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.
CHENNAI: In a recent study by Indian Council of Medical Research and National Institute of Epidemiology (ICMR-NIE), it was found that Indians consume 2.2 times more salt than the amount recommended by WHO. As an alternative for salt, low sodium salts - containing potassium or magnesium - are available in the markets. This is suitable only for healthy people, as potassium is a mineral that doctors strongly disapprove of for kidney patients. "Less sodium and more potassium is advisable for healthy people. But in this current lifestyle, it's less sodium and more potassium as consumption of junk food is high and less of vegetables. When consumption of sodium increases, it leads to thicker blood vessels. More salt also leads to diseases like hypertension," said Dr N Gopalakrishnan, a nephrologist and member secretary, Transplant Authority of Tamil Nadu. For patients with renal issues, more potassium in their diet is counter-productive. "Low sodium salt is fine for people with kidney issues but not high in potassium, as around 95% of the excretion of potassium occurs through kidneys. With kidney failure, patients are at a higher risk for hyperkalaemia (elevated potassium levels in the blood), so we restrict them," he added. "For instance, tender coconut water which contains 140 moles of potassium is like a poison for kidney patients. They are required to follow the diet prescribed by doctors." Major hidden salt sources in the Indian diet are pickles, instant noodles, biscuits, cookies, bread, vada pav, chips, papad, namkeen, canned and packaged food. According to the study, an Indian consumes around 11 gm of salt per day, which is 2.2 times more than the WHO recommendation (5 gm/day). "The increased sodium intake will lead to hypertension which is linked to cardiac issues. Kidney problems can also lead to heart failures. Patients who have both kidney and heart problems are advised to take a maximum of 2 gm of salt," opined Dr P Anbuselvan, cardiologist, Kilpauk Medical College. Lesser sodium consumption helps reduce blood pressure and improves overall heart health, making low-sodium alternatives a meaningful switch, especially for those with hypertension, said Dr Sharan Murali, a senior scientist at National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE) and principal investigator of the study. The NIE conducted a market survey across 300 retail outlets in Chennai to assess the availability and pricing of low-sodium salt (LSS). They found that LSS was available in only 28% of retail outlets. It was seen in 52% of supermarkets, but a dismal 4% in small grocery shops. The price of LSS averaged Rs 5.6/100 gm, more than twice the price of normal iodised salt (Rs 2.7/100 gm). The study suggests cutting down salt intake and reformulating processed food, front-of-pack labelling and also raising awareness. The strategies to reduce the sodium intake are to eat mostly fresh, minimally processed foods, cook with little or no added sodium or salt, choose foods with lower-sodium content, or low-sodium products, remove salt-shaker/container from the table, use herbs and spices to flavour food, rather than salt, replace regular table salt with lower-sodium salt substitutes that contain potassium, limit the consumption of processed foods. "Just switching to low-sodium salt can lower blood pressure by 7/4 mmHg on an average, a small change with a big impact," Dr Murali added.
