ArdorComm Media Group

Contact Us
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 9:29 PM
logo
Menu
logo

Health ministry

Two Indian Nationals on MV Hondius Show No Symptoms as India Monitors Hantavirus Situation

/ Health & Wellness Community

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has confirmed that two Indian nationals currently onboard the cruise ship MV Hondius, where hantavirus cases were reported, are asymptomatic and remain under medical observation under international health guidelines. In an official statement issued Friday, the ministry said it is closely tracking developments and coordinating with the World Health Organization along with other global health bodies. Authorities added that preventive public health steps are being taken to ensure the safety of Indian citizens. According to preliminary information shared through the International Health Regulations (IHR) mechanism, eight probable hantavirus cases have been identified on the vessel so far. Out of these, five have been laboratory confirmed, while three deaths have also been reported. Officials stated that WHO was informed about the outbreak during the first week of May. The two Indian passengers onboard have not shown symptoms and continue to be monitored. The virus involved is reported to be the Andes strain of hantavirus, a variant found in South America that has limited ability for human-to-human transmission. Experts note that transmission generally requires close and prolonged contact. WHO has currently assessed the wider public health risk as low, though more cases may emerge due to the virus’s long incubation period. WHO is also overseeing response measures under IHR protocols, including diagnostic assistance, epidemiological review, and safe travel arrangements for passengers and crew. As a precaution, India’s Public Health Emergency Operations Centre under the National Centre for Disease Control and Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme held a high-level preparedness review meeting. Hantaviruses are commonly spread through rodents such as mice and rats, or through contact with their urine, droppings, or saliva. Symptoms may develop between one and eight weeks after exposure and often include fever, headache, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort. There is no specific cure for hantavirus infections, but early supportive treatment can improve outcomes by managing respiratory, heart, and kidney complications. Prevention mainly depends on avoiding exposure to infected rodents. Source: The Hindu

Two Indian Nationals on MV Hondius Show No Symptoms as India Monitors Hantavirus Situation Read More »

NFHS-6 Findings to Be Released Soon, Says Health Ministry

/ Health & Wellness Community

The sixth edition of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6), one of India’s most extensive health data studies, is expected to be released shortly, according to an official from the Union Health Ministry. Conducted during 2023-24, the survey covered 6,79,238 households across all States and Union Territories, making it a significant source of nationwide health and demographic insights. For the first time, NFHS-6 was carried out entirely through digital data collection using computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI) software. Officials said the system included real-time error detection, built-in validation checks, and continuous data scrutiny to improve accuracy and efficiency. The ministry added that the survey process involved strict field supervision, close monitoring, and multiple levels of data verification to ensure consistency and reliability of results. The previous round, NFHS-5, was conducted during 2019-21. NFHS remains one of India’s largest and most comprehensive sample surveys, designed to provide reliable information on health, nutrition, population trends, and related indicators. The findings are widely used by policymakers and programme managers to measure progress and guide decisions in the health sector. Source: The Hindu

NFHS-6 Findings to Be Released Soon, Says Health Ministry Read More »

217 Organ Transplant Hospitals Fail to Submit Data to National Registry in 2025

/ Health & Wellness Community

As many as 217 hospitals authorised to perform organ transplants across India did not submit their data to the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Registry Portal in 2025, the government informed the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. Minister of State for Health Prataprao Jadhav stated that appropriate action against these hospitals will be taken by the respective state governments. In a written reply, the minister said that out of 804 hospitals registered to conduct organ transplantation, 217 failed to upload the required information on the registry portal during the year. Under the provisions of the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994, regulatory action against such institutions falls under the jurisdiction of state authorities where the hospitals are located. Hospital registrations for organ transplant procedures are handled by the appropriate authorities of the states and Union Territories. The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Registry Portal has been operational since 2015 and can be accessed by authorised users through the website of the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation. According to data uploaded by hospitals and transplant centres on the portal, the waiting list for major organ transplants in India stood at 89,839 as of March 3, 2026. During 2025, a total of 20,019 organ transplant procedures were carried out nationwide. The central government is currently implementing the National Organ Transplant Programme, which focuses on strengthening infrastructure for transplantation services and promoting awareness about organ donation. As part of this initiative, Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organizations and State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organizations have been established across several states and Union Territories in the northern, eastern, and north-eastern regions of the country, with a few exceptions. Source: PTI Photo Credit: iStockphoto/Getty Images

