Haryana's health horizon widens: The expanded Ayushman Bharat Yojana Content Editor: Dr. Sumana Mukhopadhyay August 29, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM Health schemes, Ayushman Bharat, Universal Health COverage Haryana CM Manohar Lal has raised the income limit for Ayushman Bharat Yojana from ₹1.8 lakh to ₹3 lakh. The move aims to increase beneficiaries of the scheme. This change was announced during an event 'Jan Samvad' in Yamuna Nagar district. This move is expected to include 8 lakhs more families, reaching a total of 38 lakh beneficiary families in the State. Haryana government's Ayushman Bharat Yojana expenditure stands at ₹500 crore so far. Previous Next

The Dengue Outbreak in Ernakulam, Kerala Content Editor: Nikhil Kumar Khatri July 29, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM Global Health, Outbreak, Vector borne diseases An alarming increase in the number of dengue cases in June was seen in Ernakulam district of Kerala. Over the last two weeks, this district alone has contributed to 1/4th of the cases in the state. Also, the daily average of cases has increased drastically from 10-12 in the 2nd week of May to 50 in June. Out of the eight deaths in the state, seven have been noticed in the district itself. The major breeding source was found to be the active dumping areas. Authorities have focused on a multipronged approach with source reduction, fogging, indoor space sprays, and clearing roadside bushes. Previous Next

Campaign for eradication of Lymphatic Filariasis by 2027 Content Editor: Dr Sathya Prashaath February 21, 2024 at 1:30:00 PM Lymphatic Filariasis, Mass Drug Administration, SDGs, Vector borne disease Lymphatic filariasis is a disease that is a priority for elimination by 2027 in India. There are 345 districts in 20 states and union territories in India that are endemic to lymphatic filariasis. The Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign has been conducted more than 15-20 times to eliminate lymphatic filariasis in India. However, only 138 districts have completed the MDA campaign. The first phase of the campaign for elimination was launched on February 10, 2024. A campaign has been launched to prevent the spread of disease in areas affected by it. The campaign will provide free preventive medication to residents in 92 districts across 11 states and will continue for the next two weeks. India has taken several measures to accelerate progress towards the goal of eliminating lymphatic filariasis by 2027, three years before the global target. In order to achieve thorough sensitization, the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, has advised working in a mission mode approach with social mobilization and active community participation. Previous Next

Urgent Call to Address Cryptosporidiosis: A Neglected Threat to Child Health Content Editor: Dr Chinmay January 22, 2025 at 9:28:08 AM Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD), Cryptosporidiosis, International Health News Cryptosporidiosis is a severe public health issue, causing acute diarrhea, malnutrition, developmental delays, and high child mortality, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, South America, and Asia. Responsible for 7.5 million cases and 200,000 child deaths annually , the disease primarily affects children under five. Existing treatment, nitazoxanide , is largely ineffective for malnourished or immunocompromised patients, leaving a critical need for better solutions. The Cryptosporidiosis Therapeutics Advocacy Group (CTAG ) is pushing for its inclusion in the WHO’s list of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) , which would drive global awareness, funding, and collaboration. Such recognition could enhance global awareness, increase funding, and foster collaboration, thereby catalyzing research efforts, expediting the development of treatments and vaccines, and encouraging pharmaceutical companies to invest through incentives like FDA priority review vouchers. Promising new treatments are currently in clinical trials, offering hope for effective solutions. Global action is essential to reduce cryptosporidiosis’s devastating impact on vulnerable populations, especially young children in low-income regions. Click here to read more. Previous Next

Does health insurance improve healthcare access? Does health insurance improve healthcare access? Content Editor: Dr. Sathya Prashaath February 1, 2024 The lancet Journal Health insurance, Health care A new study analyzed the coverage and effects of health insurance schemes using the data from the People’s Voice survey in the following countries: Ethiopia Kenya South Africa India Laos The study finds that health insurance coverage ranges from 25% in India to 100% in Laos , with different types of public and private insurance available in each country. Private insurance was found to be more strongly associated with healthcare access than public insurance. Private health insurance coverage was below 15% in all countries. The study suggests that current public insurance programs might be insufficient to ensure adequate access to high-quality healthcare services and that new and more comprehensive approaches are needed to reach the ambitious universal healthcare targets in Asian and African countries. The study found that most adults in all countries tended to use health services regularly, but unmet needs and a lack of confidence in their ability to afford care were still prevalent, especially among low-income and uninsured populations. The study also found that private insurance was generally associated with higher healthcare use and confidence than public insurance or no insurance, except in India. Read more