Mumbai, Jun 27 (PTI) No COVID-19 case was reported in Mumbai on Friday, the feat achieved for the first time in about two months, the metropolis' civic body said. In a release, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation also said no new or concerning variant of the virus has been detected in the city as per the Whole Genome Sequencing Report. Mumbai recorded six COVID-19 cases between January and April this year, before a surge in May saw the detection of 435 cases, while the figure for June stood at 539, the release informed. As on Friday, there are 62 active COVID-19 cases in the city, though ...Read More >
Finding a suitable kidney donor is still the biggest obstacle, even though Prabhas' support has given the family hope. Telugu actor Prabhas has come forward to show support for veteran comedian Fish Venkat, who is receiving treatment in the intensive care unit and is in critical condition. The well-known philanthropist actor has promised to pay for Venkat's urgent kidney transplant. Sravanthi, Venkat's daughter, confirmed in an interview with One India that Prabhas' team has committed to paying ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar/Balasore: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhubaneswar, has constituted a high-level expert committee to oversee and monitor the treatment of the Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College student who attempted self-immolation. The woman student was admitted to the institute following her self-immolation bid before the principal's chamber Saturday over alleged harassment by the Head of Department (HOD). As per the office order issued by the Medical Superintendent of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, the expert committee includes Prof. Jayant Mitra - Department of Anaesthesia, Prof. Ma ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar, Jul 14 (PTI) The condition of the 20-year-old college student who set herself on fire for allegedly being denied justice over "sexual harassment" by a teacher, remained critical for the third consecutive day on Monday, hospital sources here said. The student's father, a resident of Balasore district, in an appeal to all people of Odisha, urged them to pray to Lord Jagannath for the recovery of his daughter as the doctors have already informed that there were no signs of improvement since her admission at AIIMS Bhubaneswar on Saturday evening. The second-year Integrated BE d stud ...Read More >
Patna: Nephrologist Dr Hemant Kumar, who served in the field of health, was nominated for the Padma Shri on the eve of Republic Day. In an interview with TOI's Sheezan Nezami, Dr Kumar talks about his journey, inspiration and his future plans. Excerpts: Congratulations on making it to the list of Padma Shri. How are you feeling and what about the celebration? My family, everyone associated with me, and I are very happy. I was awarded for my social work and my model of working, which focused on kidney diseases and primarily on its prevention. Can you share your journey in brief? What inspire ...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 >
Kalpetta: DMO Dr T Mohandas advised caution in Wayanad after Nipah has been confirmed in Malappuram district. In the sample tests conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research in the previous years, it was found that the fruit bats in the district had developed antibodies against Nipah virus. However, caution has been advised as the risk of Nipah is more during the reproductive season of the fruit bats. The medical officer stated that all the health centres have been urged to observe the symptoms and report them promptly. Nipah symptoms Severe headache along with fever, throat pain, mu ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar, Jul 13 (PTI) The health condition of a 20-year-old college student, who immolated herself over an alleged sexual harassment incident in Odisha's Balasore district, remained critical, with doctors at AIIMS Bhubaneswar starting her dialysis as part of the initiation of renal replacement therapy, a treating medical practitioner said. The second-year student of the integrated B Ed programme at Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College in Balasore had on Saturday set herself on fire, demanding action against a teacher who had allegedly sexually assaulted and mentally harassed her. Dialysis co ...Read More >
New Delhi, July 15 (SocialNews.XYZ) The central government on Tuesday denied media reports which claimed that the Ministry of Health has issued health warnings on Indian snacks such as samosas, jalebi, and laddoo to fight obesity crises in the country. It noted that the warning labels on food issued by the Ministry of Health are "not selective towards Indian snacks". "Some media reports claim that the @MoHFW_INDIA has issued a health warning on food products such as samosas, jalebi, and laddoo. This claim is fake. The advisory of the Union Health Ministry does not carry any warning labels on ...Read More >
