Packaged and processed food items displayed on supermarket shelves highlighting concerns about nutrition labelling and unhealthy foods
12 Mar
Medical

No proposal for Front-of-Pack Labelling awareness campaign: Govt tells RS

The government has informed the Rajya Sabha that there is currently no proposal to launch a nationwide awareness campaign on front-of-pack labelling for food products. The Ministry of Women and Child Development said states and Union Territories are already conducting nutrition awareness activities under initiatives such as Poshan Maah and Poshan Pakhwada, focusing on healthy lifestyles, reducing sugar and oil consumption, and preventing childhood obesity.

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Modern hospital operation theatre with surgical lights and medical equipment highlighting healthcare infrastructure and medical device usage
12 Mar
Medical

India medical device shortage: Polypropylene price surge threatens syringes, IV bags amid Iran war

India’s medical device industry is facing the risk of shortages as a sharp surge in polypropylene prices threatens the production of essential medical consumables such as syringes, IV bags, blood bags and catheter components. Industry experts say the spike in plastic raw material costs, linked to geopolitical tensions including the Iran conflict, could severely impact small and medium manufacturers that dominate the sector.

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Dementia word formed with wooden blocks symbolising brain health, Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline awareness
12 Mar
Medical

Blood biomarker may help predict woman’s dementia risk 25 years before symptoms: Study

A new study suggests that a blood-based biomarker could help predict a woman’s risk of developing dementia up to 25 years before symptoms appear. Researchers found that higher levels of phosphorylated tau 217 (p-tau217), a protein linked to Alzheimer’s-related brain changes, were strongly associated with future cognitive decline among older women who were cognitively healthy at the start of the study.

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NITI Aayog and UNICEF India officials during signing of agreement to improve maternal and child nutrition in aspirational districts
07 Mar
Medical

NITI Aayog, UNICEF India to boost nutrition efforts in Aspirational Districts, Blocks

NITI Aayog has signed a statement of intent with UNICEF India to strengthen nutrition initiatives in Aspirational Districts and Blocks across the country. The collaboration aims to improve maternal and child nutrition outcomes by enhancing Anganwadi infrastructure, promoting nutrition awareness, increasing the uptake of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), and building the capacity of frontline health workers in underserved regions.

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Teenagers using smartphones and social media apps highlighting concerns over digital addiction and online safety for children
07 Mar
Medical

Karnataka to ban social media for children under 16

Karnataka has announced a ban on social media use for children under the age of 16, aiming to reduce the negative impact of increasing mobile and internet usage on young users. The move, announced by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during the state budget speech, comes amid growing global concerns about children’s digital safety, social media addiction, and unrestricted internet access.

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Teenager showing irritability and arguing during emotional conflict highlighting adolescent behavioural and mental health issues
05 Mar
Medical

Severe irritability in teens can be reduced by daily doses of vitamins, minerals: New research

A new clinical study suggests that daily doses of broad-spectrum micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals, may significantly reduce severe irritability in teenagers. The placebo-controlled trial found that teens with disruptive behaviour experienced notable improvements, highlighting the potential of nutritional interventions as a safe and accessible approach to managing mental health challenges in adolescents.

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Cancer awareness concept with medical stethoscope and text highlighting importance of cancer diagnosis and treatment
05 Mar
Medical

Breast cancer incidence in India more than doubled in 3 decades, says Lancet study

Breast cancer incidence in India has more than doubled over the past three decades, according to a study published in The Lancet Oncology. The research found that cases rose from 13 per lakh women in 1990 to 29.4 per lakh in 2023, while mortality rates also increased significantly. Experts warn that the burden could rise further by 2050 if key modifiable risk factors are not addressed.

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Woman stretching leg muscles before exercise highlighting importance of regular workout and healthy fitness habits
05 Mar
Medical

‘All-or-nothing’ attitude may hurt exercise habit: Study

A study has found that an “all-or-nothing” mindset may be a major barrier preventing people from maintaining regular exercise habits. Researchers say many individuals believe workouts must be long, intense and perfectly scheduled, leading them to skip exercise altogether when routines are disrupted. Experts emphasise that flexibility and small, consistent physical activity are more effective for sustaining long-term health and fitness.

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HPV vaccine vial with syringe representing immunisation drive for cervical cancer prevention in India
01 Mar
Medical

Government to target 1.15 crore HPV vaccinations yearly: Health ministry

The government has set a target of administering HPV vaccines to around 1.15 crore 14-year-old girls every year under a nationwide immunisation programme, the Union health ministry said. The free and voluntary vaccination drive will be conducted at government health facilities across states and Union territories, marking a major step in India’s efforts to prevent cervical cancer and strengthen women’s health.

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