Green tea may ease kidney damage caused by cancer drug: AIIMS study

Approximately, 30 percent of the treated patients may develop nephrotoxicity after receiving an initial dose of cisplatin.

By: IANS | New Delhi | Published:November 23, 2016 8:18 pm

Green tea is effective in reducing the kidney toxicity and damage caused by cisplatin — an anti-cancer drug, the AIIMS researchers have revealed. The research study has evaluated the usefulness of ECG, a polyphenolic compound obtained from green tea in preventing the damage of kidneys induced by the cisplatin. Side effects of cisplatin may include nephrotoxicity and life-threatening damaged kidney.

The study by AIIMS Professor Jagriti Bhatia from the Pharmacology Department was published in journal ‘Laboratory Investigations’ recently. “If this research progresses, it may lead to a new drug which can combat the ill effects of cisplatin,” said Bhatia.

Approximately, 30 percent of the treated patients may develop nephrotoxicity after receiving an initial dose of cisplatin. Cisplatin causes production of free radicals inside cells in kidney which leads to oxidative stress and inflammation.

source-http://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health/green-tea-may-ease-kidney-damage-caused-by-cancer-drug-aiims-study-4391884/

Study finds traces of toxic metals in soft drink bottles

TNN | Nov 23, 2016, 07.37 AM IST

NEW DELHI: A government study has found traces of heavy metals, including lead, chromium and cadmium, in samples of PET bottles used for packaging aerated drinks and pharmaceutical products.

The study , commissioned by the health ministry's drugs technical advisory board, tested samples of Sprite, Mountain Dew, 7UP, Pepsi and Coca-Cola and found leaching of toxins from the PET bottles, minister of state for health Faggan Singh Kulaste told Rajya Sabha on Tuesday .

" ...the samples were submitted to National Test House (in Kolkata) for testing," Kulaste said in a written reply.

Giving details of the study conducted by Kolkata-based All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health, Kulaste said the institute had entered into a pact with the national test house for further testing.

Tests have shown the leaching increased with room temperature. For example, at normal room temperature, the tests found 0.004 mgL and 0.007 mgL of lead in 7Up and Sprite, respectively . However, when it was kept at 40 degrees celsius for 10 days, the lead increased to 0.006 mgL and 0.009 mgL, respectively .

"These reports are completely unsubstantiated. Having said that, we would like to emphatically reiterate that our products comply with the permissible limits for heavy metals as laid down by the food safety and standards regulations in India," a spokesperson for PepsiCo India said.

"We have not received any communication from the government so far on this issue. This was reported earlier too in the media and the levels mentioned are 1100th times the permissible limits.Our products are tested by the best international labs and absolutely no problems have been found in PET packaging here or anywhere else," Coca-Cola India spokesperson said.

PET bottles are also used for packaging alcohol, juices and other beverages.

WHO considers lead and cadmium among the top ten chemicals of "major public health concern". Children are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of lead.

source - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Study-finds-traces-of-toxic-metals-in-soft-drink-bottles/articleshow/55572769.cms?TOI_browsernotification=true

Heavy metals found in Hyderabad's fish samples

DECCAN CHRONICLE.
Published - Nov 21, 2016, 2:46 am IST
Updated - Nov 21, 2016, 7:02 am IST

A variety of commonly consumed fish varieties were checked for the study.

 The study was led by Dr J. Sreenivasa Rao of the Food Chemistry division of NIN.

Hyderabad: Pollution is taking its toll on not just nature but also the food we consume. Scientists from the National Institution of Nutrition, in a recently published study, reported heavy concentrations of heavy metals like Arsenic, Nickel, Cadmium and Lead in fish samples they had obtained from various outlets in Hyderabad and Secunderabad. The study was led by Dr J. Sreenivasa Rao of the Food Chemistry division of NIN.

A variety of commonly consumed fish varieties were checked for the study. The concentration of heavy metals depend on the fish species.