HYDERABAD: The death toll in the suspected toddy adulteration case rose to seven after another patient died at Gandhi Hospital on Monday. According to the doctors, the deceased was identified as Putti Gangamani (40), a resident of Hydernagar. She succumbed to kidney failure.At least 39 patients, who consumed the spiked drink from areas in and around Kukatpally depots were admitted to two hospitals, with 11 of them discharged on Monday. Of these, 16 were admitted to Gandhi Hospital. While three have left against the medical advice of doctors, four others were discharged on Monday. According to ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], July 15 (ANI): The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has debunked media reports claiming that the Ministry has directed the issue of Warning Labels on food products such as samosas, jalebis, and laddoos, calling them misleading, incorrect, and baseless. The Union Health Ministry had separately issued an advisory which is an initiative towards making healthier choices at work places. It advises about display of Boards in various workplaces such as lobbies, canteens, cafeterias, meeting rooms etc., to raise awareness on harmful consumption of hidden fats and excess ...Read More >
Mumbai, July 19 (SocialNews.XYZ) Actor Harshvardhan Rane, who was last seen in 'The Miranda Brothers', is heaping praise on the recently released film 'Saiyaara', and its team. On Saturday, the actor took to the Stories section of his Instagram, and penned a special note for the film and its makers after it witnessed a stellar opening day. He wrote, "Another melodious example of a love story shattering all myths and formulas of the industry. Honest heart wrenching love story wins again in 2025! #Saiyaara". 'Saiyaara', which stars Aneet Padda, and marks the debut of Ahaan Panday, is helmed b ...Read More >
Kolkata : To commemorate Indian Organ Donation Day -- observed annually on August 3rd to mark the anniversary of India's first successful deceased donor heart transplant -- Manipal Hospital, EM Bypass, organized a Patient Education Programme aimed at spreading awareness about the importance of organ donation and transplantation. The session was graced by (Prof.) Dr. Dilip Kumar Pahari, Senior Consultant and Head of Nephrology, Manipal Hospital, EM Bypass and (Prof.) Dr. Arpita Ray Chowdhury (Lahiri), Senior Consultant - Nephrology and Transplant President of the Indian Society of Organ Transpl ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], July 13 (ANI): The Indian Council of Medical Research, National Institute of Epidemiology (ICMR-NIE), has launched a Community-led Salt Reduction initiative after studies revealed that average daily salt intake in both urban and rural India exceeds the World Health Organisation's recommended limit of 5 grams. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends consuming less than 5 grams of salt per person per day. Studies show that the average intake in India remains high, around 9.2 grams per day in urban areas and 5.6 grams in rural areas, both exceeding the recommended limit ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar, Jul 14 (PTI) The condition of the 20-year-old college student who set herself on fire for allegedly being denied justice over "sexual harassment" by a teacher, remained critical for the third consecutive day on Monday, hospital sources here said. Briefing reporters on the latest health condition of the college student, AIIMS Bhubaneswar Superintendent Dr Dillip Parida said: "The patient is certainly critical, but stable. We are saying stable because her health condition has remained the same as it was during her admission to the hospital on Saturday evening. However, there is no ...Read More >
New Delhi, July 15: The Union Health Ministry on Tuesday termed reports claiming it has directed vendors to put warning labels on food items such as samosas, jalebis and laddos as "misleading, incorrect, and baseless". It clarified that its advisory on health messaging about hidden fats and excess sugar in various food items is not a directive for vendors to put warning labels on their products, and underlined that it does not target India's rich street food culture. The general advisory is a behavioural nudge to make people aware of hidden fats and excess sugar in all food products, and not ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], July 19 (ANI): After US President Donald Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), Dr Abhishek Bansal, Senior Consultant and Chief of Interventional Radiology at Aakash Healthcare, warned that even mild symptoms, like Trump's ankle swelling, should not be ignored, as they could signal underlying vascular issues. 'The body often sends out early distress signals, and ignoring them could delay crucial diagnoses. Symptoms like swollen ankles, unexplained bruises, or a persistent limp may appear minor, but they could be the body's way of signalling something m ...Read More >
New Delhi: Protest at the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) against a recently announced fee hike, the long-standing suspension of students' union elections and calls for administrative accountability have entered their sixth day, with students boycotting classes and staging sit-ins at the Bab-e-Syed gate (the iconic entrance of the varsity). The fee structure for different courses has witnessed a sharp revision. Students say the hike ranges from 25% to over 60% across various programmes. Many claim they first learned of the revised fees only while trying to pay through the university's online ...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 >
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 8 (PTI) Just in 2024 alone, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) claimed 2,360 lives of children in hospitals notified in Bengaluru, Kolkata and Mumbai, said Dr Vasant M Khalatkar, National President of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) on Tuesday. Yet, RSV, often mistaken for a mild seasonal cold, is an under-discussed cause of lower respiratory tract infections in infants and children under five, he added. Also Read | Bodoland Lottery Result Today, July 08, 2025: Assam State Lottery Sambad Tuesday Lucky Draw Results Declared, Check Winners List With Ticket Numbers. Accord ...Read More >
