ArdorComm Media Group

Contact Us
Monday, January 19, 2026 10:46 PM
logo
Menu
logo

Health & Wellness Community

Tamil Nadu Drugs Control Warns Against Ethylene Glycol–Adulterated Cough Syrup

Leave a Comment / / Health & Wellness Community

The Tamil Nadu Directorate of Drugs Control has issued a public alert cautioning citizens against the purchase, sale, or use of a specific batch of Almont-Kid Syrup after laboratory tests confirmed contamination with ethylene glycol, a highly toxic chemical. In the interest of public safety, the directorate has banned Almont-Kid Syrup (Levocetrizine Dihydrochloride and Montelukast Sodium Syrup), Batch No. AL-24002, manufactured in January 2025 and expiring in December 2026. The product is manufactured by Tridus Remedies, Vaishali, Bihar. Authorities have warned that consumption of this adulterated syrup poses serious health risks. Ethylene glycol is a poisonous substance that can lead to severe complications such as acute kidney failure and even death if ingested. Following the alert, all retailers, distributors, hospitals, and pharmacies across Tamil Nadu have been instructed to immediately withdraw the affected batch from circulation and report any instances of supply or sale. Consumers have been advised to verify batch details before use and strictly avoid consuming the identified product. Anyone in possession of the syrup is urged to hand it over to authorities for safe disposal. Healthcare professionals have also been asked to remain vigilant and watch for symptoms of ethylene glycol poisoning in patients who may have consumed the syrup. Any adverse reactions or suspected cases should be reported promptly to the Directorate of Drugs Control. To curb further distribution, intensified inspections and surveillance are being carried out at medical stores and healthcare facilities across the State. For assistance or to report concerns, consumers can contact the directorate via WhatsApp at 94458 65400. Source: The Hindu

Tamil Nadu Drugs Control Warns Against Ethylene Glycol–Adulterated Cough Syrup Read More »

WHO Urges Governments to Raise Taxes on Sugary Drinks and Alcohol to Curb Rising Health Risks

Leave a Comment / / Health & Wellness Community

The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged governments worldwide to sharply increase taxes on sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages, warning that persistently low tax rates are making these harmful products more affordable and driving a surge in preventable diseases. Releasing two new global reports on Tuesday (January 13, 2026), the WHO said falling prices of sugary drinks and alcohol are contributing to rising cases of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancers and injury-related deaths, particularly among children and young adults. Weak taxation policies, the agency noted, are allowing these products to stay cheap while public health systems struggle under the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases. “Health taxes are among the most effective tools to protect people’s health,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. He emphasized that higher taxes on tobacco, alcohol and sugary drinks can curb harmful consumption while generating much-needed revenue for healthcare services. According to the WHO, the global market for sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages earns billions in profits, yet governments collect only a small fraction through health-focused taxes. This imbalance leaves societies to shoulder the long-term health and economic consequences. The reports highlight that while at least 116 countries tax sugary drinks, many high-sugar products — including 100% fruit juices, sweetened milk beverages, and ready-to-drink coffees and teas — remain untaxed. Although 97% of countries impose taxes on energy drinks, this figure has not improved since 2023. On alcohol, the WHO found that 167 countries levy some form of tax, while 12 have complete bans. However, alcohol has become more affordable in many regions since 2022 because tax rates have not kept pace with inflation and rising incomes. Notably, wine remains untaxed in at least 25 countries, largely in Europe, despite its known health risks. The WHO stressed that while industries continue to profit, the public bears the health fallout and societies absorb the economic costs. To address this, the organization has launched its “3 by 35” initiative, calling on countries to increase and restructure taxes so that the real prices of tobacco, alcohol and sugary drinks rise by 2035, making them less accessible and reducing harm over time. Source: The Hindu

WHO Urges Governments to Raise Taxes on Sugary Drinks and Alcohol to Curb Rising Health Risks Read More »

