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, Jun 6 (PTI) A 27-week-old "miracle baby" survived multiple organ complications, two full blood exchanges after birth and the loss of a twin sibling to bring joy to his mother, who has survived a rare brain tumour aside from undergoing multiple failed IVF treatments. The hospital claimed it to be the first reported case in the world of a baby surviving the condition at under 28 weeks. Doctors at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, saved the life of the newborn at just 27 weeks and four days with immune hydrops fetalis -- an extremely rare, severe condition where the 43-year-old mother's immune system attacks the baby's red blood cells, leading to life-threatening anaemia and fluid build-up, said an official statement. The mother had a complex medical history with her putting her at a higher risk for pregnancy-related complications. She had previously survived a rare brain tumour, which can affect vision, hormones, and overall health. Losing three children in the past had only added to her woes. After 15 years of trying, she conceived twins through IVF, the hospital said. Her body developed a strong immune reaction against the babies' blood, putting both their lives at risk. Ten days before delivery, one twin passed away in the womb. "This has been the most challenging as well as the most rewarding case of my medical career," said Dr Hemant Sharma, Senior Neonatologist at Amrita Hospital in Faridabad. The baby was born at 27 weeks and 4 days, with a haemoglobin far below the level needed to sustain life. With a severe swelling due to fluid overload, he suffered from overloaded heart, bleeding in the lungs, intestine, and brain, and required intensive respiratory support (Including High Frequency Ventilation for 1 week) and multiple blood product transfusions. The newborn also needed immune therapy and his entire blood was exchanged twice (double volume exchange transfusion) post birth, but the baby fought through each one, the statement read. "Today, seeing him feed and grow is nothing short of a miracle," Dr Sharma said. The only other recorded cases of immune hydrops fetalis include a 28-week baby weighing 1,385 gram delivered in the UK in 2015 after advanced treatments during pregnancy, including blood-filtering procedures and immune therapy. "I had almost given up hope of becoming a mother. Even when I finally conceived through IVF, I carried constant fear and sadness. The loss of one twin shattered me completely. But holding my surviving baby in my arms today feels like life has given me a second chance. He is my miracle and my strength," the statement quoted Kiran Yadav, the mother as saying. A team of six doctors and over 20 nurses across specialties like Neonatology, Gynaecology, Ophthalmology, and Paediatric Cardiology departments collaborated to ensure the newborn's survival. The team continues to monitor the baby closely, with monthly follow-up visits planned to track growth, neurological development, and overall well-being, the statement added. PTI SLB SLB AMK AMK
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 >
Heart transplant patients in the United States typically spend months waiting for a donated organ. But Kayoko Hira was not a typical patient. Mrs. Hira, the wife of a hotel magnate in Japan, flew to the United States in September 2021, went to the University of Chicago Medical Center and, within days, got a new heart from an American teenager who had died. Soon after, The New York Times found, a charity run by her husband made a donation to a nonprofit group led by the heart surgeon's wife. It ...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 >
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Bone density refers to how much calcium and other minerals make up your bones. When your bones have more minerals, they have a higher bone density, meaning they're stronger and less likely to break. Low bone density can lead to osteoporosis, a permanent change in the structure and strength of your bones. Weight-bearing exercises, which require your muscles to work against gravity, can help improve your bone density. These exercises put pressure on your bones, stimulating bone growth. Walking i ...Read More >
Jharkhand: At least five children with thalassemia in Chaibasa tested HIV-positive on Saturday, following an investigation by a five-member medical team from Ranchi. The probe was launched after a family alleged that a local blood bank had transfused HIV-infected blood to their seven-year-old child. Officials said the child had received around 25 blood transfusions from the blood bank. District Civil Surgeon Dr. Sushanto Majhee stated the child had tested HIV-positive over a week ago and noted that HIV infection could also occur from other sources, such as contaminated needles. ALSO READ: Au ...Read More >
