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.
New Delhi [India], April 1 (ANI): The Government of India on Thursday released details on the GLP -1 Drugs' use, risks, and regulation, according to an official press release. Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce adequate insulin, or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces, leading to high blood sugar. If left untreated, it can lead to complications like blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke and lower limb amputation. Also Read | Patna Shocker: Woman Drugged With Sedative-Laced Drink and Gang-Raped on Pretext of Job Promise, 3 Arrested. Insulin and glucagon are hormones produced by the pancreas that regulate blood sugar (glucose) levels. Insulin helps convert food into energy and lowers blood sugar by enabling cells to absorb glucose, while glucagon raises blood sugar when levels drop too low. Together, the two hormones keep blood sugar within a healthy range. In patients with type 2 diabetes, however, this balance breaks down. The body's cells become resistant to insulin, or the pancreas does not produce enough of it, or both - while glucagon continues to drive blood sugar higher. It is this dual dysfunction that GLP-1 drugs are designed to address, the release stated. Also Read | 'Uniform Civil Code Will Be Implemented in Assam', Says PM Narendra Modi. People with excess body weight, a family history of diabetes and excess sugar in the diet are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Being obese - with a body mass index of over 25 kg/m² - also increases the risk of diabetes. Abdominal fat particularly raises the risk of insulin resistance. Obesity is also a major driver of non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease and some cancers. Further, the press release noted that there are two kinds of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is characterised by deficient insulin production by the pancreas. Type 1 diabetic patients require daily doses of insulin for life. Type 2 diabetes stops the body from using insulin properly. Family history of diabetes, obesity/overweight, and not getting enough exercise increase the risk of getting type 2 diabetes. It is preventable, and to keep it at bay, people should reach and maintain a healthy body weight, be physically active with at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week, eat a healthy diet and avoid sugar and saturated fats, and not smoke tobacco. The press release emphasised that obesity is a chronic disease caused by excess body fat. Obesity is defined by a BMI greater than or equal to 25 kg/m², while overweight is defined as a BMI ranging from 23.00 to 24.99 kg/m². BMI is a metric calculated from height and weight. Obesity is preventable and reversible. To prevent and reduce obesity, people should reduce the number of calories consumed from fats and sugars, increase the daily portion intake of fruit, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and nuts, and engage in regular physical activity (60 minutes per day for children and 150 minutes per week for adults). GLP-1 drugs (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) are medications developed to treat both type 2 diabetes and obesity by correcting hormonal imbalance - stimulating insulin release and suppressing excess glucagon -to bring blood sugar back under control. The drugs regulate blood sugar and appetite and are also used to treat obesity. Essentially, they slow down the gastric emptying, increasing the feeling of fullness. This decreases patients' appetite and thereby leads to their weight loss. Multiple variants of GLP-1 drugs have been recently introduced in the Indian market, and concerns have emerged regarding their on-demand availability through retail pharmacies, online platforms, wholesalers, and wellness clinics. To prevent unauthorised sale, unsupervised use, and other malpractices, the Drug Controller of India has intensified its regulatory surveillance, warning that the drugs can lead to serious side effects if not taken under strict medical supervision, the press release stated. The release noted that when we eat, the digestive system breaks food down into simple sugars that enter the bloodstream. GLP-1 is activated in response, triggering the pancreas to release insulin, which moves glucose out of the bloodstream and into cells, where it is used for energy. The hormone also suppresses glucagon, preventing the liver from releasing additional glucose into the bloodstream. These two actions bring blood sugar back to normal levels. GLP-1 agonist medications work by mimicking this hormone and trigger the same effects for longer. They stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin, suppress the glucagon hormone, working together as a replacement for the GLP-1 hormone to control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The release said that this process keeps food in the digestive system for longer, making people feel fuller for longer, thus reducing appetite and inducing weight loss. Hence, the drugs are also prescribed to people with obesity. While the first GLP-1 medication was approved by the United States' Food & Drug Administration in 2005, many new ones have recently become very popular in treating diabetic and obese patients. Semaglutide injection, Semaglutide tablets, Liraglutide, Tirzepatide, Dulaglutide. Exenatide and Exenatide extended release are the same GLP-1 medications available in the market currently, the release stated. Most of these medications are administered via pre-filled injection pens, although some (like oral semaglutide) are available in tablet form. GLP-1 drugs must be taken under medical supervision. The misuse of GLP-1 drugs without clinical oversight can lead to severe health complications. There are various side-effects - both mild and serious - to taking GLP-1 drugs, including nausea and dizziness to pancreatitis and medullary thyroid cancer. GLP-1 medications may also complicate various health conditions. To ensure ethical pharmaceutical practices in the supply chain of GLP-1, the Drug Controller General of India has intensified its regulatory surveillance against the drug's unauthorised sale and promotion. In