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.
The report highlights the alarming health trends in Fiji, where NCDs have reached catastrophic levels, costing the country approximately US$260 million (FJD 591 million) annually. Fiji is facing a critical health crisis, with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) responsible for 80% of deaths, especially affecting the working-age population. In response, a new World Bank report titled Fiji Health Sector Review, "Mo Bulabula, ka Bula Balavu" calls for urgent investment in a more robust, efficient health system to address the mounting health challenges and prevent further economic decline. The report highlights the alarming health trends in Fiji, where NCDs have reached catastrophic levels, costing the country approximately US$260 million (FJD 591 million) annually. Over 64% of NCD-related deaths occur among people of working age, highlighting the widespread economic and social impact of this health crisis. Despite significant progress in some areas, such as reducing child mortality by nearly 50% between 1975 and 2020 and keeping out-of-pocket expenses for patients low, Fiji's health system is struggling. With aging infrastructure, an under-resourced workforce, and a health system not structured to manage NCDs, the country's health system is under severe strain. Primary healthcare facilities are overwhelmed, and many health workers are responsible for large populations, making it difficult to provide adequate care. For example, in some areas, one public health nurse is tasked with managing a catchment area of 30,000 people. If current trends continue, the country's health expenditures could increase by more than 2.5 times by 2050. According to the report, the health crisis not only poses a threat to public health but also to the country's economic stability. Without intervention, more households will be forced to allocate larger portions of their income to healthcare, undermining economic development and social well-being. However, the World Bank report suggests that investing in a healthier Fiji could provide economic benefits, with transformative reforms potentially increasing the country's economic growth by 0.3 percentage points per year. "The review shows that investing in a healthier Fiji is not just a health priority, it's an economic imperative," said Hon. Professor Biman Prasad, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance. "It is very timely to inform the implementation of our National Development Plan." The World Bank report outlines several actions to tackle the NCD crisis while ensuring long-term health improvements: Redesign Primary Healthcare Services: Modernizing facilities and increasing resources to support effective prevention and treatment of NCDs. Digital Health Initiatives: Accelerating the use of technology to enhance health services and create a more integrated hospital network. Promote Healthier Lifestyles: Encouraging healthier diets and active lifestyles through policy reforms, including taxes on unhealthy foods. Better NCD Screening: Expanding access to screening and digital health registries to identify and address NCDs early. Empower Healthcare Workers: Retaining and upskilling the healthcare workforce to meet the growing demands of the population. Strengthen Public-Private Partnerships: Enhancing collaboration between the public sector and private healthcare providers to improve service delivery. Financial Management Reforms: Improving financial management within the health sector to maximize resource allocation and ensure sustainability. Stephen Ndegwa, Country Director for the World Bank in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific, emphasized the importance of immediate action: "By taking decisive action now, Fiji could not only add 10 years to life expectancy but also see significant economic gains. Transformative change is essential for inclusive economic growth, improved health, and a better quality of life for Fijians." As the government of Fiji works towards implementing these recommendations, the report emphasizes that a coordinated effort with both local and international partners is necessary to transform the health sector and ensure a healthier, more prosperous future for the people of Fiji.
