Health
685 articles
Childbirth costs 16 times higher in pvt hosps: NSO report
Childbirth in private hospitals costs nearly 16 times more than in govt facilities yet there is a growing shift towards private care driving up out-of-pocket spending, said the latest National Sample Survey health report. The average out-of-pocket spend per childbirth during the last fiscal was Rs 37,630 in private hospitals, compared to Rs 2,299 in govt hospitals.
SC seeks AIIMS review of brain death protocol
Hearing a petition alleging malpractices in brain death certification, a two-judge bench said it would seek expert opinion from AIIMS on the safety and viability of such tests. The court asked the head of AIIMS’s neurology department to constitute a committee, which, according to sources, is yet to be formed.
She Took Care of Everyone. Now It's Her Turn
Think about her for a moment. She was the daughter who never asked for much. The sister who always had time for everyone else. The wife who kept the house running. The mother who stayed up when you were unwell, who forgot her own meal because yours needed to be warm first. She just keeps going. And the world has come to expect that she always will. But here is what we rarely say out loud: she gets tired. She falls sick. She feels low. And more often than not, she pushes through all of it, quietly, without complaint, because somewhere along the way she was told that caring for herself was selfish. This Mother's Day, let us change that. The Body That Never Gets a Day Off Women need up to 20-30 minutes more sleep than men per night, according to research. This is not a weakness. It is biology. Hormonal fluctuations during menstruation, pregnancy and menopause, alongside managing the psychological burden of home and children, are taxing her system. But she takes the least time to care
Climate change an escalating threat to brain health: World Stroke Organization
Published in the International Journal of Stroke, the statement summarises the latest evidence on the association between stroke and the environmental factors exacerbated by climate change, including extreme temperatures, temperature variability, humidity, dust and sandstorms, among others.
Rush to take Rs 1 crore health cover as premiums shed tax load
At standalone service provider Star Health and Allied Insurance, policies of ₹1 crore and above now account for about a quarter of new businesses in FY26, up 7–8 percentage points from last year due to continued upselling in the retail segment.
ORS sales melt in March after govt's stricter labelling norms
Last year, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) banned the use of the term "ORS" (oral rehydration solutions/salts) on sugary drinks and beverages. It said manufacturers must meet the WHO's norms.
Nadda Calls for Stronger Preventive Healthcare Push
At the 10th National Summit on Innovation and Inclusivity in Healthcare, Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda launched the Swasth Bharat Portal and JANANI platform, highlighting India’s shift towards preventive, digital and integrated healthcare while stressing the growing role of Ayushman Bharat in strengthening primary care.
Over One-Third of Indians Show Early Risk of Heart Disease, Diabetes & Obesity
The report, India’s Silent Health Crisis, is based on an analysis of over four lakh health check-ups conducted between 2023 and 2025. It reveals that a growing number of Indians are developing early markers of conditions such as heart disease, obesity and diabetes even before clinical symptoms appear.
Insurance companies can't time bar health claims: Bombay HC
The court was hearing a petition filed by CP Ravindranath Menon, who sought reimbursement from United India Insurance Company under a group health policy obtained through his employer, Export-Import Bank of India. The policy was valid from April 1, 2021, until midnight of March 31, 2022.
AIIMS-Patna study pinpoints brain link in heatstroke deaths
According to the researchers, the study found the anterior hypothalamus — the brain’s primary temperature-regulating centre — suffers critical structural damage during heat stroke and plays a central role in fatal outcomes.
Why do nosebleeds increase in summer, and how can you keep cool
Summer brings sun and outdoor time — and for some people, more frequent nosebleeds. Nosebleeds in summer often result from a mix of dry indoor air, dehydration, heat-related widening of tiny nasal blood vessels and seasonal allergies. This guide explains common causes, immediate first aid and practical, culturally relevant steps to reduce excess body heat and lower the chance of recurrent bleeding. Why do nosebleeds increase in summer? Causes of nose bleeding in summer include environmental dryness, heat-driven vessel changes, dehydration, infections and medications. Below are the main contributors and simple measures you can take at home. When the Inside of the Nose Gets Too Dry Hot weather, dry climates, and long hours in air conditioning can reduce moisture in the air and dry out the nasal lining. When that lining becomes cracked or irritated, tiny surface blood vessels can break more easily. You might notice a scratchy feeling, crusting, stinging, or mild burning. Helpful options
NSO survey highlights significant increase in healthcare access across country
Covering both rural and urban areas across the country, the survey canvassed 1,39,732 households, including 76,296 in rural areas and 63,436 in urban areas, thereby offering robust and ground-level insights into healthcare access, affordability, and utilisation patterns.
6th National Family Health Survey expected to be released next month
The NFHS-6 has used entirely digital mode for data collection using Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) software, which incorporates in-built provisions for real-time error detection, checks, and data scrutiny, they said.
KKR invests Rs 1,750 cr in Baby Memorial Hospital
KKR had initially invested ₹2,100 crore in Baby Memorial Hospital in July 2024 to create a platform of hospitals in southern India. It increased its investment by ₹1,261 crore in the hospital in September last year before the latest funding round, the documents showed.
Study describes three distinct trajectories of cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease
The researchers said while previous studies suggest that people with the neurodegenerative condition suffer cognitive decline at differing rates, the study is among the first to tie the patterns of cognitive decline to biomarkers, including phosphorylated tau.
Centre asks states to step up fire safety in healthcare facilities
In a communication to states on April 17, the Union Health Ministry said fire incidents pose a significant threat to life and infrastructure in healthcare settings, particularly where vulnerable patients depend on uninterrupted critical care services.
MedTech sees trade upside in India–NZ FTA; missing regulatory recognition a concern
While industry representatives welcomed the move to provide duty-free access to Indian goods, the exclusion of the CDSCO from the regulatory recognition framework is flagged as a concern and prompted calls for reconsideration.
Hidden stress can damage memory with age: Study
Researchers say cultural pressures and stereotypes may cause emotional struggles to go unnoticed and untreated. The findings suggest that targeted, culturally sensitive stress relief could play a powerful role in preserving cognitive health.
