Modern Medical Facilities Research Articles

Deluxe Jim Crow: Civil Rights and American Health Policy, 1935-1954

Deluxe Jim Crow examines the struggles of black civil rights activists, public health officials, and liberal southern politicians to address racial health disparities during the Roosevelt and Truman eras. In their efforts to provide medically underserved African American communities with expanded access to health-related federal funding, reformers embraced what Thomas describes as a “devil's bargain,” adopting an ethically complex system that significantly reduced racial health disparities but which left the principle of segregation intact. By framing health reform as critical to the nation's economic well-being and military defense—rather than as a campaign for racial equality—advocates were able to accomplish a series of legislative measures, culminating in the Hill-Burton Act of 1946, which provided for the construction of biracial hospitals, modern medical facilities with segregated wards. While not explicitly aimed at the alleviation of racial health inequalities, reformers required that funding for such institutions be distributed according to a need-based formulation and included a substantive “nondiscrimination” clause, mandating a degree of racial parity in the allotment of funds and hospital provisions. Through this system of “deluxe Jim Crow,” reformers found a means to provide valuable medical resources to impoverished African Americans suffering from debilitating conditions throughout the South. Although the practice of segregation remained, their reforms proved remarkably successful at improving the health of African Americans and reducing racial disparities during the time period.

Compact solar autoclave based on steam generation using broadband light-harvesting nanoparticles

The lack of readily available sterilization processes for medicine and dentistry practices in the developing world is a major risk factor for the propagation of disease. Modern medical facilities in the developed world often use autoclave systems to sterilize medical instruments and equipment and process waste that could contain harmful contagions. Here, we show the use of broadband light-absorbing nanoparticles as solar photothermal heaters, which generate high-temperature steam for a standalone, efficient solar autoclave useful for sanitation of instruments or materials in resource-limited, remote locations. Sterilization was verified using a standard Geobacillus stearothermophilus-based biological indicator.

Ethnobotanical investigation of traditional medicinal plants commercialized in the markets of Mashhad, Iran.

An ethnobotanical survey on the medicinal plant species marketed in Mashhad city, northeastern Iran, was conducted in order to document traditional medicinal knowledge and application of medicinal plants. This study was undertaken between 2011 and 2012. The indigenous knowledge of traditional healers used for medicinal purposes were collected through questionnaire and personal interviews during field trips. Ethnobotanical data was arranged alphabetically by family name followed by botanical name, vernacular name, part used, folk use, and recipe. Correct identification was made with the help of the various Floras and different herbal literature at the Ferdowsi University of Mashhad Herbarium (FUMH). The present investigation reported medicinal information for about 269 species, belonging to 87 vascular plant families and one fungus family. The most important family was Lamiaceae with 26 species, followed by Asteraceae with 23, Fabaceae with 20, and Apiaceae with 19. Herbal medicine uses reported by herbalists was classified into 132 different uses which show significant results to treat a wide spectrum of human ailments. Plants sold at the market were mostly used for digestive system disorders, respiratory problems, urological troubles, nervous system disorders, skin problems, and gynecological ailments. This survey showed that although people in study area have access to modern medical facilities, a lot of them still continue to depend on medicinal plants for the treatment of healthcare problems. The present paper represents significant ethnobotanical information on medical plants which provides baseline data for future pharmacological and phytochemical studies.

A meiotic study in some medicinal plants

The present meiotic study was carried out in 15 species of medicinal importance belonging to 14 genera and nine families. The chromosome numbers n=7 of Aloe vera L., n=10 of Brassica campestris Hook.f. & Thoms, n=12 of Capsicum annuum L., n=12 of Cissampelos pareira L., n=10 of Croton bonplandianum Baill., n=32 of Heliotropium eichwaldi Steud., n=7 of Hordeum vulgare L., n=7 of Lathyrus aphaca L., n=20 of Mazus rugosus Lour., n=7 of Pisum sativum L., n=6 of Sesbania sesban Merrill., n=12 of Solanum verbascifolium L., n=11 of Tephrosia purpurea Pers., n=6 of Vicia faba L. and n=6 of Vicia sativa L. has been observed. The course of meiosis has been found to be normal in all species except in somewhere chromosomal irregularities have also been observed. The medicinal plants are playing a very important role in our daily life. Besides their active role in every human requirement, they have proven to be the best source of various health care systems including traditional plant based medicines. Their huge importance reminds us about correct identification of various plant species, so that they can be use more accurately and effectively. Meiotic study is the tool that can support the plant identification. According to World Health Organization (WHO), about 80% of the world's population relying on plant based traditional medicines (Sivaperumal et al. 2010). This shows that all population communities are not able to afford the modern medical facilities. These people depend upon medicinal plants which are growing in their vicinity. This indicates that medicinal plants are not only providing raw material to the pharmaceutical industries but also cater the health care needs of the people, who could not afford other medical facilities. Chromosomal study is useful to understand the morphological diversity and genomic variation within a species (Stace 2000). Generally the researchers identify the plant species based on their morphological characteristics. The cytological analysis especially the study of chromosome number can further authenticate the identity of the plant species. Therefore present study has been conducted to determine the chromosome numbers and behavior in some medicinal plants to confirm the morphological characterization.

