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Health & Wellness Community

Fortis Signs Agreement to Provide Healthcare Services at 400-Bed Delhi Hospital

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Fortis Hospitals has entered into a definitive agreement with Seth Sunder Lal Jain Charitable Eye Hospital (SLJ Society) to provide healthcare services at a new 400-plus-bed super-specialty hospital in Ashok Vihar, Delhi. According to Fortis Healthcare, the hospital is being developed and will be operated by the SLJ Society and is expected to begin operations within three to four years, subject to the required approvals. The agreements have been executed through Fortis Hospotel Limited (FHTL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare. Under the long-term healthcare services agreement, FHTL will have exclusive rights to provide specified inpatient healthcare services and specialised medical equipment at the facility in return for an agreed service fee. Fortis will also deploy the required clinical manpower for these services. The agreement has an initial committed term of 29 years, with an option for further extension based on mutually agreed terms. The SLJ Society will own and develop the hospital’s land, building, civil infrastructure and certain medical facilities. Fortis Hospotel will provide financial support to the Society through a phased loan over the next three to four years, linked to the progress of construction, upgradation and hospital operations. Spread across 3.1 acres in Ashok Vihar, the hospital is planned to commence operations in phases and will offer tertiary and quaternary healthcare services across specialties including oncology, neurosciences, cardiac sciences, gastroenterology, orthopaedics and renal sciences. The facility will also provide robotic multi-specialty surgeries and transplant services. With the addition of the new facility, Fortis Healthcare’s serviceable bed capacity across the Delhi-NCR region will exceed 3,500 beds. Source: Economic Times

Fortis Signs Agreement to Provide Healthcare Services at 400-Bed Delhi Hospital Read More »

India Could Get Indigenous Dengue Vaccine by End of 2027: ICMR DG

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India could have its own indigenous dengue vaccine by the end of next year, provided the ongoing follow-up of participants in the vaccine’s Phase 3 clinical trial progresses as expected, ICMR Director General Rajiv Bahl said. Speaking in Kolkata on Sunday, Bahl said the randomised Phase 3 trial is being conducted across 20 institutes and involves more than 13,000 volunteers. For every two participants who received the vaccine, one was administered a placebo. Nearly a year of follow-up has been completed, and researchers are hopeful of unblinding the trial results by the end of next year. NIRBI Director Santasabuj Das said the institute, formerly known as NICED, is among the centres participating in the nationwide trial and is monitoring 674 enrolled volunteers. DengiAll, described as India’s first indigenous single-dose dengue vaccine, is designed to provide protection against all four dengue virus serotypes circulating in the country. However, relatively low dengue transmission this year could delay the process of obtaining enough data to unblind the trial. Bahl also highlighted the importance of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) during the fourth Dilip Mahalanabis Oration organised by the Liver Foundation West Bengal. KMC involves prolonged skin-to-skin contact between a newborn and the mother and has been shown to improve outcomes for vulnerable newborns. Reflecting on the legacy of late public health pioneer Dilip Mahalanabis, Bahl highlighted the development of sick newborn care units and the evolution of the model into Mother Newborn Care Units, which promote zero separation between mothers and preterm or sick newborns. Public health activist and hepatologist Abhijit Chowdhury said Mahalanabis demonstrated how simple, evidence-based healthcare interventions can have a transformative impact on human lives, inspiring the foundation to organise an annual oration in his memory. Source: Economic Times

India Could Get Indigenous Dengue Vaccine by End of 2027: ICMR DG Read More »

India’s Elderly Population Set to Double by 2050; Government Plans Expanded Care Ecosystem

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India is preparing to strengthen its healthcare, housing and caregiving infrastructure as the country’s elderly population continues to grow rapidly, with the number of senior citizens expected to nearly double by 2050. Sudhansh Pant, Secretary in the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, said senior citizens currently account for an estimated 16-17 crore of India’s population and their numbers are expected to double over the next two decades. Rising life expectancy, supported by better healthcare and improved living standards, is further increasing the need for specialised services for older people. The government is working towards building a broader ecosystem covering healthcare, housing, caregiving and other support services. Under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, senior citizens aged 70 years and above are eligible for free treatment with health coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh annually. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is currently supporting around 800 care homes for senior citizens across the country and assisting state governments in operating such facilities. A proposal to introduce provisions for day-care homes for elderly people is also under consideration. To make information about senior citizen services easier to access, the ministry has launched the ‘Jeevan’ app, which brings various government schemes and facilities together on a single platform. The government is also seeking to address the growing demand for professional caregivers, particularly in urban areas. The ‘Shatayu’ caregiver dashboard enables elderly people requiring assistance to identify caregivers available in their locality and establish service arrangements. The country’s ageing population is simultaneously creating a significant economic opportunity. According to the ASLI-JLL report, India’s Silver Economy: From Niche to Necessity, India’s senior living market could reach a potential value of USD 10.1 billion by 2030 under a policy-driven scenario. Meeting the projected demand would require an estimated USD 7.7 billion in capital investment. Rajagopal G, Chairman of the Association of Senior Living India (ASLI), said India’s ageing transition was already underway and called for building the necessary ecosystem without delay. The country currently has more than 166 million people aged above 60, a figure projected to reach nearly 346 million by 2050. The organised senior living sector had 25,050 senior housing units as of June 2026, but its penetration remains low at around 1.5 per cent. This compares with 6-7 per cent in the United States and 14-15 per cent in New Zealand. Karan Singh Sodi, Senior Managing Director at JLL, said the sector could expand to nearly 74,000 units by 2030. However, assisted living remains a significant shortfall. India currently has only around 2,100 assisted-living beds against an estimated requirement of 11,000 by 2030. Industry stakeholders have called for faster development of quality senior housing, along with greater focus on assisted care, care financing, workforce training and a comprehensive continuum of elderly care services. Source: PTI  

India’s Elderly Population Set to Double by 2050; Government Plans Expanded Care Ecosystem Read More »

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 »