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

Food expenditure trends from the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey 2022-2023 Food expenditure trends from the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey 2022-2023 Content Editor: Dr. Mohammed Kashif June 14, 2024 Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation Standard of living, Well-being, Socio-economic status, Research findings The Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) compiles the average Monthly Per Capita Consumption Expenditure (MPCE), an indicator of living standards. MPCE is defined as the total monthly consumption value of household goods and services divided by household size. Expenditure Patterns on food items are as follows: Rural : Constitutes 46% of MPCE, of which Beverages, refreshments, and processed foods (9.62%), Milk and milk products (8.33%), Vegetables (5.38%), and Cereals (4.91%). Urban : Constitutes 39% of MPCE, of which Beverages, refreshments, and processed foods (10.64%), Milk and milk products (7.22%), and Fruits and vegetables (3.8%). State-wise variations in food and cereal expenditure: Food Expenditure (as % of MPCE) Rural: 39% in Kerala to 54% in Bihar and Assam. Urban: 35% in Telangana to 47% in Assam and Bihar. 2. Cereal Expenditure (as % of MPCE) Rural: 3% in Haryana, Kerala, and Punjab, and 7% in Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. Urban: 3% in Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu, and 6% in Bihar and Jharkhand. The key takeaways include the following: The share of expenditure on food has gradually declined in rural and urban households compared with previous surveys. Urban households spend more on food in absolute terms, constituting a smaller percentage of their total expenditure. Beverages, refreshments, and processed foods receive the highest food budget allocation in both rural and urban areas. Click here to read more.

India takes action in the climate and health solutions (CHS) conclave Content Editor: Dr. Shayari November 22, 2024 at 3:00:00 PM Climate, Health, One health The Climate and Health Solutions (CHS) India Conclave, co-hosted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), concluded with a call to action to integrate climate change considerations into public health strategies. Key Takeaways: Representatives from 19 Indian states and Union Territories participated in a key roundtable on "Climate Resilient and Responsive Health Systems and Infrastructure”. The conclave recognized the need for adaptable infrastructure to handle extreme weather events. The conclave emphasized the urgent need to address climate change and public health holistically. Discussions focused on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), mental health, nutrition, and climate-ready healthcare workforce development. Experts emphasized the need for innovative financing models, including blended finance, to invest in climate-resilient infrastructure and healthcare systems . The conclave served as a platform to develop concrete, actionable solutions, demonstrating India's commitment to tackling both climate change and health challenges. Click here to read more. Previous Next

Project Chandana: For screening of sickle cell anemia Content Editor: Dr. Shubham June 29, 2024 at 1:30:00 PM Sickle Cell Anemia, Anemia, Hematology, Health Program, Tribal Health ‘Project Chandana’ was initiated to screen Sickle Cell anemia among tribal populations in Karnataka, focusing on Chamarajanagar, Mysuru, and Kodagu districts. For quick diagnosis, the IISc (Indian Institute of Science ) developed "HPOS" (High-Performance Optical Sensing). Indian Oil's CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiative has provided cooperation with IISc for the technical unit to support the project. This provides results in less than 5 minutes, and that too in 1/10th of the time and cost of presently used diagnostic tests. The National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission 2047 aims to extend modern healthcare to tribal areas, with plans to expand the screening program to additional districts. Public Health Care Centers, NGOs, and medical institutions are conducting training, screening, and awareness camps for the project’s implementation. The screening program will soon be extended to other districts under the National Health Mission. Overall, Project Chandana represents a significant step toward improving healthcare access for tribal communities in Karnataka. Similarly, ‘Ambari,’ a project to develop the health system for sickle cell disease, will exclusively affiliate an online certificate program for medical and community health officers, equipping them with the necessary skills to diagnose, manage, and support sickle cell disease patients. Previous Next

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in India, cases reported. Content Editor: Dr Sivanthiga January 8, 2025 at 6:14:45 AM Public Health Surveillance,Health System Preparedness, HMPV During the routine surveillance of ICMR for various viral pathogens causing respiratory illness, two infants admitted with bronchopneumonia tested positive for HMPV. These infants include a 8-month-old infant , currently recovering and a 3-month-old who has been discharged, both having no history of travel outside India HMPV has spread globally and cases are being reported and documented Continuous monitoring through various surveillance channels and preparedness drills are being ensured by the Union Health Ministry, India. Moreover, Public health interventions are ready to be deployed if there is a potential increase in such cases. Previous Next