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: Biologic therapies are revolutionising severe asthma management, showcasing potential for remission, but cost and equitable access are the major barriers, according to a report on Tuesday. Biologic therapy, also known as immunotherapy, is a type of treatment that uses substances derived from living organisms to treat disease. The report by GlobalData, a data and analytics company, showed that the new Biologics target specific inflammatory pathways, shifting care from symptom control to potential remission. Biologic treatments like dupilumab interleukin-4 receptor alpha and tezepelumab (anti-thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP)) show potential for wider application. They also offer benefits to patients with various inflammatory profiles. As per real-world evidence, these therapies have proved their efficacy across diverse patient profiles, including those with complex asthma cases. However, the report cited barriers such as cost and accessibility. It stressed the urgent need for equitable healthcare solutions to ensure the widespread adoption of these transformative treatments. "Biologics have fundamentally changed our approach to severe asthma by enabling targeted, personalised treatment, but expanding access is crucial to realising their full potential," Sravani Meka, Senior Pharmaceutical Analyst at GlobalData. "The long-term impact of these therapies could shift asthma management from simply controlling symptoms to achieving remission, like advances seen in fields like rheumatoid arthritis," Meka added. While biologics have shown great promise, barriers such as cost, access, and insurance coverage limit their availability, particularly in underserved communities. This is further complicated by environmental and social factors. Many patients in high-risk areas are disproportionately exposed to pollutants that worsen symptoms. "Tezepelumab's broad efficacy, even for patients with low eosinophil (a type of white blood cell that helps fight infections) counts, highlights the potential of biologics to address asthma across diverse profiles and patient demographics," Meka said. Systemic changes to improve healthcare equity and accessibility are crucial even as efforts to expand access to biologics in severe asthma treatment are underway, Meka called for "sustained attention to cost and accessibility issues". She noted that this will ensure that biologics are available to all needy patients.
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 >
New Delhi [India], July 16 (ANI): The Indian government expressed regret on Tuesday over the reported demolition of the ancestral property of celebrated filmmaker and writer Satyajit Ray in Mymensingh, Bangladesh and expressed its willingness to extend cooperation in its restoration. "We note with profound regret that the ancestral property of noted filmmaker and litterateur Satyajit Ray in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, belonging to his grandfather and eminent litterateur, Upendra Kishor Ray Chowdhury, is being demolished," the Ministry of External Affairs said. Also Read | India Urges Bangladesh ...Read More >
Gastroenterologist Dr. Joseph Salhab joins 'Fox & Friends' to examine a new study on the effects of pathogenic gut bacteria and tips for limiting exposure to harmful bacteria. Human infections from drug-resistant bacteria are spiking in the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned. The CDC's laboratory tests have shown that occurrences of a bacteria called NDM-producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (NDM-CRE) have increased dramatically. NDM-CRE belongs to a broa ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 17 (PTI) Biopharmaceutical firm Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) and IT services company Accenture on Wednesday announced the opening of a new AI-powered content hub, Mosaic, in Mumbai. The generative AI-enabled facility is designed to accelerate BMS's global commercialisation strategy through enhanced digital capabilities, enabling the rapid creation of hyper-personalised, patient-centric content tailored for healthcare professionals, according to a joint statement. The launch of Mosaic is a key component of BMS's ongoing USD 130 million strategic investment aimed at advancing its ...Read More >
New Delhi, July 9 (SocialNews.XYZ) Verbal autopsy is a scientific tool that can significantly aid India in the fight against tuberculosis, as it helps identify the deep reasons for mortality caused by the world's deadliest infection, said Dr Kavita Vasudevan from Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute (IGMC&RI) in Puducherry. Speaking to IANS, Vasudevan, from the Community Medicine Department at the Medical College explained how a verbal autopsy model can help identify TB treatment delay patterns, and reasons for TB deaths and improve the referral process. "A comprehensive appr ...Read More >
New Delhi, August 25: In a major step forward for veterinary healthcare, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying on Monday released India's first comprehensive national guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for blood transfusion and blood banks for animals. Blood transfusion is widely recognised as a life-saving intervention for managing trauma, severe anaemia, surgical blood loss, infectious diseases, and coagulation disorders in animals. However, until now, India did not have a structured national fr ...Read More >
A monumental increase of more than 400% in infections from a dangerous drug-resistant bacteria known as New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase-producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (NDM-CRE) suggests a growing risk for life-threatening illnesses and deaths with limited treatment options, based on two recent reports. New data in the Annals of Internal Medicine and the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) show spikes in NDM-CRE, a type of gram-negative bacteria often treated with ...Read More >
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season has barely begun, but it has already delivered its first major controversy. Following Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) six-wicket defeat to Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium, a pointed remark from captain Ajinkya Rahane has triggered a wider debate - forcing Cricket Australia (CA) to step in with a clarification. At the centre of the storm is Cameron Green, KKR's high-profile signing worth INR 25.20 crore, who did not bowl a single over despite MI's dominant chase of 220. KKR seemed in control after posting a commanding 220/4, but the script ...Read More >
