This article critiques the increasing reliance on Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) for medical education, specifically highlighting the Andhra Pradesh model. While intended to ensure quality education at affordable rates, the PPP framework often prioritizes profit over public welfare. The proposed three-tier fee structure and the 'privatization' of public assets raise concerns about accessibility for middle-class and poor students. Critics argue that PPPs fragment the health system and that the state should instead focus on strengthening institutional capacity and enforcing existing regulations like the Clinical Establishments Act to ensure equitable healthcare delivery.
- The Andhra Pradesh model proposes adding 10 medical colleges under the PPP mode, raising concerns about the commercialization of medical education.
- A three-tier fee structure (50% subsidized, 35% at ₹12 lakh, 15% for NRIs) may exclude meritorious but economically disadvantaged students.
- PPPs at the district level can fragment the public health system, hindering the vertical integration of primary, secondary, and tertiary care.
Researchers at the University of Technology Sydney have developed experimental drugs called 'mitochondrial uncouplers' that target the cell's energy production process. These molecules make cells burn energy less efficiently, releasing fuel as heat instead of converting it into ATP (chemical energy). This process forces cells to consume more fats to meet their energy needs, offering a potential new treatment for obesity. Unlike older, lethal versions of such compounds, these new 'mild' uncouplers are designed to be safer, reducing oxidative stress and potentially offering benefits for metabolic health and neurodegenerative diseases like dementia.
- Mitochondrial uncouplers disrupt the production of ATP, triggering cells to burn more fat for energy.
- The research focuses on 'mild' uncouplers to avoid the lethal overheating associated with earlier versions of these compounds.
- These drugs could potentially treat obesity, improve metabolic health, and provide anti-aging effects.
Rabies remains a significant public health challenge in India, causing approximately 20,000 deaths annually, the highest in the world. The disease disproportionately affects the impoverished, who face barriers in accessing Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG). Despite the availability of vaccines, shortages and high costs of RIG often lead to fatal outcomes. Effective management requires a multi-pronged approach: increasing awareness, ensuring affordable and accessible treatment, and implementing robust stray dog population control through 'Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release' programs. Recent developments include the introduction of monoclonal antibodies as a more accessible alternative to human rabies immunoglobulin.
- India accounts for about one-third of global rabies deaths, with approximately 20,000 fatalities each year.
- Rabies is 100% preventable through timely vaccination but nearly 100% fatal once symptoms appear.
- The 'One Health' approach is essential for managing the disease, involving both human healthcare and animal welfare.
According to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), India has recorded the highest number of doping offenders globally for the third straight year. In 2024, India reported 260 positive cases, more than double the number of any other nation. Athletics, weightlifting, and wrestling are the most affected sports. While the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) attributes the high numbers to increased testing, global comparisons show other countries have much lower positivity rates despite higher testing volumes. The government has introduced the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025, to strengthen the legal framework against doping.
- India recorded 260 positive doping cases in 2024, the highest number globally.
- Athletics is the sport with the highest number of violations in India, followed by weightlifting and wrestling.
- India's positivity rate (3.6%) is significantly higher than other major sporting nations like China or the U.S.
The Supreme Court is considering a plea for passive euthanasia for a 31-year-old man, Harish Rana, who has been in a comatose state for 13 years. The court has requested a meeting with the parents to understand their perspective on withdrawing artificial life support. This follows a report from a secondary medical board led by AIIMS doctors. The case highlights the legal and ethical complexities surrounding the 'right to die with dignity' in India, following the landmark Common Cause judgment that legalized passive euthanasia under strict guidelines.
- The Supreme Court is reviewing a specific plea to withdraw life support for a patient in a long-term vegetative state.
- Passive euthanasia involves the withdrawal of medical treatment or life support with the intention of hastening death.
- The court relies on medical board reports to determine if a patient has any chance of recovery.
Northern India is facing its annual cycle of severe air pollution and dense fog, leading to accidents and health crises. While fog itself doesn't increase toxicity, it traps residual emissions and reduces visibility, causing fatal road accidents and flight cancellations. In Delhi, the Air Quality Index (AQI) frequently enters the 'severe+' category (400+), triggering emergency restrictions under GRAP-4. These include bans on construction and shifting schools online. The editorial argues that the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) must move beyond reactive 'meetings' and implement year-round strategies to keep AQI below 350 regardless of weather conditions.
- Fog exacerbates the pollution crisis by trapping moisture and residual emissions close to the ground.
- The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4) is the highest level of emergency restriction for air pollution in Delhi.
