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.
Kurnool: World Heart Day 2025 is being observed globally with the theme "Don't Miss a Beat." This year's theme underscores the importance of proactive heart health, reminding everyone that every heartbeat matters and that sustainable, small steps in daily life can help prevent premature cardiovascular diseases. It also serves as a call to action, encouraging people to stay alert to warning signs and seek timely medical care to safeguard their heart health. Explaining the significance of this year's theme, Dr. Chinta Prabhakar Reddy, MS, MCh, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Government General Hospital, Kurnool, said that heart disease continues to be a leading cause of death worldwide, but many of these cases are preventable with awareness and lifestyle modifications. "The message "Don't Miss a Beat" has four key elements," Dr. Reddy stated: 1. Awareness: The theme calls on individuals not to neglect heart health and to stay informed about symptoms that could indicate early heart disease, such as chest discomfort, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, and shortness of breath. 2. Proactive Care: It emphasizes the importance of taking timely action through regular health check-ups, monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, and following up with healthcare professionals to prevent complications. 3. Impact of Lifestyle Choices: Dr. Reddy highlighted that even small, consistent changes in daily habits -- such as eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and effectively managing stress -- can significantly improve cardiovascular health over time. 4. Every Beat Counts: The theme reinforces that every heartbeat is precious. Protecting the heart today means ensuring a healthier, longer life tomorrow. World Heart Day is observed every year on September 29 to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases and to promote preventive measures. This year's message encourages individuals, families, and communities to take small yet meaningful steps toward heart health and to recognize that prevention begins with personal responsibility. Dr. Reddy concluded with a powerful reminder: "Each heartbeat is a gift. By not missing a beat, we can all play a role in reducing the burden of heart disease and ensuring a healthier future." The observance of World Heart Day 2025 serves as a timely reminder for everyone to prioritize heart health, adopt preventive practices, and respond quickly to warning signs -- truly making every beat count.
New Delhi [India], July 16 (ANI): The Indian government expressed regret on Tuesday over the reported demolition of the ancestral property of celebrated filmmaker and writer Satyajit Ray in Mymensingh, Bangladesh and expressed its willingness to extend cooperation in its restoration. "We note with profound regret that the ancestral property of noted filmmaker and litterateur Satyajit Ray in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, belonging to his grandfather and eminent litterateur, Upendra Kishor Ray Chowdhury, is being demolished," the Ministry of External Affairs said. Also Read | India Urges Bangladesh ...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 >
Hyderabad: Officials of the Telangana Drugs Control Administration (DCA), along with the Karkhana police, on Friday raided an unlicensed premises in Namalagundu of Secunderabad following a tip-off about the illegal sale of prescription drugs. During the raid, officials seized 66 vials of 'Termin' and 'Termiva' injections from the premises, which was being run by one M Naresh.According to officials, the injections were being stocked and sold illegally to gym-goers for bodybuilding and performance ...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 >
Bengaluru, Jul 15 (PTI) No increase in deaths among cardiac patients or a rise in the number of admissions for cardiac ailments, Karnataka Minister Sharanprakash Patil, said on Tuesday, stating that the findings from Karnataka correspond with those of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. "So, people need not panic. There is no correlation between the COVID vaccine and these deaths," Patil told PTI Videos. Also Read | 'Welcome Back': Yogi Adityanath, Mayawati Hail Shubhanshu Shukla's Return to Earth After Completing Historic Axiom-4 Space Mission. Medical Education ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 26: Abbott, the global healthcare company, today announced the launch of the FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus sensor, Abbott's latest addition to the FreeStyle Libre sensor portfolio. This innovative device offers automatic glucose readings every minute straight to your phone, empowering people with diabetes to manage their condition with confidence, precision, and ease. People living with diabetes can see their glucose readings, without having to scan, and receive alerts automatically on their compatible[3] smartphone when low glucose levels [4] or high glucose leve ...Read More >
New Delhi: Chronic pain is no longer just a personal struggle it's a silent epidemic. According to a landmark study published in BMC Geriatrics, nearly 47% of Indians aged 45 and above report joint pain, and over 31% live with persistent back pain. Despite these alarming figures, the majority of patients delay seeking medical attention relying on over-the-counter painkillers, home remedies, or simply "learning to live with it." Experts warn that this neglect can lead to irreversible damage, disability, and serious health complications. The study, which analyzed responses from over 58,000 indi ...Read More >
BusinessWire India Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 26: Abbott, the global healthcare company, today announced the launch of the FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus sensor, Abbott's latest addition to the FreeStyle Libre sensor portfolio. This innovative device offers automatic glucose readings every minute straight to your phone, empowering people with diabetes to manage their condition with confidence, precision, and ease. People living with diabetes can see their glucose readings, without having to scan, and receive alerts automatically on their compatible[3] smartphone when low glucose levels [4] ...Read More >
