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.
Nagpur: In some cheer amidst the 45-day tragic trail left by the toxic cough syrup, one-year-old Pratik Pawar from Parasia block of Chhindwara, recovered from kidney failure and encephalopathy and returned home on Wednesday. Pawar, however, was administered a different brand of cough syrup, unlike others who consumed the toxic Coldrif that contained 48.6% diethylene glycol (DEG) -- a poisonous industrial chemical used in brake fluids and antifreeze.One more kid, Kunal Yaduwanshi, 3, from Chhindwara was reported stable by doctors after he showed signs of recovery at AIIMS, Nagpur. It also came to the fore that earlier this month, Harsh Yaduwanshi, 4, was brought from Betul, indicating the toxic Coldrif's menace spreading beyond Chhindwara. Harsh is critical and put on CRRT at AIIMS Nagpur. The two kids at GMCH too remained critical on Wednesday. However, no fresh deaths were reported during the day.Pawar was rushed to a private hospital in Nagpur where he remained on ventilator support and peritoneal dialysis for five days in the second week of September. He was shifted to Lata Mangeshkar Hospital (LMH), Hingna, where the family availed a govt scheme to fund his treatment. Paediatrician Dr Anupam Bahe, who treated Pawar at the private hospital, said eight kids, including Pawar were brought to their hospital with acute kidney failure. "Pawar was given a particular brand of cough syrup. Similarly, another girl, Yojita Thakare, 2, from the same town, was administered a different syrup. She too was shifted to LMH. The cold syrup consumed by Pawar had a lower percentage of toxicity which saved him, though he too developed similar complications," he said.A team of doctors at LMH under the guidance of Dean Dr Sajal Mitra worked hard on Pawar and Thakare. "The girl was terminally ill when she was brought here. Pawar too was critical and had received 10 cycles of peritoneal dialysis at the private facility. He survived the toxins and recovered in two weeks. He was discharged on October 3," the treating doctor at LMH said.Also, over 36 cases of acute encephalitis syndrome (AES), including a majority from Parasia, were admitted to different hospitals in Nagpur in the last 44 days. At least 18 have died of cough-related complications.
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 >
CHENNAI: A week after reporting poor manufacturing and laboratory practices in Sresan Pharmaceuticals, the company that manufactured the lethal cough syrup that killed more than 20 children in Madhya Pradesh, the state health department suspended two former senior drug inspectors on charges of negligence for failing to inspect the unit, Health Minister Ma Subramanian said here on Thursday.Senior drug inspectors, Deepa Joseph and K Karthikeyan, who served in the Kancheepuram zone, were placed under suspension. "They did not inspect the manufacturing unit and initiate necessary steps to stop pro ...Read More >
New Delhi -- The World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday issued a health advisory warning against the use and distribution of three cough syrups believed to be responsible for the deaths of several children in India over the last month. The drugs were identified as specific batches of Coldrif, Respifresh TR and ReLife, the WHO said in a statement, manufactured by three Indian companies: Sresan Pharmaceutical, Rednex Pharmaceuticals, and Shape Pharma. The oral liquid drugs were found to conta ...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 >
Lucknow, Jul 14 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday said the state's health services must be made future-ready to keep pace with global advancements and effectively respond to emerging challenges. He was speaking at the foundation stone laying and inauguration ceremony of various health projects worth Rs 1,000 crore at King George's Medical University (KGMU) here. Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, who also holds the Health portfolio, and Medical Education Minister Mayankeshwar Sharan Singh were present on the occasion. The chief minister said institutions like K ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: India accounts for 17% of the world's population and 20% of the global disease burden, yet fewer than four percent of international clinical trials are conducted in the country. This gap means Indian patients often wait years after global approvals to access breakthrough therapies. Now, a new initiative, aligning it with Central Drugs Standard Control Organisations (CDSCO) priorities to boost participation of government sites in Phase 3 and 4 trials, has trained nearly 400 professionals, including investigators, ethics committee members and support staff to meet the global Good Cl ...Read More >
The CM said while addressing the foundation day ceremony of the Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan CHIEF MINISTER Yogi Adityanath said on Saturday that "life is defined by three states -- tendency, distortion and culture." "Staying unchanged is tendency, continuous decline is distortion and decisions taken in the larger public and national interest embody culture," Adityanath said while addressing the foundation day ceremony of the Dr Ram Manohar Lohi ...Read More >
