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.
HYDERABAD, India, April 3 (Reuters) - Soon-to-be brides and grooms seeking shortcuts to shed pounds before the big day have become the latest consumer target for weight-loss drugs in India. New Delhi wellness clinic Klarity Skin Clinic touts a "Mounjaro bride" package, while other clinics have woven weight-loss injections into "pre-wedding" transformation packages typically focused on skin treatments and hairstyle makeovers. In a social media video, Klarity offers "guided nutrition, Mounjaro and smart workouts" to prepare brides to walk down the aisle. The clinic did not respond to a request for comment. Eight doctors interviewed by Reuters said they have been fielding inquiries from brides, and some grooms, about taking weight-loss drugs before taking their vows. Many asked for Eli Lilly's Mounjaro, the first GLP-1 medication to enter India's market for both diabetes and weight loss. It has become more sought after than Novo Nordisk's rival Wegovy, the doctors said. "Over the last few months, over 20% of the queries we've received for obesity injections are from to-be brides, who also openly give us a timeline on how soon they are getting married," said Rajat Goel, a bariatric surgeon at Hindivine Healthcare in New Delhi. He said he prescribed the drugs only if patients were medically eligible, not for cosmetic use. TRADITION AND SOCIETAL PRESSURE Weddings in India are grand affairs for families that can afford them, with culture and tradition exerting a strong influence. Many marriages continue to be arranged by families, often bringing expectations around physical appearance and financial status. Aditi, a 26-year-old finance worker from Mumbai, consulted a doctor in November for a weight-loss prescription after exercise and diet failed to get the desired results. "When I see the result, I feel happy," Aditi said about losing 10 kilograms (22 pounds) on Mounjaro before her February wedding. "If I am not happy, I don't feel confident. I did not want to feel that way at the time of the wedding." She is one of the half a dozen brides, and one groom, who spoke to Reuters about pre-wedding use of weight-loss drugs, but asked not to use their family names due to social stigmas. They cited societal pressure to look a "certain way" at their wedding and most had discontinued the injections soon after. Novo and Lilly launched their obesity drugs in India last year. The market is forecast to reach 80 billion rupees ($851.79 million) by 2030. Mounjaro sales doubled in the months after launch, making it the highest-selling drug in the world's most populous nation. Indian drugmakers began selling cheaper versions of Novo's medicine last month after the patent on semaglutide, its active ingredient, expired, widening access. The drugs are intended for adults classified as obese, or for those considered overweight with a weight-related medical condition such as diabetes, hypertension or sleep apnea. "Mounjaro has been approved by regulators for specific medical indications and is intended to be used only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional," Lilly said in a statement. The lowest Mounjaro injection pen dose sells for 13,125 rupees ($139.50) per month in India, while the highest dose costs 25,781 rupees. Novo, which this week cut prices of Ozempic and Wegovy for the second time, is selling the lowest Wegovy dose for 5,660 rupees ($60.90) and the highest for 16,400 rupees a month. Novo said it discourages any form of self-medication of semaglutide or deviation from the indicated use on label. CHEAPER DRUGS, MISUSE CONCERNS India could have more than 440 million overweight or obese people by 2050, one of the world's highest totals, according to The Lancet. Akshitha, who got married in Hyderabad last year, said the drugs helped her shed 15 kg (33 pounds), taking her weight to 76 kg before the wedding. A family doctor had suggested she try the injections when she worried about her weight, she said. "There's so much chaos before the wedding, with all the planning and preparation. I knew I would not get time to go to the gym and be on a diet. That's when these drugs looked like a better option," she said, adding she might consider using them again after a future pregnancy. With local drugmakers flooding the market with cheaper weight-loss medicines, India's drugs regulator has raised concerns about misuse and intensified scrutiny of unauthorized sales and promotion. "We understand the curiosity, but this cannot be a quick fix," said Dr. Swati Pradhan, founder of obesity and metabolic wellness clinic Live Light. Pradhan said she prescribed the injections to