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.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The condition of a 17-year-old boy undergoing treatment for primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) at the Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College Hospital remains the same. Health officials suspect the boy contracted the rare brain infection while swimming in a public pool in Akkulam. Following the incident, the health department directed the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) to ensure the pool is regularly maintained with fresh water, chlorine levels are kept at 1 ppm (parts per million), and that pH -- a scale of how acidic an object is -- is maintained at 7, which is neutral. The boy, a resident of Poovar, used the pool on August 16 and developed a fever two days later. He was initially treated at private hospitals in Kanjiramkulam, Neyyattinkara, and Chackai, where a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test confirmed PAM. He was then shifted to the MCH for administration of miltefosine, the key drug used in PAM treatment. There are currently nine active PAM cases in the district. "The boy had a history of migraine. Five other children also used the pool with him, but none have shown symptoms. We are monitoring them closely," a health official said. PCR testing for PAM is now being conducted for all encephalitis cases. Results of the public pool samples are expected by Tuesday. DTPC officials said the swimming pool, used daily by around 25-40 people, is regularly maintained. "We've had no reported issues in 30 years. The pool is chlorinated every Monday," an official said. The pool is also used by personnel of the Southern Air Command, which shares the premises with the adjoining park. In light of the recent spike in PAM cases, the Directorate of Health Services issued an advisory on August 27, warning against bathing in stagnant waterbodies. So far, the state has reported 66 PAM cases and 17 deaths. 17 lives lost to amoebic meningoencephalitis in the last nine months in the state. Seven deaths in September alone
Palakkad: A 57-year-old man from Palakkad district in Kerala, who died on July 12, is suspected to have been infected with the Nipah virus, prompting the government to ramp up contact tracing and field-level surveillance in the area. The man had been undergoing treatment at a private hospital in this northern district. His samples were tested at Manjeri Medical College, where the result came back positive for Nipah, Health Minister Veena George said in a statement. She added that the government is awaiting confirmation from the National Institute of Virology in Pune. This is the second Nip ...Read More >
The H3N2 flu virus subtype of Influenza A, has triggered a major epidemic throughout the entire Delhi-NCR region. The H3N2 flu virus has spread throughout Delhi and its surrounding areas of Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad, infecting a majority of local families. The H3N2 flu virus produces more severe symptoms than common colds, because it leads to longer illness periods and dangerous complications. Your health protection depends on recognising warning signs early, and receiving proper m ...Read More >
New Delhi, Oct 6 (PTI) Conditions such as housing quality, mosquito numbers and response of a community could help in predicting severity of a chikungunya outbreak in a locality, a new analysis of 86 past outbreaks including those in India have found. The findings published in the journal Science Advances also show that climate conditions -- temperature and rainfall -- are not the most important factor when trying to predict the severity of the infectious disease outbreak, caused by spread of the chikungunya virus through mosquito bites. Researchers, including those at the University of Notr ...Read More >
MALAPPURAM: Kerala Health Minister Veena George on Sunday said that there are 383 people in the contact lists of the two persons infected with the Nipah virus in the state. Of those on the contact list, 12 people are under treatment in Malappuram district with five in the ICU and four are being treated in isolation in Palakkad district, the minister said in a statement after chairing a high-level meeting. The recent death of an 18-year-old girl in Malappuram district was confirmed as Nipah infection, while a 38-year-old woman from Thachanattukara in Palakkad district also tested positive for ...Read More >
KOZHIKODE: A woman from Palakkad who recently tested positive for Nipah virus, remains in critical condition at the Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital. She is currently receiving critical care in the hospital's specialised Nipah isolation unit. The patient was initially admitted to a private medical facility in Perinthalmanna. However, late on Saturday night, due to a significant deterioration in her health, she was transferred to the Kozhikode Medical College. Her symptoms, consistent with a severe viral infection, first appeared on July 1, prompting her to seek medical attention. ...Read More >
India's Antibiotic Habit: A Growing Threat to Gut HealthSource : AI-generated, for illustrative purposes Did you know? As per the University of Washington study published in The Lancet in 2021, drug-resistant infections in India were directly responsible for 267,000 deaths and contributed to nearly one million more. India stands at the cusp of an antibiotic epidemic that threatens the lives of thousands and poses a global health threat. There is a looming quick-fix culture of grabbing antibiotics, even for the common cold and fever. This habit is creating a hidden health crisis that undermin ...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 >
Guwahati: State is witnessing a concerning surge in Japanese encephalitis (JE) cases, with Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) reporting 47 confirmed infections so far. The mosquito-borne viral disease has already claimed 13 lives across the state. Data provided by GMCH authorities shows that JE cases began emerging in April, with the first fatalities reported in June. While six patients have recovered and been discharged, three left the hospital against medical advice and several others are still undergoing treatment. The infection has been detected across several districts -- Kamrup ...Read More >
