SAKSHAM – A digital learning initiative launched by Union Health Ministry SAKSHAM – A digital learning initiative launched by Union Health Ministry Content Editor: Dr. Ismail Rifai May 15, 2023 Press Information Bureau Training and capacity building, Digital India Initiative SAKSHAM (Stimulating Advanced Knowledge for Sustainable Health Management) is an initiative of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) , Government of India which provides all health-related training programmes to healthcare professionals of the country in digital mode. Currently 100 clinical (by National Medical College Network) and 200 public health courses (by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare) available online. SAKSHAM will serve as centralised resource repository for training and teaching material; deal with case-based learning in the health sector; act as a central database of trained healthcare professionals in the country.

India’s roadmap for advancing research and innovation Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy April 2, 2024 at 2:00:00 PM Research, Innovation Recently, ICMR convened the Governing Council meeting with the following agenda: To discuss the current contributions . To discuss the roadmap ahead . The institute's various key achievements were discussed, including the following: The government’s 4-fold rise in investment towards research. Expanding the coverage of ICMR to 100 districts through the N ational H ealth R esearch P rogram. Establishments of centres of excellence at 7 IITs and 5 ICMR-Centres for Advanced Research. Providing jobs to over 1200 scientific, technical, and administrative employees. “First in the World Knowledge” - an initiative to develop biomedical products based on knowledge that’s first in the world. The council further emphasized the government’s commitment to accelerate research and innovation. Click here to read more Previous Next

02. China stops publishing daily COVID figures since yesterday December 26, 2022 at 6:27:11 PM COVID-19, Global Health China’s National Health Commission (NHC) stopped publishing daily COVID-19 data on Sunday, amid doubts about their reliability as infections have exploded in the wake of an abrupt easing of tough restrictions. “Relevant COVID information will be published by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention for reference and research,” the commission said. It did not cite reasons or say how frequently China CDC will update COVID information. The NHC’s halt to reporting daily infection comes as concerns grow around the lack of vital information since Beijing made sweeping changes to a zero-COVID policy that put millions of its citizens under lockdowns and battered the economy. Previous Next

Insurers to design covers for Mental Illnesses and HIV/AIDS Insurers to design covers for Mental Illnesses and HIV/AIDS Content Editor : Dr. Sangya Chaudhary March 6, 2023 IRDAI Health Insurance, HIV, Mental Illness The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has issued a circular directing all general and health insurers to offer specific insurance coverage for people with disabilities, HIV/AIDS, and mental illness. The circular highlights the sections of various Acts i.e. Mental Health Care Act 2017, Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, and HIV and AIDS Act 2017, that require insurers to offer appropriate coverage for a year and are renewable . The insurers must put in place a board-approved underwriting policy that ensures no proposal is denied due to the stated disabilities and/or illnesses. The product's scope can be expanded but cannot be narrowed down , and the insurers may determine the product's price, complying with the norms specified in the IRDAI (Health Insurance) Regulations, 2016. For further reading, click here