Bangalore Gold Rate Today: Shattering all hopes of retail jewellery buyers of some relief amid the ongoing Navratri festival, gold rates in Bangalore, and other Indian cities broke another record on Monday, September 29. The price of gold in Bangalore, aka Bengaluru, witnessed a sharp surge bringing 24 karat gold Rs 16,000 above the historic Rs 1 lakh mark. The gold price rally in Karnataka capital mirrored the surge in gold rate in India and across the world. The sharp rally in precious metal is on its path to beat the record-rally of 1979. Multiple factors like US Fed rate cut, trade becau ...Read More >
Imphal: A doctor from Manipur's Senapati district saved the life of a 21-year-old passenger during a mid-air medical emergency on an Air India flight from Tokyo to New Delhi. Dr Loni Lirina, a critical care specialist at the American Oncology Institute, Babina Specialty Hospital in Imphal, was on board the flight when a young woman began experiencing severe breathing difficulties. Following an announcement by the flight crew requesting medical assistance, Dr Lirina promptly attended to the passenger. Upon examination, she immediately recommended oxygen support, nebulisation, and essential m ...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 >
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 >
New Delhi: India faces a growing health crisis with prediabetes and diabetes affecting a massive chunk of its working population. Apollo Hospitals' latest Health of the Nation 2026 report has spotlighted this alarming trend, showing how modern lifestyles such as long office hours, junk food, and little movement are pushing millions towards serious risks. From bustling cities to smaller towns, the numbers paint a picture of silent suffering that could overwhelm healthcare systems and workplaces alike. Prediabetes symptoms often hide in plain sight, making early awareness key to turning the tide ...Read More >
In a clear case of medical negligence, a 34-year-old woman died after doctors transferred the wrong blood type at Kakinada Government General Hospital, Andhra Pradesh. On Tuesday, November 26, the deceased, Bhavana Sirisha, was given AB+ blood group instead of O+. A house surgeon mistakenly transferred the wrong blood type. Sirisha, a resident of Palakollu in West Godavari district, was suffering from kidney ailments for the last four years and was admitted to the hospital for treatment. Doctors had advised a blood transfusion with 'O positive' group blood due to low hemoglobin levels. The ...Read More >
VMPL New Delhi [India], July 8: Dr. Lokeswara Rao Sajja, Senior Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon at STAR Hospitals and Chairman of the Sajja Heart Foundation, has been inducted as an Associate Member of Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society--one of the world oldest and most respected organizations dedicated to the advancement of science and research. Founded in 1886 at Cornell University, USA, Sigma Xi has a long legacy of supporting excellence in scientific research and fostering collaboration among researchers across disciplines. The society boasts over 200 Nobel Laureates among ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], July 15 (ANI): After some media reports claimed that Indian snacks like Samosa, Jalebis, etc will carry health warnings, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) on Tuesday issued a fact check stating that display of Sugar and Oil boards is general advisory to make people aware of hidden fats and excess sugar in all food products, and not specifically to any particular food product. It further clarified that the advisory of the Union Health Ministry has not been selective towards Indian snacks and does not target India rich street food culture. In a social media post on X, the P ...Read More >
Ludhiana: As part of efforts to counter the risk of dengue, the health department conducted a house-to-house dengue awareness and breeding check drive at Chand Colony, under the guidance of civil surgeon Dr Ramandeep Kaur.The civil surgeon urged residents to actively participate in dengue prevention efforts. "We are working tirelessly to prevent dengue outbreaks, but our efforts can only be effective with the full support of the community. Every household must ensure that water is not allowed to stagnate, as it serves as a breeding ground for dengue-carrying mosquitoes," she said. She also urg ...Read More >
Delhi Air Pollution: As the Air Quality Index (AQI) remains in the 'very poor' category, increasing the risks of health problems, especially respiratory issues, the former director of AIIMS Delhi, Dr Randeep Guleria, on Wednesday said that those who have underlying respiratory conditions, need to be extra careful. Guleria, who is also the Chairman of Internal Medicine, Respiratory and Sleep Medicine at Medanta The Medicity, noted that to some extent, the rising air pollution can be termed a public health emergency because it is going to lead to increased symptoms, with more people coming to t ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jul 3 (PTI) Adopting a healthier lifestyle is more effective than using the anti-diabetes drug metformin, with the benefits persisting over 20 years later, according to a study. The US Diabetes Prevention Program, launched in 1996, enrolled 3,234 patients with prediabetes from 30 institutions across 22 states. The study aimed to compare the benefits of metformin and a lifestyle modification that included exercise and a healthy diet. Researchers from The University of New Mexico, US, found that making lifestyle changes lowered the development of diabetes by 24 per cent, while the a ...Read More >