1457P - Control of Cancer in West Bengal, India by Screening and Awareness Program

ABSTRACT Background In India there are about 2.5 million cancer patients and it increases by 1 million new cancer patients every year, which is 1/10 of total cancer burden in the world. The aim of our state based non-governmental Cancer Control Program is to reduce the cancer burden by proper awareness and screening. We also intended to teach about the early symptoms of cancer so that it can be detected early to provide appropriate treatment. Our motto is to serve people residing in remote villages of West Bengal where there are no modern medical facilities available for detection of cancer. Material and methods During the period of January 2004–April 2012, a cancer screening & awareness program had been conducted in various districts of West Bengal, twice in every month by the members of NSCBCRI. We mainly dealt with oral, lung, breast and cervical cancer. We organized the awareness camps on a prefixed day with prior permission of the representatives. The cases which were detected positive were sent to our hospital for proper treatment and advanced cases were advised for pain and palliative treatment in our institution. Result More than 80% of people participated spontaneously in awareness camps. Female cancer incidence was about 60%. We observed tobacco habits in 80% of males & 10% of females. The percentage of passive smokers among females is very high in West Bengal. Among 144256 screened population, we found 11541 (8.0%) cancer patients in different stages of the disease. Ratio of male and female patients was 3:2. A total of 4986 (72%) male and 1200 (26%) female cancers were tobacco related. Among females the incidence of cervical and breast cancer were 34% and 23%, respectively. Among male oral and lung cancer incidence were 32% and 35%, respectively. About 67% of the cancer had been detected at an early stage. Conclusion Through camps in remote rural areas of West Bengal we came to know that the majority of cancer cases are life style related. This can only be prevented by proper awareness camps. So, cancer detection and awareness camps are essential and important in rural areas to reduce the huge burden of cancer. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Indigenous Health Care Practices among Rajbanshi of Dakshin Dinajpur, West Bengal

People living in rural areas often face obstacles in accessing basic health care services due to remoteness and backwardness of the areas in which they live. Understanding the health care needs of these people in these difficult circumstances with special focus on utilization of indigenous medical substances is significant for devising comprehensive programs. The present paper highlights to record the preventive as well as curative health measures as are still being practiced by the Rajbanshi’s of Dakshin Dinajpur, West Bengal. For such matter, they largely depend upon biotic surroundings in spite of availability of modern medical facilities, which testify their intimate knowledge and close relationship with the natural environment in what they live in.

Fatality After Cardiac Arrest in Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis Due to Profound Hypokalemia Resulting from Intravenous Glucose Administration and Inadequate Potassium Replacement

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is a variant of periodic paralysis (PP) that occurs in patients with underlying mutations in genes for cation channels, if they develop thyrotoxicosis. It is disabling, and fatalities sometimes occur. Here, we present a patient with TPP who developed hypokalemic paralysis that was probably aggravated by the administration of a carbohydrate, probably contributing to, if not causing, a fatal outcome. A 30-year-old Chinese patient received (131)I treatment for Graves' disease (GD) in our hospital. Three days later in the middle of the night, he developed aggravating paralytic symptoms after a heavy evening meal. The next morning, he was seen in a small clinic and was treated with 1250 mL 5% glucose containing 25 mL 10% potassium chloride (KCl). By early afternoon, he had not improved and was transferred to a city hospital, arriving with grade I muscle strength and severed facial and bulbar paralysis that was shortly followed by cardiac arrest with failure of resuscitation. Shortly before he died, his serum K(+) was 1.15 mEq/L (normal=3.5-5). We postulate that severe hypokalemia developed in our patient in part in response to the high intravenous glucose load that he received. We advocate caution against using intravenous glucose solutions for potassium administration in patients with TPP and recommend a review of guidelines suggesting this form of treatment. In rural settings with limited resources, we favor oral potassium, not to exceed 100 mEq per day, and transfer to a modern medical facility in settings where muscle weakness is developing in patients with TPP.