only a few soon-to-be brides if they were medically eligible and showed signs of other medical issues, while insisting on lifestyle changes for sustainable results. For 27-year-old Priya, a tech worker from Bengaluru, weight-loss drugs became a way to counter body-shaming from prospective grooms' families. "I've had men and their families reject my proposal because of my weight. I was told I was fat," Priya told Reuters. She initially used Novo's oral semaglutide, approved in India for diabetes, as an off-label treatment and lost more than 12 kg before switching to injectable Mounjaro. Her search for a groom continues. ($1 = 94.0850 Indian rupees) (Reporting by Rishika Sadam in Hyderabad; Editing by Bill Berkrot)
India's pharmaceutical industry, valued at $50 billion, is booming as a global leader in generic drugs. With significant exports to 200+ countries, India meets a substantial portion of global demand for affordable medicine. Challenges include regulatory hurdles and quality assurance, as the nation aims to expand its generic drug market. The Indian pharmaceutical industry, currently valued at $50 billion, is playing an increasingly crucial role on the global stage. Renowned as the 'pharmacy of the world,' India's pharma sector is a major exporter, supplying essential generic drugs to over 200 ...Read More >
Kareena Kapoor Khan brought a deeply personal and touching element to her meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi by requesting him to write a heartfelt message for her two sons, Taimur Ali Khan and Jeh Ali Khan, who were unable to attend the event. A memorable highlight from the gathering showcased Kareena watching intently, her expression radiating pride and warmth, as the Prime Minister inscribed a note dedicated to her children, affectionately called "Tim and Jeh."Kareena Kapoor Khan added ...Read More >
Patna: Nephrologist Dr Hemant Kumar, who served in the field of health, was nominated for the Padma Shri on the eve of Republic Day. In an interview with TOI's Sheezan Nezami, Dr Kumar talks about his journey, inspiration and his future plans. Excerpts: Congratulations on making it to the list of Padma Shri. How are you feeling and what about the celebration? My family, everyone associated with me, and I are very happy. I was awarded for my social work and my model of working, which focused on kidney diseases and primarily on its prevention. Can you share your journey in brief? What inspire ...Read More >
New Delhi: Shahid Kapoor and Pooja Hegde's Deva has made a remarkable start at the box office, raking in ₹6.82 crore in India on its opening day. With strong audience anticipation, glowing reviews, and positive word-of-mouth, the film has secured the second-highest opening of 2025 so far. The momentum continued on Sunday, as Deva saw a massive surge in collections, grossing ₹11.75 crore worldwide. In its first three days, the film has earned a total of ₹34.01 crore globally. This includes ₹8.30 crore from India and ₹3.45 crore from international markets. The film's total earnings now stand at ...Read More >
Mumbai: A resident of Amboli, Andheri, was duped of Rs 1.59 crore on the pretext of "lapsing HDFC policy" by a person posing as an official of the finance department (Integrated Grievance Management System). About The Case The complainant, Sudip Kumar Ghosh, 57, received a message on WhatsApp from someone named Rajiv Sharma, the purported finance department official, who said that the former's policy was lapsing soon. Sharma claimed that if the premium and penalty were not paid, Ghosh would lose Rs 3 crore in policy benefits. Acting on his instructions, Ghosh transferred Rs 1.59 crore under ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Lieutenant governor VK Saxena has given his approval to the reconstitution of Delhi Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, paving the way for govt to prepare a scheme to provide compensation to the construction workers who lost work due to the implementation of GRAP IV provisions. The board was not in place for the last couple of years. While giving his nod to its reconstitution, LG directed that immediate steps should be taken to implement Supreme Court directions to provide subsistence allowance to workers affected due to restrictions on construction activities be ...Read More >
Bitcoin World - Let me start by saying that I made over $30,000 in passive income last month. I know, that sounds crazy, right? But I promise you it is 100% real. I used to think that making money while you sleep was something only the super wealthy or tech savvy could do. But it turns out it is totally possible, and I'm here to tell you how I did it," said Dennis. Dennis has been installing photovoltaic panels for three years, and five years ago he asked his wife a question: "Do we really have to work ourselves to death?" She simply responded: "That's life." "To be honest, it was frustratin ...Read More >