Pune: The Indian Gig Workers' Front on Saturday evening suspended the ongoing strike of cabs and autorickshaws operating on applications till Tuesday, after leaving many commuters, including those arriving at the airport on Saturday morning, hassled. Keshav Kshirsagar, the president of the front, said, "We have a meeting on Tuesday with senior officials of the state transport department. If its decisions don't meet our expectations, the strike will resume." Several commuters had a harrowing experience on roads on Friday and in the early hours of Saturday. Cabs and autos were hard to come by. T ...Read More >
New Delhi, Aug 28 (SocialNews.XYZ) US researchers have developed a new and highly effective generative artificial intelligence (AI) tool to rapidly detect exposure to the H5N1 virus -- behind avian influenza or "bird flu", and bolster national surveillance as the virus continues to spread in other animals. The study, published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases, revealed that the AI tool quickly scans notes in electronic medical records and identifies high-risk patients who may have been infected with H5N1 bird flu. "This study shows how generative AI can fill a critical gap in our ...Read More >
Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], September 28 (ANI): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann took to the social media platform X on Sunday to share the figures released from the state's Health Department.CM Mann stated that the government has established health camps in 1,072 villages to address various health issues. Approximately 12,612 outpatient departments (OPDs) have been established in health camps. In these camps, 1,317 cases of fever were treated, 314 cases of diarrhoea were treated, 1,581 cases of skin infections were treated, and 739 cases of eye infections were treated.Additionally, the A ...Read More >
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir has reported a surge in dengue cases this year, with nearly 2,200 infections recorded so far, health officials said on Monday. They urged people to take preventive steps to stop further spread of the mosquito-borne disease. According to official data accessed by the news agency -- Kashmir News Observer (KNO), 2,168 dengue cases have been confirmed across the Union Territory till date. Among these, Jammu district reported the highest number of cases (960), followed by Kathua (579), Samba (139), and Udhampur (257). Other districts with reported infections include Re ...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 >
Guwahati, July 6: The outbreak of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) in Assam has taken a worrying turn, with the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) reporting 13 deaths linked to the disease in the past three months. According to hospital authorities, a total of 57 encephalitis patients have been admitted to GMCH during this period. As of Friday, 47 patients are currently undergoing treatment at the hospital. In the past 24 hours alone, GMCH admitted 10 new JE cases, indicating a sharp surge in infections. However, there is some relief as 10 patients have successfully recovered and been dis ...Read More >
Mumbai: Shefali Jariwala, India's pop sensation who rose to fame with her electrifying performance in the music video Kaanta Laga, died at the age of 42. According to media reports, her husband and actor Parag Tyagi, rushed her to the hospital on the intervening night of June 27 and 28. However, by the time they arrived, the actress had already passed away, and doctors were unable to revive her. Doctors confirmed that Shefali Jariwala suffered a sudden cardiac arrest, though they have not released any specific details at this time. Her untimely demise has come as a big shock to the entertain ...Read More >
Hyderabad: In observance of World Sepsis Day, the Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine (ISCCM) - Hyderabad Chapter organized a public awareness walk at Durgam Cheruvu Cable Bridge, Hyderabad, bringing together doctors, nurses, medical students, healthcare workers, and members of the public to raise awareness about one of the world's most overlooked medical emergencies - sepsis. Held under the global theme "Stop Sepsis - Save Lives," the event aimed to educate citizens about the warning signs, risk factors, and the critical importance of early recognition and treatment of sepsis, which con ...Read More >
New Delhi: India's active Covid-19 cases have seen another surge, with the number nearing the 6000 mark. According to the Union Health Ministry's data, the country has reported 391 new Covid-19 cases in the past 24 hours, taking the total active cases to 5755 now. As per the Health Ministry's data, four people have died due to Covid-related infection in the past 24 hours. Among the deceased was a 45-year-old pregnant woman in Maharashtra, who was hospitalised and later tested positive for Covid-19. In Kerala, a 59-year-old man with lung cancer succumbed to the virus-related issue. The other t ...Read More >
Guwahati (Assam) [India], July 5 (ANI): Japanese Encephalitis (JE), a mosquito-borne viral infection, has claimed 13 lives at Guwahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in Assam so far this year. The hospital has reported 50 confirmed cases of JE since April 1, raising significant concerns among health authorities. Dr Ujjal Kumar Sharma, Deputy Superintendent of GMCH, told ANI, 'In Guwahati Medical College & Hospital, from April 1 to July 4, 50 patients of Japanese Encephalitis have been admitted.' He added, 'Out of the 50 patients, 13 patients have expired here. Three patients left again ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: The Uttar Pradesh administration has strengthened security arrangements across several districts including Lucknow, Sambhal, and Moradabad to ensure peace and avoid any disruption, as Muharram processions and the Kanwar Yatra are being held at the same time.Large crowds gathered for Muharram processions across different regions, while preparations for the Kanwar Yatra are also underway. Police personnel have been deployed in all sensitive areas, and surveillance is being carried out using drones and CCTV cameras.In SambhalDistrict Magistrate Dr Rajender Pensiya while speaking to ANI ...Read More >
