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.
Guwahati: Lymphatic filariasis (LF), commonly known as elephantiasis, is a challenge in Assam, said state health minister Ashok Singhal. Health department has set a goal to achieve over 90% drug compliance of the eligible population consuming anti-filaria medicines in the endemic districts. Union minister for health and family welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda, on Monday launched the Annual Nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) Campaign for LF elimination through a video conference with health ministers and senior officers of 13 identified LF endemic states, including Assam. Singhal also participated in the meeting through video conferencing from Sonitpur, one of the affected districts. Singhal said at present, some individuals in certain areas of Tinsukia, Biswanath and Sonitpur districts of Assam were found to have microfilaria and some filariasis patients were identified.He added that a second phase of the MDA program would be conducted in these districts from Monday until Feb 19. Singhal officially launched the public drug administration campaign for the elimination of filariasis and the state-level program for National Deworming Day 2025 at an event in Dhekiajuli in Sonitpur district. Prior to this, Nadda virtually inaugurated the public drug administration campaign through a video conference with health ministers from 13 states. As part of this program, ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers and health workers will visit homes to administer Diethylcarbamazine and Albendazole tablets. He called on residents of the affected areas to participate in this mass drug administration program and join the fight against filariasis. In the meeting with Nadda, the participants were provided an overview of the campaign, its objectives, the key strategic activities being undertaken and the role of participating states in ensuring high coverage and compliance with the MDA program. The campaign covers 111 endemic districts across 13 states with door-to-door administration of filaria prevention medications. "From Feb 10 onward, these medicines will be made available free of cost to a population of over 17.5 crore across endemic districts. It is imperative that residents in these areas consume the medicines, protecting themselves and their families from this debilitating disease," Nadda said. Highlighting the importance of achieving high coverage, he underlined, "the endemic districts must ensure that over 90% of the eligible population consume anti-filaria medicines. Our collective commitment and determination will help transform lives and ensure a future free from Lymphatic Filariasis." Singhal said under this campaign, every student aged 1 to 19 years in both govt and private schools, as well as Anganwadi centres across the state, will receive free deworming tablets. He also mentioned that children who do not attend school or have dropped out will also be included in the deworming program. He explained that people typically get infected with worms through contact with contaminated soil. Therefore, he urged everyone to abandon open defecation, wash hands thoroughly with soap before eating and after using the toilet, drink clean water, cover food items, and keep the surroundings clean to protect children from worm infections. He emphasised that worm infections can significantly harm a child's health, nutrition, and development, leading to anaemia, malnutrition, and hindrances in mental and physical growth. Regarding filariasis, he mentioned that this disease remains a significant public health challenge in our state, causing physical suffering, social stigma, and economic hardship. Guwahati: Lymphatic filariasis (LF), commonly known as elephantiasis, is a challenge in Assam, said state health minister Ashok Singhal. Health department has set a goal to achieve over 90% drug compliance of the eligible population consuming anti-filaria medicines in the endemic districts. Union minister for health and family welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda, on Monday launched the Annual Nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) Campaign for LF elimination through a video conference with health ministers and senior officers of 13 identified LF endemic states, including Assam. Singhal also participated in the meeting through video conferencing from Sonitpur, one of the affected districts. Singhal said at present, some individuals in certain areas of Tinsukia, Biswanath and Sonitpur districts of Assam were found to have microfilaria and some filariasis patients were identified.He added that a second phase of the MDA program would be conducted in these districts from Monday until Feb 19. Singhal officially launched the public drug administration campaign for the elimination of filariasis and the state-level program for National Deworming Day 2025 at an event in Dhekiajuli in Sonitpur district. Prior to this, Nadda virtually inaugurated the public drug administration campaign through a video conference with health ministers from 13 states. As part of this program, ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers and health workers will visit homes to administer Diethylcarbamazine and Albendazole tablets. He called on residents of the affected areas to participate in this mass drug administration program and join the fight against filariasis. In the meeting with Nadda, the participants were provided an overview of the campaign, its objectives, the key strategic activities being undertaken and the role of participating states in ensuring high coverage and compliance with the MDA program. The campaign covers 111 endemic districts across 13 states with door-to-door administration of filaria prevention medications. "From Feb 10 onward, these medicines will be made available free of cost to a population of over 17.5 crore across endemic districts. It is imperative that residents in these areas consume the medicines, protecting themselves and their families from this debilitating disease," Nadda said. Highlighting the importance of achieving high coverage, he underlined, "the endemic districts must ensure that over 90% of the eligible population consume anti-filaria medicines. Our collective commitment and determination will help transform lives and ensure a future free from Lymphatic Filariasis." Singhal said under this campaign, every student aged 1 to 19 years in both govt and private schools, as well as Anganwadi centres across the state, will receive free deworming tablets. He also mentioned that children who do not attend school or have dropped out will also be included in the deworming program.
