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: Auto and cab drivers comprised around 30 percent of people who died suddenly due to suspected heart attacks in Hassan district during May and June this year, a state- government appointed investigation revealed. The investigation was initiated following rising concern over a spate of sudden deaths among young individuals. The committee, headed by Dr KS Ravindranath, Director of Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Bengaluru, was tasked with analysing the causes and patterns behind 24 such deaths reported within 40 days, and assessing whether these fatalities indicated a larger public health trend. Of the 24 deaths examined, 10 were confirmed to be due to heart attacks, based on autopsy findings or ECG evidence. Of the total, three individuals had a known history of heart disease. These included one who had undergone bypass surgery, one who had a previous angioplasty, and one diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy. Another 10 were classified as probable cardiac deaths, based on symptom presentation, circumstantial factors, and the presence of known cardiac risk conditions. In at least eight cases of probable cardiac deaths, alcohol was a major risk factor while smoking was found to be another cause in six cases. The remaining four deaths were attributed to non-cardiac causes, including one each due to chronic kidney disease, a road traffic accident, acute gastroenteritis, and suspected electrocution.
New Delhi: Eating a bowl of leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables such as spinach, kale, and broccoli could significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, especially in elderly women, according to a recent study. The research, conducted by experts from Edith Cowan University (ECU), the University of Western Australia, and the Danish Cancer Institute, found that Vitamin K1, present in green vegetables, may help prevent atherosclerotic vascular diseases (ASVD) -- a major cause of cardiovascular issues. Also Read: Helmet: Two Helmets Now Mandatory with Every Two-Wheeler Purchase: ...Read More >
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 >
Bengaluru, Jul 1 (PTI) In the wake of recent cases of deaths due to heart attacks in Hassan, Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said that "hasty approval and distribution" of the Covid vaccine to the public could also be a reason for these deaths. He urged everyone to visit the nearest health center immediately for a check-up if they have symptoms such as chest pain or difficulty breathing, and not to ignore these signs. The chief minister said that more than twenty people have died due to heart attacks in the past month alone in just one district of Hassan. "The government i ...Read More >
Noida: Liquor revenue in the city jumped by 35% in the first quarter of 2025-26 compared to the same period last year. The city recorded Rs 625 crore in liquor revenue from April to June 2025, compared to Rs 462 crore during the same period in 2024-25.According to excise department data, the revenue in the first quarter of 2023-24 was Rs 430 crore, showing a 7% growth between 2023-24 and 2024-25 and a much larger jump this year.The sharp rise is attributed to the new liquor policy in the state, which made significant structural changes to the retail and licensing system.The month-wise revenue ...Read More >
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], July 3 (ANI): Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, the Executive Chairperson of Biocon Limited, refuted the allegation of the Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, in which he attributed more than twenty deaths due to heart attacks in the past one month in district of Hassan to COVID vaccines. She said that it was factually incorrect to suggest that COVID vaccines were hastily approved. Also Read | Heart Attacks Being Linked to COVID-19 Vaccines After 4 Years of Being Vaccinated Does Not Stack Up, Says Biocon Chief Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw. In a post on X, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw sai ...Read More >
Bengaluru, Jul 10 (PTI) An investigation into recent cases of sudden deaths and heart attacks among young individuals in Karnataka's Hassan district has found no abnormal increase, according to a report submitted to the state government on Thursday. The data analysis of cardiac cases at the Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and its peripheral centres in Mysuru and Kalaburagi over the past six months also did not reveal any rising trend in cardiac-related fatalities. The inquiry was ordered following widespread public concern and media reports about "a perceived spike in sudde ...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 >
HYDERABAD: Thousands of residents of Madhapur face a serious health hazard as illegal water traders supply highly contaminated water from unauthorised borewells drilled near the heavily polluted Sunnam Cheruvu. This water, laced with dangerous levels of toxic heavy metals, is being delivered to hostels, educational institutions, hotels and eateries in the area. Many residents are consuming this water daily, unaware of the long-term harm to their health. Locals say the situation is dire. The stench from Sunnam Cheruvu is so strong that even standing near the lake has become unbearable. Yet, w ...Read More >
New Delhi, July 9 (SocialNews.XYZ) Verbal autopsy is a scientific tool that can significantly aid India in the fight against tuberculosis, as it helps identify the deep reasons for mortality caused by the world's deadliest infection, said Dr Kavita Vasudevan from Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute (IGMC&RI) in Puducherry. Speaking to IANS, Vasudevan, from the Community Medicine Department at the Medical College explained how a verbal autopsy model can help identify TB treatment delay patterns, and reasons for TB deaths and improve the referral process. "A comprehensive appr ...Read More >
