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.
New Delhi, July 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) Former AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria on Friday said that recent studies by ICMR and AIIMS have clearly shown there is no link between COVID-19 vaccination and sudden cardiac deaths among young people. In an exclusive conversation with IANS, he addressed concerns that have been circulating in various sections of society regarding heart-related deaths after vaccination. Here are excerpts of the interview: IANS: The joint study of ICMR and AIIMS has concluded that there's no link between COVID-19 vaccines and sudden cardiac arrests in youth. How do you see this outcome? Dr Randeep Guleria: Yes, there has been a lot of concern recently about young people dying from sudden heart problems. Many were wondering if it could be due to the COVID vaccine. But now, studies by ICMR and AIIMS have clearly shown there is no such connection. From my personal experience as well, we have seen young people suffering from heart issues even before COVID. These were usually linked to genetic factors and major lifestyle changes. Our eating habits have become unhealthy. The traditional diet of green leafy vegetables and fruits has been replaced by fast food. Physical activity has decreased, especially as more young people now do desk jobs. This has led to weight gain and obesity. Due to such lifestyle and genetic reasons, heart attacks in our population are happening 10 years earlier than in western countries. So, vaccination is not responsible. The causes are different. IANS: When and why did people start linking vaccines to heart problems? Do vaccines have any negative effects on the body? Dr Randeep Guleria: Every medicine, including vaccines, can have some side effects. But since vaccines are given to healthy people, their side effects are monitored very closely. There are dedicated systems set up by the government, WHO, and other organisations to track this. According to all this data, the side effects of COVID vaccines are very minimal, and the benefits are much greater. In fact, India was able to fight COVID-19 effectively because of its strong vaccination programme. Two vaccines were launched quickly, and this helped save many lives. So, I would say vaccines were extremely helpful, not harmful. IANS: What about cases where no clear cause of death is found? The person's heart and lungs were functioning fine. Dr Randeep Guleria: Such deaths are unfortunate and worrying. But most of them are still linked to lifestyle problems like unhealthy diet and physical inactivity. Young people need to become more aware. They should exercise, eat healthily, and maintain a good weight. We should return to our traditional Indian food instead of western-style fast food. As I said earlier, there is no link between the COVID vaccine and such deaths. But yes, it is true that heart problems among young people are rising, and we need to talk more openly and responsibly about this issue. IANS: What is your view on anti-aging medicines? Should they be banned? Dr Randeep Guleria: Anti-aging medicine is becoming very popular but it's mostly unregulated. Many of these products are sold without proper scientific studies to prove they work. Some may even have harmful side effects, especially if taken for long periods. There is definitely a need to regulate such medicines. If there's no proper evidence about their safety or usefulness, and they are found to be harmful, then yes -- they should be banned. The same applies to other medicines, like muscle-building drugs that are often misused.
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 28 (ANI): The sudden passing of actress-model Shefali Jariwala at the age of 42 has left the entertainment industry in shock. Best known for her iconic role in the 2002 music video 'Kaanta Laga', Jariwala was last seen by her residential complex's security guard just hours before her reported death, making the news all the more difficult to believe for those who interacted with her. Shatrughan Mahato, a security guard at her Andheri apartment in Mumbai, recalled his final interaction with the actress, saying she appeared to be in a good mood that morning. ...Read More >
Firozpur: A friendly cricket match in Punjab's Firozpur turned into a scene of tragedy when a batter collapsed moments after hitting a six. The player, identified as Harjeet Singh, suffered a sudden heart attack and died on the spot, leaving the community in shock. The incident occurred during a local match, where Harjeet had just hit a six. In a video of the match, he can be seen completing his shot and casually walking toward the middle of the pitch. Moments later, he goes down on his knees and suddenly collapses. Fellow players rushed to his aid and attempted CPR, but he remained unrespon ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], January 13 (ANI): Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw criticised Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and called him "factually incorrect" over his remark that most incumbent governments, including India in 2024 elections, lost post-COVID. He added that the people of India have reaffirmed their trust in the NDA led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "As the world's largest democracy, India conducted the 2024 elections with over 640 million voters. People of India reaffirmed their trust in the ND led by PM @narendramodi Ji's leadership. Mr. Zuckerberg's claim that most incumbent governments, ...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 >