Die Rolle der Traditionellen Ostasiatischen Medizin bei Opfern der Erdbeben-Tsunami-Katastrophe im März 2011 in Japan

The Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami disaster that occurred on March 11, 2011 seriously destroyed Japanese social activities the medical system included. We provided medical support to the damaged area, and mainly performed Oriental medicine. Traditional methods using physical diagnoses and the treatments with herbs, acupuncture, and massage were effective, where any infrastructure had suffered or any modern medical facilities had been destroyed. Acute phase infectious disease, common colds, and hypothermia were dominant. Allergies increased two weeks later, and there was much mental distress, and chronic pain symptoms one month later. We prescribed Kampo herbal medicines for common colds, hypothermia, allergies, and mental distress. Moreover, we also performed acupuncture and kneaded patients' body to reduce pain, stiffness, and edema. These treatments were effective for both physical and mental distress. Thus we believe that Oriental medicine is valuable in disaster situations.

Human Rights Report Details Violence Against Health Care Workers in Bahrain

WHEN ANTIGOVERNMENT PROtesters marched in February and March of this year on the streets of Manama, the capital of Bahrain, peacefully calling for political and economic reforms, a brutal response by the country’s security services followed. The majority of the injured and dead were brought to Salmaniya Hospital in Manama. Rather than being a safe haven for the wounded, however, this facility, the largest modern medical facility in the country, was declared by the government to be a stronghold of opposition protesters. Security forces occupied the building. According to human rights organizations such as Physicians for Human Rights (PHR), patients were beaten and abused. Physicians, nurses, and other health care workers who treated the civilian protesters were systematically abducted, detained, and interrogated, and many now are facing trial for allegedly using the hospital as a base to try to overthrow the royal government. Several human rights organizations such as PHR and Doctors Without Borders have reported abuses against patients and health care workers. Richard Sollom, MA, MPH, deputy director at PHR and forensic pathologist Nizam Peerwain, MD, chief medical examiner, Tarrant County, Texas, carried out medical evaluations of torture survivors and spoke with people who witnessed physician abductions. They described their findings in a report released by PHR in April, Do No Harm: A Call for Bahrain to End Systematic Attacks on Doctors and Patients (https://s3.amazonaws.com/PHR _Reports/bahrain-22April_4-45pm .pdf). The report also documents the use of medical transport for military purposes, the destruction of medical facilities and medical records, and the obstruction of medical care and treatment. When reports about the injured protesters hit the international media, Sollom said, the Bahraini government put its own spin on the information, claiming that physicians were instigating political unrest, fomenting violence, turning the hospital into a political headquarters, and depriving thousands of people of treatment. Many of the physicians targeted are the country’s leading medical specialists, physicians with 20 to 30 years of experience and impeccable medical credentials, said Sollom. “It strains credulity to believe that these physicians would suddenly, out of the blue, start deliberately harming patients rather than helping them, as Bahrain’s government has alleged,” he said. At press time, dozens of physicians, nurses, and paramedics who were arrested for treating protesters were on trial before a military court. The government’s use of a military trial for these cases calls into question whether the rights of the accused can be adequately protected. Families of the defendants have reported to PHR and other human rights organizations that the defendants have been tortured and forced to sign false confessions in detention. Sollom noted that he and other human rights observers speculate that the Bahraini government has systematically targeted physicians and other health care professionals because these caregivers, who treated protesters taken to the hospital, have firsthand evidence of the excessive force used by the government security forces. “This is one of the most egregious sets of violations of medical neutrality and breaches of international law that I’ve seen personally and we as an organization have seen in decades,” said Sollom. Medical neutrality refers to the ethical duty of medi-