India Bears Second-Highest Global Economic Burden from Diabetes: Study

Leave a Comment / / Health & Wellness Community

India is facing the world’s second-largest economic burden due to diabetes, estimated at USD 11.4 trillion, according to a new international study. The United States tops the list with costs of USD 16.5 trillion, followed by China at USD 11 trillion. The study, conducted by researchers from institutions including the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis and the Vienna University of Economics and Business in Austria, assessed the economic impact of diabetes across 204 countries between 2020 and 2050. The findings have been published in the journal Nature Medicine. Globally, diabetes-related costs are estimated at nearly USD 10 trillion when excluding unpaid care provided by family members, accounting for about 0.2 per cent of the world’s annual GDP. However, when informal caregiving is included, the total economic burden surges to USD 152 trillion, or roughly 1.7 per cent of global GDP. Researchers noted that informal care alone contributes close to 90 per cent of the total economic burden, as people with diabetes live significantly longer with the condition than they face mortality risks. This extended care often forces family caregivers to reduce work hours or exit the labour market, adding to economic losses. In purchasing power terms, the study estimated diabetes-related costs at INT$ 1.6 trillion for India, INT$ 2.5 trillion for the United States, and INT$ 1.0 trillion for China. When losses from informal care are included, the figures rise sharply, with India’s burden reaching INT$ 11.4 trillion. For India and China, the high costs are largely driven by the sheer size of the diabetic population, while in the United States, higher treatment expenses and diversion of physical capital are the main contributors. The study also highlighted stark disparities between high- and low-income countries, noting that treatment costs form a much larger share of the burden in wealthier nations due to better access to medical care. The researchers stressed that diabetes poses a greater economic challenge globally than conditions such as cancer or Alzheimer’s disease. They emphasized that prevention through healthier lifestyles, including regular exercise and balanced diets, remains the most effective strategy to curb both health and economic impacts. Widespread screening, early diagnosis, and timely treatment were also identified as critical measures. According to earlier research published in The Lancet in November 2024, more than a quarter of the world’s diabetic population currently lives in India. Source: PTI

India Bears Second-Highest Global Economic Burden from Diabetes: Study Read More »

Weakened Body Clock Tied to Greater Dementia Risk, Study Finds

Leave a Comment / / Health & Wellness Community

A new study indicates that disruptions in the body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm, may significantly raise the risk of developing dementia. Researchers found that older adults with weaker and more irregular circadian patterns were more likely to be diagnosed with the condition over time. The study suggests that when daily activity rhythms peak later in the day—particularly after mid-afternoon rather than earlier hours—the risk of dementia increases sharply. Individuals whose activity levels peaked later were found to have about a 45 per cent higher likelihood of developing dementia compared to those with earlier peaks. According to Wendy Wang, the study’s lead author from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, disrupted circadian rhythms may affect key biological processes. “Such disruptions can influence inflammation and sleep, potentially leading to increased buildup of amyloid plaques in the brain or reducing the brain’s ability to clear them,” she explained. Amyloid plaques are clusters of protein fragments commonly associated with Alzheimer’s disease and are known to damage brain cells, contributing to cognitive decline and dementia. The researchers examined data from more than 2,100 adults with an average age of 79, none of whom had dementia at the beginning of the study. Participants wore chest-mounted devices that tracked their rest and activity patterns for nearly two weeks on average. They were then monitored over a three-year period. During the follow-up, 176 participants were diagnosed with dementia. The findings, published in the journal Neurology, revealed that those with weaker circadian rhythms—marked by irregular sleep and activity cycles—had nearly two-and-a-half times the dementia risk compared to individuals with strong, stable rhythms. A well-regulated circadian rhythm typically aligns closely with the 24-hour day, helping maintain consistent sleep and activity schedules regardless of seasonal or routine changes. In contrast, weaker rhythms are more susceptible to disruptions from light exposure or schedule shifts, often resulting in fluctuating sleep patterns. The study also highlighted timing differences in daily activity. Participants whose peak activity occurred after 2:15 pm faced a significantly higher dementia risk compared to those whose activity peaked earlier in the afternoon. Researchers noted that a delayed activity peak may reflect a mismatch between the body’s internal clock and external environmental cues such as daylight and darkness. Wang added that while changes in circadian rhythms are a natural part of ageing, growing evidence suggests these disruptions may play a role in neurodegenerative diseases. “Our findings show that fragmented rhythms and delayed activity patterns are associated with a higher risk of dementia,” she said. The research underscores the potential importance of maintaining regular sleep-wake cycles and daily routines as people age, though further studies are needed to determine whether improving circadian health can help reduce dementia risk. Source: PTI

Weakened Body Clock Tied to Greater Dementia Risk, Study Finds Read More »

