Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan has reiterated support for the government ban on electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) such as e-cigarettes, arguing in favour of the measure for the benefit of public health. “ENDS have a net negative impact on public health,” the Minister said during a recent interview, citing statistics which indicate that […]
government policy
Ayushman Bharat: One year in
Today marked the one-year anniversary of the launch of Ayushman Bharat, with reports indicating the scope of the initiative’s success – and plans for its future. Officially known as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), Ayushman Bharat offers health insurance coverage of Rs 5 lakh per family per year to economically vulnerable families – […]
Online retailers to act against e-cigarette sales
Online retailers have said they will take action to make sure e-cigarettes are not sold on their platforms in the wake of the Centre’s ban on the devices. Following the announcement of the ban on Wednesday, it was reported that some online retailers such as Amazon and Flipkart still had e-cigarettes listed for sale. Both […]
Decision to ban e-cigarettes praised by WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) has praised India’s decision to ban e-cigarettes and other electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), as it follows in the footsteps of other southeast Asian nations. India banned the devices earlier this week, with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman citing growing usage among young people and public health as being among […]
Centre continues push for primary healthcare
Government plans for strengthening India’s primary healthcare infrastructure are continuing, with Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan announcing an ambitious target of constructing 1.5 lakh health and wellness centres (HWCs) by 2022. HWCs form a core part of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), or Ayushman Bharat, the Centre’s flagship health insurance scheme which […]
Ordinance banning e-cigarettes: Cabinet approval imminent?
An ordinance banning e-cigarettes in India is imminent, claims a report published in Livemint. Based on the input of two anonymous government sources, the Union Cabinet is on the verge of approving such an ordinance which would bring India closer to a bill outright banning the sale, production, importation, and storage of electronic nicotine delivery […]
Eat Right India: Government push for a more nutritious society
A major campaign to improve nutrition in India has been launched, as the Centre tells the country it’s high time to start eating right with the launch of the Eat Right India movement. “The ‘Green Good Deeds’, a campaign to protect [the] environment and promote healthy living, has found global acceptance, and the ‘Eat Right […]
Low awareness hampering Ayushman Bharat?
The Centre’s flagship health insurance scheme Ayushman Bharat is enrolling Indians in droves, but low awareness in parts of the country could be hampering its implementation. The initiative – officially known as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) – is nearing the first anniversary of its launch this month and has enjoyed significant success […]
Ban on ENDS wins support from health group
The Union Health Ministry’s proposed ban on ENDS (electronic nicotine delivery systems) has won support from an organisation which advocates for tobacco control. “There is a concerned attempt by importers of e-cigarettes to ensure that the Ministry of Health’s good work done providing a platform for prohibition of imports of these products is frustrated,” the […]
Draft law on violence against doctors
The Union Health Ministry has made public a draft law imposing harsh penalties for those who commit violence against doctors. The legislation – a long-standing demand of the medical fraternity in India – would penalise those who abuse and harass doctors and vandalise healthcare facilities with a jail sentence of up to ten years and […]