Chandigarh: In a landmark advancement in urological surgery and male infertility treatment, the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, has successfully performed India's first robot-assisted vasovasostomy -- a sophisticated procedure to reverse vasectomy -- using cutting-edge robotic technology.The breakthrough surgery was performed on July 9, 2025, by a skilled team led by Dr Aditya Prakash Sharma, Dr Girdhar Bora, both Additional Professors, and Prof Ravi Mohan from the Department of Urology. This pioneering intervention replaces the traditional micros ...Read More >
Kolkata, Jul 15 (PTI) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday hailed the safe return of Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla from space, calling it a matter of national pride. Shukla, a 39-year-old Indian Air Force officer and test pilot, on Tuesday returned to the Earth after an 18-day stay at the International Space Station. Also Read | Will Samosa and Jalebi Display Cigarette-Style Health Warnings? PIB Fact Check Debunks Fake News, Says Health Ministry's Advisory Doesn't Mention Warning Labels on Indian Food Products. "Welcome home, Shubhanshu Shukla! We are r ...Read More >
Vijayawada: As many as 34 lakh women have been screened for eight types of health issues across the state so far. Health minister Satya Kumar Yadav visited a medical camp at Nunna in NTR district on Thursday as part of the 'Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan'. He said that screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar, oral cancer, cervical cancer, uterine cancer, and other conditions have been conducted since September 17 through 16,000 medical camps. The camps will continue across the state until October 2. ...Read More >
Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], September 29: As India observes World Heart Day, the conversation around cardiovascular health has once again turned to prevention, timely treatment, and most importantly, access to affordable medicines for everyone. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in India at 28.1%, with more than half a billion people affected by a heart ailment. While treatment protocols have advanced, the cost of long-term medication continues to be a burden for many families. More so if one takes into account the fact that almost half of them cannot afford the medication. Als ...Read More >
With Delhi grappling with the season's worst air quality, there has been a surge in the number of patients with respiratory issues at city hospitals in the past two days, according to doctors. Resurgence of health issues has been noticed in patients whose conditions had stabilised, they added. Doctors pointed out that persistent dry cough, fatigue, and difficulty inbreathing were common issues facing people ofall ages. Thesewere particularly severein the elderly, children, and those ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Doctors at Delhi's Sir Ganga Ram Hospital have successfully removed a denture lodged deep inside a man's food pipe using an advanced endoscopic procedure involving a laser cutter, helping the patient avoid the need for surgery. According to the doctors, the patient was brought to the hospital with severe respiratory distress, throat pain, and difficulty swallowing after he accidentally ingested his denture. The denture eventually became lodged just below the junction of the food pipe and windpipe in the upper oesophagus, causing significant chest discomfort, they said. Subsequent ...Read More >
Bengaluru, Jul 15 (PTI) Karnataka Minister for Medical Education Sharanprakash Patil on Tuesday said there has been no rise in cardiac deaths or hospital admissions in the state, vis-a-vis covid-19 vaccination and that the findings align with those of AIIMS, New Delhi. Data shows no such correlation, he said. "So, people need not panic. There is no correlation between the covid vaccine and these deaths," Patil told PTI Videos. Patil along with Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, was addressing a press conference at Vikas Soudha to highlight the findings of reports by the Bengaluru-based Natio ...Read More >
NewsVoir Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], September 29: As India observes World Heart Day, the conversation around cardiovascular health has once again turned to prevention, timely treatment, and most importantly, access to affordable medicines for everyone. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in India at 28.1%, with more than half a billion people affected by a heart ailment. While treatment protocols have advanced, the cost of long-term medication continues to be a burden for many families. More so if one takes into account the fact that almost half of them cannot afford the medica ...Read More >
New Delhi, Apr 3 (PTI) Doctors at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital have successfully removed a denture lodged deep inside a man's food pipe using an advanced endoscopic procedure involving a laser cutter, helping the patient avoid a major surgery, officials said on Friday. The patient was brought to the hospital with severe respiratory distress, throat pain and difficulty in swallowing after he accidentally swallowed his denture, which got stuck just below the junction of the food pipe and windpipe in the upper esophagus, doctors at the hospital said. He was also experiencing significant chest discomf ...Read More >
New Delhi: In what the hospital claimed to be a global first, doctors at the RML Hospital have successfully performed a minimally invasive heart surgery on a 31-year-old woman suffering from a rare condition in which the internal organs were arranged in a mirror image of normal organ placement. The patient from Rajasthan suffered from Situs Inversus, a congenital anomaly, and presented with a complete mirror-image reversal of her internal organs, with the heart on the right side, liver on the left, spleen on the right, and stomach to the right, etc., the hospital said. On evaluation, she was ...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 >