Wipro Tightens Hybrid Work Rules, Sets Minimum Office Hours

Leave a Comment / / Health & Wellness Community

Wipro has revised its hybrid work framework in India, introducing stricter attendance requirements for employees. Under the updated policy, staff are now required to spend a minimum of six hours in the office on at least three days each week, marking a shift from the earlier flexible-hour approach. While the three-day office attendance rule has existed for some time, the new requirement specifies that the six hours must be completed between official “in” and “out” punches. The policy came into effect on January 1 and applies across Wipro’s India operations. The Bengaluru-based IT major employs around 234,000 people globally. Employees who fail to meet the weekly office attendance or hourly requirement may see deductions from their leave balance, according to multiple employees cited by The Economic Times. Spending less than six hours in the office on a mandated day could result in a half-day leave deduction, while repeated shortfalls may lead to more days being adjusted from available leave. Wipro has also curtailed its temporary remote work option. The allowance has been reduced to 12 days a year from the earlier 15 days. These days can be used for health-related needs, self-care, or caregiving responsibilities. In an internal communication announcing the changes, Wipro reiterated that hybrid work remains central to its future workplace strategy. The company said the revised policy aims to balance flexibility with improved collaboration and urged employees to adhere to the guidelines “in both letter and spirit.” The company clarified that the six-hour requirement refers only to time spent in the office. Total daily working hours remain unchanged at 9.5 hours, with employees expected to complete the remaining hours remotely on the same day. Wipro did not respond to media queries on the matter at the time of reporting. The move comes as India’s $283 billion IT services industry faces subdued growth, partly due to artificial intelligence reducing reliance on traditional manpower-heavy delivery models. Industry observers note that faster development cycles and compressed project timelines are prompting companies to push for greater in-person collaboration. “Software releases that once took years are now being rolled out in weeks,” said Guruprasad Srinivasan, Executive Director at staffing firm Quess Corp. “That kind of speed demands close coordination, which is often more effective in a physical office environment.” Other major IT firms have also tightened return-to-office norms. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has implemented a five-day work-from-office policy, linking variable pay to attendance levels, while Infosys mandates a minimum number of in-office days each month for junior and mid-level employees, backed by system-driven enforcement. Together, these measures signal a broader industry shift towards stricter hybrid and in-office work models as tech companies adapt to changing business and delivery realities. Source: Economic Times

Wipro Tightens Hybrid Work Rules, Sets Minimum Office Hours Read More »

Counterfeit Abhayrab Vaccine Batch No Longer in Circulation: Indian Immunologicals

Leave a Comment / / Health & Wellness Community

Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL), a major vaccine manufacturer in the country, has stated that a counterfeit batch of its human anti-rabies vaccine, Abhayrab, is no longer available in the market. The clarification follows a recent advisory issued by Australian health authorities cautioning about the circulation of a fake batch in India since November 1, 2023. Responding to the advisory, IIL described it as overly cautious and said the issue had already been identified and addressed. In an official statement released on Saturday (December 27, 2025), the company said the counterfeit involved Abhayrab batch number KA24014, manufactured in March 2024 with an expiry date of February 2027. The anomaly was detected by early January 2025, after which swift action was taken, it added. Earlier, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation had warned that travellers vaccinated with Abhayrab in India after November 1, 2023, should treat the vaccination as invalid and begin a fresh immunisation schedule. Rabies, a viral disease transmitted from animals to humans, affects the central nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. However, timely vaccination following exposure can effectively prevent the disease. IIL highlighted that it has been producing the anti-rabies vaccine since 2000 and has supplied over 210 million doses across India and more than 40 countries, maintaining around a 40 per cent share of the domestic market. According to the company, the counterfeit was limited to a single batch and involved a packaging irregularity. Upon detection, IIL immediately informed regulatory authorities and law enforcement agencies, filed a formal complaint and coordinated with officials to prevent further circulation. The company reiterated that this was an isolated incident and that the fake stock has since been removed from the supply chain. Reassuring doctors and the public, IIL stressed that all vaccines manufactured in India undergo mandatory testing and release by the Central Drugs Laboratory before being made available for use. “Vaccines supplied through government channels and authorised distributors continue to be safe and meet quality standards,” said Sunil Tiwari, vice-president and head of quality management at IIL. He added that Abhayrab is produced in compliance with World Health Organization Good Manufacturing Practices and relevant pharmacopeial norms. The company further noted that the vaccine is approved for both pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis against rabies and is supplied to public health systems as well as private healthcare providers. Each batch, it said, is cleared by the National Control Laboratory, which is WHO-Geneva pre-qualified under India’s National Regulatory Authority. Meanwhile, earlier this month, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued travel health alerts for India and Haiti after cases of rabies were reported among travellers returning from these countries. The advisory urged travellers to avoid contact with dogs, cats and wild animals. Source: The Hindu

