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.
Bhubaneswar: As Odisha joins the rest of the world in observing World Health Day (Tuesday), the occasion serves as a timely reminder that health is far more than the absence of disease -- it encompasses complete physical, mental and social well-being. This year's theme by the World Health Organization, "Together for Health, Stand with Science," holds particular relevance amid rising health and mental health challenges in the state as well as across India. A specialist in urology and kidney transplant Manas Ranjan Pradhan said modern lifestyles and unhealthy habits are driving the rise in lifestyle-related diseases. "Awareness about health has increased, and more people are coming forward for regular check-ups. Early detection through these screenings is crucial for effective treatment," he said. He added that kidney-related problems in Odisha are rising rapidly, particularly in districts such as Dhenkanal. Cardiologist Dibyaranjan Behera warned of a rising trend of early heart problems. "Many young patients, even those aged 25-35, are experiencing heart attacks. Factors such as smoking, stress, sleep deprivation, sedentary lifestyles, lack of outdoor activity and prolonged work-from-home routines are contributing to this worrying trend," he said. Director of Cardiology at Manipal Hospitals, Bhubaneswar JK Padhi highlighted improvements in healthcare access. "Compared to earlier times, people are now receiving better and more accessible healthcare, thanks to various government schemes and initiatives," he said. Renowned health expert Amrit Pattojoshi emphasised the need for an evidence-based understanding of mental health care. "Standing with science means recognising that conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia and substance abuse are not moral failings or personality flaws, but neurobiological and psychosocial conditions with established treatment pathways," he said. Emphasising the need for a holistic approach, Pattojoshi said, "Care cannot function in isolation. We need integration across primary healthcare, collaboration among psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and policymakers, along with active participation of families and communities. Odisha's health system must shift from hospital-centric models to community outreach, early detection, and preventive strategies." He also warned against misinformation. "Unverified remedies, stigma, and sensationalised portrayals undermine scientific truth. Promoting mental health literacy helps people seek timely help, follow treatment, and reject harmful myths." He noted that mental well-being in Odisha is increasingly affected by academic stress, urban isolation, social media and financial pressures. "Scientific interventions must adapt to these changing factors, combining biological insights with culturally sensitive psychosocial approaches," he added. Associate Professor at SCB Dental College and Hospital Subasish Behera highlighted the global role of science in improving health outcomes. "World Health Day reminds us that science has saved millions through advances in drugs, technology, and medical interventions. It is time for everyone to prioritise health, share evidence-based information, and work with governments, communities, and corporates to build a healthier, greener world," he said. On World Health Day, experts urged normalising mental health conversations, reinforcing evidence-based care, closing treatment gaps, and countering misinformation with scientific accuracy.
The Cure SMA Foundation of India has praised the government’s recent efforts to address rare diseases, including Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), with over Rs 900 crore allocated for treatment procurement. The foundation urges swift action to implement the procurement process within 45 days, following the Delhi High Court’s directive. SMA, a life-threatening genetic disease, has limited treatment access in India. While the drug Risdiplam has brought hope, collaborative efforts are needed to ensure wider availability. Experts stress the importance of a holistic approach to SMA care, citing Kerala ...Read More >
CHITTOOR (Andhra Pradesh): The Apollo University, Apollo Hospitals and University of Leicester, United Kingdom, have partnered to establish the Centre for Digital Health and Precision Medicine (CDHPM) at The Apollo University campus in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh. The advanced research center will bring together the expertise and resources of both institutions to create a global hub for digital health and precision medicine. The CDHPM will be the hub in Chittoor, India. The hub at the University of Leicester will be based at the BHF Cardiovascular Research Centre at Glenfield Hospital, Leicester ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram, Jun 27 (PTI) Zumba dance, a high-energy fitness programme introduced in schools in Kerala by the General Education Department as part of its anti-drug