Bengaluru, Apr 2 (PTI) The introduction of an AI-enabled monitoring system will significantly enhance patient safety and treatment quality under Karnataka's public-private partnership dialysis programme, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said on Thursday. Launching the AI-based smart monitoring system at KC General Hospital in Bengaluru, the minister said such technological innovations bring dialysis services delivered under the PPP model on par with private healthcare standards. "The introduction of an AI-enabled monitoring system will significantly strengthen patient safety and treatment qu ...Read More >
Haridwar: A woman politician has been arrested for allegedly letting her boyfriend and others repeatedly rape her 13-year-old daughter in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. The horrifying crime, which occurred between January and March, was exposed when the minor bravely confided in her father, prompting a police investigation that led to the arrest of the accused. The accused was arrested with her boyfriend and one more. According to police reports, the minor was gang-raped multiple times, often in the presence of her mother. The minor, who had been living with her father following her parents' separat ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jul 5 (PTI) After a day off, astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and others from the Axiom-4 mission on Saturday studied how bones react to microgravity conditions, an experiment that could lead to better treatment of osteoporosis on Earth. On the 10th flight day, Shukla also participated in an experiment to monitor radiation exposure on the International Space Station (ISS), which could help better protect astronauts on longer-duration space missions away from Earth. Lucknow-born Shukla (39) is part of a 14-day mission to the ISS conducted by Axiom Space. Shukla, who has the call sign "S ...Read More >
New Delhi, July 19 (PTI) The Regional Medical Research Centre in Bhubaneswar, under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), has developed an advanced malaria vaccine that can prevent plasmodium falciparum infection in individuals and minimise community transmission. The ICMR Delhi has invited Expressions of Interest (EoI) from eligible organisations, companies and manufacturers enthusiastic about the Transfer of Technology for commercial production of "a recombinant chimeric multi-stage malaria vaccine (AdFalciVax) against plasmodium falciparum". Also Read | West Bengal Rape Case: IIM ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi, on Thursday invited expressions of interest from eligible organisations, companies, and manufacturers for undertaking the 'transfer of technology' for commercialisation of a malaria vaccine developed by ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC), Bhubaneswar.This technology, "A recombinant chimeric multi-stage malaria vaccine (AdFalciVax) against Plasmodium falciparum", is useful in preventing Plasmodium falciparum infection ...Read More >
Lucknow: Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak on Wednesday presented the 'health vision document' in the Assembly.He outlined the govt's ambitious roadmap to make the state number one in every sector, particularly healthcare. Pathak said the vision of 'Viksit Bharat 2047' goes beyond infrastructure such as buildings and roads. It encompasses ensuring health, dignity, and equitable opportunities for every citizen. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi is advancing on the path of development guided by the mantra of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas'. Our priority is to provide quali ...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 >
PRNewswire Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], December 13: Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Limited, the first standalone health insurance company in India, today announced the launch of its revolutionary retail health insurance product, 'SUPER STAR'. This innovative policy offers a long-term policy for the retail health segment, combining advanced features and highly customisable covers to address the growing complexities of modern lifestyles, rising medical expenses, and unforeseen emergencies. * Offers a long-term policy and unparalleled, highly customisable solutions for evolving heal ...Read More >
New Delhi, May 29 (PTI) A genetic study has traced a 2023 outbreak of a neurological infection in Tamil Nadu to contaminated saline water used at a dental clinic, findings of which were published in The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia journal. Twenty-one probable cases of neuromelioidosis -- a neurological infection caused by bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei -- between July 2022 and April 2023 were identified across four districts in the northern part of the state. Seventeen of the 21 cases came from a single district, of which 10 reported undertaking treatment at a dental clinic. T ...Read More >
Srinagar, Jul 15: Over a decade since the devastating floods of 2014 rendered a major part of the Bone and Joint Hospital here 'unsafe', the new building funded by World Bank as part of Jhelum-Tawi Flood Recovery Project was inaugurated today by J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The new hospital building is expected to alleviate the inconveniences faced by patients and doctors at the congested, dilapidated existing structures. The new state-of-art building is a G+5 structure with modular operation theatres that was set to be completed in 2020, however, it suffered multiple deadline lapses. T ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], July 20 (ANI): The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), through its Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar (RMRCBB) and National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR), in partnership with the Department of Biotechnology-National Institute of Immunology (DBT-NII), is currently developing a novel recombinant chimeric malaria vaccine candidate, named AdFalciVax. AdFalciVax is the first indigenous recombinant chimeric malaria vaccine specifically designed to target two critical stages of Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite responsible for the most lethal form of mal ...Read More >