Counterfeit Abhayrab Vaccine Batch No Longer in Circulation: Indian Immunologicals Read More »

WHO Report Finds Less Than 5% of Disease-Focused Genomic Studies Conducted in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Leave a Comment / / Health & Wellness Community

A recent global analysis by the World Health Organization (WHO) has revealed a sharp imbalance in disease-focused genomic research, with low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) accounting for less than five per cent of such studies worldwide. According to the WHO, more than 6,500 genomic clinical studies were registered globally between 1990 and 2024 through its International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. The number of studies rose sharply after 2010, driven by rapid advancements in genome sequencing technologies, reduced costs, and expanding clinical applications. Despite this growth, over 80 per cent of genomic research remains concentrated in high-income countries. China emerged as the leading country in terms of the total number of registered genomic clinical studies over the past three decades, followed by the United States and Italy. India ranked among the top 20 countries globally. However, the report noted that LMICs are rarely in leadership roles within such research. India participated in 235 studies, while Egypt, South Africa, and Nigeria featured in 38, 17, and 14 studies respectively—mostly as part of multi-country collaborations rather than as lead partners. The analysis, titled “Human genomics technologies in clinical studies: the research landscape,” highlighted that cancer, rare diseases, and metabolic disorders together account for more than 75 per cent of all genomic studies globally. While these areas were early adopters of genomic approaches, the report flagged a major gap in research on infectious diseases. Communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV, and malaria represented just three per cent of all genomic studies, despite their significant contribution to the global disease burden—particularly in low-resource settings. The authors described this as a missed opportunity to use genomics to better understand disease susceptibility, treatment response, and host–pathogen interactions. The WHO study also pointed to demographic gaps in genomic research. Over three-quarters of studies focused on adults aged 18 to 64, while only 4.6 per cent targeted children and just 3.3 per cent involved older adults. Calling for urgent action, the WHO urged more inclusive, geographically balanced, and locally relevant genomic research. Recommendations included greater investment in genomic infrastructure and research capacity in underrepresented regions, stronger leadership from LMIC-based institutions, better alignment of research priorities with local disease burdens, and increased inclusion of children, older adults, and other underrepresented populations. Source: PTI

WHO Report Finds Less Than 5% of Disease-Focused Genomic Studies Conducted in Low- and Middle-Income Countries Read More »

Climate change–driven heat and humidity may worsen child stunting in South Asia by 2050: Study

Leave a Comment / / Health & Wellness Community

Rising temperatures combined with increasing humidity due to climate change could significantly worsen child health outcomes in South Asia, potentially leading to more than three million additional cases of stunting by 2050, according to a new study. The research, conducted by scientists at the University of California, Santa Barbara, examined how exposure to extreme heat and humid conditions during pregnancy affects early childhood development in one of the world’s most densely populated regions. The findings were published in the journal Science. The study focused on “height-for-age,” a widely used measure of chronic health and nutritional status among children under five. Researchers found that exposure to hot and humid weather during pregnancy—particularly during the earliest and latest stages—was strongly linked to poorer growth outcomes in children. Pregnant women are especially vulnerable to heat stress because of physiological and hormonal changes that reduce the body’s ability to regulate temperature. High humidity further intensifies this risk by limiting the body’s capacity to cool down through sweating. The researchers noted that the impacts were most severe when heat and humidity occurred together. Exposure during the third trimester showed health effects nearly four times greater than exposure to high temperatures alone. The study used the wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT), which accounts for humidity, radiant heat, and airflow in addition to air temperature, to better capture real-world heat stress. The analysis also revealed demographic effects. Each additional day with a WBGT above 29°C was associated with fewer live births six to twelve months later. In contrast, days with maximum temperatures exceeding 35°C were linked to a temporary rise in births within three months, suggesting shifts in pregnancy timing and possible increases in early-stage pregnancy loss. According to the researchers, these trends align with earlier studies showing that extreme heat can lead to premature births and reduced conception rates. Hot and humid conditions, they warned, pose a greater risk to fetal development than heat alone. With climate models projecting a sharp rise in hot and humid days across South Asia under continued global warming, the study cautioned that the true health impacts of extreme weather may be underestimated if humidity is not fully considered. The research drew on child health data from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) and daily climate data produced by the Climate Hazards Center at UC Santa Barbara. Source: PTI  