Public Health Daily News Snippets WHO Bulletin Releases Special Edition on Traditional Medicine Ahead of Global Summit The WHO Bulletin published its first special issue on traditional medicine since 1977, featuring research and policy analyses. This release precedes the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine scheduled for December 2025 in New Delhi. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Global Health, Traditional Medicine Integration Read More Global Summit in Geneva Intensified Efforts to Curb Toxic Mercury Pollution A major international conference was held in Geneva from 3rd to 7th November 2025 to strengthen the global fight against mercury pollution . Delegates collaborated to accelerate the phase-out of this toxic metal from products and industrial processes, aiming to protect human health and the environment. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : United Nations Environmental Health, International Policy Read More Fitness & Nation-Building: Insights from the National Fitness & Wellness Conclave 2025 The first-ever National Fitness & Wellness Conclave 2025 in Mumbai brought together policymakers, athletes, and industry leaders to reaffirm one message: India’s progress towards becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047 depends on how seriously we take fitness today. With icons from sports and cinema joining the conversation, the conclave highlighted fitness as both a cultural shift and a public health necessity. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fit India Movement, Physical Activity, Non-Communicable Diseases, Viksit Bharat Read More Global Evidence Review of the Inequality- Pandemic Cycle: UNAIDS report The UNAIDS established the “Global Council on Inequality, AIDS and Pandemic ” in 2023. Its report “Breaking the inequality-pandemic cycle ” released in November 2025 is based on evidence from more than 1500 peer-reviewed literature and reports from government agencies and research institutions across multiple pandemics and its own empirical studies over the past 2 years. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), 2025 Pandemic preparedness, Social inequality, Global Health Read More Decomposition Analysis of Factors Driving Global Maternal Mortality Reduction A new Lancet Global Health paper highlights evidence that combining family planning with quality maternity services has driven a 41% global decline in maternal deaths since 2000. The study shows how contraception alone prevented more than 77,000 maternal deaths in 2023. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : The Lancet Global Health Maternal Health, Reproductive & Sexual Health, Gender Equality, Family Planning, Declining Global Maternal Mortality Read More Delhi’s Air Quality Sees Noticeable Improvement: CAQM 2025 Report The 2025 update from the C ommission for A ir Q uality M anagement (CAQM ) highlights significant enhancements in Delhi's air quality and a marked reduction in stubble-burning incidents in nearby states. The report offers data-backed evidence of collaborative efforts to reduce pollution through the use of cleaner fuels, improved waste management, and more stringent regulatory measures. Published on : Tuesday, November 18, 2025 Source : Press Information Bureau, New Delhi Air Pollution, Environmental Health, Public Health Policy Read More Genomic Collaboration for a Safer Future: India and Italy Unite for Pandemic Preparedness The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) round table in New Delhi emphasized the power of genomic research and collaboration in strengthening pandemic preparedness. Experts called for sustained global surveillance and rapid translation of genomic data to safeguard public health. Published on : Friday, November 14, 2025 Source : Press Information Bureau, New Delhi Genomic Surveillance, Pandemic Readiness Read More WHO Unveils Global Agenda to Strengthen Paediatric Clinical Trials The World Health Organization has unveiled a new global research agenda to close gaps in evidence on child health. It prioritizes equitable, high-impact paediatric trials to ensure that treatments for children are safe, effective, and grounded in sound science. Published on : Friday, November 14, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Health Research, Pediatric Health, Clinical Trials Read More WHO refutes Tylenol-Autism Link: Urges Evidence-Based Care A statement by the current US President, which linked Tylenol use during pregnancy to autism, prompted an immediate response from the World Health Organization. The WHO clarified that no scientific evidence supports this claim and urged reliance on medical guidance. Published on : Friday, November 14, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Maternal and Child Health, Health Communication, Global Health Governance Read More 2025 Lancet Countdown Report on Climate Change and Health Impacts of climate inaction have led to a 23% increase in heat-related deaths since the 1990s. Food insecurity affected 124 million more people due to extreme weather in 2023, with losses reaching $1.35 trillion. Addressing climate change has prevented 160,000 premature deaths from coal pollution and supported 16 million jobs in renewable energy. With COP30 ahead, WHO, along with member states, plans to emphasize climate action and a swift transition away from fossil fuels. Published on : Friday, November 7, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Climate change, food insecurity, Sustainability Read More WHO Introduces New Global Framework to Enhance National Health Emergency Response The World Health Organization has unveiled a new global guide, the National Health Emergency Alert and Response Framework, to bolster countries' readiness for health crises. Developed from lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, it provides a standardized approach for managing emergencies. Published on : Friday, November 7, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Global Health Security, Emergency Preparedness Read More Training Modules to Strengthen Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Response in India The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has introduced three specialized training modules to enhance India’s capacity for managing chemical emergencies. This initiative aims to build a skilled, coordinated response system across healthcare and disaster management sectors. Published on : Friday, November 7, 2025 Source : PIB Delhi Chemical Emergencies Preparedness, IHR, Disaster management Read More Daily News Snippets Monthly Archives 01-10 February, 2024 View More 14-20 January, 2024 View More 19-25th November, 2024 (26) View More 23-31stOctober, 2023 (18) View More 28-31 January, 2024 View More 7-13 January, 2024 View More 5-11th November, 2023 (5) View More 15-21st October, 2023 (12) View More 21-27 January, 2024 View More 26-30th November, 2024 (20) View More 01-04th November, 2023(4) View More 08-14th October, 2023 (5) View More March 27 - 31, 2023 (15) View More March 6 - 12, 2023 (24) View More February 23 - 25, 2023 (3) View More February 15 - 16, 2023 (8) View More March 20 - 25, 2023 (18) View More March 1 - 5, 2023 (8) View More February 20 - 22, 2023 (2) View More February 07 - 14, 2023 (5) View More March 13 - 18, 2023 (8) View More February 26 - 28, 2023 (15) View More February 17 - 19, 2023 (3) View More February 01 - 06, 2023 (5) View More Subscribe to get Latest Public Health Updates SUBSCRIBE