campaign, is facing opposition from certain Muslim groups who argue that it goes against moral values. The programme was introduced in schools following a directive from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who stated that the dance -- which combines dance and aerobic movements performed to lively music -- would help reduce stress among schoolchildren and, in turn, counter the menace of drug abuse among young people. From this ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram, June 28 (SocialNews.XYZ) A day after a section of Muslim clerics raised objections to the Kerala government's decision to introduce Zumba -- a dance-based fitness programme -- in schools, the youth wings of both the CPI(M) and the Congress came out in strong support of the initiative, dismissing the controversy as unwarranted. State Education Minister V. Sivankutty also stood firmly behind the move. The fitness programme was rolled out earlier this month with the start of the new academic year. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, accompanied by family members, attended a la ...Read More >
Firozpur: A friendly cricket match in Punjab's Firozpur turned into a scene of tragedy when a batter collapsed moments after hitting a six. The player, identified as Harjeet Singh, suffered a sudden heart attack and died on the spot, leaving the community in shock. The incident occurred during a local match, where Harjeet had just hit a six. In a video of the match, he can be seen completing his shot and casually walking toward the middle of the pitch. Moments later, he goes down on his knees and suddenly collapses. Fellow players rushed to his aid and attempted CPR, but he remained unrespon ...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 >
Winter pollution is increasingly harmful, posing serious physical and mental health risks. As air quality deteriorates, cities, particularly the capital, face heightened pollution levels, leading to stress and health complications. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is on the rise, especially among the young, while adults are experiencing worsened existing conditions. To combat the effects of pollution, it's essential to adopt mindful practices, stay hydrated, follow a skincare routine, keep indoor plants, and maintain regular exercise. These steps can improve well-being, reduce stress, and enh ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 3 (ANI): On the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the World Health Organisation (WHO) South-East Asia Region has called for amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities to foster an inclusive and sustainable future. WHO's Regional Director, Saima Wazed, stressed that empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring their active participation in all sectors is essential to addressing the barriers they face, particularly in healthcare and during humanitarian crises. Also Read | South Korea Unrest: Martial Law Troops Enter Nat ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 8 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday emphasised that women's empowerment is vital to India's growth, highlighting a shift in societal perspective where women are no longer limited to traditional roles. Instead, they are recognised as key drivers of progress, contributing significantly to the nation's development. The BJP-led NDA government at the centre released a book highlighting its achievements in empowering women over the last 11 years. As the NDA completes its 11 years in government, the book highlights various key schemes, such as Beti Bachao Beti Pa ...Read More >
T'puram/Kozhikode: Education minister V Sivankutty said no one should dictate terms on what should be done in public schools. If anyone has any issues, they should discuss them with the govt. He stated that he would not accept any threat or warning from anyone regarding the Zumba row."There is an elected govt to decide on academic and non-academic matters in govt schools," Sivankutty told reporters in the capital.The govt is ready to have a discussion on the steps taken, but on issues commonly kn ...Read More >
New Delhi: Bollywood actor Aamir Khan, currently riding high on the success of his latest film Sitaare Zameen Par, hosted a special screening of the movie at Rashtrapati Bhavan for President Droupadi Murmu. The event marked a significant moment in the film's journey, highlighting both its critical acclaim and social resonance. In a candid conversation with Filmfare, Khan delved into deeply personal territory, opening up about his family's battle with mental health, particularly his daughter Ira Khan's struggle with depression. "You feel far more for your children than you ever could for your ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 28 (ANI): Filmmaker and president of the Indian Film and Television Directors' Association Ashoke Pandit has expressed his deep sorrow over the sudden demise of actress Shefali Jariwala, who passed away at the age of 42. Known for her role in the iconic music video 'Kaanta Laga' and for her television appearances, Jariwala's death has left the entertainment industry in shock. Speaking to ANI, Pandit shared his grief, saying, 'I'm shocked to hear the tragic demise of one of the finest actresses, Shefali Jariwala, due to cardiac arrest. She was just 42 years ...Read More >
