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Medicines, including some life saving drugs, and medical devices are set to become cheaper from Monday with the new GST rates kicking in, making healthcare more affordable and accessible for every citizen, according to industry players. With the landmark GST reforms announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi come into effect from September 22, it will make healthcare more affordable and accessible for every citizen, Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance Secretary General Sudarshan Jain said. "Most medicines, earlier taxed at 12 per cent, will now attract just 5 per cent GST. In addition, 36 critical life-saving drugs for cancer, genetic and rare diseases, and cardiovascular conditions have been fully exempted," he added. The GST Council has also rationalised tax slabs on health and life insurance premiums, glucometers, and corrective spectacles, Jain said. "These measures mark a transformative shift in India's healthcare landscape, delivering direct savings to patients, easing the burden o
India's orthopaedic and cardiac implant sector is expected to reach USD 4.5-5 billion by 2027-28, mainly driven by strong domestic demand and gradually growing exports, a report said on Monday. Currently, the orthopaedic and cardiac implant sector, including exports, stood at USD 2.4-2.7 billion in FY24, according to a report by CareEdge Ratings. The growth in the sector is led by increasing per capita income, greater healthcare awareness, ageing population, expanding healthcare infrastructure, and broadening insurance coverage, it stated. The report said that domestic manufacturers have grown at a faster pace than the dominant foreign MNCs in recent years, aided by their price competitiveness and a gradual build-up of an efficacy and safety track record. The segment is dominated by the presence of foreign multinational companies, which largely import the implants and sell them in India as the implant business requires strong technological capabilities, a proven track record of saf
Reaffirming its commitment towards global health cooperation, India has sent a delegation to participate in the 78th World Health Assembly commencing in Geneva, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), shared on Monday.Providing the details in a post on X, the MoHFW said that the Indian delegation is being led by Punya Salila Srivastava, Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.It further noted that India's participation reflects the continued commitment towards strengthening global health systems and advancing international collaboration."Today marks the commencement of the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva. The Indian delegation, led by Ms. Punya Salila Srivastava, Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, is actively participating in the Assembly, reflecting India's continued commitment to strengthening global health systems and advancing international collaboration."As per the World Health Organisation, the 78th World ...
Achieving a 'Bimari Mukt Bharat' or disease-free India is important for realising the goal of 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047, feels social activist and entrepreneur Dr Swapna Verma, who is spearheading a project to deliver tech-enabled diagnostic services at the doorsteps of rural and tribal communities. Verma was among the 10 'pathbreakers' whom Prime Minister Narendra Modi met earlier this month during the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders' Dialogue-2025. Hailing from Satna district in Madhya Pradesh, Verma is the founder of the Madhurima Sewa Sanskar Sansthan. During the young leaders' dialogue at the National Youth Festival, Verma outlined her organisation's flagship project -- 'Heal Rural India' -- before the prime minister, highlighting the scalability of the initiative. Recounting her first meeting with Modi, Verma, who is also part of the Madhya Pradesh BJP unit, said the prime minister asked her how the 'Heal Rural India' project can help make 'Bharat' become 'Bimari Mukt'. "I explain
Healthcare sector in the country is witnessing a hiring surge, with 47 per cent employers planning to recruit staff in this segment, driven by advancements in telehealth and a growing focus on preventive care services, TeamLease EdTech said on Wednesday. The surge in healthcare sector hiring is led by Delhi and Chennai as these cities witnessed highest demand for critical roles in this space. Delhi (65 per cent), Bangalore (56 per cent) and Ahmedabad (48 per cent) have emerged as key hubs for Research Associate roles, which involve conducting medical research, supporting clinical trials, and managing data. According to the report, the aging population and the prevalence of chronic illnesses continue to highlight the need for continuous healthcare support and innovative treatments. "With tech advancement, almost all sectors are undergoing massive changes, with healthcare standing out distinctively. Propelled by the pandemic, virtual consultation and remote healthcare support are the
A large number of sub-centres, which are the most peripheral and first point of contact between the primary health care system and the community in rural India, do not have their own building, according a government report. These sub-centres operate either from a rented building or space provided by the local village panchayat or voluntary society building, according to the 'Health Dynamics of India (Infrastructure and Human Resources) 2022-23', an annual publication formerly known as 'Rural Health Statistics', which was released by the Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra on Monday. The report shows India has a total of 1.69 lakh sub-centres, 31,882 primary health centres (PHCs), 6,359 community health centres (CHCs), 1,340 sub-divisional/district hospitals (SDHs), 714 district hospitals (DHs), and 362 medical colleges (MCs) serving both rural and urban areas. While releasing the report, Chandra said that there is a need to integrate the Health Management Information System (HMIS)
Healthcare experts on Thursday gave a thumbs up to the Centre's plan to set up more medical colleges by utilising the existing hospital infrastructure, with some saying the move demonstrates a "holistic commitment" to health. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the interim Union Budget for 2024-2025 on Thursday, among other announcements, also said the government will encourage vaccination for girls in the 9-14 year age group for the prevention of cervical cancer. Serum Institute of India (SII) CEO Adar Poonawalla hailed the government's announcement. "I applaud the announcement to vaccinate girls aged 9-14 against cervical cancer. Let's pledge to prevent HPV (Human Papillomavirus) and ensure easy access to vaccination. Extending health cover for ASHA and anganwadi workers, setting up more medical colleges and streamlining maternal and child healthcare schemes demonstrate a holistic commitment to health," he wrote in a post on X. Other medical experts said creatio