Puducherry trains 81 healthcare professionals in toxicology
The poisoning manual, tailored to the toxicological profile of the union territory, is aimed at standardising the management of poisoning cases across all healthcare levels. It will be distributed to primary health centres (PHCs), community health centres (CHCs), and the district hospital. Designed for doctors and nurses, the manual ensures evidence-based and uniform treatment protocols in poisoning emergencies.
The TOXI-TRAIN workshop was jointly organised by IGMC&RI's Department of Emergency Medicine & Trauma, the INDIA-EMS Project (supported by the Indian Council of Medical Research), and the Directorate of Health & Family Welfare Services. The programme focused on enhancing Puducherry's capacity to handle poisoning cases through hands-on training and knowledge dissemination.
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Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
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A crispy samosa. A fizzy drink. A chocolate pastry after lunch. These may seem like harmless to consume, even occasionally. But what if these items come tagged with hidden risks, risks that could quietly damage health, day by day? The Indian government has launched a bold step inspired by the Prime Minister's 'Fit India' mission, which is to introduce Sugar and Oil Boards across public spaces. These visual tools aren't just posters, they're messengers, bringing attention to the sugars and fats that sneak into daily meals. With rising obesity, heart disease, and diabetes numbers, it's time to stop and look. What seems like comfort food may actually be fueling a national health crisis. The reality behind the posters: What sugar and oil boards actually say The new Sugar and Oil Boards don't rely on generic warnings. They lay out specific, relatable, and shocking facts. For example, that soft drink on the desk? It might carry 7 to 8 teaspoons of sugar. The innocent-looking banana chips could be swimming in oil. These boards recommend: Fat intake: 27–30 grams/day Sugar intake: Not more than 25g/day for adults, 20g/day for children These are not just random numbers, they're based on scientific findings from the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN) . Why these boards matter more than we think There's a quiet war being fought against lifestyle diseases. Obesity, once dismissed as a personal issue, now has national consequences. According to The Lancet , India could see 44.9 crore obese or overweight people by 2050. These aren't just numbers. They translate into: Spiking diabetes cases Heart conditions at younger ages Early onset of hypertension Reduced productivity Rising healthcare costs The new boards, therefore, serve a powerful purpose: they act as behavioural nudges, guiding food choices without bans or enforcement. Just like anti-smoking labels changed public perception, these boards may redefine food culture. The sugar trap: More than just a sweet tooth Sweet isn't always harmless. Excessive sugar has been linked with: Type 2 diabetes Fatty liver disease Increased belly fat Mood fluctuations Even cognitive decline But here's the catch: most of the sugar consumed is hidden. It's in ketchup, fruit juices, breakfast cereals, and so-called healthy granola bars. By displaying sugar content in everyday foods, these boards peel off the marketing layer and reveal the bitter truth beneath the sweet. The oil overload From street-side pakoras to fancy burgers, oil makes food taste good, but in excess, it weighs down health. The danger isn't just in how much is added, but what kind is used. Hydrogenated oils and trans fats are commonly found in: Bakery items Fried snacks Instant foods They contribute to: Artery clogging High cholesterol Weight gain Chronic fatigue Dr Sunil Gupta told TOI, 'Sugar and trans fats are the new tobacco.' The comparison may sound dramatic, but the consequences aren't. Small moves with big impact Some ministries have already adopted the message. Healthy replacements like: Sattu drinks Millet snacks Green tea Coconut water are replacing sugary teas and fried bites in canteens.
