Is India Winning the War Against Rising Non-Communicable Diseases? The latest health statistics paint a concerning picture: diabetes, heart disease, and cancer rates are climbing, impacting millions across the country. From rural healthcare access to the burgeoning urban health crisis, challenges remain significant. This week, we delve into the crucial initiatives underway – government policies, technological advancements in telemedicine, and the rising role of preventative healthcare – that aim to address this national health emergency. Experts weigh in on the effectiveness of current strategies and the critical need for increased public awareness campaigns targeting lifestyle diseases. Are these efforts enough? Explore Abtak.com's in-depth coverage on healthcare in India and discover the vital information you need to protect your well-being and the future of public health. Stay informed; stay healthy.
Bengaluru: Brain tumour diagnoses in Bengaluru rose by 30% in the last few years. However, doctors say the numbers don't tell a story of panic, but rather of progress. One key reason, medical experts believe, is growing public awareness about brain tumour symptoms, prompting more people to seek medical attention early.Dr Arjun Srivatsa, director and head of the Institute of Neurosciences at Sakra World Hospital, explained to TOI, "First, there's greater awareness among the general population about the symptoms and signs of brain tumours, which means more people are coming in earlier for evaluation. Second, imaging technology advanced significantly, allowing us to pick up tumours much earlier than before. Many of them now choose to get diagnosed and treated here. As Bengaluru is emerging as a medical hub with top-tier hospitals and advanced neurosurgical facilities, we're seeing more cases being managed locally, adding to the numbers.""At Sakra alone, we treated 50 brain tumour cases last year," Dr Srivatsa noted. "This year, we've already seen 40, and we're only halfway through.""The increase in brain tumour cases we're seeing today can't be attributed to a single cause; it's a combination of multiple factors," said Dr Raghuram G, additional director, neurosurgery, Fortis Hospital. "There's greater awareness now, so people are more likely to consult a doctor when they experience persistent headaches, weakness, or vision problems. This naturally leads to more diagnoses. At the same time, advances in imaging technology mean we're able to detect even small tumours that might have gone unnoticed in the past. Environmental and lifestyle-related risks are also playing a role. Rising pollution levels, chemical exposure through food, obesity, and prolonged exposure to radiation, both environmental and occupational, could all be contributing to this trend."Brain tumours in children are more common than many people realise, highlighted Dr Komal Prasad C, clinical lead- neurosurgery, senior consultant neurosurgeon, Narayana Health City. "Tumours like medulloblastoma, which occur in the cerebellum, are among the most frequent in paediatric patients. The challenge with children is that they often can't clearly describe what they're feeling, so any unusual symptoms should be taken seriously and prompt a thorough neurological evaluation without delay."He added, "The good news is that many childhood brain tumours have an excellent prognosis if caught early. With timely treatment that includes surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and structured rehabilitation, many children go on to live healthy, productive adult lives. "But it's important to remember that a brain tumour affects far more than just the patient. It sends ripples through the entire family, impacting emotional well-being, finances, and daily functioning. Even so, with appropriate and timely care, patients facing difficult diagnoses can often regain independence, return to work or studies, and make meaningful contributions to their communities once again," he said.
Thrissur, June 7: Malayalam actor Shine Tom Chacko, who was injured when his car crashed with a lorry at Dharmapuri in Tamil Nadu, will need to undergo surgery on his left hand, according to doctors attending on him. Speaking to the media here on Saturday, doctors attached to a private hospital in Thrissur said the surgery will take place anytime after the funeral of Chacko's father on Monday. "The actor and his mother were brought from Dharmapuri late on Friday night. Chacko has left humerus multiple fractures, an issue in the backbone's vertebrae, besides having multiple concussions on his ...Read More >
VMPL New Delhi [India], July 18: In recent times, many of us have encountered the term 'Progressive Myopia'. But what exactly is it? Progressive Myopia is a form of near-sightedness where the correction needed to clear vision increases by more than -0.5 dioptre within a year. This condition predominantly affects children and teenagers. The earlier Myopia develops, the faster it progresses. Consequently, children who develop Myopia early in life are more susceptible to progressive myopia and eventually high myopia. Dr Padma Priya G K, MBBS, DO, DNB, FPOS, FAICO Consultant Paediatric Ophthal ...Read More >
Mohali (Punjab) [India], September 28 (ANI): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who visited Fortis Hospital in Mohali to meet Punjabi singer Rajvir Jawanda, has shared an update on his health. While speaking to reporters outside the hospital, Mann said that the singer, who was injured in a serious road accident, is now in a "better condition than yesterday," although he remains "unconscious." Mann also added that Rajvir was brought to the hospital in a very serious state. "Rajvir Jawanda was the victim of a terrible road accident. He has been undergoing treatment here since yesterday. His ...Read More >
