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ICMR Funds Four-Year Study to Explore Genetic Links and Potential Treatments for Autoimmune Diseases

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The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has funded a four-year research project to investigate the genetic and immunological factors behind autoimmune diseases, with the aim of identifying shared disease mechanisms and potential targets for future therapies. The study will focus on families with multiple members affected by autoimmune conditions. Researchers are planning to develop a nationwide cohort of 200 families, each having at least one member diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), commonly known as lupus. Doctors at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, have also appealed to eligible lupus patients to participate in the research. Titled ‘Genomic Profiling and Identification of Targetable Shared Immunopathogenic Events in Multiplex Families with Autoimmune Diseases’, the project has been awarded to Dr Dipyaman Ganguly of Ashoka University, Sonipat, and Dr Ranjan Gupta, Additional Professor in the Department of Rheumatology at AIIMS Delhi. As part of the investigation, researchers will conduct genetic and immunological assessments of patients and their family members to identify common biological processes associated with the development of autoimmune conditions. The findings are expected to improve understanding of disease mechanisms and help identify potential targets for developing new treatment approaches. Autoimmune diseases develop when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells and tissues. According to Dr Gupta, a family history of these conditions is associated with an increased risk, making genetic and shared immunological factors important areas of investigation. The research will involve six clinical centres across the country: AIIMS Delhi, AIIMS Bibinagar in Telangana, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) in Lucknow, St John’s Hospital in Bengaluru, Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences in Hyderabad and Kolkata Medical College. These institutions will contribute clinical information and biological samples to support the study. Patients diagnosed with lupus and residing in the Delhi-NCR region can contact the AIIMS Delhi centre to enquire about eligibility and enrolment. Participation will depend on meeting the study’s clinical and other recruitment requirements. Through this multi-institutional initiative, researchers aim to strengthen understanding of the inherited and immune-related factors associated with autoimmune diseases and explore new possibilities for targeted treatment. Source: PTI

ICMR Funds Four-Year Study to Explore Genetic Links and Potential Treatments for Autoimmune Diseases Read More »

Fortis Healthcare CEO Calls for Periodic Revision of Government Health Insurance Rates

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Ashutosh Raghuvanshi, Managing Director and CEO of Fortis Healthcare, has called for regular revisions of package rates under government-sponsored health insurance schemes to keep pace with rising medical costs, advancements in healthcare technology and the growing demand for quality treatment. Speaking at the 20th edition of FICCI Heal 2026, Raghuvanshi emphasised the need to periodically reassess reimbursement rates under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) and the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY). He also highlighted the importance of timely hospital claim settlements, stating that a transparent and predictable reimbursement mechanism could encourage greater private sector participation and support investment in healthcare infrastructure. The remarks come a year after the Union Health Ministry revised package rates for nearly 2,000 procedures under CGHS in October 2025. The revision marked the first major overhaul of the rates since 2014. Following the announcement, Nathealth, an industry body representing private healthcare providers, welcomed the decision and called for government-sponsored health insurance rates to be periodically aligned with the Consumer Price Index. The viability of reimbursement rates remains a key concern for private healthcare providers. Major listed hospital chains, including Fortis Healthcare, Max Healthcare and Apollo Hospitals, do not participate in the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Industry representatives have argued that reimbursement rates must be financially sustainable, particularly for corporate hospitals operating in urban areas, to encourage their participation. Raghuvanshi also urged the government to reconsider the taxation framework applicable to hospitals. Although healthcare services are exempt from the Goods and Services Tax (GST), hospitals generally cannot claim input tax credit on goods and services used to provide these exempt services. This results in additional costs for healthcare providers and can constrain their ability to invest in expansion and infrastructure. He said reviewing the existing tax structure could ease cost pressures on hospitals while strengthening their capacity to deliver affordable, high-quality healthcare services. Source: Economic Times

Fortis Healthcare CEO Calls for Periodic Revision of Government Health Insurance Rates Read More »

Mid-Career Professionals to Account for 93% of Healthcare GCC Hiring Demand in 2026: Report

