resources like PubMed, directories of the professional societies, websites of medical institues, souvenirs and scientific programme of various conferences and personal communication with psychiatrists, and the data about postgraduate trainees available with the authors' own institute.

RESULTS

Women psychiatrists constitute about 15% of total psychiatrists in India, out of whom only 10% are at a relatively senior level, and the most are young. The women psychiatrists are also in faculty positions in a number of medical schools and have held important positions in the Indian Psychiatric Society at different times.

CONCLUSIONS

Most of the women psychiatrists appear to be still at junior levels, having joined the profession relatively recently as compared to their male counterparts. The trend at increasing number of women psychiatrists in the Indian subcontinent is similar to the worldwide trends.