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ICMR-NIN Study Finds Vitamin D3 More Effective Than D2 in Supporting Muscle and Heart Health

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Vitamin D3 may be more effective than Vitamin D2 in maintaining and restoring skeletal muscle and cardiac function, according to a study conducted by researchers at the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN), Hyderabad. The study, titled “Dietary Vitamin D2 Is Less Potent Than Vitamin D3 at Maintaining or Restoring Structure and Metabolism of Skeletal Muscle and Heart in Male Rats,” was published in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research. Researchers examined the comparative effects of Vitamin D2 and D3 on skeletal muscle and heart health in male rats during both the maintenance phase and recovery from vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is primarily known for its role in calcium regulation and bone health, but it also contributes to the functioning of tissues such as skeletal muscle and the heart. While both D2 and D3 are commonly used in supplements and food fortification, researchers noted that their effects on non-bone tissues have not been studied as extensively. For the study, weaning male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into groups receiving diets containing Vitamin D2, Vitamin D3, a combination of both, or a vitamin D-deficient diet. Researchers subsequently assessed body composition, muscle strength, muscle structure and metabolism, along with indicators linked to cardiac function. The findings showed that Vitamin D3 resulted in greater improvements in muscle mass, muscle fibre size and grip strength compared with Vitamin D2. It also demonstrated stronger effects on biological markers associated with muscle development and energy metabolism. A similar trend was observed in the heart. Vitamin D3 produced greater changes in markers linked to cardiac contractility and metabolism. The differences between the two forms were particularly noticeable when the animals were recovering from Vitamin D deficiency. Dr Ayesha Ismail, Scientist F at ICMR-NIN and corresponding author of the study, said both forms improved calcium-related parameters, but Vitamin D2 was less effective across several indicators associated with muscle and heart structure and energy metabolism. ICMR-NIN Director Dr Bharati Kulkarni said the findings suggest that Vitamin D3 could have greater potential than Vitamin D2 in maintaining and restoring skeletal muscle and cardiac functions. However, the researchers cautioned against directly applying the findings to humans. They said additional research involving human populations is needed to determine whether the observed differences between Vitamin D2 and D3 have similar implications for skeletal and other body functions. The study adds to existing evidence suggesting that the two forms of Vitamin D may not have identical effects beyond their established role in calcium regulation and bone health. Researchers said further studies will be important in assessing the potential implications for vitamin supplementation and food-fortification programmes. Source: ANI

ICMR-NIN Study Finds Vitamin D3 More Effective Than D2 in Supporting Muscle and Heart Health Read More »

Jharkhand on high alert over H1N1 as Health Minister orders hospitals to reserve beds, intensify surveillance

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The Jharkhand Health Department has stepped up preparedness across the state amid concerns over potential H1N1, or swine flu, cases, with Health Minister Irfan Ansari directing officials to strengthen surveillance, testing and hospital readiness. Ansari chaired a high-level review meeting with senior health officials, medical college authorities and district Civil Surgeons, directing surveillance teams to closely monitor suspected cases and ensure their prompt reporting. Assuring residents that there was no need to panic, the Health Minister said H1N1 is a respiratory viral infection and that most patients recover with timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment. He urged people to seek medical attention promptly if they develop symptoms. As part of the preparedness measures, authorities have been asked to reserve 10 additional beds at every medical college hospital, including Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi, as well as at all district Sadar Hospitals. Hospitals have also been instructed to maintain sufficient stocks of medical oxygen and essential medicines, strengthen diagnostic facilities and ensure ICU and HDU readiness. Adequate trained medical and paramedical staff are also to be kept available to handle any surge in cases. The department will intensify monitoring of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) cases to facilitate early detection and treatment. Surveillance will also be increased at airports, railway stations and bus stands, where health teams will assess travellers showing symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat or breathing difficulties and arrange testing and treatment when necessary. Ansari said the entire health system was being kept on alert and that the government was continuously monitoring the situation. He urged people to remain cautious, follow preventive measures and consult healthcare professionals without delay if symptoms develop. Source: ANI