Bengaluru, Jul 10 (PTI) An investigation into recent cases of sudden deaths and heart attacks among young individuals in Karnataka's Hassan district has found no abnormal increase, according to a report submitted to the state government on Thursday. The data analysis of cardiac cases at the Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and its peripheral centres in Mysuru and Kalaburagi over the past six months also did not reveal any rising trend in cardiac-related fatalities. Also Read | State-Level Tennis Player Radhika Yadav Shot Dead by Father in Gurugram. The inquiry was ordered f ...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 >
New Delhi: Alleging "blatant misuse" of agencies to defame its leaders, AAP on Thursday questioned why the first information report filed against former Delhi ministers Saurabh Bharadwaj and Satyendar Jain was being kept under wraps and "selective" press notes were being leaked to the media.Bharadwaj, who is Delhi AAP convener, alleged that only two former ministers were named in the case without any reasonable cause while all the officers of the health and public works departments, who were actually responsible for executing the hospital projects, were spared. "Is the FIR so baseless that BJP ...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 >
NEW DELHI: Signalling the government's intent to move ahead with the impeachment motion of Allahabad High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday said that main opposition parties have given their in-principle approval to support the motion in the upcoming monsoon session scheduled for July21-August 21. Rijiju said that the government is yet to decide whether the motion would be brought in the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha. For the Lok Sabha, signatures of a minimum 100 MPs is required. The requirement is the support of at least 50 MPs in the Rajya Sabha. H ...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 >
Kolkata, June 28: A political slugfest has erupted in West Bengal after a woman accused Padma Shree awardee monk Kartik Maharaj, who is posted with the Murshidabad unit of Bharat Sevashram Sangha, of allegedly raping her 12 times for six months in 2013. As per the police complaint lodged by the woman, Kartik Maharaj raped her multiple times 12 years ago promising her a job at a local school. The ruling Trinamool Congress is highlighting the issue in a major way and accusing the BJP of being silent on it since the accused monk had been reportedly close to the saffron party. The woman accusin ...Read More >
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], July 2 (ANI): In response to four heart attack deaths within 24 hours in Karnataka's Hassan district, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday announced the formation of an expert committee led by Dr Ravindranath of Jayadeva Institute to investigate the cause and submit a report within 10 days. The panel will be headed by Dr Ravindranath, Director of Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research. The decision follows reports of 21 heart attack-related deaths in the district over the last 40 days. 'In the past month, the government has taken very seri ...Read More >
New Delhi, July 03: The sudden demise of 42-year-old Shefali Jariwala, best known for her iconic appearance in the Kaanta Laga music video, has triggered a storm of speculation online, with several posts linking her death to the COVID-19 vaccine. Public interest in the death of 42-year-old Shefali Jariwala is fueled by growing concerns over rising heart attacks among middle-aged individuals, including several well-known celebrities. However, official findings and expert statements contradict these claims. According to her doctor, Shefali had been undergoing anti-ageing treatment for the past ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jul 3 (PTI) Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance on Thursday asserted that COVID-19 vaccines have been well-documented and rigorously tested according to regulatory standards, playing a crucial role in combating the pandemic. Without naming Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who linked COVID-19 vaccines with a spate of heart attack deaths in the state's Hassan district, Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA) said, "Misinformation and distortion of facts endanger public health and undermine the trust built on science and patient care globally". "During the COVID pandemic, vaccines play ...Read More >
Mumbai, June 8 (SocialNews.XYZ) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday debunked all allegations made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi about rigging and match-fixing in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections. In his articles titled 'Those Rejected by the People Deny the Mandate', published in the same three newspapers where Gandhi's write-ups appeared, CM Fadnavis advised the Congress MP to "accept defeat, introspect on where you went wrong, why your connect with the people is lacking, and what needs to be done." He taunted Gandhi, saying that the latter was preparing excuses for "defeats ...Read More >