Winter pollution is increasingly harmful, posing serious physical and mental health risks. As air quality deteriorates, cities, particularly the capital, face heightened pollution levels, leading to stress and health complications. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is on the rise, especially among the young, while adults are experiencing worsened existing conditions. To combat the effects of pollution, it's essential to adopt mindful practices, stay hydrated, follow a skincare routine, keep indoor plants, and maintain regular exercise. These steps can improve well-being, reduce stress, and enh ...Read More >
Lakhimpur Kheri, December 3: Talent knows no boundaries. A testament to this is 28-year-old Muneer Khan from Lakhimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh, whose innovations and technical skills have gained him global recognition. From a 'smart water bottle' to 'smart soil testing device,' and more recently, 'AI-enabled eye-glasses,' what makes his innovations stand out is their ability to improve everyday convenience for ordinary people. Born in a humble and poor family in Kheri's Gauriya village, Muneer lost his father when he was just one year old. His four older brothers and mother worked tirelessly t ...Read More >
Kottayam: A woman died after a portion of a building collapsed at Kottayam Medical College, officials said on Thursday. The deceased has been identified as 54-year-old Bindu, a resident of Thalayolaparamba, they said. Officials said the incident took place at around 10.45 am when Bindu went to use the bathroom on the third floor of the old 14th ward building. "A section of the unused toilet area suddenly collapsed. Bindu and two others, including a five-year-old child, were trapped under the debris," they added. Bindu and her husband Visruthan had come to the medical college on July 1 in co ...Read More >
Ahmedabad: In an ambitious bid to tackle Gujarat's growing obesity challenge, the Gujarat State Yog Board (GSYB) is enlisting MLAs to take yoga to every village across the state. GSYB, which is constituted under the state govt's sports, youth, and cultural activities department, has set a bold target - help 10 lakh people shed 10 kilos each, cutting a collective 1 crore kilos from Gujaratis' waistline. The initiative, unveiled during a meeting in Gandhinagar on Tuesday, will see the state's villages gradually equipped with dedicated yoga centres, staffed by certified trainers.GSYB chairman She ...Read More >
The Army Hospital in Delhi achieves a significant medical milestone by performing a rare hearing implant on a young child and introducing cutting-edge technology for complex eye surgeries like Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery, setting benchmarks for Armed Forces medical facilities in India. The Army Hospital (Research and Referral) in Delhi has successfully executed a rare and intricate hearing implant surgery on a 1.8-year-old girl plagued by Michel Aplasia. This condition involves an underd ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: India accounts for 17% of the world's population and 20% of the global disease burden, yet fewer than four percent of international clinical trials are conducted in the country. This gap means Indian patients often wait years after global approvals to access breakthrough therapies. Now, a new initiative, aligning it with Central Drugs Standard Control Organisations (CDSCO) priorities to boost participation of government sites in Phase 3 and 4 trials, has trained nearly 400 professionals, including investigators, ethics committee members and support staff to meet the global Good Cl ...Read More >
The CM said while addressing the foundation day ceremony of the Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan CHIEF MINISTER Yogi Adityanath said on Saturday that "life is defined by three states -- tendency, distortion and culture." "Staying unchanged is tendency, continuous decline is distortion and decisions taken in the larger public and national interest embody culture," Adityanath said while addressing the foundation day ceremony of the Dr Ram Manohar Lohi ...Read More >
New Delhi, Sep 16 (PTI) Veteran actor and politician Nafisa Ali Sodhi on Tuesday shared a new update in her cancer battle, saying that she is resuming chemotherapy after undergoing a PET scan. Sodhi has been battling stage-three peritoneal and ovarian cancer since 2018. After the scan, doctors have ruled out surgery as an option. Sodhi shared a quote in her Instagram post which read, "'Who will we turn to when you're gone?' I told them, 'Turn to each other. That is my greatest gift- siblings who share the same love and memories. Protect one another, and remember: your bond is stronger than a ...Read More >
Mohali (Punjab): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who visited Fortis Hospital in Mohali to meet Punjabi singer Rajvir Jawanda, has shared an update on his health. While speaking to reporters outside the hospital, Mann said that the singer, who was injured in a serious road accident, is now in a "better condition than yesterday," although he remains "unconscious." Mann also added that Rajvir was brought to the hospital in a very serious state. Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann's Statement "Rajvir Jawanda was the victim of a terrible road accident. He has been undergoing treatment here since yester ...Read More >
