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.
KOZHIKODE: Even as the number of cases and deaths from amoebic meningoencephalitis continues to rise in Kerala, uncertainty persists over the exact mode of transmission and effective preventive measures. The deadly infection, which is caused by an amoeba that attacks the brain, has claimed 17 lives in the last nine months in the state, with seven reported this month alone. Initially, health experts believed that the infection primarily affected people who had bathed or swum in ponds, lakes, or swimming pools, where contaminated water entered the nose and allowed the amoeba to reach the brain. However, recent cases have raised concern, including in which a three-month-old infant with no exposure to ponds and individuals who only bathed at home also contracted the disease, challenging earlier assumptions. According to health officials, while the number of infections has increased, a small relief is that the mortality rate for amoebic meningoencephalitis in Kerala (24%) is significantly lower than the global figure (97%). Still, the lack of clarity on how to prevent the disease has created widespread anxiety among the public. Experts suggest practical precautions, such as avoiding water entering the nose while swimming or bathing in natural waterbodies, and ensuring chlorination in swimming pools. However, this method is not feasible in open ponds and rivers. Reports of people contracting the infection even after bathing in household showers further complicate preventive guidelines.
Amritsar: BJP MP Nishikant Dubey from Jharkhand has claimed that Britain assisted India in executing the 1984 Operation Bluestar at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, stoking a new controversy.In a post on X on Monday, Dubey alleged that then PM Indira Gandhi "launched an attack on the Golden Temple in collaboration with Britain", with British Army officers present in Amritsar.He uploaded a classified British document, "Sikh Community", claiming that on Feb 23, 1984, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office mentioned in a letter that the Indian govt had sought British advice over a plan to remove Si ...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 >
NEW DELHI: The incidence of cancer in India has gone up by 26%, from 84.8 per 1 lakh population in 1990 to 107.2 in 2023, according to a new study. Published in The Lancet, it shows deaths due to cancer increased by 21% during this period, despite advances in treatment. In comparison, both incidence and mortality have declined significantly in US and China over the 33-year period. The reason behind this is strong tobacco control, universal vaccination and organised screening in these two countries, Dr Abhishek Shankar, radiation-oncologist at AIIMS Delhi, said. India, he added, continues to fa ...Read More >
A Chandigarh research team has identified a new threat. A bacterium called Bordetella holmesii is now causing more whooping cough-like illnesses in North India. This bacterium has surpassed Bordetella pertussis in prevalence. The rise was most significant in 2023, affecting children aged five to ten. This shift signals an evolving pattern in respiratory illnesses in the region. A team at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, has reported a significant ...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 >
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 >
NEW DELHI: Chest infections are seeing a significant rise in north India due to a lesser-known bacterium that mimics whooping cough, a latest study has said. The study, conducted by Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, said that pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory illness. Those suffering from pertussis get a serious hacking cough. Breathing in after coughing often causes a high-pitched noise that sounds like a "whoop." It has historically been a major cause of childhood mortality, with fatality rates reac ...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 >
Bareilly (UP), Jul 17 (PTI) A teacher from Bahedi district, who went viral recently after reciting a poem mentioning Kanwar Yatra, approached the police on Thursday stating a threat to his life from anti-social elements. A case has been registered at Bahedi police station based on a complaint from Dr Rajneesh Kumar Gangwar, a teacher at MGM Inter College in the district. According to Circle Officer Arun Kumar Singh, Gangwar's complaint says that ever since his recitation of the poem 'Tum Kanwad Lene Mat Jana, Gyaan Ka Deepak Jalaana' (You don't go get Kavad, light the lamp of knowledge inste ...Read More >
As the body experiences prolonged stress, the "calming neurotransmitter GABA can dip" When your body experiences prolonged stress, the supply of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) can be diminished. Nutritionist Anjali Mukerjee has said that GABA is an important neurotransmitter that helps to inhibit neural activity and calm the brain, acting as a natural tranquiliser. But, if its supply lessens, then a person starts experiencing weakness, unsteady legs, muscle tension, headache, loose motions and excessive thirst, according to the nutritionist. In a video on Instagram, Anjali Mukerjee has discu ...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 >
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 >
New Delhi, Jul 7 (PTI) Over 15 million people in the world born between 2008 and 2017 might develop gastric cancer at some point in life, with India contributing the second highest number among these cases, after China, a study has projected. Two-thirds of the more than 15 million projected cases could be concentrated in Asia, followed by the Americas and Africa. Researchers, including those from the International Agency for Research on Cancer -- the World Health Organisation's cancer agency -- analysed data on the incidence of gastric cancer across 185 countries using the GLOBOCAN 2022 data ...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 >