The highest level of arsenic was found in black pomfret (nalla chanduva) at 689.5micrograms per kg(µg/kg), nickel in silver pomfret (chandamama) at 680.1µg/kg, cadmium in black pomfret at 61.87µg/kg and lead in soleole (korramenu) at 108.2µg/kg. In tiger prawn the highest concentration was found of arsenic at 405.8µg/kg.

Presence of heavy metals in these fish is not just a Hyderabad specific issue but points towards a larger problem, of pollution in water bodies across the country.
Dr Shilpi Sharma, scientist at the Telangana State Biodiversity Board and also an expert in fish, said, “Fish sold in Hyderabad are not only from Telangana but also from Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal. If heavy metals are found in fish being sold in Hyderabad, there is a need to also know the concentrations of heavy metals in the water where the fish originate from and the sources of the heavy metals in the water for which various organizations need to work together.
“Water naturally contains a few heavy metals but their concentrations are very low and the extra amounts are because of pollution,” said Dr Sharma.

source-http://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/211116/heavy-metals-found-in-hyderabad-fish-samples.html

Soil around Mumbai’s garbage dumps contains hazardous levels of mercury: Study

• Snehal Fernandes, Hindustan Times, Mumbai
 |  
• Updated: Nov 14, 2016 10:16 IST
• 
• The study has shown that soil and water around waste treatment facilities near Deonar dumping ground is corroded with high mercury levels (HT File Photo)

High levels of mercury have been found in the soil and water around biomedical waste treatment facilities at Govandi near Deonar dumping ground, and Uran in Raigad district, a study by Amity School of Biotechnology, Amity University, and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board has revealed.

Mumbai generates approximately 4,762kg biomedical waste every day from health care facilities. Of the total waste, SMS Envoclean treatment facility-Deonar receives about 4,737kgs each day, and the remaining 25kg is treated at Evergreen Environmental, Uran.

The permissible limit for mercury content in soil is 0.01mg/kg to 0.3mg/kg. The analysis of soil samples found mercury content as high as 1.861mg/kg in February, 1.140mg/kg in March and 1.353mg/kg in April. For mercury content in water, the permissible limit set by law is 0.001mg/l. This was also breached as found after analysing water samples during all the three months – February (0.098mg/l), March (0.040mg/l) and April (0.115mg/l).

Mercury, a toxic heavy metal, is present in almost every medical device – from thermometers, sphygmomanometers that measure blood pressure, feeding tubes, gastrointestinal tubes, silver dental fillings (50% is liquid mercury), to x-ray machines, medical batteries, laboratory chemicals, vaccines and nasal drops.

Previous studies estimate that every year, two thermometers break per bed, resulting in accidental spillage of mercury. 

The health impacts of mercury contamination first came to the fore in Japan in 1956, when locals from Minamata city became victims of methyl mercury poisoning after they consumed the contaminated fish from the water that had mercury discharged in it from a chemical plant. This is now called the Minamata disease.

“Developed countries have already moved towards mercury-free instruments. We are yet to get there,” said Neetin Desai, director, Amity School of Biotechnology, Amity University, Panvel. “Mercury does not degrade, and remains in the environment for a long time. It’s contamination in water bodies can lead to ingestion in fish, which in turn can get amplified in humans upon its consumption. Long term exposure affects the nervous system, brains, lungs and kidneys.”

The study has recommended that mercury waste from healthcare facilities should be categorized as electronic waste (e-waste), and treated by authorised e-waste treatment facilities. In addition, segregation of waste should be done at health care facilities as per guidelines issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

“Mercury pollution is a problem. Hospitals are supposed to contain spillages but that is not happening despite the stipulated guidelines. We need to ascertain what levels of mercury are present at the waste disposal facility,” said Amar Supate, principal scientific coordinator, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board. “We need to intensify monitoring in addition to educating hospitals.”