Jharkhand on high alert over H1N1 as Health Minister orders hospitals to reserve beds, intensify surveillance Read More »

Adani Group Plans 2,000-Bed Hospital in Bengal, Half the Beds to Be Free

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The Adani Group is set to establish a 2,000-bed hospital in New Town near Kolkata, with 1,000 beds earmarked to provide free treatment to economically weaker patients. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari described the proposed healthcare facility as a major development for the state. He said Adani Group director Karan Adani had met him regarding the project, following which the state government provided written approval. According to Adhikari, half of the hospital’s 2,000 beds will be reserved for free treatment for poor patients, while the remaining 1,000 beds will operate on a commercial basis. He also said Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani has sent a commitment letter indicating the conglomerate’s intention to commence work on the project soon. The proposed hospital is expected to strengthen healthcare infrastructure in the New Town area and expand access to medical treatment for underprivileged sections of society. Source: PTI  

Adani Group Plans 2,000-Bed Hospital in Bengal, Half the Beds to Be Free Read More »

More Than 16,000 Ebola Vaccine Doses Arrive in Outbreak-Hit DRC

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More than 16,000 doses of the Ervebo Ebola vaccine arrived in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Friday, August 21, as the country battles its deadliest Ebola outbreak, according to an AFP journalist at the scene. A total of 16,250 doses were delivered by plane to Kinshasa, forming part of the 70,000 Ervebo doses made available to the DRC by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Of the total allocation, 20,000 doses are earmarked for a clinical trial, while 50,000 will be administered to frontline and healthcare workers. The DRC declared its 17th Ebola outbreak on May 15, although health officials believe the virus had been circulating for several weeks before the announcement. The outbreak has affected areas in the country’s north and east, where limited state presence, weak healthcare infrastructure and the presence of armed groups have complicated the response. According to the latest figures from Congolese authorities, the outbreak has resulted in 5,290 confirmed cases and 2,516 deaths. Julien Harneis, the UN’s senior Ebola coordinator, warned on Friday that the outbreak was “growing exponentially”. The Ervebo vaccine, developed by pharmaceutical company Merck, is approved for protection against the Zaire strain of Ebola but has not been approved for the Bundibugyo strain currently circulating in the DRC. WHO experts are yet to establish whether it can protect humans against the strain, although preliminary evidence, including animal studies, indicates that it may provide some level of protection. DRC Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba said Ervebo had already been deployed during previous outbreaks, including extensively during the 2018-2020 Ebola epidemic. WHO vaccine experts this month recommended conducting a large-scale human trial to determine whether Ervebo can provide cross-protection against the Bundibugyo strain. The trial is expected to provide crucial evidence as authorities seek to contain the rapidly expanding outbreak. Researchers are also working on vaccines specifically designed to target the Bundibugyo strain. Moderna is developing an mRNA-based candidate, while another vaccine is being developed by the University of Oxford. Singapore-based Hilleman Laboratories is also set to develop an “rVSV Bundibugyo” vaccine, which WHO has described as the most promising candidate. Ebola spreads primarily through contact with infected bodily fluids and can cause severe fever and other serious symptoms. The virus has killed more than 15,000 people across Africa over the past five decades. Source: AFP  

More Than 16,000 Ebola Vaccine Doses Arrive in Outbreak-Hit DRC Read More »

Tamil Nadu to Launch Health Insurance Scheme for Elderly, Announces Major Healthcare Reforms