Khandwa (MP), Jun 30 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday praised the 'Jal Ganga Samvardhan Abhiyan' in Madhya Pradesh and termed the works done under the water conservation campaign with people's participation as 'historic'. He emphasised on the need for water conservation, noting it will bring relief to farmers and also help in running industries. The three-month-long campaign has been an 'inspiring' effort towards creating awareness among people to make rivers clean, uninterrupted and perennial, he noted in a message sent to a programme organised in Khandwa district on the occasio ...Read More >
New Delhi, July 19 (PTI) The Regional Medical Research Centre in Bhubaneswar, under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), has developed an advanced malaria vaccine that can prevent plasmodium falciparum infection in individuals and minimise community transmission. The ICMR Delhi has invited Expressions of Interest (EoI) from eligible organisations, companies and manufacturers enthusiastic about the Transfer of Technology for commercial production of "a recombinant chimeric multi-stage malaria vaccine (AdFalciVax) against plasmodium falciparum". The pre-clinical validation of this te ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: A parliamentary panel looking into the levy of user fees or toll charges on National Highways (NHs) has raised concerns over the current practice of "perpetual tolling" even after project costs are recovered and a 3% annual escalation, irrespective of the highway quality, traffic volume, or user affordability.While recommending rationalisation and substantial reduction in toll charges on such stretches, its report has also mooted a "tariff authority" for toll fixation. The Public Accounts Committee headed by Congress MP K C Venugopal said, "Any continuation of tolls beyond this poin ...Read More >
Hyderabad: The GHMC said it ahd completed arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of Ganesh Nimajjanam. On Monday, Commissioner R.V. Karnan inspected immersion facilities along PVNR Marg, reviewed barricading, lighting, crane setups and control room arrangements. Immersion points have been prepared at 20 major lakes and 72 artificial ponds. Across all locations, 134 static cranes and 259 mobile cranes have been installed. At Hussainsagar, in coordination with the tourism department, nine boats, Disaster Response Force (DRF) teams and 200 trained swimmers have been placed on standby. Thirtee ...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 >
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 >
Mumbai: With the monsoon picking up, the city reported 884 malaria cases last month, nearly double of June 2024's 443 cases, shows BMC's data. Chikungunya saw a concerning jump -- from zero to 21 cases in the same period.According to the BMC data, Mumbai recorded 105 cases of dengue and 936 of gastroenteritis last month. Doctors said admissions surged in the month but no mortality was reported. Monsoon arrived in the city on May 26, a fortnight earlier than the usual onset date of June 11, which could have contributed to the rise. The monsoon diseases were accompanied by 551 Covid cases in Jun ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], July 4 (ANI): Health authorities in Kerala have issued an alert in three districts -- Kozhikode, Malappuram and Palakkad after two suspected cases of the Nipah virus were detected. Kerala Health Minister Veena George said that the suspected cases of Nipah virus are from Palakkad and Malappuram districts. Also Read | India-US Trade Pact Likely Before July 9; Certain Issues Still Pending in Agriculture, Auto Sectors, Says Official. "An alert has been issued in three districts of Kerala, namely Kozhikode, Malappuram and Palakkad, in connection with two new ...Read More >
Coimbatore: The steady flow of burn victims requiring skin grafting has now prompted the Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital to consider setting up a skin bank on its premises. A Nirmala, dean, CMCH, said the experts at the hospital's department of plastic and reconstructive surgery had been asked to prepare a proposal to set up the skin bank. "The proposal will be sent to the state govt soon. It will help people easily undergo treatment for deep burn injuries at the hospital in the future."The CMCH on an average receives at least five patients with burn injuries a day. "Thermal burn is th ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], September 12 (ANI): Kerala's health authorities are on high alert due to multiple cases of Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare and often fatal brain infection caused by the Naegleria fowleri amoeba, commonly known as the "brain-eating amoeba." Also Read | Uddhav Thackeray-Led Shiv Sena Urges Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah To Rename Bengaluru Metro Station After Chhatrapati Shivaji Amid Naming Row. Official sources confirmed that the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Kerala Health Department are closely tracking the situation afte ...Read More >
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The recent detection of amoebic meningoencephalitis in a teenager who had used the swimming pool at Akkulam Tourist Village has sparked anxiety among regular swimmers and parents in the capital. The rare but fatal brain infection has forced authorities to shut down the Akkulam pool. The deadly infection has claimed 17 lives in the last nine months in the state, with seven reported in September alone. "My 14-year-old has been attending swimming sessions for the past three years, but we stopped soon after hearing about the Akkulam incident. We always believed ponds and open ...Read More >
Kendrapada: The body of a 59-year-old woman, half-eaten by a saltwater crocodile, was found in Kharasrota river near Bankupala village under Jajpur forest range on Tuesday. The victim was identified as Soudamini Mahala.On Monday, the crocodile attacked her when she was washing clothes and utensils in the river and dragged her into the waterbody. The incident went viral on social media. "The victim is survived by two sons and her husband," assistant conservator of forest (Jajpur), Santosh Kumar Pati, said."We have seized the body and sent it to the govt hospital in Jajpur for an autopsy. The fo ...Read More >