VISAKHAPATNAM: Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar inaugurated Andhra Pradesh's first Super ECBC (Energy Conservation Building Code) compliant building at Sagar Nagar in Visakhapatnam on Friday. Terming it a landmark in sustainable infrastructure, he emphasised the government's commitment to energy efficiency and green design in public facilities. The facility will serve as a national-level training hub for power sector staff. He urged power utilities to expedite 20 lakh rooftop solar connections, targeting 10,000 in each Assembly segment. He reaffirmed nine-hour uninterrupted power for agri ...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, June 1 (IANS) The PM SVANidhi scheme, which started off as a micro-credit scheme during the Covid-19 pandemic, to help the street vendors and small businesses survive and sustain their ventures in trying times, has another side to it. Many beneficiaries, who got funds under this scheme, utilised it to build lasting enterprises, [...] Andhra launches efforts to evacuate Telugus stranded in Sikkim Amaravati, June 1 (IANS) The Andhra Pradesh government has initiated measures for the evacuation of Telugu families stranded in Sikkim due to floods and landslides. The state government sa ...Read More >
BHUBANESWAR: The School and Mass Education (SME) department is keeping a close watch on the Covid situation and will follow appropriate precautions as per the advisory of the Health and Family Welfare department, once the schools reopen. Informing this on Thursday, SME minister Nityananda Gond asked citizens to remain alert in view of the rising Covid-19 cases. "The government is giving top priority to the health and safety of all," he said, asking people not to panic. The minister further informed that teachers and students would be sensitised on Covid-19 and asked to properly follow precau ...Read More >
Patna (Bihar) [India] June 6 (ANI): Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi attended the 'Samvidhan Sabha' in Rajgir, Nalanda, on Friday. Addressing the gathering, Gandhi emphasised the need for a caste census and criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's stance on the issue. He questioned PM Modi's claim of being an OBC while asserting that the BJP denies the existence of caste in India, emphasising the need for a genuine caste census. 'Narendra Modi used to say in every speech, I am OBC. Then, on the caste census, they say that there is no caste in India. If there is ...Read More >
Hyderabad: Maganti Gopinath, the sitting MLA from Jubilee Hills and a prominent leader of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), passed away early Sunday morning, June 8. The 62 year old had been undergoing treatment at AIG Hospital, Gachibowli, after suffering a heart attack on Thursday, June 5th. According to doctors, Gopinath suffered a cardiac arrest while at home. His family members rushed him to AIG Hospital, where he was revived through CPR and placed on a ventilator in the ICU. Despite ongoing treatment, he breathed his last at 5:45 am on Sunday. Doctors confirmed his passing. Gopinath h ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 28 (ANI): Filmmaker and president of the Indian Film and Television Directors' Association Ashoke Pandit has expressed his deep sorrow over the sudden demise of actress Shefali Jariwala, who passed away at the age of 42. Known for her role in the iconic music video 'Kaanta Laga' and for her television appearances, Jariwala's death has left the entertainment industry in shock. Speaking to ANI, Pandit shared his grief, saying, 'I'm shocked to hear the tragic demise of one of the finest actresses, Shefali Jariwala, due to cardiac arrest. She was just 42 years ...Read More >