217 Organ Transplant Hospitals Fail to Submit Data to National Registry in 2025 Read More »

Supreme Court Directs NHRC to Oversee Mental Health Authorities Nationwide

/ Health & Wellness Community

In a significant move to strengthen mental healthcare governance, the Supreme Court on Tuesday (October 28, 2025) directed the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to monitor the functioning of Central and State Mental Health Authorities across India. The decision, issued by a Bench led by Justice P.S. Narasimha, came in response to a 2018 petition filed by advocate Gaurav Kumar Bansal, which exposed the inhumane treatment of mentally ill inmates who were found chained in a faith-based asylum in Badayun, Uttar Pradesh. The petition had called for the establishment and independent monitoring of Central and State Mental Health Authorities, along with dedicated funding and mental health review boards, as mandated under the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017. Following the petition, the Union Health Ministry informed the Court through an affidavit that these authorities had been formally notified and were operational. Acknowledging this development, the Bench observed: “Since both the Central and State Mental Health Authorities are now functioning, the NHRC shall oversee the matter, hear the concerned bodies, and issue necessary directions to ensure their effective working.” The Supreme Court further instructed that the petition be treated as a “complaint” by the NHRC and monitored accordingly under existing legal provisions. The NHRC has been empowered to issue appropriate orders to ensure that mental health institutions and review boards function efficiently and uphold human rights standards. This directive marks an important step toward ensuring accountability and systemic reform within India’s mental healthcare framework. Source: The Hindu  

Supreme Court Directs NHRC to Oversee Mental Health Authorities Nationwide Read More »

Despite Rise in MBBS Seats, Nearly 2,850 Vacant in 2024: Government Data

/ Education Community

Despite a 39% surge in MBBS seats over the last few years, 2,849 undergraduate medical seats remained vacant in the 2024–25 academic year, according to the latest figures from the National Medical Commission (NMC). The data was shared in the Lok Sabha on August 1 by Anupriya Patel, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, in response to an unstarred question posed by TDP MP Putta Mahesh Kumar. India’s MBBS seat count rose from 83,275 in 2020–21 to 1,15,900 in 2024–25, driven by the establishment of new medical colleges and enhanced infrastructure and faculty availability. However, vacancies in undergraduate medical admissions (excluding AIIMS and JIPMER) peaked at 4,146 in 2022–23 before decreasing to 2,849 this year. The NMC has introduced the Minimum Standard Requirement Regulations, 2023, to ensure that institutions maintain robust standards in infrastructure, clinical materials, faculty strength, and other essential facilities. Among the states, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Gujarat accounted for the highest number of medical seats in both 2020–21 and 2024–25. To further boost medical education, the government has implemented a centrally sponsored scheme to upgrade district and referral hospitals into medical colleges, especially in underserved regions. Of the 157 medical colleges approved under this initiative, 131 are currently operational. Additionally, another centrally sponsored scheme is focused on expanding the capacity of existing state and central government medical colleges by strengthening infrastructure and increasing both MBBS and postgraduate seats. As part of the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY), 75 Super Speciality Block projects have been approved to upgrade government medical colleges, with 71 already completed. Under the central sector initiative to establish new AIIMS, 22 institutes have been approved, and undergraduate courses have started in 19 of them. Source: Indian Express

Despite Rise in MBBS Seats, Nearly 2,850 Vacant in 2024: Government Data Read More »

India Records Over 7,000 Suspected Heatstroke Cases and 14 Confirmed Deaths Amid Rising Temperatures

