Page 2 - Health Ministry

Centre puts stricter controls on pregabalin sales over abuse concerns

India has moved pregabalin to Schedule H1, tightening prescription and record-keeping norms after states flagged widespread misuse of the nerve pain drug for intoxication

Centre scraps prior approval system for BA/BE studies of low-risk drugs

The health ministry has amended clinical trial rules to replace prior approvals for low-risk BA/BE studies with simple online intimations, a move aimed at cutting delays, easing compliance

Centre mandates blue chip on all antimicrobial brand labels to counter AMR

In a gazette notification dated January 23, the Union health ministry proposed adding a new clause under Rule 95 of the Drugs Rules, 1945

Budget 2026: Doctors, hospitals lay out India's healthcare spending wishlist

As Union Budget 2026 approaches, healthcare leaders spell out priorities to curb preventable disease, cut out-of-pocket costs, and strengthen India's health system at scale

Centre halves review period for applications to conduct new drug trials

The health ministry has amended the NDCT Rules to cut approval timelines for new drug trials and testing by half, aiming to speed up innovation while easing regulatory processes for most applications

India's diabetes burden hits 90 million as lifestyle shifts reshape health

India now has 90 million adults living with diabetes, second only to China. The IDF Diabetes Atlas warns the burden will rise sharply with ageing, urbanisation and lifestyle change

NEET PG cut-off slashed to zero percentile to fill over 18,000 vacant seats

With more than 18,000 postgraduate medical seats vacant after round two of counselling, the health ministry has lowered NEET-PG cut-offs, drawing sharp criticism from doctors' bodies

Just one night of binge drinking can damage your gut lining, study finds

A Harvard-led study shows even one episode of binge drinking can injure the small intestine, weaken the gut barrier and trigger immune responses that allow toxins to leak into the bloodstream

OpenAI launches ChatGPT Health, but it won't diagnose or treat you

ChatGPT Health introduces a dedicated space for health queries, allowing users to link medical records and fitness apps, even as OpenAI warns it is not a substitute for medical care

Why cervical cancer still kills one woman every two minutes worldwide

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month: The UN says cervical cancer, though preventable, continues to claim lives worldwide due to gaps in vaccination, screening and timely treatment

How type 2 diabetes physically alters the heart and drives failure

A new human heart study shows type 2 diabetes does not just raise cardiac risk but physically alters heart muscle, energy use and structure, helping explain why heart failure is so common in diabetes

Why 80% of Indians with mental illness still miss timely treatment

Despite better medicines and growing awareness, nearly eight in ten Indians with mental illness still do not get timely care, as experts cite stigma, doctor shortages and weak health systems

Delhi moves to end rabies deaths with mandatory reporting and tracking

By declaring human rabies a notifiable disease, Delhi aims to tighten surveillance, ensure early treatment and move closer to its goal of zero human deaths from rabies

How many hours of sleep do you need at each age? A doctor's guide

Doctors explain how brain development, hormones and the body clock affect how much sleep is healthy at every stage of life

Want a longer life? Why sleep may matter more than diet or exercise

A large US study tracking sleep and longevity across counties finds that insufficient sleep may shorten life expectancy more than poor diet or lack of exercise, second only to smoking

Govt bans sale, use of oral formulations of nimesulide for human use

The Union Health Ministry has prohibited manufacture and sale of oral nimesulide formulations above 100 mg for human use, citing liver toxicity risks and acting on ICMR and DTAB recommendations

Centre to restrict cough syrup sales by unlicensed village pharmacists

Draft amendments propose removing "syrup" from Schedule K exemptions, tightening over-the-counter sales in small villages after Madhya Pradesh cough syrup deaths

Health ministry unlikely to extend Schedule M GMP deadline for MSME pharma

The health ministry is unlikely to extend the revised Schedule M GMP deadline for MSME drugmakers beyond December 31, 2025, as it consults states ahead of risk-based inspections

Health shocks of the year: What 2025 taught India about being unprepared

From unsafe medicines and rare infections to heatwaves and failing antibiotics, 2025 exposed why preparedness can no longer wait

Why your air fryer may be working against your health goals, doctor warns

Air fryers promise healthier cooking, but a Mumbai-based surgeon says they can undermine health goals if they create a false 'health halo' around junk food instead of balanced meals