India's Antibiotic Habit: A Growing Threat to Gut HealthSource : AI-generated, for illustrative purposes Did you know? As per the University of Washington study published in The Lancet in 2021, drug-resistant infections in India were directly responsible for 267,000 deaths and contributed to nearly one million more. India stands at the cusp of an antibiotic epidemic that threatens the lives of thousands and poses a global health threat. There is a looming quick-fix culture of grabbing antibiotics, even for the common cold and fever. This habit is creating a hidden health crisis that undermin ...Read More >
Chennai: In a landmark feat, IT-Madras has released the world's first high-resolution detailed 3D images of the human foetal brain, pushing the frontiers of brain mapping technology and placing India in the global league in this segment of science. This data set, termed 'DHARANI', is open source, meaning it is freely available for all researchers world-wide. For the first time globally, 5,132 brain sections have been captured digitally using cutting-edge brain mapping technology developed by Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre at the IIT. This work will advance the field of neuroscience and pot ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], September 30: When it comes to in-vitro fertilization (IVF), one of the most important factors influencing success is the quality of a woman's eggs. Healthy eggs not only improve the chances of fertilization but also increase the likelihood of developing healthy embryos that can lead to pregnancy. While age and genetics play a role, there are several steps women can take to support and enhance their egg quality before beginning an IVF cycle. At Omya Fertility, our team of specialists has over two decades of experience in helping women optimize their fertility, and we believe ...Read More >
Thane, Apr 5 (PTI) A family from Maharashtra's Thane district was allegedly swindled of more than Rs 1.66 crore by a man who exploited their fear of "black magic" and promised them divine remedies through elaborate rituals and pilgrimages, police said on Sunday. The Kasarvadavali police district on April 2 registered a first information report (FIR) against Manjunath Shetty, a resident of Andheri in neighbouring Mumbai, based on the family's allegations that they were manipulated into paying the accused over a period of two years to "neutralise black magic" performed by a relative, an officia ...Read More >
Nagpur: Eminent neurologists from the city joined experts from across the globe on World Brain Tumour Day to raise awareness about the disease.At an event held at the Indian Medical Association (IMA) headquarters in Nagpur, specialists emphasised the importance of early diagnosis, discussed symptoms and treatment options, and highlighted the multifaceted challenges faced by patients and their families.Renowned neurologist and Padma Shri Dr Chandrashekhar Meshram stressed the need for timely detection and comprehensive care. He said awareness about the type of brain tumour and its symptoms is c ...Read More >
Hyderabad: A brain tumour diagnosis often triggers fear -- not just from the disease but from the invasive treatments that follow. Surgery, radiation, long hospital stays and uncertain outcomes overwhelm patients and families. But this World Brain Tumour Day on Sunday brings new hope, as doctors highlight emerging non-invasive therapies that could transform care. Advances in medical technology are introducing targeted, non-surgical treatments that promise better outcomes with fewer side effects and faster recovery. One such breakthrough is Focused Ultrasound Therapy. "It uses sound energy, l ...Read More >
New Delhi, July 10 (UNI) A recent large-scale Danish study has revealed that ultrafine particles in air pollution can cross the blood-brain barrier and may increase the risk of developing tumors of the central nervous system (CNS), particularly meningiomas --the most common type of primary brain tumor. The findings published in journal Neurology add to growing evidence that air pollution's harmful effects extend beyond respiratory and cardiovascular health, potentially affecting the brain as well. Given the high pollution burden in Indian metropolitan areas such as in Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolk ...Read More >
Hyderabad: Do you or someone close to you experience frequent headaches, numbness or weakness in limbs, seizures, vision or speech changes, imbalance, or sudden memory issues? These could be early symptoms of a brain tumour, a serious and potentially life-threatening neurological condition. The brain is an important part of our body. If these symptoms become more frequent or severe, it could indicate the growth of a brain tumor. Brain tumors are also a type of health emergency -- they often grow slowly but can strike suddenly. Highlighting the unparallel role brain plays and the damage tumors ...Read More >