New Delhi: The central government on Tuesday denied media reports which claimed that the Ministry of Health has issued health warnings on Indian snacks such as samosas, jalebi, and laddoo to fight obesity crises in the country. It noted that the warning labels on food issued by the Ministry of Health are "not selective towards Indian snacks". "Some media reports claim that the @MoHFW_INDIA has issued a health warning on food products such as samosas, jalebi, and laddoo. This claim is fake. The advisory of the Union Health Ministry does not carry any warning labels on food products sold by ve ...Read More >
New Delhi [India] July 19 (ANI): India's initiative in developing a group standard for whole millet grains recieved global recognition during the 88th Executive Committee meeting of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CCEXEC88) held at the FAO Headquarters in Rome from 14-18 July 2025. The milestone was approved at the 47th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC47) in 2024 and was reviewed during the CCEXEC88. The work was chaired by India in collaboration with Mali, Nigeria, and Senegal as co-chairs. The initiative's terms of reference were recently finalised at the 11th Session o ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], January 31 (ANI): The clarion call given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to fight obesity and reduce oil consumption has received wide support as people from different walks of life, including actor Akshay Kumar, sportspersons and people from medical fraternity lauded the message to follow healthy routine. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently gave a clarion call to fight obesity and reduce oil consumption. This has received wide support from doctors, sportspersons as well as people from different walks of life. Prime Minister, Narendra Modi inaugurated the 38th National G ...Read More >
Pithoragarh: A tragic accident in Pithoragarh has claimed the lives of at least eight people and left several seriously injured after a passenger vehicle reportedly plunged into a river. The incident occurred near Bhandari village in the Muwani area as the vehicle was travelling from Muwani to Bokta in the district. Senior Superintendent of Police Rekha Yadav confirmed the fatalities, stating that eight individuals died at the scene. Rescue operations are currently underway, with the three critically injured victims having been admitted to the local government hospital. ...Read More >
New Delhi: Big player of politics and former CM of Jharkhand Shibu Soren passed away. He breathed his last at the age of 81. He was admitted to a hospital in the capital, Delhi, after his health deteriorated. He had a kidney infection. He was also diagnosed with bronchitis. This became the main reason for his death. This information has been given by Dr. AK Bhalla, Chairman of the Nephrology Department at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. According to Dr. AK Bhalla, due to old age and bypass surgery, recovery was taking time. He was also diabetic. He had kidney and lung disease for a long time. Recent ...Read More >
Apple Watch's hypertension detection feature has secured FDA clearance and will roll out globally from September 15 via watchOS 26. Apple has received FDA clearance for its new hypertension alerts feature on the Apple Watch, with the rollout scheduled to begin on September 15 through watchOS 26. First announced alongside the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3, the feature will also be available on older models including Apple Watch Series 9 and later, as well as Apple Watch Ultra 2 a ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Following the tragic deaths of six children in Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara district from acute kidney failure, the Union health ministry has launched a comprehensive, multi-agency investigation. A team from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has been deployed to the region, officials familiar with the matter said. Health officials strongly suspect a contaminated cough syrup is responsible for the fatalities. Preliminary reports suggest the over-the-counter medicine may have been tainted with diethylene glycol (DEG), a highly toxic chemical known to cause severe kidney d ...Read More >
Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], October 1 (ANI): Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Rajendra Shukla has sparked controversy by denying any link between contaminated cough syrup and the deaths of six children in Chhindwara district. Despite ongoing investigations, Shukla stated that preliminary findings show no contamination in the syrup, claiming, "These deaths did not occur due to the cough syrup for sure," ahead of the examination report, with samples sent to laboratories in Nagpur and Pune for analysis. Also Read | Shashi Tharoor Reappointed As Chairperson of Parlia ...Read More >
India coronavirus update: India is witnessing a significant resurgence of Covid-19, with active cases rising 58-fold over the past 20 days, according to data from the Union Health Ministry. On May 16, the country reported just 93 active Covid cases, but that number has now jumped to 5,364. The virus has resurfaced across 29 states and union territories, raising concern among health authorities and prompting renewed preventive measures. In the last 24 hours alone, over 500 new infections were reported. Kerala leads the count with 1,679 active cases, followed by Gujarat (615), West Bengal (596) ...Read More >