Hyderabad: In observance of World Sepsis Day, the Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine (ISCCM) - Hyderabad Chapter organized a public awareness walk at Durgam Cheruvu Cable Bridge, Hyderabad, bringing together doctors, nurses, medical students, healthcare workers, and members of the public to raise awareness about one of the world's most overlooked medical emergencies - sepsis. Held under the global theme "Stop Sepsis - Save Lives," the event aimed to educate citizens about the warning signs, risk factors, and the critical importance of early recognition and treatment of sepsis, which con ...Read More >
New Delhi and its sprawling metropolitan region -- home to more than 30 million people -- are regularly ranked among the world's most polluted capitals, with acrid smog blanketing the skyline each winter. Cooler air traps pollutants close to the ground, creating a deadly mix of emissions from crop burning, factories and heavy traffic. But pollution has also spiked due to days of fireworks set off to mark Diwali, the major Hindu festival of lights, which culminates on Monday night. The Supreme Court relaxed this month a blanket ban on fireworks over Diwali to allow the use of the less-pollut ...Read More >
Despite unseasonal rainfall, pollution levels refuse to drop with BKC, Malad, Deonar, all in the 'very poor' AQI category The festive fervour in Mumbai on Tuesday was marred by excessive pollution and smoggy air. As the Diwali festivities continued, the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) plunged deeper into the 'very poor' zone, with thick smog settling over key neighbourhoods stretching from Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) to Byculla and Malad. Despite the unseasonal showers across the city in the even ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], October 24 (ANI): As air quality levels in Delhi dipped into the 'poor' and 'very poor' categories on Friday morning, former AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria cautioned residents about the serious health implications of rising pollution and urged preventive measures to minimise exposure. Speaking to ANI, Dr Guleria said, "The current high levels of air pollution, indicated by poor AQI, are leading to acute health effects, particularly among individuals with underlying heart or lung conditions, the elderly, and young children. These groups are experiencing increased chest di ...Read More >
New Delhi, Oct 24 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Ministry of Ayush on Friday announced a two-day national seminar to boost liver health through Ayurveda, taking forward its commitment to evidence-based traditional medicine. The national seminar -- Hepatobiliary Wellness through Ayurveda: Bridging Traditional Wisdom with Contemporary Science -- will be organised along with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), from October 25 to 26 in Odisha's Bhubaneswar. The seminar, themed "Yakrut Suraksha, Ji ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 8 (ANI): BJP MP Gulam Ali Khatana, who was part of the all-party parliamentary delegation to Europe, said that during their recently conclued visit they successfully communicated India's development story and its resolute stand against terrorism, particularly emanating from Pakistan. Highlighting the delegation's key discussions during the tour, Khatana told ANI, 'We discussed how we dismantled the terrorism factory in Pakistan by responding... We also talked about tourism infrastructure, G20 Summit, and projects like the six-lane roads, bridges, solar initiatives, our ...Read More >
Malappuram: The health department has issued a high alert in six districts of Kerala -- Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Thrissur -- after a suspected Nipah virus-related death was reported on July 12. Hospitals in all these districts have been asked to exercise caution and intensify surveillance to prevent a potential outbreak. The deceased is a 57-year-old man from Mannarkkad in Palakkad, who tested positive for Nipah infection in preliminary examinations conducted at the Government Medical College Hospital in Malappuram. Health Minister Veena George stated that confirm ...Read More >
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. NDM-CRE infections have been historically uncommon in the United States, the CDC said. The NDM gene - which was first identified in 2008 from a Swedish patient who had been hospitalized in New Delhi - creates an enzyme that destroys most antibiotics, including so-called carbapenems, which are usually used in last-ditch efforts to save patients with infections that fail to respond to standard antibiotics, The Washington Post ...Read More >
New Delhi, Nov 17 (PTI) Indian Institute of Technology, Madras and Indian Railways Finance Corporation (IRFC) have set up country's first Single Cell Omics Translational (SCOT) research laboratory, officials said on Monday. Equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation, the SCOT lab will facilitate early diagnosis, disease prognosis, biomarker discovery and drug screening across a spectrum of diseases -- including cancer, cardiovascular, infectious, inflammatory, metabolic, and other non-communicable diseases, they said. IRFC is providing a CSR grant of Rs 10.83 crore to establish this lab, ...Read More >
India's tuberculosis (TB) programme has achieved a 21% reduction in TB incidence over the past decade, but the country continues to carry the world's largest TB burden and has yet to meet TB elimination targets. Over this period, technology solutions have entered the public health domain in increasingly ambitious ways, integrating into the programmatic layer of how health systems organise and monitor care. Digital adherence technologies such as video-observed therapy, smart pillboxes, and missed-call confirmation systems were among the first widely deployed solutions to remotely monitor daily ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jun 27 (PTI) Biocon Ltd on Friday said its arm Biocon Biologics has been granted a notice of compliance by Health Canada for its biosimilar Yesafili injection used to treat various ailments of the eye. "Health Canada has granted a Notice of Compliance (NOC) for Yesafili(aflibercept), a biosimilar to Eylea injection, in vial and prefilled syringe presentations, 2 mg/0.05 mL on June 26, 2025," a regulatory filing by Biocon said. This approval paves the way for the launch of Yesafili in Canada, scheduled for July 4, 2025, it said, adding Yesafili is the first biosimilar to Eylea to b ...Read More >