India is home to over 537 million livestock and 125+ million companion animals, making it one of the largest and most diverse animal populations in the world. In a landmark step for veterinary healthcare, the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying has released the country's first-ever "Guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Blood Transfusion and Blood Banks for Animals in India." The release fills a long-sta ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Next time you wake up with crushing fatigue, a high fever, a raw throat and swollen glands, take note. The trigger behind it could be something as simple as a kiss.Infectious mononucleosis, or the 'kissing disease', is caused by the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) - one of the most common human infections worldwide. It spreads through saliva, not just kissing, but every day close contact.A US study using records from the Mayo Clinic-led Rochester Epidemiology Project, tracking nearly 19,000 people, has found those who develop mono are over three times more likely to develop multiple sclero ...Read More >
Mumbai: Three children aged 12 to 16 died of disseminated tuberculosis (TB) at one of the major public hospitals in the city over the last month not due to lack of treatment but because private general practitioners failed to diagnose the disease early.Disseminated TB refers to the spread of the disease from the lungs to other organs. Sometimes, even chest physicians miss its signs in paediatric patients. For instance, a 15-year-old girl was sent to the hospital as a drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) patient without further evaluation. "All we were told was that she had a headache. As soon as she arri ...Read More >
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. Also Read ...Read More >
New Delhi: Delhi Police has come out with a special winter safety plan for Traffic Police personnel performing their duties amid poor air quality and air pollution. The force is providing the personnel on the ground with high-quality air-filter masks, winter-specific gear and regular health checkups. Officials disclosed that the personnel spending long periods on the road are at the greatest risk, and therefore, their safety is being prioritised. The national capital is currently reeling under severe air pollution and dense fog. The Traffic Police personnel deployed on the roads are facing th ...Read More >
Mumbai: At 9.30am every weekday, the usually packed outpatient corridors of Tata Memorial Hospital's paediatric wing transform into a serene zone. Tens of paediatric cancer survivors gather in the play area, yoga mats are unfurled, and their tiny hands stretch skyward. For these children -- many who travelled hundreds of kilometres for lifesaving treatment -- a one-hour yoga session has become the highlight of their day.Since April, the Parel-based cancer hub's IMPaCCT Foundation has partnered with Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute to offer these sessions free of charge.The Yoga Institute's central ...Read More >
The Science of Good Health is an Indian brand bridging traditional wisdom and modern nutritional science. It offers science-backed wellness solutions, providing holistic supplements for gut, men's, women's, thyroid, and overall health. Founder's journey reflects a commitment to proactive health through functional nutrition, enhancing wellness accessibility in India. In an era where well-being often takes a backseat to modern pressures, The Science of Good Health emerges as a beacon of holistic w ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 3 (PTI) Organ damage and death due to severe COVID-19 could be because of disruption to the mitochondria, or a cell's "energy-producing factory", which contributes to 'cytokine storm' -- or excessive inflammation commonly seen in these patients, a new study has found. Researchers found that the damage or stress in mitochondria can trigger immune responses, specifically those that activate the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, or 'RAAS', network of hormones, proteins and enzymes. Also Read | What Is 'Tankhah', Religious Punishment Given to Sukhbir Singh Badal by Akal Takht ...Read More >
New Delhi, May 26 (PTI) Researchers in India have developed and validated a scale to measure stigma in a patient suffering from sickle cell disease and their caregivers. Described in a paper in The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia journal, the 'ICMR-SCD Stigma Scale for India' or ISSSI is the first such tool in the country and fourth in the world, available in clinical and research settings. India accounts for the second-highest prevalence of sickle cell disease in the world, following sub-Saharan Africa. The condition is a genetic disorder in which red blood cells are mis-shaped, affec ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: A routine meal turned into a medical emergency when a man accidentally swallowed his denture -- only for it to get lodged deep inside his food pipe, leaving him in severe distress. In a complex, high-risk procedure, doctors at a private hospital used a laser-assisted endoscopic technique to remove it, avoiding the need for major surgery.The patient, a 45-year-old vegetable seller from Rampur near Moradabad, arrived gasping, with intense throat pain and difficulty swallowing. Scans revealed the dental plate stuck at the cricopharynx -- an extremely sensitive junction between the food ...Read More >