Effects of air quality on the lives of informal workers in Delhi Effects of air quality on the lives of informal workers in Delhi Content Editor: Dr. KH Reddy January 27, 2024 Social Trends Air Quality, Climate Change, Air Pollution, Urban Health, Environmental Health 90% of the respondents reported feeling unwell every time the air quality took a dip. 65% of those surveyed knew measures to curb dust and air pollution on construction sites , but only 32% worked at sites where these measures were being taken. Almost all (95%) of the workers feared losing their livelihood if they took a stand for better air quality. 40% of the respondents also strongly felt that the government shutting down construction sites was a constant cause of worry for them. Additionally, this population also faces issues like water pollution, toxic substance exposure from ragpicking, and poisonous gases from garbage burning. The study concluded that better measures have to be taken to curb pollution that will not raise job uncertainty among informal workers. The organizations emphasized on: Awareness campaigns for people living in informal settlements. Skill development workshops for ragpickers as an alternative income source.

03. National Bioenergy Programme - Union govt allocates total budget outlay of Rs 1715 Crores 03. National Bioenergy Programme - Union govt allocates total budget outlay of Rs 1715 Crores December 21, 2022 Press Information Bureau Environment & Climate Change The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has notified the National Bioenergy Programme on 2nd November, 2022. This programme has a provision of Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for various components related to Power generation, Biogas/BioCNG generation and Briquette/Pellet manufacturing, wherein Biomass is one of the major feedstock material, which primarily shall be sourced from rural areas. The following components are proposed under the following components: Waste to Energy Programme Biomass Programme Biogas programme

Public Health Daily News Snippets WHO Bulletin Releases Special Edition on Traditional Medicine Ahead of Global Summit The WHO Bulletin published its first special issue on traditional medicine since 1977, featuring research and policy analyses. This release precedes the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine scheduled for December 2025 in New Delhi. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Global Health, Traditional Medicine Integration Read More Global Summit in Geneva Intensified Efforts to Curb Toxic Mercury Pollution A major international conference was held in Geneva from 3rd to 7th November 2025 to strengthen the global fight against mercury pollution . Delegates collaborated to accelerate the phase-out of this toxic metal from products and industrial processes, aiming to protect human health and the environment. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : United Nations Environmental Health, International Policy Read More Fitness & Nation-Building: Insights from the National Fitness & Wellness Conclave 2025 The first-ever National Fitness & Wellness Conclave 2025 in Mumbai brought together policymakers, athletes, and industry leaders to reaffirm one message: India’s progress towards becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047 depends on how seriously we take fitness today. With icons from sports and cinema joining the conversation, the conclave highlighted fitness as both a cultural shift and a public health necessity. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fit India Movement, Physical Activity, Non-Communicable Diseases, Viksit Bharat Read More Global Evidence Review of the Inequality- Pandemic Cycle: UNAIDS report The UNAIDS established the “Global Council on Inequality, AIDS and Pandemic ” in 2023. Its report “Breaking the inequality-pandemic cycle ” released in November 2025 is based on evidence from more than 1500 peer-reviewed literature and reports from government agencies and research institutions across multiple pandemics and its own empirical studies over the past 2 years. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), 2025 Pandemic preparedness, Social inequality, Global Health Read More Decomposition Analysis of Factors Driving Global Maternal Mortality Reduction A new Lancet Global Health paper highlights evidence that combining family planning with quality maternity services has driven a 41% global decline in maternal deaths since 2000. The study shows how contraception alone prevented more than 77,000 maternal deaths in 2023. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : The Lancet Global Health Maternal Health, Reproductive & Sexual Health, Gender Equality, Family Planning, Declining Global Maternal Mortality Read More Delhi’s Air Quality Sees Noticeable Improvement: CAQM 2025 Report The 2025 update from the C ommission for A ir Q uality M anagement (CAQM ) highlights significant enhancements in Delhi's air quality and a marked reduction in stubble-burning incidents in nearby states. The report offers data-backed evidence of collaborative efforts to reduce pollution through the use of cleaner fuels, improved waste management, and more stringent regulatory measures. Published on : Tuesday, November 18, 2025 Source : Press Information Bureau, New Delhi Air Pollution, Environmental Health, Public Health Policy Read More Genomic Collaboration for a Safer Future: India and Italy Unite for Pandemic Preparedness The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) round table in New Delhi emphasized the power of genomic research and collaboration in strengthening pandemic preparedness. Experts called for sustained global surveillance and rapid translation of genomic data to safeguard public health. Published on : Friday, November 14, 2025 Source : Press Information Bureau, New Delhi Genomic Surveillance, Pandemic Readiness Read More WHO Unveils Global Agenda to Strengthen Paediatric Clinical Trials The World Health Organization has unveiled a new global research agenda to close gaps in evidence on child health. It prioritizes equitable, high-impact paediatric trials to ensure that treatments for children are safe, effective, and grounded in sound science. Published on : Friday, November 14, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Health Research, Pediatric Health, Clinical Trials Read More WHO refutes Tylenol-Autism Link: Urges Evidence-Based Care A statement by the current US President, which linked Tylenol use during pregnancy to autism, prompted an immediate response from the World Health Organization. The WHO clarified that no scientific evidence supports this claim and urged reliance on medical guidance. Published on : Friday, November 14, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Maternal and Child Health, Health Communication, Global Health Governance Read More 2025 Lancet Countdown Report on Climate Change and Health Impacts of climate inaction have led to a 23% increase in heat-related deaths since the 1990s. Food insecurity affected 124 million more people due to extreme weather in 2023, with losses reaching $1.35 trillion. Addressing climate change has prevented 160,000 premature deaths from coal pollution and supported 16 million jobs in renewable energy. With COP30 ahead, WHO, along with member states, plans to emphasize climate action and a swift transition away from fossil fuels. Published on : Friday, November 7, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Climate change, food insecurity, Sustainability Read More WHO Introduces New Global Framework to Enhance National Health Emergency Response The World Health Organization has unveiled a new global guide, the National Health Emergency Alert and Response Framework, to bolster countries' readiness for health crises. Developed from lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, it provides a standardized approach for managing emergencies. Published on : Friday, November 7, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Global Health Security, Emergency Preparedness Read More Training Modules to Strengthen Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Response in India The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has introduced three specialized training modules to enhance India’s capacity for managing chemical emergencies. This initiative aims to build a skilled, coordinated response system across healthcare and disaster management sectors. Published on : Friday, November 7, 2025 Source : PIB Delhi Chemical Emergencies Preparedness, IHR, Disaster management Read More Daily News Snippets Monthly Archives 01-10 February, 2024 View More 14-20 January, 2024 View More 19-25th November, 2024 (26) View More 23-31stOctober, 2023 (18) View More 28-31 January, 2024 View More 7-13 January, 2024 View More 5-11th November, 2023 (5) View More 15-21st October, 2023 (12) View More 21-27 January, 2024 View More 26-30th November, 2024 (20) View More 01-04th November, 2023(4) View More 08-14th October, 2023 (5) View More March 27 - 31, 2023 (15) View More March 6 - 12, 2023 (24) View More February 23 - 25, 2023 (3) View More February 15 - 16, 2023 (8) View More March 20 - 25, 2023 (18) View More March 1 - 5, 2023 (8) View More February 20 - 22, 2023 (2) View More February 07 - 14, 2023 (5) View More March 13 - 18, 2023 (8) View More February 26 - 28, 2023 (15) View More February 17 - 19, 2023 (3) View More February 01 - 06, 2023 (5) View More Subscribe to get Latest Public Health Updates SUBSCRIBE