Surviving multi-trauma in the past

Surviving multi-trauma is strongly associated with emergent resuscitation and treatment in modern medical facilities. Multi-trauma survival before the advent of modern medicine is likely to have been extremely uncommon, particularly in primitive societies. The aim of this study was to investigate the case of an ancient Australian Aboriginal who appeared to have survived multi-trauma. We investigated the skeletal remains of an adult Australian Aboriginal with healed fractures of the right femur and humerus. The time of death was assessed by carbon dating. The sex and approximate age of the subject were assessed from the skeleton's morphometry. The fractured bones were assessed by visual inspection, plain radiographs and computer tomography (CT) scanning. The remains were of a male aged approximately 50 years at the time of his death, approximately 1000 years ago, preceding European settlement. Analysis of the malunions indicated that all fractures occurred in one traumatic event, normally a life-threatening injury combination, and that the subject survived for years after this incident, despite no or failed active treatment of his fractures. The survival of a man living in a primitive society after multi-trauma reflects an impressive depth of nursing and social support in a community of hunter gatherers.

Traditional use of medicinal plants in Bangladesh to treat urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted diseases

The rural population of Bangladesh has traditionally depended on folk medicinal healers for cure of their ailments. These healers use medicinal plants as their primary source of medicinal formulations. Rural patients are more dependent on traditional or folk medicinal healers for cure of urinary tract infections (UTI) and sexually transmitted diseases (STD) for a number of reasons including lack of access to modern medical facilities, clinging to traditional approaches, and finally hesitancy to relate this form of illnesses in front of unknown doctors. Since the traditional healer usually resides in the same village or in an adjoining area, the patient is more comfortable in seeking their treatment. We conducted an ethnomedicinal survey amongst the traditional healers of various ethnic groups and in several regions of the country to obtain information on medicinal plants used to treat UTI and STD. Interviews were conducted in the local dialect or language and information gathered as to plant and plant parts used, ailments, formulations, and dosages. Plant specimens were photographed and identified at the Bangladesh National Herbarium. A total of 32 plants distributed into 23 families were reported by the traditional healers of several districts and tribes of Bangladesh as to their being used as remedy for UTIs, including leucorrhea, frequent or infrequent urination, cloudy urination and burning sensations during urination. A total of 10 plants divided into 9 families were reported to be used against STDs like syphilis and gonorrhea.

The role of unorthodox and traditional birth care in maternal mortality

Many pregnant women see unorthodox medical providers in labour before presentation to the modern medical facilities after obstetric complications have arisen. This study evaluates the contribution of unorthodox medical facilities to the delays subsisting maternal mortality in a rural, poor and illiterate community. Data was collected prospectively on all referrals from outside the St. Vincent's hospital, over a three-year period. Seven hundred and fifty women were referred to the hospital and there were a total of thirty maternal deaths out of the 1268 live births, giving a maternal mortality ratio of 2366/100,000. Most of the referrals were patient-driven and verbal and came from traditional birth attendants (TBAs). The majority of the patients (86.7%) came in poor clinical conditions and some were moribund. The TBAs contributed most to maternal deaths. Prolongation of labour for more than 24 hours correlated positively with maternal mortality. Ruptured uterus complicating obstructed labour (34.8%) and haemorrhage (30.4%) were the leading causes of death in this series. The mortal delay suffered by pregnant women in accessing unorthodox medical attention deserves further attention in issues of maternal mortality in the underserved rural communities of Nigeria.

Health services utilization during terminal illness in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

OBJECTIVES We describe modern and alternative health services use in terminal illness of adults, and assess whether utilization patterns of TB/AIDS patients are distinct from those of patients suffering from other illnesses. METHODS Data are from post-mortem interviews with close relatives or caretakers of the deceased. We provide descriptive statistics of health care utilization in adults and discuss their covariates in multivariate analyses. RESULTS Over 85% of terminally sick patients visited a modern medical facility, but less than 40% spent more than 24 hours in a medical facility and only 25% died in one. Traditional healer (11%) and holy water (46%) visits offer a common treatment and healing alternative, but these visits do not co-vary in any consistent manner with the utilization of modern medical services. In terms of the cause of death, we find a higher contact rate with both modern and alternative medical service providers among TB/AIDS patients compared with those suffering from other medical conditions. The duration of illness seems to account for a good share of that variability. Other covariates of health services utilization are socio-economic status, education and age. CONCLUSIONS The contact rate of adults with modern medical facilities in terminal illness is almost universal, but their usage intensity is rather low. Alternative curative options are less commonly used, and do not exclude modern health services use. This suggests that both types of services are considered complements rather than alternatives for each other. Because the contact rate with health service providers is greatest for TB/AIDS patients, it is unlikely that HIV/AIDS-related stigma is an impediment to seeking care. We cannot exclude, however, that it delays health-seeking behaviour.