Mumbai: In a heartbreaking moment for TV fans, Shefali Jariwala, famous for the hit song Kaanta Laga and a popular contestant from Bigg Boss 13, passed away on June 27 due to a suspected cardiac arrest. She was only 42 years old. Her sudden death has sparked fresh talk of a so-called "Bigg Boss curse" -- a growing list of young contestants who've died unexpectedly. Here's a list of 8 former contestants who tragically passed away under the age of 45: Died of suspected cardiac arrest in 2025. Known for her performance in Kaanta Laga and appearance in Bigg Boss 13. Bigg Boss 13 winner. Passed ...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: Former head of Air India and chairman of the Railway Board Ashwani Lohani is the new Prime Ministers Museum and Library (PMML) director. The official order for his appointment was issued on Wednesday. A 1980-batch officer of the Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineering (IRSME), Lohani is known for turning around various organisations during his illustrious career. Following his retirement from IRSME service, he joined the GMR Group as the CEO. According to the order dated June 4, his appointment to the post of director, Prime Ministers Museum and Library in the rank and pa ...Read More >
Srinagar, June 7: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, on Saturday, congratulated the University of Kashmir for getting an A++ grade in the NAAC inspection. The Lt Governor extended his heartiest congratulations to the Vice Chancellor, faculty, staff, and students of the University of Kashmir for attaining the prestigious A++ Grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), and securing an outstanding Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.68 on a seven-point scale. Calling it a proud moment for J&K UT, the Lt Governor said, "The A++ Grade places the Un ...Read More >
Gaya, June 8 (SocialNews.XYZ) Lok Nayak Jaiprakash Eye Hospital, inaugurated five years ago in 2020, has become a landmark location in Bihar's Gaya, owing to its famed eye care centre catering to more than 10 lakh people, not just from the city but also adjoining towns including Nawada, Jehanabad, Aurangabad, and Nalanda. The hospital, situated at Kajha village of Wazirganj block of Gaya, is primarily an eye hospital, providing treatment for all types of eye diseases. The hospital has a modular Operation Theatre, two other OTs, 100 indoor patient beds and is equipped with a pathological lab, ...Read More >
Mumbai: Uddhav and Raj Thackeray will hold a joint protest march of their parties in the city on July 5 against what they allege is imposition of Hindi in the state's schools from Class 1 through the new three-language policy. This will be the first time they will come together on a political platform after Raj Thackeray's decision to quit Shiv Sena to form MNS nearly two decades ago.There has been speculation of a reunion of the estranged cousins for the coming civic polls, and the protest march is being seen as the first step in that direction, reports Chaitanya Marpakwar.Uddhav and Raj had ...Read More >
VIJAYAWADA: The State government on Friday accorded approvals to a slew of industries. Among those are Krishnapatnam Power Corporation Limited (KPCL), which is set to establish a 350 MW Solar and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Thamminapatnam and Mommidi villages of SPSR Nellore district with a Rs 1,225 crore investment, creating 575 jobs. Furthermore, the government also waived off a Rs 54 crore extension of time fee, contingent on project completion within two years as per the Andhra Pradesh Integrated Clean Energy Policy-2024. The government also allocated 22.80 acres at MPSEZ in N ...Read More >
Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], June 7 (ANI): Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel on Saturday noted that the state is fully prepared for COVID-19, with all arrangements including beds, ventilators, and ICU facilities in place, adding that the current Omicron variant is not very serious and does not seem to cause significant harm or death. Speaking to reporters, Minister Rushikesh Patel said, 'This Omicron virus is a virus of the Covid family, but it is not so serious. Varieties of this virus do not seem to cause any harm or death. But we have made all our arrangements, all beds, ventilators, ...Read More >
New Delhi: India's active COVID-19 case tally crossed the 6,000 mark with 769 new infections being reported in the last 48 hours, according to the Union health ministry data released Sunday. Kerala continues to be the most affected state, followed by Gujarat, West Bengal and Delhi, according to the ministry. Due to the rising COVID-19 cases, the Centre is conducting mock drills to check facility-level preparedness and has instructed all states to ensure availability of oxygen, isolation beds, ventilators, and essential medicines, official sources had said. There are 6,133 active COVID-19 ca ...Read More >
New Delhi, June 28 (SocialNews.XYZ) In September 2019, a teenager with a jaw-dropping bat swing and a fearless attitude lit up Indian cricket. Shafali Verma, then just 15, exploded onto the international scene with a power game that left many opposition bowlers rattled. But in sports, evolution is inevitable, and in Shafali's case, it became essential. As India kick off its five-match T20I series against England in Nottingham, Shafali, now 21, returns to the national fold with the same aggression, but now layered with wisdom, sharpness in the game and a desire to get bigger scores at the inte ...Read More >