- Poor visibility due to fog has led to significant casualties on expressways and massive disruptions in aviation.
The National Blood Transfusion Bill, 2025, was introduced in Parliament to address long-standing concerns regarding the safety and availability of blood components in India. The legislation proposes the creation of a dedicated National Blood Transfusion Authority to set uniform national standards for collection, testing, processing, and distribution. It aims to streamline the fragmented regulatory framework, mandate the registration of all blood centers, and promote voluntary donation. Thalassaemia patients and advocacy groups have welcomed the Bill, noting that it provides a science-based framework to ensure safe and equitable access to quality blood, which is a lifeline for chronic patients.
- The Bill establishes a National Blood Transfusion Authority to oversee and standardize blood services across India.
- It introduces strict penalties for unsafe or non-compliant practices to ensure public trust and safety.
- The legislation seeks to move away from fragmented regulations toward a unified national framework.
Air pollution has evolved into a nationwide health crisis in India, significantly impacting life expectancy and causing nearly two million deaths annually. While often associated with northern winters, toxic air now affects almost every demographic across the country. Fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) is linked to cardiovascular diseases, respiratory illnesses, and even neurological impairments. The article calls for a shift from a purely environmental perspective to a health-centered framework, emphasizing the need for stricter industrial controls, waste management reforms, and the recognition of clean air as a fundamental human right. Enforcement of existing programs remains a critical challenge.
- Nearly 46% of Indians live in regions where air pollution reduces life expectancy by more than eight years.
- PM 2.5 particles can cross the blood-brain barrier, potentially leading to neuroinflammation and cognitive decline.
- The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) has initiated some improvements, but enforcement remains weak.
Organized by Jan Swasthya Abhiyan (JSA), the National Convention on Health Rights (December 11-12) aims to address India's major health challenges. The convention highlights that India has one of the lowest financial allocations for public health globally, at just 2% of the Union Budget. Key demands include affirming health care as a fundamental right, regulating private health care to prevent overcharging, and reducing out-of-pocket expenses, which remain high despite insurance schemes. The event also focuses on the rights of health workers and the need for essential medicines to be brought under price control to ensure equitable access.
- The convention advocates for a transition from commercialized health care to a robust, responsive public health system.
- India's per capita public health spending is approximately $25, which is significantly lower than global averages.
- Medicines constitute up to half of a household's medical spending, yet 80% remain outside price control mechanisms.
This article advocates for a shift in mental health care from a purely clinical or 'deficit' model to one rooted in disability justice and dignity. It highlights that current systems often fail to address the social, relational, and structural causes of distress, such as poverty, isolation, and discrimination. Citing NCRB data, it notes that a significant portion of suicides in India are linked to relational ruptures and emotional distress. The authors call for a 'real-world sensitive' approach that values lived experience and integrates care into the community rather than focusing solely on individual treatment or rigid definitions of normalcy.
- Mental health care should be viewed as a pursuit of dignity and disability justice rather than just medical symptom management.
- Social determinants like housing precarity, economic instability, and social exclusion are major drivers of mental distress that clinical models often ignore.
- The 'deficit lens' in psychiatry often overlooks the complex narratives of individuals and their specific socio-economic contexts.
Neurotechnology, particularly Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs), uses mechanical tools to interact directly with the human brain. These devices can record or stimulate neural activity, offering hope for treating neurological disorders like Parkinson’s, strokes, and spinal cord injuries. While the U.S. and China lead with initiatives like the BRAIN Initiative and the China Brain Project, India is developing its own capabilities through institutions like IIT Kanpur and IISc. However, the field faces significant ethical hurdles regarding human enhancement and privacy, necessitating a robust regulatory framework to ensure safe and ethical development.
- Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) translate neural signals into commands for external devices like prosthetic limbs or computers.
- Neurotechnology has the potential to treat non-communicable diseases and injuries, including paralysis and depression.
- The U.S. BRAIN Initiative and the China Brain Project (2016-2030) are leading global efforts in this field.
A study by the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) across seven Indian states highlights that women face unique and amplified health risks due to rising temperatures. In high Heat Vulnerability Index (HVI) districts, 70% of women reported symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Beyond physical health, heat stress leads to mental distress, reproductive health issues, and significant wage losses, particularly for those in informal work. The report notes a strong correlation between extreme heat and increased household tensions or domestic violence, urging for gender-specific heat preparedness strategies in climate policies.
- Women in high HVI districts experience severe physical symptoms and reproductive health disruptions during peak heat.