India, the drug can be prescribed only by endocrinologists, internal medicine specialists and cardiologists. To ensure that people do not take GLP-1 drugs without a medical prescription and to curb malpractices, the Drug Controller General of India, in collaboration with State Drug Controllers, took the following actions: On 10th March 2026, a comprehensive advisory was issued to all drug manufacturers to stop misleading advertisements and any promotion that could encourage people to use GLP-1 drugs without a prescription, the release noted. In recent weeks, 49 businesses were audited and inspected across the country, including online pharmacy warehouses, drug wholesalers, retailers, and weight loss clinics. These inspections spanned multiple regions across India and focused on identifying violations related to unauthorised sale, improper prescription practices, and misleading marketing. Notices have been issued to those found breaking the rules. Stricter inspections and surveillance will continue in the coming weeks. Businesses that break the rules will face license cancellation, fines, and legal action. GLP-1 drugs are a significant medical breakthrough in treating type 2 diabetes and obesity, but they are not without risk. The drugs carry a wide range of side effects - from common symptoms like nausea and vomiting to severe complications including pancreatitis, kidney injury, and bowel obstruction. These risks make it essential that GLP-1 drugs are only taken under the supervision of a registered medical practitioner/specialists. India's regulatory authorities have taken firm steps to prevent unsupervised use and malpractices in the supply chain. Patients and the public are strongly advised to consult a qualified medical specialist before use, and to obtain these medications with a prescription only through legitimate, regulated channels. (ANI)
New Delhi [India], June 6 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reaffirmed India's commitment to fighting terrorism, stating that India stands firm and resolute in its collective fight against this threat in the backdrop of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed optimism about strengthening ties with Central Asia, following the 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue and posted on X, 'Delighted to meet with the Foreign Ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. India deeply che ...Read More >
Noida: Liquor revenue in the city jumped by 35% in the first quarter of 2025-26 compared to the same period last year. The city recorded Rs 625 crore in liquor revenue from April to June 2025, compared to Rs 462 crore during the same period in 2024-25.According to excise department data, the revenue in the first quarter of 2023-24 was Rs 430 crore, showing a 7% growth between 2023-24 and 2024-25 and a much larger jump this year.The sharp rise is attributed to the new liquor policy in the state, which made significant structural changes to the retail and licensing system.The month-wise revenue ...Read More >
Experts suggest that fasting needs special care when you're on anti-ageing drugs. Photo: Instagram In the search for glowing skin, youthful energy, and prolonged vitality, many people turn to a combination of anti-ageing treatments and multivitamin supplements. From collagen and glutathione to NAD+ boosters and fat-soluble vitamins, these regimens are becoming increasingly popular. At the same time, fasting (intermittent fasting, juice cleanse, restricted fasting and more) has emerged as a go-t ...Read More >
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has charged five individuals, including goldy Brar, in relation to the 2024 Gurugram club bombing plot, as revealed in a recently filed chargesheet. This case involves a conspiracy to bomb two clubs, aiming to disrupt communal harmony in Haryana, with the banned terrorist group Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) implicated. The NIA's investigation highlights the severity of the plot. Those charged include satinderjit Singh (Goldy Brar), Sachin Talian, Ankit, Bhavish, and Randeep Singh. News Directory 3 provides crucial updates on sensitive cases such ...Read More >
New Delhi, June 8 (SocialNews.XYZ) A sea of 1000 cyclists and fitness enthusiasts created a lively atmosphere at the JLN Stadium here on Sunday morning in the 26th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle. Organised in collaboration with Indian Railways as special partners, the event saw the presence of Indian actress Madhurima Tuli, wrestler Anirudh Kumar, and mountaineer Narender Kumar, among the special guests. Madhurima, who has starred in the Bollywood movie 'Baby', was formally recognised as a Fit India Icon on the occasion by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. She has been a state- ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Trade talks between India and the US appear to be back on track, as President Donald Trump hinted that a "very big" agreement with India will be forthcoming soon. In a presser at the White House, Trump said, "Everybody wants to make a deal and have a part of it. Remember a few months ago, the press was saying, 'You really have anybody of any interest? Well, we just signed with China yesterday. We are having some great deals. We have one coming up, maybe with India. Very big one. Where we're going to open up India, in the China deal, we are starting to open up China.""We're not going ...Read More >
Hyderabad, July 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) The condition of former Telangana Chief Minister and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) president K. Chandrasekhar Rao, who was admitted to a private hospital here on July 3, remained stable. K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) is suffering from fever and has high blood sugar. His daughter and BRS MLC K. Kavitha visited the hospital on Friday. A team of doctors at Yashoda Hospitals, Somajiguda, was examining the 71-year-old. Doctors advised admission after KCR complained of general weakness. Preliminary investigations revealed high blood sugar and low sodium levels. Acc ...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 >