Gurugram, 11 December 2024: Around USD 40 billion of investments are envisaged over the next 5-6 years for the development of Electric Vehicles (EV) & ancillary industries in India. However, the deployment of these funds will rely upon successful implementation of government policies, charging infrastructure ramp-up and domestic manufacturing capacity scale-up. As per Colliers' latest report "EVs in India: Renewed Vigour in Electric Mobility", about two-thirds of the planned investments, can potentially materialize in the lithium-ion battery segment alone. Interestingly, despite slower than an ...Read More >
CHITTOOR (Andhra Pradesh): The Apollo University, Apollo Hospitals and University of Leicester, United Kingdom, have partnered to establish the Centre for Digital Health and Precision Medicine (CDHPM) at The Apollo University campus in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh. The advanced research center will bring together the expertise and resources of both institutions to create a global hub for digital health and precision medicine. The CDHPM will be the hub in Chittoor, India. The hub at the University of Leicester will be based at the BHF Cardiovascular Research Centre at Glenfield Hospital, Leicester ...Read More >
Mumbai: The birth of three penguin chicks at Mumbai's Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan and Zoo has sparked an unexpected row not over their care, but their names. BJP functionary Nitin Bankar from the Byculla Assembly constituency has objected to the chicks being given English names, insisting they be named in Marathi instead. The BMC is expected to respond by June 10, after which Bankar will decide his next move. Speaking to The Free Press Journal, Bankar said, "When penguins were brought from abroad, we accepted that their names would be in English. But these chicks were born on the soil of M ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 6 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reaffirmed India's commitment to fighting terrorism, stating that India stands firm and resolute in its collective fight against this threat in the backdrop of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed optimism about strengthening ties with Central Asia, following the 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue and posted on X, 'Delighted to meet with the Foreign Ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. India deeply che ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Axiom-4 crew members, including Shubhanshu Shukla, were welcomed with hugs and drinks as they stepped into the International Space Station on Thursday. The newly launched spacecraft -- the fifth in the Dragon series and named Grace -- successfully completed a soft docking with the International Space Station at 4.01pm while orbiting above the North Atlantic Ocean."At 6:31 am EDT (4:01 IST) on Thursday, the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft docked to the International Space Station for the fourth private astronaut mission to the orbiting laboratory, Axiom Mission 4," the National Aeronautics ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 26 (ANI): In a milestone for cancer care in India, President Droupadi Murmu, formally inaugurated the Sri Ganga Ram Hospital (SGRH) Cancer Care Centre and interacted with cancer patients on Thursday. According to an official release, the Sri Ganga Ram Hospital is a cutting-edge facility dedicated to providing comprehensive care to cancer patients. The President ceremonially visited the premises, acknowledging the hospital's pivotal role in delivering ethical and affordable healthcare, marking a presence of pride and recognition for the institution's seven-decade-long ...Read More >
Hong Kong, December 3, (ANI): Mainland Chinese shoppers are once again flocking to stores in Hong Kong, but this time, their focus is on purchasing sanitary towels and other feminine care products, rather than infant formula, cooking oil, or Yakult drinks. This shift in shopping habits is driven by concerns over reports of contaminated and discoloured cotton fillings in similar products sold in mainland China. These safety issues have led many consumers to seek alternatives in Hong Kong, where the quality is perceived to be more reliable, Radio Free Asia reported. A shopper from Guangzhou, i ...Read More >
Hong Kong: Mainland Chinese shoppers are once again flocking to stores in Hong Kong, but this time, their focus is on purchasing sanitary towels and other feminine care products, rather than infant formula, cooking oil, or Yakult drinks. This shift in shopping habits is driven by concerns over reports of contaminated and discoloured cotton fillings in similar products sold in mainland China. These safety issues have led many consumers to seek alternatives in Hong Kong, where the quality is perceived to be more reliable, Radio Free Asia reported. A shopper from Guangzhou, interviewed by Radio ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 3 (ANI): On the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the World Health Organisation (WHO) South-East Asia Region has called for amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities to foster an inclusive and sustainable future. WHO's Regional Director, Saima Wazed, stressed that empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring their active participation in all sectors is essential to addressing the barriers they face, particularly in healthcare and during humanitarian crises. Also Read | South Korea Unrest: Martial Law Troops Enter Nat ...Read More >