/ Health & Wellness Community
Ardorcomm news

Between March 1 and June 24, 2025, India recorded 7,192 suspected cases of heatstroke and 14 confirmed deaths due to extreme heat, according to data obtained by PTI through the Right to Information (RTI) Act. The information, provided by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), points to a growing public health concern amid soaring temperatures, as India experiences one of its hottest years on record since 1901. Majority of Heatstroke Cases Reported in May May proved to be the most critical month, with 2,962 suspected cases and three confirmed deaths. In April, there were 2,140 suspected cases and six confirmed fatalities, while March saw 705 cases and two deaths. Up to June 24, June added another 1,385 suspected cases and three confirmed fatalities. Andhra Pradesh emerged as the worst-hit state, reporting 4,055 suspected cases — more than half the national total during the period. Other significantly affected states included Rajasthan (373 cases), Odisha (350), Telangana (348), and Madhya Pradesh (297). Gaps in Death Reporting Highlight Systemic Flaws Despite the high number of suspected cases, many states, including those with hundreds of reported incidents, recorded few or no confirmed deaths. Maharashtra and Uttarakhand topped the list of confirmed fatalities, each reporting three deaths. Telangana, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal each reported one. Experts and officials say the actual toll is likely much higher than reported due to systemic shortcomings in data collection and diagnosis. NCDC’s figures are based on reports from hospitals under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), leaving out cases that go untreated or undiagnosed, especially those occurring outside medical facilities. A health ministry official, speaking anonymously, acknowledged these limitations: “We only capture a fraction of real cases. Many deaths go unclassified due to lack of capacity, staff, and timely reporting in hospitals.” Inconsistent Records Across Agencies India’s fragmented approach to tracking heat-related illnesses was further exposed in a PTI investigation. For the 2015–2022 period, three government agencies reported vastly different numbers: NCDC cited 3,812 heat-related deaths, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) recorded 8,171, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) listed 3,436. Discrepancies are further worsened by states failing to provide complete or timely data. In previous years, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Bihar, Karnataka, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal have all been inconsistent in their reporting, with some reportedly underreporting deaths to avoid paying compensation. Heat-Related Deaths Often Misclassified Abhiyant Tiwari, Climate Resilience and Health Lead at NRDC India, emphasized the difficulty of accurately linking deaths to heat exposure. “Many are recorded as heart attacks or other conditions. To understand the true impact, we must look at excess mortality during heatwaves,” he said. Soumya Swaminathan, advisor to the Health Ministry, echoed the call for reform. “We need stronger death certification and reporting systems. Reliable data is essential for shaping effective climate and health policies,” she noted. As climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of heatwaves, the lack of a unified, robust national surveillance system remains a serious barrier to India’s readiness and response. Source: Economic Times  

India Records Over 7,000 Suspected Heatstroke Cases and 14 Confirmed Deaths Amid Rising Temperatures Read More »

India Plans Major HPV Vaccine Push with Frontline Training and Awareness Drive

/ Health & Wellness Community

The Union Health Ministry is set to launch comprehensive capacity-building initiatives for frontline workers involved in administering the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, as part of its ongoing efforts to prevent cervical cancer among young girls. This follows Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s announcement in the 2024 interim budget encouraging HPV vaccination for girls aged 9–14. Sources indicate that multiple meetings have been held by the ministry to devise a detailed strategy for the rollout. “Capacity building for frontline health workers, along with sensitization through IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) activities, is being planned for smooth implementation of the HPV vaccination program,” a senior official confirmed. The National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) had recommended the inclusion of the HPV vaccine in India’s Universal Immunisation Programme in June 2022. Currently, India has access to vaccines from MSD Pharmaceuticals and Serum Institute of India. MSD’s Gardasil 4 and Serum Institute’s Cervavac target four HPV sub-types: 6, 11, 16, and 18. Gardasil 9 — India’s first gender-neutral HPV vaccine — offers protection against nine HPV sub-types and is available for girls (9–26 years) and boys (9–15 years). The vaccines provide protection against cervical, vulvar, vaginal, and anal cancers, as well as genital warts in both males and females. Sub-types 16 and 18 are the leading causes of cervical cancer, officials noted. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a single-dose vaccine for optimal protection. India, home to 16% of the world’s women, accounts for nearly 25% of global cervical cancer cases and 33% of related deaths. Each year, around 80,000 Indian women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and approximately 35,000 succumb to the disease. Source: Business Standard

India Plans Major HPV Vaccine Push with Frontline Training and Awareness Drive Read More »