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The Tamil Nadu government has announced a series of healthcare reforms, including a new health insurance scheme for senior citizens, annual free health check-ups for people aged 30 and above, and a major expansion of medical infrastructure and healthcare workforce. The announcements were made in the Tamil Nadu Assembly as the government outlined plans to modernise the State’s healthcare system and address emerging and future health challenges. The 87-year-old Tamil Nadu Public Health Act, 1939, will be replaced with a new comprehensive legislation designed to address contemporary healthcare requirements. The proposed law will also include a provision making unsupervised home births outside hospitals a punishable offence. The government also plans to establish ‘TN Medicity’, a world-class integrated healthcare hub bringing together clinical services, medical research, medical tourism and AYUSH facilities. An initial allocation of ₹10 crore will be made to prepare the Detailed Project Report for the proposed project. Free Annual Health Checks for People Above 30 Under the proposed ‘Nalam 360 – Annual Free Health Check-up for All’ initiative, residents aged 30 years and above will receive 14 basic health tests every year at no cost. The programme will be implemented across 1,257 government healthcare facilities in Tamil Nadu. The tests will cover key health indicators, including blood pressure, ECG, haemoglobin, complete haemogram, random blood sugar, urea, creatinine, total cholesterol, serum bilirubin, urine albumin and VIA screening. For the first time in the State, the Health Department will also introduce Home Based Diagnostic Services in metropolitan areas. The initiative will facilitate sample collection and testing at people’s homes through a public-private partnership model. New Health Policy and Institutions The government will introduce a ‘Positive Health Policy’ aimed at promoting holistic health and wellbeing at the individual, family and community levels. A ‘Nalam 360’ mobile application will accompany the initiative. Another proposed legislation, the ‘TN Institutions of State Importance in Health Care Act’, will facilitate the creation of institutions of State importance focused on delivering advanced and world-class medical services. Expansion of Healthcare Workforce To address staffing requirements, the government will create 2,500 permanent staff nurse positions. Existing nurses working on consolidated pay will also be absorbed into regular time-scale positions. In addition, 1,695 nursing posts on consolidated pay will be created at an estimated cost of ₹42.72 crore. The Medical Services Recruitment Board will recruit 3,594 medical personnel across 24 categories, including pharmacists, nursing assistants, village health nurses and ophthalmic assistants. The Health Department will also create 284 temporary super-speciality posts across 25 disciplines, including neurology, cardiology and nephrology. These positions will be placed on time-scale pay and are intended to strengthen access to specialised healthcare at the district level. The posts will also provide opportunities for doctors completing postgraduate medical education each year, particularly those posted in government hospitals under bond conditions. The government has further announced several infrastructure initiatives, including construction of new hospital buildings and procurement of additional medical equipment, as part of its broader effort to strengthen healthcare delivery across Tamil Nadu. Source: The Hindu

Tamil Nadu to Launch Health Insurance Scheme for Elderly, Announces Major Healthcare Reforms Read More »

ICMR Has Not Studied Whether Ultra-Processed Foods Show Addiction-Like Behaviour: Centre