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Mid-career professionals are expected to dominate recruitment at healthcare Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India in 2026, accounting for nearly 93% of hiring demand, according to a report by staffing and workforce solutions firm Quess Corp. The sector is projected to generate around 67,000 job openings during the year. The findings are outlined in Quess Corp’s India Healthcare GCC Outlook 2026, which draws on secondary research, job postings across multiple recruitment platforms and publicly available information. The report highlights the growing demand for professionals with three to 12 years of experience, as companies increasingly prioritise specialised skills and industry expertise. India’s healthcare GCC ecosystem has expanded to 155 organisations employing approximately 3.2 lakh professionals. These centres are moving beyond conventional support operations towards artificial intelligence (AI), scientific research, clinical development and digital health services. Recruitment demand is increasingly focused on specialised roles in AI, data analytics, clinical research and regulatory functions. However, the report points to a widening talent shortage in these areas, with the supply of suitably qualified professionals struggling to meet industry requirements. Bengaluru and Hyderabad remain major hubs for healthcare GCCs, together accounting for 62.2% of the existing workforce and 58.4% of projected hiring demand in 2026. Kapil Joshi, CEO of Quess IT Solutions, said hiring in India’s healthcare GCC sector nearly doubled in the previous year, but the availability of skilled professionals remains a significant challenge. He noted that the AI and data segment has only 1.6 professionals available for every job opening, while employers increasingly seek mid-career specialists who combine technological expertise with an understanding of healthcare regulations. Joshi added that as fresher recruitment slows, companies need to focus on developing the next generation of specialised professionals to address future workforce requirements. Source: PTI Tags: 

Mid-Career Professionals to Account for 93% of Healthcare GCC Hiring Demand in 2026: Report Read More »

FSSAI Warns Food Companies Over Non-Compliance with Labelling Norms for Health Supplements

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The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has raised concerns over food businesses failing to comply with mandatory labelling requirements for nutraceuticals, health supplements and other specialised food products. The regulator has warned of action against businesses that do not follow the prescribed rules. In an advisory shared on social media on Monday, FSSAI highlighted the need to comply with labelling requirements and display appropriate warning statements for plant-based and botanical ingredients, including their extracts. The regulator said several Food Business Operators (FBOs) involved in manufacturing and selling nutraceuticals, health supplements, foods for special dietary use and foods for special medical purposes were not following the stipulated labelling standards and warning requirements. These products are governed by the Food Safety and Standards (Health Supplements, Nutraceuticals, Food for Special Dietary Use, Food for Special Medical Purpose, Functional Food and Novel Food) Regulations, 2016. The regulations cover categories such as health supplements, functional foods, products containing prebiotic and probiotic ingredients, and novel foods. According to FSSAI, the framework specifies permissible limits for plant and botanical ingredients and their extracts, whether used individually or in combination with other ingredients. The regulations also prescribe strict labelling standards and prohibit products from making medicinal claims or suggesting that they can cure diseases. Warning statements must be clearly visible, legible and prominently displayed to help prevent misuse, particularly among vulnerable consumers. FSSAI has urged food businesses to ensure compliance with the applicable requirements, emphasising the importance of accurate product labelling and appropriate warnings to safeguard consumer health and safety. Source: PTI

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Maharashtra to Introduce Digital Milk Tracking System to Combat Adulteration

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Maharashtra is planning to introduce a digital milk-tracking mechanism within the next six months to a year to strengthen food safety and curb adulteration. The proposed system will enable authorities to trace milk from dairies and collection centres back to the individual animal, Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said. Speaking at the India Today Conclave Mumbai 2026, Mundhe said the FDA had initiated inspections at milk collection centres across the state to identify adulteration, unsafe milk and violations of prescribed hygiene and handling standards. The proposed digital system will use animal identification data, including details recorded on ear tags, to establish a link between milk production and the animals from which the milk originates. The FDA plans to coordinate with the Animal Husbandry Department to match animal records with milk production data, helping officials identify discrepancies and trace the source of potentially adulterated milk. Mundhe said the department had identified hundreds of milk collection centres for inspection around 15 days earlier, with enforcement teams working to trace milk supplies back to individual farmers. He added that collection centres, chilling facilities and dairies previously found violating regulations had begun improving compliance following inspections and enforcement measures. FDA Calls for Greater Public Participation in Food Safety The FDA commissioner emphasised that food safety requires collective responsibility from consumers, food businesses and government agencies rather than relying solely on individual officials. He noted that safe food practices have implications for public health, economic development, farmers and the country’s overall growth. According to Mundhe, awareness and compliance are gradually expanding across the food sector, from street food vendors to established businesses, although the pace of improvement differs. He also highlighted Maharashtra’s ‘Eat Right School’ initiative, which encourages children to adopt healthier eating habits, consume nutritious food and avoid excessive junk food. The programme has received encouraging feedback from parents, he said. FDA Steps Up Pharmaceutical Industry Inspections Mundhe also outlined the department’s enforcement efforts in the pharmaceutical sector, including action against establishments that fail to comply with regulatory requirements. Inspections cover pharmacies, drug manufacturing facilities and producers of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), which are essential components of medicines. He said inspections had uncovered shortcomings at certain manufacturing facilities, including equipment affected by rust. The department is strengthening surveillance and enforcement to address such deficiencies and improve compliance across the pharmaceutical supply chain. The planned digital milk-tracking system, alongside inspections and awareness initiatives, is expected to support efforts to improve food safety standards and strengthen accountability across Maharashtra’s dairy sector. Source: PTI  