News18
3 days ago
- News18
Hormonal Imbalance: Why So Many Indian Women Are Feeling ‘Off'
Last Updated: Hormonal imbalances are no longer rare or limited to a certain age group, they are a growing concern for Indian women across generations and regions. More and more Indian women today are experiencing signs that something's just not right—irregular periods, unexpected weight gain, constant tiredness, mood swings, and more. These symptoms often point to hormonal imbalances, a growing yet under-discussed health issue. Despite how common these problems are, awareness is still lacking, especially in rural areas, and many women go undiagnosed for years. What Is Hormonal Imbalance? Hormones are your body's messengers. Produced by glands like the thyroid, ovaries, and adrenal glands, they help control everything from mood and metabolism to sleep and reproduction. A hormonal imbalance occurs when these messengers are produced in too little or too much quantity, or when their signals get disrupted. The result? A ripple effect that can throw off your body's normal functions. Some of the most common hormone-related conditions among Indian women include PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), thyroid disorders, and menopausal transitions. Each comes with its own set of challenges and affects women differently based on age, genetics, and lifestyle. How Common Are Hormonal Imbalances in India? From PCOS in young adults to thyroid issues and menopause-related struggles, data reveals that these aren't isolated health problems; they are affecting millions across age groups and geographies. Here's a closer look at the key conditions and what the numbers say. PCOS tops the list when it comes to hormonal disorders among Indian women aged 15–45. A 2023 study in the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism estimates that 9–22% of women in this age group are affected, with urban areas seeing rates as high as 26%. The condition is marked by excess androgens (male hormones), irregular periods, and ovarian cysts. It can lead to infertility, acne, and hirsutism (excessive facial/body hair). The same study also highlights that 30–40% of women with PCOS in India have insulin resistance, making them more vulnerable to type 2 diabetes and heart issues. Worth noting: While genetics are involved, poor diet, lack of physical activity, and exposure to environmental triggers like pollution may be increasing the risk. However, more India-specific research is still needed. Thyroid Disorders Thyroid issues, especially hypothyroidism (when the thyroid gland doesn't make enough thyroid hormones to meet your body's needs), are another widespread concern. According to a 2021 study in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, about 10–15% of Indian women face thyroid dysfunction, with hypothyroidism being more common than an overactive thyroid. Fatigue, depression, and unexplained weight gain are often brushed off as lifestyle problems but can signal deeper hormonal issues. The study also notes higher prevalence in coastal and iodine-deficient regions like parts of North India. Important detail: Autoimmune thyroid disorders like Hashimoto's are on the rise too, possibly due to urban stress and lifestyle shifts. Menopause And Perimenopause Menopause is a natural hormonal shift that happens between the ages of 45 and 55, but the symptoms often start earlier, during perimenopause. A 2022 study in the Journal of Mid-Life Health found that 60–70% of Indian women experience noticeable symptoms like hot flashes, disturbed sleep, and mood changes during this transition. Unfortunately, due to cultural silence around menopause, many suffer without proper help, especially in rural areas where awareness and access to treatment are limited. Key issue: Hormone therapy (HRT), which can ease severe symptoms, is rarely used in India due to its cost and stigma. Other Hormonal Disorders Less frequent, but still impactful, are conditions like Cushing's syndrome or Addison's disease. A 2020 review in the Indian Journal of Medical Research estimates that about 1–2% of Indian women are affected by such adrenal disorders, which can cause major fatigue, blood pressure changes, and abnormal weight gain or loss. Hormonal issues are rising fast, and it's not just genetics. Urban stress, poor diets, lifestyle shifts, and environmental factors are throwing things off balance. Lifestyle And Urbanisation Urban life has brought convenience but also complications. A 2023 study in The Lancet Regional Health – Southeast Asia found that obesity is rising rapidly among urban Indian women, with 25–30% now classified as overweight or obese. Sedentary routines, processed foods, and chronic stress are major triggers, especially for PCOS and thyroid issues. Genetic And Environmental Factors Genetics does play a big role. A 2021 article in the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism pointed out that South