Health

New Delhi, Oct 25 (IANS) While technology must be leveraged for strengthening diagnosis and detection, the human touch should not go, said Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda on Saturday.Nadda was addressing the 50th Annual Convocation Ceremony of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, here.Addressing the gathering, Nadda congratulated the graduating students and commended AIIMS for its unparalleled contribution to advancing medical science, education, and patient care in India.He exhorted the young doctors to serve with empathy, uphold the highest standards of ethics, and harness innovation to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the nation.“AIIMS has taken a lead in artificial intelligence (AI), genomics, precision medicine, and telehealth -- an are...

New Delhi, Oct 24 (IANS) Researchers have developed microscopic metal particles that can kill cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue, offering a potential new direction for more targeted and less toxic cancer treatments.The study by the team from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) in Australia remains at the cell-culture stage and has not been tested in animals or humans, Xinhua news agency reported.However, it suggests a new strategy for designing cancer treatments that exploits cancer's own weaknesses.The international team led by RMIT researchers created tiny particles, known as nanodots, from molybdenum oxide -- a compound based on a rare metal called molybdenum. It is often used in electronics and alloys.By tweaking their chemical composition, the scientists enabled...

New Delhi, Oct 25 (IANS) Canadian researchers have found that scanning the tiny blood vessels in the eyes may help predict a person's risk of developing heart disease and how fast they're biologically ageing.The study, published in the journal Science Advances, suggests that retinal scans could one day serve as a noninvasive window into the body's overall vascular health and biological ageing status, offering new opportunities for early detection and intervention."By connecting retinal scans, genetics, and blood biomarkers, we have uncovered molecular pathways that help explain how aging affects the vascular system," said Marie Pigeyre, Associate Professor at McMaster University’s Department of Medicine in Canada."The eye provides a unique, noninvasive view into the body's circulatory syst...

Bhopal, Oct 24 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav visited Bhopal's Hamida hospital to meet the children affected by the carbide gun incident and inquire about their health on Friday night.During the visit, the Chief Minister interacted with the medical team to enquire regarding the condition of people affected, especially children and the treatment being provided to them. He instructed doctors to ensure the best possible medical care.Chief Minister instructed that proper treatment be provided to children and citizens affected by carbide guns in other parts of the state as well. He has also ordered that assistance be extended from the Chief Minister’s Discretionary Fund."The Health Department is continuously monitoring such cases. Since the manufacture and sale of deadly car...

New Delhi, Oct 24 (IANS) The healthcare sector must move from overdependence on government funding and enable private participation to attain global benchmarks, said Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology on Friday.He was speaking while inaugurating the Diabetes Conference "TREAT-DM 2025 – Translational Research, Adiposopathy, Technology for Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases" through a virtual address at the J N Tata Auditorium.“The healthcare sector must move away from overdependence on government funding and encourage a culture of extensive private-sector participation for synergised healthcare, philanthropy, and collaboration to achieve global benchmarks in healthcare research,” Singh said.The MoS emphasised that the age of working in silos is over, addi...

New Delhi, Oct 24 (IANS) The Ministry of Women and Child Development on Friday announced a change in the toll-free helpline number for POSHAN and the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY).The new number will make it easier for citizens to remember and access support services.“The new helpline number 1515 will be live from November 1, replacing the existing number 14408,” the Ministry said.“This change has been introduced to simplify recall and improve accessibility for beneficiaries seeking assistance under POSHAN and PMMVY schemes,” it added.The Ministry noted that as the integration is in process, users may experience a brief transition period.“During this time, if callers are unable to connect to the new number 1515, they are advised to continue using the old number 14408,” it ...

New Delhi, Oct 24 (IANS) The Ministry of Ayush on Friday announced a two-day national seminar to boost liver health through Ayurveda, taking forward its commitment to evidence-based traditional medicine.The national seminar -- Hepatobiliary Wellness through Ayurveda: Bridging Traditional Wisdom with Contemporary Science -- will be organised along with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), from October 25 to 26 in Odisha’s Bhubaneswar.The seminar, themed “Yakrut Suraksha, Jiveeta Raksha” (protect the liver, preserve life), marks a significant initiative towards advancing integrative, research-backed solutions for liver and biliary health -- an area that demands collaborative inquiry between Ayurveda and modern biomedical science.“Ayurvedic Sciences offer a holistic framework for he...

New Delhi, Oct 24 (IANS) World Polio Day reminds of India’s remarkable journey in eliminating polio, with national efforts and strong public participation, said Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Friday.World Polio Day is celebrated annually on October 24 to raise awareness about the highly infectious disease.India has been officially declared polio-free, with the World Health Organization (WHO) certifying it on March 27, 2014.The country achieved this status after having zero cases of wild poliovirus transmission for three consecutive years, with the last reported case being in January 2011.“As we observe World Polio Day, it reminds us of India’s remarkable journey in eliminating polio, a milestone achieved through unwavering national efforts and strong public participation,” said Nadda, i...

New Delhi, Oct 24 (IANS) Boosting regional biotech ecosystem across states is important to strengthen innovation and the economy, said Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology.Speaking while chairing a review meeting of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Singh assessed ongoing projects and new initiatives aimed at expanding India’s bio-innovation landscape.He also reviewed a range of new projects -- from biofoundries and regional innovation hubs to the ongoing mapping of states based on their biotechnology potential -- aimed at strengthening the country’s bioeconomy through innovation, collaboration, and local participation.“The need is to strengthen local biotechnology ecosystems by leveraging regional strengths and fostering greater coll...

New Delhi, Oct 24 (IANS) The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors on Friday approved a new programme to improve the life expectancy and quality of life for 11 million elderly and vulnerable people in Kerala with wider access to health coverage.The $280 million Kerala Health System Improvement Programme will build a more comprehensive health system resistant to climate shocks.It will also strengthen Kerala’s digital health systems through expanded eHealth services, integrated data platforms, and enhanced cybersecurity.The programme aims to treat and support over 90 per cent of patients registered for hypertension and diabetes in the state through individual electronic tracking mechanisms. It will also establish a home-based care model for bedbound, homebound, and vulnerable elderly,...