Page 2 - Indian Healthcare

Worried about mercury in vaccines? Here's the science behind 'thimerosal'

As the debate over mercury in vaccines reignite around the world, Indian health experts dismiss any link between thimerosal and developmental disorders such as autism

Healthcare body seeks regulatory reforms in meeting with Niti Aayog

Nathealth has proposed a digital single-window system to Niti Aayog to ease the healthcare sector's compliance load, citing inefficiencies and duplication across ministries

Agitating ASHA workers in Kerala welcome Centre's reported incentive hike

The ASHA workers in Kerala who have been agitating for the last several months against the state government demanding a hike and post-retirement benefits, on Saturday welcomed the Centre's reported decision to increase their fixed monthly incentive. They said the union government's decision would be beneficial for over 10 lakh ASHA workers in the country. There are media reports that the Centre approved a proposal to hike the fixed monthly incentive of ASHAs from Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,500 during the recent 9th meeting of the Mission Steering Group (MSG). The media also reported that the retirement benefits of the ASHA workers would be increased by the Centre, too. S Mini, state vice president of the Kerala ASHA Health Workers Association (KAHWA) whose members are carrying out the indefinite agitation in front of the Secretariat here, said they had already carried out two Parliament marches raising the same demand. "We welcome the union government's decision to increase the fixed monthl

60 mn people screened for sickle cell disease, says health ministry

A total of six crore individuals have been screened for sickle cell disease (SCD) against the targeted seven crore under the National Sickle Cell Mission, the Union health ministry said on Tuesday. Among those screened, 2.15 lakh individuals were diagnosed with the disease and 16.7 lakh carriers identified. Additionally, 2.6 crore health cards have been distributed by the respective states to the screened individuals, the ministry said. States including Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Telangana, Karnataka and Uttarakhand have demonstrated significant progress by achieving a high percentage of screening relative to their targets. The highest incidence of diagnosed cases has been reported from the states of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat. Screening for SCD is being conducted using validated point-of-care testing (POCT) kits, which ensure rapid, reliable and confirmatory results. Furthermore, a dedicated dashboard and a sickle cell disease portal hav

Unsafe gains: 14% of Indian protein powders have toxins, 70% mislabelled

From lead and aflatoxins to undeclared herbal extracts, a recent study raises red flags about the safety and authenticity of protein powders consumed widely across India

Sudden stomach and back pain? You might be ignoring gallbladder stones

Persistent or sudden pain in your upper abdomen or back can be easy to dismiss. Doctors warn that such discomfort could be a sign of gallbladder stones, a common but often overlooked condition

Govt has adopted holistic approach to improve health of citizens: Amit Shah

The Narendra Modi-led government has adopted a well thought out holistic approach to improve the health of the citizens of the country, Union minister Amit Shah said in Pune on Friday. Special attention has been given to every programme touching health, especially medical education and research, Shah said after performing the ground breaking ceremony of Poona Hospital and Research Centre (PHRC) Health City project. In the past 11 years, the Modi government has made all the arrangements to improve the health of the citizens of the country, he said. In the previous government, the health budget was Rs 37,000 crore and in 2025-26, Modi ji increased it to Rs 1.37 lakh crore, he said. Shah also inaugurated the Jairaj Sports and Convention Centre built by the Shri Poona Gujarati Bandhu Samaj in Pune. The country is rapidly progressing on the path of development and a foundation is being laid for building a developed India in 2047, he said. Pune has led the entire country in knowledge,

Luma Fertility raises $4 mn in seed funding led by Peak XV's Surge

Luma Fertility, a Mumbai-based fertility health-tech startup, raises $4 million in seed funding to expand its services in Mumbai and beyond, with participation from Ameera Shah and Vijay Taparia

Scientists edge closer to drug that could safely extend human lifespan

New meta-analysis shows that rapamycin may mimic the benefits of dietary restriction in animals, bringing researchers closer to a safer way to slow ageing and boost healthspan

Is that stomach pain pancreatitis? How to know when to see a doctor

Pancreatitis cases are increasing in India, especially among young adults. Experts link it to alcohol use, gallstones, infections, and rising lifestyle risks

Heart-smart eating: Diet tips to lower risk of sudden cardiac arrest

From leafy greens to healthy fats, cardiologists reveal how smart eating habits reduce cardiac arrest risk

Your dentist can spot diabetes, heart disease and cancer in early stages

From diabetes to autoimmune conditions, oral symptoms often appear before other health problems-your dentist may be the first to notice them

How bee stings can trigger heart attacks: Lessons from Sunjay Kapur's death

Sunjay Kapur tragically died after swallowing a bee during a polo match. Here's how such incidents can turn fatal-and what you can do to help someone in a similar emergency

10 brain-damaging habits you may be doing daily, warn health experts

Brain fog, low energy, or poor focus? Experts outline 10 everyday lifestyle habits that could quietly be sabotaging your brain and explain what to do instead

Appendix cancer rising among millennials: Causes, signs, and what to do

Once considered rare, appendix cancer is now rising fast among millennials - here's why it matters, what symptoms to watch for, and how much screening and treatment may cost in India

Bed rotting: Stuck in bed all day? Know what it does to your mental health

Doctors explain how prolonged time in bed could signal depression, burnout, or anxiety and share recovery tips to reclaim your energy and motivation

NB.1.8.1 Covid-19 variant makes up 10% cases globally: Should you worry?

Fatigue, cough and a runny nose may be more than a cold as NB.1.8.1 spreads-here's how serious it is, how it spreads, and what vaccines still protect against

Health infrastructure got massive boost under PM Modi's leadership: Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said that India's health infrastructure got a massive boost under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and lauded private institutions for assisting the government's efforts. Shah was addressing a gathering after laying the foundation stone of 'Swasti Niwas', a residential facility for cancer patients and caregivers at the National Cancer Institute in Nagpur. "Under the Modi government, 60 crore poor people are being provided treatment of up to Rs 5 lakh free of cost," he said. He further pointed out that 23 All Indian Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) have now been approved compared to seven set up after Independence. "The budget for the health sector is Rs 1.35 lakh crore under PM Modi, while it was Rs 37,000 crore under the Manmohan Singh government," the Union minister said. Shah said he assured Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of all assistance from the Central government to set up a state-of-the-art research facil

Fortis Healthcare rallies 9%, nears record high; brokerages see more upside

The stock price of Fortis Healthcare is quoting at ₹731.35, its highest level since January 8, 2025, and inching towards its record high level of ₹744, touched on December 30, 2024.

India sends team to 78th World Health Assembly, backs global health ties

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 ...