Biomedical wastes from health care establishments (HCEs) in Mumbai are treated at SMS Envoclean through methods such as incineration, autoclaving, shredding, and effluent treatment. BMW from HCEs in Uran are treated at Evergreen Environmental using methods that include deep burial, autoclaving, and shredding.

source - http://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/soil-around-mumbai-s-garbage-dumps-contains-hazardous-levels-of-mercury-study/story-qAv4Qds9V4zQmZ2Nq3vssN.html

A Groundwater Crisis is Threatening to Erupt in India

Farmers in ​Punjab, ​Rajasthan and ​Haryana face ​the prospect of ​having no ​groundwater ​left for ​irrigation by ​2025. ​

Behind the ​trend of ​falling water ​levels is ​India’s ​251 cubic ​kilometer ​annual ​groundwater ​extraction rate ​– ​equivalent to ​26 times the ​water stored in ​the Bhakra Dam ​– making ​India the ​world’s ​biggest ​consumer of ​groundwater, ​according to a ​2012 United ​Nations ​Educational, ​Scientific and ​Cultural ​Organisation ​report. ​

With annual ​extraction ​rates of 112 ​cubic km, China ​and the US tie ​at a distant ​second. ​

Over nine-​tenths of ​groundwater is ​extracted for ​irrigation, ​according to ​the Ground ​Water Year ​Book for ​2014-15 ​released by the ​board, ​underscoring ​India’s ​dependence on ​groundwater for ​irrigation ​– it ​provides water ​for 60% of the ​irrigated area, ​as ​IndiaSpend ​   reported in October.

Over the last ​four decades ​– when ​India ​commissioned ​roughly ​half of ​its 50 biggest ​dams – ​around 84% of ​the total ​addition to the ​net irrigated ​area has come ​from groundwater,​ according to ​this July ​report by ​a government ​committee. ​

A well-​recharging ​project ​implemented by ​the Jal ​Bhagirathi ​Foundation, a ​not-for-profit ​in Jodhpur, ​enabled ​Mahaveer Singh, ​a fruit and ​vegetable ​farmer from ​Thumbo ka Golia,​ a village in ​Jalore district ​in southwest ​Rajasthan, to ​switch from ​growing only ​castor oil to ​chillies, ​vegetables and, ​of late, Thai ​apple ber; his ​income grew by ​40% and could ​increase by 250%​ if the berries ​yield the ​return Singh ​expects. ​

“Now my ​well yields the ​same water flow ​even in the ​summer months,​” Singh ​told ​IndiaSpend ​   over the ​phone. “​Now the water ​is sweet, ​earlier it was ​salty,” ​he said, ​referring to ​the improved ​quality of ​water. ​

In contrast, ​the average ​farmer in ​Punjab, ​Rajasthan and ​Haryana faces ​the prospect of ​having no ​groundwater ​left for ​irrigation by ​2025. ​

Exploiting groundwater

The problem ​– and the ​advantage ​– with ​groundwater is ​its decentralised ​access. A ​licence is all ​you need to ​sink a well on ​owned land and ​extract water. ​

Consequently, ​India has an ​estimated 30 ​million ​groundwater ​structures, ​according to ​the July ​government ​report. ​

In Punjab, ​Rajasthan and ​Haryana, ​groundwater ​abstraction ​exceeds the ​rate at which ​it is being ​replenished ​through ​rainfall, back ​flows from ​irrigation and ​seepage from ​canals, other ​water bodies ​and conservation ​structures. ​

A licence does ​not prevent ​groundwater ​exploitation, ​and instead ​breeds ​corruption ​within the ​system, said ​Rajendra Singh, ​a water ​conservationist ​from Alwar, in ​Rajasthan. ​

“We ​cannot police ​30 million ​groundwater ​structures ​through a ​licence quota-​permit raj,​” said ​the July 2016 ​government ​report, instead ​suggesting that ​groundwater be ​recognised as a ​“common ​pool resource”​, which means ​that it be ​considered a ​community ​resource and ​not a resource ​belonging to ​the owner of ​the land. ​

The report ​also suggested ​that the ​government ​promote “​community-​driven ​decentralised ​water ​management”​.

Read full article at: Scroll 

Source - https://indiawaterweek.thewaternetwork.com/article-FfV/a-groundwater-crisis-is-threatening-to-erupt-in-india-T0ENbgejClqYoLybs9X8GA

An Environmental Film Festival by Toxics Link and Quotes From The Earth

An Environmental Film Festival By Toxics Link and Quotes From The Earth in December 2nd and 3rd, 2016

State Level Conference on Benefiting the Life Sciences for Better Health and Life

In the name of God and devotion: Is it really worth taking a dip in toxic Yamuna?

