Health

Strengthening CAR T-Cell Therapy

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay have developed a gentler method to recover lab-grown T-cells, a crucial step in CAR T-cell therapy. Using the mild enzyme Accutase instead of harsher alternatives helps improve cell survival and preserve immune function. The approach enhances the reliability and efficiency of immunotherapy production, supports cost reduction, and strengthens India’s efforts to make advanced cancer treatments more affordable and accessible.

National Lung Cancer guidelines

India has released its first nationally developed evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer treatment and palliation to standardise diagnosis, stage-wise treatment, and early integration of palliative care across public and private healthcare systems. The guidelines provide 15 context-specific recommendations tailored to India’s high disease burden, where nearly 70–80% of cases are diagnosed at advanced stages and mortality remains high. By emphasising early detection, molecular testing for personalised therapy, multidisciplinary care, and patient-centric decision-making, the framework aims to improve survival and quality of life. It also supports broader cancer control efforts under Ayushman Bharat and NPCDCS, while promoting indigenous, cost-effective clinical practices suited to India’s resource settings. Overall, the initiative seeks to reduce treatment disparities, strengthen health system capacity, and advance equitable, evidence-based cancer care nationwide.

CERVICAL CANCER AS A RURAL HEALTH CRISIS

Cervical cancer remains a major rural health crisis in India despite being preventable, due to low screening coverage, late diagnosis, weak referral systems, limited access to diagnostic and treatment facilities, and gaps in HPV vaccination. The high burden reflects systemic health inequities rather than medical limitations, underscoring the need for integrated prevention, early detection, and equitable healthcare delivery aligned with global elimination goals.

NIMHANS and Mental health in India

India is strengthening its mental healthcare system with a renewed policy focus on access, equity, and early intervention. The expansion of national institutions like NIMHANS, the rollout of tele-mental health services such as Tele-MANAS, and integration of mental health into primary healthcare reflect a shift toward treating mental health as a core public health priority. These efforts aim to reduce the large treatment gap, address regional disparities, tackle stigma, and build a stronger mental health workforce, especially for vulnerable and underserved populations.

Jal Jeevan Mission: achievements and emerging challenges

The Jal Jeevan Mission has rapidly expanded tap water infrastructure in rural
India, achieving near-universal coverage of household connections. However,
recent assessments show that actual water supply, reliability, and quality lag
behind coverage figures, with many households not receiving regular or safe
water. Issues such as groundwater depletion, weak operation and
maintenance, and water contamination remain key challenges. The focus now
needs to shift from infrastructure creation to ensuring sustainable, reliable, and
community-managed rural drinking water services.

India’s Public Health Spending

India’s public health spending remains persistently low, with total government expenditure hovering around 1.5–2% of GDP, far below the 2.5% target set by the National Health Policy. While States have gradually increased their health allocations, the Union government’s share as a percentage of GDP has declined after a temporary rise during COVID-19. This underinvestment leads to overburdened public hospitals, weak primary healthcare, high out-of-pocket expenses, and regional inequalities. Despite major initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and the National Health Mission, inadequate and inconsistent funding continues to limit progress toward universal, affordable, and equitable healthcare in India.

Antimicrobial resistance: causes, consequences and cure

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is being driven largely by the excessive and inappropriate use of antibiotics. A significant proportion of patients receive antibiotics without confirmed infections, with most prescriptions given empirically rather than based on laboratory diagnosis. This irrational use accelerates the development of drug-resistant microbes.

AMR now threatens the effective treatment of common infections, increases healthcare costs, and makes routine medical procedures riskier. Addressing the crisis requires stronger surveillance, better prescribing practices, improved diagnostics, public awareness, and coordinated national and global efforts under a One Health approach.

Malaria elimination in India

India has made major progress toward malaria elimination under its National Framework for Malaria Elimination (2016–2030), with cases falling by around 80% between 2015 and 2023. Many districts have already reported zero indigenous cases, and the country has exited the WHO High Burden to High Impact group. The strategy now focuses on strong surveillance through the “Test, Treat and Track” approach, universal access to diagnosis and treatment, and intensified vector control.

However, challenges remain in the form of migration, urban malaria, hard-to-reach tribal and forested areas, and the persistence of Plasmodium vivax, which can relapse. Drug and insecticide resistance are also emerging concerns. India aims to achieve zero indigenous cases by 2027 and full elimination by 2030, but success will depend on accurate reporting, strong urban and community participation, and preventing re-establishment of transmission in malaria-free areas.

Urban Sewage Fuels Drug-Resistant Bacteria

A Nature study flags India’s sewage systems as hotspots for antibiotic-resistant superbugs. With a 72% treatment gap, untreated wastewater spreads AMR, endangering public health and the economy. Tackling this demands a One Health approach integrating sanitation upgrades, environmental regulation, and wastewater surveillance.

EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT AS NATION - BUILDING

Early childhood care and development, especially during the first 3,000 days of life, is crucial for building strong human capital. While India has improved child survival through health and nutrition programmes, holistic development covering cognitive, emotional and social aspects remains underemphasised. Global evidence shows that early investment yields the highest economic and social returns. A universal, integrated and citizen-led ECCD approach is essential for achieving inclusive growth and the vision of Viksit Bharat.

AI IN HEALTHCARE: SIGNIFICANCE, CHALLENGES, WAY FORWARD

AI is revolutionizing healthcare by moving from passive tracking to proactive protection, using miniaturized wearables and smart breath analysis to continuously monitor over 300 biomarkers. This enables early disease detection and longevity optimization. However, this shift toward "industrialization of the self" requires strong health data security to balance innovation with individual privacy rights.

INTEGRATING TRIBAL HEALERS INTO PUBLIC HEALTH: SIGNIFICANCE, CHALLENGES, WAY FORWARD

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs to recognize one lakh tribal healers under a QCI certification framework. Integrating indigenous practitioners into formal healthcare aims to bridge gaps in remote areas, preserve traditional knowledge, and ensure dignity, legality, and inclusive, pluralistic healthcare delivery by 2026.