Sribhumi (Assam) [India], June 26 (ANI): Continuing her whirlwind tour of the Northeast, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse arrived in Sribhumi on Thursday under the Centre's Poorvottar Sampark Setu outreach initiative--an ambitious programme launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deepen administrative ties and accelerate development across the region. During a robust one-day engagement in Sribhumi, Khadse chaired a review meeting with officials from 26 departments. She underlined youth and sports as key drivers of social upliftment and assured enh ...Read More >
NewsVoir Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) [India], July 9: On the occasion of IVF Day 2025, healthcare professionals and fertility experts at Sri Ramakrishna Hospital have come together to mark a pivotal moment in medical history. More than four decades later, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) has become a life-changing option for millions of couples worldwide who struggle with infertility. This day is not only a tribute to the advancements in reproductive medicine but also a call to action - to raise awareness, eliminate stigma, and ensure that fertility care is accessible, affordable, and compassionate. ...Read More >
New Delhi, Aug 14 (SocialNews.XYZ) Easing inflation and favourable monsoon boosted rural demand in India in the April-June period this year, outpacing urban consumption once again, according to a new report. According to the report by global research firm NielsenIQ, rural markets and small manufacturers propelled the packaged consumer goods sector in Q2 2025. Rural markets grew twice as fast as cities, as urban areas showed signs of recovery, particularly in smaller towns. According to the report, e-commerce also rose significantly, led by increased shopper penetration and spending, especia ...Read More >
Kolkata: A BJP fact-finding team arrived in Kolkata on Monday and visited the law college where a first-year student was allegedly gang-raped last week. However, they ran into a volley of questions from Trinamool over BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya's comments on the allegations against Kartik Maharaj.On Monday, Malviya hailed Kartik Maharaj as a "revered saint" and claimed the woman who had accused him of rape acted "entirely as instructed by 'Didi's' people, right from the top". "This wasn't about justice. It was a scripted political hit-job -- a disgraceful attack on a Hindu saint and an ins ...Read More >
Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh govt is going to move a motion during the upcoming monsoon session of the legislative assembly to introduce a law prohibiting constructions near rivers and torrential streams -- a move that stems from the Rs 750-crore loss the state has suffered due to damage to houses constructed in such locations this monsoon.With the move, the state govt hopes to reduce losses caused by damage to buildings constructed near rivers and torrential streams every monsoon. "There is a need to come up with a law and to also get it implemented strictly," said revenue, horticulture and t ...Read More >
New Delhi: The Union Health Ministry in collaboration with key stakeholders is all set to launch a 100-day TB elimination campaign focussing on enhancing detection, reducing diagnostic delays and improving treatment outcomes. The initiative, set to be implemented across 347 districts in 33 states and Union Territories, aims to strengthen programmatic activities and reduce disparities in TB outcomes across diverse regions of the country to achieve the aim of TB elimination, a health ministry statement said. The campaign envisages improving programme performance on key output indicators like T ...Read More >
Guwahati (Assam) [India] June 6 (ANI): The flood situation in Morigaon district of Assam has shown a slight improvement, but the district is still struggling, with 117 villages remaining submerged on Friday. According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), the floodwaters have affected over 5.60 lakh people across 19 districts in the state. Also Read | Ahmedabad Horror: Woman Alleges Dowry Harassment by In-Laws, Accuses Husband of Forcing Her To Watch Porn and Engage in Unnatural Sex; FIR Registered. Earlier, it was reported that the flood situation in Assam has reached a ...Read More >
New Delhi, June 29 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi today highlighted a series of public health achievements, with a special emphasis on the eradication of eye disease trachoma, promotion of traditional wellness practices such as yoga, and women-led health initiatives at the grassroot levels. Addressing the nation in the 123rd edition of his radio talk show Mann Ki Baat, the PM lauded India's successful elimination of Trachoma, a bacterial eye infection, which has now been declared eradicated by the World Health Organisation (WHO). "I am very happy to share with you that WHO has declared I ...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 [India], July 6 (ANI): As Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta distributed appointment letters to 1400 nurses on Sunday, CM Gupta said that the government is making efforts to tackle the shortage of medical staff and medicines. Rekha Gupta told the reporters, 'It is a matter of great joy that, after many years in the history of the Delhi government, appointment letters for permanent nursing staff have been distributed by the government. For years, due to a shortage of staff, Delhi's hospitals have been running in a disorganised manner. The government h ...Read More >