Asian women, including Indians, are more genetically prone to insulin resistance and PCOS. On the environmental front, exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals in everyday items—like plastic containers and pesticides—may also be influencing hormone health. However, more data is needed in the Indian context. Dietary Shifts We're slowly shifting from traditional Indian meals full of fibre, legumes, and home-cooked veggies to fast foods and sugary snacks. A 2022 study in Nutrition and Diabetes links poor diets and micronutrient deficiencies—like lack of iodine or magnesium—to rising rates of PCOS and thyroid issues. Stress and Mental Health The non-stop pace of urban life is taking its toll. Chronic stress triggers high cortisol levels, which can mess with insulin, thyroid, and reproductive hormones. According to a 2020 survey by the Indian Psychiatric Society, stress and anxiety levels in women—especially during and after the pandemic—are sharply rising, often making hormonal symptoms worse. Limited Healthcare Access In rural India, reaching the right doctor or even getting basic blood tests done is still a challenge. The National Family Health Survey-5 (2019–2021) shows that while 80% of urban women have regular access to healthcare, only 60% in rural areas do. This gap means many cases go undiagnosed and untreated. Symptoms and Impact Hormonal imbalance symptoms are wide-ranging and often overlap with other conditions, making them hard to pinpoint. But some common ones include: These symptoms don't just affect the body—they impact mental health, work, relationships, and quality of life. A 2023 study in Human Reproduction found that 40% of Indian women with PCOS also struggle with anxiety or depression, especially due to fertility-related stress. Diagnosis And Treatment Getting the right diagnosis early can make a huge difference. But many women delay medical help, often due to stigma or assuming their symptoms are 'normal." Standard diagnostic tools include: Blood tests (to check hormone levels, insulin, thyroid function) Ultrasounds (especially for PCOS) Full medical history reviews Treatment depends on the condition, but often includes: PCOS: A mix of lifestyle changes (diet, exercise), medications like metformin, and hormonal pills for period regulation Thyroid Disorders: Thyroid hormone replacements (levothyroxine) or drugs to suppress an overactive thyroid Menopause: In severe cases, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), though often replaced with lifestyle changes like yoga or supplements in India A 2022 review in the Journal of Postgraduate Medicine highlights how powerful simple lifestyle changes—healthy eating, staying active, and managing stress—can be in improving symptoms across the board. Challenges and the Way Forward There's still a lot of stigma around talking about periods, fertility, or menopause. Many symptoms are brushed off as 'just part of being a woman." But this mindset delays diagnosis and treatment. To move forward, experts suggest: Routine screenings: Especially for women with a family history of thyroid or PCOS Lifestyle focus: Encouraging regular activity and traditional balanced diets top videos View all More awareness: Campaigns and open conversations to normalise hormonal health issues Public health programs, like those led by the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, are trying to close the gap, but there's still a long way to go. About the Author Surbhi Pathak Surbhi Pathak, subeditor, writes on India, world affairs, science, and education. She is currently dabbling with lifestyle content. Follow her on X: @S_Pathak_11. The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : hormonal imbalance view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 13, 2025, 09:44 IST News lifestyle Hormonal Imbalance: Why So Many Indian Women Are Feeling 'Off' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Indian Express
Seven brands account for 1 in 7 US FDA refusals of Indian food, drug, cosmetic shipments
Seven domestic manufacturers – Haldiram, Sun Pharma, Nestlé, Cipla, Patanjali, Hindustan Unilever, and Himalaya Wellness – account for one in seven (14 per cent) of all India-origin shipments refused entry into the United States by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since October 2020. As of early July, the US FDA has refused 4,089 India-origin shipments in the ongoing US fiscal year 2025 (October 2024 to September 2025) – already exceeding the 3,648 refusals recorded in all of FY24, according to data from the top public health regulator. Haldiram Snacks Food – in which Singapore's Temasek acquired a 10 per cent stake earlier this year at a $10 billion valuation – recorded the highest number of US FDA refusals, with 731 shipments containing Haldiram-manufactured products denied entry since October 2020. Notably, 94 per cent of these rejections occurred in FY24 and the ongoing FY25, the