There may be more reasons behind Uttar Pradesh’s HIV outbreak in Unnao district than meets the eye. A quack doctor was held responsible after being accused of administering HIV contaminated injections to villagers. The case may continue for some time, however, state officials say they believe this man is not the sole cause of the recent outbreak. … [Read more...] about What caused Uttar Pradesh’s HIV outbreak?
Featured
Over 30,000 Down’s Syndrome children born in India a year
India has an estimated birth rate of 19 births per 1000 population. With a total population of over 1.3 billion people this amounts to a considerable number of births: 69,070 babies were born in India on New Year’s Day alone. Due to proportionality, there are also a vast number of people born with Down's Syndrome in India, currently estimated to be … [Read more...] about Over 30,000 Down’s Syndrome children born in India a year
No topical steroid creams without prescription, says Centre
Topical steroid creams can no longer be sold over the counter in India. This is per a notification issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), banning the sale of fourteen topical steroid creams and ointments without prescription. The ban comes after dermatologists raised concerns that overuse of such creams is leading to an … [Read more...] about No topical steroid creams without prescription, says Centre
India: The myth of the vegetarian nation?
India is stereotypically portrayed as a predominantly vegetarian country. Even government estimates project that a large proportion of the population live a vegetarian lifestyle. However, recent investigations indicate this may not be the case. Research by US-based anthropologist Balmurli Natrajan and India-based economist Suraj Jacob has … [Read more...] about India: The myth of the vegetarian nation?
US and India’s relationship souring over price capping?
Just a few months ago the relationship between India and the US was touted by President Donald Trump as having “never been stronger”. Will India’s policy of price capping medical devices sour this relationship? The US Trade Representative (USTR) is reportedly considering revoking the special tariff with India if it continues to implement price … [Read more...] about US and India’s relationship souring over price capping?
Genetic diseases: Court rules against insurance companies
People with genetic conditions have routinely been excluded from health insurance policies in India. With the law now falling on their side, at least in Delhi, could the situation of those suffering with genetic diseases improve? The Delhi High Court has ruled that a currently used clause that allowed insurance companies to deny an individual an … [Read more...] about Genetic diseases: Court rules against insurance companies
Aadhaar a must for nutrition schemes in Maharashtra
Those looking to avail a nutrition scheme in Maharashtra will need an Aadhaar card. This follows a notification from the state’s department of Women and Child Development. More than 500,000 women and 6.1 million children under six years old in Maharashtra receive free meals and nutritional supplements through the state’s 97,287 anganwadis. … [Read more...] about Aadhaar a must for nutrition schemes in Maharashtra
Government doctors strike in Kerala
Government doctors have gone on strike in Kerala, protesting changes to outpatient services at family health centres. The strike began on Friday, April 13th and will continue indefinitely. Doctors are protesting state government plans to extend the duration of outpatient services in the state. The original schedule was 9am to … [Read more...] about Government doctors strike in Kerala
What else we’re reading: When Indian women negotiate with local authorities to improve their lives in a slum
This article has been republished under a Creative Commons license from The Conversation. The original piece was authored by Siddharth Agarwal, director of the Urban Health Resource Centre. It can be accessed here. Full credit goes to the original author and publisher. How do you convince your local municipality officer that yes, you have … [Read more...] about What else we’re reading: When Indian women negotiate with local authorities to improve their lives in a slum
Diabetes, the reason behind India’s heart disease epidemic?
Heart disease is India’s biggest killer, accounting for 28.1 percent of all deaths in the country in 2016. Is diabetes fueling this crisis? Heart disease has numerous risk factors. One of the most common is diabetes. Factors such as a high sugar diet and obesity may contribute to the development of both heart disease and diabetes. In this case … [Read more...] about Diabetes, the reason behind India’s heart disease epidemic?