Hyderabad, Dec 3 (Maxim News): The inspecting teams of Drugs Control Administration (DCA), Telangana State raided a healthcare facility operated by a quack Banothu Srinu and seized illegally stocked drugs meant for sale at Beerappagadda, Uppal Khalsa village, medical-Malkajgiri district. Click Here To Join Us On WhatsApp Banothu Srinu was practicing medicine without proper MBBS qualification at his healthcare facility named Anjali Clinic. During the course of the raid, the DCA teams seized 17 varieties of medicines worth Rs. 20,500 including antibiotics, steroids, antifungal drugs, analgesic ...Read More >
Muzaffarnagar (UP), Dec 6 (PTI) A teacher who asked other students to slap a Muslim boy in a school here surrendered at a POCSO court and was released on bail, an official said on Friday. Tripta Tyagi was caught last year in a video asking children to slap a boy in a school where she taught. Additional District Judge (POCSO) Alka Bharti on Thursday granted her bail and ordered her to furnish two sureties of Rs 25,000 each. She posted the matter for further hearing on Friday. Kapil Ahlawat, Tyagi's lawyer, told PTI that Tyagi had surrendered in the Special POCSO court on Thursday and sought ...Read More >
Allu Arjun is one of the biggest names in the Telugu film industry. The mass hero enjoys a massive fan following because of his charismatic screen presence and engaging performances. He is currently in the limelight because of Pushpa 2, which hit the screens on December 5 and opened to an earth-shattering response at the box office. Amid this, a photo of Bunny from a wedding has become the talk of the town. Allu Arjun, the star of films such as DJ and Pushpa, recently attended a wedding in Hyder ...Read More >
Chennai, Dec 10 (PTI) Standalone health insurance company Star Health Insurance has targeted doubling its business in Tamil Nadu over the next four years, a top official said. As part of its growth strategy, the company plans to add 12,000 new agents across Tamil Nadu and expand its footprint with 25 new offices in both rural and urban areas in FY2025. Also Read | 7th Pay Commission Latest News: Narendra Modi Government Likely To Hike DA for Employees by 3% in January 2025, Check Details. Star ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jan 17 (PTI) Veteran journalist and writer Humra Quraishi, who died due to heart failure and diabetic complications, was known as an advocate for truth, justice and as a champion for the marginalised. Quraishi breathed her last at a hospital in Gurugram on Thursday, her daughter Sarah Quraishi told PTI. She was 70. Also Read | Indian Army's 'Sambhav' Smart Phone Used During China Border Talks for Secure Communication. Born in Shahjahanpur in Uttar Pradesh on April 25, 1956, Quraishi worked as a Delhi-based writer and columnist. Also Read | Saif Ali Khan Stabbing Case: 'Bring a S ...Read More >
Severe air pollution in northern India has led to a surge in demand for respiratory medications, with Foracort becoming India’s top-selling drug in October. The inhaler, used to treat asthma and COPD, recorded Rs 75 crore in sales, surpassing popular medicines like Augmentin and Glycomet-GP. Manufactured by Cipla, Foracort combines budesonide and formoterol for effective dual-action therapy. Other respiratory drugs, Duolin and Budecort, also saw increased sales. With Delhi’s Air Quality Index reaching hazardous levels, the rise in respiratory issues underscores the urgent need for better healt ...Read More >
Deconstruct, a skincare and haircare brand, has launched an innovative "Skincare Internship," offering participants the chance to enhance their skincare knowledge while earning Rs 1 lakh. Open to everyone over 18, the program aims to normalize skincare as a daily habit and challenge stereotypes by reserving 50% of spots for male participants. Interns will receive personalized skincare routines, expert guidance from dermatologists, and hands-on experience. The remote internship spans 30-60 days, culminating in rewards like product hampers, social media features, and career opportunities. Founde ...Read More >