data shows. Haldiram's refusal rate – the share of shipments denied over total shipments sent – rose to 1.7 per cent in FY24 and FY25 (till July), a sharp jump from below 0.1 per cent in FY22 and FY23 combined. The rejected consignments primarily consisted of snack foods, including fried items, flagged for alleged unsanitary manufacturing conditions and the presence of salmonella, a disease-causing pathogen. Haldiram and Temasek did not respond to requests for comment. Nestlé noodles flagged for unsafe additives, mislabelling In the food products category, which accounts for 55 per cent of all US FDA refusals since October 2020, Haldiram was followed by Nestlé India, with 300 shipments rejected. Most of the consignments contained Nestlé-manufactured noodles, and were refused entry for misbranding, mislabelling, or containing unsafe additives or filth. Nearly two-thirds of these rejections occurred in FY24 and the ongoing FY25, with Nestlé recording a refusal rate of 25 per cent – more than five times the 4 per cent in FY22 and FY23. While the US FDA data lists Nestlé India as the firm behind these consignments, a company spokesperson told The Indian Express that these exports were not made by Nestlé India and that no refusals have been recorded in the recent past. The refusal rate of all food consignments from India stands at 0.32 per cent in FY25, up from 0.15 per cent in FY22. Sun Pharma, Cipla face FDA heat In the drugs and biologics category, Sun Pharma led with 335 shipment rejections since October 2020 – mostly for exporting unapproved drugs or failing to meet good manufacturing standards. Its refusal rate between FY22 and the ongoing FY25 stands at 1.8 per cent. In June 2025, the US FDA issued a warning letter to Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd over 'significant violations' of Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) regulations for finished drugs. The letter followed a December 2023 inspection of the company's Dadra facility, which found that some exported products were adulterated due to non-compliance with CGMP norms. Sun Pharma is followed by Cipla, which has recorded 244 rejections since October 2020, primarily for exporting unapproved drugs. Cipla's refusal rate between FY22 and the ongoing FY25 stands at 1.5 per cent. In November 2023, the US FDA had issued a warning letter to Cipla Ltd, too, for non-compliance with CGMP norms. The refusal rate of all drugs and biologics shipments from India has risen in recent years, from 0.7 per cent in FY22 to 1.06 per cent so far in FY25. These consignments account for 39 per cent of all refusals since October 2020, the second-largest category after food products. Sun Pharma and Cipla did not respond to requests for comment. Patanjali tops cosmetic refusals While cosmetic shipment rejections by the US FDA make up a small share – just 3 per cent, with 136 refusals so far in FY25, trailing 156 in FY24 – Patanjali Ayurved has recorded a high refusal rate of 11 per cent since FY22, data shows. Of the 548 India-origin cosmetic shipments refused since October 2020, nearly 20 per cent contained Patanjali-manufactured products – mostly shampoos, toothpastes and powders, and hair tonics. The most common reasons for rejection include the use of unsafe colour additives, unapproved ingredients, and labelling violations. In addition to cosmetics, Patanjali shipments have also faced rejections in the drugs (44) and food (35) categories. Hindustan Unilever and Himalaya Wellness have faced 51 and 54 shipment rejections, respectively, since October 2020, with refusal rates of 2.1 per cent and 1.2 per cent since FY22. Most of their consignments were flagged for containing unsafe colour additives or unapproved drugs. Hindustan Unilever also recorded 23 refusals in the food category and 8 in drugs. Patanjali, Hindustan Unilever, and Himalaya did not respond to requests for comment. The overall refusal rate for Indian cosmetic shipments rose from 0.16 per cent in FY22 to 0.48 per cent in FY24, before easing to 0.2 per cent so far in FY25. The refusal rate for India-origin shipments across all categories has climbed in recent years – from 0.21 per cent in FY22 to 0.41 per cent in FY24, before easing slightly to 0.36 per cent so far in FY25. In the ongoing US fiscal, India accounts for 17 per cent of all FDA refusals – second only to Sweden at 18 per cent. Swedish shipments, largely consisting of tobacco products, had a notably high refusal rate of 1.7 per cent. China followed with a 12 per cent share of total rejections, but its overall refusal rate was just 0.01 per cent. Aggam Walia is a Correspondent at The Indian Express, reporting on power, renewables, and mining. His work unpacks intricate ties between corporations, government, and policy, often relying on documents sourced via the RTI Act. Off the beat, he enjoys running through Delhi's parks and forests, walking to places, and cooking pasta. ... Read More