New Delhi, July 5 (UNI) Fiction thriller 'Jurassic World Rebirth's' has crossed the $100 million mark globally, earning a total of $104.6 million by Thursday, reported Deadline. As per the report, the film made $22.3 million across 70 international markets, including India, with its overseas total to $48.8 million so far. The movie was released in France and India on Friday, expanding its reach to 82 countries now. Directed by Gareth Edwards and written by David Koepp., a sequel to 'Jurassic World Dominion' (2022), the seventh installment overall in the Jurassic Park franchise witnessed ear ...Read More >
Hyderabad-based dialysis care network, NephroPlus, has urged policymakers to include Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) screening in India's flagship National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD), as it released a white paper highlighting the rising burden of CKD across India and neighbouring countries. Speaking at a media briefing in Hyderabad on Tuesday, NephroPlus Group CEO Rohit Singh said the findings of the white paper and a large-scale screening initiative ...Read More >
Bengaluru, Jul 3 (PTI) Biocon founder Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw on Thursday opposed Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's remarks linking covid-19 vaccines with a spate of heart attack deaths in the state's Hassan district, saying such claims are "'factually incorrect" and "misleading". Siddaramaiah has suggested that the recent heart attack deaths in Hassan district may be linked to the vaccination drive. He had also claimed the vaccines were 'hastily' approved. In a social media post, Shaw said "covid-19 vaccines developed in India were approved under the Emergency Use Authorisation framework, ...Read More >
Bengaluru, July 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, responding to objections raised by Biocon chief Kiran Mazumdar Shaw over his statement on Covid vaccines causing heart attacks in the state, on Friday, remarked that seeking clarity does not amount to spreading misinformation. Taking to social media site X, Siddaramaiah, defending his statement on linking sudden heart attack deaths in Hassan to a "hasty" Covid vaccine rollout, said: "As Chief Minister, I have a duty to respond to the genuine concerns of people who have lost loved ones unexpectedly. When parents lose the ...Read More >
Bengaluru, Jul 7 (PTI): The Karnataka government on Monday decided to treat sudden deaths as "notifiable disease" and conduct postmortem in such cases. State Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said there will be more screening of people above the age of 15 years in the state. The minister's remarks came in the wake of a spate of heart attacks in the state, especially in Hassan district. He also sought to clarify that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's statement linking Covid vaccine with the spate of heart attacks was not with any malafide intention. "We have decided to announce sudden deaths as ...Read More >
Ulpe walked home from the hospital on Monday. (Representational) Kolhapur: For 65-year-old Pandurang Ulpe, a speed breaker proved to be a life-saver after an ambulance carrying his "body" from the hospital crossed it and his family noticed his fingers moving. Earlier in the day on December 16, Ulpe, a resident of Kasaba-Bawada in western Maharashtra's Kolhapur district, suffered a heart attack and was rushed to a private hospital, where doctors declared him dead. An ambulance then began the journey with his "body" from the hospital to his home, where neighbours and relatives had gathered u ...Read More >
People from Indigenous communities do not show the same link between chronic inflammation and age-related illness seen in industrialised societies, a study that looked at nearly 3,000 adults in four countries has found. Inflammation is an important part of the immune system's response to infection -- but long-term inflammation can cause damage. The latest findings, published in Nature Aging on 30 June, show that chronic inflammation -- which has been long considered a hallmark of aging -- could ...Read More >
Bengaluru, Jul 1 (PTI) In the wake of recent cases of deaths due to heart attacks in Hassan, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday cautioned people against symptoms even as an experts committee headed by the Director of Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research has been formed to identify the exact cause behind these deaths. He urged everyone to visit the nearest health center immediately for a check-up if they have symptoms such as chest pain or difficulty breathing, and not to ignore these signs. The Chief Minister said that more than twenty people have died due ...Read More >
New Delhi: A study conducted by the AIIMS-Delhi in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has claimed that there was no link between COVID-19 vaccination and sudden heart attacks among young individuals. A panel of doctors at a press conference in AIIMS said that the ongoing study has so far examined 300 cases of sudden death, particularly among people under the age of 40. Though all of them had received COVID-19 vaccine doses, preliminary findings suggest other health and lifestyle-related causes were more prominent reasons behind the attack. Dr S Narang, a cardiol ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jul 3 (PTI) A study conducted by the AIIMS-Delhi in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has claimed that there was no link between COVID-19 vaccination and sudden cardiac arrests among young individuals. A panel of doctors at a press conference in AIIMS said that the ongoing study has so far examined 300 cases of sudden death, particularly among people under the age of 40. Though all of them had received COVID-19 vaccine doses, preliminary findings suggest other health and lifestyle-related causes were more prominent reasons behind the attack. Also Rea ...Read More >