- Nearly 97% of surveyed women reported wage losses exceeding ₹1,500 during summer months.
- Extreme heat is linked to a 38% increase in domestic violence and heightened psychosocial stress.
The Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs recently responded to parliamentary questions regarding infant deaths due to malnutrition in tribal regions. While the government cited National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data to show overall improvements in stunting and wasting indicators since 1990-91, it failed to provide specific numbers on the total deaths caused by malnutrition over the last five years. The response highlighted that while 13.7 crore children are under age five, only 6.6 crore are registered on the "Poshan Tracker." Data from October 2025 indicates that 52% of examined children still suffer from malnutrition.
- The government relies on NFHS data and the 'Poshan Tracker' to monitor malnutrition but lacks a direct database for malnutrition-related deaths.
- There is a significant gap between the total child population and those enrolled in Anganwadi centres/Poshan Tracker.
- Recent data shows that over half (52%) of the children examined were found to be stunted, wasted, or underweight.
India is facing a deepening crisis of human-wildlife conflict, with habitat fragmentation forcing animals like elephants into human-dominated landscapes. Between 2009 and 2021, 186 elephants were killed by train hits alone. In response, the Centre has rolled out the National Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation Strategy and Action Plan. This strategy focuses on addressing key drivers like damaged corridors and retaliatory killings through data-driven monitoring and stronger habitat protection. The article also notes the catastrophic decline of vulture species due to habitat disruption and poisoning, leading to public health risks from rotting carcasses and rising stray dog populations.
- Assam, West Bengal, and Odisha report the highest number of elephant casualties on railway tracks in India.
- The National Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation Strategy aims to promote mitigation measures and data-driven monitoring.
- Habitat fragmentation is a primary driver of animals straying into farmland and towns, leading to deaths on both sides.
The Supreme Court of India is hearing petitions to remove 97 central and state laws that still contain discriminatory provisions against people affected by leprosy. These 'antediluvian' laws restrict access to public transport, the right to run for office, and employment. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has recommended replacing derogatory terminology and using iris scans for Aadhaar enrolment, as leprosy-induced nerve damage often affects fingertips. Since leprosy is now fully curable and non-infectious with modern medicine, the court has directed states to report on steps taken to eliminate these stigmas and ensure fundamental rights.
- India reports approximately 57% of the world's leprosy cases, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae.
- Discriminatory laws persist despite leprosy being curable and non-infectious with Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT).
- The NHRC advocates for the use of iris scans for Aadhaar because leprosy often causes loss of sensation and damage to fingertips.
The Union Health Ministry informed Parliament that India's doctor-population ratio stands at 1:811, which is better than the WHO recommended standard of 1:1,000. This calculation includes both modern medicine (allopathy) and AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) practitioners, assuming 80% availability. There are approximately 13.88 lakh registered allopathic doctors and 7.51 lakh AYUSH practitioners in the country. To improve healthcare access in remote areas, the government has implemented measures like the 'hard-area allowance' for specialist doctors.
- The combined ratio of allopathic and AYUSH doctors in India exceeds the WHO benchmark.
- There is a significant number of registered practitioners in both modern and traditional medicine systems.
- Government incentives are being used to encourage doctors to serve in under-served and remote regions.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its first global guidelines on the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists for treating obesity in adults. While acknowledging the effectiveness of these drugs in weight loss and metabolic health, the WHO emphasizes that they must be used alongside intensive behavioral interventions, diet, and physical activity. The guidelines highlight the need for equitable access, as these drugs are currently expensive and often unavailable in low- and middle-income countries. In India, experts suggest that insurance coverage and the development of generic versions are crucial for widespread benefit.
- GLP-1 therapies are recognized as effective tools for obesity management but are not a standalone solution.
- The WHO recommends these drugs for adults, excluding pregnant women, and stresses the importance of lifestyle changes.
- Obesity is a complex chronic disease linked to cardiovascular issues, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) has urged States and Union Territories to train first responders—such as police and ambulance drivers—to identify potential organ donors among road accident victims. A 2023 report revealed that approximately 1.7 lakh people died in road accidents in India, many of whom could have been potential organ donors. Currently, India faces a critical shortage of organs, with a deceased donor rate of less than one per million population. Training first responders in brain stem death identification and referral procedures could save thousands of lives through timely harvesting and transplantation.
- India's deceased organ donor rate remains critically low at less than one per million population.
- Approximately 1.7 lakh road accident victims in 2023 were identified as potential organ donors.
- NOTTO recommends training police and paramedics to facilitate the flow of information to transplant coordinators.