India is a land known for its countless religious festivals and rites. Unfortunately, a majority of the rituals are proving to be harmful for the environment.

There are several photographs making rounds on social media that show the river Yamuna layered by a thick coating of toxic froth. The froth reflects the alarming levels of toxicity present in the water. It’s a result of the untreated sewage and chemical waste that’s discharged from countless industries into the river.

What’s equally disturbing is that during Chhath Puja (a festival that worships the Hindu sun god, Surya), scores of devotees unflinchingly immerse themselves waist-deep into the waters of the Yamuna. Holy bathing in a natural water body (along with fasting and abstaining oneself from drinking water) is among the many rituals performed during the festival. Of late, concerns relating to the rising levels of polluted particles in the Yamuna have made international news. Dipping into the polluted waters is like extending an open invitation to an array of diseases from skin and eye infections to even cancer in extreme cases. Regardless of the health concerns though, worshippers in the Capital continue to make a beeline towards the various Yamuna ghats – some specially constructed for Chhath – to show their undying devotion to the Sun god.

This underlines how deep-rooted our religious practices and belief systems are. That believers would go to extreme lengths to convey the strength of their faith – heedless of the impending harm that such an action may have on their health and even life.

In Varanasi, for example, it is an age-old belief that a Hindu can only attain moksha (liberation from the spiral of birth and death) if he/she is cremated at either Manikarnika ghat or Raja Harish Chandra ghat. The conditions at these open cremation grounds, however, are deplorable. Thousands of corpses are burned there every day amidst a background of discarded bamboo biers, filth, cow dung, abandoned plastic bags and human waste. The ashes from the cremation grounds are then thrown into the ‘holy’ Ganga.

Today, the river is among the top most polluted rivers in the world. Experts claim that its water carries more than 3,000 million litres of sewage. Would that stop you from taking a dip in it? For thousands of locals and pilgrims in Varanasi who religiously bathe in revered waters of the Ganga, the answer is no.

Festivals like Durga Puja and Ganesh Chaturthi are also popular among Hindus. Both festivals involve worshiping idols of Goddess Durga and Ganesha, respectively, for weeks before the idols are immersed into natural water bodies.Many of these idols however, are made of non-biodegradable materials like plaster of Paris. The issue of immersion of these idols which are harmful for the environment, therefore, has been a contentious one, however people continue to submerge idols undaunted.

India is a land known for its countless religious festivals and rites. Unfortunately, a majority of the rituals are proving to be harmful for the environment, which are bound to have a negative impact on us as well. But, who is willing to challenge tradition?

Source-http://indianexpress.com/article/trending/voice/in-the-name-of-god-and-devotion-is-it-really-worth-taking-a-dip-in-toxic-yamuna-4364726/

Panel Discussion “Environment Pollutants- Where do they hide in my body?”

Programme 4 in ‘Health and Environment Series’

November 9, 2016

Consumers India 

&

Health Environment Foundation

Invite you to a Panel Discussion on 

“Environment Pollutants- Where do they hide in my body?”

 Series Moderator:

Dr. Naresh Gupta, Director-Professor, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi

Keynote Speaker:

Dr. Krishnamurthi Kannan, CSIR - National Environmental Engineering Research Institute

Distinguished Panelists:

·       Dr. T.S. Reddy,  Director,  Union Public Service Commission

·       Mr. Harvinder S. Sohal, CVO, Engineers India Limited

·       Dr. Anil Kumar, Department of Environment, Govt. of NCT of Delhi

·       Dr. Kamal Kishore, Professor of Pharmacology, AIIMS, New Delhi

·       Dr. T.K. Joshi, Consultant and Expert in Occupational and Environmental Health

·        Dr. Naresh Gupta, Director-Professor, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi

 Date: Wednesday, November 9, 2016, Time: 6 to 8 PM

 Venue: Conference Room I, India International Centre

40, Max Mueller Marg, New Delhi 110003

Young participants are entitled to a Certificate of Participation

JOB-Microbiologists, Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), India

JOB DESCRIPTIONMicrobiologists, Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), India

1. POSITIONS VACANT: Microbiologists (MB);Multiple vacancies, based at different laboratories being strengthened by FIND India.

2. ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND:

The Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), is a respected, not-for-profit foundation, recognized by the Swiss government as an “other international organization.”

Headquartered in Geneva and represented in India through a Liaison Office at Delhi, FINDfacilitates the development and implementation of diagnostic tools for poverty-ridden diseases. The foundation is presently engaged in the development of new diagnostic techniques for TB, Malaria and Sleeping Sickness (HAT), across the world and specifically for MDR-TB, in India.

FIND has progressed diagnostic approaches that have been proven in principle and transformed them into effective products for identifying TB in partnership with academia, public and private research institutes and industry.

FIND recently received a grant from The Global Fund (TGF) Round 9 as a sub-recipient of the Central Tuberculosis Division (CTD), for strengthening selected laboratories engaged in the detection of MDR-TB in India, with Human Resources and their Payroll Management. A total of 43 laboratories spread over 26 States/ Union Territories are to be strengthened in a phased manner as per the schedule agreed with TGFand CTD, comprising 27 laboratories in Year 1, 12 laboratories in Year 2 and 4 laboratories in Year 3.

For more information about FIND, please visit, http://www.finddiagnostics.org

3. JOB DESCRIPTION/ RESPONSIBILITIES:

Key Responsibilities:

(1) Providing technical support to assist the C& DST lab in expansion of the full range of newer TB diagnostic activities for rapid diagnosis of TB including drug resistant TB;
(2) Supporting the Director and Head of TB Laboratory in planning and scaling-up of quality assured line probe assay (LPA) and liquid culture (LC) with rapid speciation (RS) using lateral flow immune chromatographic assay for MDR-TB diagnosis;
(3) Acquiring expertise in approved newer diagnostics tests such as LPA, LC and RS through National Trainers trained by FIND;
(4) Conducting on-site training in the newer TB diagnostics at the allotted and/or any other site indicated byFIND India’s technical team;
(5) Introducing and implementing the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for TB Laboratories, in consultation with FIND India, including SOPs for specific aspects of LPA, LC and RS including specifications for equipment, infection control, etc., for ensuring Good Laboratory Practices (GLP);
(6) Ensuring proficiency in the identified newer TB diagnostics at the allotted site before they are applied for patient care under RNTCP. Also maintenance of ongoing proficiency in these diagnostics, ensuring accuracy of results being communicated to the TB patient;
(7) Ensuring testing of patient specimens at the lab and the subsequent communication of results to concerned officials and service providers, in a timely manner;
(8) Providing technical support to state authorities, in consultation with FIND India’s Technical team for strategic planning, relating to laboratory activities in the state, including workable rapid specimen transportation systems;
(9) Providing technical support to the Director and Head of TB Laboratory in Annual National/ Zonal National Laboratory Network Meetings and the implementation of their recommendations;
(10) Managing clinical and laboratory aspects of the lab and ensuring the collection, recording and reporting of clean, quality data;
(11) Liaising and facilitating with concerned agencies/ officials for regular bio-safety verification of the lab, regular MIS functioning, maintenance of all lab equipments including AMCs, logistics of various lab consumables, etc, in close coordination with FIND India;
(12) Supervising and supporting lab technical staff in day to day activities connected with newer TB diagnostics, ensuring appropriate quality control;
(13) Providing monthly / quarterly and annual reports and an end-of-assignment report in the prescribed formats on activities, achievements, challenges and recommendations;
(14) Urgently reporting all adverse events in laboratory functioning to the Director and Head of TB Laboratory and the FIND India technical team;
(15) Liaising and facilitating with the FIND India technical team on all technical matters relating to laboratory functioning;
(16) Undertaking any other job assigned by state authorities and the FIND India technical team, as per project need.