A 3-day workshop to boost the completion of ABDM integration Content Editor: Akhila Nandan August 24, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM Health insurance, Ayushmann Bharath, Universal Health Coverage In order to boost the completion of ABDM integration, NHA and IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) organized a 3-day workshop from August 10 to 12 in New Delhi, which witnessed over 150 participants. This workshop was also conducted to enhance the Health Claims Exchange (HCX) specifications and e-claim standards for insurance companies and Third-Party Administrators As per the orders of IRDAI, all insurance companies are supposed to collect the ABHA numbers so as to ensure an affordable healthcare environment for the common man. It has also advised to join the National HCX, which will provide information regarding insurers, TPAs, claimants, etc. NHA and CDAC, Pune, provided technical assistance to help them achieve their goals. This intervention is believed to drink from the nectar of partnership and teamwork to strengthen the healthcare ecosystem. Click to read more Previous Next

Nobel prize winners 2023 unveiled Nobel prize winners 2023 unveiled Content Editor: Dr Urmimala Maiti October 18, 2023 The Nobel Prize Global Health, Vaccinology Biochemist Katalin Karikó and immunologist Drew Weissman received the Nobel Prize in Medicine or Physiology this year. They received it for their contribution to mRNA vaccine development during the COVID-19 pandemic. Karikó worked towards introducing in-vitro mRNA in clinical practice or therapy, while Weissman researched the importance of dendritic cells in immune surveillance. Their efforts together led to the development of base-modified mRNA. The base modification resulted in: Reduced inflammatory responses Increased protein production. Their pioneering research was published in 2005, following which mRNA vaccines were developed against diseases such as: The Zika virus MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2