Mumbai: In a heartbreaking moment for TV fans, Shefali Jariwala, famous for the hit song Kaanta Laga and a popular contestant from Bigg Boss 13, passed away on June 27 due to a suspected cardiac arrest. She was only 42 years old. Her sudden death has sparked fresh talk of a so-called "Bigg Boss curse" -- a growing list of young contestants who've died unexpectedly. Here's a list of 8 former contestants who tragically passed away under the age of 45: Died of suspected cardiac arrest in 2025. Known for her performance in Kaanta Laga and appearance in Bigg Boss 13. Bigg Boss 13 winner. Passed ...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 >
India will observe National Doctor's Day on July 1. The day acknowledges doctors' dedication. The 2025 theme is 'Behind the Mask: Who Heals the Healers?'. It highlights the mental health of doctors. The day commemorates Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy. He was a physician and former Chief Minister of West Bengal. Events will include ceremonies and campaigns. India marks National Doctor's Day on July 1 every year to recognise the tireless service, dedication, and compassion of the country's medical profess ...Read More >
Mumbai: Uddhav and Raj Thackeray will hold a joint protest march of their parties in the city on July 5 against what they allege is imposition of Hindi in the state's schools from Class 1 through the new three-language policy. This will be the first time they will come together on a political platform after Raj Thackeray's decision to quit Shiv Sena to form MNS nearly two decades ago.There has been speculation of a reunion of the estranged cousins for the coming civic polls, and the protest march is being seen as the first step in that direction, reports Chaitanya Marpakwar.Uddhav and Raj had ...Read More >
"The data do not support any advantage in creative thinking for lefties," said Daniel Casasanto, associate professor of psychology. "In fact, there is some evidence that righties are more creative in some laboratory tests, and strong evidence that righties are overrepresented in professions that require the greatest creativity." Casasanto is the senior author of "Handedness and Creativity: Facts and Fictions," published in the Psychonomic Bulletin and Review. Casasanto said there are scientific ...Read More >
Mumbai, Dec 18 (PTI) Jobs and talent platform and a Quess company, foundit, on Wednesday announced the appointment of V Suresh as its Chief Executive Officer. With over two decades of experience in the internet domain, digital transformation, and the e-recruitment ecosystem, Suresh brings a wealth of strategic expertise and a forward-looking vision to foundit (formerly Monster APAC and ME), the company said in a statement. "Suresh's deep understanding of the digital talent ecosystem and proven ability to scale businesses will help us strengthen our leadership position in the market. Under hi ...Read More >
Kochi (Kerala) [India], June 26 (ANI): As part of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Commissionerate of Customs (Preventive), Kochi, has conducted an awareness campaign for school children under 'Mission Drug Free India'. Shaikh Khader Rahaman, Chief Commissioner, Central Tax, Central Excise and Customs, Thiruvananthapuram Zone, inaugurated the function, and T Tiju, Commissioner, CCP,Kochi, conducted an Awareness Session for the students at the Govt. Higher Secondary School for Girls, Ernakulam. Also Read | Will You Lose Your EPFO Pension From August If You ...Read More >
Gurgaon: Two days after a law student died and his friend suffered critical injuries when a car knocked them down as they stood near railing on the service lane of Delhi-Jaipur highway in the early hours of Tuesday, a civil engineer was arrested on Thursday.Mohit (31), an employee of a private company in the city, told police that he got drowsy while driving. He is staying at a PG facility in Sector 14.The student who died, Harsh Singhal (25), was a resident of Om Nagar colony. His friend Abhishek Kumar (23), who is from Shanti Nagar in Sector 11, is undergoing treatment at a private hospital ...Read More >
Hyderabad - Synchrony is a leading consumer financial services company providing customers with innovative savings and premium credit solutions. Synchrony has been ranked #2 among India's Best Companies to Work For™ 2025 by Great Place to Work®, the global authority on workplace culture. This prestigious recognition, revealed at the awards ceremony on June 25, 2025, solidifies Synchrony's standing as a top employer of choice in India, underscoring its ongoing commitment to creating a high-trust, high-performance workplace culture that champions innovation, flexibility, and employee well-being. ...Read More >