Speaking at IIT Bombay's Techfest 2024, Mr Adani, the 27-year old younger son of infrastructure magnate Gautam Adani, said the future of technology is both scary and exciting. India cannot stay out of global technological race, said Jeet Adani. Mumbai: India cannot stay out of global technological race and should build capabilities that will keep it at the top while remaining vigilant against its misuse, said Jeet Adani, Director, Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. Speaking at IIT Bombay's Techfest ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jun 5 (PTI) Fintech firm BimaPay Finsure on Thursday said it has entered into corporate insurance financing and aims for Rs 20 crore in premiums in 2025-26. Launching the pilot phase with insurance partners, BimaPay said the initiative will allow businesses to pay premiums in easy equated monthly instalments (EMIs) instead of bearing the burden of full upfront costs. Also Read | Who Is Pinaki Misra? From Age to Family Background and Net Worth, Here's All About BJD Leader With Whom Mahua Moitra Reportedly Married. The company aims to finance over Rs 20 crore worth of premiums by t ...Read More >
India has pledged USD 20 billion towards infrastructure development, prioritizing multimodal logistics, port connectivity, and trade facilitation, according to Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. He emphasized India's growing maritime capabilities and called for greater partnerships in seafarer recruitment. Strategic corridors like IMEEC, EMC, and INSTC are strengthening maritime connectivity and supply chains.India has committed USD 20 billion for infrastructure development, with a focus on enhan ...Read More >
VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed the officials to develop 'Visakha Economic Region' as the growth engine of Andhra Pradesh, with an aim to transforming it into a USD 120 billion economic region by 2032. He emphasised the need to develop Visakhapatnam on the lines of Mumbai in the next seven years. The Economic Region consists of eight districts including Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, Anakapalli, Kakinada, East Godavari, ASR, and Manyam. The Chief Minister instructed officials to develop projects that would boost economic activity across this eight-distri ...Read More >
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has charged five individuals, including goldy Brar, in relation to the 2024 Gurugram club bombing plot, as revealed in a recently filed chargesheet. This case involves a conspiracy to bomb two clubs, aiming to disrupt communal harmony in Haryana, with the banned terrorist group Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) implicated. The NIA's investigation highlights the severity of the plot. Those charged include satinderjit Singh (Goldy Brar), Sachin Talian, Ankit, Bhavish, and Randeep Singh. News Directory 3 provides crucial updates on sensitive cases such ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 8 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday emphasised that women's empowerment is vital to India's growth, highlighting a shift in societal perspective where women are no longer limited to traditional roles. Instead, they are recognised as key drivers of progress, contributing significantly to the nation's development. The BJP-led NDA government at the centre released a book highlighting its achievements in empowering women over the last 11 years. As the NDA completes its 11 years in government, the book highlights various key schemes, such as Beti Bachao Beti Pa ...Read More >
This is a Mint Premium article gifted to you. Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. New Delhi: The debate on laboratory-grown meat, dairy, and egg products may soon be settled, with the issue reaching India's apex food regulator, three people aware of the development said. The development comes in the backdrop of concerns about public health, food security and ecological sustainability. While the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has put in place a regulatory framework for plant-based protein products, manufacturers and sellers of fermentation-derived and cultivated protein ...Read More >
Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh) [India], January 17 (ANI): Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu while addressing the Deputy Commissioners from across the state on Friday at the two-day Sashakt Arunachal Conference of Deputy Commissioners (DC), asserted that shying away from problems was not the way forward but finding a solution to problems and moving ahead was the solution. Giving his concluding remarks at the event held in Itanagar, he said, "There will be problems faced by the deputy commissioners, yes. But we need to find solutions and move forward. It is said that we humans use at t ...Read More >
Haridwar: A woman politician has been arrested for allegedly letting her boyfriend and others repeatedly rape her 13-year-old daughter in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. The horrifying crime, which occurred between January and March, was exposed when the minor bravely confided in her father, prompting a police investigation that led to the arrest of the accused. The accused was arrested with her boyfriend and one more. According to police reports, the minor was gang-raped multiple times, often in the presence of her mother. The minor, who had been living with her father following her parents' separat ...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 [India], June 6 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reaffirmed India's commitment to fighting terrorism, stating that India stands firm and resolute in its collective fight against this threat in the backdrop of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed optimism about strengthening ties with Central Asia, following the 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue and posted on X, "Delighted to meet with the Foreign Ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. India deeply che ...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 >
Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh) [India], January 17 (ANI): Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu while addressing the Deputy Commissioners from across the state on Friday at the two-day Sashakt Arunachal Conference of Deputy Commissioners (DC), asserted that shying away from problems was not the way forward but finding a solution to problems and moving ahead was the solution. Giving his concluding remarks at the event held in Itanagar, he said, "There will be problems faced by the deputy commissioners, yes. But we need to find solutions and move forward. It is said that we humans use at t ...Read More >
New Delhi: Delhi govt has imposed a strict ban on direct purchases and cart-based procurement through the Government e-Market (GeM) portal for hospitals. The administration clarified that no healthcare facility or institution has the authority to make cart purchases or initiate bidding independently.The order emphasised that any non-compliance with these guidelines will face serious consequences, potentially leading to disciplinary or legal proceedings as determined by the relevant authority.The GeM portal, which commenced operations on Aug 9, 2016, functions as an online marketplace for centr ...Read More >
KATHUA: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha inaugurated the Kathua Waterfront and dedicated the landmark urban rejuvenation project to the people of Kathua. In his address, the Lieutenant Governor congratulated the District Administration Kathua for providing a unique public space that will foster community interaction and cultural activities in the beautiful and historical city of Kathua. He said, the 1200-meter stretch along Kathua Canal in the heart of the city will shape urban landscape, economy, and social fabric and enhance the city's identity and livability. "Kathua Waterfront blend ...Read More >
Kathua (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], June 8 (ANI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the Kathua Waterfront, a transformative urban rejuvenation project, on Sunday, dedicating it to the people of Kathua as a space for recreation, wellness, and community engagement. The 1,200-metre stretch along the Kathua Canal is designed to reshape the city's landscape, economy, and social fabric while promoting sustainability and women's empowerment. LG Sinha emphasised that the project aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for urban transformation, calling it a 'foun ...Read More >
The Minister for Information, Communication, Technology and National Guidance, Hon. Chris Baryomunsi has unveiled government plans to extend internet connectivity to all sub-counties through a loan acquired from the Exim Bank of China. Baryomunsi said that with the US$150 million, government will go beyond its ministries, departments, agencies (MDAs) and district headquarters) to connect all sub-counties to the National Backbone Infrastructure (NBI). "This is vital for ensuring that all regions benefit from the digital economy. Last mile connectivity, the final segment connecting the NBI to ...Read More >
The Andhra Pradesh government inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Google. The tech giant will launch its operations from Visakhapatnam in the State. Making the announcement at the district collectors' conference on Wednesday, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said HRD Minister Nara Lokesh's efforts have paved the way for this. The MoU was a significant development and would be a game changer. Visakhapatnam is poised for transformative growth, Mr. Naidu said. The chief minister, in ...Read More >
VMPL New Delhi [India], December 18: Five months after the launch of the "Go Green with Taiwan" project by Taiwan International Trade Administration (TITA) and Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), and after receiving a total of 396 proposals from 45 countries around the world, the most exciting part is finally here. On December 9, 2024, the Top 5 finalists went on an all-expense paid trip to Taiwan where they presented their entries and convinced a distinguished panel of experts and judges from Taiwan that their entries can and will help change the way we live and establish a ...Read More >
Mumbai, Dec 18 (PTI) Jobs and talent platform and a Quess company, foundit, on Wednesday announced the appointment of V Suresh as its Chief Executive Officer. With over two decades of experience in the internet domain, digital transformation, and the e-recruitment ecosystem, Suresh brings a wealth of strategic expertise and a forward-looking vision to foundit (formerly Monster APAC and ME), the company said in a statement. "Suresh's deep understanding of the digital talent ecosystem and proven ability to scale businesses will help us strengthen our leadership position in the market. Under hi ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: In a major push to position India as a global hub for traditional medicine and holistic wellness, the Government of India has launched 'Ayush Nivesh Saarthi', a dedicated investor facilitation portal for the Ayush sector. The digital platform was unveiled on May 29, 2025, during the Ayush Stakeholder and Industry Interaction Meet at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi. The portal was jointly launched by Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav, in the presence of senior government officials and global industry leaders including Ayush Secretary Vaidya Raje ...Read More >