Srinagar -- In what could be a miracle improving and saving thousands of lives across the globe, Russia's mRNA-based vaccine Enteromix has displayed 100% efficacy and safety in early clinical trials. Scientists say the breakthrough could mark a new chapter in the fight against aggressive cancers, offering patients hope where few options exist. For decades, cancer has been one of humanity's most formidable enemies. Conventional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, while sometimes life-saving, often take a heavy toll on the body -- weakening patients and damaging healthy cells along with ...Read More >
Long-term exposure to antibiotics may significantly raise the risk of Parkinson's disease, finds a study. To validate the findings on Asians, researchers from the Seoul National University Hospital in South Korea examined 298,379 people aged 40 years and older who underwent a national health examination in 2004-2005. The findings, published in the Neurology Clinical Practice journal, showed that the risk of Parkinson's was statistically higher (29 per cent higher) in people exposed to antibiotics for more than 121 days, compared to those not exposed to antibiotics. Further, compared to people ...Read More >
Egg yolks are a nutritional powerhouse containing essential vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. They aid in nutrient absorption, provide significant choline for brain health, and can also be used for natural skincare. Yolk color reflects the hen's diet but contributes no additional nutritional value.Egg yolks are often the focus of various health discussions, yet many people may not know just how fascinating and multifaceted they truly are. While commonly associated with their rich flavor and high cholesterol content, egg yolks also hold a treasure trove of surprising facts that make them mo ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], April 28 : Some call it artistic expression while others view it as a stress-buster. 'Dance' ... New Delhi [India], April 28 : Some call it artistic expression while others view it as a stress-buster. 'Dance' can be defined as movements of the body in sync and it's a celebration of physicality. Every year, April 29 is celebrated as International Dance Day. The birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre (1727-1810), creator of modern ballet, has been observed as International Dance Day since 1982. The intention of the International Dance Day is to celebrate dance, revel in the unive ...Read More >
KOCHI: Biljith Biju was a first-year engineering student at Adi Shankara Institute of Engineering and Technology (ASIET) in Kalady. The 18-year-old Nedumbassery resident was riding a motorcycle on September 2 when a lorry that went out of control ran him over. "Pedestrian passersby moved him to the hospital. There was blood loss. Considering his age, a surgery was performed to save his life. But on the tenth day, he was declared brain dead," said a source. Biljith's heart, kidneys, corneas, liver, intestine, and pancreas were donated. He is survived by parents Biju and Linda, and sister Bive ...Read More >
Bengaluru: Bangalore are you tired of trying viral trends and 'magic remedies' from social media to reduce weight? Today's youth want to be healthy, but a lack of correct information often leads them down the wrong path. Obesity is a complex medical condition that cannot be solved by a two-day diet or a viral challenge. What one needs is a scientific and reliable approach. The good news is that modern science now has a solution - called GLP1 RA (glucagon-like-peptide receptor agonist). This is a once-a-week injectable medicine called semaglutide that works on the root causes of obesity to help ...Read More >
It may change your life to begin your day with a spoonful of Neem Tulsi Honey. This powerful combination of Neem, Tulsi, and Honey offers a multitude of benefits, from boosting immunity and aiding digestion to reducing stress and promoting healthy skin. Let's dive into the top 5 benefits of incorporating Neem Tulsi Honey into your morning routine. Boosts immunity: Neem Tulsi Honey has antimicrobial properties that fight infections and boost immunity. Regular consumption prevents a lot of illnesses and ensures overall well-being. Its natural ingredients work synergistically to enhance the immu ...Read More >