Kerala has reported 104 cases of amoebic encephalitis, with 23 deaths, primarily in Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts. The state health minister highlighted that early detection and treatment have significantly reduced the global fatality rate of this rare brain infection. An action plan based on the One Health approach is being implemented to prevent further cases. A total of 104 cases of amoebic encephalitis (brain fever) have been reported so far in Kerala, of which 23 patients have die ...Read More >
At least 12 people, including five children, have died in 15 days at Chayansa in Haryana's Palwal, prompting a health department probe amid growing concerns about contaminated drinking water and infectious disease spread. Health officials said the deaths between late January and mid-February were linked to severe liver-related complications. Preliminary findings pointed to viral hepatitis and possible water contamination. On January 31, jaundice-related deaths were first reported in Chayansa, a ...Read More >
Jorhat, July 6: An illegal ice cream and ice manufacturing unit in Jorhat has sparked alarm after revelations of unhygienic production and unsafe ingredients, with products mostly consumed by children. The factory, located in Letekujan in Titabor, has reportedly been running for a long time without any license or official permission from the authorities. Local sources allege that the factory has been producing various colorful ice creams and ice blocks using dirty water and artificial chemicals, which pose a serious threat to public health. Residents say the factory supplies its products to ...Read More >
It reveals crucial insights into how this saline apocalypse unfolded Millions of years ago, the Mediterranean Sea was transformed into a vast, desolate salt desert, its waters evaporating at an alarming rate and leaving behind a giant salt bed. This dramatic shift, known as the Messinian Salinity Crisis (MSC), was a time when the Mediterranean was effectively cut off from the Atlantic Ocean, causing one of the most extreme environmental events in Earth's history. Now, new research is shedding light on this ancient catastrophe, revealing crucial insights into how this saline apocalypse unfol ...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 >
Thiruvananthapuram: A fresh case of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) was confirmed in Kerala on Saturday, with a 17-year-old boy in Thiruvananthapuram testing positive. Following this, the health department has shut down the swimming pool at Akkulam Tourist Village and collected water samples for testing. The teenager, who was diagnosed with the disease earlier this week, had reportedly gone swimming with friends at the pool, prompting officials to investigate the water quality. On Friday, a 10-year-old girl from Areekode in Malappuram tested positive for the deadly infection. She is ...Read More >
New Delhi: The Delhi government will soon begin clearing pending electric vehicle (EV) subsidy dues amounting to about ₹140 crore, officials said on Monday as per PTI. Transport Minister Pankaj Singh confirmed that the department will verify all subsidy applications to resolve the backlog, which has piled up over the past two years. "The process of identifying eligible beneficiaries has already started," an official said. A dedicated portal for clearing dues is also being prepared. The development follows a September 3 Delhi High Court directive asking the government to take immediate steps ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Next time you wake up with crushing fatigue, a high fever, a raw throat and swollen glands, take note. The trigger behind it could be something as simple as a kiss.Infectious mononucleosis, or the 'kissing disease', is caused by the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) - one of the most common human infections worldwide. It spreads through saliva, not just kissing, but every day close contact.A US study using records from the Mayo Clinic-led Rochester Epidemiology Project, tracking nearly 19,000 people, has found those who develop mono are over three times more likely to develop multiple sclero ...Read More >
A visit to the hospital or clinic can turn into a nerve-wracking experience when test results are withheld until the doctor is available. After an MRI or ECG, the waiting game begins as the clock ticks down, and with no information, anxiety builds. The patient, left in suspense, resorts to Google and self-diagnoses an increasing list of conditions. From spondylosis to migraines, ulcers to kidney issues, the search spirals into a cycle of worry. By the time the doctor arrives, the patient is overwhelmed, convinced of a long list of ailments, highlighting the stress of waiting for a diagnosis. ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 7 (ANI): BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, while extending Eid-al-Adha greetings and urging citizens to uphold harmony and follow government guidelines, also remarked on the completion of one month of Operation Sindoor, stating that Pakistan, a 'territory of terrorism', must eliminate the executioners of oppression and crime who, he said, are a threat to both humanity and Islam. Speaking to reporters after offering Namaz at Imamia Hall, Shia Jama Masjid, Naqvi said that everyone should respect the government's guidelines and ensure that the spirit of unity and brotherhoo ...Read More >
Kochi: A 38-year-old woman in Kerala's Palakkad district has tested positive for the Nipah virus, while a suspected case from Malappuram district is currently awaiting test results, health officials said on Friday. The woman, who is a resident of Nattukkal, is currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Perinthalmanna in Malappuram district. Her samples were sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune for Nipah virus testing. "The district collector informed me that the woman has tested positive for Nipah virus," president of the local panchayat Muhammed Saleem KP sa ...Read More >