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The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has not conducted any study to determine whether ultra-processed foods (UPFs) display addiction-like behavioural characteristics similar to tobacco or other habit-forming substances, the government informed the Lok Sabha. Responding to a written question in Parliament, Minister of State for Health Prataprao Jadhav said ICMR’s assessment is based on available global scientific evidence, which links higher consumption of ultra-processed foods with a greater risk of several health problems. These include obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and certain mental health disorders. However, the minister clarified that such conditions have multiple contributing factors, with excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods being only one of several modifiable risk factors. The government also pointed out that much of the existing evidence on UPFs and health outcomes is observational. Therefore, the available research does not, on its own, establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship. ICMR Steps Up Nutrition Awareness Jadhav said ICMR has undertaken various measures to educate the public about the potential health risks associated with excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods. The Dietary Guidelines for Indians, 2024, advise people to limit their intake of free sugars, avoid frequent consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and reduce their intake of ultra-processed foods. The guidelines also encourage consumers to identify such products and read food labels before making purchasing decisions. ICMR has additionally launched the “Let’s Fix Our Food” initiative in partnership with national and international organisations. The programme focuses on creating healthier food environments for children and adolescents by working with schools, parents, policymakers and civil society organisations. The initiative aims to develop evidence-based communication resources, improve food environments in schools and encourage healthier eating habits, while discouraging the consumption of foods high in sugar, fat and salt. The minister said ICMR also conducts nutrition awareness activities through public lectures, workshops, training programmes, National Nutrition Month campaigns and other public health initiatives. Educational material on nutrition is also disseminated in regional languages. FSSAI Campaigns Promote Healthier Eating The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has also introduced several initiatives aimed at encouraging healthier dietary choices. These include the “Eat Right India” movement and the “Aaj Se Thoda Kam” campaign, which encourages consumers to reduce their intake of fat, salt and sugar. FSSAI is also using social media campaigns to raise awareness about obesity and related health concerns. In collaboration with MyGov, FSSAI has launched the “Eat Right Quiz on Obesity”. Its #HarLabelKuchKehtaHai campaign seeks to help consumers better understand nutritional information and other details provided on food labels. Jadhav said FSSAI has established quality and safety standards for a range of food products, aligned with international standards including those developed by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. Existing regulations also govern the levels of sugar, salt and fat in food products. Under the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020, food manufacturers are required to disclose nutritional information such as energy, protein, carbohydrates, total sugars, added sugars, total fat and sodium, along with ingredient details. The rules also prohibit false or misleading labels. Meanwhile, the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018 require food-related advertisements and health claims to be truthful, scientifically supported and not misleading. Claims that a food product can prevent, treat or cure diseases are prohibited unless specifically allowed under the law. The government said violations of these regulations can result in regulatory and punitive action against non-compliant food business operators under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Source: PTI

ICMR Has Not Studied Whether Ultra-Processed Foods Show Addiction-Like Behaviour: Centre Read More »

ICAR Unveils India’s First Indigenous Vaccine Against African Swine Fever

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The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed India’s first homegrown vaccine to combat African swine fever (ASF), marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to protect livestock from one of the world’s most destructive pig diseases. African swine fever, caused by the African swine fever virus (ASFV), is a highly contagious viral disease that affects both domestic and wild pigs and is known for causing extremely high mortality rates. ICAR described the vaccine’s development as a major advancement in strengthening India’s animal health ecosystem. ICAR Director General M.L. Jat hailed the achievement as a landmark in veterinary science, saying it demonstrates India’s growing capability to create globally competitive animal health technologies. He added that the breakthrough would enhance disease preparedness, improve livestock health, and contribute to the country’s food and biosecurity. The vaccine has been developed by scientists at the ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (ICAR-NIHSAD), Bhopal, using a novel attenuated ASFV Genotype II strain. According to the Union Agriculture Ministry, the vaccine has successfully cleared a series of laboratory evaluations, including tests for sterility, purity, safety, genetic stability, immune response, protective efficacy, and the possibility of the virus regaining virulence. Designed for healthy pigs aged over eight weeks, the vaccine is administered as a 1 ml intramuscular injection, followed by a booster dose after 14 days. Officials believe the vaccine will play a crucial role in reducing pig mortality, limiting financial losses, and improving the livelihoods of pig farmers across the country. The Agriculture Ministry said the vaccine is expected to strengthen India’s animal health security by providing an effective preventive solution against ASF, while supporting the long-term sustainability of the pig farming industry. ASF has emerged as a major threat to the global livestock sector, with mortality rates that can reach nearly 100 per cent. Since the disease was first detected in India in 2020, it has spread across several states and Union Territories, leading to widespread pig deaths, disruptions in production, restrictions on livestock movement and trade, and severe economic hardship for farmers, particularly in the Northeastern region. In the absence of an approved vaccine or effective treatment until now, authorities have relied on rapid disease detection, culling infected animals, and enforcing strict biosecurity measures to contain outbreaks. The financial impact of ASF has been substantial. The Ministry noted that outbreaks in Assam during 2020 and 2021 resulted in estimated losses of around ₹276 crore due to pig deaths and culling. In Mizoram, the disease affected more than 11,382 households by 2025, with reported economic losses estimated at nearly ₹982 crore. Source: The Hindu  