4. QUALIFICATION, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Qualifications and Experience:

Applicants must meet the following qualification requirements:

(1) MBBS with MD (Microbiology), preferably with one years experience in TB diagnostics or
(2) Ph.D. in Microbiology, with minimum one years experience in TB diagnostics, or
(3) M.Sc. with specialization in Microbiology/ Medical Microbiology/ Applied Microbiology/ Clinical Microbiology/ Biotechnology/ Medical Biotechnology, with a minimum three years of work experience, preferably in the field of TB diagnostics;
(4) Experience of Rapid TB diagnostics shall be an advantage.

Skills and Attitude:

(1) Good oral and written communication skills;
(2) Strong team orientation;
(3) Ability to work independently, with minimum handholding and supervision;
(4) Energetic, resilient and passionate;
(5) Professional, mature and confident.

5. COMPENSATION OFFERED:

Gross compensation budgeted for the position on a cost to organization (CTO) basis is Rs.7.20 lacs per annum. Please note that gross compensation is fully taxable.
(Note: Candidates shall be working on the payroll of SAMS, a leading HR Agency for the health and development sectors in India).

6. NATURE OF APPOINTMENT:

The selected candidate shall be initially offered till one year consultancy contract, renewable based on satisfactory performance.

7. LOCATION:

Vacancies for MBs exist at multiple locations, details of which are available at www.sams.co.in

8. REFERENCE:

MB-FIND

9. CONTACT INFORMATION:

Senior Consultant
Strategic Alliance Management Services P Ltd.,
1/1B (Ground Floor), Choudhary Hetram House,
Bharat Nagar, New Friends Colony, New Delhi -110 025
Phone: 011+4165 3612; 26842162; 41011564, 41011565
Email: mb-find@sams.co.in

10. LAST DATE FOR APPLICATIONS:

Eligible candidates interested in this position are requested to courier or email their applications to the above address or email id. Applicants are urged to fill the ‘online’ application form provided at http://www.sams.co.in/forms/onlineapplicationfind.htm.

Candidates who are unable to fill the ‘online’ form may alternately download the standard form available at http://sams.co.in/JAF-FIND-LabStaff.doc and mail it to the email id mentioned above, on completion.

POSITIONS VACANT: Regional Biomedical Engineer(RBE); FIND India, South Region (State) and North-East (State).

JOB DESCRIPTION
Regional Bio Medical Engineer, Foundation for Innovative
New Diagnostics (FIND), India

1. POSITIONS VACANT: Regional Biomedical Engineer(RBE); FIND India, South Region (State) and North-East (State).

2. ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND:

The Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), is a leading not-for-profit organization based in Geneva, Switzerland, that enables the development and delivery of much-needed diagnostic tests for poverty-related diseases including, tuberculosis, malaria, sleeping sickness, hepatitis C, HIV, leishmaniasis, buruli ulcer and chagas disease.

FIND acts as a bridge between experts in technology development, policy and clinical care, reducing barriers to innovation and effective implementation of diagnostic solutions in low- and middle-income countries.

FIND has active collaborations with more than 100 partners, including research institutes, academia, health ministries and disease control programmes, commercial partners, the World Health Organization, bilateral and multilateral organizations and clinical trial sites.

Over the past 12 years, FIND has supported the development of 11 new diagnostic tests that address diseases of poverty. FIND has also established critical resources for the development of many other tests, including specimen banks, critical reagents, product profiles and policy briefs that provide better visibility on pressing diagnostic needs. FIND’s work in these areas reflects a willingness to address market entry barriers for diagnostics globally.

Represented in India through a Liaison Office at New Delhi, FIND has recently registered as a not-for-profit company under Section 8 of the Companies Act. The organization is presently engaged in the development of new diagnostic techniques for TB, HIV, Hepatitis C, Malaria and neglected tropical diseases, across the world and specifically for MDR-TB in India.

For more information about the organization, please visit http://www.finddx.org/

3. JOB DESCRIPTION/ RESPONSIBILITIES:

The RBE will be responsible for the overall management, supervision, and coordination of project activities relating to laboratory upgrades. H/She will be responsible for controlling the project schedule and cost through the efficient use of all resources including manpower, materials, tools, and equipment.

