Health News
NIT, IISER researchers patent cotarnine-derived oral cancer formulation
The patented formulation showed activity against oral cancer cells, researchers said, but further preclinical studies are needed to establish its safety and efficacy.
 "NIT, IISER researchers patent cotarnine-derived oral cancer formulation")
CDSCO seeks DGHS view on exemptions for mercury-based topical antiseptics
The Drugs Consultative Committee has sought the DGHS opinion and data on Merbromin's manufacture and use before deciding on its continued inclusion under Schedule K
 "CDSCO seeks DGHS view on exemptions for mercury-based topical antiseptics")
Drug regulator may review machinery disposal at non-compliant pharma units
The Drugs Consultative Committee has sought a detailed proposal from Rajasthan amid concerns that machinery from closed pharma units could be used to make spurious drugs
 "Drug regulator may review machinery disposal at non-compliant pharma units")
'This is carnage': SC flags high drug prices, moots 16% margin cap
A Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta asked the Centre why the maximum retail price (MRP) of essential medicines such as cancer drugs could not be capped at 16 per cent
 "'This is carnage': SC flags high drug prices, moots 16% margin cap")
Twin regulatory moves seek to reshape insurance costs, distribution
PFRDA's NPS Swasthya combines healthcare withdrawals with a super top-up cover, while Irdai proposes tighter commissions and expense limits to curb mis-selling and lower distribution costs
 "Twin regulatory moves seek to reshape insurance costs, distribution")
Medanta acquires land in Ghaziabad for ₹ 166 cr, to build 350-bed hospital
Proposed 350-bed facility in UP to strengthen Global Health's footprint across Delhi-NCR healthcare market
 "Medanta acquires land in Ghaziabad for ₹ 166 cr, to build 350-bed hospital")
Heart risk before 35? Nearly 6 in 10 young workers show warning markers
World Heart Day 2026: A report by digital health benefits platform ekincare found that 58.5% of employees under 35 had at least one flagged cardiovascular risk marker in 2026 year-to-date data
 "Heart risk before 35? Nearly 6 in 10 young workers show warning markers")
India needs 5-year policy to make precision cancer care affordable: Expert
Dr Bhawna Sirohi said high costs, limited access to genomic testing and expensive targeted drugs remain barriers to precision oncology, despite its potential to improve cancer treatment
 "India needs 5-year policy to make precision cancer care affordable: Expert")
Govt orders crackdown on nicotine pouches citing health concerns
India has directed states to crack down on the illegal sale of nicotine pouches, citing health risks and increased availability through online and offline channels.
 "Govt orders crackdown on nicotine pouches citing health concerns")
Medtech firms, hospitals back TMR amid medical device mark-up debate
Medtech manufacturers and private hospitals back trade margin rationalisation but seek a fact-based approach that accounts for category-specific costs and procurement structures
 "Medtech firms, hospitals back TMR amid medical device mark-up debate")
Researchers explore immune-based approach for durable hair regrowth
A new review examines the potential of immune modulation and regenerative medicine for hair loss, but experts say no clinically validated 'hair vaccine' exists yet
 "Researchers explore immune-based approach for durable hair regrowth")
Govt plans 50-metre junk food curbs around schools amid rise in obesity
Proposed rules could restrict sales of high-fat and high-sugar foods near India's 1.5 million schools, adding pressure on global food and beverage companies
 "Govt plans 50-metre junk food curbs around schools amid rise in obesity")
India steps up efforts to eliminate hepatitis as public health risk by 2030
India reiterated its commitment to eliminating hepatitis B and C as public health threats by 2030, with a focus on prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment and care
 "India steps up efforts to eliminate hepatitis as public health risk by 2030")
CDSCO flags indiscriminate use of painkillers, antibiotics over CKD risk
Drug regulator asks healthcare professionals and pharmacists to discourage indiscriminate use of NSAIDs and antibiotics, citing risks of kidney damage and CKD
 "CDSCO flags indiscriminate use of painkillers, antibiotics over CKD risk")
WHO calls for stronger ethics oversight of AI-related health research
AI can accelerate health research, but the WHO warns that existing oversight may not fully address emerging risks involving data, bias and accountability
 "WHO calls for stronger ethics oversight of AI-related health research")
Does my child have Covid-19 or a cold? How to tell the difference
Respiratory infections can share similar symptoms, making them difficult to distinguish
 "Does my child have Covid-19 or a cold? How to tell the difference")
Longevity healthcare startup Vytalyou raises ₹8-10 cr in growth funding
Mumbai-based Vytalyou has raised Rs 8-10 crore at a valuation of around Rs 33 crore to expand its network in Mumbai and enter other major Indian cities in 2027
 "Longevity healthcare startup Vytalyou raises ₹8-10 cr in growth funding")
Antibiotic sales decline, but concerns over inappropriate use remain
Pharmarack data show anti-bacterial unit sales falling since 2023; experts say lower volumes alone do not indicate more appropriate antibiotic use
 "Antibiotic sales decline, but concerns over inappropriate use remain")
Period pain isn't always normal, your genes may raise endometriosis risk
Experts said growing evidence suggests that genetic and epigenetic factors may influence a woman's susceptibility to the condition
 "Period pain isn't always normal, your genes may raise endometriosis risk")
Brics nations push joint disease surveillance, medical product regulation
Grouping eyes more collaboration on treatment TB, NCD and mental health
 "Brics nations push joint disease surveillance, medical product regulation")