In the financial sector, the rise of generalist lenders is gaining traction as market dynamics shift. Once overlooked, lenders offering a broad spectrum of services are now favored over specialists like microfinance or affordable housing lenders. Post-COVID, regulatory pressures and emerging risks in niche sectors have driven many lenders to diversify their portfolios, appealing to investors seeking stability. From gold loans to SME lending, diversification mitigates risk and strengthens customer relationships. As the financial landscape evolves, the demand for generalist lenders is expected t ...Read More >
The Delhi BJP also shared a rap song "Delhi ka millionaire" alleging corruption against the party's top leadership. In a recently-released video, the Delhi BJP has given a tour of the luxurious bungalow of AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, where he lived while serving as the Chief Minister of the state. The party also shared a rap song "Delhi ka millionaire" alleging corruption against the party's top leadership. Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva, who shared the video on X, called the Civil Lines bu ...Read More >
Hours after Atul Subash's wife Nikita Singhania, her mother Nisha and brother Anurag were arrested for allegedly abetting the suicide, the Bengaluru techie's father, Pawan Kumar Modi has questioned where Atul's four-year-old son is and said the family was worried about him. Modi thanked the police for arresting the woman and her family members. However, he said, "We don't know where she has kept our grandson. Has he been killed or is he alive? We don't know anything about him. I want my grandson ...Read More >
Thane: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP-SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad said the govt should request all laadki bahin beneficiaries to contribute Rs 50 to the state if it is unable to provide eggs to over 24 lakh govt and aided school students through their midday meal schemes due to financial constraints. Awhad made this scathing remark at the state on Friday after staging a peaceful protest at the Thane collector office, where he presented a set of sugar and eggs to the administration as a symbolic protest against the govt plan. "Govt data shows the annual cost of providing eggs to students is just ...Read More >
Mumbai, February 7: Jeet Adani, the younger son of industrial magnate Gautam Adani, is marrying Diva Shah today, February 7, in a private and traditional ceremony. The couple, who has been engaged for a while, drew attention to their wedding when Gautam Adani confirmed the Jeet Adani-Diva Shah wedding date during his visit to Maha Kumbh 2025. Though rumours circulated about a performance by global music star Taylor Swift at Jeet Adani-Diva Shah wedding, Gautam Adani dismissed the speculation, emphasising that the wedding would be modest and traditional. "We live like ordinary people, and the ...Read More >
Bengaluru, Dec 14 (UNI) The tragic suicide of 34-year-old tech professional Atul Subhash has led to the arrest of his estranged wife and her family members in connection with allegations of harassment, extortion, and financial abuse. Subhash, a resident of Manjunath Layout in Bengaluru, was found dead in his apartment on December 9, leaving behind a 25-page suicide note. In the note, he accused his wife, Nikita Singhania, and her family of subjecting him to relentless emotional and financial distress during their ongoing divorce proceedings. Following a complaint filed by Atul's brother, Bik ...Read More >
Srinagar, Jan 31: Online gambling has become a growing menace in Kashmir, driving several families into severe financial distress and emotional turmoil. The easy accessibility of online betting platforms has lured many, particularly youth, with the illusion of quick financial gains. However, this often results in heavy monetary losses, debt and psychological suffering. According to details obtained by the news agency -- Kashmir News Observer (KNO), a youth from south Kashmir initially won Rs 10,000 in online betting within a few days. Encouraged by this, he borrowed lakhs of rupees from neigh ...Read More >
Trump's pressure on countries to remain tied to a US-dollar-based financial system could backfire, with potential increased motivation for BRICS to create alternatives. While the dollar's dominance persists due to existing economic strengths, recent global currency agreements indicate a cautious shift away from reliance on the greenback.Donald Trump's pressure on countries around the world to stay anchored to a US-dollar-based financial system is a tactic that risks backfiring, market watchers say. Dollar dominance looks set to continue for the foreseeable future and emerging nations' idea of ...Read More >