Health Ministry Releases National Guidelines on Medical Oxygen Management

/ Health & Wellness Community

The Union Health Ministry has released the National Guidelines on Medical Oxygen Management, underscoring the critical importance of maintaining and utilizing medical oxygen infrastructure in healthcare facilities. The announcement was made at a workshop held at AIIMS Delhi, where Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava emphasized the need for efficient oxygen management to enhance clinical outcomes and emergency preparedness. The event also marked the launch of the National Capacity Building Programme on Oxygen Management, which aims to train 200 master trainers. These trainers will help hospital administrators and medical officers across India improve oxygen handling, reduce wastage, and optimize usage. Key Highlights of the Initiative: The National Guidelines provide a structured framework for the procurement, storage, and administration of medical oxygen. AIIMS Delhi will spearhead the capacity-building program, ensuring training at all levels of healthcare. The initiative, led by the Disaster Management Cell of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, is focused on patient safety, infrastructure preparedness, and best practices in oxygen management. Learnings from India’s COVID-19 response have been incorporated into the guidelines to strengthen future pandemic readiness. Addressing the gathering, Dr. M. Srinivas, Director of AIIMS, stressed the importance of awareness and training to ensure optimal oxygen management. The standardized guidelines are expected to enhance India’s healthcare resilience, ensuring hospitals nationwide are better equipped to handle medical oxygen needs during emergencies. Source: Business Standard

Health Ministry Releases National Guidelines on Medical Oxygen Management Read More »

India Records First Suspected Mpox Case; Patient in Isolation After International Travel

/ Health & Wellness Community

India has recorded its first suspected case of mpox, a virus formerly known as monkeypox, in a young male patient who recently traveled from a country experiencing an outbreak. The health ministry announced that the patient is currently isolated in a hospital and is in stable condition, with ongoing measures to manage the case in line with established protocols. “The case is being managed in line with established protocols, and contact tracing is ongoing to identify potential sources and assess the impact within the country,” the health ministry said in a statement. While the specific strain of the virus is yet to be confirmed, tests are underway to identify the type of mpox infection. The mpox clade 1b variant, recently confirmed in Sweden and linked to an outbreak in Africa, has sparked global concern due to its rapid transmission through close contact. India has previously detected 30 cases of the older clade 2 strain between 2022 and March 2024. Mpox, originally identified in monkeys in 1958 and in humans in 1970, is transmitted from infected animals to humans and can spread through close physical contact. While typically mild, the virus can cause flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions, and is fatal in rare cases. The World Health Organization (WHO) renamed monkeypox to mpox last year, addressing concerns that the original name was perceived as racist. Recently, the WHO declared the mpox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern following the emergence of the new clade 1b variant. However, the WHO emphasized that mpox is not another COVID-19, despite its spread. Globally, over 17,500 mpox cases and 629 deaths have been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) this year alone, where both clade 1b and 1a strains are present. The DRC has received its first batch of mpox vaccines to curb the outbreak, which has also spread to countries like Pakistan, the Philippines, and Thailand. India’s health ministry has assured that the country has robust measures in place to handle the situation, with efforts focused on containment and preventing further spread of the virus. Source: Aljazeera

India Records First Suspected Mpox Case; Patient in Isolation After International Travel Read More »

Health Ministry Initiates Recruitment for Technical Resource Centres

/ Human Resource Community

The Union Health Ministry, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), is advancing efforts to establish Technical Resource Centres (TRCs) aimed at synthesizing and evaluating evidence to develop and promote evidence-based healthcare policies. These centres will play a pivotal role in formulating clinical guidelines and enhancing the adoption of best practices within the healthcare sector. ICMR has issued a call for Expressions of Interest (EoI) from researchers, faculty, and scientists to join these centres. Each TRC will receive financial support of up to ₹20 lakh per year, with funding initially set for three years and subject to annual performance reviews. The TRCs will conduct systematic reviews and meta-analyses to generate high-quality evidence, utilizing the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) approach. The centres will also organize training programs and workshops to disseminate best practices and support effective guideline development. Regular monitoring visits, professional development plans, and biannual training programs are integral components of the TRCs’ operations. Manuscripts based on completed evidence tables are expected to be submitted within three months. The ICMR has outlined eligibility criteria for applicants, including regular employment at medical institutes, research centres, universities, or colleges, along with the necessary experience, resources, and preferably access to relevant databases. Applications will be reviewed by an expert committee, with selected participants to be notified via email and the DHR website in September 2024. The evaluation of applications will be based on expertise in evidence synthesis, available infrastructure and resources, publication history, and the extent of collaboration and networking capabilities. Source: The Hindu

Health Ministry Initiates Recruitment for Technical Resource Centres Read More »