Indian Healthcare

NATHEALTH urges hike in healthcare to 2.5% of GDP, tax sops for check-ups

Healthcare industry body NATHEALTH has asked the government to increase public spending on healthcare to over 2.5 per cent of GDP with urgent action to tackle non-communicable diseases, including tax deductions of up to Rs 10,000 on individuals for preventive health check-ups. In its pre-Budget recommendations to the government, NATHEALTH said it outlined a roadmap to strengthen healthcare delivery, foster innovation, and expand insurance and preventive coverage. The recommendations call for a balanced mix of fiscal support, structural reforms, and public-private collaboration to build a robust, future-ready health system, it said in a statement. In its recommendations, NATHEALTH asked the sector to be declared 'core infrastructure' and create a healthcare infrastructure fund of Rs 50,000 crore, saying currently there is limited access to long-term, lower-cost capital for hospitals and diagnostic networks. New projects have long gestational periods requiring flexible mid-term ...

AI can shift Indian healthcare from reactive treatment to proactive: KPMG

A new KPMG-FICCI report says India's healthcare system is at a pivotal moment, with AI poised to drive a shift from reactive treatment to proactive, data-driven and preventive care across the sector

How India's vaccine programme ensures access for all, even remote areas

World Immunisation Week 2025: India's Universal Immunisation Programme targets over 50 million beneficiaries each year, with new digital tools aimed at closing the access gap

KKR deepens India healthcare push with $200 mn Healthium MedTech plan

The private equity firm is focusing on entering areas such as cardiology, orthopaedics, and diagnostics, as India's medtech market is projected to grow to $50 billion over the next five years

99% of heart patients missed these silent warning signs, finds study

A new study reveals that nearly everyone who suffers a heart attack or stroke had warning signs long before, but most never noticed them

Is your doctor too far away? Why distance may be risking your health

Patients living more than 30 kilometres from their doctor are less likely to get regular check-ups and more likely to visit emergency rooms, a new study in CMAJ warns

Rohit Shetty appointed Fit India Icon, pushes for social media fitness code

Shetty said that he was very proud of India's growing fitness movement and praised the leadership that encouraged it

Narayana acquires UK-based Practice Plus Group Hospitals for ₹2,200 crore

The deal marks the Indian hospital chain's entry into the British healthcare market, strengthening its ambition to expand globally

Chhattisgarh govt to build four medical colleges worth about ₹1,300 crore

The colleges will be set up at Manendragarh, Kabirdham, Janjgir-Champa, and Geedam in Dantewada district of Bastar

Cough syrup deaths: CDSCO launches digital tracker for high-risk solvents

The regulator's ONDLS-based monitoring platform will track supply chains and quality of solvents used in drug manufacturing following child deaths linked to toxic cough syrups

Lords Mark Industries Ltd. secures US FDA Registration, Reinforces India's Position in Global Healthcare Manufacturing

.

SC asks Centre to respond to plea on adequate life support in ambulances

The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and others on a petition seeking directions to enact and implement a framework to ensure that adequate life support facilities are maintained in ambulances at all times. The apex court agreed to hear the plea which has also sought directions to establish an independent committee to conduct a review of current actual status of the operation, maintenance and regulation of road ambulances to identify the gap between the ground reality and the existing standard operating procedures. "Issue notice, returnable in four weeks," a bench of Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran said in its October 10 order. The plea has arrayed the Centre, the ministry of health and family welfare and ministry of road transport and highways as party respondents. Senior advocate Percival Billimoria and advocate Jasmine Damkewala appeared for petitioners Saiansha Panangipalli and Priya Sarkar. Panangipalli is the daughter of eminent ...

India could gain ₹3.6 trillion annually from better eye health: Report

A global study says basic eye care like screenings and glasses can yield ₹16 for every ₹1 spent, boosting India's productivity and education outcomes

Do kids even need cough syrups? Doctors say they may do more harm than good

The recent child deaths in MP and Rajasthan have reignited debate on whether cough syrups are safe or even effective for kids or are they a needless and risky habit?

Cocoa extract may slow ageing by cutting deadly inflammation, study finds

Daily cocoa extract supplements lowered inflammation markers and cut cardiovascular deaths by 27 per cent in a large trial, raising hopes for its role in healthy ageing

Men above 50 must watch for these often-missed prostate cancer signs

Frequent urination, weak flow or blood in urine may be early signs of prostate cancer in men over 50, but these are often mistaken for ageing or ignored entirely

Cipla launches Huena, India's first non-antibiotic drug to fight UTI

Drug firm Cipla on Friday said it has introduced a non-antibiotic treatment for patients suffering from recurrent urinary tract infections. The company has launched Methenamine Hippurate under the brand name HUENA. This marks a significant step forward for the company in its fight against anti-microbial resistance as it becomes the first to introduce such treatment in India, the Mumbai-based drugmaker said in a statement. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the second most common reason for antibiotic use in India, with infection cases doubling over the last 30 years. Women are more susceptible to UTIs, which account for 15 per cent of overall antibiotic prescriptions. Methenamine Hippurate offers an effective, non-antibiotic alternative for preventing UTIs by targeting bacteria in the bladder and urinary tract. Studies show it is as effective as long-term, low-dose antibiotic therapy for UTI prevention, with lower costs and no risk of antibiotic resistance. "We believe this ...

Gallstones rising in kids; doctors stress early detection, healthy habits

Once considered an adult ailment, gallstones are increasingly affecting children across India, prompting paediatricians to call for greater awareness and preventive care. In a surprising shift in pediatric health trends, hospitals and clinics across India are reporting a steady rise in cases of gallstones among children, experts said. Traditionally viewed as a condition affecting middle-aged adults, gallstones are now being diagnosed in children as young as six, raising concerns among medical professionals and public health experts. Gallstones are solid deposits that form in the gallbladder, often composed of cholesterol or bilirubin. While many cases remain asymptomatic, they can cause intense abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and digestive distress when they obstruct bile flow. "We're seeing a clear increase in pediatric gallstone cases, especially in urban centres," said Dr Shandip Kumar Sinha, the director of pediatric surgery and pediatric urology at Mednata-The Medicity in ..

India vs China HIGHLIGHTS, Hockey Asia Cup 2025: India beat China 4-3 to start their campaign

Indian skipper Harmanpreet, with three goals to his name, was the hero of the match for the hosts

Can juice fast really detox your body? Here's what doctors want you to know

Fact-check Friday: Juice cleanses promise detox, weight loss, and instant energy, but are they truly effective or just hyped-up health myths?