CHENNAI: Singles, Doubles, and the Team Championship - the 18-year-old Chennai girl, the daughter of an auto driver from Kasimedu, left nothing for competitors from around the world at the sixth edition of the Carrom World Cup held in the US which Team India swept. The Women's Singles final was a hard-fought contest, where the 18-year-old M Khazima kept her nerves to defeat 12-time national and multiple World Cup winner Rashmi Kumari from Bihar. With this victory, Khazima became the youngest Carrom World Champion. Khazima, whose father Mehaboob Basha is an auto driver from Kasimedu, had been ...Read More >
HYDERABAD, India, Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- IBSAT 2024, the proctored online aptitude test conducted by The ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education, is MBA aspirants' gateway to premier MBA, PGPM offered at nine ICFAI Business School (IBS) campuses. With applications closing in the third week of December, this is the perfect time for the candidates to secure their future with IBS and explore its Rs. 10 crore scholarship program. IBSAT is designed to reduce the stress on aspirants unlike CAT, XAT as the test does not have negative markings or sectional time limits, allowing candidates to foc ...Read More >
Mumbai, Dec 6 (VOICE) The RBI on Friday increased the interest rate ceilings on Foreign Currency Non-Resident Bank deposits or FCNR (B) deposits which will enable NRIs to earn more on their savings.The move is aimed at attracting more foreign capital at a time when the Indian rupee has come under pressure as foreign investors have been pulling money out of the Indian stock markets resulting in hot money outflows. FCNR(B) deposits are accounts where Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) can hold their earnings in foreign currencies like USD or GBP, protecting them from exchange rate fluctuations. "In o ...Read More >
In a viral video, AP Dhillon performs for Malaika Arora, who looks stunning in a brown dress as fans sing along with them. Global Punjabi music sensation AP Dhillon, who recently performed in Mumbai, was seen dedicating a song to Bollywood actress Malaika Arora during his live concert. A video capturing the moment has taken social media by storm, sparking a wave of fan reactions. In a video shared by Filmygyan, AP Dhillon is seen holding a guitar while being joined on stage by Malaika Arora, wh ...Read More >
NEW DELHI, Dec 13 (Reuters) - India should do more to tax its super-rich given its high levels of inequality, French economist and author Thomas Piketty said on Friday. The writer of the best-selling book "Capital in the 21st Century" called on India to follow through on a July pledge by finance ministers from the Group of 20 major economies to cooperate on effectively taxing the world's largest fortunes. "India should be active in taxing the rich," Piketty said at an event organised by Delhi-b ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 17 (PTI) Drug firm Granules India on Tuesday said its subsidiary has received approval from the US health regulator for a generic medication used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Granules Pharmaceuticals, Inc (GPI) has received approval from the US Food & Drug Administration (USFDA) for its abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) for Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate chewable tablets, the drug firm said in a statement. The approved drug is available in multiple strengths; 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, and 60 mg, it added. The company's product is the generic ...Read More >
VARANASI: A team of IIT (BHU) scientists, led by Project Investigator and Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sudip Mukherjee, is spearheading a ground-breaking initiative to develop a cell-based therapeutic platform aimed at the long-term cure of ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), a fatal and debilitating neurological disorder. ALS has long posed a significant challenge to medical science. The disease, primarily of genetic origin, impacts movement, cognition, behaviour, and the overall health of individuals. In severe cases, ALS leads to respiratory failure and ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday suggested that Congress MP Shashi Tharoor should consider sitting on a dharna to push for land acquisition for the Nemom railway terminal project in Thiruvananthapuram. Vaishnaw's comment came in response to Tharoor's concerns about delays and inadequate funding for the project, which aims to ease congestion on the railway line leading to Thiruvananthapuram Central. During the Question Hour, Tharoor, who represents Thiruvananthapuram, expressed frustration over the stalled project, highlighting that only Rs 7 crore had been released o ...Read More >