Mumbai/New Delhi: Shefali Jariwala, whose sizzling gyration and rebellious abandon in the music video of the remixed track 'Kaanta Laga' (original song from 'Samadhi', 1972) became a dance floor favourite, annoyed social conservatives and helped sell over a million cassettes, CDs and albums, passed away following a cardiac arrest on Friday night. She was 42.Jariwala was rushed to a private hospital close to her Andheri West residence by husband-actor Parag Tyagi, but was declared dead on arrival. "Her family told doctors she was unwell with acidity and had not eaten the entire day," a senior p ...Read More >
Srinagar- Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday said foreign countries were told clearly during the post-Operation Sindoor diplomatic outreach that in case of a fresh provocation, India would repeat its action. Speaking at a discussion at the Ahmedabad Management Association, Tharoor said Indian delegations which visited foreign countries in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor managed to convey that India acted with restraint and responsibility. "In other places, we actually were able to get some very high-placed people to say not only that they respected and supported India's right of self- ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jul 2 (PTI) The Delhi High Court on Wednesday asked the Drug Controller General of India to consult experts and relevant stakeholders in deciding a plea over drug combinations sold in the market for weight loss treatment. A bench of Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela asked the petitioner to give a representation to the DGCI, which was asked to decide the matter within three months. Also Read | 'Janaki' Title Row: Malayalam Film Industry Holds Protest in Front of CBFC Office Against Renaming of Suresh Gopi Film. A plea filed by Jitendra Chouksey said license ...Read More >
Ahmedabad, June 27: Union Home Minister Amit Shah began his Gujarat visit on a spiritual note early Friday morning by participating in the Mangala Aarti at the historic Shri Jagannathji Temple in Jamalpur, Ahmedabad. The visit coincides with the auspicious occasion of the annual Shri Jagannath Rath Yatra, a major religious event that draws thousands of devotees every year. Arriving at the temple at 3:15 a.m., HM Shah joined in the sacred rituals and offered prayers to Mahaprabhu Jagannath. Sharing his experience on social media platform X, he posted, "On the sacred occasion of Rath Yatra, par ...Read More >
New Delhi, July 1 (SocialNews.XYZ) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that eight years have passed since GST was introduced, and it stands out as a landmark reform that has reshaped India's economic landscape. "By reducing the compliance burden, it has greatly improved the Ease of Doing Business, particularly for small and medium enterprises", PM Modi stated. "GST has also served as a powerful engine for economic growth, while fostering true cooperative federalism by making states equal partners in this journey to integrate India's market," the Prime Minister said in a statement on ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Highlighting a recent directive from the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on the establishment of 'sugar boards' in schools, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has urged states to support and implement the initiative to help curb excessive sugar consumption among schoolchildren and foster healthier dietary habits from an early age. The matter was discussed during the 47th Central Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting of the FSSAI, held on May 27. According to the FSSAI, in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for urgent action against obesity ...Read More >
Kolkata, June 28: A political slugfest has erupted in West Bengal after a woman accused Padma Shree awardee monk Kartik Maharaj, who is posted with the Murshidabad unit of Bharat Sevashram Sangha, of allegedly raping her 12 times for six months in 2013. As per the police complaint lodged by the woman, Kartik Maharaj raped her multiple times 12 years ago promising her a job at a local school. The ruling Trinamool Congress is highlighting the issue in a major way and accusing the BJP of being silent on it since the accused monk had been reportedly close to the saffron party. The woman accusin ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram: Ravada A Chandrasekhar took charge as the new State Police Chief on Tuesday. He succeeds Shaik Darvesh Saheb, who retired on June 30. His tenure will run until July 1, 2027. A 1991-batch IPS officer currently serving as Special Director with the Intelligence Bureau, Chandrasekhar is on central deputation. He was selected over Nitin Agarwal, who topped the official list of probables. The appointment order, issued by Kerala Chief Secretary Dr A Jayathilak on behalf of the Governor, was released soon after a cabinet meeting held on Monday. Hailing from Andhra Pradesh's Godav ...Read More >
New Delhi: Was it the pitch? Was it the conditions? Was it the bowling? The questions doing the rounds after yet another strange show in good batting conditions by India were many. But with the exception of Shubman Gill, who became just the second Indian captain, after Mohammad Azharuddin, to score hundreds in consecutive matches in England, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, few India batters managed to answer them in a satisfactory manner. After being put into bat by England, India looked like they were in control at various points during the day but then somehow contrived to gift away wickets and end t ...Read More >
Biocon Biologics, in collaboration with Diabetes Africa and St Paul’s Hospital in Ethiopia, has launched the Embedding Specialist Nurses in Diabetes Care project. The initiative focuses on training nurses to become diabetes specialists to address the country’s growing diabetes crisis. With Ethiopia ranking among the top countries in sub-Saharan Africa for diabetes prevalence, this project aims to integrate diabetes care into primary healthcare, enhancing accessibility and care quality. By upskilling nurses and establishing a structured pathway for them, the program seeks to improve diabetes ma ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 6 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reaffirmed India's commitment to fighting terrorism, stating that India stands firm and resolute in its collective fight against this threat in the backdrop of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed optimism about strengthening ties with Central Asia, following the 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue and posted on X, 'Delighted to meet with the Foreign Ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. India deeply che ...Read More >