Design of a Versatile and Low Cost μVolt Level A to D Conversion System for Use in Medical Instrumentation Applications

Modern medical facilities place considerable reliance on electronic instrumentation for purposes of calibration and monitoring of therapeutic processes, many of which employ electrical and electronic apparatus that itself generates considerable levels of interference in the form of background electromagnetic radiation (EMR). Additionally diverse ambient conditions in the clinical environment such as uncontrolled temperature, humidity, noise, and vibration place added stress on sensitive instrumentation. In order to obtain accurate, repeatable, and reliable data in such environments, instrumentation used must be largely immune to these factors. Analogue instrumentation is particularly susceptible to unstable environmental conditions. Sensors typically output an analogue current or voltage and it can be demonstrated that considerable overall benefit to the measuring process would result if sensor outputs could be converted to a robust digital format at the earliest possible stage. A practical and low cost system for A to D conversion at μVolt signal levels is described in this work. It has been successfully employed in portable radiation dosimetry instrumentation and used under diverse clinical conditions and it affords an improvement in signal resolution in excess of an order of magnitude over commonly used analogue techniques.

LTR retrotransposons in the Aspergillus fumigatus and A. nidulans genomes

Fungi of the genus Aspergillus can infect all tissues and organs, causing invasive mycosis (aspergillosis). This disease can be fatal, especially in immunocompromised patients. Microbiological monitoring of these infectious agents is obligatory in modern medical facilities. Mobile elements can be used as markers to identify the Aspergillus species and strains found indoors as well as to diagnose aspergillosis. Genomic sequences of two Aspergillus species, A. fumigatus and A. nidulans, were analyzed in silico in order to detect LTR retrotransposons. These species were found to considerably differ in the composition of retrotransposon families. One of the families, present in both Aspergillus species, was phylogenetically quite different from all known fungal retrotransposons. The majority of its elements were damaged copies. Nevertheless, allegedly undamaged LTR retrotransposon copies were described that contained intact ORFs and might be active.

Socio-cultural Factors Influencing the Use of Spiritual Healing Churches in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria

In recent years, we have witnessed the proliferation of spiritual healing churches in Nigeria. These churches have been serving as healing places, despite the tremendous increase in modern health care services. The study examined how socio-cultural factors influence the use of spiritual health care services. The study adopted the descriptive survey design. The target population for the study comprised all the users of spiritual healing churches as a source of remedy for their problems. The respondents were drawn from the five local government areas within Ibadan metropolis. A random sampling technique was used to select 200 respondents. A self-completed questionnaire tagged: Utilization of Spiritual Healing Churches' Evaluative Questionnaire (UOSHCEQ) was used to collect the requisite data. The data was analysed using chi-square ( χ 2) statistics. The result showed that there was a significant relationship between educational background of the patients and the use of spiritual healing churches ( χ 2 = 36.7, df = 9, P < 0.05). Significant relationships were also revealed between income of the patients and the use of spiritual healing churches (χ 2 = 37.8, df = 15, P < 0.05) and between perception of illness by the patients and the use of spiritual healing churches (χ2 = 36.7, df = 9, P < 0.05). Based on these findings, it is recommended that those concerned with planning modern medical facilities should pay attention to the existence of more alternatives to health care deliveries. It is further recommended that, spiritual healing practitioners be given some induction courses in basic medical care in the same manner with 'Traditional Birth Attendant' (TBA). This is necessary because many cases of childbearing problems are greatly handled by the spiritual healing practitioners.

Consenting of the vulnerable: the informed consent procedure in advanced cancer patients in Mexico.