The Supreme Court has directed all States and Union Territories to immediately remove stray dogs from public spaces including educational institutions, hospitals, railway stations, and bus stands. These animals must be relocated to designated shelters. Before relocation, dogs must be neutered and vaccinated in accordance with the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023. The court expressed concern over the disturbing increase in dog-bite incidents and frequent accidents involving stray animals on highways. It also mandated that local authorities ensure premises are secured with fencing and gates to prevent animal entry, with compliance reports due within eight weeks.
- The Supreme Court ordered the 'forthwith' removal of stray dogs from sensitive public areas like schools and hospitals.
- Relocated dogs must undergo sterilization and vaccination as per the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023.
- The court emphasized that dogs removed from a specific location should not be released back into the same locality to ensure the effectiveness of the directive.
A report in The Lancet highlights a critical surge in maternal deaths in Afghanistan, attributed to the Taliban's restrictions on female education and employment. With girls banned from studying beyond grade 6, the training of new midwives and nurses has ceased, leading to a severe shortage of skilled birth attendants. Afghanistan now has one of the world's highest maternal mortality rates, with 638 deaths per 100,000 births. The report emphasizes that restricting female health workers is not just a healthcare issue but a significant human rights violation with fatal consequences for women.
- Afghanistan's maternal mortality rate stands at 638 per 100,000 births, among the highest globally.
- Taliban bans on female education (nursing and midwifery) have crippled the long-term healthcare system.
- Only 36.3% of mothers in Afghanistan receive postnatal care within two days of delivery.
Karnataka has introduced a landmark policy providing one day of paid menstrual leave per month for women employees in both government and private sectors. This makes it the first state to cover both sectors, following Odisha and Bihar which have similar policies for government employees. The policy aims to recognize menstrual health as a legitimate workplace issue and aligns with constitutional principles of affirmative action. While widely praised, some experts express concerns about potential workplace bias and the need for broader sensitisation to prevent discrimination against women taking such leave.
- Karnataka provides 12 days of paid menstrual leave annually (one day per month).
- The policy applies to government offices, educational institutions, factories, and private firms.
- It is based on recommendations from a committee chaired by Dr. Sapna, involving extensive consultations.
The Supreme Court is reviewing the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, specifically Section 4(iii)(C)(II), which restricts surrogacy to couples who do not have any surviving child. A couple facing 'secondary infertility' challenged this, arguing it violates their reproductive choices. Currently, exceptions are only made if the existing child has a life-threatening disorder or is mentally/physically challenged. The government argues surrogacy is not a fundamental right and involves the use of another woman's body. The Court is considering whether these restrictions amount to an unreasonable limitation on the reproductive autonomy of citizens.
- Section 4(iii)(C)(II) of the Surrogacy Act 2021 restricts surrogacy to childless couples.
- Secondary infertility refers to the inability to conceive after previously birthing children naturally.
- The Court recently relaxed age specifications for surrogacy for couples with frozen embryos.
The Supreme Court has decided to examine the constitutionality of provisions in the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, which bar married couples with a healthy biological or adopted child from accessing surrogacy. The Union government defends the ban, arguing that surrogacy is not a fundamental right and involves the use of another woman's body. However, petitioners argue that 'secondary infertility'—the inability to conceive a second child—is emotionally taxing and that the restriction infringes on reproductive choices. The court will weigh the state's interest in regulating surrogacy against the individual's desire for a second child.
- The Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, currently restricts surrogacy to couples who have no surviving children, with certain medical exceptions.
- The government contends that surrogacy should be a last resort after other options like adoption or ART have failed.
- Petitioners argue that India has no 'one-child policy' and that the law should recognize the emotional toll of secondary infertility.
The Delhi High Court has dismissed a petition by Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories challenging the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India’s (FSSAI) decision to ban the word ‘ORS’ (Oral Rehydration Solution) for non-medical beverages. The FSSAI directive restricts the use of the label ‘ORS’ to products that meet specific medical standards, preventing fruit-based or ready-to-drink beverages from using the term. The court ruled that using ‘ORS’ for products that do not follow the WHO-recommended formula could mislead consumers and pose health risks, particularly during medical emergencies.
- The FSSAI has banned the use of the term 'ORS' for any beverage that does not meet established medical standards for Oral Rehydration Solution.
- The ruling aims to prevent consumer confusion between commercial fruit drinks and medically necessary rehydration salts.
- The Delhi High Court emphasized that labeling must be accurate to ensure public health and safety, especially for products used to treat dehydration.