NewsFeed

April 21, 2025

Espinal's Housing Voucher Expiration Brings Uncertainty

A New York City woman, Espinal, who fled an abusive marriage and received financial aid to prevent eviction during the pandemic, is now facing uncertainty as a new program providing emergency housing vouchers expires. The Emergency Housing Vouchers program has helped over 700 domestic violence survivors, including Espinal, who moved into a Brooklyn apartment in 2023. With her husband's anger documented by police reports, she gained custody of their daughter and was able to rebuild her life with the help of the voucher program, which provided more than just a place to live but also a sense of peace and identity.

https://apnews.com/article/trump-congress-housing-voucher-assistance-funding-cuts-26f9a716af6731e3c6445015488bab3a

April 21, 2025

FSU Grants Absences for Duggar After Shooting

Madelynn Duggar, a FSU junior, took shelter in her classroom for 3 hours on April 17 after the shooting near campus. Students organized an online petition to request excused absences, which led to FSU granting accommodations, including online options and on-campus activities with alternative choices.

https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2025/04/20/FSU-backs-down-on-Monday-class-return-after-shooting/9551745188026/

April 21, 2025

GLP-1 Agonists Linked to Depression Risk

Weight-loss drugs, specifically GLP-1 agonists, have been found to be linked to poor mental health in a new study. Initially developed for managing blood sugar levels in diabetic patients, these drugs have gained popularity for their weight-reducing effects. However, the study suggests that they could affect certain genes linked to depression.

https://indiatoday.in/health/story/weight-loss-drugs-depression-mental-health-suicide-ozempic-mounjaro-2712333-2025-04-21

April 21, 2025

Health Experts Emphasize Local Healthcare Research Needs

Health experts and researchers gathered at the HealthRAB conference to emphasize the need for indigenous research based on local healthcare realities. Digital health expert Dr Zakiuddin Ahmed launched five national disease registries, while DRAP CEO Dr Obaidullah warned of pandemic levels of drug-resistant tuberculosis. The conference recognized contributions from Prof Tipu Sultan, Prof Wasey Shakir, and others, with a Lifetime Achievement Award and Hajra Biloo Gold Medal presented to the recipients. HealthRAB General Manager Marium Habib highlighted the importance of research driving change and improvement in lives, while Vice Chairman Prof Iqbal Afridi stressed the need for greater focus on mental health research due to rising psychological disorders.

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1303551-health-sector-producing-good-research-must-be-implemented-mustafa-kamal

April 21, 2025

HHS Unveils Plan to Ban Synthetic Food Dyes

US Health and Human Services to unveil plan to remove synthetic food dyes from US food supply, with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary set to provide details on Tuesday in Washington, DC.

https://news.bloomberglaw.com/antitrust/rfk-jr-is-set-to-cut-synthetic-food-dyes-from-us-food-supply

April 21, 2025

Indonesia Honors Kartini's Legacy on National Day

Indonesia is commemorating Kartini Day, a celebration that honors the legacy of Raden Ajeng Kartini, a pioneering figure who advocated for women's education and empowerment. The event is led by Puan, the Minister, who emphasizes the importance of continuing Kartini's struggle for women to participate actively in public life and expand their roles in the digital era.

https://en.antaranews.com/news/352393/women-must-speak-out-against-violence-puan-on-kartini-day?utm_source=antaranews&utm_medium=desktop&utm_campaign=top_news

April 21, 2025

Indonesia Minister Condemns Teaching Hospital Violence

Indonesia's Higher Education, Science, and Technology Minister Brian Yuliarto has expressed concern over the recent sexual violence case at a teaching hospital in Jakarta, stating that it has damaged public trust in medical education institutions. The ministry is conducting a thorough evaluation of the incident, which he believes requires strengthening and improving the country's medical education system to prevent similar incidents. Minister Yuliarto has pledged support for Padjadjaran University and Hasan Sadikin Hospital to identify and address any loopholes that may have contributed to the violence. He also emphasized the need for universities, teaching hospitals, and academics to create a safe environment free from violence and uphold equality.

https://en.antaranews.com/news/352477/govt-stresses-zero-tolerance-on-violence-in-higher-education

April 21, 2025

Indonesia's Health Minister Targets PPDS Mental Wellbeing Issues

Indonesia's Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has expressed concern over recent issues with the Public Service Development Program (PPDS), stating that they have affected the wider public and are alarming. To address this, he proposes establishing regular forums to assess participants' mental and physical well-being, meeting with them personally to monitor their health, and including psychological assessments in the entrance exams to ensure candidates are mentally fit before entering the program.

https://en.antaranews.com/news/352357/indonesia-to-monitor-mental-health-of-medical-specialist-trainees

April 21, 2025

Indonesian Minister Demands PPDS Reform and Transparency

Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunawan emphasized the need for reforms in the Specialist Medical Education Program (PPDS) to focus on developing quality and work culture alongside technical skills. He proposed making psychological testing mandatory in the selection process, citing mental readiness as crucial for the program's rigorous demands. Budi also stressed the importance of transparent selection practices to prevent favoritism, following reports of physical and sexual abuse within the PPDS program.

https://en.tempo.co/read/1999139/indonesias-health-minister-plans-comprehensive-reform-of-specialist-medical-education