Maharashtra to Introduce Digital Milk Tracking System to Combat Adulteration Read More »

WHO Advises Against Obesity Drugs and Surgery for Children Under 10

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The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued its first guidelines focused specifically on tackling obesity among children and adolescents, recommending lifestyle-based interventions rather than medicines or surgery for children under the age of 10. The global health agency said children aged 0 to 9 should not be treated with weight-loss medicines, bariatric surgery or weight-loss devices. Instead, it strongly recommends comprehensive programmes centred on healthy diets, regular physical activity and sustainable behavioural changes. For adolescents aged 10 to 19, approved obesity medicines may be considered in selected cases when supervised lifestyle programmes have failed to produce the desired results. Bariatric surgery may also be considered for adolescents with severe obesity, but only under strict conditions and appropriate medical supervision. The recommendations differ from WHO’s guidance for adults, which has recognised the potential role of newer weight-management medicines, including GLP-1 receptor agonists, in treating obesity. The scale of childhood obesity has become a growing global concern. WHO estimates that around 70 million children aged five to nine and approximately 100 million adolescents aged 10 to 19 were living with obesity in 2024. Among people aged five to 19, the global prevalence of obesity increased from about 2 per cent in 1990 to 8 per cent in 2024. WHO officials said the increase is being seen across regions, including low- and middle-income countries. The agency emphasised that the foundation of obesity care for young people should be access to nutritious food, physical activity and sustained support for healthier behaviours. The guidelines also highlight the importance of mental health. Anxiety, depression and low self-esteem can influence eating habits, physical activity and social behaviour. At the same time, children and adolescents living with obesity may face stigma, discrimination and bullying. WHO experts noted that bariatric surgery could be considered for some adolescents with severe obesity and related complications, such as type 2 diabetes or hypertension, particularly when lifestyle interventions have not been effective. Such cases require careful assessment and specialised medical supervision. Source: AFP Photo Credit: Reuters

WHO Advises Against Obesity Drugs and Surgery for Children Under 10 Read More »

AHPI Seeks Balanced Drug Pricing, Opposes Uniform 16% Margin on Medicines

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The Association of Healthcare Providers of India (AHPI) has called for a balanced and evidence-based approach to the pricing of medicines and medical consumables, cautioning against applying a uniform 16% margin across all drugs. The healthcare providers’ body’s statement follows recent observations by the Supreme Court regarding steep markups on cancer medicines by hospitals and its suggestion of a standard 16% margin on medicines. While AHPI acknowledged that a uniform margin could improve transparency and affordability, it said a single pricing formula may not adequately account for differences in the supply chains and operational requirements of various medicines. According to the association, fast-moving chronic medicines, low-volume lifesaving drugs, cold-chain products and high-cost specialty medicines have significantly different storage, distribution and inventory requirements. Applying the same margin to all such products, it said, could make some medicines commercially difficult to stock. AHPI also highlighted the role of medicines and consumables within the broader healthcare delivery system. It said hospitals often provide treatment through bundled packages under private insurance and government health schemes, where medicines and consumables are not separately charged to patients. For patients receiving care outside such arrangements, AHPI said hospitals and retailers generally dispense medicines at the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) printed by manufacturers, subject to applicable regulations. The association noted that the MRP is determined by manufacturers rather than independently fixed by hospitals. Dr Girdhar Gyani, Director General of AHPI, said hospitals provide more than medicines, covering round-the-clock clinical services such as drug stocking, preparation, quality checks and safe administration. He said the pricing of medicines and consumables therefore needs to be considered alongside the overall responsibilities and costs involved in delivering safe and effective patient care. AHPI has consequently called for a pricing framework that considers the varied characteristics of medicines while balancing affordability, transparency, availability and the operational requirements of healthcare providers. Source: Economic Times

AHPI Seeks Balanced Drug Pricing, Opposes Uniform 16% Margin on Medicines Read More »