POONCH, June 29: To strengthen their campaign to aware the common populace about the ill effects of cardiovascular diseases, Head Department of Cardiology GMCH Jammu in collaboration with management of Gurudwara Sant Bhai Bahadur Singh Ji held a day long cardiac awareness cum health checkup camp at Dharamsal Khari Poonch. The camp was inaugurated by SSP Poonch Shafket Hussain, Dr Sushil Sharma along with ADC Tahir Mustafa, Harcharan Singh, Hardev Singh, Sunil Sharma (president Bar Association Poonch ) , Naresh Chander Raj (Ex Councillor MC), Mohinder Singh (Ex Councillor MC) and others promin ...Read More >
Vijayawada: Tripura Governor Nallu Indrasena Reddy stressed the importance of mental health as essential to the nation's progress while inaugurating the M.Phil Clinical Psychology and Professional Diploma in Clinical Psychology (PDCP) courses at Indlas Hospitals here on Monday. Speaking at the event, Indrasena Reddy stated that the vision of a Viksita Bharat (Developed India) is incomplete without ensuring the mental well-being of its citizens. Along with medical and health minister Y Satya Kumar Yadav, he handed over admission letters to students of the newly-launched courses. He also point ...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 >
Have a calm conversation with your parents, expressing your feelings for your boyfriend while being open about the current situation between the two of you. Sometimes, parents worry because they don't know the full picture, says rediffGURU Kanchan Rai. You can post your questions to rediffGURU Kanchan Rai HERE. Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com Are your parents worried about your marriage? What do you do when your parents disapprove of your relationship? Is it normal to have feelings for someone else while you are in a committed relationship? How to handle your emotions when you f ...Read More >
VMPL Bangalore (Karnataka) [India], December 2: HEJJE, India's first luxury transition care centre, opened their doors today, ahead of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities with an aim of revolutionizing recovery and rehabilitation, thereby setting new standards in healthcare. Dr M.R.Seetharam - Vice Chairman of Ramaiah Group of Institutions, ex-Minister and current MLA did the honours of lighting the lamp to inaugurate HEJJE. The Launch of HEJJE saw the much-anticipated panel discussion featuring luminaries such as Dr. Nandini Mundkur, Prof. Shekar Sheshadri, Dr Saraswathy Viswa ...Read More >
Pune: Hospitals in Pune have started reporting an increase in dengue cases among children following recent heavy rainfall and intermittent showers. Conditions are now ripe for mosquito breeding, experts said, as they warned citizens to ensure there's no waterlogging or stagnant pools near homes and offices. "Dengue is typically seen first in children as they often play outside," said Dr Sagar Lad, a senior neonatologist and pediatric intensivist at Jehangir Hospital and Sahyadri Hospital, Shastrinagar. Dr Lad said he's seen at least three children admitted for dengue this week, with all of the ...Read More >
Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed the state government to file separate FIRs for each death, provide ₹10 lakh compensation to each bereaved family, and suspend the licence of Mission Hospital, Damoh, after revelations that an unqualified man posing as a UK-based heart specialist caused multiple patient deaths. In its order dated July 1, the NHRC held the state accountable for gross negligence after it was found that Narendra Vikramaditya Yadav, masquerading as renowned cardiologist Dr. N John Camm, conducted at least 15 cardiac procedures betwee ...Read More >
The total cost of the second phase of the project is estimated at $83.3 million, with the Tanzanian government contributing $8.33 million in counterpart funding. The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a $75 million loan to Tanzania for the second phase of the Centre of Excellence for Skills and Tertiary Education in Biomedical Sciences project, aimed at tackling the growing burden of cardiovascular disease in the country and the broader East African region. The total cost of the second phase of the project is estimated at $83.3 million, with the Tanzanian government contributing $8 ...Read More >
Jamshedpur, June 26: Six Rotary Clubs of Jamshedpur jointly held a press conference on Thursday at a hotel in Bistupur to share details of their ongoing and upcoming projects, marking the beginning of the new Rotary year on July 1. The event was attended by Zone 5 Assistant Governor Kusum Thakur, along with Rotary Club presidents and representatives: Suchismita (Dalma), Animesh Chhapolia (Next Gen), Ashok Jha (West), Ananna Dutta (Green), and Jitesh Chaudhary (Secretary, Steel City). President Animesh Chhapolia of Rotary Next Gen highlighted their "Water on Wheels" initiative aimed at supply ...Read More >