US Capitol building with US dollar bills background representing American government funding and foreign aid budget

Cuts to USAID could generate USD 7.5 bn additional costs for households in LMICS: Study

A new study warns that cuts to USAID funding could generate USD 7.5 billion in additional healthcare costs for households in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) by 2050. Researchers from Boston University say millions of families affected by tuberculosis may face catastrophic medical and non-medical expenses if international TB funding declines.

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Indian government leader delivering speech at Ministry of Health and Family Welfare event in India with floral decorated podium

Healthcare infrastructure, medical education expanded significantly in last decade: J. P. Nadda

Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda said India has witnessed significant expansion in healthcare infrastructure and medical education over the past decade. Addressing students at a university convocation, he highlighted the rise in AIIMS institutions, improvements in maternal mortality rates and progress in tuberculosis reduction as key indicators of the country’s strengthening healthcare system.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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