Govt Plans National Quality Grading System for Public and Private Hospitals

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The government is working on a national framework to assess and grade public and private hospitals on healthcare quality, patient safety and clinical outcomes, with the system expected to follow international benchmarks. The initiative, being developed with the involvement of NITI Aayog, is aimed at giving patients access to clearer information when choosing healthcare providers while encouraging hospitals to improve standards of care. Officials indicated that the framework could be finalised by the end of this year, with hospital grading potentially beginning in the next financial year. NITI Aayog recently held a stakeholder consultation led by its member M Srinivas to discuss the proposed framework. The discussions focused on creating a credible and sustainable system centred on patient safety, quality of care, clinical outcomes and patient experience across different categories of hospitals. The proposed indicators could include patient-reported outcomes and experiences, hospital readmission rates and medication errors. Specialty-specific measures may also be considered, including post-transplant survival rates and postoperative mortality associated with oncology procedures. Healthcare experts said a standardised grading system could help patients make more informed decisions while allowing hospitals with stronger clinical outcomes and quality systems to distinguish themselves. It could also provide insurers and other healthcare payers with more objective data for designing outcome- and quality-linked products. At present, private hospitals can seek accreditation under the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH), which sets standards for patient safety and clinical quality. However, detailed quality and outcome data are not routinely available to the public. The proposed framework could address this information gap by making hospital performance more transparent. Similar systems are already used in countries such as the UK, where the National Health Service publishes and audits various clinical quality and outcome indicators. The government also expects greater transparency and internationally benchmarked quality standards to strengthen India’s healthcare ecosystem and potentially support the country’s medical tourism ambitions. Source: Economic Times

Govt Plans National Quality Grading System for Public and Private Hospitals Read More »

Medical Devices PLI Scheme Boosts Domestic Production of MRI, CT Scanners and Heart Valves

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The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for medical devices has helped accelerate domestic manufacturing of several advanced healthcare technologies that were previously largely dependent on imports, according to the Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. The ministry said production of 57 medical devices has commenced under the scheme. These include high-end equipment such as MRI machines, CT scanners, catheterisation laboratories, linear accelerators, C-Arms, mammography systems, ultrasound machines, anaesthesia equipment and heart valves. The initiative has also attracted major global medical technology companies, including GE Healthcare, Siemens, Philips, Varex, Nipro and Omron. According to the ministry, their participation has contributed to technology transfer and the development of advanced manufacturing capabilities within India. Launched in 2020, the medical devices PLI scheme has a total financial outlay of ₹3,420 crore. It provides eligible manufacturers with an incentive equivalent to 5 per cent of incremental sales of products manufactured in India for five years. The scheme covers four broad categories: cancer care and radiotherapy devices; radiology and imaging equipment; anaesthesia, cardio-respiratory and renal care devices; and implants, including implantable electronic devices. The government said the scheme is aimed at strengthening India’s domestic medical device manufacturing ecosystem, encouraging investment in advanced technologies and reducing the country’s dependence on imported medical equipment. Source: Economic Times

Medical Devices PLI Scheme Boosts Domestic Production of MRI, CT Scanners and Heart Valves Read More »

Every Additional 100 Grams of Ultra-Processed Food Linked to Higher Heart Disease Risk: Study

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Higher consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) has been associated with increased risks of several chronic health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, obesity and metabolic disorders, according to a study. The research found that greater intake of ultra-processed foods was associated with a 24 per cent higher risk of cardiovascular events, a 12 per cent higher risk of cancer and a 23 per cent higher risk of overweight or obesity. Higher consumption was also linked with increased risks of metabolic syndrome or diabetes, depression and anxiety, digestive diseases, high blood pressure and death from any cause. Ultra-processed foods are industrially manufactured products that are typically ready to eat or require minimal preparation. They often contain high levels of energy, sugar and salt while providing relatively low amounts of dietary fibre, protein, vitamins and minerals. The researchers found a dose-response relationship between UPF consumption and several health outcomes. Every additional 100 grams of ultra-processed food consumed per day was associated with an 11 per cent higher risk of hypertension, a 14 per cent higher risk of cardiovascular events, a 4 per cent higher risk of cancer and a 3 per cent higher risk of death from any cause. The study also reported that every 10 per cent increase in the share of energy intake coming from ultra-processed foods was associated with a 16 per cent higher risk of metabolic syndrome or diabetes. Researchers suggested that the potential health effects could be linked to several factors. Emerging evidence indicates that combinations of food additives may have cumulative effects, while extensive industrial processing can alter the physical structure of food and potentially affect the gut microbiome. These changes may contribute to inflammation and insulin resistance. The researchers also pointed to compounds that can form during food processing. Acrylamide, which can develop in certain foods during high-temperature processing, and acrolein, which can be generated when fats are heated, have both been associated with cardiovascular health risks. The authors noted that chronic conditions associated with high UPF consumption can occur together as multimorbidity. They suggested that reducing ultra-processed food intake and replacing such products with minimally processed alternatives could be relevant to chronic disease prevention and primary healthcare. Source: PTI

Every Additional 100 Grams of Ultra-Processed Food Linked to Higher Heart Disease Risk: Study Read More »