Bilaspur (HP), Oct 3 (PTI) Union health Minister JP Nadda on Friday said that AIIMS Bilaspur has achieved remarkable milestones in a very short time and a regional-level viral research laboratory has also been established here. Speaking at the medical institute's third foundation day celebrations here, he said currently, 23 AIIMS operate in the country of which 13 were established during his tenure, according to an statement. Nadda said that the construction of AIIMS Bilaspur was completed in a record time of just three years and till date more than 20,000 patients have been treated free of ...Read More >
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday launched searches at seven locations in Chennai in connection with the Coldrif cough syrup case, which led to the deaths of several children. The raids are being conducted under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and are linked to Sreesan Pharma, the manufacturer of the syrup that is now banned across several states in the country. Premises being searched by the central probe agency reportedly include residences of top offic ...Read More >
Delhi AQI Today: Delhi's air quality has deteriorated to a 'very poor' category. Authorities have kept Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan in effect. Truck-mounted water sprinklers are being used to combat pollution. Cloud seeding is being considered as a potential solution. Health experts warn of serious health impacts from the rising pollution levels. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi worsened on Sunday morning, reaching the 'very poor' category, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported. On Saturday, AQI levels were under the 'poor' category, with Stage II of the Grade ...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 >
CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government has cancelled the manufacturing licences of Sresan Pharmaceuticals, the Kancheepuram-based firm that produced the toxic batch of Coldrif cough syrups linked to the deaths of 14 children in Madhya Pradesh. Of the children who died, 11 were from Parasia sub-division, two from Chhindwara city and one from Chaurai tehsil. On Sunday, the Parasia police arrested a government doctor for alleged negligence and registered a case against Sresan Pharmaceuticals, officials said. State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Ma Subramanian said the State Drug Control dep ...Read More >
A government hospital in Gwalior has sealed its entire stock of Azithromycin antibiotic after a complaint alleged worms were found in a bottle given to a child. This incident follows recent child deaths in Madhya Pradesh linked to a toxic cough syrup. Samples of the antibiotic have been sent for testing. Amid child deaths linked to a toxic cough syrup in Madhya Pradesh, a government hospital in Gwalior is now facing a complaint over worms allegedly found in a bottle of antibiotic medicine given ...Read More >
The owner of a Tamil Nadu firm, Ranganathan Govindan, has been remanded in judicial custody in connection with the deaths of over 20 children in Madhya Pradesh due to contaminated cough syrup. The firm's manufacturing unit has been sealed, and other individuals involved, including a doctor who prescribed the syrup, are already in custody. Ranganathan Govindan, owner of a Tamil Nadu-based firm that manufactured contaminated cough syrup 'Coldrif' linked to the deaths of more than 20 children in Ma ...Read More >
Patna, April 3: In a suspected hooch tragedy in East Champaran district of Bihar, at least four people have died while more than a dozen others fell ill after allegedly consuming toxic liquor. The incident has triggered panic in the affected villages. According to sources, several persons consumed suspected spurious liquor in Balganga village under the Turkauliya police station area on Wednesday evening. The deceased have been identified as Pramod Yadav, Chandu Kumar, Parishan Manjhi and one other person. An FIR of murder has been registered against an individual named Naga Rai, who was detai ...Read More >
JAMMU: Not taking any chances with the health of eight patients from Badhaal village in J&K's Rajouri district who recently recovered from the "mystery illness" after being treated with atropine medication, Rajouri Government Medical College and Hospital authorities Tuesday delayed their discharge until the final report on the toxins they had ingested was made available by the central forensic laboratory. "As many as 11 patients are presently admitted at GMCH Rajouri and eight of them were to be discharged Tuesday, but authorities decided to keep them under observation," an official said. The ...Read More >
Bhubaneshwar (Odisha) [India], July 14 (ANI): The student who allegedly attempted self-immolation is in a critical condition and on mechanical ventilator in AIIMS Bhubaneshwar, Head of Department (HoD) Department of Burns, Dr Sanjay Giri said on Monday. Dr Giri told ANI, The patient is critical and is on life support and mechanical ventilator. We have checked her parameters, and we will continue the same treatment. Medical Superintendent of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, Dr Dillip Kumar Parida, said that AIIMS, Delhi, has advised to share the culture sensitivity report and continue the current treatment ...Read More >