Mumbai, June 28 (SocialNews.XYZ) The demise of actress Shefali Jariwala has deeply shocked the entertainment industry. The actress is reported to have passed away on Friday due to cardiac arrest. However, this is not the first case of an actor passing away due to a heart related ailment at a relatively young age. Actor Sidharth Shukla, who was a fellow contestant of the actress in the 13th season of the reality show 'Bigg Boss', passed away in 2021 at the age of 40 following a heart attack. The actor, who won the 13th edition of 'Bigg Boss' was also reported to be the ex-boyfriend of Shefali. ...Read More >
Gurgaon: A chemist and a lab operator have been arrested for allegedly selling medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) kits illegally. Two separate FIRs were lodged against the accused at Sector 10 and Sector 9A police stations, police said on Friday.The pharmacy was sealed and medical officials have initiated proceedings to cancel its licence. District drugs control officer Suresh Verma said the department received information about illegal sales of MTP kits - also called abortion kits - from Juneja Chemist, located near Civil Hospital. A pregnant woman, who was deployed as a decoy customer, v ...Read More >
New Delhi: India registered 8.6 million deaths in 2022, the least deadly year of the Covid-19 pandemic. This represents a 15% decline from 2021, the deadliest pandemic year, with the death rate likely returning to pre-pandemic levels. This suggests mortality was normalising as Covid-19 infections became less severe and vaccines were deployed. However, signs of health system stress persisted due to the virus. Excess deaths, or the surplus over the number of deaths that would have happened at the death rate seen in 2019, were higher than the Covid-19 tally issued by states in 2022. This suggest ...Read More >
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 7 (ANI): On the occasion of World Food Safety Day 2025, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, JP Nadda, delivered the keynote address at a special programme themed 'Stop Obesity by Eating Safe and Healthy' at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru on Saturday, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said in a release. JP Nadda said that a healthy India is necessary for Viksit Bharat, and that can be ensured through the right types of food, healthy food habits, and lifestyle. Organized by the Food Safety an ...Read More >
Patna (Bihar) [India], July 1 (ANI): Former Rajasthan Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot on Monday said that if the INDIA bloc comes to power in Bihar after the upcoming assembly elections, it will implement Rajasthan's health model in the state. Speaking at a press conference in Patna, Gehlot said, 'The health model we have created in Rajasthan cannot be compared to any other in the entire country. We have also enacted the 'Right to Health' law in Rajasthan, under which every family has been provided with insurance coverage. The Government of India's Ayushman Bharat schem ...Read More >
The United States congressional subcommittee's final report on the Covid-19 pandemic has pointed to the "lab leak" theory, making it the latest US report pinning the origins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus to the Wuhan lab in China. "Four years after the onset of the worst pandemic in 100 years, the weight of the evidence increasingly supports the lab leak hypothesis," the 500-plus page report said, adding that since they began their work in February 2023, more senior intelligence officials, politicians, science editors, and scientists had "endorsed the hypothesis that COVID-19 emerged as the result ...Read More >
In Delhi, West Bengal cases are surging. In Delhi active cases stand at 665, and in West Bengal, it is at 622. A series of technical review meetings were held on June 2 and 3 under chairpersonship of Dr Sunita Sharma, Director General of Health Services (DGHS) with representatives of Disaster Management Cell, Emergency Management Response (EMR) Cell, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and Central Government Hospitals in Delhi and with representatives from all states and UTs to evaluate the cur ...Read More >
Mumbai: Actress and model Shaifali Jariwala, who became an overnight sensation in the 2000s following her performance in the music video 'Kaanta Laga' and became a household name, died after suffering a cardiac arrest on the intervening night of June 27-28. According to reports, Shaifali was rushed to the hospital by her husband and three others, but by the time they arrived, she had already passed away. Media sources confirm that she was brought in dead and could not be revived. The sudden demise of the 42-year-old star has come as a shock to both the entertainment industry and her fans. ...Read More >