Climate change–driven heat and humidity may worsen child stunting in South Asia by 2050: Study Read More »

IHH Healthcare Targets 7,000-Bed Capacity in India by 2028

Leave a Comment / / Health & Wellness Community

IHH Healthcare has reiterated that it is on course to expand its hospital capacity in India to nearly 7,000 beds by 2028, marking an increase of over one-third from its current scale. The update comes after the successful completion of its open offer to acquire an additional stake in Fortis Healthcare. Following the open offer, IHH’s ownership now stands at 31.17% in Fortis Healthcare and 62.73% in Malar Hospitals. The company said the milestone positions it strongly for the next phase of growth in the Indian market. IHH Healthcare Group CEO Prem Kumar Nair said the conclusion of the Fortis open offer is a key step in advancing the group’s India strategy, aligning with its broader transformation efforts aimed at strengthening long-term resilience. He added that the company is well placed to drive innovation, enhance patient outcomes, and create sustainable value amid India’s rapidly evolving healthcare sector. Nair also highlighted that closer collaboration between Fortis Healthcare and Gleneagles Healthcare India will help unlock operational efficiencies and further improve the quality of care delivered nationwide. Echoing this outlook, Ashok Pandit, Group Chief Corporate Officer at IHH Healthcare, said the company is steadily expanding its footprint and remains committed to adding nearly 2,000 beds by 2028. Currently, IHH operates 35 hospitals with over 5,000 beds across 11 states in India, leveraging both operational and financial synergies to support its growth ambitions. Globally, IHH Healthcare has operations in 10 countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, Turkiye, India, and Greater China. Source: PTI

IHH Healthcare Targets 7,000-Bed Capacity in India by 2028 Read More »

Indo-German Research Finds Strong Link Between Gut Imbalance and Memory Decline

Leave a Comment / / Health & Wellness Community

A joint Indo-German research team has uncovered a clear biological pathway connecting imbalances in gut bacteria to memory loss, learning difficulties, and cognitive decline, according to a statement released by Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT). The findings, published in the latest edition of the peer-reviewed journal BMC Biology, show that disturbances in the gut microbiome—often caused by prolonged antibiotic use or poor dietary habits—can trigger systemic inflammation that ultimately disrupts brain circuits responsible for memory and cognition. The study was conducted under a collaborative programme supported by India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). The research team was led by Baby Chakrapani PS of CUSAT’s Centre of Excellence in Neurodegeneration and Brain Health (CENABH) and Centre for Neuroscience, along with Prof Martin Korte from the Technical University of Braunschweig and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Germany. The work formed part of doctoral research by scholar Krishnapriya under Chakrapani’s supervision. Researchers focused on antibiotic-induced gut dysbiosis, a condition marked by an imbalance in gut microbes, and examined how it affects bodily systems beyond the digestive tract. They found that disrupted gut bacteria initiate inflammatory and oxidative processes that weaken the gut barrier. These signals then travel to the brain, altering its immune environment. According to Chakrapani, the inflammation originating in the gut does not remain localised. Instead, it influences the brain’s immune cells, known as microglia. These cells normally help maintain brain health by clearing debris and selectively pruning weak synapses. However, under prolonged inflammatory stress linked to gut dysbiosis, microglia become overactive. Prof Korte explained that this overactivation causes microglia to eliminate not just weak synaptic connections but also healthy ones that are essential for learning and memory. This excessive synaptic pruning was associated with measurable impairments in memory and learning tasks. The researchers noted that gut dysbiosis is becoming increasingly common due to widespread antibiotic use, highly processed diets, chronic stress, and inadequate sleep—all of which reduce microbial diversity in the gut. Emphasising the broader implications of the findings, Korte said gut health should not be viewed solely in terms of digestion, as it also plays a crucial role in maintaining cognitive health. CUSAT said the study opens up potential intervention strategies, including careful antibiotic use, targeted probiotics, and balanced nutrition, to help protect both gut and brain function. Chakrapani added that the research represents an important step toward understanding the complex gut–brain connection. The team plans to explore whether restoring gut microbial balance can reverse cognitive impairments and whether similar mechanisms contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. Source: PTI

Indo-German Research Finds Strong Link Between Gut Imbalance and Memory Decline Read More »