Bengaluru (India) (AFP) - Pollution levels in India's capital shaped Natasha Uppal and her husband's decision on parenthood -- either raise their child away from the city, or stay put and remain childless. New Delhi and the surrounding metropolitan area, home to more than 30 million people, consistently tops world rankings for air pollution. Uppal, who grew up in the city, often considered leaving -- especially on days spent indoors with air purifiers humming, or when she battled severe migraines. The turning point came when the couple decided to try for a baby. "When we thought about what ...Read More >
The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has invoked the 12-point GRAP Stage II plan to curb further deterioration, following a review of current meteorological conditions and air quality forecasts. New Delhi: Delhi and the National Capital Region continued to grapple with unhealthy air on Thursday, October 23, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) staying in the 'very poor' to 'severe' range despite measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage II. D ...Read More >
Delhi continued to grapple with poor air quality on Monday, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 452 at around 8 am, placing it in the 'Severe' category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). IMAGE: A thick layer of toxic smog blankets Delhi on Monday morning. Photograph: ANI on X This continues the trend observed on Sunday, when the AQI was 461 at around 4 pm. Large parts of the city were covered in a dense layer of toxic smog, significantly reduci ...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 [India], October 24 (ANI): As air quality levels in Delhi dipped into the 'poor' and 'very poor' categories on Friday morning, former AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria cautioned residents about the serious health implications of rising pollution and urged preventive measures to minimise exposure. Speaking to ANI, Dr Guleria said, "The current high levels of air pollution, indicated by poor AQI, are leading to acute health effects, particularly among individuals with underlying heart or lung conditions, the elderly, and young children. These groups are experiencing increased chest di ...Read More >
Meerut: Three men died after allegedly consuming liquor in Meerut's Daurala area on Friday evening. The deceased has been identified as Ankit(32) and Jitendra (45), while baburam (60) succumbed during treatment. As per reports, all three fell seriously ill after drinking the alcohol and were immediately rushed to a private hospital near a toll plaza. Police said doctors have not yet confirmed the cause of death. "The exact cause of death is not clear. Postmortem examination is being conducted and viscera has been preserved for forensic analysis." The preserved samples will be sent to a for ...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 >
The World Health Organization is seeking details from India regarding a cough syrup linked to child deaths. Several Indian states have banned the 'Coldrif' syrup. Lab reports confirmed it contained a toxic industrial solvent. A criminal case has been registered against the manufacturer, Sresan Pharma. The doctor who prescribed the syrup has been arrested. The World Health Organization on Wednesday sought clarification from Indian authorities on whether a cough syrup linked to deaths of children ...Read More >
Given that deaths have now been reported across multiple states, this cannot remain a state-specific inquiry. It needs a coordinated, multi-state probe under the supervision of central agencies such as the CBI and the Union Health Ministry Over the past month, at least 20 children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan have lost their lives after consuming contaminated cough syrup. In MP's Chhindwara district alone, where nine deaths occurred, families reported a distressing similarity. The children fi ...Read More >
An analysis of CPCB data showed that post-Diwali, PM 2.5 levels have touched 488 micrograms per cubic metre, the highest in five years and over three times the pre-festival level of 156.6 micrograms per cubic metre. Three out of four households in Delhi-NCR are already experiencing the ill-effects of toxic air, with common complaints ranging from sore throat and cough to burning eyes, headaches and disturbed sleep, according to an online survey by citizen engagement platform LocalCircles. An an ...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 >
On July 12, the woman attempted self-immolation on the college campus.Source : Twitter A 22-year-old college student from Odisha, who set herself on fire following alleged inaction over a sexual harassment complaint, succumbed to her injuries late last night. Her death has sparked outrage, protests, and renewed calls for accountability in educational institutions. The student, pursuing a B.Ed degree at Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, had accused the Head of the Education Department, ...Read More >
* Six children have died of kidney failure in Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara district in 15 days * Investigators suspect contaminated cough syrup laced with toxic diethylene glycol as the cause of the deaths * Most of the victims had been administered Coldrif and Nextro-DS syrups, which have now been banned Did our AI summary help? Let us know. Switch To Beeps Mode In a heart-wrenching tragedy that has shaken Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara district, six children have died of kidney failure in the ...Read More >