Key Responsibilities:

(1) Coordinating with assigned sites, BMEs, procurement agency, FIND procurement section, identified AMC / lab-gradation agency for equipment and TB containment lab related matters and work plan;
(2) Monitoring equipment handling during on-site visits and providing on-site training/mentoring on equipment know how to lab staff;
(3) Providing timely inputs to the organization on critical issues identified in field for equipment/ infrastructure maintenance;
(4) Monitoring/observing the activities of vendors for a few costly repairs/new maintenance activities on-site;
(5) Oversee the adherence to the equipment warranty, annual maintenance contract and provide technical know-how for reporting and rectification of breakdown, as required;
(6) Preparing and maintaining the inventory of lab equipment in coordination with BMEs and sites;
(7) Providing assistance in the identification of laboratory equipment vendors and design engineering partners;
(8) Coordination for the delivery, installation, start- up procedures and certification of lab equipment;
(9) The job responsibilities involve travel to various implementation sites;
(10) Preparing and circulating all memos and minutes of meetings to the project team;
(11) Developing lab layouts; expected to have a good working knowledge of bio-safety, TB labs, layout, lab designing, Auto-CAD etc;
(12) Preparing technical specifications for laboratory up-gradation, procurement of equipment and facilitating their inclusion in tender documents;
(13) Coordinating and follow up with the contracted agency and implementation sites for lab up-gradation work (TB containment, LPA, specimen processing room, other up-gradation work etc.);
(14) Maintaining timely and effective communications with the BMEs and Medical Officer / Site I-C to prevent project delays, cost overruns or client dissatisfaction;
(15) Maintaining all required project documentation;
(16) Any other responsibilities as identified from time to time by the Medical Officer / Site IC, NFM Project Technical Lead and Head of Country Operations in India.

4. QUALIFICATION, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Qualifications and Experience:
Applicants must meet the following qualification requirements:

(1) A Biomedical engineering graduate from a reputed institute
(2) At least two years of proven experience in project management
(3) Having a sound understanding of all the appropriate regional and national building codes, and basic knowledge of Biosafety guidelines (WHO Biosafety Manual, BMBL, etc.) will be an added advantage;
(4) The person should have a good understanding of laboratory or healthcare engineering systems and controls (i.e. Mechanical systems, including plumbing, fire protection, heating, ventilating, air conditioning and temperature controls; electrical systems, including electrical distribution, lighting and special systems).

Skills and Attitude:

(1) Good oral and written communication skills;
(2) Strong team orientation;
(3) Ability to work independently, with minimum handholding and supervision;
(4) Willing to travel as per the need;
(5) Computer knowledge (Microsoft Office – Excel, Word, Outlook and Auto-CAD);
(6) Energetic, resilient and passionate;
(7) Professional, mature and confident.

5. COMPENSATION OFFERED:

Gross compensation budgeted for the position on a cost to the organization (CTO) basis is Rs. 3.6 lacs per annum. Please note that gross compensation is fully taxable.

(Note: Candidates shall be working on the payroll of SAMS, a leading HR Agency for the health and development sectors in India).

6. NATURE OF APPOINTMENT:

The selected candidate shall be initially offered till one year consultancy contract, renewable based on satisfactory performance.

7. LOCATION:

South Region (State) and North-East (State)

8. REFERENCE:

RBE-FIND

9. CONTACT INFORMATION:

Senior Consultant
Strategic Alliance Management Services P Ltd.,
1/1B (Ground Floor), Choudhary Hetram House,
Bharat Nagar, New Friends Colony, New Delhi -110 025;
(Landmark: Behind Mata Mandir)
Phone: 011+41653612; 26842162; 41011564, 41011565,
Email: rbe-find@sams.co.in

10. LAST DATE FOR APPLICATIONS:

Eligible candidates interested in this position are requested to apply with a cover letter that highlights their motivation to apply and suitability for the position, their updated resume and three references, to the above email id, at the earliest.

Note: It is mandatory to mention Age, Year of Passing the Degrees, Current and Past Employment dates on your resume, without which it will not be accepted.