Jaipur: Agra's 54-year-old Sarvesh Devi and Sawai Madhopur's 37-year-old Digambar Raigar were among the eight critically ill patients who died in SMS hospital on Oct 5 when a short circuit triggered a fire in one of the neurosurgery ICUs. Both deaths, however, have not been acknowledged by SMS Hospital management. Now, their families have reached Jaipur to demand that govt compensate them for the loss of their family member.Devi, admitted to ICU-II, underwent surgery on the morning of Oct 5. In Raigar's case, doctors were planning to perform surgery just half an hour before fire broke out. Bot ...Read More >
Rajvir Jawanda breathed his last on Wednesday. The singer was battling for life for the past 11 days following a major road accident in Himachal Pradesh. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann attended Rajvir Jawanda's last rites on Thursday, October 9. The singer turned politician visited Jawanda's native village Pona near Jagraon to pay his last tributes and offer condolences to the family. Following his visit, Punjab CM took to his X (formerly Twitter) to share pictures, when he also penned down a short note in Rajvir's memory. "It is deeply saddening to learn of the passing of renowned Punj ...Read More >
Project led by Professor Sivaprakasam with international team The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by releasing the most detailed high-resolution 3D images of the human fetal brain. Developed by researchers at the Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre, this pioneering project is the first of its kind globally, showcasing over 5,132 digitally captured brain sections at a cellular level using advanced brain mapping technology. The dataset, apt ...Read More >
New Delhi: Three Indian citizens vanished mysteriously in Tehran. Darkness closed in as hope seemed lost. A ruthless Pakistani gang with potential links to ISI snatched them away, casting a shadow of fear. But relentless Indian diplomats refused to back down. Against all odds, a daring rescue mission ignited. Now, the captives are free, and a chilling game of espionage comes to light. The Punjab-based trio - Amritpal Singh from Hoshiarpur, Jaspal Singh from SBS Nagar and Hushnapreet Singh from Sangrur - had landed in Iran on May 1. Promised a clandestine route to Australia via Dubai and Tehra ...Read More >
New Delhi: Chief minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday said authorities cannot go against demolition orders issued by courts and stressed that displaced residents have been provided accommodation.Her words came in the wake of the recent Madrasi Camp demolition for which the opposition Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has criticised her. AAP has targeted Gupta, and alleged that the displaced Madrasi Camp residents were provided homes in faraway Narela, and those lack basic amenities.Attending an event to mark the construction of a Jan Sewa camp at a slum cluster in the Haiderpur area, Gupta told reporters: "In t ...Read More >
Srinagar- Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday said foreign countries were told clearly during the post-Operation Sindoor diplomatic outreach that in case of a fresh provocation, India would repeat its action. Speaking at a discussion at the Ahmedabad Management Association, Tharoor said Indian delegations which visited foreign countries in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor managed to convey that India acted with restraint and responsibility. "In other places, we actually were able to get some very high-placed people to say not only that they respected and supported India's right of self- ...Read More >
India will observe National Doctor's Day on July 1. The day acknowledges doctors' dedication. The 2025 theme is 'Behind the Mask: Who Heals the Healers?'. It highlights the mental health of doctors. The day commemorates Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy. He was a physician and former Chief Minister of West Bengal. Events will include ceremonies and campaigns. India marks National Doctor's Day on July 1 every year to recognise the tireless service, dedication, and compassion of the country's medical profess ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], July 18: Myopia, or near-sightedness, is a condition where nearby objects appear clear, but distant objects look blurry. It is the most common refractive error, typically affecting the younger population worldwide. With its rising prevalence, it is estimated that by 2050, half of the global population will be Myopic. Quote: Myopia, or near-sightedness, is rapidly increasing among children, Today children are spending less time outdoors and more time on screens, and these lifestyle factors, along with genetics, are contributing significantly to the rise in myopia. Once myopi ...Read More >
Lucknow, Sep 15 (PTI) The Uttar Pradesh government has launched a new initiative to strengthen women's health and improve wellbeing of families, an official statement issued here on Monday stated. Under the directions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the "Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar" campaign will be conducted statewide from September 17 to October 2, it said. As part of the campaign, health camps, nutrition awareness drives, and distribution of maternity benefits will be organised across Uttar Pradesh. The initiative aims to promote women's health, improve family well-being, and contrib ...Read More >