ICAR Unveils India’s First Indigenous Vaccine Against African Swine Fever Read More »

India Accounts for Nearly 70% of South Asia’s Childhood Leukaemia Cases: Lancet Study

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India bears the highest burden of childhood leukaemia in South Asia, accounting for nearly 70% of all reported cases in the region, according to a new study published in The Lancet. Researchers attribute the high numbers largely to the country’s vast child population, along with challenges in timely diagnosis and access to specialised treatment. An estimated 25,000 to 50,000 children below the age of 15 are diagnosed with leukaemia in India every year. In West Bengal alone, population-based estimates suggest that around 1,000 to 1,800 children develop the disease annually. Data from hospitals such as Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute and NRS Medical College indicate that acute leukaemia represents nearly 39% of all paediatric cancers in the state. Leukaemia remains the most common childhood cancer in India, accounting for nearly 30–40% of all paediatric cancer cases. Among these, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) constitutes nearly three-fourths of diagnoses. Dr. Pritam Singha Roy, Consultant Paediatric Oncologist at Tata Medical Centre, said the number of reported cases has increased over the past decade due to improved diagnostic facilities, greater public awareness and government initiatives that have enabled more children to receive timely treatment. Experts note that India primarily tracks new cancer diagnoses rather than the total number of children living with the disease, making incidence data more readily available than prevalence figures. According to Dr. Narendra Agarwal, Haematologist and Bone Marrow Transplant Physician at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre, India’s large population contributes significantly to its high case count, while many neighbouring countries may still have substantial numbers of undiagnosed or unreported cases. He added that delayed diagnosis remains a major concern, although treatment facilities and patient outcomes have improved considerably across the country. The study examined childhood cancer trends across the eight SAARC nations—India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Afghanistan and the Maldives—which together are home to nearly 600 million children aged 0–14 years. Researchers estimated that the region recorded 37,716 new childhood cancer cases and 17,698 deaths in 2022. India accounted for 25,939 cases (68.8%), followed by Pakistan with 7,841 cases (20.8%). Leukaemia emerged as the leading childhood cancer across all SAARC countries, representing between 35% and 50% of cases, while central nervous system (CNS) tumours ranked second. The report also highlighted significant disparities in mortality and healthcare access across South Asia, with mortality-to-incidence ratios varying widely among countries. It called for stronger regional collaboration to improve cancer registration systems, expand access to specialised paediatric oncology care and ensure uninterrupted treatment for affected children. Source: TNN

India Accounts for Nearly 70% of South Asia’s Childhood Leukaemia Cases: Lancet Study Read More »

Manipal Health Raises ₹4,167 Crore from Anchor Investors Ahead of ₹9,275-Crore IPO

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Manipal Health Enterprises has secured ₹4,167 crore from anchor investors ahead of the launch of its ₹9,275-crore initial public offering (IPO), which opened for public subscription on Wednesday. The IPO witnessed an initial subscription of 6% by 1:30 pm, according to data from the National Stock Exchange (NSE). The anchor investor round attracted several prominent global institutions, including the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), Allianz Global Investors Fund, Morgan Stanley Asia, Natixis International Fund, Societe Generale, and Goldman Sachs Bank Europe. Domestic institutional investors such as ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund, Kotak Mutual Fund, Aditya Birla Sun Life Mutual Fund, UTI Mutual Fund, and HSBC Mutual Fund also participated. As per a BSE filing, the company allotted over 7.06 crore equity shares to anchor investors at ₹590 per share, the upper end of the IPO’s price band. The public issue is priced between ₹560 and ₹590 per share, valuing the Bengaluru-headquartered healthcare provider at over ₹77,600 crore at the upper end. The IPO will remain open for subscription until July 31. The offering consists of a fresh issue of equity shares worth ₹8,000 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of up to 2.16 crore shares by existing shareholders. Promoters Imperius Healthcare Investments Pte. Ltd. and Manipal Education and Medical Group India Pvt. Ltd., along with investors including TPG SG Magazine Pte. Ltd., Seventy Second Investment Company LLC, Ammar Sdn Bhd, Novo Holdings Invest Asia, and Phoenix Bear Investments LLC, are participating in the OFS. Manipal Health plans to utilise ₹5,378 crore from the fresh issue to repay or prepay borrowings of its subsidiary, Manipal Hospitals Pvt. Ltd. Another ₹574 crore has been earmarked to acquire the minority stake in Sahyadri Hospitals Pvt. Ltd., with the remaining proceeds allocated for general corporate purposes. At the upper price band, the IPO size is estimated at ₹9,275 crore, while at the lower end it stands at approximately ₹9,210 crore. One of India’s leading hospital networks, Manipal Health operates 49 multispecialty hospitals across the country with 13,037 licensed beds as of March 31, 2026. For the financial year 2025–26, the company reported revenue from operations of ₹10,336 crore and a net profit of ₹916.52 crore. The company’s equity shares are expected to be listed on the BSE and NSE on or around August 5. Source: PTI