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 7 (ANI): On the occasion of World Food Safety Day 2025, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, JP Nadda, delivered the keynote address at a special programme themed 'Stop Obesity by Eating Safe and Healthy' at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru on Saturday, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said in a release. JP Nadda said that a healthy India is necessary for Viksit Bharat, and that can be ensured through the right types of food, healthy food habits, and lifestyle. Organized by the Food Safety an ...Read More >
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is packing for what could be the longest diplomatic journey of his decade-long premiership. Five countries. Eight days. Thousands of kilometres. A tour that promises more than handshakes and speeches, this is about placing India at the heart of the Global South's rising story. From the mineral-rich heartlands of Africa to the energy corridors of Latin America, Modi's route is carefully chosen. His first five-nation circuit in 2016 had the charm of high-level symbolism. This one feels strategic, calculated and heavier in ambition. Ghana PM Modi is land ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], July 3 (ANI):Union Home Minister Amit Shah has congratulated the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and all agencies on busting a global drug cartel. Shah said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Government is determined to saw off every drug cartel and protect our youth, no matter where they operate from, an official statement from the Ministry of Home Affairs said. In a post on X, Shah said, 'Congratulations to NCB and all agencies on busting a global drug cartel. The probe set a stellar example of multi-agency coordination, resulting in 8 arrests and seizures of 5 consignm ...Read More >
Srinagar, Jul 3 (PTI) The annual Amarnath Yatra began on Thursday with the first batches of pilgrims setting off from the twin base camps in Baltal and Nunwan towards the 3880-metre-high cave shrine in the south Kashmir Himalayas, which houses a naturally formed ice-lingam, officials said. The yatra started early morning from the twin tracks -- the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route and the 14-km Baltal route. The batches of pilgrims, including men, women and sadhus, left from the Nunwan base camp in Pahalgam, in south Kashmir's Anantnag, and Baltal base camp in Sonamarg area of central ...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 >
Telangana former Chief Minister and BRS chief K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) has been admitted to a private hospital today owing to suddenly being indisposed. CM Revanth Reddy enquired about his health and checked on the treatment being given to him. In a post on X, Telangana CMO said that CM Reddy spoke to medical experts and officials and asked them to ensure the best treatment for Chandrashekar Rao. The Chief Minister wished that KCR recovers quickly and returns with good health after full recov ...Read More >
Chandigarh, Dec 11 (PTI) Farmer leader from Punjab Jagjit Singh Dallewal's fast unto death at the Khanauri border point to press the Centre to accept farmers' demands, including a legal guarantee on the MSP for crops, entered the 16th day on Wednesday. Farmers on Wednesday held prayers for the success of their agitation going on at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana in support of their various demands and for the good health of Dallewal. Farmers under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) have been camping at Shambhu ...Read More >
Chandigarh, Jun 27 (PTI) The mother of jailed gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria and another person accompanying her died after being shot at by unidentified bike-borne people in Punjab's Batala, police said on Friday. Harjit Kaur was critically injured after the incident on Thursday late evening and was referred to a hospital in Amritsar, but she succumbed to the bullet injuries, a senior police official from Batala said over the phone. Also Read | Mounjaro KwikPen: Eli Lilly and Company's Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity Drug Gets Approval in India, To Compete With Novo's Weight-Loss Drug Wegovy. The ...Read More >
Pune: Passengers on board a Goa to Pune SpiceJet flight (SG-1080) had a scare on Tuesday evening when a window panel was found dislodged while the plane was mid-air.The airline played down the incident, saying the window part that had come off was "a non-structural trim component, fitted onto the window for the purpose of shade".But a person on board the plane -- a Bombardier Q400 -- told TOI the incident triggered anxiety among the passengers. "Two to three layers of the window panel just came off," said Aatish Mishra, the passenger."There was no depressurization, but this shouldn't have happ ...Read More >
Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh): Marking the Cooperatives Year, a two-day national seminar will be inaugurated on Friday at the Swarn Jayanti Auditorium of Vikram University. Farmers from five major states: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Goa are set to participate in the seminar, 'Dairy Development in Madhya Pradesh: Possibilities and Challenges', under the joint aegis of the Indian Dairy Association (DA) West Zone, and Vikram University (VU). Researchers, students, milk producers from across the country, where over two lakh cooperative societies function, along with experts ...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 >