SRINAGAR, July 8: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today chaired a high-level meeting to review the implementation and progress of Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan in the UT of Jammu Kashmir. The meeting was attended by Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor; Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, Secretary, Health and Medical Education; Baseer UI Haq Chaudhary, Mission Director, NHM J&K; Deputy Commissioners; Heads of Medical & Health institutions and senior officials. The Lieutenant Governor reviewed the strategies and actionable plans aim ...Read More >
SRINAGAR: A defiant Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday scaled the gates of the Naqshband Sahib graveyard to pay tributes to the 22 people killed by the Dogra army on July 13, 1931. The dramatic scene unfolded a day after Abdullah and several leaders of the National Conference and opposition parties were put under house arrest to prevent them from going to the graveyard to mark Martyrs' Day. National Conference president Farooq Abdullah took an autorickshaw from the Khanyar crossing to the martyrs memorial while Minister for Education Sakina Ittoo surprised everyone by r ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar: Odisha govt on Monday launched the Subhadra Grievance Redressal Module to further strengthen and streamline the grievance redressal process under Subhadra scheme in the state.This grievance redressal module will ensure transparency, accountability, and timely decision-making. "The main aim of the module is to ensure that no eligible beneficiary will be deprived of the benefits under the Subhadra scheme," said deputy chief minister Pravati Parida.Through this module, grievances of Subhadra applicants, such as rejection of applications or non-receipt of benefits, will be promptly in ...Read More >
Mumbai: The number of severely malnourished (SAM) children in Maharashtra has significantly declined over the last two years from 80,248 in 2023 to 29,107 in 2025.Similarly, the number of moderately malnourished (MAM) children declined from 2.12 lakh or 5.09% to 1.49 lakh or 3.11% over the same period.Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis attributed the achievement to coordinated efforts by various state departments and welfare agencies.According to official data, the percentage of severely malnourished (SAM) children in the state has fallen from 1.93% to 0.61% in the last two years.A total of over ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], July 6 (ANI): Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta flagged off Ayushman Bharat registration vans in Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi on Sunday. Addressing the event, the BJP chief slammed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for not using Rs 1700 crore under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme for public welfare. Also Read | DA Hike July 2025: Central Govt Employees Likely To Get 4% Increase; 8th Pay Commission Implementation May Be Delayed Until 2027. He said, "Under PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission, we had given Rs 1700 crore t ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jul 8 (PTI) Apex drug regulatory body CDSCO has listed 17 drugs which should be flushed down the toilet rather than being thrown in dustbins if they have expired or are unused to help prevent harm to people and pets at home. These include tramadol, tapentadol, diazepam, oxycodone and fentanyl which may be especially harmful and in some cases fatal with just one dose if they are used by someone other than the person for whom the medicine was prescribed, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) said. Most of these medicines are used to control pain, anxiety and other ...Read More >
CHANDIGARH: Amid torrential rains during the ongoing monsoon season in Himachal Pradesh, the state has witnessed large-scale devastation with 32 flash floods, 22 cloudbursts, and 18 landslides reported so far. The total loss has touched Rs 883.15 crore, and the death toll stands at 109. In response, the state government has sought a special relief package from the Union Government to support the rehabilitation of families who have lost their homes, agricultural land, and livelihoods. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, while speaking to the media, said that the state government would soon ...Read More >
Lucknow, Sep 15 (PTI) The Uttar Pradesh government has launched a new initiative to strengthen women's health and improve wellbeing of families, an official statement issued here on Monday stated. Under the directions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the "Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar" campaign will be conducted statewide from September 17 to October 2, it said. As part of the campaign, health camps, nutrition awareness drives, and distribution of maternity benefits will be organised across Uttar Pradesh. The initiative aims to promote women's health, improve family well-being, and contrib ...Read More >
Mumbai: The number of severely malnourished (SAM) children in Maharashtra has significantly declined over the last two years from 80,248 in 2023 to 29,107 in 2025.Similarly, the number of moderately malnourished (MAM) children declined from 2.12 lakh or 5.09% to 1.49 lakh or 3.11% over the same period.Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis attributed the achievement to coordinated efforts by various state departments and welfare agencies. According to official data, the percentage of severely malnourished (SAM) children in the state has fallen from 1.93% to 0.61% in the last two years.A total of ove ...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 >
Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], July 9 (ANI): Following the violent protest at Kerala University, a case has been registered against 27 activists of the ruling CPM's Students Federation of India (SFI), including its state secretary P S Sanjeev, who has been named the prime accused, police said. The case also names 1,000 identifiable protesters who have been accused of damaging public property, forcibly entering the university campus, and assaulting police and university staff, police said on Tuesday. Also Read | Nobel Peace Prize 2025: From Mahatma Gandhi to Jawaharlal Nehru, Check Full ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], July 19 (ANI): The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Saturday. The Prime Minister Office (PMO) handle posted on X, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri @myogiadityanath, met Prime Minister @narendramodi. Sharing an X post about the meeting, CM Yogi wrote, I had the honour of meeting the world most popular leader, the respected Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, in New Delhi today and received his warm guidance. Heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister ji for granting me his ...Read More >
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government on Thursday took strong action against the police officers allegedly responsible for the Bengaluru stampede, suspending several high-ranking officials, including the city's police commissioner. Addressing a press conference, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also announced a one-man commission to probe the lapses that triggered the deadly stampede. "Cubbon Park Police Station police inspector, station house master, station house officer, ACP, Central Division DCP, cricket stadium in-charge, additional commissioner of police, commissioner of police have been susp ...Read More >
MUMBAI: Corporate India showed signs of renewed vigour in 2024-25, with listed private non-financial companies reporting a sales growth of 7.2%, an improvement from the anaemic 4.7% recorded the previous year. Data from Reserve Bank of India, based on financial statements of 3,902 listed non-government non-financial firms, point to a broad-based if uneven recovery-tempered by rising input costs and tightening margins.Manufacturing companies saw sales climb by 6.0%, up from 3.5% the year before. The uptick owed much to strong performances in automobiles, electrical machinery, food and beverages ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 14: Medulla Communications Pvt. Ltd., one of the world's most awarded healthcare-specialist advertising agencies, has announced the launch of its new hub in Singapore. With over 15 years of experience in solving complex healthcare challenges, Medulla is now looking to create a super-specialist category as the first digital healthcare advertising agency in Asia. New Hub to Deliver Scalable, Specialist Healthcare Marketing Solutions Across APAC. Also Read | New Cheque Clearing System: Banks To Clear Cheques Within Few Hours Starting October 4, Announces RBI. ...Read More >
Shillong, Sep 12 (PTI) Meghalaya CM Conrad K Sangma on Friday held a review meeting with health department officials to discuss the feasibility of upgrading existing primary health centres (PHCs) and establishing aspirational Neonatal Intensive Care Units and Special Newborn Care Units across government health facilities in the state. "These initiatives aim to enhance access to quality maternal, child, and overall public healthcare services," Sangma said, adding that the review was part of the government's effort to further improve health services, particularly in far-flung rural areas of the ...Read More >
Bilaspur (Himachal Pradesh) [India], July 5 (ANI): Union Minister of Health and Family welfare, and Bharatiya Janata Party president Jagat Prakash Nadda chaired a high level meeting here today to review the status and progress of Government of India's initiatives to transform road connectivity in Himachal Pradesh through accelerated development of National Highways and tunnel infrastructure. Sources said that Union Minister Nadda presided over a detailed presentation by senior officials of MoRTH, during which the status, challenges, and future plans for the development of road infrastructure ...Read More >
Shimla, Jul 17 (PTI) Himachal Pradesh High Court has directed the state government to remove encroachments on forest lands, including the fruit-bearing trees, all across the state and not limit it to some areas. The order was passed by a division bench consisting of Justices Vivek Thakur and Bipin C Negi on Wednesday after the Advocate General placed on record fresh instructions issued by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, informing that 2,456 apple and other fruit trees have been felled from forest lands in Chaithla village, and 713 and 490 trees in Rohru and Kotgarh forest divisions, r ...Read More >
Shillong, Jul 19 (PTI) Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong has said the state government will press for the retransfer of block I and II from Assam's Karbi Anglong district, asserting that the long-pending boundary issue remains a top priority. Tynsong, who also chairs the regional committee on the matter, said the government is awaiting a response from his Assam counterpart to schedule a joint inspection of the disputed areas. Also Read | Prayagraj Road Accident: Speeding Car Runs Over Women Sleeping Under Flyover in Uttar Pradesh, 1 Dead, 2 Injured. Before the creation of Meg ...Read More >
Dibrugarh: In one of the largest anti-encroachment drives in recent years, the Lakhimpur district administration on Thursday demolished 218 illegal homes and cleared 288 bighas of encroached land across three Village Grazing Reserves (VGRs).The eviction drive, which was conducted under the supervision of district commissioner (DC) Pronab Jit Kakoty and senior superintendent of police (SSP) Gunendra Deka, saw a massive deployment of police and paramilitary forces, along with 12 excavators, at Phukanarhat, Debera Doloni and Christian VGR areas."The drive was conducted peacefully and no untoward ...Read More >