Manipal Health Raises ₹4,167 Crore from Anchor Investors Ahead of ₹9,275-Crore IPO Read More »

Almost Every Country Overuses Strong Antibiotics, Fueling Drug Resistance: Lancet Study

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A new global study has found that nearly every country is overusing powerful antibiotics that are meant to be reserved for severe infections, raising concerns over the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The findings, published in The Lancet Public Health, suggest that inappropriate use of these medicines is accelerating the spread of drug-resistant bacteria. Researchers from the University of London and other institutions developed a framework to estimate the ideal level and type of antibiotic use for individual countries. They say the tool can help governments assess whether their antibiotic prescribing patterns are appropriate and guide efforts to curb both excessive and inappropriate antibiotic use. The World Health Organization (WHO) categorises antibiotics under its Access, Watch and Reserve (AWaRe) classification. ‘Access’ antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, are recommended as first-line treatments for common bacterial infections. ‘Watch’ antibiotics are stronger drugs that should only be used when standard treatments are ineffective, while ‘Reserve’ antibiotics are considered last-resort medicines for life-threatening drug-resistant infections. In 2024, the United Nations General Assembly endorsed the AWaRe framework as the global standard for antibiotic monitoring and set a target for at least 70% of antibiotic use worldwide to come from the Access category by 2030. However, researchers noted that no country-specific benchmarks had been established until now. The study grouped countries into four clusters based on factors including income levels, infectious disease burden and antibiotic resistance. Using 2019 data, the researchers estimated that around 43 billion antibiotic treatment courses were required globally, averaging approximately one course per person annually. They concluded that nearly 77% of these should ideally come from the Access category, reinforcing the UN’s 70% target. When researchers compared these estimates with actual antibiotic consumption data from 67 countries and territories, they found widespread misuse. Around 72% of the countries consumed more antibiotics overall than necessary, while 99% exceeded the expected use of Watch antibiotics. The analysis also found that more than half of the countries were underusing Reserve antibiotics, suggesting that some patients with serious drug-resistant infections may not be receiving the specialised treatments they require. Additionally, 60% of the countries continued prescribing antibiotics that the WHO no longer recommends. India, which falls under the study’s second cluster, was estimated to require between 9.9 and 14.7 defined daily doses (DDD) per 1,000 inhabitants per day (DID). However, the country’s actual antibiotic use stood at 18.3 DID, with Watch antibiotics accounting for 9.3 DID and Access antibiotics making up only 4.5 DID. The researchers also highlighted a significant global disparity. Low- and middle-income countries, which face a greater burden of infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance, require relatively higher access to specialised Watch and Reserve antibiotics. Yet, wealthier nations currently consume these medicines at much higher rates. The authors urged governments to adopt stronger national antibiotic stewardship policies that reduce unnecessary prescriptions while ensuring patients with genuine medical needs have timely access to appropriate treatments. Source: PTI

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