BackgroundA topic of great concern in bioethics is the medical research conducted in poor countries sponsored by wealthy nations. Western drug companies increasingly view Latin America as a proper place for clinical research trials. The region combines a large population, modern medical facilities, and low per capita incomes. Participants from developing countries may have little or non alternative means of treatment other than that offered through clinical trials. Therefore, the provision of a valid informed consent is important.MethodsTo gain insight about some aspects of the informed consent procedure in a major cancer centre in Mexico, we conducted a three-step evaluation process: 1) a ten point multiple choice survey questionnaires, was used to explore some aspects of the patients' experiences during the informed consent process, 2) researchers' knowledge about specific aspects of the informed consent was evaluated in this study using survey questionnaires; and 3) the comprehensibility, readability and number of pages of the consent forms were analysed. The socioeconomic and educational level of the patients, were also considered. Results were reported using a numerical scale.ResultsThirty five patients, 20 doctors, and 10 individuals working at the hospital agreed to participate in the study. Eighty three percent of the patients in the study were classified as living in poverty; education level was poor or non existent, and 31% of the patients were illiterate. The consent forms were difficult to understand according to 49% of the patients, most doctors agreed that the forms were not comprehensible to the patients. The average length of the IC documents analysed was 14 pages, and the readability average score was equivalent to 8TH Grade.ConclusionThe results presented in this work describe some relevant characteristics of the population seen at public health care institutions in Mexico. Poverty, limited or no education, and the complexity of the information provided to the patients may question the validity of the informed consent procedure in this group of patients.

Emergency management of epidural haematoma through burr hole evacuation and drainage. A preliminary report

Blood clot evacuation through an osteoplastic craniotomy, a procedure requiring neurosurgical expertise and modern medical facilities, is the accepted method for treatment of a pure traumatic epidural haematoma following closed head injury. In certain emergency situations and/or in less sophisticated settings, however, use of this procedure may not be feasible. The present study was undertaken to ascertain whether placement of a burr hole and drainage under negative pressure constituted a rapid, effective and safe approach to manage patients with simple epidural haematomas. Thirteen patients suffering from a traumatic epidural haematoma were treated from January, 1999 to October, 2002. Twelve patients presented with skull fracture but no fracture was depressed. Placement of flexible tubes through a burr hole, followed by continuous suction under negative pressure, enabled aspiration of the clot and drainage of the cavity. In 8 cases, the procedure was performed under local anaesthesia with 2% Xylocaine and with intravenous sedation with propofol as needed. The operative procedure was accomplished within 30 min, and the drainage tube was left in place for 3-5 days. CT scans were performed daily from days 1 to 5. In 11 of 13 cases, clots were evacuated successfully and patients regained consciousness within 2 hours. Recoveries occurred without significant sequelae. In the remaining 2 cases, the drainage tube was found to be obstructed by a blood clot such that the haematoma was unaffected. A traditional craniotomy was performed within 8-12 hours, and these 2 patients recovered consciousness within the subsequent 6 hours. Burr hole evacuation followed by drainage under negative pressure is a safe and effective method for emergency management of a pure traumatic epidural haematoma. To assure safety patients given this procedure should be monitored by daily CT scans. Decompressive craniotomy should be performed if consciousness does not improve within several hours.

Generational and Cultural Changes in Family Life in the United Arab Emirates: A Comparison of Mothers and Daughters

An exploratory study of daughters and their mothers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), guided by modernity theory is reported. The UAE has come from a desert nomadic culture to a high tech oil rich nation in just the past 40 years and is a key place to assess the impact of rapid development and fast paced transformations on family life. Differences and trends in gender and family role attitudes, child care practices, cultural values, perceptions about religion, and beliefs toward fertility practices were compared between matched pairs of daughters and mothers. Many traditional beliefs and customs still exist in the UAE, but major shifts in attitudes toward marriage and family life were observed. Some of the major changes include: daughters plan to choose their husbands and to marry much later in life than their mothers did, daughters will have a formal higher education, whereas most mothers did not have access to higher education, daughters were born in modern medical facilities while mothers were born in a home or a desert tent, and most of the daughters plan to have a professional career while nearly all mothers were full time home makers. There is agreement, however, between mothers and daughters regarding the belief that faith in Islam will protect their children from future problems.

Ethno-veterinary Practices Among the Konda Reddi of East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh

The paper deals with the ethnography of community based indigenous knowledge and methods of caring for, healing and managing livestock by the Konda Reddi, one of the Primitive Tribal Groups (PTG) in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The paper includes Konda Reddi classification of common livestock ailments, their diagnosis and treatment by the local medicine man, the vejju. It also underlines that reasons for the continuation of herbal treatment and chanting (mantra) therapy among the Reddis, despite the availability of modern medical facilities for the livestock in the tribal areas.