New Delhi, Sept 29 (UNI) On World Heart Day, voices from the government, medical fraternity, and public figures united in urging Indians to adopt healthier lifestyles to combat the rising threat of cardiovascular diseases -- especially among the youth. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the world's leading cause of death, claiming an estimated 19.8 million lives in 2022 alone, according to the WHO. These accounted for 32% of all global deaths, with heart attacks and strokes responsible for 85% of the toll -- highlighting the urgent need for prevention, early detection, and accessible care. ...Read More >
Mumbai, Sep 30 (PTI) Radiation therapy after surgery safely reduces the risk of 'pelvic relapse' in patients with locally advanced, muscle-invasive bladder cancer, Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) Mumbai said on Tuesday. Pelvic relapse refers to the return or progression of cancer within the pelvic area after a patient has initially responded to treatment or achieved remission. A research study led from India, the 'Bladder Adjuvant Radiotherapy (BART) trial', is the largest randomized trial in the world to evaluate the role of radiation therapy after bladder cancer surgery, the TMC said. For the ...Read More >
The MAHACARE Foundation will be established to provide manpower, funding and guidance to these L-2, L-3 centers as per the requirement. Maharashtra cabinet on Tuesday cleared a cancer cure policy to ensure quality treatment for cancer patients in the state. For this, Maharashtra Cancer Care, Research and Education Foundation (MAHACARE Foundation) will be established and through this, cancer-related specialty treatment will be provided in 18 hospitals across the state. As per this policy, cancer ...Read More >
The death of policeman-turned-Punjabi singer and actor Rajvir Jawanda has sparked an outpouring of grief from fans, politicians and the music community. The 35-year-old died on Wednesday, 11 days after he was fatally injured in an accident in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Jawanda suffered severe injuries after he lost control of his motorcycle when he collided with cattle while he was travelling through Solan district, reports said. His songs, which often carried messages of l ...Read More >
A groundbreaking treatment at Fortis Hospital in Gurugram has made history as the first in Asia to successfully treat multiple brain lesions in a single session using advanced radiation therapy technology. The young patient, diagnosed with cancer, was treated and back home within days, thanks to the expertise of the neurosurgeon. As cancer rates in India continue to rise, with projections estimating 29.8 million cases by 2025, this innovative approach offers hope for improved outcomes. The case underscores the urgent need for enhanced prevention, early detection, and effective treatment strate ...Read More >
As the body experiences prolonged stress, the "calming neurotransmitter GABA can dip" When your body experiences prolonged stress, the supply of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) can be diminished. Nutritionist Anjali Mukerjee has said that GABA is an important neurotransmitter that helps to inhibit neural activity and calm the brain, acting as a natural tranquiliser. But, if its supply lessens, then a person starts experiencing weakness, unsteady legs, muscle tension, headache, loose motions and excessive thirst, according to the nutritionist. In a video on Instagram, Anjali Mukerjee has discu ...Read More >
VMPL Bangalore (Karnataka) [India], December 2: HEJJE, India's first luxury transition care centre, opened their doors today, ahead of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities with an aim of revolutionizing recovery and rehabilitation, thereby setting new standards in healthcare. Dr M.R.Seetharam - Vice Chairman of Ramaiah Group of Institutions, ex-Minister and current MLA did the honours of lighting the lamp to inaugurate HEJJE. The Launch of HEJJE saw the much-anticipated panel discussion featuring luminaries such as Dr. Nandini Mundkur, Prof. Shekar Sheshadri, Dr Saraswathy Viswa ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 8 (ANI): BJP MP Gulam Ali Khatana, who was part of the all-party parliamentary delegation to Europe, said that during their recently conclued visit they successfully communicated India's development story and its resolute stand against terrorism, particularly emanating from Pakistan. Highlighting the delegation's key discussions during the tour, Khatana told ANI, 'We discussed how we dismantled the terrorism factory in Pakistan by responding... We also talked about tourism infrastructure, G20 Summit, and projects like the six-lane roads, bridges, solar initiatives, our ...Read More >
Nagpur: Eminent neurologists from the city joined experts from across the globe on World Brain Tumour Day to raise awareness about the disease.At an event held at the Indian Medical Association (IMA) headquarters in Nagpur, specialists emphasised the importance of early diagnosis, discussed symptoms and treatment options, and highlighted the multifaceted challenges faced by patients and their families.Renowned neurologist and Padma Shri Dr Chandrashekhar Meshram stressed the need for timely detection and comprehensive care. He said awareness about the type of brain tumour and its symptoms is c ...Read More >